Anemone Sailor-Panel Bunny – Knitting

This knitted bunny set is designed to recreate the pictured heirloom rabbit doll with a sailor dress, soft beret, floral handbag, tiny book, and little teddy bear. The finished set has the charm of a handmade bunny doll, collectible stuffed rabbit, nursery decor piece, baby shower gift, and boutique soft toy all in one. The color palette stays gentle and classic, while the flower panel gives the outfit a memorable statement front that feels polished, giftable, and easy to style for display or 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.

Materials

• Main Bunny Color: light mushroom taupe, about 60 to 70 g.
• Dress and Hat Color: soft cream, about 45 to 55 g.
• Flower Petals: vivid red, about 8 g.
• Blue Trim and Leaves: cornflower or royal blue, about 8 g.
• Inner Flower Petals: soft white, about 4 g.
• Flower Center: dark navy and a touch of black, about 3 g total.
• Teddy Bear Color: warm cocoa brown, about 25 g.
• Teddy Scarf: royal blue, about 2 g.
• Bookmark Accent: tiny strand of lavender or violet yarn.
• Needles: US 2 and US 3 double-pointed needles or long circulars for magic loop.
• Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle, sharp scissors, stuffing, two small pearl beads for the shoes, and optional thin card for the tiny book.

A smooth sport or light DK yarn gives the closest fabric to the picture. Choose a yarn with clear stitch definition rather than a fuzzy halo. The surface in the image is neat, matte, and evenly packed, so a cotton-wool blend or tightly spun merino works especially well.

Finished Measurements

• Bunny: about 12 inches tall from feet to hat top, or about 8 1/2 inches seated.
• Teddy Bear: about 4 1/2 inches tall.
• Handbag: about 2 1/4 inches tall without handle.
• Book: about 1 3/4 inches tall.
• Beret: sized to sit low and soft over the ears, with a slouch toward the bunny’s left side.

Gauge

26 stitches and 34 rounds in stockinette equals 4 inches on the larger needle after light blocking. Exact gauge matters because the doll needs a dense fabric that hides stuffing and holds its face shape. If your fabric looks open, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St = stitch
• Rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• K2tog = knit 2 together
• SSK = slip, slip, knit
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• Inc = increase
• Dec = decrease
• Rep = repeat
• PM = place marker
• SM = slip marker

Construction Notes

The bunny is worked mostly in the round for a smooth body and long clean limbs. The dress, collar, hat, floral pieces, handbag, book, and teddy are made separately, then sewn into place. Keep stuffing firm in the head and feet, medium in the body, and light in the arms and ears.

The pictured doll has a slim body, a large rounded head, long straight legs, narrow arms, and softly drooping ears that begin slightly below the hat band. The face is intentionally minimal. The sailor collar is wide, square, and prominent, sitting over the shoulders rather than standing away from them.

Bunny Body

Legs and Feet

Make 2 legs in the main bunny color. Each foot is long and softly rounded at the toe rather than flat and wide. The lower leg is straight and narrow, with just enough stuffing to keep the columns even while still allowing the bunny to sit naturally.

1. CO 12 stitches and join carefully for working in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every stitch. 24 stitches.
4. Rnd 3 to 10: Knit.
5. Rnd 11: K4, M1R, K4, M1R, K4, M1R, K4, M1R, K4, M1R, K4, M1R. 30 stitches.
6. Rnd 12 to 18: Knit. Stuff the toe area firmly by the end of Rnd 18.
7. Rnd 19: K3, K2tog around. 24 stitches.
8. Rnd 20 to 38: Knit.
9. Rnd 39: K4, K2tog, repeat around. 20 stitches.
10. Rnd 40 to 58: Knit.
11. BO the last leg only after the first leg is complete. Leave the second leg live.

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The feet in the image are not oversized. Avoid making them too broad. They should be slightly longer than wide and gently taper into the ankle. Before moving on, make sure both legs match exactly in length, stuffing weight, and firmness.

