Camomile Sugarveil Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the serene and sunshine-filled world of the Camomile Sugarveil Bunny. This project captures the quiet beauty of a herb garden in high summer, where the delicate white petals of camomile sway in the breeze. Our charming rabbit character is a vision of pastoral elegance, dressed in an ensemble that mirrors the soft, creamy tones of home-baked treats and the refreshing yellow centers of meadow flowers. She is the perfect companion for anyone who finds joy in the simple, rustic details of countryside living.

To create this heirloom-quality companion, we recommend you visit your favorite local yarn shop to select the most premium materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn in a soft oatmeal or biscuit shade for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch. For the intricate clothing, such as the floral dress and the detailed accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp and the embroidery details stand out clearly. Before you begin, take a moment to check your knitting supplies; ensure you have a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for assembly, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to brew a cup of camomile tea and start crafting, check your knitting bag and let us cast on.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Project Overview and Design Philosophy

The Camomile Sugarveil Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall from her sturdy toes to the top of her floral-adorned hat. The construction is designed to be robust and traditional, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed together. This method allows for precise shaping of the facial curves and ankle definition, ensuring the doll maintains its posture over time, whether she is sitting on a wooden bench or displayed on a collector’s shelf.

The wardrobe is a study in “Sugarveil” aesthetics—soft, muted, and sweet. The dress features a cream base with a complex colorwork band of camomile flowers and yellow “sugar” dots on the bodice. The cardigan adds a layer of rustic sophistication in a soft sage-grey hue, featuring functional pockets with floral motifs. The accessories are narrative-driven, with the tiny yellow chick companion and the miniature camera suggesting a story of a spring day spent documenting the beauty of the fields.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Dress Base): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream, Ivory, or Off-White.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Hat): 60g DK weight yarn in Sage Grey or Muted Moss.
• Yarn D (Camomile Flowers): 30g DK weight yarn in White and Bright Yellow (for centers).
• Yarn E (Shoes & Bag): 30g DK weight yarn in Taupe or Medium Brown.
• Yarn F (Chick): Small amount of Bright Yellow.
• Yarn G (Camera): Scraps of Grey and Beige.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories like the chick.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, high-quality polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads (chick eyes), embroidery floss (black, brown, yellow), stitch holders, small wooden buttons.

Gauge and Tension

The target gauge for this project is 24 stitches and 30 rows equal to 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A firm gauge is essential for the stuffed components of the bunny. If your fabric is too loose, the stuffing will show through the stitches when the toy is filled, detracting from the professional, high-end finish. If you are a naturally loose knitter, consider sizing down your needles. Consistency is key when making matching limbs to ensure the bunny stands evenly.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase (KFB – Knit into front and back of stitch).
• Dec: Decrease (K2tog – Knit 2 together).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the Right Side, Purl on the Wrong Side.
• Garter Stitch: Knit every row.

Part 1: Constructing the Oatmeal Bunny Body

We begin the construction by knitting the legs individually. This provides a solid foundation for the doll to stand or sit. We will then join them to form the torso and continue seamlessly into the head. This method creates a continuous flow and minimizes bulky seams at the waist.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal) and US 3 needles, cast on 12 stitches. Leave a long tail for seaming the foot and back of the leg later.

• Row 1: Purl all stitches across the row to set up the foundation.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. (24 sts). This rapid increase creates the base of the foot pad.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches. Keep your tension even to avoid gaps between stitches.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (36 sts). This widens the foot to create a cute, chubby paw.
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row. This smooth section forms the height of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 12. (30 sts). This creates the instep of the foot, curving the fabric to form the toe area.
• Row 11: Purl all stitches.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): Knit 9, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 9. (24 sts). The foot is now taking its final shape.
• Row 13: Purl all stitches.
• Row 14 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts). This tightens the ankle to define the leg.
• Rows 15-42: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This long section forms the length of the leg. Ensure your tension remains even here so both legs are identical in length.

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Break the yarn for the first leg and place the stitches on a stitch holder. Knit the second leg in the exact same manner, but do not break the yarn. We will use this working yarn to join the two pieces together.

Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (the crotch), then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg from the holder.

