Aster Autumn-Soft Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the cozy and nostalgic world of the Aster Autumn-Soft Bunny. This project is a celebration of the golden light of late autumn, crisp fallen leaves, and the last blooming flowers of the season. Our charming character is dressed for a brisk walk through the woods, wearing a warm ensemble in shades of harvest gold, rust orange, and soft oatmeal.

She wears a mustard-yellow dress adorned with a border of blue aster flowers, a thick rust-colored cable-knit cardigan to keep out the chill, and a matching beret. She carries a textured handbag, a box of herbal tea for a woodland pause, and a checkered napkin. She is accompanied by a friendly red squirrel holding a precious acorn. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake, perfect for bringing the warmth of the season into your home.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the rich, professional 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 for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch. For the intricate clothing, such as the cabled cardigan and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is sharp and the autumn colors remain vibrant.

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 cultivate this beautiful project, 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 Aster Autumn-Soft Bunny stands approximately 13 to 14 inches (34 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be sturdy, with the body and head knitted in pieces (or as a continuous unit from the legs up) and seamed to allow for precise shaping of the curves.

The outfit is intricate and features advanced techniques such as cabling for the cardigan and surface embroidery for the floral details on the dress. The color palette is strictly autumnal, focusing on earth tones.

The accessories are numerous: a two-tone beret, a structured handbag, a cube-shaped tea box, a checkered napkin, and a complex shaped squirrel companion.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress Main & Hat Top): 60g DK weight yarn in Mustard Yellow or Harvest Gold.
• Yarn C (Cardigan, Hat Brim, Shoes): 60g DK weight yarn in Rust, Terracotta, or Copper.
• Yarn D (Squirrel): 20g DK weight yarn in Red-Brown or Fox color.
• Yarn E (Asters & Napkin): Scraps of Cornflower Blue (for flowers) and White.
• Yarn F (Tea Box): Small amount of Sage Green or Pale Yellow.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and main clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories to create a tight fabric.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads for squirrel eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown for nose, green for stems), stitch holders, small buttons.

Gauge and Tension

24 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A firm gauge is essential for the toy parts to prevent stuffing from showing through, while a standard gauge allows the clothing to drape nicely. If you knit loosely, consider going down a needle size.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch (KFB).
• Dec: Decrease (Knit 2 together – K2tog).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.

Part 1: The Oatmeal Bunny Body

We begin by knitting the legs separately and joining them to form the body. The head is knitted as a continuation of the neck to ensure a sturdy structure that doesn’t wobble.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal), cast on 12 stitches. Leave a long tail for seaming later.

• Row 1: Purl all stitches.
• Row 2 (Increase): Increase in 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 (Knit RS, Purl WS) starting with a Purl row. This forms the sole of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 12. This creates the curve of the toes. (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): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts)
• Rows 15-42: Work straight in stockinette stitch to create the long leg. Ensure your tension is even so the legs match in length.

Break yarn for the first leg and place stitches on a holder. Knit the second leg in the same manner but do not break the yarn. We will use the yarn from the second leg to join them.

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Torso Construction

We will now join the legs to form the body. This provides the base for the bunny’s clothes.

• Row 43 (Join): With the second leg on the needle, cast on 2 stitches (crotch), then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg (from holder). (42 sts total)
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. (44 sts)
• Row 46: Purl.
• 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. Stuffing this area firmly later is key to a good shape.
• Row 69 (Decrease): *Knit 8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 sts, Knit 6. (42 sts)
• Row 70: Purl.
• Row 71 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 72-76: Work straight.
• Row 77 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 78: Purl.
• Row 79 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 80: Purl. This marks the neck.

Head Construction

Continue with Yarn A from the neck stitches. We transition directly into the head to avoid a floppy neck seam.

