Safflower Atelier Sunbeam Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the radiant and creatively inspiring world of the Safflower Atelier Sunbeam Bunny. This project captures the golden glow of a late afternoon in an artist’s studio, where the warm light hits jars of dried botanicals and sketches of wildflowers. Our rabbit character is a visionary artist and a lover of nature, dressed in hues of mustard, oatmeal, and earth tones.

To bring this heirloom-quality creation to life, we recommend that you buy premium merino wool yarn from a trusted source to ensure the bunny has the soft, durable texture seen in our designs. Choosing the right knitting supplies online will help you achieve the intricate floral embroidery and the structured turban headband. This character is an ideal choice for those looking to purchase handmade doll materials that offer timeless charm for their collection.

 

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

Project Concept and Design Notes

The Safflower Atelier Sunbeam Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The design philosophy centers on a “Botanical Artist” aesthetic, combining the neutral, grounding tones of oatmeal and biscuit with the vibrant, energetic pops of golden yellow and saffron found in the Safflower plant. This contrast creates a piece that is both calming and creatively stimulating.

The construction utilizes a traditional flat-knitting method on two needles. This approach is perfect for creating the precise shaping required for the bunny’s rounded cheeks and slender limbs. Seaming these pieces together provides structural integrity, ensuring the bunny can sit gracefully among her sketchbooks or stand with support, making her a perfect display piece.

The wardrobe is the centerpiece of this design. The “Atelier Dress” features a textured oatmeal base that serves as a canvas for a climbing vine of embroidered Safflowers in rich gold and orange tones. The accompanying mustard-yellow cardigan adds a layer of warmth and artistic flair, while the turban-style headband completes the bohemian look.

Every detail in this project, from the miniature sketchbook to the tiny fox companion in his striped sweater, is designed to create a rich, narrative-driven scene. The “Sunbeam” theme is emphasized by the warm color palette and the inclusion of golden accessories. Consistency in your stitch tension is the ultimate key to achieving a professional finish.

Yarn and Materials Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Body): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Warm Sand, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Dress Base): 80g DK weight yarn in Taupe, Mushroom, or Light Beige.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Headband): 60g DK weight yarn in Mustard, Goldenrod, or Saffron.
• Yarn D (Embroidery & Flowers): 30g DK weight yarn in Burnt Orange, Gold, and Olive Green.
• Yarn E (Shoes & Bag): 40g DK weight yarn in Cocoa or Dark Brown.
• Yarn F (Fox Companion): 30g DK weight yarn in Rust and Cream.
• Yarn G (Fox Clothes): Scraps of Grey and Cream for stripes.
• Needles: US size 3 (3.25mm) straight knitting needles for the main components.
• Detail Needles: US size 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature fox and accessories.
• Stuffing: High-loft polyester fiberfill for a firm yet huggable feel.
• Eyes: Two 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny; two small beads for the fox.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, and black embroidery floss.

Gauge and Fabric Tension

For this character, the target gauge should be 24 stitches and 30 rows over a 4-inch (10 cm) square in stockinette stitch. Maintaining a firm tension is absolutely vital when knitting stuffed toys. If the fabric is too loose, the white fiberfill will peek through the stitches, which detracts from the professional look.

If you find that your knitting style is naturally loose, we strongly suggest moving down a needle size to a 3.0mm or 2.75mm. Conversely, if your fabric is stiff and difficult to manipulate, move up a size. Testing your gauge before beginning the legs will ensure all clothing fits perfectly later on.

Consistency is your best friend during this project. When making the two legs or the two arms, try to knit them in the same sitting if possible. This helps maintain the same hand tension, ensuring that the limbs are identical in length and width, allowing the bunny to stand or sit symmetrically.

Common Abbreviations

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase (KFB – Knit into the front and then the back of the same stitch).
• Dec: Decrease (K2tog – Knit 2 stitches together).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (a left-leaning decrease).
• RS: Right Side (the side that will face outward).
• WS: Wrong Side (the side that will be inside the toy).
• St st: Stockinette Stitch (Knit on RS rows, Purl on WS rows).

Bunny Body: Part 1 – The Foundation

We begin the construction by knitting the legs individually. These will later be joined at the crotch to form the lower torso. This bottom-up method provides the necessary stability for the bunny’s weight and ensures a smooth, continuous fabric from the hips up to the neck area.

Knitting the Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal) and your US 3 needles, cast on 12 stitches. Leave a long tail of yarn at the start, as this will be used for sewing the foot pads during the assembly phase. We will use the mattress stitch for all seams to keep the finish nearly invisible.

