Hellebore Winter-Tea Bunny – Knitting

Meet the Hellebore Winter-Tea Bunny: a soft, heirloom-style knitted rabbit dressed for a cozy outdoor tea moment. This set includes the bunny, a tiny penguin companion, and charming teatime props like a tea tin, cup, cookies, and hellebore blooms. If you love shopping for a complete knitting kit, selecting merino wool and cotton DK yarn, and using quality stuffing, safety eyes, and mini buttons, you’ll enjoy building every detail exactly as shown.

 

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

Overview

This project is worked mostly in the round to create a smooth, plush fabric that holds its shape. The bunny has a softly rounded head, small embroidered mouth, and upright ears that sit behind a cream beret. The outfit features a green cable-cardigan and a floral skirt with raised dots.

The accessories are intentionally small and simple, so they feel realistic without becoming fussy. The penguin is palm-sized and dressed in a tiny beige sweater with a brown cap. Everything is scaled to sit beside the bunny, exactly like the photo.

Finished Measurements

• Bunny (seated): about 11–12 in / 28–30 cm tall (top of hat to feet)
• Bunny (body width at skirt hem): about 6 in / 15 cm
• Penguin: about 4 in / 10 cm tall
• Tea tin: about 2 in / 5 cm tall

Skill Level

• Confident beginner to intermediate
• Comfort with knitting in the round, simple increases/decreases, and basic seaming
• Optional: small cables and simple color detailing on the skirt

Yarn and Colors

Choose yarns that match the soft, natural tones in the image. A matte finish looks most “plush-toy” and photographs beautifully.

• Main Bunny (Face/Body): DK weight in warm beige/oatmeal
• Cardigan: DK weight in muted olive green
• Beret: DK weight in creamy off-white
• Skirt Base: DK weight in pale lavender/soft lilac
• Skirt Motifs: small amounts of rose, berry, teal, leaf green, and ivory
• Tights: DK weight in soft off-white
• Shoes: DK weight in olive green and tan/biscuit + a touch of brown
• Penguin: DK in black, white/cream, mustard yellow, beige, and brown
• Teatime Props: DK in linen/cream/gray/tan/brown + scraps for labels
• Hellebore Flowers: DK in ivory, pale green, and deep plum/berry

Tools and Notions

• Needles: US 2.5 / 3.0 mm (main toy fabric), and US 3 / 3.25 mm (clothes if you want a softer drape)
• Preferred method for small circumference: DPNs or magic loop
• Fiber fill stuffing
• 2 small black safety eyes or beads: 6–8 mm (photo look: small and subtle)
• Embroidery floss in dark brown/black for nose and mouth
• Mini buttons for cardigan: 3 pieces (about 8–10 mm)
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
• Optional: thin floral wire for bouquet stems (or pipe cleaner)

Gauge

Toy gauge matters for firmness. Aim for a dense fabric so stuffing does not show through.

• Main toy fabric: about 26–30 sts and 36–42 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette, in the round
• Clothing can be slightly looser: about 24–26 sts = 4 in / 10 cm

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS/WS = right side / wrong side
• kfb = knit front and back (increase 1)
• m1L/m1R = make 1 left/right
• k2tog = knit two together (decrease 1)
• ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease 1)
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker

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Construction Notes

The bunny is built from separate pieces: head, body, arms, legs, ears, and tail. The cardigan is worked flat, then seamed, and the skirt is worked in the round with gentle shaping. The beret is a round, soft cap with ear openings and a flower applique.

In the photo, the bunny’s head is slightly larger than the body, creating a sweet, childlike proportion. The arms are short and rest beside the skirt. The legs extend forward with shoes and visible white tights.

Bunny Head

Work in the round from the top down, shaping a smooth sphere. Stuff firmly as you go to keep the face rounded under the hat.

1. CO 6 sts, join to work in the round. Rnd 1: kfb each st (12).
2. Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) around (18).
3. Rnd 3: (k2, kfb) around (24).
4. Rnd 4: (k3, kfb) around (30).
5. Rnd 5: (k4, kfb) around (36).
6. Rnd 6: (k5, kfb) around (42).

Keep increasing until the head looks gently wide, like the image. For most DK yarns at toy gauge, 42 sts gives a perfect “round-cheek” head.

1. Rnd 7–16: knit all sts (42) for a smooth dome.
2. Rnd 17: (k5, k2tog) around (36).
3. Rnd 18: knit (36).
4. Rnd 19: (k4, k2tog) around (30).
5. Rnd 20: knit (30).
6. Rnd 21: (k3, k2tog) around (24).