• Row 81 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 82: Purl.
• Row 83 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 84: Purl.
• Row 85 (Increase): *Knit 7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch to form the height of the face.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 108: Purl.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
• Row 110: Purl.
• Row 111 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 112: Purl.
• Row 113 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 114 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 115 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
• Row 116 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
• Row 117: K2tog across. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining loops, pull tight, and secure. Sew the back seam of the head and body using mattress stitch, stuffing firmly as you go.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A.

• Row 1: Cast on 10 sts.
• Row 2: Inc in every st. (20 sts)
• Rows 3-26: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 27: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (15 sts)
• Row 28: Purl.
• Row 29: K2tog across to last st, Knit 1. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, sew side seam. Stuff lightly, leaving the top inch softer so the arms can hang naturally.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy. Use Yarn A.

• Row 1: Cast on 14 sts.
• Rows 2-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 10, K2tog. (12 sts)
• Row 44: Purl.
• Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 8, K2tog. (10 sts)
• Row 46: Purl.
• Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 6, K2tog. (8 sts)
• Row 48: Purl.
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 4, K2tog. (6 sts)
• Row 50: Purl.
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 2, K2tog. (4 sts)
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

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Part 2: The Aster Harvest Dress

This dress captures the golden hues of autumn. It is knitted in Mustard Yellow with a charming border of blue aster flowers.

Skirt with Floral Hem

Using Yarn B (Mustard Yellow), cast on 72 sts.

• Rows 1-4: Knit (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch in Mustard.
• Row 9 (Texture or Colorwork Setup): Knit across.

Floral Detail (Embroidery Method):

It is recommended to knit the skirt plain in Mustard and embroider the flowers later for precision.

Rows 10-34: Continue in stockinette stitch using Yarn B (Mustard).

Once the skirt is complete, use Yarn E (Blue) to stitch small star-shaped aster flowers in a row just above the garter hem. Use green floss for small stems.

Waist Shaping:

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

Bodice

• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armholes): Knit 8, cast off 4 sts, Knit 21, cast off 4 sts, Knit 8.
• Row 44: Purl 8, cast on 4 sts, Purl 21, cast on 4 sts, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 45-48: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 49: Knit (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 or button loop.

Part 3: The Rust Cable Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Rust/Terracotta) and features a cozy cable pattern on the front panels.

Back

Cast on 32 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows. (26 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 18 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 5 (Cable Row): Knit 2, Purl 1, C4F (Cable 4 Front), Purl 1, Knit 10.
• Row 6: Purl 10, Knit 1, Purl 4, Knit 1, Purl 2.
• Row 7: Knit 2, Purl 1, Knit 4, Purl 1, Knit 10.
• Row 8: Repeat Row 6.
• Rows 9-20: Continue pattern, twisting cable every 4th or 6th row.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 sts at armhole edge.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Rows 23-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 sts at neck edge.
• Row 30: Purl.
• Row 31: Dec 1 st at neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping and cable placement (Knit 10, Purl 1, C4F, Purl 1, Knit 2).

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Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 16. (24 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up stitches along the front edges and knit 3 rows of garter stitch for the button band. Add tiny wooden buttons.

Part 4: The Autumn Beret

This hat is knitted in two tones: a rust brim and a mustard crown to tie the outfit together.

• Brim: Using Yarn C (Rust), cast on 54 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Knit (Garter Stitch) for texture.
• Row 7: Change to Yarn B (Mustard). Work in Stockinette stitch.
• Row 8: Purl.
• Row 9 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat to end. (72 sts)
• Rows 10-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 29: *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 30: K2tog across.

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, and sew back seam.

Flower Decoration: Knit a small blue aster using Yarn E. Cast on 40 sts. Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row. K2tog across. Draw through. Roll into a spiral flower. Sew to the rust brim of the hat.

Part 5: Rust Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn C (Rust).

• Sole: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 8 rows (Garter).
• Upper: Pick up 24 sts around three sides.
• Rows 1-5: Stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts)
• Row 7: Purl.
• Row 8 (Toe): Knit 8, (K2tog) 2 times, Knit 8. (18 sts)
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam.

