Milk Thistle Blush-Armor Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted set is designed to look like an heirloom bunny doll styled for a garden outing, complete with a soft sage cardigan, tulip skirt, rolled bucket hat, tiny shoes, and a sweet hedgehog friend. It has the look of a collectible rabbit plush, a handmade nursery gift, and a boutique stuffed animal all in one project. The extra accessories give it strong gift set appeal for knitters who love keepsake toys, artisan doll clothes, and storybook woodland details that feel special enough for display, nursery décor, or seasonal shop listings.

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

This set includes the following knitted pieces: the bunny, skirted dress, cardigan, hat, shoes, shoulder bag, round tulip token, flower bouquet, folded cloth, and the small hedgehog companion with its own hat and neck wrap.

The finished look depends on neat shaping, firm stuffing, careful seaming, and tidy embroidery. Use a small needle size so the fabric stays dense and the filling does not show through.

The bunny in the image has a rounded head, a compact pear-shaped body, short sturdy legs, softly tapered arms, and long ears that hang down under the hat. The clothing is slightly oversized but still tailored.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 9 to 10 inches tall from soles to top of hat
• Bunny without hat: about 8 inches tall
• Hedgehog: about 3 inches tall
• Bag: about 2 inches wide
• Bouquet: about 2 1/2 inches long
• Folded cloth: about 1 1/2 inches square before folding

Materials

• Fingering weight yarn in warm beige for bunny head, body, arms, and legs
• Fingering weight yarn in camel brown for inner ears
• Fingering weight yarn in sage green for cardigan, hat motif, bag detail, bouquet leaves, and hedgehog wrap
• Fingering weight yarn in cream for hat, skirt panels, bag, token base, and folded cloth
• Fingering weight yarn in soft lilac for alternate skirt panels
• Fingering weight yarn in deep plum for tulip petals and tiny sleeve knots
• Fingering weight yarn in moss green for tulip stems and bouquet stems
• Fingering weight yarn in medium brown for shoes
• Fingering weight yarn in light taupe and olive gray for the hedgehog
• 2.25 mm and 2.75 mm knitting needles or preferred sizes for tight fabric
• Set of double-pointed needles for small circumferences
• Tapestry needle
• Small amount of toy stuffing
• Black embroidery thread or black yarn split thinly for eyes
• Fine brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth
• Optional tiny buttons or snaps if you want the cardigan to close, though the sample is worn open

Gauge

On 2.75 mm needles in stockinette stitch, 32 stitches and 42 rows measure 4 inches. Exact row gauge is less important than scale, but stitch gauge matters for the clothing to fit correctly.

If your fabric feels loose, move down a needle size. The sample should feel smooth, dense, and lightly padded rather than drapey.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• p2tog = purl 2 stitches together
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• rep = repeat
• sl = slip
• yo = yarn over

Design Notes

The bunny is worked in separate pieces and seamed. This makes it easier to control the round face, the centered muzzle, and the balanced placement of the clothes.

The skirt is knitted as a separate garment. The tulips are added with duplicate stitch after knitting the panels. This gives the cleanest result and matches the crisp floral look in the image.

The cardigan is short and rounded at the lower front edges. The cable-like texture is created with narrow twist panels. These are small, decorative, and do not add bulk.

The hat is worked in the round. The pale background band is decorated afterward with duplicate stitch in sage so the motif stays clear and easy to place.

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Color Placement Guide

• Bunny skin: warm beige
• Ears: camel brown outer look with soft beige near base if desired
• Cardigan: muted sage
• Hat: cream with sage motif
• Skirt: alternating cream and lilac sections
• Tulip flowers: deep plum petals with moss stems
• Shoes: brown
• Bag and cloth: cream with sage embroidery
• Hedgehog body: taupe belly, olive gray back, cream hat, sage wrap

Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using beige and smaller needles, CO 14 sts. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib. Change to stockinette and knit 18 rows.

Shape the top of the leg as follows. Row 1: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Row 2: purl. Rep these 2 rows once more. You now have 10 sts.

Knit 8 more rows straight. BO all stitches. Sew the side seam and close the lower edge lightly, leaving the foot area slightly flat rather than fully round.

Stuff each leg only from ankle to upper calf. Keep the top 1 inch soft so the legs sit naturally beneath the skirt.

Arms Make 2

Using beige and smaller needles, CO 12 sts. Work 3 rows in k1, p1 rib for the wrist edge. Knit 12 rows in stockinette.

Shape arm taper. Row 1: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Row 2: purl. You now have 10 sts. Knit 8 more rows.

