Creating a breathtaking heirloom toy begins with gathering the finest materials. When artisans decide to buy premium knitting yarn online, they seek fibers that offer both durability and exquisite softness.
Selecting the right luxury sport weight wool is essential for capturing the delicate, romantic textures of this beautiful garden design. You will also want to purchase high-quality amigurumi stuffing for the best results.
This enchanting character is dressed perfectly for a delightful spring garden party, radiating warmth, elegance, and classic charm. Her outfit is intricately detailed with soft pastels.
She comes complete with a magnificent ribbed bodice dress, a flowing green skirt, stunning floral accessories, and a sweet little duckling companion.
Grab your favorite needles, prepare a cozy and well-lit workspace, and let us begin this wonderful and highly rewarding crafting journey together.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Project Specifications and Materials
Creating this stunning garden companion requires careful attention to the exact materials and fiber types used throughout the entire process.
The finished dimensions and the lovely, structured drape of the pleated skirt rely entirely on your tension and the specific yarn weights you choose.
We will be using multiple rich, nature-inspired pastel colors to achieve the vintage, party-ready look seen in the finished photographs.
Please review this comprehensive material list carefully before casting on to ensure you have absolutely everything needed for the complete set.
Yarn Requirements
- Main Bunny Yarn: One skein of premium sport weight yarn in Warm Sand or Light Beige (approximately 180 yards).
- Dress Bodice Yarns: Half a skein of sport weight yarn in Pale Pink, and half a skein in Sage Green (approximately 80 yards each).
- Dress Skirt Yarn: One skein of sport weight yarn in Sage Green (approximately 120 yards).
- Dress Hem and Flowers: One skein of sport weight yarn in Rose Pink (approximately 100 yards).
- Hat and Bag Yarn: Small amounts of sport weight yarn in Straw Yellow or Light Beige.
- Duck Companion Yarn: Small amounts of sport weight yarn in Buttercup Yellow, Orange, Denim Blue, and Beige.
Tools and Hardware
- US 2.5 (3.0 mm) double-pointed needles (set of 5) for working all amigurumi pieces seamlessly in the round.
- US 2.5 (3.0 mm) circular needles (24-inch cable) for knitting the flat garments like the wide flared skirt.
- Premium polyester fiberfill for firm, even, and smooth stuffing of the main bunny and the small duckling.
- One pair of 6mm black safety eyes for the main bunny figure.
- One pair of 4mm black safety eyes for the miniature duck companion.
- A small scrap of dark brown embroidery floss for the delicate facial details on the animals.
- Small faux pearl beads for the handbag handle (ensure the holes are large enough for yarn).
- Tapestry needle for seaming pieces, attaching the large peony, and weaving in all yarn ends securely.
- Stitch markers to track your rounds, colorwork repeats, and raglan edge decreases.
Stitch Abbreviations
Please familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations before beginning your project to ensure a smooth crafting experience.
Maintaining a tight, even tension is extremely crucial for stuffed toys so the white fiberfill remains completely hidden inside the knitted fabric.
- CO: Cast on
- BO: Bind off
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Rnd(s): Round(s)
- RS / WS: Right side / Wrong side
- K2tog: Knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- M1L / M1R: Make one left / Make one right (increases)
- Kfb: Knit into the front and back of the stitch (increase)
- MB: Make Bobble (knit into front, back, front of same stitch, turn, purl 3, turn, knit 3, turn, purl 3 together)
- PM / SM: Place marker / Slip marker
The Bunny Base Structure
We will construct the foundation of our character first. The legs and body are worked as a single seamless piece from the bottom up.
This specific construction method ensures great structural stability, preventing the heavy head from drooping later on in the assembly.
Working the body this way allows the finished toy to stand or sit perfectly against a prop without slouching or losing its charming posture.
Take your time with the foundational rounds on the feet to ensure exceptionally neat and tight stitches before moving upwards.
