Primrose Morning Bunny – Knitting

Soft, timeless, and full of spring charm, this knitted bunny set is designed to look like a handmade heirloom toy with delicate wardrobe details and sweet companion pieces. The finished set includes the main rabbit, floral cardigan, gathered skirt, brimmed hat, shoes, clutch, tiny bouquet, small bonnet, mini puppy friend, and the little note card with pencil. It has the gentle look of a boutique knitted stuffed rabbit, a nursery gift, a collectible bunny doll, and a handmade spring keepsake that many shoppers search for when browsing artisan toy, baby shower, and Easter basket ideas.

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

About This Design

This bunny has a very balanced silhouette. The head is round and slightly larger than the upper body, the ears are long and soft, and the limbs are slim with lightly rounded ends. The clothing is where the design becomes especially charming.

The cardigan is short, neat, and fitted through the chest. It closes down the center front and is decorated with tiny embroidered primrose flowers. The skirt begins right at the waist with a softly ruffled casing and a centered bow.

The brimmed hat is smooth and rounded with a downward curve and a textured flower medallion on top. The shoes are simple and sweet with bow trims. Around the bunny are several tiny props, each with the same muted, gentle palette.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: fingering or light sport weight wool or wool blend in warm beige for head, body, arms, legs, and ears
• Cardigan yarn: fingering weight in soft ivory or cream
• Skirt yarn: fingering weight in pale taupe-beige
• Hat yarn: fingering weight in pale primrose yellow
• Shoe yarn: fingering weight in soft cream
• Flower embroidery yarn: pale yellow and soft sage green
• Puppy yarn: cream, warm brown, and dusty gray
• Clutch and note card yarn: light oatmeal or pale stone
• Pencil yarn: pale yellow, blush pink, and ivory
• Needles: double-pointed needles or magic loop needles in sizes US 1.5 and US 2
• Extra needle: one slightly smaller needle for firm props if needed
• Stuffing: fine toy stuffing
• Tapestry needle: for mattress stitch and embroidery
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Small buttons: 4 tiny cream buttons for cardigan, 1 tiny cream button for clutch, 2 tiny buttons or embroidered dots for puppy overalls
• Black embroidery thread: for eyes, nose, and mouth
• Thin card or plastic insert: optional for inside clutch flap

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall from top of head to heel, not including raised ears
• Hat: fitted to bunny head
• Mini bonnet: separate accessory, about 2 inches wide
• Clutch: about 3 inches wide
• Bouquet: about 2 inches tall
• Puppy: about 4 inches tall
• Note card: about 1.75 inches wide
• Pencil: about 2 inches long

Gauge and Fabric

Work at a firm gauge so the stuffing does not show through. The fabric in the image is smooth, compact, and even. If your stitches look open, go down a needle size.

For the bunny and accessories, the knitted fabric should feel dense but still flexible. The clothing should sit neatly on the body without bulk, so keep your tension consistent and block gently.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• m1L = make 1 left
• m1R = make 1 right
• rep = repeat
• BO = bind off

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General Notes

• All body pieces are worked flat or in the round as stated below.
• Seams should be neat and minimal. Mattress stitch is best for visible seams.
• Stuff gradually and firmly, especially the head and lower body.
• The neck must be packed tightly so the head sits upright.
• The skirt, cardigan, and shoes are removable if worked carefully to the stated measurements.
• The tiny props are decorative and not intended for very young children.

Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using beige and smaller needles, CO 14 sts. Join carefully if working in the round, or work flat and seam later. The leg in the image is slim, straight, and softly rounded at the foot end.

1. Work 6 rounds in stockinette.
2. Increase 2 sts evenly across next round. 16 sts.
3. Work 18 rounds even.
4. Decrease 2 sts evenly across next round. 14 sts.
5. Work 8 rounds even.
6. Stuff lower half firmly, then continue adding small amounts as you work.
7. Break yarn on first leg and place on hold. Make second leg the same.

The feet in the finished bunny are narrow and modest rather than oversized. Do not widen the base too much. The shoes will cover the lower foot later.

Body

Place both legs on one needle. Join with k across first leg, CO 2 sts, k across second leg. 30 sts total if worked in the round. If you prefer flat construction, keep the same total stitch count and seam later.