• Row 43: You should now have 42 stitches on your needle. Ensure both legs are facing forward.
• Row 44: Purl all stitches. Treat the new cast-on stitches carefully so they don’t stretch.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. (44 sts). This increase helps shape the bunny’s bottom for a seated posture.
• Row 46: Purl all stitches.
• Row 47 (Hip Increase): Knit 11, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 11. (46 sts).
• Rows 48-68: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the tummy area. Stuffing this area firmly later is key to a good shape.
• Row 69 (Decrease): *Knit 8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 stitches, Knit 6. (42 sts).
• Row 70: Purl all stitches.
• Row 71 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts).
• Rows 72-76: Work straight in stockinette stitch to elongate the upper body slightly.
• Row 77 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts).
• Row 78: Purl all stitches.
• Row 79 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts).
• Row 80: Purl all stitches. This row marks the neck.

We will now transition directly into the head. It is important to stuff the neck very firmly during assembly to prevent the head from wobbling.

• Row 81 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts). The head begins to widen.
• Row 82: Purl all stitches.
• Row 83 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts).
• Row 84: Purl all stitches.
• Row 85 (Increase): *Knit 7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (54 sts). This gives the cheeks a round shape.
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give room for safety eye placement.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts).
• Row 108: Purl all stitches.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (42 sts).
• Row 111 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts).
• Row 113 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts).
• Row 114 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts).
• Row 115 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (18 sts).
• Row 116 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (12 sts).
• Row 117: K2tog across the row. (6 sts).

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining loops, pull tight to close the top of the head, and secure with a knot.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal), cast on 10 stitches.

• Row 1: Purl all stitches.
• Row 2 (Increase): Increase in every stitch. (20 sts).
• Rows 3-26: Work in stockinette stitch. This forms the length of the arm.
• Row 27: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to the end. (15 sts). Shaping the shoulder.
• Row 28: Purl all stitches.
• Row 29: K2tog across to the last stitch, Knit 1. (8 sts).

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, and sew the side seam. Stuff the hand area firmly and the upper arm lightly.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy. Using Yarn A, cast on 14 stitches.

• Rows 1-42: Work in stockinette stitch. Keep edges neat for seaming.
• Row 43 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 10, K2tog. (12 sts). Tapering the tip.
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 8, K2tog. (10 sts).
• Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 6, K2tog. (8 sts).
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 4, K2tog. (6 sts).
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 2, K2tog. (4 sts).
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Camomile Sugarveil Dress

This dress is designed to look like a meadow floor. It features a cream base with a band of white camomile flowers and yellow “sugar” dot details on the bodice.

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Skirt with Colorwork Band

Using Yarn B (Cream), cast on 72 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch in Yarn B.
• Row 9 (Begin Colorwork): Join Yarn D (Yellow) and Yarn C (Sage Grey for stems).

  Pattern: *Knit 3 Cream, Knit 2 Sage, Knit 3 Cream*, repeat to end.

• Row 10: *Purl 2 Cream, Purl 4 Sage, Purl 2 Cream*.
• Row 11: Join Yarn D (White). *Knit 2 Cream, Knit 1 White, Knit 2 Sage, Knit 1 White, Knit 2 Cream*.
• Row 12: *Purl 1 Cream, Purl 2 White, Purl 1 Yellow (Center), Purl 2 White, Purl 2 Cream*.
• Row 13: Break contrast colors. Knit across in Yarn B.
• Rows 14-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.

Waist and Bodice with Sugar Dots

Decrease at the waist to create a gathered effect and proceed to the bodice.

• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts).
• Row 36: Purl all stitches.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (45 sts).
• Rows 38-42 (Sugar Dots):
  • Row 38 (RS): *Knit 3 Cream, Knit 1 Yellow*, repeat to end.
  • Row 39: Purl across in Cream.
  • Row 40: Knit 1 Cream, *Knit 1 Yellow, Knit 3 Cream*, repeat.
• Row 43 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 sts, Knit 21, cast off 4 sts, Knit 8.
• Row 44: Purl 8, cast on 4 sts, Purl 21, cast on 4 sts, Purl 8. (45 sts).
• Rows 45-48: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 49: Knit across.
• Row 50: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back seam up to the waist. Attach a small button or snap at the neck.

Part 3: The Sage Grey Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Sage Grey) and features pocket details and floral embroidery.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 stitches using Yarn C.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 stitches at start of next 2 rows. (26 sts).
• Rows 23-34: Work straight in stockinette.
• Row 35: Cast off all stitches.

