Orchid Glasshouse Bunny – Knitting

Immerse yourself in the tranquil world of botanical knitting with the Orchid Glasshouse Bunny. This project is designed for those who appreciate the finer details of fiber arts, allowing you to create a stunning heirloom piece. When you look to buy knitting yarn for this project, choose soft, natural fibers like merino or alpaca to give the bunny a luxurious, high-quality finish that synthetic fibers simply cannot match.

This comprehensive project includes instructions not just for the bunny, but for an entire greenhouse scene, including a detailed lace dress, a chameleon friend, and miniature gardening tools. It is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your toolkit; consider investing in the best knitting needles online to ensure your tension is even and your hands remain comfortable during the many hours of crafting this masterpiece.

 

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 Material Selection

This project is an advanced-beginner to intermediate challenge that focuses heavily on construction and finishing details. The bunny itself is knitted flat and seamed, which allows for easier color changes and structural integrity.

The accessories, particularly the orchids and the chameleon, require patience and a steady hand. We will be using a variety of techniques including lace knitting for the dress hem, intarsia or embroidery for the flowers, and I-cord construction for the smaller limbs.

Yarn Requirements

Selecting the right yarn is critical. For the bunny’s skin, a smooth, tightly spun DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn is best. Avoid yarns that split easily.

• Bunny Skin (Beige/Oatmeal): Approx. 100g. Look for a “superwash merino” if you want the toy to be durable yet soft.
• Dress (Taupe/Light Brown): 50g of a fingering or sport weight yarn. A lighter weight yarn ensures the lace hem drapes beautifully and isn’t too bulky.
• Cardigan & Hat (Beige/Sand): 50g DK weight. Something with a slight halo, like an alpaca blend, adds a nice texture.
• Shoes & Accents (Purple/Lilac): Small amounts of DK yarn.
• Accessories (Blue, Green, Pink, Mint): Scrap amounts of fingering weight yarn for the chameleon, bag, and spray bottle. Cotton yarn is excellent here for stitch definition.

Tools and Notions

• Needles: Pair of US 2.5 (3.00mm) straight needles for the main body. US 1.5 (2.5mm) needles for the delicate flowers and chameleon.
• Double Pointed Needles (DPNs): Set of US 2.5 (3.00mm) for I-cords and small circular knitting if preferred.
• Stuffing: High-quality carded polyester fiberfill. Do not buy cheap stuffing as it creates lumps.
• Embroidery Floss: Black (for face), Green (for stems), Purple/White (for orchid details).
• Wire: Thin craft wire for the flower stems (optional but recommended for poseability).
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming.

Part 1: The Bunny Construction

We begin by constructing the bunny. The legs are knitted separately and then joined to form the body. This method provides a solid base so the bunny can sit or stand with support.

Legs (Make 2)

We start at the sole of the foot. Note that the shoes are removable in this pattern, so we will knit the feet in the main skin color.

1. Cast On: Using Beige yarn and 3.00mm needles, cast on 11 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Base): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Increase): Knit into front and back (kfb) of first stitch, Knit 9, kfb in last stitch. (13 sts).
4. Row 3: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 4 (Increase): Kfb, Knit 11, Kfb. (15 sts).
6. Rows 5-9: Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit 1 row, Purl 1 row) starting with a purl row.
7. Row 10 (Shape Toe): Knit 5, Double Decrease (slip 2 as if to knit, k1, pass slipped stitches over), Knit to end. (13 sts).
8. Row 11: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 12 (Shape Ankle): Knit 5, Central Double Decrease (sl2, k1, p2sso), Knit to end. (11 sts).
10. Rows 13-35: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch to form the leg.
11. Break Yarn: Cut yarn for the first leg and place on a holder. Knit the second leg but do not cut the yarn.

Body Joining

Now we join the legs to create the torso. This is a critical step for the bunny’s stability.

1. Row 36 (Join): Knit across the 11 stitches of the second leg. Cast on 4 stitches (this forms the crotch). Knit across the 11 stitches of the first leg from the holder. (26 sts).
2. Row 37: Purl across all 26 stitches. Pull tight at the center to prevent gaps.
3. Rows 38-55: Work in Stockinette Stitch. This forms the tummy. Stuff the legs firmly now before the body gets too long.
4. Row 56 (Decrease): *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat to last 2 stitches, Knit 2. (22 sts).
5. Row 57: Purl.
6. Row 58: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat to last 2 stitches, Knit 2. (18 sts).
7. Rows 59-60: Work straight.

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Head and Face Shaping

The head is knitted as a continuation of the body. We must increase rapidly to create the chubby cheeks.

