Knitting Tutorial: Morning Glory Porch-Breeze Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the serene and breezy world of the Morning Glory Porch-Breeze Bunny. This delightful project captures the essence of a slow, lazy summer morning spent on a country porch, surrounded by climbing vines and the soft rustle of leaves. This charming rabbit character is a vision of rustic elegance, dressed for a day of relaxation and gardening.

She wears a unique ensemble featuring a denim-blue and cream color-block cardigan that mimics a vintage jacket, paired with a beautiful linen-colored dress adorned with a lace hem and trailing morning glory vines. To protect her from the midday sun, she dons a structured bucket hat with floral embroidery. She is accompanied by a collection of porch treasures: a “windowpane” tote bag, a grey watering can, a tiny hedgehog friend with a flower crown, and a delicate lace curtain swatch. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for those who appreciate the quiet beauty of nature.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the high-quality, durable finish seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the best materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn in a warm beige or tan shade for the bunny’s skin to create a classic, vintage texture that is soft to the touch. For the detailed clothing, such as the color-block cardigan and the structured hat, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is sharp and the embroidery sits perfectly on the fabric. Before you begin, take a moment to check your knitting supplies; ensure you have a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for assembly, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to bring this porch scene to life, check your knitting bag for stitch markers and let’s cast on.

 

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 Philosophy

The Morning Glory Porch-Breeze Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be robust yet elegant, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed to allow for precise shaping of the curves. This method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time and can sit comfortably on a shelf or garden bench.

The wardrobe is the highlight of this piece. The dress features a complex asymmetrical look with a lace hem, decorated with surface embroidery to create the vines. The cardigan utilizes color blocking to create a “varsity” or vintage jacket appeal. The accessories are intricate and plentiful, including a structured bag, a watering can, a hedgehog, and a lace panel.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Tan, Biscuit, or Warm Beige.
• Yarn B (Cardigan Blue): 50g DK weight yarn in Denim Blue or Slate Blue.
• Yarn C (Dress, Hat, Cardigan Fronts): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Unbleached Linen color.
• Yarn D (Vines & Leaves): 20g DK weight yarn in Leaf Green.
• Yarn E (Flowers): Scraps of Sky Blue and White.
• Yarn F (Shoes & Hedgehog): 30g DK weight yarn in Light Brown or Mocha.
• Yarn G (Watering Can): Small amount of Grey.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown, blue, white), stitch holders, small buttons.

Gauge and Tension

The target gauge is 24 stitches and 30 rows equal to 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A firm gauge is essential for the stuffed components. If your fabric is too loose, the stuffing will show through, detracting from the professional finish. If you are a loose knitter, consider sizing down your needles.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase (Knit into the front and back of the stitch – KFB).
• Dec: Decrease (Knit 2 together – K2tog).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• Loop Stitch: Knit into stitch, keep on needle, wrap yarn around thumb, knit into stitch again, pass 1st st over 2nd.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the Right Side, Purl on the Wrong Side.

Part 1: Constructing the Tan Bunny Body

We begin the construction by knitting the legs individually. This provides a solid foundation for the doll to stand or sit. We will then join them to form the torso and continue seamlessly into the head.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Tan) and US 3 needles, cast on 12 stitches. Leave a long tail for seaming later. This tail will be used to sew up the foot and the back of the leg.

• Row 1: Purl all stitches across the row.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You will now have 24 stitches.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (36 sts)
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row. This smooth section forms the base of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 12. This creates the instep of the foot, giving it a realistic shape. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl all stitches.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): Knit 9, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 9. (24 sts)
• Row 13: Purl all stitches.
• Row 14 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts)
• Rows 15-42: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This long section forms the leg. Ensure your tension remains even here so both legs are identical in length.

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 this working yarn to join the two pieces.

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Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (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.
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. (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 tummy area. Stuffing this area firmly later is key to a good shape.
• Row 69 (Decrease): *Knit 8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 stitches, Knit 6. (42 sts)
• Row 70: Purl all stitches.
• Row 71 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Rows 72-76: Work straight in stockinette stitch.
• Row 77 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts)
• Row 78: Purl all stitches.
• Row 79 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts)
• Row 80: Purl all stitches. This row marks the neck.

We will now transition directly into the head. It is important to stuff the neck very firmly during assembly to prevent the head from wobbling.

• 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 height is necessary to give the bunny its classic round face.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts)
• Row 108: Purl all stitches.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (42 sts)
• Row 110: Purl all stitches.
• Row 111 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Row 112: Purl all stitches.
• Row 113 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts)
• Row 114 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts)
• Row 115 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (18 sts)
• Row 116 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (12 sts)
• Row 117: K2tog across the row. (6 sts)

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining loops using a tapestry needle, pull tight to close the top of the head, and secure with a knot.

Arms (Make 2)

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

• Row 1: Purl all stitches.
• Row 2 (Increase): Increase in every stitch. (20 sts)
• Rows 3-26: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 27: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to the end. (15 sts)
• Row 28: Purl all stitches.
• Row 29: K2tog across to the last stitch, Knit 1. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, and sew the side seam. Stuff the hand area firmly and the upper arm lightly.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy, adding to the bunny’s gentle character. Using Yarn A, cast on 14 stitches.