Strap: Crochet a small chain or knit a thin strip and sew across the foot. Use a yellow yarn to embroider a small flower on the strap.

Part 6: Woodland Accessories

The Red Squirrel

Using Yarn D (Red-Brown). The squirrel is knitted in one piece starting from the tail.

• Tail: Cast on 6 sts. Increase to 12. Knit in Garter Stitch for 3 inches. Decrease to 6.
• Body: Increase to 14 sts. Work in Stockinette for 1.5 inches.
• Head: Decrease to 10 sts. Work 4 rows. Decrease and draw through.
• Assembly: Sew the seam. Stuff the body firmly and the tail lightly. Curve the tail up against the back and stitch in place.
• Ears: Pick up 2 stitches on the head, knit 2 rows, bind off.
• Acorn: Use a bead or knit a tiny bobble in dark brown and beige. Stitch to the squirrel’s paws.

Herbal Tea Box

Using Yarn F (Sage Green or Pale Yellow).

• Cube: Cast on 10 sts. 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.
• Label: Embroider “Herbal Tea” or a tea leaf symbol on the front face using dark green thread.

Textured Handbag

Using Yarn B (Mustard).

• Body: Cast on 14 sts. Work in Seed Stitch (*K1, P1*) for 3.5 inches.
• Flap: Continue in Seed Stitch, decreasing 1 st at each end of every RS row to create a triangular flap. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom up to form the pouch. Sew sides. Fold the flap over. Add a small rust button.
• Handle: Knit an I-cord approx 10 inches long. Attach to sides.

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Picnic Napkin

Using Yarn E (White) and Yarn C (Rust).

• Cast on 16 sts in White.
• Work in a check pattern (2 sts White, 2 sts Rust) for 2 rows, then switch colors.
• Continue until you have a square. Bind off.
• Weave in ends neatly. Fold and place in the handbag or hand.

Part 7: Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

This is the stage where your bunny gains its unique personality. Take your time with the finishing touches.

1. Stuffing: Stuff the bunny’s legs, body, and head firmly. Ensure the neck is very stiff so the head doesn’t droop. A good tip is to roll a small piece of felt into a cylinder and place it in the neck for support before stuffing around it.
2. Seaming: Use mattress stitch for the back of the legs, body, and head. This creates an invisible seam which is professional and neat.
3. Face Details:
   • Eyes: Insert safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spaced about 9 stitches apart. If embroidering, use black yarn to create satin stitch circles.
   • Nose: Using dark brown embroidery thread, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. Add a horizontal stitch across the top of the Y to widen the nose slightly.
4. Attaching Parts:
   • Ears: Fold the cast-on edge of the ear slightly in half and sew to the side of the head, level with the eyes, so they drape downwards.
   • Arms: Sew the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam.
5. Dressing:
   • Put the rust shoes on the feet.
   • Put the mustard dress on the bunny.
   • Put the rust cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the beret on the head, tilting it slightly.
   • Hang the handbag over her shoulder.
   • Place the tea box and squirrel nearby to complete the scene.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To keep your Aster Autumn-Soft Bunny looking beautiful for years to come:

• Surface Clean: If the bunny gets dusty, use a lint roller or a soft brush. For small stains, dab gently with a damp cloth and mild wool detergent. Do not rub vigorously as this can felt the wool.
• Washing: If a full wash is necessary, fill a basin with cool water and wool wash. Submerge the bunny and let it soak. Do not wring or twist. Squeeze out excess water gently and roll in a towel. Reshape and lay flat to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
• Storage: Store in a breathable cotton bag or a display cabinet. Avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture. Cedar balls can help repel moths if stored for long periods.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Have all loose ends been woven in?
• Are the limbs securely attached?
• Is the face symmetrical?
• Are the accessories firmly stitched if the toy is for a child? (Remove small beads for safety if necessary).

Your Aster Autumn-Soft Bunny is now complete! This project brings the cozy warmth of autumn into your crafting life and serves as a beautiful reminder of the season’s beauty.