Knitting Tutorial: Lantana Color-Sprinkle Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Welcome to the vibrant and joyous world of the Lantana Color-Sprinkle Bunny. This project is a celebration of happiness, designed to capture the effervescent feeling of a garden party in full swing. This adorable rabbit character brings a pop of color to any room.

She is dressed in a playful ensemble inspired by the changing hues of lantana blooms and the fun of confetti sprinkles. To create this masterpiece, we recommend visiting a local yarn shop to feel the textures in person. You should look to buy merino wool yarn for the bunny base to ensure a soft, high-quality finish.

 

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 Inspiration

The Lantana Color-Sprinkle Bunny stands approximately 14 inches tall. She is designed with a classic, sturdy structure that allows her to be posed seated or standing with support. The body is knitted flat and seamed, a traditional method that allows for intricate shaping.

The outfit is the star of the show. It features a pastel skirt that mimics the gradient of a sunset or a scoop of sherbet, dotted with textured “sprinkles.” The cardigan is a creamy classic, elevated by intricate embroidery of lantana flower clusters.

Her accessories include a sweet bucket hat to shield her from the sun, strappy shoes, and a loyal Corgi puppy companion wearing a festive bow. This project is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to practice colorwork and embroidery.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Cream, Vanilla, or Off-White.
• Yarn B (Cardigan & Hat Base): 80g DK weight yarn in Buttercream or Pale Maize.
• Yarn C (Skirt Gradient 1): 30g DK weight yarn in Pastel Pink.
• Yarn D (Skirt Gradient 2): 30g DK weight yarn in Mint or Aqua.
• Yarn E (Skirt Gradient 3): 30g DK weight yarn in Lavender.
• Yarn F (Puppy): 30g DK weight yarn in Golden Brown or Camel.
• Embroidery Floss: Hot Pink, Orange, Yellow (for Lantana flowers), and various pastels for sprinkles.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and clothes.
• Detail Needles: US 2 (2.75mm) for the puppy and small details.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, 9mm safety eyes, stitch holders, small 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. Achieving a tight, firm fabric is essential for soft toys.

If your knitting is too loose, the white stuffing will show through the stitches, which can ruin the aesthetic. If you find your fabric is loose, switch to smaller needles.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

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

Part 1: Constructing the Bunny Body

The construction begins with the legs. We knit them separately to establish the feet and legs, then join them together to work the torso and head as one continuous piece. This reduces the number of seams at the neck, making the head more stable.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Cream) and US 3 needles, cast on 12 stitches. A long-tail cast-on is recommended here as it provides a neat, elastic edge that is easy to seam later.

• Row 1: Purl all stitches. This sets up the wrong side of the work.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You will have 24 stitches. This doubles the stitch count to begin forming the foot pad.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches. Keep your tension even.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. You now have 36 stitches.
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch, starting with a Purl row. This section creates the height of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (Knit 2 together) 6 times, Knit 12. You are decreasing 6 stitches in the center to form the top of the foot. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl all stitches.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): Knit 9, (Knit 2 together) 6 times, Knit 9. This further shapes the instep. (24 sts)
• Row 13: Purl all stitches.
• Row 14 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 8, (Knit 2 together) 4 times, Knit 8. You now have 20 stitches for the leg.
• Rows 15-42: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This long section forms the leg. Be consistent with your tension so both legs are the same length.

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Break the yarn for the first leg and place the stitches on a holder. Knit 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 them together.

Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches using the backward loop method (this forms 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 the legs are facing the same way (RS facing you).
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. This increases the width for the hips. (44 sts)
• 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 bunny’s tummy. When stuffing later, you will want to make this area nice and round.
• Row 69 (Decrease): *Knit 8, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to last 6 stitches, Knit 6. (42 sts)
• Row 70: Purl all stitches.
• Row 71 (Decrease): *Knit 5, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Rows 72-76: Work straight in stockinette stitch to elongate the chest.
• Row 77 (Decrease): *Knit 4, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts)
• Row 78: Purl all stitches.
• Row 79 (Decrease): *Knit 3, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts)
• Row 80: Purl all stitches. This row creates the neck definition.

We will now proceed directly to the head. It is vital to stuff the neck firmly during assembly to prevent the head from drooping.