1. Work 6 rounds even.
2. Increase 1 st at each side of the gap between legs and 1 st at each outer side. 34 sts.
3. Work 8 rounds even.
4. Increase 4 sts evenly. 38 sts.
5. Work 10 rounds even.
6. Shape waist by decreasing 4 sts evenly over next round. 34 sts.
7. Work 6 rounds even.
8. Increase 4 sts evenly. 38 sts.
9. Work 6 rounds even.

The torso should look gently oval, not barrel-shaped. Keep stuffing firm at the hips, a little lighter at the chest. The upper body under the cardigan is smooth and modestly narrow.

Shoulder and Neck Shaping

1. Decrease 4 sts evenly. 34 sts.
2. Work 4 rounds even.
3. Decrease 4 sts evenly. 30 sts.
4. Work 2 rounds even.
5. Decrease 6 sts evenly. 24 sts.
6. Work 2 rounds even and stuff very firmly through body and neck area.

Leave the top open for attaching the head if making separately. If you prefer to knit the head upward from the neck, continue directly. The photographed doll appears to have a smooth transition, so either method works if the neck stays stable.

Arms Make 2

Using beige, CO 12 sts. Work in the round or flat. The arms are simple tubes with softly curved hands and only a little stuffing near the lower half.

1. Work 6 rounds even.
2. Increase 2 sts evenly. 14 sts.
3. Work 22 rounds even.
4. Decrease 2 sts evenly. 12 sts.
5. Work 4 rounds even.
6. Lightly stuff lower half only.
7. Flatten top opening and sew closed.

The hands in the image are not defined with fingers. Keep the ends rounded and smooth. Position both arms slightly downward so they rest naturally beside the skirt.

 

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Head

Using beige, CO 12 sts on double-pointed needles. Join for working in the round.

1. Round 1: kfb in every st. 24 sts.
2. Round 2: knit.
3. Round 3: k1, kfb around. 36 sts.
4. Round 4: knit.
5. Round 5: k2, kfb around. 48 sts.
6. Work 18 rounds even.
7. Round 24: k2, k2tog around. 36 sts.
8. Round 25: knit.
9. Round 26: k1, k2tog around. 24 sts.
10. Stuff firmly, shaping a smooth sphere.
11. Round 27: k2tog around. 12 sts.
12. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close tightly.

The face is simple and calm. The head should be almost perfectly round with only the slightest flattening at the bottom. Do not overstuff the front lower face or it will distort the embroidered mouth.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, softly drooping, and slightly wider at the base. They hang below the hat brim and reach to about the shoulder line.

1. Using beige, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: purl.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb, knit to last st, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: purl.
5. Row 4: kfb, knit to last st, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Continue in stockinette, increasing 1 st at each end every 4th row twice more. 16 sts.
7. Work 28 rows even.
8. Begin tapering by decreasing 1 st at each end every 6th row 4 times. 8 sts.
9. Work 4 rows even.
10. BO knitwise.

Make two identical pieces for each ear if you want a double-layer ear, or make one piece and fold lightly. The image shows ears with body and slight drape, so a double-layer ear gives the best result. Sew edges together, leaving base open.

Face Embroidery

Using black embroidery thread, place the eyes as tiny straight satin stitches or narrow French-knot style stitches. They sit evenly spaced, a little above center on the face.

The nose and mouth form a neat, small Y shape. Stitch a short vertical nose triangle or tiny inverted V, then bring one short line downward and split into two angled mouth lines. Keep the expression gentle and minimal.

Assembly of the Main Bunny Base

1. Sew head securely to neck opening.
2. Attach ears to each side of head, slightly behind the eye line.
3. Sew arms to upper sides of torso, just below neck level.
4. Check balance while seated and standing against support.
5. Add final shaping with small amounts of stuffing if needed.

Before dressing the bunny, make sure the ears angle downward naturally. They should not stick straight out. The photographed bunny has a soft, relaxed posture, so a gentle drape is important.

Cardigan

The cardigan is cropped, ivory, and fitted. It has long sleeves, a center front button band, and tiny embroidered primrose sprigs on both fronts. Work it flat from lower body upward in separate fronts and back, or work the body flat in one piece to armholes.

Body of Cardigan

1. Using ivory, CO 36 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Continue in stockinette with 4 border sts in seed stitch at each front edge for bands.
4. Work until piece measures from waist to underarm on bunny, about 2 inches.
5. Separate into right front, back, left front.

A practical split is 9 sts for each front and 18 sts for the back, keeping the seed stitch borders included on the fronts.

