Cherry Blossom Letter-Date Bunny – Knitting

Cherry Blossom Letter-Date Bunny – Knitting

When crafters want to create a truly memorable heirloom, they often look to buy premium knitting yarn online. Finding the best materials is essential for capturing the delicate textures of this lovely spring project.

Many makers search for luxury sport weight wool and high-quality amigurumi stuffing to achieve the crisp stitch definition required for detailed doll making. This enchanting character is dressed perfectly for a beautiful spring day.

She comes complete with exquisite floral garments, detailed miniature accessories, and a sweet little fox companion. Grab your best needles, prepare your workspace, and let us begin this wonderful crafting journey together.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Project Specifications and Materials

Creating this stunning springtime companion requires careful attention to the exact materials used. The finished dimensions and the lovely drape of the intricate garments rely entirely on your tension and the specific yarn weights you choose.

We will be using multiple soft colors to achieve the romantic, cherry blossom inspired look. Please review this comprehensive material list carefully before casting on to ensure you have everything needed for the complete set.

Yarn Requirements

  • Main Bunny Yarn: One skein of premium sport weight yarn in Heathered Oatmeal or Light Beige (approximately 180 yards).
  • Dress Yarn: One skein of sport weight yarn in Soft Cream or Ivory (approximately 140 yards).
  • Cardigan Yarn: One skein of sport weight yarn in Light Blossom Pink (approximately 120 yards).
  • Floral Accent Yarns: Small amounts of sport weight yarn in Dark Pink and Rose Pink for the cherry blossom motifs.
  • Accessory Yarns: Small amounts of sport weight yarn in Tan (shoes) and Cream (bag and envelope).
  • Companion Yarn: Small amounts of sport weight yarn in Fox Orange, Pure White, Black, and Denim Blue for the miniature fox.

Tools and Hardware

  • US 2.5 (3.0 mm) double-pointed needles (set of 5) for working all amigurumi pieces seamlessly in the round.
  • US 2.5 (3.0 mm) circular needles (24-inch cable) for knitting the flat garments like the open cardigan and the wide dress skirt.
  • Premium polyester fiberfill for firm, even, and smooth stuffing of the main bunny and the small fox.
  • One pair of 6mm black safety eyes for the bunny.
  • One pair of 4mm black safety eyes for the miniature fox.
  • A small scrap of dark brown embroidery floss for the facial details on the bunny and fox.
  • Tiny decorative buttons for the fox overalls and the bunny shoes.
  • Tapestry needle for seaming pieces, embroidering text, and weaving in all yarn ends.
  • Stitch markers to track your rounds and raglan increases.

Stitch Abbreviations

Please familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations. Maintaining a tight, even tension is extremely crucial for stuffed toys so the white fiberfill remains completely hidden inside the knitted fabric.

  • CO: Cast on
  • BO: Bind off
  • K: Knit
  • P: Purl
  • St(s): Stitch(es)
  • Rnd(s): Round(s)
  • RS / WS: Right side / Wrong side
  • K2tog: Knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
  • SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
  • M1L / M1R: Make one left / Make one right (increases)
  • YO: Yarn over
  • PM / SM: Place marker / Slip marker

The Bunny Base Structure

We will construct the foundation of our character first. The legs and body are worked as a single seamless piece from the bottom up. This specific method ensures great structural stability.

Working the body this way allows the finished toy to sit nicely on a ledge or table without slouching. Take your time with the foundational rounds to ensure neat stitches.

The Legs (Make 2)

Start with the first leg using the Heathered Oatmeal yarn and your double-pointed needles. The foot is shaped first, then transitions smoothly into the tall, slender leg.

Round 1: Cast on 12 sts. Distribute them evenly across three needles. Join to work in the round being careful not to twist the stitches, and PM for the beginning of the round.

Round 2: Knit all sts to establish the circular work and secure the cast-on edge.

Round 3: (K1, M1R, K4, M1L, K1) twice. You will now have 16 sts on your needles.

Rounds 4-8: Knit all sts. This section builds the height and volume of the foot before we begin the ankle shaping. Ensure your tension is tight here.

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Round 9: (K2, M1R, K4, M1L, K2) twice. You will now have 20 sts. This creates the gentle curve of the ankle.

Rounds 10-38: Knit all sts continuously. This long section creates the elegant leg. Stuff the foot firmly right now, as it will be very difficult to reach the bottom later.

Continue adding small amounts of stuffing to the leg as you work your way upwards. Keeping the stuffing even prevents lumpy legs.