Join Legs and Work Body

1. With the second leg on the needle, knit across 20 stitches.
2. CO 4 stitches. Knit across the 20 live stitches of the first leg. CO 4 stitches. 48 stitches total.
3. Place markers at each side seam, centered in the 4-stitch bridges.
4. Rnd 1 to 8: Knit.
5. Rnd 9: M1L, knit to 1 stitch before side marker, M1R. Repeat for second side. 52 stitches.
6. Rnd 10 to 20: Knit.
7. Rnd 21: K11, K2tog, repeat around. 48 stitches.
8. Rnd 22 to 28: Knit.
9. Rnd 29: K10, K2tog, repeat around. 44 stitches.
10. Rnd 30 to 34: Knit.
11. Rnd 35: K9, K2tog, repeat around. 40 stitches.
12. Rnd 36 to 38: Knit.

The body in the picture is softly stuffed, almost pear-shaped, but not chubby. Push a little extra stuffing into the lower belly so the dress hangs over a rounded front. Keep the upper chest lighter, because the sailor collar needs to lie flat.

Neck

1. Rnd 39: K3, K2tog around. 32 stitches.
2. Rnd 40 to 45: Knit.

Stuff the body fully before the neck narrows too much. The neck is short and neat, just enough to lift the head cleanly above the collar line. Do not overstuff here, or the head will tilt upward unnaturally.

Head

1. Rnd 46: K4, M1R around. 40 stitches.
2. Rnd 47: Knit.
3. Rnd 48: K4, M1R around. 48 stitches.
4. Rnd 49 to 68: Knit.
5. Rnd 69: K6, K2tog around. 42 stitches.
6. Rnd 70: Knit.
7. Rnd 71: K5, K2tog around. 36 stitches.
8. Rnd 72: Knit.
9. Rnd 73: K4, K2tog around. 30 stitches.
10. Rnd 74: Knit and begin stuffing very firmly.
11. Rnd 75: K3, K2tog around. 24 stitches.
12. Rnd 76: K2, K2tog around. 18 stitches.
13. Rnd 77: K1, K2tog around. 12 stitches.
14. Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull tight, and close.

The face shape in the image is calm and rounded, with a slightly fuller muzzle area. After stuffing, massage the head so the cheeks are even. The crown should be smooth. Do not let a pointed top remain after closing.

Arms

Make 2 arms in the main bunny color. These are long, slim, and fall close to the dress. They are not spread outward. The upper arm is only slightly fuller than the wrist, which keeps the silhouette delicate and classic.

1. CO 10 stitches and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every other stitch. 15 stitches.
4. Rnd 3 to 24: Knit.
5. Rnd 25: M1R every 5 stitches, 3 times. 18 stitches.
6. Rnd 26 to 31: Knit.
7. Stuff lightly from the hand upward.
8. Flatten top edge so the arm faces forward. BO using a three-needle or simple sewn closure.

Ears

Make 2 ears flat in the main bunny color. The ears are medium-long, wide at the base, softly tapered at the tip, and they hang down beside the cheeks. They should finish just below the collar line once attached beneath the beret band.

1. CO 10 stitches.
2. Row 1 RS: Knit.
3. Row 2 WS: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, M1L, knit to last stitch, M1R, K1. 12 stitches.
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 four more times. 20 stitches.
7. Work 20 rows in stockinette.
8. Next RS row: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1.
9. Next WS row: Purl.
10. Repeat these 2 rows until 8 stitches remain.
11. Work 4 rows even.
12. Repeat decrease row every RS row until 4 stitches remain.
13. K2tog twice, then pull yarn through remaining stitches.

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Fold the lower third of each ear very lightly down the center and tack the fold only at the base. This gives the ear the gentle inward curve visible in the picture without creating a sharp ridge down the full length.

Shoe Straps

The shoes are formed by the feet, but each foot has a narrow strap across the instep and a tiny pearl detail at the outer side. This detail matters because it changes the feet from plain tubes into little Mary Jane shoes.

1. For each strap, CO 10 stitches in the main bunny color.
2. Work 2 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO loosely.
4. Sew one strap across each foot about 6 rows back from the toe tip.
5. Add one pearl bead or tiny round knot at the outer side of each strap.