For the rounded shoulder, work one decrease row the same way once more. Purl one row. BO all stitches. Seam and stuff lightly. Keep the last inch at the top almost flat.

Torso

Using beige and larger needles, CO 26 sts. Begin with a flat lower edge because the dress covers the body. Work 2 rows garter stitch.

Continue in stockinette for 18 rows. Increase to form the upper body on the next RS row by working k4, M1R, knit to last 4 sts, M1L, k4. Rep this increase row every 6th row 2 more times. You now have 32 sts.

Work 10 rows even. Shape shoulders and neck. Row 1 RS: k8, BO 16, knit 8. Work each side separately. At neck edge dec 1 st every RS row 2 times. Work 2 rows even. BO remaining shoulder stitches.

Make a second torso piece the same way for the back, but when shaping the neck, BO center 12 sts instead of 16 and work 4 rows higher before binding off shoulders. This gives a slightly higher back neckline.

Head Make 2

Using beige and larger needles, CO 18 sts. Work in stockinette, increasing 1 st at each end of every RS row 6 times. You now have 30 sts.

Knit 8 rows even. Increase 1 st at each end of every 4th row 3 times. You now have 36 sts. Knit 10 rows even.

Shape the upper head. Decrease 1 st at each end of every RS row 6 times. Then decrease 1 st at each end of every other RS row 4 times. BO remaining 16 sts.

Before seaming, mark the eye line across row 19 from the cast-on edge. Mark the center muzzle point 5 rows below that line. These marks help keep the face symmetrical.

Ears Make 2

Using camel brown, CO 10 sts. Work 2 rows garter stitch. Continue in stockinette with garter edge stitches by knitting the first and last stitch on every row.

Increase 1 st each side every 6th row 3 times. You now have 16 sts. Work 16 rows even. Then decrease 1 st each side every 4th row 4 times, then every RS row 2 times. BO remaining 4 sts.

Fold each ear lengthwise very gently and seam only the lower third to make a soft hanging ear. Do not stuff. Steam lightly if needed so they curve downward.

Body Assembly

1. Sew the torso front and back together at the shoulders.
2. Attach the head pieces together around the curved edge, leaving the lower edge open.
3. Stuff the head firmly, shaping the cheeks as you go.
4. Whipstitch the head to the torso neckline, easing evenly.
5. Sew the side seams of the torso and stuff the body firmly but not hard.
6. Close the lower body edge after positioning the legs.
7. Attach the legs slightly forward so the bunny stands with a stable, planted stance.
8. Sew the arms level with the upper torso, angled downward like the image.
9. Attach the ears to the sides of the head, slightly behind the eye line, so they fall under the hat brim.

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Facial Features

Use two small vertical black embroidered eyes placed 7 stitches apart on the marked eye line. Keep them tiny and calm. The image shows a gentle, neutral expression rather than a smiling face.

With brown embroidery thread, work a narrow Y-shaped nose and mouth. First make a small upside-down triangle at the center muzzle point. Then take one straight stitch downward and split into two short diagonal stitches.

For the softly shaped muzzle, take a few small horizontal under-stitches inside the head between the nose and lower eye area. Pull gently so the cheeks become rounded and the nose area projects slightly.

Skirted Dress

Skirt

Using 2.75 mm needles and cream, CO 72 sts. Work 4 rows garter stitch. On the next RS row, begin the scalloped lower border.

Border Row 1 RS: k2, yo, k2tog, k2, rep across. Row 2 WS: purl. Row 3 RS: k1, yo, k2tog, k3, rep across to last st, k1. Row 4 WS: purl.

Change to stockinette and establish panel colors over the 72 sts. Work 12 sts cream, 12 sts lilac, 12 sts cream, 12 sts lilac, 12 sts cream, 12 sts lilac. Carry yarn neatly at panel joins.

Knit 20 rows in these panels. Then begin gentle waist shaping by decreasing 1 st at each side of every panel on the next RS row. Work the decreases at panel borders so the shaping stays hidden. You should remove 6 sts total on that row.

Work 5 rows even. Rep that decrease row twice more. You now have 54 sts. Knit 6 rows even.

Waistband row: using plum, knit 1 row. Purl 1 row. This creates the narrow belt line visible beneath the cardigan opening.

Change back to cream and knit 8 rows for the bodice. On the next row, divide for opening if desired, or keep it closed and seam at the back. For a simple finish, work 2 more rows and BO.

Tulip Motifs

Each visible panel in the image carries a tulip with two leaves. Add these after blocking the skirt lightly. Center one tulip on each cream and lilac panel except the back area if you prefer less bulk.

Use duplicate stitch in moss for the stem, placing a straight vertical line 5 stitches tall. Add one leaf on each side using slanted duplicate stitches over 3 rows. The leaves should sit low and angle upward.