• Row 81 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• 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)
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This section creates the face. It needs to be tall enough to accommodate the eyes and nose comfortably.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts)
• Row 108: Purl all stitches.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *Knit 6, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (42 sts)
• Row 110: Purl all stitches.
• Row 111 (Decrease): *Knit 5, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Row 112: Purl all stitches.
• Row 113 (Decrease): *Knit 4, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts)
• Row 114 (Decrease): *Knit 3, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts)
• Row 115 (Decrease): *Knit 2, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (18 sts)
• Row 116 (Decrease): *Knit 1, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (12 sts)
• Row 117: Knit 2 together across the row. (6 sts)

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 8 inches. Thread this tail onto a tapestry needle and run it through the remaining loops. Pull tight to close the top of the head and secure with a knot.

Arms (Make 2)

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

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

Cut the yarn and draw it through the remaining stitches. Sew the side seam using mattress stitch. Stuff the hand area firmly to give it shape, but stuff the upper arm lightly so it can hang naturally at the bunny’s side.

Ears (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Cream), cast on 14 stitches. The ears are knitted flat and folded at the base.

• Rows 1-42: Work in stockinette stitch. This length creates a lovely, floppy ear.
• Row 43 (Decrease): Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK), Knit 10, Knit 2 together. (12 sts)
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 8, Knit 2 together. (10 sts)
• Row 46: Purl all stitches.
• Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 6, Knit 2 together. (8 sts)
• Row 48: Purl all stitches.
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 4, Knit 2 together. (6 sts)
• Row 50: Purl all stitches.
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 2, Knit 2 together. (4 sts)
• Row 52: Knit 2 together twice. Fasten off.

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Part 2: The Sprinkle-Gradient Skirt

This skirt is a playful piece that uses a gradient of pastel colors. We will add the “sprinkle” texture using bobbles or embroidery.

Skirt Base

We will start with the hem color. Using Yarn E (Lavender), cast on 72 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a ruffled hem effect.
• Row 5: Purl.
• Row 6 (Texture Row): Knit 1, *Make Bobble, Knit 5*, repeat to end. (Or knit plain and embroider later).

  Note: To make a small bobble: Knit into front, back, front of stitch; turn, purl 3; turn, knit 3; pass 2nd and 3rd stitch over 1st.

• Rows 7-10: Work in stockinette stitch in Lavender.
• Row 11: Change to Yarn D (Mint/Aqua). Knit across.
• Rows 12-16: Work in stockinette stitch in Mint.
• Row 17 (Texture Row): Knit 3, *Make Bobble, Knit 5*, repeat to end. Staggering the bobbles creates a random sprinkle look.
• Rows 18-22: Work in stockinette stitch in Mint.
• Row 23: Change to Yarn C (Pink). Knit across.
• Rows 24-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Pink, adding bobbles randomly if desired.

Waist and Bodice

• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): Using Yarn C (Pink), *Knit 2, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (54 sts)
• Row 36: Purl all stitches.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, Knit 2 together*, repeat from * to * to the end. (45 sts)
• Row 38: Change to Yarn B (Buttercream) for the waistband/bodice connection. Purl across.
• Row 39 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4, Knit 21, cast off 4, Knit 8.
• Row 40: Purl 8, cast on 4, Purl 21, cast on 4, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 41-44: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 45: Knit across (Garter ridge).
• Row 46: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Leave the bodice open to allow for easy dressing and attach a small snap fastener.

Part 3: The Lantana Cardigan

This cardigan is a simple cream base that serves as a canvas for the vibrant lantana embroidery.

Back Panel

Using Yarn B (Buttercream), cast on 32 stitches.

• 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 the beginning of the next 2 rows. (26 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight in stockinette stitch.
• Row 35: Cast off all stitches.

Left Front

Cast on 16 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 stitches at the armhole edge.
• Rows 22-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 stitches at the neck edge.
• Row 30: Purl.
• Row 31: Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off remaining stitches.

Right Front

Work as for the Left Front, reversing the shaping for the armhole and neck.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 stitch at each end of Row 8 and Row 16. (24 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Lantana Embroidery Guide

The beauty of this cardigan lies in the embroidery. Lantana flowers are known for their clusters of tiny blooms that change color.

1. Placement: Focus the embroidery on the chest area of the cardigan and the shoulders of the sleeves.
2. Technique: Use French Knots. This creates the texture of the small berry-like flowers.
3. Color Gradient: To mimic a Lantana, work in small circular clusters.
   • Place bright Yellow knots in the center.
   • Surround the yellow with Orange knots.
   • Surround the orange with Hot Pink knots.
4. Leaves: Use Green embroidery floss to stitch small lazy-daisy leaves peeking out from behind the flower clusters.