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Armholes and Shoulders

1. Bind off 2 sts at each armhole edge once.
2. Work straight until cardigan reaches shoulder.
3. Shape neckline gently on each front by decreasing 1 st at neck edge every other row 3 times.
4. Bind off shoulders.

Sleeves Make 2

1. Using ivory, CO 14 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Continue in stockinette, increasing 1 st each side every 8th row 3 times. 20 sts.
4. Work until sleeve length matches arm from shoulder to wrist.
5. Bind off.

Sew sleeves into armholes, then seam side and sleeve seams. The fit should be tidy, close, and lightly cropped, ending exactly at the waist where the skirt begins.

Button Band and Buttons

If your front borders are not enough, pick up stitches along each front edge and work 3 rows seed stitch. Make 4 small buttonholes on the right front band, evenly spaced. Sew 4 tiny cream buttons on the opposite band.

Primrose Embroidery

Using pale yellow and sage green, embroider small flower stems on both cardigan fronts. The flowers in the image are tiny, airy, and vertically arranged rather than packed tightly.

• Stitch each stem with 1 straight green stitch and 1 or 2 small side stitches.
• Add flower heads with 3 tiny pale yellow petals or lazy daisy stitches.
• Scatter them symmetrically on each side of the button band.

Skirt

The skirt is gathered at the waist, softly full, and finished with a floral border near the hem. It is pale taupe-beige with a light ivory lower band and tiny yellow blossoms embroidered around the bottom.

Waist Ruffle and Skirt Body

1. Using taupe-beige, CO 60 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib or small casing pattern.
3. On next row, increase evenly to 84 sts.
4. Work in stockinette for the full skirt length, about 3.25 to 3.5 inches.

The top edge should draw into the waist slightly so a soft frill forms above the bow. If needed, thread a narrow knitted cord through the waistline and gather lightly.

Hem Band

1. Change to ivory and work 4 rounds or rows.
2. Work 2 ridges in garter for a firm finished edge.
3. Bind off loosely.

Floral Hem Embroidery

Using pale yellow and sage green, embroider a neat border of tiny blossoms just above the ivory hem. The flowers are evenly spaced, very small, and arranged in a gentle repeating line.

• Each flower can be 3 detached chain petals or tiny duplicate stitches.
• Place green stem accents between flowers.
• Keep the flowers narrow so the border remains delicate.

Waist Bow

1. Using taupe-beige, CO 10 sts.
2. Work 14 rows in stockinette or seed stitch.
3. Bind off.
4. Wrap center with matching yarn several times to form the bow.
5. Sew to exact center front waist.

The bow in the image is medium-sized, soft, and slightly structured. It sits on top of the gathered skirt waist rather than hanging low.

Brimmed Primrose Hat

This is a rounded bucket-style spring hat in pale yellow with a flower medallion centered on the crown. The brim angles downward in a soft curve.

1. Using pale yellow, CO 8 sts onto double-pointed needles.
2. Round 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Round 2: knit.
4. Round 3: k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Round 4: knit.
6. Round 5: k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Round 6: knit.
8. Round 7: k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
9. Work 10 rounds even for crown depth.
10. Increase 8 sts evenly for brim. 48 sts.
11. Work 6 rounds even.
12. Increase 8 sts evenly again. 56 sts.
13. Work 4 rounds even.
14. Bind off loosely.

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Block over a bowl or rounded form so the crown stays smooth and the brim turns downward. Do not make the brim floppy. It should hold a neat bell shape.

Crown Flower Medallion

Using the same yellow yarn, create a flat circular rosette. You may knit an i-cord spiral disk or crochet a tiny round flower if you prefer mixed finishing methods. The visible effect is a textured radial blossom.

Sew the medallion neatly to the center top of the hat. Keep it flat and symmetrical.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are cream Mary Jane style slippers with a low opening and front bows. They should fit close to the foot and not look bulky.

1. Using cream, pick up or CO 14 sts around foot opening area if making separately.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Shape toe with 2 centered decreases every RS row until snug.
4. Sew sole seam invisibly.
5. Add a narrow strap effect if desired with one line of duplicate stitch or a tiny side join.

Shoe Bows

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Work 8 rows.
3. Bind off and wrap center.
4. Sew one bow to each shoe near front opening.

Clutch

The clutch is rectangular, soft oatmeal in color, with a fold-over flap and a single tiny button. It should look flat and tidy, like a little knitted purse or envelope pouch.

