Helenium Sunburst-Panel Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted set brings together a dressed bunny, a tiny turtle friend, a flower bouquet, a round basket, and a small ice cream cone in warm fall shades. It is designed for makers who love collectible stuffed animals, heirloom nursery decor, seasonal handmade gifts, and boutique toy knitting. The finished set has the cozy appeal of artisan soft toys often seen in handmade toy shops, gift guides, and premium nursery collections, while still feeling sweet, friendly, and approachable for everyday knitting.

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 design focuses on the exact look of the image: a seated-proportion bunny with a large rounded head, slim ears, softly weighted body, straight little arms, short legs, Mary Jane shoes, a wide-brim hat, and a striking sunburst-panel outfit in mustard, rust, burgundy, and peach.

The cardigan is worked separately and frames the dress with a neat contrasting border. The dress has wide vertical color panels and a gathered decorative sunburst detail at the chest. The bunny also stands beside a matching turtle friend, a round handled basket, a bouquet of layered flowers, and a tiny ice cream cone.

The shaping is intentionally gentle. There are no dramatic angles. The overall silhouette is plump, balanced, and childlike, with smooth stockinette surfaces and subtle seams that help the toys hold their form cleanly.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 11 inches tall from feet to top of head, about 14 inches tall including ears, and about 15 inches tall with hat on.
• Turtle friend: about 4 1/2 inches tall.
• Basket: about 2 1/4 inches wide.
• Bouquet: about 3 inches across.
• Ice cream cone: about 2 inches long.

Materials

• Sport weight yarn or light DK yarn for the bunny and accessories.
• Main bunny color: pale oatmeal beige.
• Hat color: muted golden mustard.
• Dress colors: mustard gold, deep burgundy, rust, and warm peach-rust.
• Cardigan colors: rust for body and sleeves, burgundy for edging, mustard for fringe details.
• Shoes: dusty terracotta.
• Turtle body: sage green.
• Turtle bag: pale dusty blue with cream strap.
• Basket: mustard and brown.
• Flowers: mustard, orange, rust, burgundy, olive, and green.
• Ice cream: cone beige, scoop pale pink, trim cream.
• Pair of 2.5 mm needles.
• Pair of 3 mm needles.
• Set of double-pointed needles in matching sizes, or use magic loop if preferred.
• Tapestry needle.
• Toy stuffing.
• Small amount of weighted filling or plastic pellets in a fabric pouch for the lower body if desired.
• Two small black safety eyes, 6 mm, or black embroidery thread for stitched eyes.
• Black or dark brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth.
• Small buttons for the bunny cardigan.
• Very small decorative button for the turtle cardigan if desired.

Gauge

Gauge is less important than firmness, but the knitted fabric must be dense enough that stuffing does not show through. On 2.5 mm needles, aim for about 8 stitches and 11 rows per inch in stockinette when worked flat. On 3 mm needles, expect a slightly softer surface for garments and accessories.

If your stitches are looser than this, size down your needles. The toys in the image have a smooth, even surface with small tidy stitches, so a compact fabric matters more than exact row count.

Construction Notes

• The main bunny is made in separate pieces and seamed.
• Head, body, legs, arms, and ears are all stuffed firmly but not rock hard.
• The face is simple, with small vertical oval eyes placed wide apart.
• The muzzle is lightly shaped by embroidery, not by heavy sculpting.
• The dress is a separate garment.
• The cardigan is separate and open at the front.
• The hat is separate and sits low over the forehead, with the ears passing upward behind the crown line.
• The turtle is made in the same tidy style, with a simple outfit that visually echoes the bunny’s colors.

Abbreviations

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

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Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using pale oatmeal and 2.5 mm needles, CO 14 stitches. Work 4 rows in garter stitch. This creates the softly defined sole edge seen at the base of the legs and helps the bunny stand more neatly when posed.

Change to stockinette and work 10 rows. Increase 1 stitch at each end of the next right-side row. You now have 16 stitches. Work 8 more rows even. The lower legs in the image are short and straight, so avoid strong calf shaping.

