Sweet Peony Picnic Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the lush and fragrant world of the Sweet Peony Picnic Bunny. This enchanting project captures the abundance of a late spring garden, where giant peony blooms bow their heads under the weight of velvet petals and bumblebees hum lazily in the warm air. Our delightful rabbit character is the queen of the picnic blanket, dressed in an outfit that celebrates the extravagant beauty of the peony flower and the simple joy of an outdoor lunch.

She wears a show-stopping ensemble designed for a celebration of nature. Her dress is a deep antique rose color, featuring a skirt adorned with a magnificent colorwork band of blooming peonies and a bodice that fits perfectly. To layer up, she wears a cream-colored cardigan with pockets that are literally overflowing with knitted 3D flowers. Her look is crowned with a textured sage green beret piled high with pink blossoms, sturdy brown shoes, and a collection of picnic essentials: a woven-style green basket, a lace-edged picnic blanket, and a friendly bumblebee companion. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the luxurious, professional finish seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the finest materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn in a soft oatmeal or biscuit shade for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch.

For the intricate clothing, such as the floral dress and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend. These fibers provide excellent stitch definition, which is crucial for the floral motifs and the basket texture to stand out clearly. 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 embroidery, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to enjoy a picnic among the flowers, check your knitting bag for stitch markers 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 Sweet Peony Picnic 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, whether she is sitting on her picnic blanket or standing to admire the view.

The wardrobe is a study in floral abundance. The dress utilizes stranded colorwork to create the peony garden border. The cardigan adds a layer of texture and whimsy with its flower-stuffed pockets. The accessories are narrative-driven, with the basket and the bee adding a touch of summer storytelling.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress): 80g DK weight yarn in Antique Rose or Dusky Pink.
• Yarn C (Cardigan): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream, Ivory, or Off-White.
• Yarn D (Hat & Basket): 50g DK weight yarn in Sage Green.
• Yarn E (Flowers): 30g DK weight yarn in various shades of Pink (Light, Medium, Dark) and Yellow.
• Yarn F (Leaves & Stems): 20g DK weight yarn in Dark Green.
• Yarn G (Shoes & Bee): Small amounts of Brown and Black/Yellow.
• 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 (bee eyes), embroidery floss (black, pink), stitch holders, small wooden 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. Consistency is key when making matching limbs to ensure the bunny stands evenly.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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Part 2: The Peony Garden Dress

This dress is designed to be the showpiece of the outfit. It features a deep pink base with a band of large, lush Peony flowers in a stranded colorwork design.

Skirt with Peony Colorwork

Using Yarn B (Antique Rose/Pink), cast on 72 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch in Pink.
• Row 9 (Begin Colorwork): Join Yarn F (Green) and Yarn E (Light Pink/Cream). We will create the leaves and flower bases.

  Pattern Row 1: *Knit 3 Pink, Knit 2 Green, Knit 3 Pink*, repeat to end.

• Row 10: *Purl 2 Pink, Purl 4 Green, Purl 2 Pink*.
• Row 11: *Knit 2 Pink, Knit 1 Light Pink (Flower), Knit 2 Green, Knit 1 Light Pink, Knit 2 Pink*.
• Row 12: *Purl 1 Pink, Purl 2 Light Pink, Purl 1 Dark Pink (Center), Purl 2 Light Pink, Purl 2 Pink*.
• Row 13: Break contrast colors. Knit across in Pink.
• Rows 14-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Pink.

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. (54 sts)
• Row 36: Purl all stitches.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (45 sts)
• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 21, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 44: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 21, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (45 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.

Part 3: The Cream Cardigan with Flower Pockets

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Cream) and features pockets that are overflowing with knitted flowers.

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.

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Flower Pocket Detail

The pockets are the highlight of this cardigan.

1. Pocket Base: Knit two small squares in Yarn C (Cream) or Yarn B (Pink). Cast on 8, knit 10 rows, cast off. Sew these to the lower front panels.
2. Pocket Flowers: Use Yarn E (Pink/Yellow). Make tiny French knots or miniature bobbles directly onto the top edge of the pocket opening, grouping them densely so it looks like a bouquet is tucked inside. Add small green stitches for leaves.

Part 4: The Peony Beret

This hat is a stylish beret in Sage Green, heavily decorated with large blooms.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn D (Sage Green).
• 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.

3D Peony Flowers

Make 3 large flowers using Yarn E (Pink) and Yarn D (Yellow).

• Petals: Cast on 40 stitches.
  • Row 1: Knit.
  • Row 2: Purl.
  • Row 3: (Knit 1, drop next stitch) repeat to end. This creates loose loops. (Alternatively, just knit a loose strip).
  • Row 4: Cast off.
• Roll the strip loosely to form a large, ruffled flower. Secure the base.
• Add yellow French knots in the center for stamens.
• Sew these large blooms to the side of the beret.

Part 5: Brown Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn G (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. Crochet a strap and sew a small pink flower (knitted or embroidered) to the side.

Part 6: Picnic Accessories

The Green Basket

Using Yarn D (Sage Green) or a thicker yarn if available.

• Base: Cast on 8 stitches. Knit 12 rows (Garter Stitch).
• Sides: Pick up stitches around the entire rectangle (approx 40 sts).
  • Knit in Garter Stitch for 1.5 inches.
• Cast off.
• Handle: Cast on 4 stitches. Knit a strip approx 5 inches long. Sew to opposite sides of the basket.
• Decoration: You can place some loose yarn or fabric inside to look like a picnic cloth.

The Bumblebee

Using Yarn G (Yellow and Black).

• Body: Cast on 6 stitches in Yellow. Increase to 12. Knit 2 rows.
• Stripes: Change to Black. Knit 2 rows. Change to Yellow. Knit 2 rows. Repeat.
• Decrease: Decrease to 6 stitches. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Wings: Knit two small white ovals (cast on 3, inc to 5, dec to 3). Sew to back.

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Picnic Blanket / Handkerchief

Using Yarn C (Cream).

• Cast on 20 stitches.
• Knit a square in stockinette stitch.
• Border: Crochet a scalloped edge around the perimeter in Pink.
• Embroidery: Embroider a large pink peony in the center or corner.

Peony Bouquet

• Stems: Knit 3 or 4 Green I-cords.
• Flowers: Use Pink yarn to make tight rosettes (cast on 10, knit 2 rows, roll up). Sew to the top of the stems.
• Tie the bouquet with a scrap of cream yarn.

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.
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 bee’s wings) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Sweet Peony Picnic Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the abundance of nature, the joy of summer picnics, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a garden bench or is given as a gift to a flower lover, it is sure to bring a bloom of happiness to its new home.