1. Using oatmeal, CO 22 sts.
2. Work in seed stitch or very tight stockinette with garter borders for 28 rows.
3. Fold lower section upward to form pouch.
4. Continue top section for flap, decreasing 1 st each side every 4th row 3 times for a slight taper.
5. Bind off.
6. Sew side seams of pouch.
7. Add optional insert inside flap for structure.
8. Sew 1 tiny cream button to front center.

Mini Bonnet

This extra accessory is a tiny cream bonnet placed beside the bunny. It is rounded and simple, with a shallow dome and short brim edge.

1. Using cream, begin with 8 sts in the round.
2. Increase evenly to 32 sts over several rounds as for a small cap.
3. Work 5 rounds even.
4. Increase 6 sts evenly for a slight brim.
5. Work 2 rounds and bind off loosely.

Block lightly so the shape stays domed.

Primrose Bouquet

The bouquet is made of tiny cream-yellow flowers with pale green stems tied together at the middle. Keep the flowers petite and rounded.

1. Knit or crochet 5 to 7 tiny flower heads in cream with a pale yellow center.
2. For knitted flowers, make small gathered circles or 5-petal pieces from i-cord loops.
3. Make several thin green i-cords for stems.
4. Gather flowers into a small bunch.
5. Wrap stem center with matching yarn to secure.

The bouquet in the image is compact and upright, not loose or wild.

Mini Puppy Friend

The little puppy is cream with one warm brown ear and a matching brown patch on one side of the head. It wears dusty gray overalls with tiny front straps. Its style matches the bunny, with a simple face and very soft proportions.

Puppy Body and Head

1. Using cream, knit two short legs as tiny tubes, then join for body.
2. Work body as a slim oval, lightly stuffed.
3. Continue into a round head or make separately and sew on.
4. Add one brown patch on one side of the head using duplicate stitch or a knitted patch piece.

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Puppy Ears

• Make one cream ear and one brown ear.
• Keep them short, rounded, and floppy.
• Sew high on head but allow them to fall sideways.

Puppy Arms

Make two tiny cream arms as narrow tubes. Attach at shoulder height with only light stuffing.

Puppy Face

Use black embroidery thread for tiny eyes, a small triangular nose, and a short curved mouth. Keep the face centered and sweet.

Overalls

1. Using dusty gray, knit a small trouser body to fit lower puppy torso.
2. Work a bib panel on front center.
3. Add 2 narrow straps over shoulders.
4. Sew tiny decorative buttons where straps meet bib.

The overalls should be soft and slightly loose around the legs, but the bib should sit close to the chest.

Note Card and Pencil

The note card is a tiny white square with a narrow gray edge and stitched lettering. The pencil is pale yellow with a pink eraser and ivory tip.

Note Card

1. Using white or very pale cream, CO 12 sts.
2. Work 12 rows in garter or seed stitch.
3. Bind off.
4. Outline edge with light gray backstitch.
5. Embroider the words in dark gray using small neat stitches.

You may stitch the visible phrase shown in the image or leave it as a decorative card. Keep the handwriting casual and soft.

Pencil

1. Make a narrow i-cord in pale yellow.
2. Add 2 rows of blush pink at one end for eraser.
3. Add 1 row of ivory at the other end for sharpened wood tip.
4. Insert a tiny thread line of gray or black at the point.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Dress the bunny in the cardigan first, then place the skirt so the waistline sits directly below the cardigan hem. Add the shoes last. Position the hat low enough to overlap the top of the face and allow the ears to fall from beneath it.

Check that the eyes are level, the nose is centered, and the mouth is short and balanced. Steam the clothes very lightly if needed, but do not flatten the skirt gathers or the hat crown.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Use cool water and mild wool wash for deeper cleaning.
• Do not twist or wring.
• Reshape while damp and dry flat on a towel.
• Keep tiny props in a safe place when not displayed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is round and firmly attached
• Ears are even and softly drooping
• Cardigan buttons line up neatly
• Primrose embroidery is balanced on cardigan and skirt
• Bow is centered at waist
• Hat brim curves downward evenly
• Shoes match in size and sit straight
• Clutch flap closes neatly
• Puppy overalls straps are secure
• Bouquet stems are tightly wrapped

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the set away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and rough handling. Store in a clean cotton bag or acid-free box if not on display. Avoid hanging the bunny by the ears or clothing.

If the hat or skirt loses shape, lightly mist with water, reshape by hand, and let dry flat. For heirloom storage, wrap accessories separately so buttons, bows, and embroidery do not snag.