Shape the upper leg gently. On the next RS row, k1, inc, knit to last stitch, inc, k1. Work 3 rows even. Repeat this increase row once more. You now have 20 stitches.

Work 14 rows even. The finished leg should look slim and lightly rounded, not chunky. BO. Make the second leg the same way.

Seam each leg, leaving the top open. Stuff the lower foot and shin firmly, then lighten the stuffing near the top so the legs can attach naturally beneath the dress. Set aside.

Body Front

Using pale oatmeal and 2.5 mm needles, CO 30 stitches. Work 2 rows garter. This lower edge sits hidden beneath the dress but helps keep the base smooth and stable.

Begin stockinette. Work 8 rows even. On the next RS row, increase 1 stitch at each end. Repeat this increase every 6th row 3 more times. You now have 38 stitches.

Work straight until the body measures about 3 1/2 inches from cast on. The body in the image is softly pear-shaped, broadest through the lower half, then tapering slightly toward the neck.

Shape the shoulders and neck. Bind off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Then decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge every RS row 4 times, while also binding off 2 stitches at each armhole edge once. Finish with 18 shoulder and upper chest stitches total. BO.

Body Back

Work the same as the front until the body reaches the armhole shaping. Shape armholes exactly as for the front, but work the back neck less deeply. When 10 rows remain to full height, bind off the center 8 stitches, then finish each side separately, decreasing once at the neck edge. BO shoulders.

Assemble Body and Add Legs

Sew front and back together at shoulders first. Insert the legs at the lower edge, spacing them so there is a narrow gap between them, as shown in the image. The feet should point forward with only a slight outward angle.

Close the side seams and bottom, catching the tops of the legs securely into the seam. Stuff firmly, especially in the lower body. Add a little weight pouch before fully closing if you want the bunny to stand or balance better when supported.

Arms Make 2

Using pale oatmeal and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 stitches. Work in stockinette for 8 rows. Increase 1 stitch at each end of the next RS row. Work 10 rows even.

Change to rust if you want the sleeves built into the arm. For a cleaner dressed construction like the image, keep the arm fully in oatmeal and let the cardigan sleeve cover it later. Continue in oatmeal for 10 more rows.

Shape the top with 2 rows of decreases: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. Work a WS row even. Repeat the decrease row once more. BO remaining stitches.

Seam and stuff lightly. The arms in the image are tubular and softly bent only by placement, not by internal shaping. Keep them slimmer at the wrist and only slightly fuller at the upper arm.

Head

Using pale oatmeal and 2.5 mm needles, CO 20 stitches for the front of the head. Work in stockinette, increasing 1 stitch at each end every RS row 6 times. You now have 32 stitches.

Work 20 rows even. The face in the image is round but not spherical. It is slightly taller than it is wide and broadest across the cheeks. Keep your row count balanced so the head does not become too elongated.

Now decrease 1 stitch at each end every RS row 6 times, returning to 20 stitches. BO. Make a second identical piece for the back of the head.

Before seaming completely, add light horizontal shaping with a thread around the lower third only if needed. This helps suggest a muzzle area, but keep it subtle. The original toy has a very smooth face with minimal sculpting.

Stuff the head firmly and evenly. Avoid lumps. Close the opening. Sew the head to the neck with the face looking straight forward. The head should sit large and centered, with almost no visible neck once clothed.

Ears Make 4 Pieces

Using pale oatmeal and 2.5 mm needles, CO 6 stitches. Work in stockinette, increasing 1 stitch at each end every RS row 5 times. You now have 16 stitches.

Work 18 rows even. The ears in the image are tall, narrow, and softly tapered with rounded tips. They are not floppy and they do not widen dramatically at the base.

Decrease 1 stitch at each end every RS row 5 times. You now have 6 stitches. Work 2 rows even, then BO. Make 4 pieces total.

Sew two pieces together for each ear, leaving the base open. Stuff very lightly or not at all. Flatten each ear gently. Sew them to the top sides of the head, slightly behind the crown line, standing upright with only a small outward tilt.

