Lisianthus Tea-Tier Bunny – Knitting

This charming heirloom-style set features a softly shaped bunny in a scalloped bonnet, a petal-tier dress, a cozy cardigan, tiny shoes, a flower basket, a miniature tea cup with saucer, a little tea tin, and a matching woodland companion dressed in the same romantic palette. The overall look feels like a luxury handmade stuffed animal set you might search for in a boutique baby gift shop, collectible toy store, handmade nursery decor collection, or artisan knitted doll listing. Every piece is designed to work together so the finished display closely matches the photographed set.

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 fur tone: light oatmeal-beige DK yarn
• Bonnet cream: soft warm ivory DK yarn
• Cardigan and shoe pink: dusty rose DK yarn
• Dress shades: blush pink, pale mauve, lavender haze, and ivory DK yarn
• Mini companion fur: warm taupe-brown DK yarn
• Basket: tan-brown cotton or matte DK yarn
• Flower petals: mauve, plum, dusty pink, and pale green scraps
• Tea tin: pale gray, cream, and a tiny amount of muted gold or beige
• Tea cup and saucer: cream or light oatmeal DK yarn
• Needles: 2.5 mm double-pointed needles and 3 mm needles
• Optional: circular needles for small circumference magic loop
• Stuffing: firm polyester toy stuffing
• Eyes: two small black safety eyes for the bunny, two smaller black beads or French knots for the companion
• Embroidery thread: dark brown or black for noses and mouths
• Florist wire: optional for basket handle shaping only, not for children under 3
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, waste yarn, scissors

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall seated, excluding ear height stretch
• Ears: about 3 1/4 inches from bonnet line to tip
• Mini woodland companion: about 4 1/2 to 5 inches tall
• Basket: about 2 inches across
• Tea tin: about 1 1/4 inches tall
• Cup and saucer: cup about 3/4 inch tall, saucer about 1 1/4 inches across

Gauge

Gauge matters because the photographed set has dense fabric with almost no stuffing peeking through. Work tightly.

• Stockinette on 3 mm needles: 28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches
• Textured basket fabric on 2.5 mm needles: 30 stitches and 40 rounds = 4 inches

If your fabric feels loose, go down a needle size. The dolls in the image have smooth, compact surfaces and clear shaping lines.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• inc = increase 1 stitch, use lifted increase or kfb
• dec = decrease 1 stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• yo = yarn over
• ssk and k2tog should be mirrored where noted for neat shaping
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Design Notes

The set in the image has a delicate vintage nursery character. The bunny is softly upright when seated, with a round head, narrow shoulder line, fuller skirt, and short turned feet. The bonnet sits low on the forehead and frames the face with a scalloped edge.

The dress is the visual centerpiece. It has a vertically textured bodice and a three-tier scalloped skirt with soft color transitions from blush into mauve and lavender, finished with ivory edging. The cardigan is short, rounded, and left open at the center front.

The small woodland companion is not a second bunny. It has a short snout, tiny rounded ears hidden under the bonnet, and a hedgehog-like silhouette. Keep that shape compact so it reads differently from the large rabbit while still matching the styling.

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Main Bunny Legs

Make 2 in dusty rose for shoes, then shift to oatmeal-beige for legs.

1. CO 12 sts using dusty rose. Divide over needles and join for working in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k all.
3. Rnd 5: kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 6-10: k all.
5. Rnd 11: k6, k2tog 6 times, k6. 18 sts.
6. Rnd 12: k all.
7. Rnd 13: k5, k2tog 4 times, k5. 14 sts.
8. Stuff toe firmly.
9. Rnd 14: p all to create sole turn line.
10. Rnds 15-18: k all.
11. Change to oatmeal-beige.
12. Rnd 19: k all through back loop for a crisp shoe edge.
13. Rnds 20-30: k all.
14. Rnd 31: inc evenly to 16 sts.
15. Rnds 32-42: k all.
16. Lightly stuff foot and lower leg. Flatten opening and place on hold.

