Calendula Honey-Sun Bonnet Bunny – Knitting

This sweet knitted bunny set is designed to look like a collectible handmade rabbit doll with heirloom charm. The finished piece includes a bonnet, patterned cardigan, tiered dress, little shoes, mini purse, tiny bow, flower bouquet, candy canes, and a matching small bunny companion. It suits makers searching for a knitted bunny doll, nursery decor, baby shower gift, Easter rabbit display, or artisan stuffed animal pattern. The soft blue and cream palette gives the set a delicate boutique look while still feeling cozy, timeless, and practical for display on a shelf, table, or gift basket.

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 pattern creates a standing bunny with a rounded head, long drooping ears, a soft plump body, straight little arms, sturdy legs, Mary Jane style shoes, a wide ruffled bonnet, and a layered dress under a cream cardigan with blue motifs.

The design also includes every small accessory shown with the main bunny. You will knit a tiny matching bunny, a small handbag, a loose bow, a tiny flower bouquet, and two miniature candy canes. Each piece is simple on its own, but together they create the full display.

The proportions matter in this set. The head is large and calm-looking, the ears hang low beside the cheeks, the torso is hidden under clothing, and the skirt silhouette widens gently toward the hem. The accessories should look neat and scaled, never oversized.

Skill Level

Intermediate

• Basic knit and purl stitches
• Working in the round and flat
• Simple shaping with increases and decreases
• Picking up stitches
• Small-area colorwork or duplicate stitch
• Mattress stitch and neat finishing
• Light embroidery for facial details

Finished Measurements

Measurements are approximate and depend on yarn choice, gauge, and stuffing firmness.

• Main bunny: about 12 to 13 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including bonnet ruffle
• Bonnet depth from crown to tie edge: about 4 inches
• Mini bunny: about 4 inches tall
• Handbag: about 2 inches wide
• Loose bow: about 1.5 inches wide
• Flower bouquet: about 2 inches long
• Candy canes: about 1.25 inches tall each

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm taupe for head, ears, hands, legs, shoes, mini bunny body, handbag, and loose bow
• DK weight yarn in cream for cardigan
• DK weight yarn in pale sky blue for bodice, top skirt layer, bonnet ties, mini accents, and flower details
• DK weight yarn in medium cornflower blue for bonnet outer layer and mid skirt band
• DK weight yarn in deeper denim blue for lowest skirt layer
• Small amount of lavender-blue or dusty lilac-blue for mini bunny upper dress if desired
• Small amount of leaf green for bouquet stems
• Small amount of red and white for candy canes
• Pair of 2.75 mm needles for flat pieces
• Set of double-pointed needles or circular needles for small circumferences
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Small sharp scissors
• Polyester stuffing
• Optional fine floral wire for bouquet shaping
• Optional pipe cleaner or soft doll support wire for extra neck stability
• Black embroidery thread or 6 mm black safety eyes if the piece is for display only
• Matching sewing thread for anchoring accessories

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using DK yarn and 2.75 mm needles.

Firm gauge is important. The toy and accessories must hold shape. If your fabric looks loose or stuffing shows through, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• Garter = knit every row
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• Rnd = round
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• Kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• Ssk = slip, slip, knit
• P2tog = purl 2 stitches together
• M1 = make 1 increase
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• Sl = slip

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Color Notes

The image has a soft antique palette. Keep the taupe body muted, the cream cardigan warm rather than stark white, and the blues layered from pale to deeper shades. The contrast is gentle, not sharp.

• Body, ears, hands, legs, shoes, purse, bow: warm taupe
• Cardigan base: cream
• Cardigan motifs: medium blue
• Bodice and upper dress trim: pale blue
• Bonnet ruffle: medium blue with pale edge accent
• Skirt layers: pale blue, medium blue, deep blue
• Mini bunny dress: pale blue and medium blue with optional soft lavender at neckline

Main Bunny Body

Legs Make 2

Using taupe, CO 12 sts. Join carefully for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each stitch. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3 to 8: Knit.
4. Rnd 9: K6, K2tog 6 times, K6. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 10: Knit.
6. Rnd 11: K1, K2tog 8 times, K1. 10 sts.
7. Rnd 12 to 20: Knit for ankle and lower leg.
8. Stuff foot firmly and leg lightly.