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Facial Embroidery

Place the eyes about halfway down the head, with a wide gap between them. Each eye should be a tiny vertical oval or short satin-stitched dash. They should sit lower than you might expect for a plush toy, giving the bunny a calm, gentle expression.

Embroider the nose at the center of the face, low on the muzzle area. Use a small inverted triangle or Y-shaped nose. Extend a short vertical line downward, then work a shallow split mouth. The mouth curves only slightly. It should look sweet, not smiling widely.

Mary Jane Shoes

Using terracotta and 2.5 mm needles, CO 14 stitches. Work 4 garter rows. Increase to 18 stitches across the next RS row. Work 8 rows stockinette.

Shape the toe by decreasing 1 stitch at each end every RS row 3 times. Work 4 rows even. To create the strap look, make a narrow knitted cord or crochet chain long enough to pass across the instep. Sew one end firmly to one side and tack the other end down after dressing the bunny.

Sew the shoe seams and fit onto the feet. The image shows rounded little shoes with a high upper edge and a narrow instep strap. Keep them snug rather than loose.

Sunburst-Panel Dress

Skirt and Bodice Base

Using 3 mm needles, work the dress in four vertical panels so the color blocks remain bold and clean. The image shows a warm sequence of rust, mustard, burgundy, and golden mustard across the front. The side sections read as rust-peach, while the center front is burgundy framed by mustard.

For the front skirt, work 4 separate strips, each 10 stitches wide and 38 rows long, in these colors:

• Left outer panel: rust-peach
• Left inner panel: mustard gold
• Right inner panel: deep burgundy
• Right outer panel: golden mustard shifting into rust-gold tone

Join the panels by mattress stitch so the seams remain nearly invisible from the front. The joins should look like color changes rather than bulky seams. Make the back skirt in two broader rust-toned panels, slightly plainer than the front, because the cardigan covers much of the upper back.

Once the front and back skirt sections are complete, seam them at the sides. Pick up stitches evenly along the top edge and work upward for the bodice in mustard gold. Work 10 rows in stockinette.

Shape simple armholes by binding off 2 stitches at each side, then decreasing once more at each edge on the next RS row. Work 8 more rows even. Bind off the center 10 stitches for the neck, then finish each shoulder separately for 3 rows. BO.

For the back bodice, work similarly but split the top for a back opening if desired. A partial back opening makes dressing easier, though the image does not prominently show closures. Use tiny snaps or neat sewn tacking after dressing.

Sunburst Chest Detail

This is the signature feature of the dress. Using mustard yarn, create one center knot by wrapping yarn several times and stitching it securely at the center upper chest. From this knot, add multiple narrow straight strands radiating outward and downward to imitate a sunburst flower motif.

Work 6 to 8 stitched rays upward and outward toward the shoulder line. Then add a cluster of downward rays toward the center front, extending over the upper burgundy panel. Keep the rays even in length but not identical. The image shows a hand-arranged decorative spray rather than a rigid geometric star.

Add 3 small French-knot-like bobbles or tiny wrapped yarn knots across the upper front, one center and one on each side. Use rust and mustard tones. These small dots visually connect the chest motif with the lower tassel strands.

Below the bodice center, attach 3 tassel drops. Each tassel should be made from several short yarn strands folded and secured at the top, then trimmed evenly. Position one longer tassel at center and one shorter tassel on each side, matching the image.

Cardigan

Back

Using rust and 3 mm needles, CO 30 stitches. Work 4 rows garter. Continue in stockinette for 24 rows. Shape armholes by binding off 2 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows, then decreasing once at each side on the following RS row.

Work 12 rows even. Bind off the center 10 stitches for the back neck, then complete each shoulder separately, binding off remaining shoulder stitches after 2 more rows.

Fronts Make 2

CO 16 stitches in rust. Work 4 rows garter, then continue in stockinette. On the front edge, work 2 stitches in burgundy every row to create the visible front trim as you knit, or add the trim later by picking up stitches. The image shows a distinct burgundy edging around the full opening and hem.

