Daisy Meadow Carousel Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to a whimsical project that captures the nostalgic joy of a spring fairground. The Daisy Meadow Carousel Bunny is a delightful heirloom character, dressed in a sky-blue frock and a sunshine-yellow cardigan, ready for a day at the carnival. When you prepare to buy knitting yarn for this project, we recommend seeking out soft, high-quality merino wool or cotton blends to ensure the intricate colorwork and delicate embroidery stand out beautifully against the fabric.

This comprehensive guide is designed to transport you to a sunny meadow, creating a scene complete with a carousel-themed satchel, a tiny prize chick, and even a miniature stick of cotton candy. As you gather your materials and perhaps look for the best knitting needles online to suit this fine gauge work, remember that this project is a labor of love. Every stitch, from the cables on the cardigan to the petals on the beret, adds to the story of this charming rabbit.

 

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

The Daisy Meadow Carousel Bunny is an intermediate-level knitting project that focuses on garment construction, texture, and embroidery. The bunny stands approximately 11 to 12 inches tall. The body is knitted flat and seamed, which allows for structural stability and easier stuffing. The wardrobe is removable, offering playability and the opportunity to practice various techniques like cabling and duplicate stitch.

Yarn Requirements

To achieve the soft, matte finish seen in the photos, a DK (Double Knitting) or Light Worsted weight yarn is ideal.

• Bunny Body (Cream/Off-White): Approximately 100g. Choose a yarn with a tight twist to prevent splitting when sewing up.
• Dress & Hat (Sky Blue): 60g. A cheerful, bright blue is essential for the meadow theme.
• Cardigan (Pale Yellow/Buttercup): 40g. This provides a warm contrast to the cool blue.
• Bag & Horse (Medium Brown & White): Small amounts for the satchel and the carousel horse motif.
• Embroidery Accents (White, Green, Yellow): Scraps for the daisies, leaves, and hem details.
• Props (Pink/Blue/Beige): Scraps for the cotton candy and ticket.

Tools and Notions

• Knitting Needles: A pair of US 2.5 (3.00mm) straight needles. Using a size smaller than recommended for the yarn ensures the stuffing doesn’t show through.
• Cable Needle: Essential for the twists on the yellow cardigan.
• Tapestry Needle: A blunt needle for seaming and weaving in ends.
• Embroidery Needle: A sharp needle (Chenille size 24) for the surface decoration.
• Stuffing: High-quality polyester fiberfill.
• Safety Eyes: Two 9mm black safety eyes.
• Cardboard: Small pieces to stiffen the soles of the shoes and the base of the bag.
• Cocktail Stick/Toothpick: For the cotton candy handle (remove if giving to a small child).

Part 1: The Bunny Construction

We begin by constructing the bunny from the feet up. This method creates a seamless transition from legs to body, ensuring the doll is sturdy and can stand with support.

Legs (Make 2)

Start with the Cream yarn. We will shape the foot first.

1. Cast On: Cast on 11 stitches. Leave a long tail for sewing the sole.
2. Row 1: Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back (kfb) of the first stitch, Knit 9, kfb in the last stitch. (13 sts).
4. Row 3: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 4: Kfb, Knit 11, Kfb. (15 sts).
6. Row 5: Purl all stitches.
7. Rows 6-8: Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit 1 row, Purl 1 row).
8. Row 9 (Shape Toe): Knit 5, Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass slipped stitch over (skpo), Knit 1, Knit 2 together (k2tog), Knit 5. (13 sts).
9. Row 10: Purl all stitches.
10. Row 11 (Shape Ankle): Knit 5, Center Double Decrease (slip 2 together knitwise, k1, pass slipped stitches over), Knit 5. (11 sts).
11. Row 12: Purl all stitches. The foot is now shaped.
12. Rows 13-35: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch for 23 rows to create the leg.
13. First Leg: Cut yarn and place stitches on a holder.
14. Second Leg: Repeat the process but do not cut the yarn.

Joining the Body

Now we join the two legs to form the torso.