At the end of Round 38 on the first leg, break the yarn and place these stitches securely on a holder or a piece of scrap yarn. Do not bind off.

For the second leg, repeat all the previous steps exactly. However, do not break the yarn at the end of this leg. You will use this working yarn to join the pieces together.

The Torso

Now we will join the two legs together to begin forming the hips and lower torso. Ensure both feet are pointing in the exact same forward direction before making the join.

Round 39 (Joining Round): With the working yarn still attached to the second leg, knit 10 sts. Cast on 4 sts using the backward loop method to create the base of the body.

Pick up the first leg from the holder and knit across all 20 sts. Cast on 4 sts again using the backward loop method. Finally, knit the remaining 10 sts of the second leg.

You now have 48 sts total on the needles. Place a marker here to indicate the new beginning of the round at the center back of the bunny.

Rounds 40-50: Knit all sts. This section forms the lower belly and hips. Make sure to stuff the transition area between the legs very firmly to prevent any loose gaps from forming.

Round 51 (Waist Decrease): (K10, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 44 sts. This slight decrease begins the shaping of the waist.

Rounds 52-56: Knit all sts evenly to build the midsection of the torso.

Round 57: (K9, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 40 sts on the needles.

Rounds 58-64: Knit all sts evenly. Keep adding fiberfill, ensuring the belly is round and plump.

Round 65: (K8, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 36 sts remaining.

Rounds 66-70: Knit all sts. Shape the torso so it is wider at the bottom and tapers gently towards the upper chest area.

Round 71: (K7, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 32 sts.

Rounds 72-75: Knit all sts evenly to create the upper chest.

Round 76 (Shoulder Decrease): (K6, K2tog) 4 times. You now have 28 sts.

Round 77: Knit all sts. Finish stuffing the upper chest completely and firmly so the neck will be strong enough to support the head.

Round 78 (Neck Shaping): (K2, K2tog) 7 times. You now have 21 sts left on the needles.

Round 79: Knit all sts. Bind off these remaining stitches, leaving a very long tail for attaching the head to the body securely during the final assembly phase.

The Head

The head features wide, rounded cheeks and a gently tapering snout. It is worked from the tip of the nose backwards to the base of the skull for the absolute best shape.

Round 1: Using Heathered Oatmeal yarn, cast on 6 sts. Distribute on DPNs and join carefully.

Round 2: Knit into the front and back (Kfb) of every single st. You will have 12 sts.

Round 3: (K1, Kfb) 6 times. You will have 18 sts.

Round 4: (K2, Kfb) 6 times. You will have 24 sts.

Rounds 5-10: Knit all sts. This extended section forms the gentle forward projection of the bunny’s snout.

Round 11 (Cheek Increases): K6, (Kfb) 12 times across the top and sides, K6. You now have 36 sts. These increases build the chubby cheeks.

Round 12: K6, (K1, Kfb) 12 times, K6. You now have 48 sts. The face is becoming much wider here.

Rounds 13-18: Knit all sts evenly around the widest part of the face.

Round 19: (K7, Kfb) 6 times. You now have 54 sts.

Rounds 20-32: Knit all sts. During this wide section, insert the safety eyes between rounds 14 and 15. Space them about 16 stitches apart, centered directly above the snout.

Round 33 (Begin Decreasing): (K7, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 48 sts.

Round 34: (K6, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 42 sts.

Round 35: (K5, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 36 sts.

Round 36: (K4, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 30 sts. Pause here to begin stuffing the head firmly.

Pay special attention to padding the cheek increases well from the inside. This ensures the face looks wide, round, and remarkably gentle.

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Round 37: (K3, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 24 sts.

Round 38: (K2, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 18 sts.

Round 39: (K1, K2tog) 6 times. You now have 12 sts. Add any final bits of stuffing needed to shape the back of the head properly.

Round 40: (K2tog) 6 times. You have 6 sts left. Break the yarn, thread the tail through the remaining loops, and pull tightly to close the hole securely. Weave in the end.

The Drooping Ears (Make 2)

The ears are knitted flat and then seamed together. This specific folded technique gives them a lovely thickness and allows them to drape beautifully down the sides of the head.

Row 1: Using Heathered Oatmeal yarn, cast on 12 sts on straight or circular needles.

Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts across the row.

Row 3 (RS): K1, M1R, K10, M1L, K1. You now have 14 sts.

Row 4: Purl all sts.

Row 5: K1, M1R, K12, M1L, K1. You now have 16 sts.

Rows 6-44: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 39 complete rows. This creates the signature long, elegant shape of the drooping ear.

