Cyclamen Teacart Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the delightful and elegant world of the Cyclamen Teacart Bunny. This charming project captures the essence of a refined afternoon tea served in a blooming English garden. Our hostess is a gentle rabbit with soft, oatmeal-colored fur, dressed in her Sunday best to welcome friends for refreshments. She evokes the nostalgia of vintage storybooks and the quiet joy of hospitality.

The bunny wears a sophisticated cream dress featuring a structured bodice with vertical ribbing and a skirt adorned with a band of pink Cyclamen flowers, representing deep affection and sincerity. To ward off the garden breeze, she wears a sage green cardigan with a classic cut. Her ensemble is completed with a cloche-style hat, sturdy brown shoes with decorative bobbles, and an impressive array of accessories including a fully stocked tea cart, a silver teapot service, sweet pastries, a linen towel, and a loyal goat companion. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a centerpiece in any collection.

To ensure your finished creation achieves the exquisite, professional finish seen in the photographs, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to hand-select your materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn in a warm oatmeal or biscuit shade for the bunny’s skin to create a dense, natural texture that holds its shape well. For the intricate accessories like the tea cart and the delicate dress, consider purchasing cotton yarn which offers excellent stitch definition for the small details. 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 prepare for high tea, 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 Cyclamen Teacart Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be traditional and sturdy, knitting the body and head flat in pieces and seaming them to allow for precise shaping of the curves. This method allows you to stuff the toy firmly so it can stand with support or sit gracefully.

The wardrobe is a mix of textures. The dress features a ribbed bodice for a fitted look and a colorwork hem. The cardigan provides a smooth contrast in a calming green. The accessories are the true showstoppers here: constructing the tea cart will require patience and perhaps some stiffening material (like card or plastic canvas) inside the knit pieces to hold the shape of the trays.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Warm Sand.
• Yarn B (Dress): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Leaves): 60g DK weight yarn in Sage Green or Fern.
• Yarn D (Cyclamen Flowers & Bobbles): 30g DK weight yarn in Rose Pink or Magenta.
• Yarn E (Shoes, Cart Frame, Pastries): 50g DK weight yarn in Chocolate Brown.
• Yarn F (Teapot, Cart Wheels, Goat): 40g DK weight yarn in Light Grey or Silver.
• Yarn G (Goat Contrast): Small amount of White or Cream.
• 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 teapot and goat.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two 6mm beads (goat eyes), embroidery floss (black, pink), stitch holders, small buttons, cardboard or plastic canvas for the cart trays.

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).
• MB: Make Bobble (Knit into front, back, front of stitch, turn, knit 3, turn, purl 3, pass 2 over 1).
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the Right Side, Purl on the Wrong Side.

Part 1: Constructing the Oatmeal Bunny Body

We begin the construction by knitting the legs individually. This provides a solid foundation for the doll. 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. (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.

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.

📌Thank you for reading the article

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.

Part 2: The Cyclamen Dress

This dress is designed to look like a vintage frock with a detailed hem and a fitted, ribbed bodice.

Skirt with Floral Band

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

• Rows 1-2: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a flat hem.
• Rows 3-6: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.
• Rows 7-14 (Cyclamen Colorwork):
  • You will now introduce Yarn D (Pink) and Yarn C (Green).
  • Work a pattern repeating every 6 stitches: 1 Green stitch for stem, followed by a cluster of 3 Pink stitches for the flower head in the subsequent rows.
  • Ensure the stems are green and the blooms are pink/magenta.
• Rows 15-34: Continue in stockinette stitch using Yarn B (Cream). This forms the main body of the skirt.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Waist and Ribbed Bodice

We will now decrease for the waist and switch to a rib pattern for the bodice.

• 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)
• Row 38: Purl.
• Row 39 (Ribbing Setup): *Knit 2, Purl 2*, repeat to last stitch, Knit 1.
• Rows 40-48: Continue in K2, P2 ribbing. This gives the dress the textured, fitted look seen in the photo.
• Row 49 (Armhole Shaping): In Rib pattern: Cast off 4 stitches, work 37 stitches, cast off 4 stitches.
• Row 50: Work in pattern.
• Row 51: Knit across (Garter ridge).
• Row 52: 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 Sage Green Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Sage Green) and is a simple, classic layer.

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.

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 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 stitch at each end of Row 8 and 16. (24 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Embroidery: On the left front pocket area, embroider a small square to represent a pocket, and stitch a tiny tea cart or flower motif inside it using brown and pink yarn.

Part 4: The Cloche Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn A (Oatmeal/Beige) or Yarn B to match the dress.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a structured brim.
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• 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. Add a small knitted flower to the side.

Part 5: Brown Bobble Shoes

Using Yarn E (Chocolate Brown), 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.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Sew the back heel seam.

Strap & Bobble: Crochet a small chain for the strap. Using Yarn D (Pink), make a small bobble or French knot and sew it to the side of the shoe closure.

Part 6: The Tea Cart and Accessories

The Tea Cart

This requires structure. Using Yarn E (Brown).

• Trays (Make 2): Cast on 15 stitches. Knit in stockinette for 2.5 inches. Knit a Garter stitch border around the edges to form a lip. Insert a piece of cardboard cut to size inside the knit fabric or sew onto plastic canvas to keep it flat.
• Legs (Make 4): Cast on 4 stitches. Knit an I-cord for 3 inches. Insert a piece of craft wire or a bamboo skewer inside the I-cord for stiffness.
• Wheels (Make 4): Cast on 6 stitches in Grey (Yarn F). Increase to 12. Knit 2 rows. Decrease to 6. Draw through. Flatten into a disc. Sew to the bottom of the legs.
• Handle: Knit a curved I-cord and attach to the top tray.
• Assembly: Sew the legs to the corners of the trays, spacing them so one tray is the bottom shelf and one is the top.

The Teapot

Using Yarn F (Grey/Silver).

• Body: Cast on 12 stitches. Increase to 24. Work 6 rows stockinette. Decrease to 12. Draw through. Stuff to make a round ball.
• Lid: Knit a tiny circle and sew to top.
• Spout & Handle: Knit small I-cords and attach.

Pastries and Cups

• Cup: Using Yarn F, cast on 8 stitches. Knit 4 rows. Bind off. Sew side seam to make a cylinder. Sew bottom.
• Tart: Cast on 5 stitches in Brown. Knit 2 rows. Change to Pink (jam). Knit 2 rows. Bind off. Roll up.

The Goat Companion

Using Yarn F (Grey) and Yarn G (White/Cream).

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches in Grey. Increase to 20. Work 8 rows. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff.
• Head: Pick up 10 stitches. Work 5 rows. Decrease.
• Horns: Crochet 2 tiny chains in Grey and sew to head.
• Legs: Knit 4 small tabs.
• Details: Sew beads for eyes. Add a small white beard using yarn scraps.

Linen Towel

Using White yarn.

• Cast on 15 stitches.
• Knit in Garter Stitch for a square.
• Embroider small pink flowers on one corner.

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 cart wheels) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Cyclamen Teacart Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of hospitality, garden beauty, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a dining table or is given as a gift to a tea lover, it is sure to bring a sense of warmth and elegance to its new home.