1. Row 36 (Join): Knit across the 11 stitches of the second leg. Cast on 3 stitches (using the backward loop method). Knit across the 11 stitches of the first leg from the holder. (25 sts).
2. Row 37: Purl all stitches, ensuring the cast-on stitches are purled tightly.
3. Rows 38-52: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch to form the tummy.
4. Row 53 (Hip Shaping): Knit 5, kfb, Knit 13, kfb, Knit 5. (27 sts).
5. Row 54: Purl all stitches.
6. Rows 55-65: Work straight. Stuff the legs firmly now.
7. Row 66 (Waist Decrease): Knit 6, k2tog, Knit 11, skpo, Knit 6. (25 sts).
8. Row 67: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 68: Knit 5, k2tog, Knit 11, skpo, Knit 5. (23 sts).
10. Row 69: Purl all stitches.
11. Row 70 (Shoulder Shaping): Knit 4, k2tog, Knit 11, skpo, Knit 4. (21 sts).
12. Row 71: Purl all stitches.
13. Row 72: Knit 3, k2tog, Knit 11, skpo, Knit 3. (19 sts).
14. Row 73: Purl all stitches. Do not cast off.

📌Thank you for reading the article

The Head

The head is knitted directly onto the body. We increase rapidly to create chubby cheeks.

1. Row 74 (Neck Increase): Kfb in every stitch across the row. (38 sts).
2. Row 75: Purl all stitches.
3. Row 76 (Cheek Increase): *Knit 2, kfb* repeat to last 2 stitches, Knit 2. (50 sts).
4. Rows 77-96: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch for 20 rows.
5. Row 97 (Crown Decrease): *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat to end.
6. Row 98: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 99: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat to end.
8. Row 100: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 101: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat to end.
10. Row 102: k2tog across all stitches.
11. Finish: Cut yarn, thread through remaining loops, and pull tight.

Arms (Make 2)

• Cast on 10 stitches using Cream yarn.
• Work 24 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
• Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next row. (8 sts).
• Purl one row.
• Cast off. Sew side seams and stuff lightly.

The Long Lop Ears (Make 2)

• Cast on 12 stitches.
• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
• Row 5: Knit 2, Purl 8, Knit 2.
• Row 6: Knit all stitches.
• Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until ear measures 6 inches.
• Decrease: k2tog at beginning of every Knit row until 2 stitches remain. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Daisy Meadow Dress

This dress captures the essence of a spring meadow. It features a full skirt with embroidered daisies and a decorative hem.

The Skirt

Using Sky Blue yarn, cast on 50 stitches.

1. Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a non-rolling hem.
2. Rows 5-25: Work in Stockinette Stitch. This is the canvas for your daisies.
3. Decoration (Hem): Before continuing, it is easier to embroider now. Use Yellow yarn to stitch a line of cross-stitches or a decorative chain stitch just above the garter hem. Above this line, embroider small daisies using White for petals (lazy daisy stitch) and Yellow for centers (French knots). Space them evenly.
4. Waist Decrease: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across. (40 sts).
5. Purl one row.
6. *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat across. (30 sts).
7. Purl one row.

The Bodice

• Work 6 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
• Armhole Shaping: Cast off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (24 sts).
• Work 4 rows straight.
• Neckline: Knit 6, cast off center 12 stitches, Knit 6.
• Work 2 rows on each shoulder strap and cast off.
• Sew the back seam, leaving the top inch open for dressing. Add a button or snap.

Part 3: The Sunshine Cable Cardigan

This cardigan adds texture and warmth. The cables mimic the twisted poles of a carousel.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Back Panel

• Using Pale Yellow, cast on 24 stitches.
• Work 4 rows K1, P1 ribbing.
• Work 16 rows Stockinette Stitch.
• Cast off 3 stitches at each end for armholes.
• Work 12 rows. Cast off.

Left Front

• Cast on 14 stitches.
• Work 4 rows ribbing.
• Pattern Row 1 (RS): Knit 2, Purl 1, Cable 4 Front (slip 2 to cable needle, hold in front, k2, k2 from CN), Purl 1, Knit 2.
• Row 2: Purl 2, Knit 1, Purl 4, Knit 1, Purl 2.
• Row 3: Knit 2, Purl 1, Knit 4, Purl 1, Knit 2.
• Row 4: Same as Row 2.
• Repeat these 4 rows. The cable twist happens every 4th row.
• Work until piece measures same as Back to armhole.
• Cast off 3 stitches at armhole edge.
• Work up to shoulder. Cast off.
• Embroidery: Embroider a small daisy wreath on the chest using White and Green yarn.

Right Front

Mirror the Left Front instructions.

Sleeves

• Cast on 16 stitches.
• Work 4 rows ribbing.
• Work 14 rows Stockinette Stitch. Increase 1 stitch at each end of the last row.
• Cast off.

Part 4: The Daisy Beret

A slouchy blue hat with a statement flower.