The feet in the picture angle slightly outward and are plump at the toe, not long and narrow. Keep stuffing concentrated in the front half so they sit nicely.

Main Bunny Body

1. Join both legs onto one needle: k across first leg, CO 4 center sts, k across second leg, CO 4 center sts to complete the round. 40 sts.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: at each side gap, pick up and knit 1 extra stitch and work it together on next round if needed to avoid holes. Maintain 40 sts.
4. Rnds 3-12: k all.
5. Rnd 13: k8, inc, k4, inc, k8, inc, k4, inc, k12. 44 sts.
6. Rnds 14-20: k all.
7. Rnd 21: k all, placing marker at center front.
8. Rnd 22: k10, dec, k10, dec, k10, dec, k10. 41 sts.
9. Rnd 23: k all.
10. Rnd 24: k9, dec, k9, dec, k9, dec, to end. 38 sts.
11. Rnds 25-30: k all.
12. Begin shoulder narrowing: Rnd 31: k7, dec, k8, dec, k7, dec, k8. 35 sts.
13. Rnd 32: k all.
14. Rnd 33: k6, dec, k7, dec, k6, dec, k7. 32 sts.
15. Rnds 34-36: k all.

Stuff the body as you go, firm at the lower torso and gentler near the chest. The photographed bunny has a soft but structured torso, not a floppy tube.

Main Bunny Head

Continue from body in oatmeal-beige.

1. Rnd 1: inc evenly from 32 sts to 40 sts.
2. Rnd 2: k all.
3. Rnd 3: k5, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 4: k all.
5. Rnd 5: k6, inc, repeat around. 56 sts.
6. Rnds 6-18: k all.

Place eyes between rnds 12 and 13 of the head section, spaced about 10 stitches apart. They sit low and wide, giving the bunny a gentle expression. Do not place them too high.

1. Rnd 19: k6, dec, repeat around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 20: k all.
3. Rnd 21: k5, dec, repeat around. 40 sts.
4. Begin stuffing head very firmly, especially cheeks and forehead.
5. Rnd 22: k4, dec, repeat around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 23: k3, dec, repeat around. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 24: k2, dec, repeat around. 16 sts.
8. Rnd 25: dec around to 8 sts.
9. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

The head should be almost spherical but slightly fuller at the lower face. Compress the sides with your hands while stuffing so the face stays sweet and broad.

Main Bunny Face Shaping

• Thread matching oatmeal yarn from lower back of neck to one eye area and gently draw inward for a very soft eye socket.
• Repeat for the other side.
• Embroider a tiny Y-shaped nose and mouth in dark brown. The vertical mouth line is short.
• The nose is centered low, about 3 to 4 rounds below the eyes.

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Keep facial embroidery minimal. In the image, the face is clean, calm, and uncluttered.

Main Bunny Arms

Make 2. Start in oatmeal-beige for paws, then dusty rose for sleeves.

1. CO 10 sts in oatmeal-beige, join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k all.
3. Rnd 5: inc evenly to 12 sts.
4. Rnds 6-7: k all.
5. Change to dusty rose.
6. Rnd 8: k all through back loop.
7. Rnds 9-24: k all.
8. Rnd 25: dec evenly to 10 sts.
9. Rnd 26: k all.
10. Stuff only lower paw and a little at forearm. Leave upper arm mostly unstuffed.
11. Flatten opening and sew closed.

The arms should taper gently and curve inward a little when sewn on. Attach at the upper side body just below the neck transition.

Main Bunny Ears

Make 2 in oatmeal-beige. Work flat.

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 8 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
8. Continue increasing 1 stitch each side every RS row until 16 sts.
9. Work even in stockinette for 20 rows.
10. Shape tip: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 on every RS row. Purl WS rows.
11. When 6 sts remain, continue decreasing every RS row to 2 sts.
12. K2tog and fasten off.

Make a second ear the same way. Fold each ear lengthwise with edges meeting slightly off-center and seam around the edge. Do not stuff. Lightly steam or finger-shape.