The Legs (Make 2)
Start with the first leg using the Warm Sand yarn and your double-pointed needles. The foot is shaped first for a sturdy base.
We will knit the entire leg in the base color, as the pink shoes will be created separately and slipped on later.
Round 1: Cast on 12 sts using Warm Sand. Distribute them evenly across three needles.
Join to work in the round being careful not to twist the stitches, and PM for the beginning of the round.
Round 2: Knit all sts to establish the circular work and secure the initial cast-on edge.
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Round 3: (K1, M1R, K4, M1L, K1) twice. You will now have 16 sts on your needles.
Rounds 4-8: Knit all sts in Warm Sand. This section builds the necessary height and volume of the bunny’s foot.
Round 9: (K2, M1R, K4, M1L, K2) twice. You will now have 20 sts. This creates the gentle curve of the instep.
Rounds 10-14: Knit all sts continuously. Stuff the foot firmly right now, as it will be very difficult to reach the bottom later.
Rounds 15-42: Knit all sts. Continue adding small amounts of stuffing to the leg as you work your way upwards.
Keeping the stuffing even prevents lumpy legs and ensures the toy stands straight. Do not overstuff the very top of the leg.
At the end of Round 42 on the first leg, break the yarn and place these stitches securely on a holder or a piece of scrap yarn.
For the second leg, repeat all the previous steps exactly. However, do not break the yarn at the end of this leg.
You will use this active working yarn to join the two pieces together and begin the lower torso.
The Torso
Now we will join the two legs together to begin forming the hips and lower torso.
Ensure both feet are pointing in the exact same forward direction before making the critical joining stitch.
Round 43 (Joining Round): With the working yarn still attached to the second leg, knit 10 sts.
Cast on 4 sts using the backward loop method to create the base bridge of the body.
Pick up the first leg from the holder and knit across all 20 sts.
Cast on 4 sts again using the backward loop method to mirror the front bridge.
Finally, knit the remaining 10 sts of the second leg to complete the circuit.
You now have 48 sts total on the needles. Place a marker here to indicate the new beginning of the round at the center back of the bunny.
Rounds 44-54: Knit all sts. This section forms the lower belly and hips.
Make sure to stuff the transition area between the legs very firmly to prevent any loose gaps or weak spots from forming.
Round 55 (Waist Decrease): (K10, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 44 sts. This slight decrease begins the gentle shaping of the waist.
Rounds 56-61: Knit all sts evenly to build the midsection of the torso.
Round 62: (K9, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 40 sts on the needles.
Rounds 63-70: Knit all sts evenly. Keep adding fiberfill, ensuring the belly is beautifully round and plump.
Round 71: (K8, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 36 sts remaining.
Rounds 72-76: Knit all sts. Shape the torso so it is wider at the bottom and tapers gently towards the upper chest area.
Round 77: (K7, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 32 sts.
Rounds 78-82: Knit all sts evenly to create the upper chest and shoulders.
Round 83 (Shoulder Decrease): (K6, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 28 sts.
Round 84: Knit all sts. Finish stuffing the upper chest completely and firmly so the neck will be strong enough to support the head.
Round 85 (Neck Shaping): (K2, K2tog) 7 times. You now have 21 sts left on the needles.
Round 86: Knit all sts. Bind off these remaining stitches.
Leave a very long tail for attaching the head to the body securely during the final assembly phase.
The Head
The head features wide, rounded cheeks and a gently tapering snout.
It is worked from the tip of the nose backwards to the base of the skull for the absolute best, most rounded shape.
Round 1: Using Warm Sand yarn, cast on 6 sts. Distribute on DPNs and join carefully.
Round 2: Knit into the front and back (Kfb) of every single st. You will have 12 sts.
Round 3: (K1, Kfb) 6 times. You will have 18 sts.
Round 4: (K2, Kfb) 6 times. You will have 24 sts.
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Rounds 5-10: Knit all sts. This extended section forms the gentle forward projection of the bunny’s snout.
