Knitting Tutorial: Passionflower Secret-Charm Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Welcome to the mysterious and enchanting world of the Passionflower Secret-Charm Bunny. This sophisticated project captures the allure of a hidden garden found behind an old, ivy-covered gate. This rabbit character is a keeper of secrets and stories, dressed in an outfit that reflects the complex beauty of the Passionflower vine and the deep, mossy greens of the forest.

She wears a stunning cream dress featuring a central, intricate Passionflower motif in shades of violet and plum, surrounded by a border of smaller blooms. To blend in with the shadows of the garden, she wears a deep forest green cardigan. Her look is completed with a rich purple beret, matching shoes, and a collection of silver charms and trinkets she has found on her travels.

She is accompanied by a loyal hedgehog friend who guards her treasures, a small pouch for keeping safe trinkets, and a delicate linen napkin. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for those who love mystery and elegance. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the high-quality 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 in a warm oatmeal or tan shade for the bunny’s skin to create a classic, vintage texture that is soft to the touch. For the intricate clothing, such as the colorwork dress, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a fine wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp. 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 unlock this creative journey, 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 Passionflower Secret-Charm Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be robust, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed to allow for precise shaping of the curves. This method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time.

The wardrobe is a study in rich, jewel tones. The dress features a cream base to allow the purple embroidery and colorwork to stand out. The cardigan is a simple, classic shape that balances the ornate dress. The accessories focus on the “charm” aspect, incorporating small metallic elements (like silver charms or beads) and a “Secret Garden” tag.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Tan, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Dress Main): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Ivory.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Vines): 60g DK weight yarn in Forest Green or Deep Emerald.
• Yarn D (Passionflowers, Hat, Shoes): 50g DK weight yarn in Deep Purple, Violet, or Plum.
• Yarn E (Hedgehog): 30g DK weight yarn in Brown or Cocoa.
• 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, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two beads (hedgehog eyes), embroidery floss (silver/grey for charms, purple, green), stitch holders, small buttons, silver charms (optional).

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 Oatmeal 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.

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 (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 Passionflower Dress

This dress is the centerpiece of the outfit. It features a cream base with a scalloped hem and elaborate embroidery or colorwork depicting the complex Passionflower.

Skirt with Scalloped Hem

Using Yarn B (Cream), cast on 73 stitches (Multiple of 12 + 1).

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3 (Scallop Pattern): K1, *K2tog twice, (YO, K1) 3 times, YO, SSK twice, K1*, repeat to end.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: Knit.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Repeat Rows 3-6 three more times to create a lovely wavy lace border.
• Rows 15-34: Work in stockinette stitch. This smooth area is the canvas for your embroidery.

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Colorwork Band (Optional): If you prefer knitting the pattern rather than embroidering, introduce Yarn D (Purple) and Yarn C (Green) at Row 20. Work a pattern of alternating purple diamond shapes or small flower buds for 6 rows.

Waist and Bodice

We will now decrease for the waist to create a gathered look.

• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (55 sts)
• Row 36: Purl all stitches.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (44 sts)
• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.

Upper Bodice:

• Row 43 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 20, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 44: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 20, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (44 sts)
• Rows 45-48: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 49: Knit across (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.

Passionflower Embroidery

The passionflower is a complex bloom. Use your embroidery floss or thin yarn to create the motif on the center chest of the dress.

1. Base Petals: Using Yarn D (Purple), stitch 5 broad, flat petals radiating from a center point using satin stitch.
2. Inner Filaments: Using a lighter lilac or white thread, create a ring of straight stitches radiating from the center, overlaying the base petals. This mimics the “corona” of the flower.
3. Center: Using Green yarn, stitch a small knot in the center, with three small lines radiating out (the stigmas).
4. Vines: Use Yarn C (Green) to stitch curly, trailing vines coming off the flower and wrapping around the skirt.

Part 3: The Forest Green Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Forest Green) and creates a dark, moody contrast to the cream dress.

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.

Finishing: Sew the cardigan pieces together. Pick up stitches along the front opening and knit 3 rows of garter stitch for a button band. Embroider small white daisies on the pockets or lapels for a “meadow” look.

Part 4: The Purple Beret

This hat is knitted in Yarn D (Deep Purple) and adds a regal touch to the outfit.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Work in K1, P1 Ribbing for a snug fit.
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch. Increase 5 stitches evenly across the first row to make the hat “floppy” (65 sts).
• 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.

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Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam. Sew a small silver charm or a bead to the brim of the hat.

Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn D (Deep Purple), 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 a lighter purple or pink yarn to embroider a small flower on the toe.

Part 6: Secret-Charm Accessories

The Hedgehog Guardian

Using Yarn E (Brown), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Work 8 rows stockinette. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head: Pick up 8 stitches on one end. Work 4 rows. Decrease to form a snout. Draw through.
• Spines: To create the textured back, use a loop stitch or simply embroider loops of yarn all over the back half of the body after knitting.
• Details: Sew small black beads for eyes. Place a small heart charm or silver bead in the hedgehog’s paws.

The Envelope Bag

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal) or Yarn C (Green).

• Body: Cast on 14 stitches. Work in stockinette for 3.5 inches.
• Flap: Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next 2 rows (creates a point). Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom up to create a pouch. Sew sides. Sew a button on the flap.
• Charm: Attach a small metal key charm or a “Secret Garden” tag to the bag strap.

The Charm Bracelet

This is a delicate accessory for the bunny’s wrist.

• Using silver embroidery floss or a very thin grey yarn, crochet a chain long enough to fit around the bunny’s wrist.
• Sew small beads or tiny metal charms (keys, hearts, flowers) onto the chain. Tie it around the wrist.

The Fringed Napkin

Using Yarn B (Cream) or White linen yarn.

• Cast on 18 stitches.
• Knit in stockinette stitch for a square shape.
• Border: Knit 2 rows of Garter Stitch around the edges (pick up stitches).
• Fringe: Cut short lengths of yarn and attach them to the bottom edge using a lark’s head knot. Trim evenly.
• Detail: Embroider a small purple line or initial in the corner.

Passionflower Bouquet

• Make 3 flowers using the instructions for the embroidery but creating them as standalone pieces (cast on 5 sts, make petals, bind off).
• Knit green I-cords for stems.
• Tie together with a purple ribbon.

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.

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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 charms) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child? (Remove small metal parts for young children).

Your Passionflower Secret-Charm Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of mystery, botanical beauty, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a bookshelf guarding secrets or is given as a gift to a curious soul, it is sure to bring a touch of magic to its new home.