Row 45: Purl all sts.

Row 46: SSK, K12, K2tog. You now have 14 sts.

Row 47: Purl all sts.

Row 48: SSK, K10, K2tog. You now have 12 sts.

Row 49: Purl all sts.

Row 50: SSK, K8, K2tog. You now have 10 sts.

Rows 51-56: Work in stockinette stitch for six more rows. Bind off all stitches neatly.

Fold the bound-off edge in half and sew it pinched together. This pinched end will be attached directly to the sides of the head later during assembly.

The Arms (Make 2)

The arms are worked in the round from the bottom up. They are stuffed firmly at the hands but lightly at the top so they rest naturally against the body.

Round 1: Using Heathered Oatmeal yarn, cast on 10 sts. Distribute evenly on DPNs and join.

Round 2: (K1, M1R, K3, M1L, K1) twice. You now have 14 sts.

Rounds 3-35: Knit all sts. The arms are kept simple and slender to fit neatly into the sleeves of the cardigan without becoming too bulky.

Round 36: (K5, K2tog) twice. You now have 12 sts.

Rounds 37-39: Knit all sts. Stuff the lower two-thirds of the arm firmly right now, leaving the top inch completely empty of stuffing.

Round 40: (K2tog) 6 times. You have 6 sts remaining. Break the yarn, pull through the remaining loops, and secure tightly.

The Cherry Blossom Dress

The clothing gives this bunny her distinct spring look. The dress is worked with a lovely cream base, featuring a classic fold-down collar and scattered pink cherry blossom motifs along the wide skirt.

The Dress Bodice and Collar

Row 1 (Neckline): Using Cream yarn, cast on 36 sts on circular needles. Work back and forth.

Rows 2-6: Work in stockinette stitch to create the small fold-down collar section. The natural curl of the stockinette will help it lay flat later.

Row 7 (Setup for Raglan): K6, PM, K5, PM, K14, PM, K5, PM, K6. These markers separate the fronts, sleeves, and back.

Row 8 (and all WS rows): Purl all sts across to maintain stockinette stitch.

Row 9 (Raglan Increase): *Knit to 1 st before marker, M1R, K1, SM, K1, M1L; repeat from * 3 more times, knit to the end of the row.

Rows 10-21: Repeat Rows 8 and 9 six more times. You will be increasing steadily to widen the bodice and sleeves.

Row 22: Purl all sts across the entire row.

Row 23 (Dividing for Sleeves): Knit to the first marker, remove marker. Place the next group of sleeve stitches onto a holder or scrap yarn. Cast on 2 sts for the underarm.

Knit across the back stitches to the next marker, remove marker. Place the second group of sleeve stitches onto a holder. Cast on 2 sts for the underarm. Knit the remaining front sts to the end.

Rows 24-32: Work in stockinette stitch across these remaining body stitches using the Cream yarn to form the waist of the bodice.

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The Wide Floral Skirt

Row 33 (Skirt Increase): *K1, M1L; repeat from * to the end of the row. This dramatically increases the stitch count to create the full skirt. Join the work to begin knitting in the round. PM to mark the beginning of the round.

Rounds 34-45: Knit all sts using the Cream yarn smoothly in the round.

Round 46 (Second Increase): *K2, M1L; repeat from * to end. The skirt will now be very wide, giving it that beautiful flared drape seen in the photograph.

Rounds 47-52: Knit all sts in Cream.

Rounds 53-65 (Cherry Blossom Motif): In this section, you will introduce the Pink yarn. We will use the stranded knitting (Fair Isle) technique to knit small clusters of pink stitches.

Every 8 stitches, knit a block of 3 pink stitches. On the next round, expand that block to 5 pink stitches, then back to 3, creating a small diamond/petal cluster. Stagger these clusters on the next few rounds to mimic falling cherry blossoms.

Rounds 66-70: Switch entirely back to Cream yarn. Knit 5 rounds evenly to frame the bottom of the motifs.

Round 71 (Scalloped Lace Hem Setup): Purl one round to create a neat horizontal ridge.

Round 72: Knit all sts.

Round 73: *K2, YO, K2tog; repeat from * around to create a simple eyelet pattern.

Round 74: Knit all sts.

Round 75: Bind off all stitches very loosely using a picot bind off: *Cast on 2 sts, bind off 4 sts; repeat from * around. This creates the delicate scalloped edge at the very bottom of the dress.

The Pink Speckled Cardigan

This cozy cardigan completes the layered look. It is knitted flat from the top down in a lovely Light Pink yarn, featuring open front panels and scattered darker pink embroidery details.

