Cherry-Blossom Capelet Waltz Bunny – Knitting

This sweet knitted set brings together a soft rabbit doll, a tiny woodland companion, and delicate spring accessories in blush pink, cream, and warm taupe. The finished pieces have the look of a boutique handmade bunny doll, collectible knitted toy, nursery keepsake, and gift-ready heirloom plush. With a draped beret, floral capelet, patterned skirt, tiny shoes, basket purse, and folded parasol, the design feels polished and charming while still staying warm and gentle. Every section below is written to help you create a coordinated set that looks elegant, shop-quality, and beautifully styled for display or gifting.

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 pattern creates a standing rabbit with long floppy ears, a rounded head, softly tapered body, slim arms, straight legs, a beret with a knitted rose, a lace-edged capelet with small blossoms, a cream dress with pink blossom motifs, Mary Jane shoes, a little handbag, a folded parasol, and a coordinating miniature deer friend.

The overall look depends on three things: smooth stockinette, careful stuffing, and neat finishing. The rabbit should feel slightly elongated, not chubby. The head is larger than the body, the arms are slim, the legs are narrow and straight, and the clothing sits close to the figure without bulk.

The deer companion is built in the same gentle style, but smaller and finer. Its outfit echoes the rabbit’s dress and capelet so the whole set looks planned, balanced, and graceful.

Materials

• Main rabbit fur color: light taupe or fawn fingering-weight yarn
• Inner ear color: dusty blush pink fingering-weight yarn
• Dress and capelet color: soft cream fingering-weight yarn
• Accent color: muted cherry pink fingering-weight yarn
• Deer body color: warm cinnamon-brown fingering-weight yarn
• Deer muzzle and ear accents: pale beige and soft gray-taupe yarn scraps
• Optional parasol handle: very small amount of light gray or cream
• 2.25 mm and 2.75 mm needles, straight or double-pointed, depending on your preferred method
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Fine black embroidery thread for nose and mouth
• Small black safety eyes or black French-knot embroidery for eyes
• Toy stuffing
• Thin cardboard or plastic sole inserts, optional, for steadier shoes
• Very small snap, hook, or stitched closure for the capelet

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge matters because the set is small and highly shaped. Knit tightly enough that stuffing does not show through.

• Stockinette gauge on 2.75 mm needles: about 32 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches
• Lace and clothing gauge: slightly softer, but still even and firm
• Rabbit height: about 11 to 12 inches tall including beret
• Rabbit body height without beret: about 10 inches
• Deer height: about 6 to 7 inches tall
• Basket width: about 2 inches
• Folded parasol length: about 3 inches

Color Placement Notes

The rabbit’s skin is a warm taupe. The inner ears are blush pink. The beret is cream with a pink rose. The capelet is cream with small pink blossoms and a pink neck button. The dress is cream with a pink lower border and repeated pink blossom motifs near the hem.

The shoes are cream with pink sole edges and straps. The little handbag is cream with a small pink blossom. The parasol is pink with a pale curved handle. The deer is brown with a pale muzzle, cream capelet, pink-edged skirt, and a pink beret.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• yo = yarn over
• M1 = make 1 increase
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat

Construction Order

1. Knit the rabbit legs.
2. Join into the body and shape the torso.
3. Knit the head.
4. Knit the ears and arms.
5. Assemble and embroider the face.
6. Knit the dress.
7. Knit the capelet.
8. Knit the beret and rose.
9. Knit the shoes.
10. Knit the handbag, parasol, and loose blossoms.
11. Knit the miniature deer and its outfit.

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Main Rabbit

Legs Make 2

Use taupe yarn and 2.75 mm needles. The legs in the photo are narrow, lightly stuffed, and almost straight, with only a gentle widening near the thigh. They should support the dress without looking thick.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Change to stockinette and work 8 rows.
4. Increase on next RS row: k1, M1, knit to last st, M1, k1. You now have 14 sts.
5. Work 10 rows even.
6. Increase again in the same way. You now have 16 sts.
7. Work 8 rows even.
8. Place sts on hold.