1. Row 61 (Neck Increase): Kfb in every stitch across the row. (36 sts).
2. Row 62: Purl.
3. Row 63 (Cheek Increase): *Knit 2, kfb* repeat to end. (48 sts).
4. Rows 64-85: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch. This provides the canvas for the face.
5. Row 86 (Crown Decrease): *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat to end.
6. Row 87: Purl.
7. Row 88: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat to end.
8. Row 89: Purl.
9. Row 90: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat to end.
10. Row 91: Purl.
11. Row 92: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat to end.
12. Row 93: k2tog across.
13. Finish: Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight and secure.

Arms (Make 2)

The arms are simple tubes attached at the shoulder.

• Cast on 10 stitches.
• Work 25 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
• Decrease Row: k2tog at each end of the next row.
• Purl one row.
• Cast off. Sew the side seams and stuff lightly.

The Long Lop Ears (Make 2)

The ears are a defining feature. They are long, textured, and heavy enough to hang down.

• Cast on 14 stitches.
• Work in Garter Stitch (Knit every row) for 4 rows to create a sturdy edge.
• Switch to Stockinette Stitch. Work until the ear measures 5 inches.
• Decrease: k2tog at start of every Knit row until 4 stitches remain.
• Cast off.

Part 2: The Botanical Wardrobe

The clothing in this pattern is designed to look like a vintage gardener’s outfit. Attention to the lace hem on the dress is vital.

The Lace Hem Dress

We use a fingering weight yarn in Taupe/Light Brown for a delicate look. The dress is worked from the bottom up.

The Lace Border (Old Shale Variation):

1. Cast on 54 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2: Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3: *K2tog (twice), (yo, k1) 4 times, k2tog (twice)* repeat from * to end. Note: You may need to adjust stitch count to be a multiple of 18 depending on your tension, but for 54 stitches, repeat the pattern 3 times.
5. Row 4: Knit all stitches (this creates the ridge).
6. Repeat Rows 1-4 three times.

Dress Body:

• Change to Stockinette Stitch. Work for 2.5 inches.
• Waist Decrease: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat across.
• Purl one row.
• Bodice: Work 1 inch straight.
• Armholes: Cast off 4 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
• Work 4 rows straight on remaining stitches.
• Cast off. Sew the back seam, leaving the top inch open for dressing.

The Orchid Cardigan

This is a sleeveless waistcoat style as seen in the image, or a short-sleeved cardigan. We will make a waistcoat with lapels.

• Back: Cast on 24 sts in Beige. Work 15 rows. Cast off 2 sts at each end for armholes. Work 10 rows. Cast off.
• Left Front: Cast on 14 sts. Work 15 rows. Cast off 2 sts at armhole edge. Work 10 rows. Cast off.
• Right Front: Same as Left, reversing shaping.
• Lapels: Pick up stitches along the front opening edge using Purple yarn. Knit 2 rows Garter Stitch. Cast off. This creates the purple stripe effect shown in the photo.
• Assembly: Sew shoulders and side seams.

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The Purple Slippers

These are knitted separately to fit over the bunny’s feet.

• Cast on 18 stitches in Purple.
• Rows 1-4: Garter Stitch (sole).
• Row 5: K7, k2tog twice, K7.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: K6, k2tog twice, K6.
• Cast off. Sew the sole and heel seams. Embellish with a tiny white bead or embroidered flower on the toe.

The Sun Hat

The hat protects our gardener from the sun. It features a rolled brim.

• Cast on 50 stitches in Beige.
• Work in Garter Stitch for 10 rows. This will naturally want to roll or flare out.
• Change to Stockinette Stitch. Work 6 rows.
• Decrease for Crown: *K3, k2tog* repeat around. Purl row. *K2, k2tog* repeat. Purl row. *K1, k2tog* repeat. Purl row. k2tog across.
• Pull yarn through to close.

Part 3: The Glasshouse Accessories

These items bring the scene to life. They are intricate and require good lighting to knit.

The 3D Orchids (Make 3-5)

Orchids have a specific petal structure: 3 sepals and 3 petals (one being the lip). We simplify this for knitting.

Petals (Make 5 per flower):

• Using White or Pale Pink yarn and 2.5mm needles, cast on 3 stitches.
• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: Kfb, K1, Kfb (5 sts).
• Rows 3-6: Stockinette stitch.
• Row 7: Skpo (slip, knit, pass over), K1, k2tog (3 sts).
• Row 8: Purl.
• Row 9: Sl1, k2tog, psso. Fasten off.

Assembly: Sew 5 petals in a circle. Use Purple embroidery floss to create dots and the dark center “throat” of the orchid. Attach a small piece of wire to the back if you want to “plant” them in the pot or attach to the hat.

The Chameleon

A tiny, magical friend.