Dress

The dress is cream, slightly A-line, and sleeveless in the body before the small cap sleeves are added. The large flower sits centered on the front. A narrow blue stripe runs near the hem, another stripe decorates each sleeve edge, and the sailor collar carries a matching blue outline.

Back

1. Using cream, CO 46 stitches.
2. Rows 1 and 2: Knit.
3. Row 3 RS: Knit with blue.
4. Rows 4 and 5: Knit with cream.
5. Begin stockinette and work 10 rows.
6. Decrease 1 stitch each side on the next RS row. 44 stitches.
7. Work 8 rows even.
8. Decrease 1 stitch each side on the next RS row. 42 stitches.
9. Work 8 rows even.
10. Decrease 1 stitch each side on the next RS row. 40 stitches.
11. Work until piece measures about 4 1/4 inches from CO edge.
12. Armholes: BO 3 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows. 34 stitches.
13. Work 10 rows even.
14. Neck shaping: Work 11, BO 12, work to end.
15. Work each side separately for 4 rows, then BO remaining 11 shoulder stitches on each side.

Front

1. Work exactly as for the back through the armhole shaping.
2. After the armholes are complete, work 8 rows even.
3. Neck shaping: Work 13, BO 8, work to end.
4. On each side of neck, decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every RS row 3 times.
5. Work until front matches back shoulder height.
6. BO remaining 11 shoulder stitches on each side.

Before sewing the dress, steam lightly or finger-press the pieces so the flower placement stays accurate. The front should look clean and plain first. The floral panel is added before the side seams so you can center it correctly and keep the dress front perfectly balanced.

Cap Sleeves

1. Sew one shoulder seam only.
2. With RS facing and cream yarn, pick up 26 stitches evenly around one armhole.
3. Rows 1 and 2: Stockinette.
4. Row 3 RS: Knit with blue.
5. Rows 4 and 5: Stockinette with cream.
6. BO on the next RS row.
7. Repeat for second sleeve.

Sailor Collar

The collar should be broad, slightly squared, and soft at the corners. It sits over the top of the sleeves and extends toward the center front in two pointed panels. A neat blue outline sits one stitch in from the outer edge.

1. Sew the second shoulder seam.
2. With RS facing and cream yarn, pick up 48 stitches evenly around the neckline.
3. Row 1 WS: Purl.
4. Row 2 RS: Knit, placing markers after 10 stitches, then after 14 more stitches, then after 14 more stitches, then after 10 stitches.
5. Row 3 WS: Purl.
6. Row 4 RS: Knit, making 1 stitch before and after each of the two shoulder markers only. 52 stitches.
7. Row 5 WS: Purl.
8. Row 6 RS: Knit all stitches with blue.
9. Row 7 WS: Purl with cream.
10. Row 8 RS: Knit, making 1 stitch before and after each shoulder marker again. 56 stitches.
11. Row 9 WS: Purl.
12. Row 10 RS: Knit.
13. Row 11 WS: Purl.
14. BO loosely with a tiny picot effect by casting on 2 stitches before every second bind-off if desired.

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At the center front, cross the two collar points so they nearly meet without overlapping heavily. Sew a tiny cream tack to hold them in place. This small join creates the neat finish seen at the neckline in the picture.

Floral Panel

The flower is most accurate when built from knitted pieces rather than stitched as a flat drawing. The image shows a raised central disk, white inner petals, blue accents, five red outer petals, and blue leaves below. Make all pieces before attaching anything to the dress front.

Dark Center Puff

1. With navy, CO 6 stitches on double points.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every stitch. 12 stitches.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: K1, M1R around. 18 stitches.
6. Rnd 5 and 6: Knit.
7. Rnd 7: K1, K2tog around. 12 stitches.
8. Stuff very lightly with a tiny nub of stuffing.
9. Rnd 8: K2tog around. 6 stitches.
10. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and close.

Red Outer Petals

Make 5 in red.