Round 11 (Cheek Increases): K6, (Kfb) 12 times across the top and sides, K6. You now have 36 sts.
These rapid increases build the distinctly chubby cheeks characteristic of this adorable design.
Round 12: K6, (K1, Kfb) 12 times, K6. You now have 48 sts. The face is becoming much wider here.
Rounds 13-19: Knit all sts evenly around the widest part of the face.
Round 20: (K7, Kfb) 6 times. You now have 54 sts.
Rounds 21-34: Knit all sts. During this wide section, you must insert the safety eyes.
Place them securely between rounds 15 and 16. Space them about 16 stitches apart, centered directly above the snout.
Round 35 (Begin Decreasing): (K7, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 48 sts.
Round 36: (K6, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 42 sts.
Round 37: (K5, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 36 sts.
Round 38: (K4, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 30 sts. Pause here to begin stuffing the head firmly.
Pay special attention to padding the cheek increases well from the inside.
This ensures the face looks wide, round, and remarkably gentle from all angles.
Round 39: (K3, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 24 sts.
Round 40: (K2, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 18 sts.
Round 41: (K1, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 12 sts.
Add any final bits of stuffing needed to shape the back of the head properly.
Round 42: (K2tog) 6 times. You have 6 sts left.
Break the yarn, thread the tail through the remaining loops, and pull tightly to close the hole securely. Weave in the end.
The Drooping Ears (Make 2)
The ears are knitted flat and then seamed together.
This specific folded technique gives them a lovely realistic thickness and allows them to drape beautifully down the sides of the head.
Row 1: Using Warm Sand yarn, cast on 12 sts on straight or circular needles.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts across the row.
Row 3 (RS): K1, M1R, K10, M1L, K1. You now have 14 sts.
Row 4: Purl all sts.
Row 5: K1, M1R, K12, M1L, K1. You now have 16 sts.
Rows 6-46: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 41 complete rows.
This creates the signature long, elegant shape of the drooping ear seen in the photos.
Row 47: Purl all sts.
Row 48: SSK, K12, K2tog. You now have 14 sts.
Row 49: Purl all sts.
Row 50: SSK, K10, K2tog. You now have 12 sts.
Row 51: Purl all sts.
Row 52: SSK, K8, K2tog. You now have 10 sts.
Rows 53-58: Work in stockinette stitch for six more rows. Bind off all stitches neatly.
Fold the bound-off edge in half and sew it pinched together.
This pinched end will be attached directly to the sides of the head later during assembly.
The Arms (Make 2)
The arms are worked in the round from the bottom up.
They are stuffed firmly at the hands but lightly at the top so they rest naturally against the body.
Round 1: Using Warm Sand yarn, cast on 10 sts. Distribute evenly on DPNs and join.
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Round 2: (K1, M1R, K3, M1L, K1) twice. You now have 14 sts.
Rounds 3-38: Knit all sts. The arms are kept simple and slender to fit neatly into the puffy sleeves of the dress.
Round 39: (K5, K2tog) twice. You now have 12 sts.
Rounds 40-42: Knit all sts. Stuff the lower two-thirds of the arm firmly right now.
Leave the top inch completely empty of stuffing so the arm can fold downwards gracefully.
Round 43: (K2tog) 6 times. You have 6 sts remaining.
Break the yarn, pull through the remaining loops, and secure tightly.
The Peony Garden Dress
The clothing gives this bunny her distinct garden party look.
The outfit features a magnificent corrugated ribbed bodice, dramatic puffy sleeves, and a flowing green skirt ending in a bright pink ruffle.
The Corrugated Rib Bodice
This section uses a two-color technique. You will carry both the Pale Pink and Sage Green yarns across the back of the work.
Row 1 (Neckband): Using Pale Pink yarn, cast on 40 sts. Work 3 rows in garter stitch.