Break yarn on first leg and leave stitches live. Make second leg the same, but do not cut yarn.

Join Legs and Form Lower Body

Knit across second leg, CO 4 stitches, knit across first leg, CO 4 stitches to join. You now have 28 stitches around.

1. Rnd 1 to 4: Knit.
2. Rnd 5: K6, M1, K2, M1, K10, M1, K2, M1, K8. 32 sts.
3. Rnd 6 to 10: Knit.
4. Rnd 11: K7, M1, K2, M1, K12, M1, K2, M1, K9. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 12 to 18: Knit.

Stuff body gradually, keeping the lower body rounded but not hard. The body mostly supports clothing, so avoid making it too wide. It should remain narrower than the dress silhouette.

Upper Body and Neck

1. Rnd 19: K2tog around. 18 sts.
2. Rnd 20 to 24: Knit.
3. Rnd 25: K1, M1 around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 26 to 30: Knit.
5. Rnd 31: K3, K2tog around. 29 sts approximately. Adjust to 30 sts evenly if needed.
6. Rnd 32 to 36: Knit.
7. Rnd 37: K2tog around to 15 sts.

Pack the neck area firmly. If using a soft support insert, place it now. The bunny in the image has a steady upright head with no floppy neck.

Head

Continue from neck using taupe. If you prefer, place head stitches on separate needles.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb in each stitch. 30 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K1, M1 around. 45 sts.
4. Rnd 4 to 14: Knit.

The head should look smoothly oval with soft full cheeks and a slightly narrower chin. Add stuffing as you work, keeping the face area smooth and even.

1. Rnd 15: K7, K2tog around. 40 sts.
2. Rnd 16: Knit.
3. Rnd 17: K6, K2tog around. 35 sts.
4. Rnd 18: Knit.
5. Rnd 19: K5, K2tog around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 20: Knit.
7. Rnd 21: K4, K2tog around. 25 sts.
8. Rnd 22: K3, K2tog around. 20 sts.
9. Rnd 23: K2tog around. 10 sts.

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Finish stuffing before closing. Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull tight, and fasten securely. Smooth the head with your fingers so the forehead and cheeks stay rounded.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, narrow, and softly drooping. They begin slim at the tip, widen at the center, and taper slightly where sewn to the head.

Using taupe, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, M1, knit to last stitch, M1, K1. 10 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, M1, knit to last stitch, M1, K1. 12 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: Knit.
7. Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until ear measures about 4.5 inches.
8. Next RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
9. Next WS: Purl.
10. Next RS: Repeat decrease row. 8 sts.
11. Work 2 rows even.
12. BO knitwise.

Make a second ear the same way. Fold the lower edge slightly before sewing so the ear curves inward gently. Sew each ear beside the head, starting a little below the bonnet opening line. Let them hang close to the cheeks.

Arms Make 2

Using taupe, CO 10 sts. Join for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 5: Knit.
2. Rnd 6: Kfb around. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 7: K2tog around. 10 sts.
4. Rnd 8 to 18: Knit.
5. Stuff only the hand and lower arm lightly.
6. Flatten top and sew closed.

The arms should be slim tubes with rounded mitten-like hands. Sew them high on the body so they sit just beneath the cardigan shoulders.

Shoes Make 2

The feet are already part of the body, but the visible shoes need a neat Mary Jane look. This shoe layer is worked as a cover over the existing foot.

Using taupe, pick up 16 stitches around the top edge of one foot.