1. Using Sky Blue, cast on 44 stitches.
2. Work 6 rows K1, P1 Ribbing.
3. Increase Row: *Knit 1, kfb* repeat to end. (66 sts).
4. Work 12 rows Stockinette Stitch.
5. Decrease: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around. Purl row. *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around. Purl row. Continue decreasing until 8 stitches remain. Draw yarn through.
6. The Giant Daisy:

   Petals (Make 8): Cast on 3 sts in White. Knit 1 row. Increase to 5 sts. Knit 4 rows. Decrease to 3 sts. Decrease to 1 st. Fasten off.

   Center: Knit a small yellow bobble or circle.

   Sew petals to the center and attach the flower to the side of the hat.

Part 5: Carousel Accessories

These props tell the story of the fairground.

The Carousel Horse Bag

• Bag Body: Using Brown yarn, cast on 16 stitches. Work in Stockinette for 4 inches. Cast off. Fold the bottom up to form a pocket and sew sides. Add a flap.
• The Horse Appliqué: This is detailed work.

  Body: With White yarn, cast on 5 sts. Knit 4 rows. Cast off.

  Head: Cast on 3 sts. Knit 2 rows. Cast off.

  Legs: Embroider thick white lines.

  Sew the white patches onto the bag flap. Use Brown yarn to embroider the mane and tail. Use Blue yarn to embroider a saddle. Use Yellow yarn to stitch a vertical pole going “through” the horse.

• Strap: Knit an I-cord approx 8 inches long.

📌Thank you for reading the article

The Blue Shoes

• Using Sky Blue, cast on 14 stitches.
• Work 4 rows Garter Stitch (sole).
• Pick up 30 stitches around sole. Work 3 rows Stockinette.
• Toe Shaping: K10, k2tog 5 times, K10.
• Strap: Cast off all but last 2 sts. Knit strap.
• Embroidery: Stitch a tiny white daisy on the toe.

The Ticket

• Using Beige/Tan yarn, cast on 8 stitches.
• Knit 4 rows. Cast off.
• Use Black thread to embroider “TICKET” or “ADMIT ONE”.

Cotton Candy

• Take a small wisp of Blue wool roving or mohair yarn.
• Wrap it into a fluffy ball.
• Glue it to the end of a toothpick or small wooden skewer (cut off the sharp point).

The Tiny Chick

• Using Yellow yarn, cast on 4 stitches. Increase to 8. Knit 4 rows. Decrease to 4. Draw tight. Stuff with a scrap of yarn.
• Embroider black eyes and an orange beak.

 

---

 

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The assembly brings the character to life.

Seaming and Stuffing

Use the mattress stitch for all vertical seams.

Stuffing Strategy: Stuff the feet firmly to create a flat base. Stuff the legs moderately. Stuff the torso firmly. Stuff the neck extremely firmly to support the head.

Face Sculpting

Sew the back of the head seam. Stuff the head into a firm sphere.

Eye Indentation: Thread a long needle with Cream yarn. Insert at the base of the neck, come out at the left eye position, go back in one stitch over, pass through the stuffing to the right eye position, go out and back in one stitch over, and return to the neck. Pull tight to create sockets. Knot securely.

Attaching Features

• Eyes: Insert safety eyes into the sockets.
• Nose: Use brown embroidery thread. Satin stitch a “Y” shape.
• Ears: Sew the ears to the sides of the head, curving them forward slightly.

Dressing

1. Dress: Slip the dress on. Button the back.

2. Cardigan: Put the cardigan on.

3. Shoes: Put the shoes on the feet.

4. Hat: Place the beret on the head at a jaunty angle.

5. Bag: Hang the carousel bag over the shoulder.

Care Notes

This heirloom toy requires gentle handling.

• Cleaning: Spot clean only with a damp cloth. Do not submerge, especially due to the cardboard in the shoes/bag and the wire/wood props.
• Lint: Use a piece of tape to lift dust from the blue dress.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

1. Ends: Are all yarn ends woven in?
2. Stability: Is the head secure? Add more stuffing to the neck if it wobbles.
3. Safety: Remove the cotton candy stick and safety eyes if giving to a child under 3.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To keep the Daisy Meadow Carousel Bunny fresh:

• Dust: Use a soft paintbrush to dust the embroidered flowers.
• Storage: Store in a cotton bag with lavender to repel moths. Avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture.
• Sunlight: Keep out of direct sun to prevent the blue and yellow yarns from fading.

We hope you enjoy creating the Daisy Meadow Carousel Bunny. May it bring the joy of a spring fair to your home.