• Tail: Cast on 3 stitches in Mint Green. Knit an I-cord for 2 inches. Do not bind off.
• Body: Work back and forth on these 3 stitches, increasing to 9 stitches in the first row. Work in Stockinette for 1 inch.
• Head: Increase to 12 stitches. Work 4 rows. Decrease rapidly (k2tog across) to close.
• Legs: Pick up 2 stitches at four points on the body. Knit tiny I-cords (3 rows long).
• Eyes: Use a French Knot in black, surrounded by a white stitch.

The Basket Bag

A structured bag to hold supplies.

• Cast on 20 stitches in Light Blue.
• Work in Stockinette for 3 inches. Cast off.
• Fold in half. Sew side seams.
• Grid Pattern: Thread a tapestry needle with Beige yarn. Perform a running stitch vertically and horizontally across the fabric to create the windowpane check effect.
• Handles: Make two I-cords, 3 inches long. Sew to the top edge.

The Spray Bottle

Essential for orchid care.

• Using Blue yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Work Stockinette for 10 rows.
• Change to White (neck). Work 2 rows.
• Change to Black (nozzle). Decrease to 5 stitches. Work 2 rows. Cast off.
• Sew the side seam and stuff firmly to create a cylinder.

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The Potted Plant

• Pot: Cast on 12 stitches in Terracotta/Brown. Work 6 rows Stockinette. Knit 1 row (turning ridge). Work 6 rows. Cast off. Fold at the ridge and sew sides to make a double-thick pot wall. Sew a circle for the base.
• Soil: Knit a small brown circle and sew inside the top of the pot.
• Stems: Use green pipe cleaners or knitted green I-cords. Attach your knitted orchids to these stems and insert into the “soil”.

 

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The assembly is where the magic happens. Take your time to align everything perfectly.

Seaming and Stuffing

Using the mattress stitch, sew the leg and back seams of the bunny. When you reach the neck, pause and stuff the body. The legs should be stuffed moderately, but the feet must be firm to allow standing. The body should be firm but squishy.

Stuff the head very firmly. A well-stuffed head prevents the fabric from puckering around the embroidery. Close the final gap at the top of the head neatly.

Face Embroidery

This bunny has a minimalist, sweet face.

• Nose: Use dark brown or black embroidery thread. Satin stitch a small triangle or rounded shape about halfway down the face.
• Mouth: Stitch a straight line down from the nose (the philtrum) and split into a gentle “V” shape for the mouth.
• Eyes: Use black thread to create small oval satin stitches. Place them wide apart for a youthful, innocent look. Add a tiny speck of white yarn in the corner of the eye for a “glint” of life.

Dressing the Bunny

Put the dress on first. It should fit snugly at the bodice and flare at the hips. Fasten the back with a small button or stitch it closed if you don’t intend to remove it. Slip the waistcoat cardigan on. Place the hat on the head (secure with a stitch if desired). Put the shoes on the feet.

Attaching Accessories

Sew one or two orchids onto the dress bodice as if they are pinned there. Sew a cluster of orchids onto the hat brim. Place the bag on the bunny’s arm or position it near the feet for display.

Care Notes

To ensure your Orchid Glasshouse Bunny lasts for generations, proper care is essential.

• Hand Wash Only: Due to the mixed materials (wire, different yarns), never machine wash.
• Spot Clean: Use a damp cloth with mild wool detergent to dab at any stains.
• Dusting: Use a soft paintbrush or a lint roller to remove dust from the intricate flower petals and the lace dress.
• Sunlight: Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the purple and green yarns from fading over time.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

Before you declare the project complete, check these points:

1. Are all ends woven in securely and hidden inside the body?
2. Is the head firmly stuffed and not wobbly?
3. Are the eyes placed symmetrically?
4. Is the lace hem on the dress blocked or pressed so the pattern shows clearly?
5. Are the wire stems in the orchids (if used) fully covered so they don’t poke through?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

If you are gifting this to a collector or keeping it as a display piece, follow these guidelines:

Storage

Store the bunny in a breathable cotton bag or a box lined with acid-free tissue paper. Do not use plastic bags, as trapped moisture can damage the natural fibers. Add a sachet of lavender to repel moths, which are attracted to wool.

Refreshing the Shape

Over time, the stuffing may compress. You can gently massage the bunny to redistribute the fiberfill. If the lace dress becomes wrinkled, you can steam it gently with a handheld steamer held at a distance, being careful not to wet the bunny underneath.

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Repair

Keep a small amount of the original yarn (especially the skin color) in a labeled bag. This is invaluable if you ever need to repair a snag or a small hole in the future. The “Swiss Darning” technique is excellent for reinforcing worn areas on knitted toys.

We hope you enjoy the peaceful process of creating this Orchid Glasshouse Bunny. May it bring a touch of eternal spring to your home.