Row 4 (Setup): K7, PM, K6, PM, K14, PM, K6, PM, K7.
Row 5 (WS): Purl all sts.
Row 6 (RS – Raglan Increase): *Knit to 1 st before marker, M1R, K1, SM, K1, M1L; repeat from * 3 times, knit to end.
Rows 7-10: Repeat Rows 5 and 6 twice more. You have 64 sts.
Row 11 (Start Corrugated Rib): On WS rows, you will Purl the Pink stitches and Knit the Green stitches to maintain the rib texture on the right side.
On RS rows: *K1 in Pink, P1 in Green*. Repeat this across the entire row, continuing the raglan increases in pattern.
Rows 12-22: Continue the corrugated ribbing and raglan increases until you have 104 sts. The vertical stripes will look crisp and distinct.
Row 23 (Divide for Sleeves): Work in pattern to the first marker. Place the sleeve stitches on a holder.
Cast on 4 sts, work across the back stitches, place the second sleeve stitches on a holder. Cast on 4 sts, work to end.
Rows 24-34: Work the body stitches only, maintaining the Pink and Green corrugated rib pattern. Bind off all stitches.
The Puffed Sleeves
These sleeves feature dramatic volume before tapering at the cuff.
Round 1: Transfer sleeve stitches to DPNs. Pick up 4 sts at the underarm. Join in the round.
Round 2: Continue the corrugated rib pattern (*K1 Pink, P1 Green*).
Round 3 (Puff Increase): Kfb into every single stitch around, maintaining the color alternation. This doubles the stitch count.
Rounds 4-15: Work evenly in corrugated ribbing. The sleeve will look very full and puffy.
Round 16 (Puff Decrease): K2tog around the entire row to bring the stitch count back down.
Rounds 17-19: Switch to solid Pale Pink. Work in garter stitch for the cuff. Bind off tightly to gather the sleeve.
Repeat for the second sleeve.
The Flowing Green Skirt
We will pick up stitches along the bottom edge of the bodice to create the skirt.
Round 1: Using Sage Green yarn, pick up and knit 1 stitch for every bound-off stitch along the bottom of the bodice. Join in the round.
Round 2: Kfb into every stitch around. This dramatic increase creates the beautiful flare.
Rounds 3-35: Knit all sts. The green stockinette fabric will drape wonderfully.
The Pink Ruffled Hem
This beautiful edge finishes the dress with a flourish.
Round 36: Switch to Rose Pink yarn. Kfb into every stitch around. The skirt will become incredibly wavy.
Rounds 37-40: Knit all sts evenly in Rose Pink.
Round 41: Purl all sts to create a neat lower edge.
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Round 42: Bind off all stitches using a picot bind off to create delicate tiny scallops along the very bottom.
The Giant Peony Applique
This striking flower is the centerpiece of the skirt design. It is made by stacking layers of ruffled circular pieces.
Layer 1 (Base): Using Rose Pink, CO 40 sts. Knit 1 row. Next row: Kfb in every st (80 sts). Knit 4 rows. Bind off tightly.
Layer 2 (Middle): Using Rose Pink, CO 30 sts. Knit 1 row. Kfb in every st (60 sts). Knit 3 rows. Bind off.
Layer 3 (Top): Using Rose Pink, CO 20 sts. Knit 1 row. Kfb in every st (40 sts). Knit 2 rows. Bind off.
Center: Using Yellow yarn, CO 10 sts. Knit 1 row. Bind off tightly. Coil into a tiny circle.
Leaves: Using Sage Green, CO 5 sts. Knit 4 rows, decrease to a point. Make two leaves.
Assembly: Coil each pink layer into a spiral rosette. Stack the small layer inside the medium, and the medium inside the large.
Sew them securely together at the base. Place the yellow center inside. Attach the green leaves to the back, and sew the entire peony firmly to the lower right side of the green skirt.
The Scalloped Sun Hat
This elegant straw-look hat protects the bunny from the garden sun.