Work to match the back length, shaping armhole at the side edge only. Shape a soft front neckline by decreasing at the front edge every 4th row 5 times. BO shoulder.

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Sleeves Make 2

Using rust, CO 16 stitches. Work 4 rows garter, then stockinette. Increase 1 stitch at each end every 6th row until you have 24 stitches. Work to a total sleeve length of about 2 3/4 inches. The sleeves in the image are straight and slightly rounded, ending just above the bunny’s paws.

Shape the sleeve cap gently by binding off 2 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows, then decreasing at each end every RS row 4 times. BO remaining stitches.

Cardigan Assembly and Trim

Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves. Sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up stitches all around the front opening, neck, and lower hem edge using burgundy and work 3 rows garter, then BO. This produces the strong contrast edge visible in the image.

Add one small button near the neckline on the bunny cardigan. The front hangs mostly open below, so do not over-close it. The cardigan should frame the dress and show the central sunburst feature clearly.

For the shoulder fringe, cut multiple short strands of mustard yarn. Fold each strand bundle in half and latch or stitch them along the upper front shoulder line on both sides. Trim evenly so they fan downward like soft decorative tassels from neckline to sleeve top.

Hat

The hat is a wide-brim cloche style with a rounded crown and soft downward brim. It sits low on the bunny’s forehead and leaves the ears rising behind the crown area.

Using mustard and 3 mm double-pointed needles, CO 48 stitches and join carefully. Work 18 rounds stockinette for the crown side. Decrease evenly by 8 stitches in the next round. Work 2 rounds even. Decrease evenly by 8 stitches again.

Continue until the crown top can be drawn closed smoothly. The crown should be shallow and rounded, not tall. Fasten off. For the brim, pick up 56 stitches around the lower crown edge and work in garter stitch, increasing 8 stitches evenly every 4th round until the brim reaches about 1 1/4 inches wide.

Bind off loosely. The brim should curl only slightly and sit with a soft structured shape. If needed, run a fine invisible thread around the outer edge to support the circle. Sew a narrow rust band around the base of the crown if you want the faint darker line seen in the image.

Turtle Friend

Head

Using sage green and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 stitches. Increase at each end every RS row 4 times. Work 12 rows even. Decrease at each end every RS row 4 times. BO. Make 2 pieces. Sew, stuff firmly, and close.

Add two tiny black eyes placed wide and low, similar in spirit to the bunny’s face. Keep the expression simple and gentle.

Body and Shell

For the front body, CO 16 stitches in sage green. Work 18 rows stockinette, increasing once at each side after row 6 and again after row 12. BO. Make a matching back body piece.

For a light shell suggestion, work a separate oval in olive or darker sage: CO 10 stitches, increase at each end every RS row 3 times, work 8 rows even, then decrease to shape. Sew this onto the back body before assembly, or simply use the green body alone for a softer simplified version like the image’s small scale suggests.

Add four tiny limbs by knitting narrow tubes or tiny flat pieces in sage green and sewing them into the seams. The turtle stands upright and wears clothes, so the body should be compact and vertically balanced.

Turtle Dress and Cardigan

Replicate the bunny’s outfit in miniature. For the dress, create a tiny A-line front using mustard, burgundy, and rust vertical blocks. Keep the central burgundy section narrow. Add a small stitched tassel motif at the chest using mustard yarn.

For the cardigan, work two simple rust fronts, one rust back, and tiny sleeves. Edge the opening with burgundy. The cardigan should sit open, just like the bunny’s.

Turtle Hat and Bag

Knit a tiny mustard hat with a very small brim. It should sit at a jaunty angle and echo the bunny’s hat rather than exactly match it. A faint rust stripe around the base helps tie the set together visually.

For the bag, work two tiny blue circles or rounded rectangles, sew together, and add a cream strap. The bag hangs crossbody from the turtle’s shoulder to the opposite side of the body. Keep it very small and flat.

