Magnolia Morning Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the serene and graceful world of the Magnolia Morning Bunny. This sophisticated project captures the quiet elegance of a misty spring morning, where the dew still clings to the large, waxy petals of the magnolia tree and the world is waking up in soft hues of cream and taupe. Our gentle rabbit character is a connoisseur of the early hours, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while the birds begin their chorus.

She is dressed in an ensemble that speaks of understated luxury and timeless style. Her dress is a masterpiece of texture, knitted in a soft biscuit hue and adorned with breathtaking, three-dimensional magnolia blooms with trailing brown branches. To ward off the morning chill, she wears a textured taupe cardigan featuring classic cabling or seed stitch details. Her look is completed with a slouchy, oversized beret adorned with a statement flower, sturdy walking shoes, and a collection of exquisite accessories including a structured doctor-style handbag, a tiny espresso cup, a lace-edged handkerchief, and a hovering hummingbird friend. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the heirloom-quality finish seen in the concept, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the most premium materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn in a soft oatmeal or sand shade for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft. For the intricate clothing and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a silk-blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp and the fabric drapes beautifully. 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 embrace the calm of the morning, check your knitting bag 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 Magnolia Morning 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 traditional method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time, whether she is sitting on a velvet chair or being displayed on a mantelpiece.

The wardrobe is a study in neutrals and botanical beauty. The dress acts as a canvas for the magnolia embroidery, which uses a combination of knitted appliqué petals and surface stitching. The cardigan provides a cozy, textured layer. The accessories are intricate: the hummingbird is a delicate miniature project, and the coffee cup adds a touch of realism to the scene.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress Base): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream, Ivory, or Pale Biscuit.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Bag): 60g DK weight yarn in Taupe, Fawn, or Mushroom.
• Yarn D (Magnolia Flowers): 30g DK weight yarn in White and Soft Pink.
• Yarn E (Branches & Shoes): 20g DK weight yarn in Dark Brown.
• Yarn F (Hummingbird & Leaves): Scraps of Emerald Green, Ruby Red, and Sage.
• 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 small beads (bird eyes), embroidery floss (brown, pink, yellow), stitch holders, small buttons, craft wire (optional for bird beak).

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).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• MB: Make Bobble.
• 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. This sets up the wrong side.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You will now have 24 stitches. This rapid increase creates the base of the foot pad.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches. Keep your tension even to avoid gaps between stitches.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (36 sts). This widens the foot to create a cute, chubby paw.
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row. This smooth section forms the height of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 12. This creates the instep of the foot, curving the fabric to form the toe area. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl all stitches.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): Knit 9, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 9. (24 sts). The foot is now taking its final shape.
• Row 13: Purl all stitches.
• Row 14 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts). This tightens the ankle to define the leg.
• 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 stitch holder or a spare piece of yarn. 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 together.

Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (this forms the crotch space), then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg from the holder.

• Row 43: You should now have 42 stitches on your needle. Ensure both legs are facing the same way (Right Side facing you).
• Row 44: Purl all stitches. Treat the new cast-on stitches carefully so they don’t stretch.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. (44 sts). This increase helps shape the bunny’s bottom.
• 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). We are now beginning to shape the chest.
• 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 to elongate the upper body slightly.
• 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). The head begins to widen immediately.
• 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). This gives the bunny lovely chubby cheeks.
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give the bunny its classic round face and room for eye placement.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts). We begin closing the top of the head.
• 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. This forms the length of the arm.
• Row 27: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to the end. (15 sts). Shaping the shoulder.
• 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 to allow movement.

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). Tapering the tip.
• 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 Magnolia Dress

This dress is designed to look like a high-end, embroidered garment. It features a cream or pale biscuit background with large, sculptural magnolia flowers applied or embroidered onto the skirt.