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• Row 1 (WS): Purl across all stitches to establish the foundation.
• Row 2 (RS): Increase in every stitch across the row. (24 sts). This creates the base of the foot.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches evenly, maintaining your firm tension.
• Row 4: *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to end of row. (36 sts). This rounds the foot.
• Rows 5-9: Work 5 rows in stockinette stitch, starting with a Purl row on the WS.
• Row 10 (Shape Instep): K12, (K2tog) 6 times, K12. (30 sts). This forms the curve of the paw.
• Row 11: Purl all stitches across the row.
• Row 12: K9, (K2tog) 6 times, K9. (24 sts). The ankle is now beginning to form.
• Row 13: Purl all stitches. Keep the tension tight to avoid gaps at the decreases.
• Row 14: K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts). This defines the leg shape clearly.
• Rows 15-42: Work straight in stockinette stitch. Ensure both legs are the exact same length.

Once you reach row 42 on the first leg, break the yarn and place the 20 stitches onto a stitch holder. Complete the second leg in the exact same manner, but do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from the second leg to join the pieces.

Joining the Torso

With the RS of the second leg facing you, cast on 2 stitches for the crotch area, then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg from the stitch holder. You should now have 42 stitches on your needle. Handle the join carefully to prevent large gaps from forming.

• Row 44 (WS): Purl all stitches, including the two new cast-on stitches at the center.
• Row 45: K10, Inc, K20, Inc, K10. (44 sts). This adds the necessary volume to the hips.
• Row 46: Purl all stitches evenly across the row.
• Row 47: K11, Inc, K20, Inc, K11. (46 sts). This completes the hip shaping.
• Rows 48-68: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This long section forms the bunny’s tummy area.
• Row 69: *K8, K2tog*, repeat to last 6 sts, K6. (42 sts). Starting the chest taper.
• Row 70: Purl all stitches. Maintain your focus on the stitch count.
• Row 71: *K5, K2tog*, repeat to end of row. (36 sts). The chest is narrowing.
• Rows 72-76: Work straight in stockinette stitch to provide height to the upper torso.
• Row 77: *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end. (30 sts). Almost at the neck.
• Row 78: Purl all stitches.
• Row 79: *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (24 sts). Final torso shaping.
• Row 80: Purl across. This row represents the neck line where the head begins.

Bunny Body: Part 2 – The Head and Face

The head is worked as a direct continuation of the neck. It is vital to stuff the neck column extremely firmly during assembly so that the head remains upright. The head is shaped with rapid increases to create the chubby, endearing cheeks that define our bunny’s personality.

• Row 81 (RS): *K1, Inc*, repeat to the end of the row. (36 sts).
• Row 82: Purl all stitches across the row.
• Row 83: *K2, Inc*, repeat to the end of the row. (48 sts).
• Row 84: Purl all stitches. The fabric is expanding for the face.
• Row 85: *K7, Inc*, repeat to end. (54 sts). The cheeks are now fully established.
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This provides the height for safety eye placement.
• Row 107: *K7, K2tog*, repeat to end. (48 sts). Starting the top of the head.
• Row 108: Purl all stitches.
• Row 109: *K6, K2tog*, repeat to end. (42 sts).
• Row 110: Purl all stitches.
• Row 111: *K5, K2tog*, repeat to end. (36 sts).
• Row 112: Purl all stitches.
• Row 113: *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end. (30 sts).
• Row 114: Purl all stitches.
• Row 115: *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (24 sts).
• Row 116: Purl all stitches.
• Row 117: *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end. (16 sts).
• Row 118: K2tog across the entire row. (8 sts).

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for finishing. Use a tapestry needle to thread the tail through the remaining 8 stitches and pull tight to close the crown of the head. Secure the end firmly and hide the tail inside the head structure.

The Expressive Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal), cast on 10 stitches. The arms are designed to be soft and flexible so they can hold the sketchbook or the bouquet. Ensure your tension matches the legs perfectly to maintain a professional look throughout the assembly process.

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• Row 1: Purl all stitches across the row.
• Row 2: Increase in every stitch across the row. (20 sts).
• Rows 3-26: Work in stockinette stitch. Measure frequently to ensure both arms are identical.
• Row 27: *K2, K2tog*, repeat across the row. (15 sts). Shaping the upper shoulder.
• Row 28: Purl across all stitches.
• Row 29: K2tog across the row to the last stitch, Knit 1. (8 sts).