1. Rnd 1 to 3: Knit.
2. Rnd 4: K6, BO 4, knit to end.
3. Rnd 5: Knit to bound-off gap, CO 4, knit to end.
4. Rnd 6: Knit.
5. Rnd 7: Purl for a subtle strap ridge.
6. Rnd 8: Knit.
7. BO loosely.

Sew down the side edges neatly under the foot. Repeat for second shoe. The opening across the top should look like a shallow Mary Jane strap, not a deep shoe opening.

Tiered Dress

The dress is the heart of the outfit. It has a close-fitting pale bodice and three soft skirt levels that deepen in color from top to bottom. Each layer should sit visibly below the one above it.

Bodice

Using pale blue, CO 36 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 8: K1, P1 rib.
2. Rnd 9 to 16: Knit.
3. Rnd 17: Purl all stitches for turning ridge.
4. Rnd 18 to 20: Knit.

This bodice should fit close to the torso, ending just below the underarm. Bind off loosely. Slip onto the body and stitch in place at the neckline if needed.

Upper Skirt Layer

Pick up 48 stitches from the bodice lower edge using pale blue.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: K1, M1 around. 72 sts.
3. Rnd 3 to 10: Knit.
4. Rnd 11: Purl all stitches.
5. Rnd 12 to 14: Knit.
6. BO loosely.

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This first skirt layer should flare softly and stop above the second layer. Keep the hem light and slightly rounded.

Middle Skirt Layer

Using medium blue, pick up 60 stitches from a round hidden beneath the upper layer so the second layer begins slightly lower.

1. Rnd 1 to 2: Knit.
2. Rnd 3: Increase evenly to 84 sts.
3. Rnd 4 to 11: Knit.
4. Rnd 12: Purl all stitches.
5. Rnd 13 to 15: Knit.
6. BO loosely.

This layer should peek out clearly from under the pale layer by about half an inch. Steam lightly or finger-block so it rests in a soft bell shape.

Lower Skirt Layer

Using deep blue, pick up 68 stitches lower on the body, close to the hip area, so the darkest layer becomes the visible base of the dress.

1. Rnd 1 to 2: Knit.
2. Rnd 3: Increase evenly to 96 sts.
3. Rnd 4 to 13: Knit.
4. Rnd 14: Purl all stitches.
5. Rnd 15 to 18: Knit.
6. BO loosely.

The deepest blue layer is the longest one. It should create the widest silhouette while still allowing the feet and shoes to remain visible from the front.

Dress Texture Dots

The skirt in the image has tiny fleck-like details. Add them sparingly with duplicate stitch in matching or slightly lighter blue.

• Place a few tiny vertical dots on the pale layer
• Add small specks across the medium layer
• Add tiny pale stitches on the darkest hem layer

Keep the effect subtle. These details should read as delicate surface texture, not heavy embroidery.

Cardigan

The cardigan is cream with blue motifs on both fronts and sleeves. It sits open over the dress and ends just above the widest skirt point.

Back

Using cream, CO 28 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 20: St st, keeping first and last stitch in garter for neat seams.
3. Rows 21 to 24: Shape armholes by BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows, then decrease 1 stitch at each side on next 2 RS rows.
4. Rows 25 to 32: Work even.
5. Rows 33 to 34: BO center 10 sts for neck, then work each shoulder separately.
6. Rows 35 to 36: BO remaining shoulder stitches.

Left Front

Using cream, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 20: Work in St st with front edge in garter stitch for button band look.
3. At the same time, add blue motifs using duplicate stitch later or simple stranded colorwork during knitting.
4. Rows 21 to 24: Shape armhole to match back.
5. Rows 25 to 28: Work even.
6. Rows 29 to 32: Decrease at front neck edge every RS row 4 times.
7. Rows 33 to 36: Work even and BO shoulder.

Right Front

Work as left front, reversing shaping.