Begin stuffing firmly. The face in the photo is plump but not stretched. Keep stuffing even, especially around the cheeks and top of the head.

1. Rnd 22: (k2, k2tog) around (18).
2. Rnd 23: (k1, k2tog) around (12).
3. Rnd 24: k2tog around (6). Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight to close.

Facial Placement (Before Hat)

Position the eyes low and wide for a gentle look. In the image, the eyes sit slightly above the midpoint, spaced about 8–10 stitches apart.

• Mark the “front” of the head seam-free area.
• Place safety eyes between Rnd 14 and Rnd 15, about 8–9 sts apart.
• Embroider a small vertical nose line and a tiny split mouth beneath it.

For the embroidered look shown, use a single strand of dark floss. Make the nose subtle: a short line down, then two tiny curves for the mouth.

Bunny Body (Seated Shape)

The body is a rounded, seated form: wider at the bottom to support the skirt and narrower at the neck. Work from the bottom up.

1. CO 6 sts, join. Rnd 1: kfb each st (12).
2. Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) around (18).
3. Rnd 3: (k2, kfb) around (24).
4. Rnd 4: (k3, kfb) around (30).
5. Rnd 5: (k4, kfb) around (36).
6. Rnd 6–14: knit (36) to build the lower torso.

To create the seated belly, add a small increase band, then taper back to the neck. This makes the cardigan sit smoothly and the skirt flare nicely.

1. Rnd 15: (k5, kfb) around (42).
2. Rnd 16–18: knit (42).
3. Rnd 19: (k5, k2tog) around (36).
4. Rnd 20–22: knit (36).
5. Rnd 23: (k4, k2tog) around (30).
6. Rnd 24–26: knit (30).
7. Rnd 27: (k3, k2tog) around (24).
8. Rnd 28–30: knit (24).

Stuff firmly, keeping the front slightly rounder than the back. The bunny sits upright in the photo, so make the base dense and flat.

1. Rnd 31: (k2, k2tog) around (18).
2. Rnd 32–33: knit (18) for a short neck.
3. BO loosely. Leave a long tail for attaching head.

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Arms (Make 2)

The arms are short tubes with a rounded paw. Keep them lightly stuffed so they rest naturally beside the skirt.

1. CO 6 sts, join. Rnd 1: kfb each st (12).
2. Rnd 2: knit (12).
3. Rnd 3: (k2, k2tog) around (9).
4. Rnd 4–14: knit (9) for the arm length.

If you want a tiny “wrist” like the photo, add 2 rounds of k1, p1 rib before binding off.

1. Rnd 15–16: k1, p1 around (9).
2. BO. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Legs (Make 2)

The legs extend forward and are visible below the skirt, with white tights and separate shoes. Knit each leg from the top down so it is easy to attach to the body.

1. CO 18 sts, join. Rnd 1–4: k1, p1 rib (18) to create a neat top edge hidden under the skirt.
2. Rnd 5–18: knit (18) for the white tights length.
3. BO. Leave a long tail for sewing to the body.

Stuff the legs lightly, keeping the front rounded and the back slightly flatter so the legs rest forward. Do not overstuff, because the shoes must slide on smoothly.

Tail

The tail is small and mostly hidden under the skirt in the photo, but it helps the bunny sit nicely.

1. CO 6 sts, join. Rnd 1: kfb each st (12).
2. Rnd 2–4: knit (12).
3. Rnd 5: (k2, k2tog) around (9).
4. Rnd 6: knit (9). Stuff lightly.
5. Rnd 7: (k1, k2tog) around (6). Close and leave tail for sewing.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are upright and slightly rounded. In the image, they are tall and narrow, peeking above the beret. Work flat, then seam.

1. CO 14 sts. Work flat in stockinette for 20 rows, ending WS.
2. Shape tip: Row 21 (RS): k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1 (12).
3. Row 22: purl.
4. Row 23: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1 (10).
5. Row 24: purl.
6. Row 25: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1 (8).
7. Row 26: purl.
8. Row 27: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1 (6).
9. Row 28: purl.
10. Row 29: k2tog, k2, k2tog (4). Cut yarn and pull through to close.

Fold each ear lengthwise with RS out and seam along the long edge to form a soft oval tube. Do not stuff. Pin to the top of the head so they angle slightly outward, matching the photo.