Round 1: Using Straw Yellow yarn, cast on 8 sts on DPNs. Join in the round.
Round 2: Kfb into every stitch. (16 sts).
Round 3: *K1, M1L; repeat from * around. (32 sts).
Round 4: Knit all sts.
Round 5: *K2, M1L; repeat from * around. (48 sts).
Rounds 6-20: Knit all sts evenly to build the deep crown of the hat.
Round 21 (Brim Increase): *K3, M1L; repeat from * around. (64 sts).
Rounds 22-26: Knit all sts. The brim begins to flare.
Round 27: *K4, M1L; repeat from * around. (80 sts).
Rounds 28-32: Work in garter stitch (purl one round, knit one round) to give the brim structure.
Round 33 (Scallop Edge): We will use a deep scallop bind off. *CO 3 sts onto the left needle. Bind off 6 sts.* Repeat this sequence completely around the brim to create large, dramatic curves.
The Pale Pink Shoes (Make 2)
These classic shoes slip perfectly over the bunny’s feet.
Round 1: Using Pale Pink yarn, cast on 24 sts. Join in the round.
Round 2: Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You have 48 sts.
Rounds 3-6: Purl all sts. This creates the thick, highly defined ridge for the sole.
Rounds 7-12: Knit all sts to build the sturdy sides of the shoe.
Round 13 (Toe Decreases): K16, (K2tog) 8 times, K16. You have 40 sts.
Round 14: K16, (K2tog) 4 times, K16. You have 36 sts.
Round 15: Bind off all stitches loosely.
The Strap: Pick up 1 stitch on the side of the shoe opening. Cast on 16 stitches horizontally.
Attach to the opposite side of the shoe. Bind off. Sew a tiny knot of yarn to mimic a button.
Garden Party Accessories
These incredibly detailed props tell the story of our garden party Bunny.
The Bobble Bag with Pearl Handle
Bag Base: Using Straw Yellow yarn, cast on 20 sts. Work flat in stockinette for 8 rows. Pick up stitches around all four sides.
Bag Sides: Work in the round. Every 4th round, introduce Pale Pink yarn to knit a Make Bobble (MB) stitch spaced every 6 stitches.
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Stagger the bobbles on the next repeat. Knit a total of 20 rounds.
Top Edge: Purl 2 rounds. Bind off all stitches.
Pearl Handle: Take a strong piece of yarn and a tapestry needle. Thread 15 small faux pearl beads onto the yarn.
Secure the ends of the yarn tightly to the inside edges of the bag to create the elegant curved handle.
The Embroidered Fan
Base: Using Pale Pink yarn, cast on 3 sts. Work flat in garter stitch.
Row 2: Kfb, K1, Kfb. (5 sts).
Rows 3-20: Continue knitting, increasing 1 stitch at the beginning and end of every right-side row until you have a wide, curved triangle shape.
Rows 21-22: Switch to Straw Yellow yarn. Knit 2 rows for the top border. Bind off.
Embroidery: Using Green and Pink yarn, embroider tiny French knots and straight stitches along the fan to mimic a delicate floral pattern.
The Peony Bouquet
Flowers: Using Rose Pink, cast on 6 sts. Knit 1 row. Kfb all sts. Knit 2 rows. Bind off tightly and roll into a rosette. Make five of these small flowers.
Leaves: Using Sage Green, knit a flat square, fold it into a cone shape, and sew the edges.
Stuff the five pink rosettes into the green cone and secure them with invisible stitches to form a tight, beautiful bouquet.
The Miniature Duck Companion
This adorable little friend stands beside the bunny, wearing his own detailed outfit.
Duck Head and Body
Round 1: Using Buttercup Yellow yarn, cast on 6 sts. Join in the round.
Round 2: (Kfb) in every st. You have 12 sts.
Rounds 3-8: Knit all sts. Insert 4mm safety eyes during these rounds.