Sew ears to the top of the head so they stand upward with a gentle outward flare. The left ear in the photo tilts slightly left and the right ear slightly right. That asymmetry makes the bunny more lifelike.

Scalloped Bonnet

Work in warm ivory. This bonnet sits snugly, covers the crown, frames the face, and dips low across the forehead.

1. CO 60 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Rnds 1-8: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rnd 9: p all.
4. Rnd 10: k all.
5. Begin crown shaping with 6 markers, 10 sts per section.
6. Rnd 11: knit to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, slip marker, ssk. Repeat around. Decrease 12 sts. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 12: k all.
8. Rnd 13: repeat decrease round. 36 sts.
9. Rnd 14: k all.
10. Rnd 15: repeat decrease round. 24 sts.
11. Rnd 16: k all.
12. Rnd 17: repeat decrease round. 12 sts.
13. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull closed.

Now work the scalloped face edging by picking up stitches around the front opening.

1. Pick up 42 to 46 sts evenly around face opening.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, rep from * across to create shell bases.
4. Row 3: p all.
5. Row 4: into each shell center group, work k1, yo, k1, yo, k1; between shells, k2tog or ssk as needed to keep the edging rippling gently but not ruffling heavily.
6. Row 5: p all.
7. BO loosely knitwise.

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Sew bonnet to head with tiny hidden stitches at side temples and back so it stays exactly in position. It should not ride upward.

Bonnet Flower

Make 1 in dusty pink and mauve with a pale green center.

1. CO 24 sts in dusty pink and work flat.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: *k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, k2tog, rep from * across to form petal fullness.
4. Row 3: p.
5. BO loosely.
6. Roll strip into a small flower spiral and stitch base.
7. Add a tiny pale green embroidered knot cluster in the center.

Sew flower on the bunny’s right side of bonnet, just above the scalloped edge.

Tiered Dress Bodice

The dress is worked in separate sections for best control. Begin with the bodice in blush pink. Work flat so the back can be closed neatly under the cardigan.

1. CO 36 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5-18: work center 12 sts in narrow rib k2, p2 repeated, and side panels in stockinette.
4. Row 19: k all.
5. Row 20: p all.
6. Shape armholes: BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 30 sts.
7. Row 23: k all.
8. Row 24: p all.
9. Row 25: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 28 sts.
10. Row 26: p all.
11. Work 6 more rows even.
12. Shape neckline: Row 33: knit 11, BO 6, knit 11.
13. Work each side separately for 4 rows, decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge once.
14. BO shoulders.

Make a matching back in two halves if you prefer a buttoned opening, or a full back panel with one seam if the dress will be fixed permanently on the doll. For the photographed look, a permanent back closure is acceptable because the cardigan hides it.

Dress Skirt Base

Pick up stitches along lower bodice edge in blush pink.

1. Pick up 54 sts.
2. Row 1: k.
3. Row 2: p.
4. Row 3: increase evenly to 72 sts.
5. Rows 4-12: stockinette.

This base layer supports the top scalloped tier. Keep the fabric soft so it drapes over the bunny’s seated shape.

Top Scalloped Tier

Continue in blush pink, then add ivory border.

1. Set up shell repeats over 72 sts. A good repeat is 8 shells of 9 sts each.
2. Row 1 RS: ssk, yo, k1, yo, k3, yo, k1, yo, k2tog across each shell repeat.
3. Row 2 WS: p all.
4. Row 3 RS: work increases into the yarn over columns and maintain a centered peak. Keep shell width stable.
5. Row 4 WS: p all.
6. Rows 5-6: repeat shaping once more for rounded shells.
7. Change to ivory for final edge row and BO loosely following stitch pattern.

The scallops should look like rounded petals, not sharp points. Steam lightly if needed.

Middle Tier

With dusty mauve, pick up stitches from the WS about 6 rows above the first tier edge so the second layer overlaps beneath it.

1. Pick up 80 sts evenly.
2. Work 6 rows stockinette.
3. Create scallops using the same shell logic as above, adjusting repeats to fit 80 sts.
4. Finish the scallop edge in pale pink.