1. CO 3 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, M1L, K1, M1R, K1. 5 stitches.
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Row 5: K1, M1L, knit to last stitch, M1R, K1. 7 stitches.
7. Rows 6 and 7: Stockinette.
8. Row 8: K1, SSK, K1, K2tog, K1. 5 stitches.
9. Row 9: Purl.
10. Row 10: SSK, K1, K2tog. 3 stitches.
11. Row 11: Purl.
12. Row 12: K3tog.

White Inner Petals

Make 5 in white, using the same shape as the red petal but stop after Row 9 and close over 3 stitches. These should be clearly shorter and narrower than the red petals.

Blue Accent Petals

Make 5 in blue. CO 3 stitches, work 2 stockinette rows, increase to 5 stitches on the next RS row, work 2 more rows, then decrease back to 3 stitches and close. These sit between the white petals and dark center.

Blue Leaves and Lower Spear

• Upper side leaves: make 2, each beginning with CO 3 and increasing to 7 stitches, then tapering to 1.
• Lower side leaves: make 2, each beginning with CO 4 and increasing to 9 stitches, then tapering to 1.
• Center spear: make 1 long narrow leaf over 5 stitches, about 12 rows tall, pointed at both ends.

Lay the front dress piece flat. Center the puff 1 3/4 inches below the neckline opening. Arrange the five white petals first around the puff. Add the five blue accent petals inside and slightly beneath the white pieces. Add the five red petals behind everything.

Position the upper red petal pointing straight up. Two red petals angle outward at upper left and upper right. Two more angle downward at lower left and lower right. This arrangement matches the visible flower. Do not add a sixth large petal at the bottom.

Sew the two small blue leaves just below the lower side red petals, angled outward. Sew the two larger blue leaves lower and wider near the hem area. Place the long blue spear centered beneath the flower. Use tiny matching stitches only at the bases and edges.

Finish the Dress

1. Sew side seams.
2. Try the dress on the bunny.
3. If you want a close fit, add two tiny snap stitches at the back neckline.
4. If you prefer a permanent display piece, sew the dress closed around the body after dressing the bunny.

Beret

The beret is soft, rounded, and slightly slouched. It sits low on the forehead and presses the ears outward just a little. The band looks thicker than the crown, so the folded garter brim is important.

1. Using cream, CO 48 stitches and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Purl.
4. Repeat these 2 rounds three more times for garter texture in the round.
5. Rnd 9: K3, M1R around. 64 stitches.
6. Rnd 10 to 18: Knit.
7. Rnd 19: K6, K2tog around. 56 stitches.
8. Rnd 20: Knit.
9. Rnd 21: K5, K2tog around. 48 stitches.
10. Rnd 22 to 28: Knit.
11. Fold the first garter section inward to form a thicker brim and sew lightly on the inside only.

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Beret Flower

The beret flower has a blush outer layer, a white inner layer, and a dark navy center. Make 5 blush petals and 5 smaller white petals using the same petal shape from the dress, then stack and sew them around a tightly wrapped navy knot.

Attach the finished flower on the bunny’s left side of the beret, close to the brim seam. Let the beret slouch slightly toward that same side so the flower becomes the visual anchor, just like in the image.

Handbag

The handbag is small, soft, and upright with a curved handle. The front flap carries a raised flower in the same taupe family. Keep the body narrow so it sits neatly beside the bunny rather than spreading wide.

1. Using taupe, CO 12 stitches.
2. Work 10 rows in garter for the base strip.
3. Pick up and knit 12 stitches along one long side, 10 along one short side, 12 along the second long side, and 10 along the last short side. 44 stitches.
4. Join for working in the round and knit 14 rounds.
5. BO 10 stitches for the front opening. Work the remaining 34 stitches back and forth for 8 rows to form the back height.
6. For the flap, work the center 14 stitches only for 10 rows, decreasing 1 stitch each side every other row until 8 stitches remain. BO.

For the handle, make an I-cord about 8 inches long and sew each end inside the bag opening. The flower on the flap can be made from 5 tiny knit petals sewn into a circle. Keep it monochrome, raised, and centered.

Mini Book

The tiny book is a sweet but important detail in the photo. It is pale cream with soft ridged texture and a small lavender bookmark peeking out. Make it simple, tidy, and slightly rectangular rather than square.