Knit the second leg the same way.

Body

The body is compact and slightly pear-shaped, with the widest area under the dress and a gentle narrowing toward the neck. Join the legs neatly so the center front stays smooth.

1. Place both legs on one needle.
2. Join with an extra 4 sts cast on between them at the center front and 4 sts between them at the center back. Total: 40 sts.
3. Begin working in the round if desired, or continue flat with a seam. Either method is fine. For flat knitting, keep edge stitches neat for mattress stitch finishing.
4. Work 10 rows even.
5. Decrease row: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. Repeat this decrease at each side seam position. Reduce 4 sts total. You now have 36 sts.
6. Work 8 rows even.
7. Decrease again in the same positions. You now have 32 sts.
8. Work 8 rows even.
9. Decrease again. You now have 28 sts.
10. Work 6 rows even.
11. Increase row for upper chest softness: k3, M1, knit to last 3 sts, M1, k3. If working flat, make one matching increase on each side. You now have 30 sts.
12. Work 6 rows even.

Stuff the legs firmly, then continue stuffing the lower body with moderate firmness. Keep the tummy rounded but not bulging. The rabbit in the image has a smooth silhouette under the dress, so avoid overfilling.

Neck

1. Next row: k2tog across to narrow the neck evenly. You now have 15 sts if working flat halves, or an equivalent neck count if worked in the round. Arrange stitches evenly.
2. Work 4 rows even to create a short neck tube.
3. Increase around evenly to 30 sts for the head base.

Head

The head is softly rounded with a gentle lower cheek area and a slight narrowing at the crown. The muzzle is not separate; it is shaped by stitching. Keep the head very smooth and evenly stuffed.

1. Work 6 rows even.
2. Increase round or row: increase 6 sts evenly across. Total 36 sts.
3. Work 6 rows even.
4. Increase 6 sts evenly again. Total 42 sts.
5. Work 10 rows even.
6. Increase 4 sts evenly. Total 46 sts.
7. Work 8 rows even.
8. Begin crown shaping: decrease 4 sts evenly. Total 42 sts.
9. Work 3 rows even.
10. Decrease 6 sts evenly. Total 36 sts.
11. Work 2 rows even.
12. Decrease 6 sts evenly. Total 30 sts.
13. Stuff the head firmly, smoothing all lumps with your fingers.
14. Decrease 6 sts evenly. Total 24 sts.
15. Work 1 row.
16. Decrease 6 sts evenly. Total 18 sts.
17. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close tightly.

Ears Make 2 Outer Pieces and 2 Inner Pieces

The ears are long, soft, and downward-hanging. They begin wider at the top, then taper to a rounded tip. The outer ear is taupe. The inner lining is blush pink and slightly smaller so the edge rolls naturally in the outer color.

Outer Ear, make 2:

1. CO 8 sts in taupe.
2. Row 1 RS: k1, M1, knit to last st, M1, k1. Total 10 sts.
3. Row 2: p.
4. Repeat these 2 rows until you have 18 sts.
5. Work 20 rows even in stockinette.
6. Begin tip shaping: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1 on RS rows.
7. Purl WS rows.
8. Continue until 8 sts remain.
9. Knit 1 row, then decrease again to 4 sts.
10. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

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Inner Ear, make 2:

1. Work exactly as outer ear in blush pink, but stop when 6 sts remain.
2. Bind off gently.

Place one pink inner piece over one taupe outer piece. Sew around the sides, leaving the top edge open. Do not stuff. Fold the top edge slightly so the ear droops. Sew each ear to the side of the head, slightly below the crown line and hidden partly under the beret.

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim tubes with minimal shaping. They should fall naturally along the sides of the dress.

1. CO 10 sts in taupe.
2. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Work 18 rows stockinette.
4. Increase 2 sts evenly across one row. Total 12 sts.
5. Work 8 rows even.
6. Decrease 2 sts evenly. Total 10 sts.
7. Work 4 rows even.
8. Bind off.

