Pansy Kiss Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the serene and artistic world of the Pansy Kiss Bunny. This project captures the quiet elegance of a spring morning, where the dew still rests on the velvety petals of garden pansies. Our refined rabbit character is a lover of botanical beauty and literature, dressed in an ensemble that mirrors the soft purples and creams of a heritage garden. She is the perfect companion for anyone who finds joy in the delicate details of nature and the comfort of a well-told story.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the professional and heirloom-quality 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. For the intricate clothing, such as the colorwork dress and the detailed accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality 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 create this magical friend, 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 Pansy Kiss 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 bookshelf or being held during a garden stroll.

The wardrobe is a study in texture and botanical artistry. The dress features a complex pansy floral band created with stranded colorwork, while the cardigan introduces delicate eyelet patterns on the yoke. The accessories are narrative-driven, with the butterfly and the miniature journal adding depth to her character as a quiet observer of the natural world.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Dress Base): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream, Ivory, or Light Beige.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Hat): 60g DK weight yarn in Slate Blue or Muted Denim.
• Yarn D (Floral Band Colors): 20g each of Deep Purple, Lavender, and Olive Green.
• Yarn E (Shoes & Bag): 30g DK weight yarn in Taupe or Cocoa Brown.
• Yarn F (Butterfly): Small amount of Purple and Lilac.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes, small beads for accessories, stitch markers, and 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 (KFB – Knit into front and back of stitch).
• Dec: Decrease (K2tog – Knit 2 together).
• 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 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. This method creates a continuous flow and minimizes bulky seams at the waist.

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 foundation.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. (24 sts). 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. (30 sts). This creates the instep of the foot, curving the fabric to form the toe area.
• 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 length of the leg. Ensure your tension remains even here.

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 together.

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Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (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. Ensure both legs are facing forward.
• 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 for a seated posture.
• 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 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.
• 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 cheeks a round shape.
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give room for safety eye placement.
• 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 111 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts).
• 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, 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.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy. Using Yarn A, cast on 14 stitches.

• Rows 1-42: Work in stockinette stitch. Keep edges neat.
• 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 47 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 6, K2tog. (8 sts).
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 4, K2tog. (6 sts).
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 2, K2tog. (4 sts).
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Pansy Garden Dress

This dress features a cream base with a complex pansy band. It fits the bunny body snugly and serves as a showcase for colorwork.

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Skirt with Colorwork Band

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch in Yarn B.
• Row 9 (Begin Colorwork): Join Yarn D colors (Purple, Lavender, Green). Follow a chart or pattern to create pansy heads.

  Pattern Note: Pansies are created by grouping deep purple centers with lavender outer petals, separated by green leaves.

• Rows 10-18: Continue the stranded colorwork band. Keep floats loose to avoid puckering the fabric.
• Row 19: Break contrast colors and continue in Yarn B (Cream).
• Rows 20-34: Work in stockinette stitch.

Waist and Bodice

Decrease at the waist to create a gathered effect.

• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat across. (54 sts).
• Row 36: Purl all stitches.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat across. (45 sts).
• Rows 38-42 (Bodice Eyelets):
  • Row 38: *K2, YO, K2tog, K1*, repeat. This creates decorative holes.
  • Row 39: Purl.
  • Row 40: Knit.
• Row 43 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 sts, Knit 21, cast off 4 sts, Knit 8.
• Row 44: Purl 8, cast on 4 sts, Purl 21, cast on 4 sts, Purl 8. (45 sts).
• Rows 45-48: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 49: Knit across.
• Row 50: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back seam up to the waist. Attach a small button or snap at the neck.

Part 3: The Blue Garden Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Blue) and features eyelet patterns and floral embroidery.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 stitches using Yarn C.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 stitches at start of next 2 rows. (26 sts).
• Rows 23-34: Work straight in stockinette.
• Row 35: Cast off all stitches.

Left Front

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Row 5 (Eyelet Setup): K2, YO, K2tog, K to end. (Maintain this eyelet at the front edge).
• Rows 6-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 stitches at armhole edge.
• Rows 22-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 stitches at neck edge.
• Row 31: Decrease 1 stitch at neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off remaining stitches.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing the shaping for the armhole and neck. On the front panels, embroider 3-petal pansies using Yarn D and E.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 st at each end of Row 8 and Row 16. (24 sts).
• Row 21: Cast off.