Fasten off and leave a long tail. Sew the side seam and stuff the lower half of the arm firmly. Leave the upper shoulder area lightly stuffed to allow the arm to hang naturally by the bunny’s side, creating a relaxed and inviting artist’s posture.

The Long Floppy Ears (Make 2)

The ears are a large and iconic part of this design. They are worked flat and then folded slightly at the base during attachment. Using Yarn A, cast on 14 stitches. These should be knitted with a relaxed but consistent tension to allow natural drape.

• Rows 1-42: Work in stockinette stitch. These are long, so keep your edges neat.
• Row 43: SSK, K10, K2tog. (12 sts). Starting the rounded tip.
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45: SSK, K8, K2tog. (10 sts).
• Row 46: Purl all stitches.
• Row 47: SSK, K6, K2tog. (8 sts).
• Row 48: Purl all stitches.
• Row 49: SSK, K4, K2tog. (6 sts).
• Row 50: Purl all stitches.
• Row 51: SSK, K2, K2tog. (4 sts).
• Row 52: K2tog twice. (2 sts).

Fasten off and draw the yarn through the final stitches. Sew the long edges together using a ladder stitch. Do not stuff the ears; they need to remain soft and flat to look authentic. Set these aside for the final assembly phase later.

The Atelier Wardrobe: Part 1 – The Safflower Dress

The dress is the highlight of the bunny’s outfit. It features an A-line skirt in Yarn B (Taupe) with a stunning border of embroidered Safflower blooms. The bodice is simple to allow the embroidery to take center stage.

The Skirt and Floral Border

Using Yarn B, cast on 80 stitches. We start at the hem to incorporate a colorwork band if desired, or simply work in stockinette to create a canvas for embroidery. For this pattern, we will focus on embroidery for the Safflowers.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a flat, sturdy hem that won’t roll.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch using Yarn B.
• Row 9 (Geometric Band): Join Yarn D (Gold). *K3 B, K1 D, K4 B*, repeat across.
• Row 10: Purl row, following the colors established.
• Row 11: *K2 B, K3 D, K3 B*, repeat across.
• Row 12: Purl row. Break Yarn D.
• Rows 13-30: Work in stockinette stitch with Yarn B until the skirt reaches the waist.
• Waist Row: *K2tog* across the entire row. (40 sts). This creates the gathered waist.

The Dress Bodice

Continuing from the waist, we transition to the upper part of the dress. This section fits snugly against the bunny’s torso.

• Rows 32-38: Work straight in stockinette stitch.
• Row 39: K6, cast off 4 sts (armhole), K20, cast off 4 sts, K6.
• Row 40: P6, cast on 4 sts, P20, cast on 4 sts, P6. (40 sts).
• Rows 41-46: Work straight in stockinette.
• Row 47: Knit across the row for the neckline edge.
• Row 48: Cast off loosely. Sew the center back seam up to the waist.

Embroidery: Use Yarn D (Burnt Orange, Gold) and Yarn E (Olive Green). On the front of the skirt, embroider climbing vines of Safflower. The flowers should be thistle-like with a rounded base and tufted orange petals at the top. Use French knots for texture.

The Atelier Wardrobe: Part 2 – The Mustard Cardigan

The cardigan adds a layer of warmth and artistic flair. Knitted in Yarn C (Mustard), it features a round neck and fits neatly over the dress.

Cardigan Construction

We will work the cardigan in one piece up to the armholes to minimize seams. Cast on 44 stitches with Yarn C.

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• Rows 1-4: Work in Garter Stitch for a flat hem.
• Rows 5-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 17 (Split for Fronts/Back): K10 (Front), cast off 2, K20 (Back), cast off 2, K10 (Front).
• Work sections separately:
  • Back: Work 12 rows straight on the 20 stitches. Cast off.
  • Fronts: Work 12 rows on each 10-stitch section. Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge on every RS row for the last 4 rows.
• Sleeves: Cast on 16 sts. Work 12 rows St st. Cast off. Sew into armholes.
• Embroidery: Use Yarn D (Gold) to embroider climbing vines on the lapels of the cardigan to match the dress.

Accessories: Turban, Shoes, and Fox

The accessories define the character’s style. The turban suggests a bohemian artist vibe, while the fox adds a touch of wilderness.

The Golden Turban Headband

Using Yarn C (Mustard), cast on 16 stitches.

• Strip: Knit in Garter Stitch until the strip is 12 inches long.
• Twist: Before seaming the ends together, give the strip a full twist in the center to create the turban knot effect.
• Seaming: Sew the cast-on and cast-off edges together. Place on the bunny’s head, covering the ears’ attachment points.