Cardigan Bodice

Row 1: Using Light Pink yarn, cast on 42 sts. Work 4 rows in garter stitch (knit every row) for the neckband.

Row 5 (Setup): K7, PM, K6, PM, K16, PM, K6, PM, K7.

Row 6 (and all WS rows): K3 (this maintains the garter button band edge), purl to the last 3 sts, K3.

Row 7: K3, *knit to 1 st before marker, M1R, K1, SM, K1, M1L; repeat from * 3 times, knit to last 3 sts, K3.

Rows 8-23: Repeat Rows 6 and 7 eight more times. The yoke will grow steadily.

Row 24: K3, purl to end, K3.

Row 25 (Divide for Sleeves): Knit to first marker, place the sleeve stitches on a holder, cast on 3 sts, knit across the back stitches, place the second sleeve stitches on a holder, cast on 3 sts, knit to end.

Rows 26-42: Work in stockinette stitch across the body stitches, ensuring you always maintain the 3-stitch garter edge on both the left and right front panels.

Rows 43-46: Work 4 rows in garter stitch across all stitches to form the bottom hem. Bind off loosely.

Cardigan Sleeves and Embroidery

Transfer the resting sleeve stitches back to your DPNs. Pick up 3 stitches at the underarm gap. Knit in the round in Light Pink for 28 rounds.

Work 4 rounds in garter stitch (purl one round, knit one round) for the cuff. Bind off. Repeat this entire process for the second sleeve.

The Flecks: Thread a tapestry needle with Dark Pink yarn. Randomly embroider tiny “V” shapes across the front panels and sleeves of the cardigan. This mimics falling petals or delicate tweed flecks.

The Floral Bucket Hat

This stylish dome hat completes the springtime outfit. It features a structured rounded crown and a slightly upturned brim.

The Crown and Brim

Round 1: Using Beige yarn, cast on 8 sts on DPNs. Join in the round.

Round 2: (Kfb) in every stitch. You have 16 sts.

Round 3: *K1, M1L; repeat from * around. You have 32 sts.

Round 4: Knit all sts.

Round 5: *K2, M1L; repeat from * around. You have 48 sts.

Rounds 6-20: Knit all sts evenly to build the depth of the hat bowl.

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Round 21 (Brim Increase): *K3, M1L; repeat from * around. You have 64 sts.

Rounds 22-26: Knit all sts. The brim will begin to flare outwards.

Round 27: *K4, M1L; repeat from * around. You have 80 sts.

Rounds 28-32: Work in garter stitch (purl one round, knit one round) to give the brim structure so it curls up slightly. Bind off loosely.

The Pink Floral Hat Band

Using Rose Pink yarn, knit or crochet a long chain to wrap around the base of the hat. Along this chain, create 5 small flowers.

To knit a tiny flower: Cast on 5 sts. *Knit 1, pass the stitch back to the left needle, cast on 2 sts, bind off 3 sts; repeat from * to create petals. Sew these flowers evenly around the hat band.

The Beige T-Strap Shoes (Make 2)

These classic shoes are knitted seamlessly to fit snugly over the bunny’s feet with a charming vintage strap design.

Round 1: Using Tan yarn, cast on 22 sts. Join in the round.

Round 2: Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You have 44 sts.

Rounds 3-6: Purl all sts. This creates the thick, defined ridge for the sole of the shoe.

Rounds 7-10: Knit all sts to build the sides of the shoe.

Round 11 (Toe Decreases): K14, (K2tog) 8 times, K14. You have 36 sts.

Round 12: K14, (K2tog) 4 times, K14. You have 32 sts. Bind off all stitches loosely.

The T-Strap: Pick up 1 stitch at the center front of the shoe opening. Cast on 6 stitches vertically. From the top of this vertical strip, cast on 14 stitches horizontally to create the ankle strap. Attach to the side of the shoe. Bind off. Sew a tiny decorative button where the straps meet.

The Letter-Date Accessories

These incredibly detailed props tell the story of our Bunny. Take your time with the lettering to make it legible and neat.

The “Sakura 2024” Envelope Bag

Row 1: Using Cream yarn, cast on 18 sts. Work flat.

Rows 2-28: Work in stockinette stitch. This rectangular piece forms the back, base, and front pouch of the bag.

Rows 29-38: Continue in stockinette, but decrease 1 stitch at the beginning and end of every right-side row. This forms the pointed, triangular envelope flap.

