Knitting Tutorial: Pansy Patchwork-Quilt Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Welcome to the vibrant and heartwarming world of the Pansy Patchwork-Quilt Bunny. This intricate project celebrates the art of needlecraft, combining the coziness of knitting with the nostalgic beauty of patchwork quilting. Our charming rabbit character is dressed in a stunning ensemble that pays homage to vintage floral designs.

To create this heirloom-quality treasure, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the finest materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn for the bunny’s skin to ensure a soft, premium texture that is delightful to hold. For the intricate patchwork clothing, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-definition wool blend to make the pansy motifs pop. Check your knitting supplies and let’s begin.

 

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 Pansy Patchwork-Quilt 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. This method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time.

The wardrobe is the highlight of this piece. The skirt features a spectacular “patchwork” effect created through colorwork, mimicking a cozy quilt adorned with pansy faces. The purple sweater features a round yoke with a delicate floral fair isle pattern.

The accessories are plentiful: a textured beret, a “Hello” needlepoint-style swatch, a ladybug on a leaf, and a simple shoulder bag. Each element contributes to the narrative of a bunny who loves to craft and garden.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Purple): 60g DK weight yarn in Medium Purple (Sweater & Hat).
• Yarn C (Dark Violet): 40g DK weight yarn in Deep Purple (Skirt blocks & Pansies).
• Yarn D (Yellow): 30g DK weight yarn in Buttercup or Gold (Skirt blocks & Pansies).
• Yarn E (Cream/White): 30g DK weight yarn (Skirt blocks & Shoes).
• Yarn F (Bag): 20g DK weight yarn in Beige or Tan.
• Scraps: Green (leaves), Red/Black (ladybug).
• 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, 9mm safety eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown, yellow, black), 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 (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.
• 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.

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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.

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 (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.
• 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 Patchwork-Quilt Skirt

This skirt is designed to look like a patchwork quilt made of squares. We will achieve this effect using stranded colorwork (Fair Isle). The pattern consists of alternating blocks of color.

Waistband and Upper Skirt

Using Yarn C (Deep Purple), cast on 60 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a sturdy waistband.
• Row 5 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat to the end. (80 sts)
• Row 6: Purl all stitches in Deep Purple.

The Patchwork Colorwork Chart

The skirt body consists of 8-stitch wide blocks. You will alternate between “Block A” and “Block B”.

Block A (Yellow Pansy): Background is Deep Purple. Motif is a simple yellow pansy face (3-4 stitches wide).

Block B (Purple Pansy): Background is Cream or Yellow. Motif is a purple pansy face.

Tier 1 (Rows 7-16):

Work in stockinette stitch.

Stitches 1-8: Block A colors.

Stitches 9-16: Block B colors.

Repeat across the row. Carry the yarn loosely at the back.

Separator Row (Row 17): Knit across using Yarn C (Deep Purple) to create a “sashing” line between the quilt blocks.

Tier 2 (Rows 18-27):

Switch the order to create a checkerboard effect.

Stitches 1-8: Block B colors.

Stitches 9-16: Block A colors.

Separator Row (Row 28): Knit across using Yarn C (Deep Purple).

Tier 3 (Rows 29-38): Repeat Tier 1 arrangement.

Hem:

Change to Yarn C (Deep Purple).

Rows 39-42: Knit (Garter Stitch) to prevent rolling.

Row 43: Cast off loosely.

Part 3: The Pansy Yoke Sweater

This purple cardigan features a round yoke with a pansy motif, mimicking a classic Fair Isle sweater.

Body (Back and Fronts)

Using Yarn B (Medium Purple), cast on 40 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit in K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Divide for Armholes): Knit 8 (Front), cast off 4, Knit 16 (Back), cast off 4, Knit 8 (Front). Place pieces on holders.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 16 stitches in Yarn B.

• Rows 1-4: Ribbing.
• Rows 5-18: Stockinette, increasing 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 14. (20 sts)
• Row 19: Cast off 2 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows. (16 sts)

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Yoke Construction

Place all pieces onto one needle: Right Front, Sleeve, Back, Sleeve, Left Front. (Approx 64 sts).

• Row 1: Knit across in Purple.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Rows 3-8 (Yoke Colorwork): Join Yarn D (Yellow) and Yarn E (Cream). Work a band of small pansy flowers (e.g., *K1 Purple, K1 Yellow, K1 Purple* for flower centers, followed by a row of petal colors).
• Row 9 (Decrease): Using Purple only, *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 10: Purl.
• Row 11 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Rows 12-14: Ribbing for the neckband.
• Row 15: Cast off.

Part 4: The Purple Beret

This hat is knitted in Yarn B (Medium Purple) with a structured brim.

• Brim: Cast on 54 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 7 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat to end. (72 sts)
• Rows 8-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 27: *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches and sew the back seam.

The Pansy Appliqué

Make a large pansy to sew onto the hat.

• Petals (Make 5): Cast on 6 sts (2 in Yellow, 3 in Purple). Knit 6 rows. K2tog at ends. Bind off.
• Assembly: Arrange petals in a circle (2 yellow at top, 3 purple at bottom). Sew together at the center. Embroider a small face in the center with black/brown floss.

Part 5: Shoes

Using Yarn E (Cream/Beige), cast on 12 stitches.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 30 stitches around three sides of the sole rectangle.
• 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 white yarn to embroider small “French Knot” dots on the toe for texture.

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Part 6: Accessories

The Shoulder Bag

Using Yarn F (Beige).

• Body: Cast on 12 stitches. Work in Garter Stitch for 4 inches.
• Flap: Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next 2 rows to create a tapered flap. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom up to form the pocket. Sew sides. Add a small button.
• Strap: Knit an I-cord approx 10 inches long. Attach to sides.

The “Hello” Swatch

Using Yarn E (Cream).

• Cast on 15 stitches.
• Knit in Stockinette for 20 rows.
• Cast off.
• Detailing: Use purple embroidery floss to stitch the word “hello” in cursive. Embroider a small pansy flower in the corner using satin stitch.

The Ladybug on a Leaf

Leaf: Using Green yarn, cast on 3 sts. Inc to 7. Knit 4 rows. Dec to 3. K3tog.

Ladybug: Using Red yarn, cast on 4 sts. Inc to 8. Knit 4 rows. Dec to 4. Draw through. Sew to leaf. Embroider black spots.

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 Pansy Patchwork-Quilt Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of texture, color, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a shelf or is given as a gift, it is sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it.