Cocoa Loafers

Using Yarn E (Cocoa), cast on 12 stitches.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows. Pick up 30 sts around the edge.
• Upper: Work 4 rows in St st.
• Toe: K8, (K2tog) 7 times, K8. (23 sts).
• Strap: Crochet a small chain or knit a thin strip across the instep.
• Row 6: Cast off. Sew the back seam.

The Fox Companion

Our bunny’s friend is a clever fox. He wears a striped sweater and grey shorts.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches with Yarn F (Rust). Increase to 18. Knit 12 rows. Decrease to 10. Draw through.
• Head: Pick up 10 sts. Increase to 16. Change to Cream for the lower face/muzzle. Knit 6 rows. Close.
• Ears: Knit two tiny triangles in Rust and sew to the head.
• Sweater: Knit a tiny rectangle in Grey and Cream stripes. Wrap around the fox.
• Shorts: Knit tiny Grey tubes for legs and sew to the body.
• Hat: Knit a tiny flat cap in Grey and sew to the fox’s head.

Atelier Accessories

• Sketchbook: Fold small pieces of paper. Knit a beige cover (small rectangle). Sew the paper inside.
• Measuring Tape: Knit a long, thin strip (2 stitches wide) in Cream. Use a black pen or embroidery floss to mark “inches”. Roll it up.
• Satchel: Knit a small Cocoa rectangle. Fold and sew sides. Add a handle and a small button closure.
• Bouquet: Knit 3 stems in Green. Create small pom-poms in Gold and Orange to resemble dried Safflower blooms.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The assembly is the most important step in giving your character its personality. Take your time to align the features symmetrically and ensure all seaming is tight and neat.

1. Body Seaming: Use a ladder stitch to sew the legs and torso. Stuff the legs firmly to allow for a sturdy standing pose. The tummy should be rounded and soft. Ensure the neck is reinforced with extra stuffing.
2. Face Placement:
   • Insert the 9mm safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, approximately 9 stitches apart.
   • Embroider the nose using dark brown floss. Create a small “Y” shape.
   • (Optional) Add a touch of pink cosmetic blush to the cheeks.
3. Limbs and Ears: Sew the arms just below the neck line. Fold the base of the ears and sew them to the top of the head so they flop naturally.
4. Dressing: Put on the Safflower dress first. Layer the cardigan over the top. Place the turban on the head. Secure the loafers. Arrange the fox and atelier accessories.

Care Notes

Your Safflower Atelier Sunbeam Bunny is a delicate piece of artisan craft. Because of the intricate colorwork and the small accessory pieces, it is not intended for rough play. It is best suited as a decorative item for a studio, study, or collector’s shelf.

Over time, high-quality wool can develop a slight fuzz or “pilling.” This is a natural characteristic of the fiber. You can gently remove any pilling using a small pair of embroidery scissors to keep the bunny looking fresh and new. Always keep the doll in a dry environment.

If the bunny is meant for a young child, please ensure all safety eyes are locked securely and that the tiny accessories (like the fox’s hat) are double-stitched to the bunny or the bag to prevent them from becoming a choking hazard. Safety is the priority.

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Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Handmade knitted toys should never be placed in a washing machine. The agitation will cause the wool to felt and the intricate embroidery to unravel. If the bunny becomes dusty, a gentle once-over with a soft-bristled brush or a lint roller is usually sufficient.

If a deeper clean is required for a specific stain, use a damp cloth with a very small amount of mild wool detergent. Dab the area gently; do not rub, as rubbing will pill the yarn. Allow the bunny to air dry completely away from direct sunlight.

To preserve the vibrant gold and orange colors of the Safflower pattern, avoid displaying the bunny in a window with high UV exposure, as sunlight can fade the dyes over time. For long-term storage, place the bunny in a breathable cotton bag with a cedar block.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are the safety eyes locked securely in place and level?
• Is the neck stuffed firmly enough to keep the head upright?
• Are all loose yarn ends woven in and hidden deep within the stuffing?
• Does the bunny sit evenly without tipping over to one side?
• Is the fox companion’s hat securely attached to its head?
• Is the embroidery on the dress consistent and neat?

Congratulations on completing your Safflower Atelier Sunbeam Bunny. This project is a celebration of the creative spirit found in art, nature, and the timeless craft of hand-knitting. Whether she sits on your mantle or becomes a treasured gift, she brings a sense of artistic inspiration to her new home.