Round 9 (Neck): (K2tog) around. You have 6 sts.
Round 10: (Kfb) around. You have 12 sts.
Round 11: (K1, M1L) around. You have 24 sts. The body widens here.
Rounds 12-22: Knit all sts to form the plump teardrop body. Stuff the head and body firmly.
Round 23: (K2tog) around. You have 12 sts.
Round 24: (K2tog) around. Break yarn and pull tight to close.
Duck Features and Clothing
Beak: Using Orange yarn, cast on 6 sts. Knit 2 rows flat. Bind off and sew to the face.
Wings (Make 2): Using Yellow yarn, cast on 4 sts. Knit 6 rows flat, increasing to 6 sts, then decreasing to a point. Sew to the sides.
Feet (Make 2): Using Orange yarn, cast on 6 sts. Knit 4 rows flat. Bind off with a picot edge for webbed toes. Attach to the bottom.
Blue Overalls: Using Denim Blue yarn, cast on 28 sts. Join in the round. Knit 8 rounds.
Divide the stitches in half to knit two short, tubular legs for 4 rounds each. Bind off. Slide over the duck’s body.
Knit a tiny flat square for the front bib and two tiny straps to cross over the back, securing them with stitches.
Straw Hat: Using Beige yarn, cast on 16 sts. Knit 4 rounds. Decrease to close the top dome. Add a stripe of Blue yarn around the base.
Pick up stitches around the edge and knit 2 rounds for a small brim. Sew onto the duck’s head.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Careful assembly makes all the difference in achieving a professional amigurumi finish.
Use the long sand-colored tail from the torso to sew the bunny’s head securely onto the neck using the mattress stitch.
Pin the slender arms to the sides of the body just below the neck seam and attach them firmly.
Position the tall drooping ears on either side of the head and sew them securely in place.
For the face, use the dark brown embroidery floss to stitch a delicate ‘Y’ shape exactly between the safety eyes to form the nose and mouth.
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Dress the bunny by sliding the magnificent corrugated rib dress on. The puffy sleeves should comfortably fit over the upper arms.
Place the pale pink shoes on her feet. Adjust the scalloped sun hat upon her head, allowing the ears to drape naturally.
Position the pearl-handled bag on her arm, and place the embroidered fan and peony bouquet nearby.
Arrange the exquisitely dressed miniature duckling companion to complete the enchanting garden party scene.
Care Notes
Because this spectacular garden project contains intricate corrugated ribbing, delicate pearl beads, and multiple small stuffed components, it should be treated as a gentle display heirloom rather than a rough plaything.
Keep the pieces away from sharp objects that might snag the floating yarns on the inside of the bodice or the delicate fan embroidery.
Ensure the display environment is free from moths and direct, harsh sunlight if using natural animal fibers.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Are all yarn ends securely woven in, especially around the colorwork bodice and the giant peony applique?
- Is the bunny’s head firmly attached and not wobbling at the neck under the weight of the sun hat?
- Are the safety eyes on both the main bunny and the miniature duck firmly locked in place from the inside?
- Are the tiny accessories (shoes, bag, fan, bouquet) completed and fitted correctly?
- Are the embroidered facial details, the bag’s bobbles, and the duck’s overalls symmetrical and exceptionally neat?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
If cleaning becomes absolutely necessary due to dust, never machine wash or tumble dry this handmade item.
Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and a gentle, no-rinse wool wash.
Submerge the bunny and accessories, pressing gently to clean without wringing or twisting the fabric.
Twisting can severely distort the delicate skirt layers, the puffy sleeves, and shift the internal stuffing permanently.
Rinse thoroughly in cool water if needed. Press out excess moisture using a thick, clean towel.
Carefully reshape the long ears, the flared skirt, the scalloped hat brim, and the giant peony while they are damp.
Lay the entire project flat on a dry towel in a shaded, well-ventilated area until completely dry to preserve the vibrant pastel yarn colors and structural integrity.