Sew each arm into a narrow tube, stuff lightly, flatten the upper edge, and stitch to the upper sides of the body just below the neck. Angle them slightly forward so the right hand can rest near the smaller deer.

Facial Placement Base

Before dressing the rabbit, mark the face. The eyes sit widely spaced and low enough to make the forehead appear broad. The nose and mouth are tiny and centered, giving the expression a calm, slightly wistful look.

• Eye placement: about 8 to 9 rows up from the muzzle point and 8 to 10 stitches apart
• Nose: small inverted triangle in dark brown or black
• Mouth: short vertical stitch below the nose, then two tiny slanted stitches forming a soft Y shape

Dress

The dress is one of the most important visual features. It has a gently flared skirt, a pink lower border, a repeating blossom-like stranded motif, a simple bodice, and a soft edge below the capelet. The skirt should sit just below the rabbit’s knees.

Dress Skirt

1. Using cream and 2.75 mm needles, CO 72 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch for a soft hem.
3. Change to stockinette.
4. Work 2 rows in pink.
5. Change back to cream and begin blossom motif band.

Blossom motif suggestion over 12-st repeat:

• Rounds or rows 1 and 2: 12 cream
• Row 3: 4 cream, 1 pink, 2 cream, 1 pink, 4 cream
• Row 4: 3 cream, 2 pink, 2 cream, 2 pink, 3 cream
• Row 5: 2 cream, 3 pink, 2 cream, 3 pink, 2 cream
• Row 6: 3 cream, 2 pink, 2 cream, 2 pink, 3 cream
• Row 7: 4 cream, 1 pink, 2 cream, 1 pink, 4 cream
• Rows 8 and 9: 12 cream

Repeat the 12-st motif 6 times around or across the row width. This gives a border that visually matches the repeated pink blossom shapes near the hem in the image.

1. After completing the motif band, work 10 rows in cream.
2. Decrease evenly by 8 sts. Total 64 sts.
3. Work 8 rows even.
4. Decrease evenly by 8 sts. Total 56 sts.
5. Work 8 rows even.
6. Decrease evenly by 8 sts. Total 48 sts.
7. Work 6 rows even.

Bodice

1. Divide for front and back if working flat from this point, or continue in the round and add a back opening later.
2. Work 8 rows even for the bodice.
3. For armholes, bind off 3 sts at each side.
4. Work front and back separately.

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Front:

1. Work 6 rows even.
2. Shape neckline by binding off center 8 sts.
3. Work each side separately for 4 more rows.
4. Bind off shoulders.

Back:

1. Work 10 rows even, with a small center opening if preferred.
2. Bind off shoulders.

Sew shoulder seams. Add a neat back closure using a small snap or worked tie. The dress should skim the body, not cling tightly. The hem should spread gently like a bell.

Capelet

The capelet is short, circular, and soft, ending around the waistline. It has eyelet shaping, scalloped lace points, and tiny pink blossoms placed near the front edges and across the upper front. This piece gives the set its signature romantic look.

Capelet Base

1. Using cream yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 72 sts.
2. Work flat so there is an opening at the front.
3. Row 1 WS: purl.
4. Row 2 RS: k.
5. Row 3: k2, yo, k2tog across where desired to create evenly spaced eyelets.
6. Continue in stockinette for 6 rows.
7. Increase 12 sts evenly across next RS row to widen the drape. Total 84 sts.
8. Work 4 rows even.

Lace Edge

Use a simple scalloped edging that produces pointed arcs like those visible in the photo.

1. Row 1 RS: k2, yo, k2tog repeat across, ending k2.
2. Row 2 WS: purl.
3. Row 3 RS: k1, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog repeat across.
4. Row 4 WS: purl.
5. Row 5 RS: knit.
6. BO loosely on WS.

Steam lightly if needed so the scallops open. Gather the top edge very slightly with a running thread so the capelet sits close around the neck rather than standing stiffly outward.