Round Basket

Using mustard and 2.5 mm needles, CO 8 stitches. Increase evenly across every RS row until you have 28 stitches. Work 10 rows stockinette. Decrease evenly every RS row until 8 stitches remain. Sew into a firm round stuffed basket body.

To create the visible segment lines, wrap matching yarn from center to edge several times after stuffing, pulling lightly so the surface forms soft pumpkin-like wedges. Stitch a small gray-brown knob on top.

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For the handle, knit an i-cord about 5 inches long in brown. Curve it into an arch and stitch securely to opposite sides of the basket. The basket in the image is neat, rounded, and decorative rather than open and functional.

Flower Bouquet

The bouquet is made from several layered flowers in mustard, rust, orange, and burgundy with green stems tied together. These flowers are plush little knitted blooms rather than flat appliqués.

Simple Layered Flower Make Several

1. CO 20 stitches in chosen petal color.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. On the next row, work k1, inc across to create a lightly ruffled strip.
4. Work 2 more rows garter.
5. BO loosely.
6. Roll the strip into a rosette and stitch at the base.

For fuller flowers, make a second smaller rosette in a contrasting color and layer it inside. Add a French-knot-like center in burgundy, mustard, or rust. Create at least 5 flowers in varying sizes so the bouquet looks abundant, as shown.

For stems, make short green i-cords or tightly rolled knitted strips. Gather the stems together and wrap with cream yarn several times near the lower end to imitate the tied bouquet in the image.

Ice Cream Cone

Using cone beige, CO 8 stitches. Work 10 rows stockinette. On every RS row, decrease 1 stitch at each end until 2 stitches remain. BO. Sew into a cone and stuff lightly.

For the scoop, using pale pink, CO 10 stitches. Increase to 16 stitches over several RS rows, work 4 rows even, then decrease back to 10. Sew into a small dome and stuff lightly. Add a narrow cream ring at the base where scoop meets cone. Stitch the scoop into the top opening.

Dressing and Proportion Check

Before final sewing, place the dress on the bunny and check that it reaches just above the ankles. The cardigan should be slightly shorter than the dress hem. The hat brim should sit low enough to frame the face but not cover the eyes.

The bunny’s ears should extend well above the hat. The turtle should reach only a little above the bunny’s knee. The basket should sit around the same height as the bouquet cluster. The ice cream cone should be the smallest accessory in the set.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the arms to the bunny just below the neck seam so they angle slightly downward. Attach shoes securely after the legs are positioned. Dress the bunny in the skirt first, then cardigan, then hat. Add the eye embroidery or safety eyes only after checking the head placement from the front.

For the neatest expression, keep the eyes small and symmetrical. The nose should sit low and centered. Pull the mouth stitches only lightly so the muzzle stays soft. Steam nothing directly. Finger-shape the hat brim, cardigan edges, and tassels for the final finish.

Care Notes

• Display pieces are best kept away from strong direct sunlight.
• Do not machine wash if buttons, weighted filling, or delicate tassels are attached.
• Light dust can be removed with a soft dry brush.
• Store flat or upright with support so the hat brim keeps its shape.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Bunny head: large, round, smooth, and centered.
• Ears: narrow, upright, evenly spaced.
• Dress: clear front color panels with centered sunburst detail.
• Cardigan: rust body, burgundy edging, mustard shoulder fringe.
• Hat: wide brim and low crown in mustard.
• Shoes: rounded with instep strap.
• Turtle: matching outfit and tiny crossbody bag.
• Accessories: basket, bouquet, and ice cream all included.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For occasional cleaning, dab the surface gently with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then blot with a dry towel. Never soak the toys. Reshape while drying. Stuffed knitted figures can distort if saturated, especially around the face and hat brim.

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If storing long term, wrap each piece in clean tissue and place it in a breathable box. Keep dark colors away from pale sections to prevent color transfer in humid conditions. Avoid hanging the bunny by the ears or hat, since that can stretch the knitted fabric over time.