Skirt with Scalloped Hem

Using Yarn B (Cream/Ivory), cast on 73 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
• Row 5 (Scallop Setup): *Knit 1, YO, K3, Slip 1, K2tog, Pass slip stitch over, K3, YO*, repeat to last st, K1.
• Row 6: Purl all stitches.
• Repeat Rows 5 and 6 three times to create a wavy, lacy hem.
• Rows 11-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream. This large area provides the canvas for the magnolia flowers.

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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.
• 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.

Magnolia Decoration (Appliqué)

Magnolias are large and sculptural. We will knit individual petals and sew them on.

Petals (Make 12 for 3 flowers): Using Yarn D (White/Pink).

• Cast on 4 stitches.
• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: Increase in first and last stitch. (6 sts).
• Rows 3-6: Stockinette stitch.
• Row 7: Decrease at start and end. (4 sts).
• Row 8: Purl.
• Row 9: Decrease at start and end. (2 sts).
• Row 10: Pass 1 over 2. Fasten off.

Branches: Use Yarn E (Dark Brown) to embroider thick, knobby branches horizontally across the skirt and bodice using a stem stitch or chain stitch.

Assembly: Arrange 4 petals in a circle to form a flower on the branch. Sew them down at the center, leaving the tips free to curl slightly for a 3D effect. Add a yellow French knot in the center.

Part 3: The Taupe Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Taupe) and features a refined texture, perhaps a small cable or just clean lines, to complement the 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. (Optional: Work a small 2-stitch cable up the front edge for detail).
• 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. Add small buttons.

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Part 4: The Slouchy Beret

This hat is a stylish, oversized beret in Taupe or Oatmeal, adorned with a massive Magnolia flower.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn C (Taupe).
• Rows 1-6: Work in K1, P1 Ribbing for a snug fit.
• Row 7 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat to end. (80 sts). This creates volume.
• 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. Sew back seam.

Decoration: Knit a large version of the Magnolia flower (use 5 petals, cast on 6 stitches for each) and sew it prominently to the side of the beret. Add green knitted leaves behind it.

Part 5: Brown Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn E (Dark 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.

Sew the back heel seam. Use Yarn D (White/Cream) to create a decorative bow or flower on the toe.

Part 6: Morning Accessories

The Hummingbird

Using Yarn F (Green, Red, White), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 8 stitches in Green. Increase to 16. Work 6 rows stockinette. Decrease to 8. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head: Pick up 8 stitches. Work 4 rows. Decrease to point.
• Beak: Embroider a long, thin black beak (use wire if for display only, or stiffened yarn).
• Wings (Make 2): Cast on 4 stitches in Green. Knit 4 rows. Decrease to 2. Cast off. Sew to sides.
• Throat: Embroider a patch of Ruby Red on the chest.

The Doctor’s Bag

Using Yarn C (Taupe) or Yarn E (Brown).

• Body: Cast on 16 stitches. Work in stockinette for 3.5 inches.
• Assembly: Fold in half. Sew side seams. The shape should be rectangular and slightly boxy. Stuff lightly or insert a cardboard box for shape.
• Handles: Knit two short I-cords. Attach to the top edges.
• Decoration: Embroider a large Magnolia flower on the side of the bag.

The Espresso Cup

Using Yarn E (Brown) for liquid and Yarn C (Taupe) or White for cup.

• Cup: Cast on 8 stitches in White. Increase to 16. Knit 6 rows. Bind off. Sew side seam. Sew bottom closed.
• Coffee: Knit a small brown circle. Sew inside the cup near the rim.
• Handle: Create a tiny I-cord loop and sew to the side.
• Saucer: Cast on 4 stitches. Increase to 20 stitches in a circle. Bind off.

Lace Handkerchief

Using Yarn B (Cream).

• Cast on 18 stitches.
• Knit a square in stockinette stitch.
• Border: Crochet a scallop edge around the perimeter using the same yarn or a contrasting pink.

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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 bird’s beak) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Magnolia Morning Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the quiet beauty of morning, the elegance of magnolia blooms, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a breakfast table or is given as a gift to a lover of peace and quiet, it is sure to bring a sense of calm to its new home.