Capelet Blossoms

Knit or embroider small five-petal blossoms in cherry pink. For the closest match, make five blossoms total for the rabbit capelet: two near the left front, two near the right front, and one slightly higher toward the shoulder line.

Tiny knitted blossom, make as needed:

1. CO 5 sts in pink.
2. Work i-cord for 2 rows.
3. On next row, work kfb into each st. Total 10 sts.
4. BO all sts loosely.
5. Spiral and stitch into a blossom shape, or use five detached loop petals around a center knot.

Add very small taupe or olive stem stitches beneath the blossoms. Sew a tiny pink neck button or embroidered circle at the throat closure.

Beret

The beret is roomy, soft, and slightly slouched toward one side. The brim is ribbed and neat. A pink knitted rose sits low on the front right side. The beret should cover the crown and partly overlap one ear base.

1. Using cream yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 56 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Change to 2.75 mm needles.
4. Increase evenly to 84 sts.
5. Work 12 rows stockinette.
6. Increase evenly to 96 sts.
7. Work 8 rows even.
8. Begin crown decreases by dividing into 8 sections and working k2tog at each marker every other round or every RS row.
9. When 16 sts remain, thread yarn through and close.

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Sew the back seam if worked flat. Shape the beret with steam or by hand so it slouches gently to one side.

Knitted Rose

1. Using pink yarn, CO 36 sts.
2. Work 1 WS row purl.
3. Row 2 RS: k1, yo across to end. This creates extra fullness.
4. Row 3 WS: purl.
5. BO loosely.
6. Roll the strip from one short edge to form a rosette. Stitch the base securely.

Attach the rose on the front right side of the beret, slightly above the eye line.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are small cream Mary Janes with pink soles and straps. They are shallow and delicate. Keep them close-fitting so they do not look oversized.

1. Using pink yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Knit 2 rows for the sole edge.
3. Change to cream.
4. Increase to 14 sts evenly across next row.
5. Work 6 rows stockinette.
6. Shape toe by working short rows or by decreasing 1 st at each side on every RS row 3 times.
7. Work one row even.
8. For strap, pick up 4 sts on one side near the opening and work 6 rows in garter.
9. Sew strap to opposite side with a tiny pink stitched dot to suggest a button.

Optional: insert a tiny sole support before closing the bottom. Sew shoes directly onto the feet after dressing the rabbit.

Handbag

The basket-style handbag in the image is small, shallow, and oval, with a soft handle and one pink blossom on the front.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Knit 2 rows.
3. Work 6 rows stockinette.
4. Decrease 1 st each side on next RS row.
5. Work 2 rows even.
6. BO.
7. Make a second matching piece.
8. Sew around the sides and bottom.
9. For handle, pick up 3 sts at one upper side, work 18 rows i-cord or narrow garter strip, and attach to the other side.

Add one tiny pink blossom at the center front. Stuff lightly or leave flat as a display prop.

Folded Parasol

The folded parasol is narrow, tapered, and mostly pink, with a pale handle that curves gently at the end. It should look decorative and delicate rather than functional.

1. Using pink yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. Work 10 rows stockinette, decreasing 1 st each side every 3rd row until 4 sts remain.
4. Work 4 rows even.
5. BO.
6. Sew into a slim cone.

Handle:

1. Using pale gray or cream yarn, make a 3-st i-cord about 3 inches long.
2. Bend the end into a hook shape and tack with hidden stitches.
3. Insert lightly into the parasol cone and secure.

Loose Blossoms and Petals

The image includes scattered blossoms and petals on the table. These optional pieces help the whole set feel complete.

Petals, make several:

1. CO 3 sts in pink.
2. Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb. Total 5 sts.
3. Row 2: purl.
4. Row 3: k2tog, k1, k2tog. Total 3 sts.
5. BO.

Flat blossom, make 2 or 3:

1. CO 5 sts.
2. Work one tiny petal as above.
3. Repeat five times around a central thread ring or sew five petals together.