Outfit: Green Cable Cardigan

This cardigan is the signature piece: a soft A-line shape, long sleeves, and a central button band with small, light buttons. The body has vertical cable columns, similar to the image’s leafy texture.

Cardigan Back (Worked Flat)

CO 54 sts. Work 6 rows of k1, p1 rib for a tidy hem.

Set-up row (RS): k3, work 48 sts in a repeating texture, k3. Use the outer 3 sts on each side as garter edge (k on RS and WS) for a neat border.

• Texture suggestion to mimic the photo: alternate small 4-st cables with purl gutters.
• Example repeat across the center: p2, (k4 cable every 6th RS row), p2, repeat.

Work body to 44 rows total from CO edge, keeping edges in garter. Add gentle A-line shaping by increasing 1 st at each edge every 10th row, 3 times (6 sts added).

At underarm (about Row 45), BO 4 sts at the start of the next 2 rows. Continue straight until total length is about 6 in / 15 cm from hem. BO remaining sts.

Cardigan Fronts (Make 2)

Each front includes a button band edge. The cardigan in the photo overlaps slightly at center, with three buttons placed evenly.

1. CO 30 sts. Work 6 rows of rib as for back.
2. Maintain 6 sts at the center-front edge in garter for the button band.
3. Work the remaining sts in the same cable texture as the back.

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Shape A-line with the same edge increases on the side seam only. Work to the same length as the back. At underarm, BO 4 sts once at the side edge. Continue straight, then BO.

Sleeves (Make 2)

The sleeves are slim and cuffed, matching the neat proportions in the image.

1. CO 24 sts. Work 6 rows of k1, p1 rib.
2. Change to stockinette (or a very light texture). Work 10 rows.
3. Increase 1 st each side every 8th row, 3 times (30 sts).
4. Work to 44 rows from cuff, then BO.

Cardigan Assembly and Buttonholes

Seam shoulders. Set sleeves into armholes. Seam side seams and sleeve seams.

Pick up stitches along each front edge and neck to make the collar/band look crisp, like the photo.

• With RS facing, pick up about 3 sts for every 4 rows.
• Work 6 rows garter for a flat, soft band.
• On the right front band, create 3 buttonholes evenly spaced.

Simple buttonhole: k2, BO 2, k to end. Next row: CO 2 over the gap. Sew buttons to the left band, matching the placement seen in the image (top button near chest, two more evenly spaced).

Outfit: Floral Skirt with Raised Dots

The skirt is worked in the round from the waist down. The photo shows a pale base with floral bands and scattered raised dots (like tiny bobbles). You can achieve this with simple embroidery and small bobble stitches.

Skirt Waist

1. With lilac base color, CO 72 sts, join in the round.
2. Work 6 rnds of k1, p1 rib for a snug waistband that sits under the cardigan.
3. Next rnd: knit, increasing evenly by 8 sts (80) to start the flare.

Skirt Body and Flare

Work 10 rnds stockinette (knit every rnd). Increase flare gently:

• Every 6th rnd, increase 8 sts evenly around, 3 times (to 104 sts).

For the floral look shown, place motifs around the lower half. Use duplicate stitch after knitting, or knit in small accents if you prefer. Duplicate stitch is tidy and keeps the skirt flexible.

Raised Dots

Scatter small dots like the photo’s pale bumps. Place them mostly near the floral band and toward the hem.

• Option A: tiny bobble on a knit rnd (k into front, back, front of same st; turn, p3; turn, k3; turn, p3; turn, k3tog).
• Option B: add French-knot style embroidery bumps after finishing.

Hem

1. Work 4 rnds garter-in-the-round by alternating 1 rnd knit, 1 rnd purl.
2. BO loosely so the hem lies flat and slightly flared.

Floral Motif Placement Guide

Use the photo as your styling target: bold roses in pink and berry tones, with leafy greens and small accent dots.

• Place 3–4 main blossoms around the front and sides of the skirt.
• Add teal/blue accents between blossoms for a painterly look.
• Use pale ivory to highlight petals and create soft contrast.

Outfit: Beret with Ear Openings

The beret is a soft cream cap that sits low on the forehead, with the ears emerging behind it. The top is gently rounded, not pointed.

Beret Crown

1. CO 8 sts, join. Rnd 1: kfb each st (16).
2. Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) around (24).
3. Rnd 3: (k2, kfb) around (32).
4. Rnd 4: (k3, kfb) around (40).
5. Rnd 5: (k4, kfb) around (48).
6. Rnd 6: (k5, kfb) around (56).