Use plum for the flower head. Make three rounded petal tops over 4 stitches wide and 3 rows high. Keep the top slightly squared rather than pointed. This matches the bold tulip shapes in the image.

Dress Finishing

Sew the skirt back seam, leaving the upper 1 inch open. Add a tiny snap if you want it removable. Slip the dress onto the bunny so the plum belt sits right below the cardigan opening.

Cardigan

Back

Using sage, CO 28 sts. Work 4 rows k1, p1 rib. Continue in stockinette with a 6-st textured panel centered on the back.

Work the centered texture over 6 sts as follows on RS rows: p1, C4 twist, p1. If you prefer a simpler version, use k2tog, k2, M1R, p1 to suggest a narrow raised braid. On WS rows, work stitches as they appear.

Continue until back measures 18 rows from rib. Shape armholes by binding off 2 sts at the start of the next 2 rows. Then decrease 1 st each side every RS row 2 times. Work 10 rows even.

Shape shoulders and neck. BO center 10 sts. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 st at neck edge once. Work 2 rows. BO shoulder stitches.

Left Front

CO 16 sts. Work 4 rows k1, p1 rib. Continue in stockinette with front texture panel placed 4 stitches in from the opening edge.

Shape the rounded front hem by working short rows over the first 8 stitches for 4 turns during the first 10 rows above rib. This makes the cardigan front curve softly upward like the image.

At the same time, maintain a 3-st garter front band. Work until same height as back to armhole. Shape armhole at side edge to match back. Continue until neck shaping begins.

For neckline, decrease 1 st at opening edge every RS row 5 times, then every other RS row 2 times. BO shoulder stitches to match back.

Right Front

Work as for left front, reversing all shaping.

Sleeves Make 2

Using sage, CO 18 sts. Work 4 rows k1, p1 rib. Change to stockinette and increase 1 st each side every 8th row 3 times. You now have 24 sts.

Work until sleeve measures 22 rows total above rib. Shape cap by binding off 2 sts at the start of the next 2 rows, then decreasing 1 st each side every RS row 5 times. BO remaining stitches.

Before seaming, add the tiny plum knot detail near each outer sleeve elbow. Make a small wrapped knot or a 4-stitch duplicate stitch bud, placed about halfway down the sleeve and slightly toward the outer seam.

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Cardigan Assembly

1. Sew shoulder seams.
2. Attach sleeves to armholes.
3. Sew sleeve and side seams in one pass.
4. Pick up stitches around the neckline and front opening if you want a firmer edge, then work 2 rows garter stitch and BO loosely.
5. Do not close the cardigan. The sample hangs open at the center front.

The cardigan should end just below the waistline and show a narrow strip of the bodice and plum belt in the center.

Hat

Using cream and smaller double-pointed needles, CO 72 sts and join carefully. Work 6 rounds in garter stitch by alternating knit and purl rounds. This creates the soft rolled brim edge.

Continue in stockinette for 8 rounds. Then work the motif band area for 12 rounds. Keep the band plain while knitting; add the sage motif later with duplicate stitch.

After the band, begin crown shaping. Round 1: k10, k2tog, rep around. Knit 3 rounds. Round 5: k9, k2tog, rep around. Knit 2 rounds. Continue this pattern, reducing the plain knit section by 1 stitch each decrease round, with 1 to 2 plain rounds between, until 12 sts remain.

Thread yarn through the remaining stitches and pull tight. Weave in neatly.

For the motif, embroider a repeating sage vine-heart design around the band. Each repeat is about 10 stitches wide and 6 rounds tall. Make a central crossed shape with curved side loops. Keep the motif soft and slightly rustic rather than geometric.

The hat should sit low over the forehead and cover the ear bases. Lightly steam the brim and curve it downward.

Shoes Make 2

Using brown, CO 16 sts. Work 4 rows garter stitch. Continue in stockinette for 8 rows. On the next RS row, k5, k2tog, k2, ssk, k5. Purl 1 row. Rep these 2 rows once more.

Fold the piece in half lengthwise. Seam the back heel first, then gather the front toe edge slightly so the shoe rounds forward. Leave the opening wide enough to slip over the foot.

If you want extra stability, stitch the shoes directly to the feet after dressing the bunny.

Shoulder Bag

Using cream, CO 14 sts. Work 12 rows stockinette with garter edge stitches. Shape the flap by decreasing 1 st each side every RS row 3 times. Work 2 rows even. BO.

Sew the lower edge and side edges to make a flat pouch. For the strap, make an i-cord 16 inches long or work a narrow knitted strip over 3 stitches. Attach both ends securely to the upper sides.