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Part 4: The Sprinkle Bucket Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn B (Buttercream) and decorated with colorful “sprinkle” stitches.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a structured brim that stands out.
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch. This forms the main dome of the hat.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 4, Knit 2 together*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 3, Knit 2 together*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 2, Knit 2 together*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 1, Knit 2 together*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: Knit 2 together across the row.

Draw yarn through the remaining stitches and sew the back seam.

Decoration: Use scraps of Pink, Mint, and Blue yarn to embroider small straight stitches (sprinkles) or French knots (dots) all over the hat.

Part 5: Shoes

Using Yarn A (Cream) or Yarn B, cast on 12 stitches.

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

Sew the back heel seam. Use embroidery floss to create a small strap across the foot and add a “sprinkle” button (a French knot in a bright color).

Part 6: Party Accessories

The Corgi Puppy

Using Yarn F (Golden Brown) and White.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches in Brown. Increase to 20. Work 8 rows stockinette. Change to White for the belly. Work 4 rows. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head: Pick up 10 stitches in Brown. Work 5 rows. Decrease and draw through.
• Ears: Cast on 3 stitches. Knit 3 rows. Bind off. Sew to head (make them pointy!).
• Legs (Make 4): Cast on 4 stitches. Knit 4 rows. Cast off. Sew to body.
• Detail: Tie a small pastel ribbon around the puppy’s neck.

The Lollipop

Using Yarn C (Pink) and D (Mint).

• Cast on 30 stitches in Pink.
• Knit 2 rows.
• Change to Mint. Knit 2 rows.
• Cast off.
• Roll the strip into a tight spiral and stitch to secure.
• Insert a small stick (a toothpick with points removed or a stiff piece of yarn) into the base.

The Gift Box

Using Yarn C (Pink).

• Cube: Cast on 10 stitches. Knit a square (approx 14 rows). Bind off. Make 6 squares.
• Assembly: Sew squares together to form a cube. Before closing the last side, stuff with a firm piece of foam or fiberfill to keep the shape sharp.
• Ribbon: Use Yarn D (Mint) to embroider a cross and a bow on the top of the box.

The Shoulder Bag

Using Yarn A (Cream).

• Body: Cast on 14 stitches. Work in stockinette for 3 inches.
• Flap: Knit 4 rows in Garter Stitch. Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next 2 rows. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom up to create the pouch. Sew sides. Embroider colored sprinkles on the flap.
• Strap: Knit an I-cord approx 10 inches long. Attach to sides.

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The assembly process is where your bunny truly comes to life. Take your time with these steps to ensure a professional finish.

1. Body Assembly: Using the mattress stitch, sew the back seam of the legs and the center back of the body. Stuff the legs firmly to ensure the bunny can stand (if propped) or sit nicely. Leave the very top of the legs slightly softer to allow for bending at the hips. Stuff the body firmly.
2. Head Assembly: Sew the back seam of the head. Stuff the head into a round shape, ensuring the cheeks are plump and symmetrical. Ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly to support the head; you may want to insert a small roll of felt or extra stuffing into the neck column for stability.
3. Face:
   • Eyes: Insert the safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spacing them about 9 stitches apart. If the head is already closed, you can use black embroidery thread to satin stitch the eyes.
   • Nose: Using dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a “Y” shape in the center of the face. Satin stitch a small triangle at the top of the “Y” for the nose to give it dimension.
4. Limbs: Sew the ears to the sides of the head, curving them slightly forward to frame the face. Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck seam.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Because this is a handmade item, likely containing wool, it requires specific care to last for generations.

• Dusting: Regularly dust the bunny with a soft brush or a lint roller to prevent dirt buildup on the textured knits.
• Washing: Never machine wash this bunny if you used wool. Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild wool detergent. If a full wash is absolutely necessary, submerge gently in cool water with wool wash, press out excess water (do not wring), and reshape on a towel to dry.
• Storage: Store out of direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading. If storing for a long period, place in a breathable cotton bag with a lavender sachet to repel moths.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Have all loose ends been woven in securely?
• Are the safety eyes secured properly (if used)?
• Is the stuffing distributed evenly, without lumps?
• Is the neck sturdy enough? (If not, you may need to open a seam and add more stuffing).
• Are all accessories (like the lollipop stick) safe if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Lantana Color-Sprinkle Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of color, joy, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a shelf or is given as a gift, it is sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it.