Knitting Tutorial: Borage Star-Sprinkle Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Welcome to the enchanting world of the Borage Star-Sprinkle Bunny. This delightful knitting project captures the whimsical essence of a magical garden party, where the star-shaped blue borage flowers bloom and sweet treats are served under the shade of ancient trees. This character is designed to be a joyous companion, bringing a splash of celestial blue and garden green into your home.

Our bunny is dressed in a meticulously crafted outfit that reflects the starry nature of the borage flower. She wears a sage green dress scattered with white stars, mimicking the night sky or a field of wildflowers. Over this, she dons a cozy cornflower blue cardigan with delicate eyelet details. Her look is completed with a matching bucket hat, star-patterned shoes, and a collection of party accessories including cupcakes and a very unique pufferfish friend. To create this heirloom piece, we recommend visiting your local yarn shop to select the softest fibers. You should look to buy merino wool yarn for the bunny’s body to ensure a high-quality, huggable finish.

For the intricate clothing and the miniature sweets, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a fine wool blend. These materials provide the necessary stitch definition to make the star colorwork and the tiny cupcake frosting details pop. Before you begin, take a moment to organize your knitting supplies. Ensure you have a set of reliable bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for the fine assembly work, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to start this magical journey, check your knitting bag and let us 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 Inspiration

The Borage Star-Sprinkle Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall from her shoes to the tips of her ears. The construction is designed to be accessible yet rewarding, with the body and head knitted flat in pieces and seamed. This traditional method allows for careful shaping of the curves.

The wardrobe is a celebration of pattern and color. The dress features a stranded colorwork skirt with a “Star-Sprinkle” motif, representing the borage flower’s starry shape. The cardigan is a classic piece with raglan shaping and a textured border. The accessories are particularly whimsical, featuring a pufferfish (blowfish) wearing a cupcake hat, which adds a surreal, fairytale element to the set.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Warm Sand.
• Yarn B (Cardigan, Hat, Shoes): 80g DK weight yarn in Cornflower Blue or Medium Blue.
• Yarn C (Dress Skirt): 40g DK weight yarn in Sage Green or Mint.
• Yarn D (Stars & Lace): 30g DK weight yarn in White.
• Yarn E (Pufferfish): 30g DK weight yarn in Gold, Mustard, or Light Brown.
• Yarn F (Cupcakes): Scraps of Pink, Brown, and Cream.
• Yarn G (Bag): 20g DK weight yarn in Beige or Tan.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories like the fish and cupcakes.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes, embroidery floss (black, blue, green), stitch holders, small buttons, scrap fabric for the napkin.

Gauge and Tension

The target gauge for this project is 24 stitches and 30 rows equal to 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Maintaining a firm gauge is essential for the stuffed components.

If your knitting is too loose, the white stuffing will show through the stitches, which can detract from the magical appearance. If you are a loose knitter, we strongly suggest sizing down your needles to achieve a tighter fabric.

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.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the Right Side, Purl on the Wrong Side.

Part 1: Constructing the 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 (Oatmeal) 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. This sets up the wrong side.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You will now have 24 stitches. This rapid increase creates the base of the foot pad.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches. Keep your tension even to avoid gaps.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (36 sts). This widens the foot to create a cute, chubby paw.
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row. This smooth section forms the height of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 12. This creates the instep of the foot, curving the fabric to form the toe area. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl all stitches.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): Knit 9, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 9. (24 sts). The foot is now taking its final shape.
• Row 13: Purl all stitches.
• Row 14 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts). This tightens the ankle to define the leg.
• 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.

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Break the yarn for the first leg and place the stitches on a stitch holder or a spare piece of yarn. 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 together.

Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (this forms the crotch space), 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 both legs are facing the same way (Right Side facing you).
• Row 44: Purl all stitches. Treat the new cast-on stitches carefully so they don’t stretch.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. (44 sts). This increase helps shape the bunny’s bottom.
• 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). We are now beginning to shape the chest.
• 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 to elongate the upper body slightly.
• 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). The head begins to widen immediately.
• 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). This gives the bunny lovely chubby cheeks.
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give the bunny its classic round face and room for eye placement.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts). We begin closing the top of the head.
• 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 (Oatmeal), 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. This forms the length of the arm.
• Row 27: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to the end. (15 sts). Shaping the shoulder.
• 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 to allow movement.

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). Tapering the tip.
• 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 Star-Sprinkle Garden Dress

This dress is the centerpiece of the outfit. It features a sage green skirt adorned with white stars and a white lace hem.

