The Strawberry Patch Hedgehog Bunny: A Masterclass in Knitting

Welcome to a delightful and detailed crafting experience. Bringing this summer-inspired woodland character to life is a rewarding journey. To achieve the luxurious, heirloom finish seen in our photographs, we recommend using premium Double Knitting (DK) merino wool.

The design philosophy draws romantic inspiration from sun-drenched afternoons in a lush garden. Standing fifteen inches tall, this bunny features a neutral sandy beige body contrasted with a vibrant berry-toned wardrobe.

Comprehensive Materials and Yarn Checklist

Ensuring you have the exact colors and weights will yield the best visual results. Mixing yarn weights can distort the proportions of the doll and its fitted clothing.

Yarn Requirements (Double Knit)

Yarn A (Body): 100g Sandy Beige or Pale Camel.
Yarn B (Dress): 80g Coral Pink or Rose.
Yarn C (Cardigan/Hat): 60g Pure Snow White.
Yarn D (Shoes/Leaves): 30g Moss Green.
Yarn E (Strawberries/Jam): 30g Bright Cherry Red.
Yarn F/G (Hedgehog): 20g Warm Brown and 20g textured faux-fur yarn.

Needles and Notions

Main Needles: US size 3 (3.25mm) straight needles.
Detail Needles: US size 2 (2.75mm) for small props and the miniature hedgehog.
Safety Eyes: Two 9mm solid black safety eyes with locking washers.
Stuffing: High-loft premium polyester fiberfill.

Mastering Gauge and Fabric Tension

In toy making, your gauge is critical for fabric opacity. You must ensure that the stuffing is never visible through the stitches.

Target Gauge: 24 stitches and 30 rows over a 4-inch square in stockinette stitch.
The Golden Rule: If you see white fluff peeking through, your tension is too loose. Switch to a smaller needle (3.0mm or 2.75mm) immediately.

Part 1: Constructing the Sandy Beige Bunny Foundation

The construction begins at the feet, working upward. This creates a stable base that allows the character to stand with minimal support.

The Paw and Leg

Using Yarn A and US Size 3 needles, cast on 12 stitches.

Row 2 (RS): Increase (KFB) into every stitch (24 sts).
Row 4: K1, KFB, repeat to end (36 sts).
Rows 5-9: Work 5 rows of stockinette stitch.
Row 10 (Instep): K12, K2tog (6 times), K12 (30 sts). This creates the curve of the foot.
Row 12 (Ankle): K9, K2tog (6 times), K9 (24 sts).
Row 14: K8, K2tog (4 times), K8 (20 sts).
Rows 15-42: Work straight in stockinette.

Repeat for the second leg, but do not cut the yarn on the second leg.

Part 2: Joining the Torso and Shaping the Belly

With both legs on the needle, we connect them to form the body. A tight join here prevents stuffing leaks.

The Bridge: Cast on 2 new stitches (backward loop) onto the right needle, then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg (42 total sts).
The Tummy: Work rows of stockinette, increasing at the hip edges until you reach 46 stitches.
Chest Taper: Starting at row 69, begin decreasing at regular intervals until you reach the neck (24 sts).

Part 3: Sculpting the Head and the Chubby Cheeks

The head is knitted continuously from the neck. We use rapid increases to create the signature wide face and «pinchable» cheeks.

Increases: At the neck line, work (K1, KFB) to jump to 36 stitches, then (K2, KFB) to reach 48.
The Crown: After working the forehead straight for 20 rows, begin decreasing to round the top of the head.
Closing: Thread the yarn tail through the final 8 stitches and pull tight like a drawstring.

Part 4: The Long Floppy Ears and Slender Arms

The Ears (Make Two)

The ears are worked flat and remain unstuffed for a natural drape.

Cast on 14 stitches.
Work straight for 42 rows.
Tapering the Tip: Use SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit) and K2tog decreases at the edges of every right-side row until 2 stitches remain.

Part 5: The Coral Pink Strawberry Dress

The dress is the centerpiece of the wardrobe, featuring a flared skirt and hand-embroidered details.

The Hem: Cast on 84 stitches. Work 4 rows of garter stitch to prevent curling.
The Skirt: Work 30 rows of stockinette.
Waist Gathering: Work (K2, K2tog) across row 35 to reduce the count to 63 stitches, creating natural pleats.
The Embroidery: Before seaming, use Yarn E (Red) to embroider small strawberries in a checkerboard pattern. Add green leaf hulls and white «seed» stitches.

Part 6: The White Hedgehog-Appliqué Cardigan

This cropped white sweater features a dimensional hedgehog on the chest.

Body: Knitted in one piece with garter stitch edges to prevent rolling.
Sleeves: Knitted separately and seamed into the armholes.
Hedgehog Appliqué: Crafted using Yarn F for the face and Yarn G (textured fur yarn) for the quills.