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This layer should hang slightly lower than the first and show clearly beneath it. The overlap in the image is generous and very visible.

Lower Tier

With lavender haze, pick up stitches from the WS another 5 to 6 rows higher than the middle tier pickup line so it falls beneath both upper layers.

1. Pick up 88 sts evenly.
2. Work 7 rows stockinette.
3. Form broad scallops across the full width.
4. Finish with an ivory edging row and loose bind off.

This bottom layer needs the fullest sweep. It is the most delicate in color and should peek out clearly at the hem.

Dress Neck Petals

The photographed dress has little petal shapes circling the neckline. These are decorative and important for accuracy.

1. Pick up 28 to 32 sts around neckline in dusty rose.
2. Work tiny petal tabs over small groups of stitches: for each petal, knit front and back into 1 stitch, turn, p2, turn, k2, turn, p2tog, fasten off.
3. Skip 1 to 2 stitches between petals.
4. Make petals all around the front neckline only, not the entire back neckline.

These petals should sit like a soft floral collar just under the cardigan opening.

Cardigan

Work in dusty rose. The cardigan is short, slightly boxy, with rounded lower fronts and simple sleeves. It sits open over the dress.

Back

1. CO 28 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5-24: stockinette.
4. Shape armholes: BO 3 sts at start of next 2 rows. 22 sts.
5. Work 10 rows even.
6. BO 8 center sts for neck, then work each side separately for 2 rows.
7. BO shoulders.

Left Front

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5-18: stockinette, keeping 3 front edge sts in garter for neat band.
4. Begin rounded lower front by working short rows or gradually binding off 1 stitch at front edge every other row 4 times from lower hem upward if you prefer shaping afterward.
5. Continue to armhole height matching back.
6. BO 3 sts at armhole edge once.
7. Shape neck by decreasing 1 stitch at front edge every RS row 5 times.
8. BO shoulder.

Right Front

Work as mirror of left front.

Sleeves

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5-24: stockinette, increasing 1 stitch each side every 6th row twice. 20 sts.
4. BO.

Sew shoulder seams, set in sleeves, sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up along neck and front edges and knit 3 rows garter for the soft band. Bind off loosely.

The cardigan should sit slightly away from the center front, showing the dress bodice. Do not overlap the fronts tightly.

Main Bunny Shoes Finishing

The shoes are integrated into the feet but need a tiny decorative finish to match the image.

• Embroider a subtle top seam line on each shoe if desired.
• Add one tiny side nub or stitch knot on the outer side of each shoe to mimic the little side detail in the photo.
• Shape soles flat by pressing gently with your fingers before final display.

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Flower Basket

Work in tan-brown with dense gauge.

1. CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. Rnd 3: k1, inc around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k all.
6. Rnd 5: k2, inc around. 24 sts.
7. Rnds 6-8: p all for a firmer basket texture, or use seed stitch if preferred.
8. Rnds 9-16: work even.
9. BO loosely.

For the handle, make an i-cord about 5 inches long. Sew each end to opposite sides. Add wire inside only if the basket is decorative and not for a child’s toy.

Basket Flowers and Leaves

• Make 3 to 5 layered flowers in mauve, plum, and dusty pink using tiny knitted strips or petal tabs.
• Make several pale green leaves as small pointed ovals.
• Arrange flowers densely so they spill upward from the basket, just like the photo.

Do not overfill with leaves. The arrangement is flower-led, with soft green accents.

Tea Cup and Saucer

Cup

1. CO 6 sts in cream and join.
2. Rnd 1: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: p all for base turn.
5. Rnds 4-8: k all.
6. Rnd 9: BO very loosely.

For the handle, make a tiny 6-stitch i-cord or crochet chain equivalent in knitting style and sew to side.

Saucer

1. CO 6 sts in cream and join.
2. Rnd 1: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k2, inc around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: p all.
6. Rnd 5: k all.
7. BO.

Tea Tin

This small square tin in the image adds story and scale. Knit it as a soft cube with a lid.

