Knitting Tutorial: Chrysanthemum Kimono-Tea Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Welcome to the serene and elegant world of the Chrysanthemum Kimono-Tea Bunny. This project captures the tranquil beauty of a traditional tea ceremony, featuring a refined rabbit character dressed in garments inspired by classic Japanese textiles. To create this heirloom treasure, you will want to visit your favorite yarn shop to select the finest fibers. We recommend that you buy merino wool yarn for the bunny’s skin to ensure a soft, premium texture that is delightful to hold.

The outfit features a sophisticated color palette of creams and soft browns, perfect for a calming display. For the intricate details of the kimono and the delicate accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-definition blend. Before you begin, take a moment to organize your knitting supplies. Ensure you have a set of high-quality bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle, and plenty of soft fiberfill. If you are ready to begin this 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 Philosophy

The Chrysanthemum Kimono-Tea Bunny stands approximately 13 to 14 inches (34 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. This method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time.

The wardrobe is the highlight of this piece. It features a wrap-style kimono cardigan with a striking chrysanthemum motif on the chest and patterned sleeves. The skirt complements this with a decorative border of circular floral emblems.

The accessories are intricate and plentiful: a structured handbag, a delicate tea cup, a folded napkin, and a stunning knitted origami-style crane. Each element contributes to the peaceful narrative of the piece.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Cream, Off-White, or Porcelain.
• Yarn B (Kimono & Skirt Details): 60g DK weight yarn in Light Brown, Taupe, or Mocha.
• Yarn C (Skirt Main & Hat): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream (matching Yarn A or slightly different tone).
• Yarn D (Tea Cup): Small amount of Pale Blue or Celadon.
• Yarn E (Crane): Scraps of White with hints of pink/blue.
• 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 crane and cup.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown), 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).
• 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 (Cream) and US 3 needles, cast on 12 stitches. Leave a long tail for seaming later.

• 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. (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.

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 (Cream), 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 Chrysanthemum Kimono Cardigan

This garment is the centerpiece of the outfit. It is designed as a wrap-style top (haori or kimono style) featuring intricate colorwork. The large flower on the chest is best achieved using the Intarsia method or by Swiss Darning (duplicate stitch) after the knitting is complete.

Back Panel

Using Yarn C (Cream), cast on 32 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a flat hem.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole Shaping): 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 (The Wrap Side)

This side needs to overlap the right side. Cast on 22 stitches using Yarn C.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Row 5 (Start Pattern): Knit across. This is where you would place the start of the Chrysanthemum motif if doing Intarsia.
• Rows 6-20: Work in stockinette.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 stitches at the beginning of the row (armhole edge).
• Row 22: Purl back.
• Rows 23-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neckline): At the neck edge (opposite armhole), decrease 1 stitch every other row to create a V-shape.
• Row 35: Cast off the remaining shoulder stitches.

Right Front

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

Sleeves (Make 2)

The sleeves feature a band of colorwork.

• Row 1: Cast on 24 stitches in Yarn C.
• Rows 2-4: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Rows 5-10: Work a Fair Isle pattern using Yarn B (Taupe). A simple geometric pattern of diamonds or zigzags works well here.
• Rows 11-20: Continue in Cream stockinette stitch.
• Row 21: Cast off.

The Chrysanthemum Motif

The large flower on the front is a key detail. It is a stylized chrysanthemum shape.

Option A (Duplicate Stitch): After assembling the cardigan, use Yarn B (Taupe) to stitch the flower over the cream background stitches. Create a central circle and then stitch petals radiating outwards.

Option B (Intarsia): Follow a chart during the knitting of the Left Front panel. The motif should be roughly 15 stitches wide and 15 rows high.

Part 3: The Circular Motif Skirt

This skirt features a lovely border pattern of circles, reminiscent of traditional sashiko or woven patterns.

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit in Garter Stitch to prevent rolling.
• Rows 5-15 (Colorwork Border): Join Yarn B (Taupe). Work a stranded colorwork pattern.