Sew shoulders and side seams. Sew sleeves into armholes. Pick up stitches along front and neck to knit a 3-row garter band. Add wooden buttons.

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Part 4: The Pansy Kiss Hat

This hat is a cloche or bucket style in Blue, adorned with a cluster of flowers.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn C (Blue).
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch for the crown.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: K2tog across. Draw through.

Sew back seam. Adorn the side with three knitted pansies (Cast on 10, knit 2 rows, bind off, gather into a circle) and green leaves.

Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn E (Brown), cast on 12 stitches. Build from the sole up.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 30 stitches around the three sides of the sole.
• Rows 1-5: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 5 times, Knit 10. (25 sts).
• Row 7: Purl.
• Row 8 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 3 times, Knit 9. (22 sts).
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back heel. Create a strap across the instep and sew a tiny purple knitted flower to the side.

Part 6: Garden Accessories

The Wreath Handbag

Using Yarn B (Cream) or E (Brown).

• Body: Cast on 16 stitches. Work in stockinette for 3.5 inches.
• Assembly: Fold in half and sew sides.
• Handle: Knit a short I-cord and attach.
• Decoration: Embroider a circular wreath of pansies and leaves on the front.

The Purple Butterfly

Using Yarn F (Purple).

• Large Wings: Cast on 4 stitches. Increase to 8. Knit 4 rows. Decrease to 4. Fasten off. Make 2.
• Small Wings: Cast on 3 stitches. Increase to 6. Knit 3 rows. Decrease to 3. Fasten off. Make 2.
• Body: Knit a 1-inch I-cord in dark brown.
• Assembly: Sew wings to the body. Embroider antennae.

Miniature Journal

Using Yarn E (Brown) for the cover and Yarn B (Cream) for the pages.

• Cover: Cast on 12 stitches. Knit 15 rows. Cast off.
• Pages: Knit a slightly smaller rectangle in cream.
• Assembly: Stitch the pages inside the cover along the spine. Add a small embroidered pansy to the cover.

Lace Handkerchief

Using Yarn B (Cream).

• Cast on 20 stitches. Knit a square in stockinette.
• Border: Pick up stitches around the edge and work a picot bind off.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Assembly requires patience to ensure the bunny has the right character. Use a ladder stitch for all seams to hide the joins.

1. Body: Sew the leg and body seams. Stuff firmly, ensuring the tummy is round. The neck must be very solid to support the head and hat.
2. Head: Sew the back seam. Stuff until the cheeks are plump. Ensure the face is symmetrical.
3. Face:
   • Eyes: Place 9mm safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spaced 9 stitches apart.
   • Nose: Using dark brown floss, stitch a small “Y” for the nose and mouth. Satin stitch the top for a triangular shape.
4. Limbs: Attach arms to the sides of the body below the neck. Attach ears to the top of the head, angled slightly forward.

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Care Notes

Handmade toys should be handled with care. Because this bunny is made from wool and features intricate embroidery, follow these tips:

• Dusting: Use a soft brush or lint roller to remove surface fibers.
• Spot Cleaning: Use a damp cloth with mild soap for small stains. Do not rub, as this will cause the yarn to pill or felt.
• Washing: submerge gently in cool water with wool wash if a deep clean is needed. Never machine wash. Press out water with a towel and dry flat in the shade.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are all loose ends woven in securely on the inside of the garments?
• Are the safety eyes locked and secure?
• Is the bunny’s stuffing even and firm throughout?
• Does the head sit straight on the neck?
• Are the buttons on the cardigan and shoes securely attached?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve your bunny as a heritage piece, store her away from direct sunlight, which can fade the purple and green dyes. Use a breathable cotton bag for storage if she is being put away for the season. Adding a small cedar block or lavender sachet to her storage bag can help keep her fresh and protected from pests. Check her occasionally to ensure the stuffing hasn’t shifted.

Your Pansy Kiss Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the quiet joy of gardening and the beauty of handmade things. Whether she sits on a shelf or is given as a gift, she will bring a sense of peace and botanical charm to her new home.