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Work 10 rnds knit (56). This builds a soft beret dome like the image. Then begin gentle decrease to fit the head.

Shaping Down

1. Rnd 1: (k6, k2tog) around (49).
2. Rnd 2: knit (49).
3. Rnd 3: (k5, k2tog) around (42).
4. Rnd 4: knit (42).

Try the beret on the head. It should sit low and smooth, leaving room behind for ears. If it is loose, work one more decrease round evenly to about 40 sts.

Brim

Work 8 rnds of k1, p1 rib for a snug brim. BO stretchy. The brim in the photo is tidy and slightly folded-looking, so keep it firm.

Ear Openings

Mark two openings on the back half of the beret, spaced to match your ear placement. Create each opening by binding off 4 sts, then casting on 4 sts on the next round. The ear bases slide through neatly without gaping.

Hellebore Flower Applique (Hat Decoration)

The hat has a soft, layered flower with pale petals and a green center, pinned on the right side (from the bunny’s perspective, it appears on the left to the viewer).

Large Petal Layer

1. CO 24 sts, join or work flat and seam into a ring.
2. Work 6 short petals by making small eyelets and gathers: (k2tog, yo) repeated, then a few rounds knit.
3. Gather tightly at the center to form a ruffled ring.

Small Petal Layer

1. CO 18 sts. Repeat the same idea, but smaller.
2. Gather into a second ruffle and place on top.

Center

With pale green, create a tiny gathered circle or a simple crocheted-looking center using embroidered loops. Add a few small ivory stitches for the hellebore’s delicate core.

Sew flower securely to the beret. Keep it slightly off-center as in the image, with petals resting against the brim.

Shoes (Make 2)

The shoes in the photo are olive green with tan soles and a slightly darker toe area. They look like soft knit slippers with a neat opening.

Sole

1. With tan, CO 10 sts. Work flat in garter for 16 rows to form an oval-ish base.
2. Pick up sts around the edge (about 36 sts), join in the round.
3. Work 2 rnds knit to create a low wall.

Upper

1. Change to olive green. Work 4 rnds knit.
2. Shape the toe: place marker at center front. Decrease near marker every other rnd, 4 times, to round the toe.
3. Add a small brown patch at the very front using duplicate stitch or a tiny sewn-on knit swatch.

For the opening, work 4 rnds of k1, p1 rib. BO stretchy. Slip the shoes onto the tights. If needed, tack them with a few hidden stitches so they stay aligned like the photo.

Penguin Companion

The penguin is small, upright, and slightly chubby. It has black sides, a white belly, a mustard beak/feet, a beige sweater, and a brown cap.

Penguin Body

1. With white/cream, CO 6 sts, join. Increase to 30 sts as you did for the bunny head, but stop smaller.
2. Work 10 rnds knit (30).
3. Begin shaping: (k3, k2tog) around (24), knit 1 rnd, (k2, k2tog) around (18).

Stuff lightly. Close with decreases to 6 and pull tight.

Penguin Wings (Make 2)

With black, CO 10 sts. Work flat stockinette 10 rows. Decrease at each end every RS row, 3 times, to taper. BO. Sew to sides at mid-height, angled slightly forward.

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Beak

With mustard, CO 6 sts, join. Work 2 rnds knit. Decrease to 4, close. Sew centered on the face, slightly below eye line.

Feet (Make 2)

With mustard, CO 8 sts, join. Work 3 rnds knit. Flatten and seam to make a small oval. Sew to the base so the penguin stands.

Beige Sweater

With beige, pick up sts around the penguin body at midsection (about 24 sts). Work 8 rnds knit. Add a tiny rib edge at top and bottom with 2 rnds of k1, p1. BO. Keep it snug and smooth.

Brown Cap

With brown, CO 6 sts, join. Increase to 18 sts. Work 6 rnds knit. Decrease to close. Add a tiny flat brim by picking up sts and working 2 short garter rows, then BO.

Teatime Props

The props are arranged around the bunny: a small tea tin and bag, a cup, a tiny teapot-like piece, cookies, and a hellebore bouquet. Keep stitches tight so the items hold their shape.

Tea Tin (Rectangular Canister)

1. With gray, CO 24 sts. Work flat in stockinette for 18 rows.
2. Fold into a rectangle and seam side edge to form a tube.
3. Pick up sts around one opening and decrease evenly to close the bottom.
4. Stuff lightly to hold corners, then close the top similarly.