Skirt with Lace Hem

Using Yarn D (White), cast on 72 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the hem edge.
• Row 5 (Picot Row): *Knit 2tog, YO*, repeat to end. This creates a picot edge when folded or simply a lace eyelet line.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Rows 7-8: Work in stockinette stitch in White.

Star Colorwork Band

Change to Yarn C (Sage Green). We will now work the star motif using the Fair Isle technique (stranding the yarn behind the work).

• Rows 9-12: Work in stockinette stitch in Sage Green.
• Row 13 (Star Pattern Row 1): *Knit 3 Green, Knit 1 White, Knit 2 Green*, repeat to end.
• Row 14 (Star Pattern Row 2): *Purl 2 Green, Purl 3 White, Purl 1 Green*, repeat to end.
• Row 15 (Star Pattern Row 3): *Knit 3 Green, Knit 1 White, Knit 2 Green*, repeat to end.
• Rows 16-20: Work in stockinette stitch in Green.
• Row 21 (Offset Star Row 1): *Knit 1 Green, Knit 1 White, Knit 4 Green*, repeat to end.
• Row 22 (Offset Star Row 2): *Purl 3 Green, Purl 3 White, Purl 0 Green* (Adjust stitch count to center the star).
• Row 23 (Offset Star Row 3): *Knit 1 Green, Knit 1 White, Knit 4 Green*, repeat.
• Rows 24-34: Continue in stockinette stitch in Green. You can add more stars if desired.

Waist and Bodice

We will now decrease for the waist to create a gathered look.

• 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)

Upper Bodice:

• Row 38 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 21, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 39: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 21, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 40-48: Work in stockinette stitch. You can add a row of small white dots (purl bumps) for texture here.
• Row 49: Knit across (Garter ridge).
• Row 50: Cast off loosely.

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

Part 3: The Blue Eyelet Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn B (Cornflower Blue) and features delicate eyelet details on the sleeves.

Back Panel

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 18 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.

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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 5-18: Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 stitch at each end of Row 8. (22 sts)
• Row 19 (Eyelet Row): *Knit 2, YO, K2tog*, repeat to end. This adds a delicate decorative touch.
• Rows 20-22: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 23: Cast off.

Brooch: Knit or crochet a small blue flower cluster and sew it to the left lapel of the cardigan.

Part 4: The Starry Bucket Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn B (Blue) with white star motifs.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a stiff brim.
• Row 7 (Band): Purl one row to create a turning ridge (optional) or continue in stockinette.
• Rows 8-18: Work in stockinette stitch. Include a row of white stars (knit 1 white stitch every 4th stitch for 2 rows) to match the dress.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam.

Part 5: Starry Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn B (Blue) and Yarn D (White) for details.

• Sole: Cast on 10 stitches in Blue. 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. Use yellow or white yarn to embroider a star or flower on the toe.

Part 6: Party Accessories

The Pufferfish Companion

This whimsical friend brings a touch of fantasy. Using Yarn E (Gold/Mustard).

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 30 quickly (K1, Inc in next, etc.). Work 10 rows.
• Texture: To create the “pines” or texture, use a Seed Stitch (*K1, P1*) or a small bobble every 4th stitch.
• Shape: Decrease rapidly to 10 stitches. Draw through. Stuff firmly to make a round ball.
• Fins: Knit tiny triangles and sew to the sides.
• Face: Embroider eyes and a small mouth.
• Cupcake Hat: Knit a tiny cupcake (Brown base, Blue icing) and sew it onto the fish’s head.

The Cupcakes

Using Scraps.

• Base: Cast on 15 stitches in Brown. Knit 2 rows. Work 4 rows in K1, P1 rib (for the wrapper ridges).
• Icing: Change to Pink or Cream. Knit 2 rows. Decrease (K2tog across). Draw through. Stuff lightly. Sew a red bead or French knot on top for a cherry.

The Structured Bag

Using Yarn G (Beige) and Blue.

• Body: Cast on 15 stitches. Work in stockinette for 3 inches.
• Stripe: Work 2 rows in Blue in the middle of the piece.
• Assembly: Fold the piece in half. Sew side seams. This creates a tote shape.
• Handles: Knit two I-cords and attach to the top rim.

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Polka Dot Napkin

Using White fabric or knitting.

• If knitting: Cast on 20 stitches in White. Work in stockinette. Every 4th row, purl a stitch in Blue on the RS to create a “dot”. Cast off.

Borage Bouquet

• Make small blue star-shaped flowers. Cast on 5 sts. Bind off. (Makes a tiny star).
• Attach to green yarn stems.
• Tie together with a piece of yarn.

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 tiny spoon) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Borage Star-Sprinkle Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the magic of gardens, the joy of parties, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a shelf or is given as a gift, it is sure to bring a sparkle of happiness to its new home.