Sleeves Make 2

Using cream, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 18: St st, increasing 1 stitch at each side every 4th row until 20 sts.
3. Add small blue motifs in the lower half of each sleeve.
4. Rows 19 to 24: Work even.
5. Rows 25 to 28: BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows, then decrease 1 stitch each side on next 2 RS rows.
6. BO remaining stitches.

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Cardigan Motifs

The motifs in the image look like small floral diamonds and petal clusters. Use duplicate stitch in medium blue after blocking the cardigan pieces.

• Place a vertical motif panel on each front, beginning near the shoulder and ending above the hem rib
• Add a single small four-petal motif near the lower outside of each sleeve
• Keep both fronts mirrored but not crowded

Use very small motif units. They should decorate the cardigan, not dominate it.

Cardigan Assembly

Sew shoulder seams first. Attach sleeves flat. Sew side and sleeve seams. Slip the cardigan onto the bunny and tack the shoulder area lightly so it sits open and smooth.

Bonnet

The bonnet frames the face with a dramatic blue ruffle. It has a fitted inner head band and soft ties at the neck.

Bonnet Base

Using medium blue, CO 60 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Garter stitch.
2. Rows 7 to 22: St st.
3. Row 23 RS: K2, K2tog across to last 2 sts, K2.
4. Row 24 WS: Purl.
5. Row 25 RS: Repeat decrease row.
6. Row 26 WS: Purl.
7. Continue decreasing in this way every RS row until 24 sts remain.
8. Work 4 rows even.
9. Thread yarn through live stitches and gather to form back of bonnet.

Sew the back seam neatly. Test the fit on the bunny’s head. The face opening should reveal the full forehead, eyes, nose, and cheeks while still hugging the sides.

Bonnet Ruffle

Using medium blue, pick up 72 stitches evenly around the face opening.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: Kfb in every stitch. 144 sts.
3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. Row 4 RS: Knit.
5. Row 5 WS: Purl.
6. Row 6 RS: *K4, Kfb; repeat from * across.
7. Row 7 WS: Purl.
8. Row 8 RS: Knit.
9. BO loosely knitwise.

Crochet is not used here, so to mimic the picot-like edge in the image, work a tiny rolled finish by lacing pale blue yarn through every few edge stitches after binding off. This makes the edge read as lightly scalloped.

Bonnet Ties

Using pale blue, CO 3 sts.

1. Knit an i-cord for 9 inches.
2. BO.

Make a second tie. Sew one to each lower bonnet edge. Tie in a small bow under the chin. The bow should sit softly, not stiffly.

Face Details

The face is simple and calm. The eyes are tiny black vertical ovals. The nose and mouth form a neat stitched Y shape centered low on the face.

• Place eyes about 7 to 8 stitches apart
• Set them slightly below the head midpoint
• Keep them small for a gentle expression
• Embroider the nose in taupe-brown, not black
• Bring the mouth straight down, then split gently into two short angled stitches

Avoid blush or heavy shading. The image shows a clean, serene face.

Mini Matching Bunny

This small bunny echoes the main doll and should look like a true companion piece, not a separate design. Keep the same body color and long ears, then dress it in layered blue clothing.

Mini Body and Head

Using taupe, CO 8 sts for each leg and work tiny tubes about 1.25 inches long. Join legs and build a small body to about 18 stitches around. Reduce slightly for the neck, then expand to about 24 stitches for the head.

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Shape the head just as for the main bunny, but simpler and smaller. Keep the cheeks rounded and the neck firm. The finished mini should stand or sit with support from the skirt base.

Mini Arms and Ears

• Arms: tiny 6-stitch tubes, lightly stuffed
• Ears: flat pieces beginning with 5 stitches, increased to 7 or 8, then worked straight and decreased

Sew ears low enough that they angle outward and down, matching the image.

Mini Dress

Use pale blue for the bodice and upper frill, medium blue for the lower skirt, and a hint of soft lavender-blue near the neckline if you want to match the image closely.