  Pattern Suggestion:

  Row 1: *3 Cream, 1 Taupe, 3 Cream*, repeat.

  Row 2: *2 Cream, 3 Taupe, 2 Cream*, repeat.

  Row 3: *1 Cream, 5 Taupe, 1 Cream*, repeat.

  Row 4: *2 Cream, 3 Taupe, 2 Cream*, repeat.

  Row 5: *3 Cream, 1 Taupe, 3 Cream*, repeat.

  This creates a series of circles or diamonds along the hem.

• Rows 16-30: Break Yarn B. Continue in Cream stockinette stitch.
• Row 31 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (54 sts)
• Row 32: Purl all stitches.
• Row 33 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (45 sts)
• Rows 34-36: Knit in Garter Stitch for the waistband.
• Row 37: Cast off loosely.

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Part 4: The Beret

The beret is a classic accessory, knitted here in Cream with a textured brim and a large flower decoration.

• Brim: Cast on 54 stitches using Yarn C.
• Rows 1-6: Work in K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 7 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat to end. (72 sts)
• Rows 8-20: Work in stockinette stitch. This creates the “slouch” of the beret.
• 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.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches and sew the back seam.

Beret Flower: Using Yarn C or B, cast on 40 stitches.

Row 1: Knit.

Row 2: Purl.

Row 3: *K2tog*, repeat across.

Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight to spiral the strip into a flower shape. Sew to the brim.

Part 5: Shoes

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

• Sole: Knit 8 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 24 stitches around three sides of the sole rectangle.
• Rows 1-5: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts)
• Row 7: Purl all stitches.
• Row 8 (Toe): Knit 8, (K2tog) 2 times, Knit 8. (18 sts)
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back seam. Add a small embroidered flower in Taupe (Yarn B) on the toe box for detail.

Part 6: Ceremony Accessories

The Handbag

Using Yarn B (Taupe).

• Main Piece: Cast on 12 stitches. Work in stockinette for 3 inches.
• Flap: Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next 2 knit rows to create a rounded or pointed flap. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom third up to create a pocket. Sew the side seams. Sew a small button to the pocket and a loop to the flap.
• Handle: Knit a 6-inch I-cord and sew to the top corners.

The Tea Cup

Using Yarn D (Blue/Celadon).

• Cast on 18 stitches.
• Work 6 rows in stockinette stitch.
• Row 7: K2tog across.
• Draw yarn through remaining stitches.
• Sew the side seam. Stuff lightly to keep the shape.
• Handle: Knit a tiny I-cord (3 rows) and attach to the side.

The Knitted Paper Crane

This is a stylized representation of an origami crane.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches in Yarn E (White/Multi). Knit 10 rows to make a square. Fold diagonally to make a triangle and sew the edges, stuffing lightly.
• Wings: Pick up 5 stitches on the side of the body. Knit 6 rows. Decrease to a point. Repeat for the other wing.
• Neck/Head: Pick up 3 stitches at the front point. Knit an I-cord for 1.5 inches. Bind off. Fold the tip over to make a head.
• Tail: Pick up 3 stitches at the back point. Knit an I-cord for 1 inch. Bind off.

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The Napkin

Using Yarn A or C.

• Cast on 15 stitches.
• Knit in Garter Stitch for a square.
• Cast off. Crochet a simple border in Blue (Yarn D) if desired.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

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

1. Body Assembly: Using the mattress stitch, sew the back seam of the legs and the body. Stuff the legs firmly, but leave the very top of the legs slightly softer so the bunny can sit. Stuff the body firmly.
2. Head Assembly: Sew the back seam of the head. Stuff the head into a round shape. Ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly to support the head. Sew the head to the body.
3. Face:
   • Eyes: Insert the safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spacing them about 8-9 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.
4. Limbs: Sew the ears to the sides of the head, curving them slightly forward. 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.
• 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 Chrysanthemum Kimono-Tea Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of texture, culture, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a shelf or is given as a gift, it is sure to bring a sense of peace and beauty to its surroundings.