Row 39: Bind off the remaining stitches at the tip.

Assembly and Details: Fold the bottom rectangular section up to form the pouch and seam the sides. Fold the triangular flap over.

Using Dark Pink embroidery floss, carefully backstitch the words “Sakura” and “2024” onto the front flap. Knit a small pink flower (using the same method as the hat flowers) and sew it to the bottom tip of the flap. Pick up stitches on the sides to knit a long I-cord shoulder strap.

The Tiny Wax-Sealed Letter

Row 1: Using Cream yarn, cast on 12 sts. Knit in stockinette for 16 rows. Bind off to create a small rectangle.

Fold the four corners of the rectangle inward to meet perfectly in the exact center, mimicking a folded paper envelope. Secure them with a few invisible stitches.

Using Dark Pink yarn, embroider a small, dense circle right in the center where the corners meet to simulate a vintage wax seal.

The Miniature Fox Companion

This adorable little friend stands beside the bunny, wearing his own detailed outfit.

Fox Head and Body

Round 1: Using Pure White yarn, cast on 6 sts. Join in the round.

Round 2: (Kfb) in every st. You have 12 sts.

Rounds 3-5: Knit all sts. This forms the white snout.

Round 6: Switch to Fox Orange yarn. (K1, M1L) around. You have 24 sts. The face widens here.

Rounds 7-12: Knit all sts in Orange. Insert 4mm safety eyes during these rounds.

Round 13: (K2tog) around to decrease back to 12 sts. Stuff the head.

Rounds 14-25: Knit all sts to form the long body. Stuff firmly.

Round 26: (K2tog) around to 6 sts. Break yarn and pull tight.

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Fox Features and Clothing

Ears (Make 2): Using Orange yarn, cast on 4 sts. Knit 4 rows flat, decreasing to a point. Sew to the top of the head.

Limbs (Make 4): Cast on 5 sts in Orange. Knit a tiny I-cord for 10 rows. Add White yarn for the last 2 rows for the paws. Bind off and attach to the body.

Blue Overalls: Using Denim Blue yarn, cast on 24 sts. Join in the round. Knit 8 rounds. Divide the stitches in half to knit two short, tubular legs for 4 rounds each. Bind off. Slide over the fox’s legs. Knit two tiny flat straps and cross them over the back, securing them to the front with tiny buttons.

Fox Hat: Using Tan yarn, cast on 16 sts. Knit 4 rounds. Decrease to the top to form a dome. Add a stripe of Blue and Pink yarn around the brim. Sew onto the fox’s head between the ears.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Careful assembly makes all the difference in amigurumi. Use the long oatmeal tail from the torso to sew the bunny’s head securely onto the neck using the mattress stitch. Pin the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck seam and attach them firmly.

Position the tall drooping ears on either side of the head and sew them securely in place. For the face, use the dark brown embroidery floss to stitch a delicate ‘Y’ shape exactly between the safety eyes to form the nose and mouth.

Dress the bunny by sliding the cream floral dress on first. Put the pink speckled cardigan over her arms. Place the T-strap shoes on the feet, adjust the floral hat on her head, and loop the “Sakura” bag over her shoulder. Position the tiny letter and the dressed fox companion nearby.

Care Notes

Because this springtime project contains intricate colorwork, delicate lace edging, and multiple small stuffed components, it should be treated as a gentle heirloom rather than a rough plaything. Keep the pieces away from sharp objects that might snag the floating yarns on the inside of the skirt or the delicate embroidered letters. Ensure the environment is free from moths if using natural animal fibers.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Are all yarn ends securely woven in, especially around the colorwork skirt and the embroidered bag?
  • Is the bunny’s head firmly attached and not wobbling at the neck?
  • Are the safety eyes on both the bunny and the miniature fox firmly locked in place from the inside?
  • Are the tiny accessories (shoes, bag, hat, envelope) completed and fitted correctly?
  • Are the embroidered facial details and lettering symmetrical and neat?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

If cleaning becomes absolutely necessary due to dust, never machine wash or tumble dry this handmade item. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and a gentle, no-rinse wool wash.

Submerge the bunny and accessories, pressing gently to clean without wringing or twisting the fabric. Twisting can distort the delicate stitches and shift the internal stuffing. Rinse thoroughly in cool water if needed. Press out excess moisture using a thick, clean towel.

Reshape the long ears, the flared dress skirt, and the tiny accessories while they are damp. Lay the entire project flat on a dry towel in a shaded, well-ventilated area until completely dry to preserve the vibrant pink yarn colors and structural integrity.

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