• Short ribbed bodice
• One little flounce at the waist
• One darker lower skirt layer
• Tiny blue bonnet frill or head ruffle around the face

Keep the mini face minimal with the same tiny black eyes and small stitched nose.

Mini Handbag

Using taupe, CO 10 sts and work a tiny rectangle in St st for 8 rows. Make two matching rectangles.

1. Sew side and bottom seams.
2. Lightly stuff or leave flat.
3. For the flap effect, gather the top edge slightly.
4. Add a pale blue i-cord handle.
5. Tie a tiny pale blue bow on the front.

The bag should stand near the bunny’s foot and appear small enough for the main doll to carry.

Loose Bow Accessory

Using taupe, CO 8 sts and knit a small rectangle about 1 inch long. Bind off. Wrap the center with pale blue yarn several times to form a bow. Leave tiny tails or tuck them in neatly.

This bow should look soft and slightly padded, not flat.

Flower Bouquet

The bouquet includes clustered blue blossoms and green wrapped stems.

• Knit or wrap 3 short green stem cords
• Make 5 to 7 tiny blue knots or bobble flowers
• Use pale and medium blue mixed together
• Gather flowers at one end of the stems
• Wrap lower stem area with green yarn firmly
• Add a pale blue tie at the center

If desired, place thin wire inside the stem bundle for shaping. Keep the bouquet tiny and rounded.

Candy Canes Make 2

Using white, CO 3 sts and work a narrow i-cord for about 1 inch. Change to red for 2 rounds, then white for 2 rounds, repeating to create stripes. Shape the top into a hook and tack in place with sewing thread.

Make a second candy cane. Place them crossing slightly on the display surface.

Assembly

1. Sew head to body firmly if worked separately.
2. Attach ears evenly on both sides of the head.
3. Sew arms high on the upper torso.
4. Dress bunny in bodice and layered skirt.
5. Add cardigan and tack at shoulders or underarms if needed.
6. Place bonnet on head and tie beneath chin.
7. Fit shoes smoothly over the feet.
8. Arrange accessories around the bunny.
9. Set the mini bunny at one side, angled slightly inward.

Stand back and check the silhouette. The key look is gentle balance: large head, soft bonnet frame, open cardigan, and distinctly tiered skirt.

Styling Notes for Accuracy

• The face must stay very simple and centered
• The bonnet ruffle should be the most dramatic trim in the set
• The cardigan should remain open, not overlapped
• The cream cardigan must be shorter than the dress layers
• The darkest blue belongs on the lowest visible skirt
• The mini bunny should clearly echo the main color story
• The purse, bow, bouquet, and candy canes should all remain very small

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head faces straight forward before securing the final stitches. The eyes should match in height and spacing. Keep the nose tiny and the mouth short so the expression stays calm and sweet.

Lightly steam only the clothing pieces before final dressing. Do not over-steam the stuffed body. Shape the bonnet ruffle with your fingers so it frames the face evenly all around.

Care Notes

Display the bunny set away from direct sunlight and strong moisture. If the piece is meant for decor, handle it by the body rather than by the bonnet, ears, or cardigan edges.

If the set is intended for a child, replace any hard notions with embroidered details and secure every accessory firmly.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is centered and firmly attached
• Ears are even and hang at matching angles
• Eyes are balanced
• Cardigan motifs are mirrored neatly
• Three skirt layers are visible
• Bonnet ties form a soft bow
• Mini bunny matches the main palette
• All accessories are finished and neatly shaped

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then blot with a dry towel. Never twist or wring the knitted pieces. Let everything air dry flat on a clean towel, reshaping the bonnet ruffle and skirt layers while damp.

For long-term storage, wrap the bunny in acid-free tissue and keep it in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags for extended storage, especially in humid rooms. Add a small sachet of silica gel nearby, not touching the yarn, to reduce moisture buildup.