1. Using cream, CO 10 stitches.
2. Work 16 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO loosely.
4. Fold around a small rectangle of card or lightly stuffed fabric to form front cover, spine, and back cover.
5. Sew side edges neatly.
6. Add a short strand of lavender yarn at the lower edge as a bookmark.

Teddy Bear

The teddy is a separate miniature toy in cocoa brown with tiny ears, a compact body, and a bright blue scarf. The bear should be clearly smaller and simpler than the bunny, with a seated pose and slightly forward feet.

Bear Legs and Body

1. Make 2 legs. CO 8 stitches for each leg and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in every stitch. 16 stitches.
3. Rnd 2 to 8: Knit.
4. Rnd 9: K2, K2tog around. 12 stitches.
5. Rnd 10 to 18: Knit.
6. BO the first leg. Leave the second leg live.
7. Join legs with CO 2 stitches between them at front and back. 28 stitches total.
8. Work 10 rounds even.
9. Rnd 11 of body: K5, K2tog around. 24 stitches.
10. Work 6 rounds even.
11. Rnd 18 of body: K4, K2tog around. 20 stitches.
12. Work 4 rounds for the neck.

Bear Head

1. Increase evenly to 28 stitches over one round.
2. Work 12 rounds even.
3. Decrease to 24 stitches, then work 1 round.
4. Decrease to 20 stitches, then work 1 round.
5. Stuff firmly.
6. Decrease to 12 stitches over the next 2 rounds, then close.

Bear Arms and Ears

• Arms: make 2. CO 6, increase to 10, work 12 rounds, stuff lightly, and sew flat across the top.
• Ears: make 2 tiny half-circles over 6 stitches, gather, and sew high on the head.

Embroider the bear eyes as tiny black dots and stitch a small triangular nose with a short vertical mouth line. Tie a narrow blue scarf once around the neck and let one end fall slightly longer, matching the relaxed look in the image.

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the bunny arms to the upper body just below the dress sleeve line. Attach the ears slightly behind the side eye line so they fall beside the cheeks. Put the beret on before fixing the ears permanently if you want the same tucked placement.

For the bunny face, mark the eyes about 8 rows above the nose point and about 8 stitches apart. Use black thread and make each eye a short vertical satin stitch rather than a round dot. This keeps the expression soft and gentle.

Shape the nose at the center of the muzzle using dark brown or black yarn. Form a small inverted triangle, then stitch a straight line down and split it into a delicate Y-shaped mouth. Add a little sculpting thread from the nose base inward if you want more muzzle definition.

Dress the bunny, place the handbag at the left side, set the book in front, and position the teddy against the right arm. If making a permanent display, tack each accessory with one or two hidden stitches so the arrangement stays stable.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Do not machine wash a fully assembled display set.
• Keep the floral center and shoe pearls away from rough handling.
• Store the book and handbag flat so they keep their shape.
• If the beret shifts, retack it with one hidden stitch near each ear.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both legs match in length and stuffing.
• The head is round, not pointed.
• The ears fall below the collar.
• The sailor collar points meet neatly at center front.
• The blue trim appears at hem, sleeves, and collar.
• The flower has five red outer petals, five white inner petals, blue accents, and one raised dark center.
• The shoe straps sit evenly across both feet.
• The teddy scarf is tied and angled naturally.
• The handbag flower is centered on the flap.
• The book shows a tiny lavender bookmark.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a barely damp cloth with mild wool wash for surface cleaning. Press gently and never soak the stuffed pieces unless you are ready to completely reshape and dry them. Keep dark and bright shades from resting wet against the cream dress.

To preserve the face, support the head with one hand whenever lifting the doll. Store the set away from direct sunlight to protect the cream yarn and the red flower petals from fading. Acid-free tissue inside the handbag and around the beret will help maintain their form.

If the set is displayed for long periods, dust it gently with a soft brush every few weeks. Refresh the stuffing shape by patting the cheeks, feet, and beret lightly rather than squeezing. Proper storage keeps the bunny looking crisp, balanced, and true to the pictured finish.