1. Make 6 small squares in pale gray using garter stitch, each about 10 sts by 14 rows.
2. Sew 4 squares into a box shape, add base square, lightly stuff, and attach.
3. Make lid square in cream slightly larger by 1 stitch and 1 row for a cap effect.
4. Embroider a tiny label rectangle on the front using muted beige and a few straight stitches.

The label does not need readable text. A framed patch is enough to match the photographed look.

Mini Woodland Companion Body and Head

Use warm taupe-brown for the body and head. This little companion should look like a tiny hedgehog or woodland friend, not a mini rabbit.

1. CO 10 sts and work tiny feet as for the bunny but much shorter, ending with 12 sts per leg.
2. Join legs with 2 center stitches between them. Work body to 24 sts total.
3. Work 10 rounds even.
4. Decrease once around to 20 sts for upper torso.
5. Increase to 28 sts for head.
6. Work 8 rounds even.
7. Place tiny eyes low and fairly close, about 6 stitches apart.
8. Shape a short muzzle by adding extra stuffing at front and using one small horizontal tension stitch across the lower face.
9. Decrease gradually to close head.

Embroider a tiny dark nose and shorter mouth than the bunny. The face should feel alert and woodland-like.

Mini Companion Arms

1. Make 2 tiny arms with 8 starting stitches in taupe for paws and dusty rose for sleeves.
2. Work 12 to 14 rounds total.
3. Stuff lightly and attach high on torso.

Mini Companion Bonnet

Work exactly like the large bonnet in proportion, but with fewer stitches.

1. CO 36 sts in ivory.
2. Work 6 rounds rib.
3. Shape crown down to closure.
4. Pick up around front and work a small scalloped edge.
5. Add one tiny flower at side in dusty pink.

Keep the bonnet lower and slightly snug so the tiny face peeks out from under it.

Mini Companion Dress

Use the same palette and structure as the large dress.

• Bodice: blush pink with center rib texture
• Upper tier: blush with ivory edging
• Second tier: dusty pink
• Lower tier: pale blush or mauve

Use fewer stitches and shorter lengths, but preserve the layered petal effect. Add a tiny dusty rose cardigan over the top.

Assembly Order

1. Sew main bunny arms to body.
2. Sew ears securely to head.
3. Dress the bunny in the bodice and tiered skirt, then close back seam.
4. Add neck petals.
5. Place cardigan on top and tack shoulders and side fronts discreetly if desired.
6. Fit bonnet low on forehead and sew in place.
7. Sew bonnet flower.
8. Shape shoes and seat the bunny.
9. Assemble mini companion fully.
10. Place basket in bunny’s left side.
11. Position tea tin and cup in front.

When arranging the final display, the large bunny sits centered. The basket rests against the left side, and the small companion sits close against the right side. The cup and tin sit in front on the tabletop.

Styling Details That Matter

• The large bunny’s face must stay simple and calm.
• The bonnet edge should form soft waves across the forehead.
• The cardigan fronts should curve slightly outward near the hem.
• The dress tiers must overlap clearly, not merge into one ruffle.
• The mini companion should be visibly smaller and more woodland-shaped than rabbit-shaped.
• The accessories must look delicate and tea-party themed, not oversized.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the eyes are level, the nose is centered, and the mouth remains tiny. Add a little more stuffing through a hidden seam if the cheeks look flat. Secure the bonnet so it does not shift upward. Arrange the ears to stand tall with a gentle natural tilt.

Care Notes

Display pieces are best kept away from direct sunlight and moisture. Spot clean with a barely damp cloth. Avoid machine washing if the set includes wired basket shaping, safety eyes, or fixed decorative accessories.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both ears evenly placed
• Bonnet scallops visible from the front
• Three dress tiers clearly layered
• Cardigan fronts rounded and open
• Mini companion proportionately smaller
• Basket, cup, saucer, and tin all included

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust gently with a clean dry brush. For storage, wrap each piece in acid-free tissue and place in a breathable box. Do not crush the ears or scalloped tiers. If needed, reshape with light hand steaming from a safe distance and let dry fully before storing.