• Rows 1-42: Work in stockinette stitch. You can make these longer or shorter depending on your preference.
• Row 43 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 10, K2tog. (12 sts)
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 8, K2tog. (10 sts)
• Row 46: Purl all stitches.
• Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 6, K2tog. (8 sts)
• Row 48: Purl all stitches.
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 4, K2tog. (6 sts)
• Row 50: Purl all stitches.
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 2, K2tog. (4 sts)
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

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Part 2: The Morning Glory Dress

This dress is designed to look like a rustic linen dress with an embroidered garden scene. It features a unique lace hem and an asymmetrical embroidery design.

Skirt with Lace Hem

Using Yarn C (Cream/Linen), cast on 72 stitches.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch) to create a non-rolling edge.
• Row 3 (Lace Pattern): *Knit 1, YO, Knit 2, SSK, Knit 2tog, Knit 2, YO, Knit 1*, repeat to the end. This creates a scalloped, leafy lace edge.
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.
• Rows 5-8: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 twice more.
• Rows 9-34: Work in stockinette stitch. This large, smooth area is the canvas for your Morning Glory embroidery.

Waist Shaping:

• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (54 sts)
• Row 36: Purl all stitches.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (45 sts)

Bodice

• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 21, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 44: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 21, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 45-48: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 49: Knit across (Garter ridge).
• Row 50: Cast off loosely.

The Morning Glory Embroidery

This step is done after the dress is knitted but before seaming.

1. Vines: Using Yarn D (Green), stitch a trailing vine using the stem stitch. Start from the waist on the left side and curve it down towards the right hem, creating a natural, organic flow.
2. Leaves: Stitch small teardrop shapes or use lazy daisy stitches in Green along the vine.
3. Flowers: Using Yarn B (Blue) and Yarn C (White/Cream), embroider the Morning Glory flowers. Use a satin stitch to create a trumpet shape (wider at the top, narrow at the vine). Add a small white center to each blue flower for depth.

Part 3: The Color-Block Cardigan

This cardigan has a unique “varsity” or vintage construction, with a blue body and cream front panels.

Back Panel

Using Yarn B (Denim Blue), 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 (Cream)

Using Yarn C (Cream), 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 (right side of work).
• Rows 22-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 stitches at the neck edge (left side).
• Row 30: Purl.
• Row 31: Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off remaining stitches.

Right Front (Cream)

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

Sleeves (Blue)

Using Yarn B (Denim Blue), 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.

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Cardigan Decoration

Once assembled, embroider a large Morning Glory flower on the left cream panel using the same technique as the dress. Add smaller buds on the right panel.

Part 4: The Bucket Hat

This hat is knitted in Cream with a Blue band and floral decoration.

• Brim: Using Yarn C (Cream), cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a stiff brim.
• Row 7 (Band): Change to Yarn B (Blue). Knit 2 rows.
• Row 9: Change back to Yarn C (Cream). Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 10 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 11: Purl.
• Row 12 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 13: Purl.
• Row 14 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 15: Purl.
• Row 16 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 17: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches and sew the back seam. Embroider a white and blue flower on the blue band.

Part 5: Crisscross Shoes

Using Yarn F (Brown), cast on 12 stitches.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 30 stitches around three sides of the sole.
• 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. Crochet or knit two thin straps. Sew them in a crisscross pattern over the instep.

Part 6: Porch Accessories

Windowpane Bag

Using Yarn F (Brown) and Yarn E (Blue/White).

• Body: Cast on 12 stitches in Brown. Work in stockinette for 3 inches.
• Flap: Change to Yarn C (Cream). Knit a square. Embroider a blue grid (“windowpane”) on the flap.
• Assembly: Fold the body up, sew sides. Sew the flap to the top. Add a strap.

The Watering Can

Using Yarn G (Grey).

• Body: Cast on 15 stitches. Work in stockinette for 1.5 inches. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff firmly. Sew bottom seam.
• Spout: Cast on 6 stitches. Knit 1 inch. Cast off. Sew to the side.
• Handle: Knit an I-cord arc and sew to the top and back.

The Hedgehog

Using Yarn F (Brown).

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Work 4 rows stockinette.
• Spines: *Knit 1, Loop Stitch*, repeat across the row. Next row Knit. Repeat for 1 inch.
• Head: Change to stockinette (smooth). Decrease to 10 stitches. Draw through. Stuff.
• Flower Crown: Embroider tiny pink/blue dots around the head.

Lace Curtain Swatch

Using Yarn C (Cream/White).

• Cast on 20 stitches.
• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: *K2tog, YO*, repeat to end (Eyelet row).
• Row 3: Knit.
• Rows 4-10: Work in Stockinette.
• Repeat lace rows. Cast off. This can be draped over the arm or placed in the scene.

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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 securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Morning Glory Porch-Breeze Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of lazy summer days, gardening, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a shelf or is given as a gift, it is sure to bring a breath of fresh air to its new home.