Add a cream “label” by sewing on a small rectangle of fabric or knitting a tiny patch (CO 8, knit 6 rows, BO). Stitch it to the front and add a few embroidered lines to suggest text.

Soft Tea Bag / Pouch with Handle

The photo shows a small soft container with a handle. Knit a simple pouch in cream with a tan strap.

1. With cream, CO 18 sts. Work garter 24 rows.
2. Fold in half and seam sides, leaving top open.
3. For handle, with tan, CO 3 sts. Work i-cord for 6–7 in, then sew ends to pouch.

Cup and Saucer

The cup is cream with a subtle rim and tiny handle. The saucer is a flat circle.

• Saucer: CO 6 sts, join, increase to 24 sts, work 2 rnds knit, BO.
• Cup: CO 18 sts, join, work 8 rnds knit, decrease slightly for the base, close.
• Handle: CO 4 sts, work 6 rows garter, sew as a loop.

Mini Teapot (Round Piece)

The small round cream item in front-left can be styled as a tiny teapot or sugar bowl. Make a rounded ball with a small nub lid.

1. CO 6 sts, join, increase to 24 sts.
2. Work 8 rnds knit, stuff, then decrease to close.
3. For lid nub, CO 6 sts, join, work 2 rnds, close, sew to top.

Cookies (Make 2–3)

The cookies are flat circles: one tan with darker spots, one darker “chocolate” style, and an optional small round bite-size.

• CO 6 sts, join, increase to 18 sts. Work 2 rnds knit. BO to keep flat.
• Add chocolate chips with tiny duplicate stitches in brown.
• For the darker cookie, use brown yarn and add lighter speckles.

Hellebore Bouquet (Ground Flowers)

The bouquet on the right matches the hat flower: pale petals with green centers and deep plum accents. Make 2–3 blooms and a few leaves, then bundle.

Bloom (Make 2–3)

• Petals: CO 20 sts, work 10 rows stockinette, gather into a shallow cup.
• Center: tiny green circle (CO 6, increase to 12, close), sew inside.
• Accent: add a few plum stitches at the base of petals.

Leaves

With leaf green, CO 10 sts. Work 6 rows stockinette, decrease at ends for a pointed tip, BO. Make 3–4 leaves.

Bundle

Use floral wire or a pipe cleaner wrapped with green yarn for stems. Attach blooms and leaves, then tie with a short plum yarn wrap to mimic the photo’s bundled look.

Seaming Plan (Order Matters)

Following this order helps you keep the proportions and clothing placement exactly like the image.

1. Sew ears to head first, checking symmetry from the front.
2. Attach eyes and embroider face before the hat goes on.
3. Sew head to body with a strong mattress seam, keeping head slightly forward.
4. Attach legs low on the front of the body so they extend outward.
5. Sew arms at the upper sides, slightly forward so they rest beside the skirt.
6. Add tail centered on back, just under skirt line.
7. Dress the bunny: tights, skirt, cardigan, shoes, then beret.
8. Finish with hat flower placement and tiny props around the feet.

Styling to Match the Photo

The cardigan should sit closed but not tight, with the hem flaring gently over the skirt waistband. The skirt should show its floral band clearly at the bottom. The tights must remain visible between skirt hem and shoes.

Angle the feet slightly outward and keep the shoes aligned so the tan sole shows at the front edge. Place the tea tin to the bunny’s left, cookies at the front, and the penguin standing close on the right.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Smooth stuffing lumps by rolling the pieces between your palms before fully closing seams. For the face, keep embroidery minimal: a short nose line and two small mouth curves. If you want the same gentle expression, place eyes low and wide, then lightly pinch-stitch cheeks inside the head.

Care Notes

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Press gently in a towel and reshape while damp. Let dry flat away from direct sunlight. Avoid heavy agitation to keep the skirt motifs crisp and the cardigan buttons secure.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Eyes aligned and securely fastened
• Head attached firmly with no wobble
• Ears symmetrical and upright
• Skirt hem flares evenly and motifs are balanced
• Three buttons attached and cardigan lies flat
• Shoes tacked in place so they do not twist
• Penguin stands and hat stays centered
• All props sized to look miniature beside the bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term storage, wrap the set in acid-free tissue and place it in a breathable cotton bag. Store flat so the beret and skirt do not crease. If displaying, keep away from humidity and dust; a covered shelf or display box helps preserve color and texture over time.