Embroider a tiny sage stem and lilac bud on the flap center. The bag in the image sits as a small crossbody pouch, so keep the body shallow and soft.

Round Tulip Token

Using cream, CO 6 sts onto double-pointed needles and join. Increase evenly to 18 sts over the next 3 rounds. Knit 3 rounds even. Decrease evenly back to 6 sts over 3 rounds while inserting a tiny bit of filling or felt.

Close the top. Embroider a circular sage ring and a small plum tulip in the center. This piece should look like a stitched badge or keepsake medallion.

Bouquet

Make 5 stems using moss green i-cord, each 2 inches long. For each bud, CO 4 sts in plum on double-pointed needles, knit 3 rounds, then decrease to close. Attach one bud to the top of each stem.

For leaves, knit 4 small leaf pieces. CO 3 sts in sage. Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb. Row 2: purl. Row 3: k1, M1R, knit to last st, M1L, k1. Row 4: purl. Row 5: ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. Row 6: purl. BO.

Attach the leaves near the upper stem cluster. Tie the bundle with cream yarn. Trim ends neatly so the bouquet keeps its tidy fan shape.

Folded Cloth

Using cream, CO 18 sts. Work 16 rows in garter stitch. On the final RS row, knit all stitches except the last 2, then change to sage and knit the last 2. On the next WS row, purl all stitches except the first 2 in sage.

Repeat this edge treatment for 2 more rows to create a narrow corner border. BO loosely. Fold twice into a small square, with the sage-trimmed edge visible on top.

Hedgehog Companion

Body

Using taupe for the belly section, CO 14 sts and work 6 rows stockinette. Change to olive gray and continue for 10 rows. Increase 1 st each side on the next RS row. Work 6 more rows. Decrease 1 st each side every RS row 3 times. BO.

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Make a matching second piece, but keep the lower front in taupe for 10 rows before changing to olive gray. This gives the hedgehog a pale face and belly with darker back and head.

Seam around, stuff firmly, and shape into a small pear form with a slightly pointed nose.

Feet and Arms

For feet, make 2 tiny beige or taupe nub pieces. CO 4 sts, knit 4 rows, BO. Fold and stitch under the base. For arms, make 2 tiny tubes over 5 sts for 6 rows, then close and attach at the sides.

Face

Embroider two small black eyes and a dark nose. Keep the nose slightly larger than the bunny nose. Add one short vertical mouth stitch below.

Hedgehog Wrap

Using sage, CO 8 sts. Work 18 rows in garter stitch. BO. Wrap around the neck and stitch one end down so it sits like a tiny scarf or narrow shawl, matching the green tone of the bunny cardigan.

Hedgehog Hat

Using cream, CO 28 sts and join. Work 4 rounds garter stitch, 4 rounds stockinette, then decrease evenly every other round until 8 sts remain. Draw closed.

Add a small sage duplicate stitch motif around the band, echoing the bunny hat. This keeps the companion visually tied to the main set.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Dress the bunny in the skirt first, then add the cardigan, shoes, and hat. Place the hat low enough that the ears emerge from beneath the brim and fall beside the face.

Check that the cardigan fronts curve evenly and show the plum waistband. Adjust the sleeve angle so the hands rest at the sides rather than pointing forward.

Set the bag, token, bouquet, folded cloth, and hedgehog near the bunny for display. If you want a permanent arrangement, tack the accessories very lightly with a few removable stitches.

Care Notes

• Keep this set for gentle display or careful play.
• Avoid pulling the embroidered tulips and hat motif.
• Store flat or upright with support under the skirt.
• Do not hang the bunny by the bag strap or hat brim.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Eyes aligned evenly on the same row
• Nose centered between the cheeks
• Ears attached at equal height
• Skirt tulips centered on the front panels
• Cardigan fronts symmetrical
• Hat brim rolled smoothly
• Shoes fitted snugly
• Hedgehog scaled small beside the bunny
• All yarn ends woven in securely

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean first with a soft cloth, cool water, and a very small amount of mild soap. Press gently rather than rubbing, especially over duplicate stitch flowers and facial embroidery.

If deeper cleaning is needed, hand wash only in cool water. Support the toy fully while wet. Do not twist, wring, or stretch the cardigan, hat, or skirt panels.

Roll in a towel to remove excess moisture, then reshape every piece. Dry flat away from direct sun and heat. Stuffed sections should dry completely before storing.

For long-term preservation, wrap the set in clean tissue and store in a breathable box. Add a small lavender sachet nearby if desired, but do not let it touch the knitted fabric directly.