Left Front with Pocket

Cast on 18 stitches using Yarn C.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-12: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Pocket Opening (Row 13): Knit 4, cast off 8, Knit 6.
• Row 14: Purl 6, cast on 8, Purl 4.
• Rows 15-20: Continue in stockinette.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 stitches at armhole edge.
• Rows 22-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 stitches at neck edge.
• Row 31: Decrease 1 stitch at neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off remaining stitches.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping. On the front panels, embroider a large camomile flower (White petals, Yellow French knot center) using Yarn D.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 stitches. Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 st at each end of Row 8 and Row 16. (24 sts). Cast off after 22 rows. Sew into armholes.

Part 4: The Sage Beret

This hat is a stylish beret in Sage Grey, adorned with a massive white camomile flower.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn C.
• Rows 1-6: Work in K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 7 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat to end. (80 sts).
• Rows 8-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: K2tog across. Draw yarn through.

Sew back seam. Decorate with a large knitted camomile (Make 5 white petals: cast on 5, knit 4 rows, dec to 1) and a yellow bobble center.

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Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn E (Taupe), cast on 12 stitches. We will build the shoe from the sole up.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 30 stitches around the three sides of the sole.
• Rows 1-5: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 5 times, Knit 10. (25 sts).
• Row 7: Purl.
• Row 8 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 3 times, Knit 9. (22 sts).
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew back heel. Create a strap across the instep and sew a tiny white flower button to the side.

Part 6: Meadow Accessories

The Tiny Yellow Chick

Using Yarn F (Yellow), US 2 needles.

• Body/Head: Cast on 10 sts. Inc to 16. Work 8 rows stockinette. Dec to 10. Draw through and stuff firmly.
• Beak: Embroider a tiny orange triangle.
• Prop: Sew a tiny white flower to the chick’s paws.

The Shoulder Bag

Using Yarn E (Taupe).

• Body: Cast on 14 stitches. Work in Garter Stitch for 3.5 inches.
• Assembly: Fold in half and sew side seams.
• Handle: Knit a short I-cord and attach to the top.

The Miniature Camera

Using Yarn G (Grey and Beige).

• Body: Cast on 10 sts. Knit a square (Grey). Fold and stuff into a box shape.
• Lens: Knit a tiny beige circle and sew to the front.
• Detail: Use brown yarn to make a shutter button.

Lace Handkerchief

Using Yarn B (Cream).

• Cast on 20 stitches. Knit a square.
• Border: Pick up stitches and work a picot bind off to create a lacy edge.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Assembly requires patience to ensure the bunny has the right character. Use a ladder stitch for all seams to hide the joins.

1. Body: Sew the leg and body seams. Stuff the legs and body firmly, ensuring there are no lumps. The neck must be very solid to support the head.
2. Head: Sew the back seam of the head. Stuff until the cheeks are plump and symmetrical. Ensure the face is smooth.
3. Face:
   • Eyes: Place safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spaced 9 stitches apart.
   • Nose: Using dark brown floss, stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. Satin stitch the top for a triangular shape.
4. Limbs: Attach arms to the sides of the body below the neck. Attach ears to the top of the head, angling them slightly forward.

Care Notes

Handmade toys should be handled with care. Because this bunny is made from wool and features intricate detailing, follow these tips:

• Dusting: Regularly use a soft-bristled brush or a lint roller to remove surface dust.
• Spot Cleaning: Use a damp cloth with mild wool detergent to gently dab away stains. Do not rub.
• Washing: submerge gently in cool water with wool wash if a deep clean is needed. Never machine wash. Press out water with a towel and dry flat in the shade.

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Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are all loose ends woven in securely on the inside of the garments?
• Are the safety eyes secure and level?
• Is the bunny’s stuffing even and firm throughout?
• Does the head sit straight on the neck? (Add more stuffing if needed).
• Are the buttons on the cardigan and shoes securely attached?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Preserve your bunny by keeping her out of direct sunlight, which can fade the sage and cream dyes. Store in a breathable cotton bag if putting away for the season. A lavender sachet can keep her fresh and protected from moths. Check occasionally to ensure the stuffing hasn’t shifted or compressed over time.

Your Camomile Sugarveil Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the quiet beauty of heritage gardens. Whether she sits on a mantle or is given as a gift to a garden lover, she will bring a sense of peace and botanical charm to her new home.