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Miniature Deer

The little deer is slim and upright, with a cinnamon-brown body, pale muzzle, tiny ears with grayish inner accents, black eyes, and the same sweet calm expression as the rabbit. It wears a miniature cream capelet, cream-and-pink skirt, and pink beret.

Deer Legs Make 2

1. Using brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Work 3 rows in rib.
3. Work 10 rows stockinette.
4. Increase to 10 sts.
5. Work 6 rows even.
6. Place on hold.

Deer Body

1. Join legs with 2 sts between each side. Total 24 sts.
2. Work 8 rows even.
3. Decrease 2 sts at each side. Total 20 sts.
4. Work 6 rows even.
5. Decrease to 18 sts.
6. Work 4 rows even.
7. Shape neck by decreasing to 12 sts.
8. Work 3 rows neck.
9. Increase evenly to 24 sts for head.

Deer Head

1. Work 6 rows even.
2. Increase to 28 sts.
3. Work 6 rows even.
4. Decrease to 24 sts.
5. Work 2 rows even.
6. Decrease to 18 sts.
7. Stuff firmly.
8. Decrease to 10 sts and close.

Deer Arms Make 2

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Work 12 rows stockinette.
3. Increase to 8 sts.
4. Work 4 rows.
5. BO.

Deer Muzzle and Ears

Embroider a small pale beige muzzle triangle or duplicate-stitch the area before assembly. Add tiny black eyes and a small black nose. For ears, knit two tiny leaf shapes in brown and add a small gray-beige inner patch.

Deer Clothing

The deer skirt follows the same visual layout as the rabbit dress but with fewer stitches. Start with 36 sts in cream, add a pink hem stripe, then a reduced blossom motif band. Taper to 24 sts for the upper part. Finish with a simple back opening.

The deer capelet is made like the rabbit version on a reduced scale. CO 36 sts in cream, add small eyelets, increase slightly for drape, and finish with a delicate scalloped edge. Sew 2 or 3 tiny pink blossoms near the front.

The deer beret is made in pink. CO 28 sts, rib 4 rows, increase to 44 sts, work 8 rows even, then decrease in sections to close. Set the beret at a slight angle.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Dress the rabbit first, then attach the capelet, then the beret. Place the arms so they fall naturally outside the dress. Sew the ears before the beret, and let the beret hide the upper ear joins.

For the face, place the eyes evenly and keep them small. The nose is a tiny stitched triangle with a narrow vertical line below it. Add two short slanting stitches for the mouth. Pull the thread gently so the muzzle has a soft, slightly gathered center.

Sew the deer in the same order: body, arms, ears, face, skirt, capelet, beret. Keep all expression details tiny. The charm of both dolls comes from restraint and symmetry.

Care Notes

• Spot clean first whenever possible.
• Use cool water and gentle wool-safe soap.
• Do not twist or wring the knitted pieces.
• Press moisture out in a towel.
• Reshape by hand and dry flat away from direct heat.
• Remove loose props before cleaning.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head smooth and evenly stuffed
• Ears matched and angled downward
• Eyes level and evenly spaced
• Nose and mouth centered
• Dress hem sitting evenly
• Capelet scallops open and balanced
• Pink blossoms attached securely
• Beret slouched softly to one side
• Shoes aligned and same height
• Deer outfit matching the main rabbit
• Bag, parasol, and petals completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the set out of strong sunlight to prevent fading in the cream and pink yarns. Store in a breathable cotton bag or behind glass if used as décor. Avoid plastic boxes that trap moisture unless the pieces are fully dry.

If storing for a season, place acid-free tissue inside the capelet and dress to help preserve the shape. Keep accessories wrapped separately so the parasol handle and basket strap do not bend. Check yearly for dust, loosened seams, or compressed stuffing.

When refreshing after storage, shake very gently, smooth the dress and beret by hand, and use a light steam nearby rather than direct pressing. Keep the steam moving and never soak the finished dolls unless a full wash is truly necessary.