Muscari Bib-Pocket Bunny – Knitting

This sweet knitted bunny set is designed to recreate the gentle woodland look of a handmade heirloom rabbit doll, complete with a muscari-flower dress, soft green cap, neat little cardigan, tiny shoulder bag, bouquet, and a matching miniature bunny friend. The finished piece has the cozy feel of a collectible stuffed bunny, nursery décor gift, spring rabbit doll, and handmade keepsake toy all in one. If your readers love searching for a knitted bunny doll pattern, heirloom rabbit plush, artisan toy gift, or handmade spring bunny décor, this design fits beautifully while still feeling warm, practical, and charming.

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

Design Overview

This pattern is written to match the pictured set as closely as possible. The main bunny has a large softly rounded head, long drooping ears, a plump seated body, slim arms, straight legs, cream stockings, brown shoes, a taupe dress with a pale bib panel, muscari flower details, two front pockets, leafy trim, an open-front cardigan, and a soft green newsboy-style cap.

The accessories are part of the finished look and should not be skipped. They include a small shoulder bag with a flap and button, a dark rectangular insert to suggest a phone or notebook, a knitted muscari bouquet, tiny green scissors, simple wooden needles, and a miniature bunny companion wearing a matching outfit and cap while holding a small spool.

The knitting style in the image is smooth stockinette with very even tension, light shaping, and careful finishing. Most pieces are knitted flat and seamed, which makes the shaping easier for newer knitters and helps control the exact silhouette. Small decorative details are added with duplicate stitch, satin stitch, wrapped cords, and tiny sewn elements.

Finished Size

• Main bunny seated height: about 12 to 13 inches from feet to top of head, not including cap fullness
• Main bunny total height with ears hanging: about 15 inches
• Mini bunny seated height: about 5 to 5.5 inches
• Bouquet length: about 3.5 inches
• Bag length: about 3 inches
• Scissors: about 1.75 inches
• Wooden needles: about 1.5 inches each

Materials

• DK weight yarn in soft taupe for main bunny, dress, cardigan, and mini bunny cardigan
• DK weight yarn in pale sage for cap, dress hem accents, bouquet stems, mini cap, and scissors handles
• DK weight yarn in cream or very pale oatmeal for stockings and mini dress base
• DK weight yarn in medium brown for shoes and mini bunny body
• Small amounts of lavender, blue-violet, deeper purple, and green for muscari motifs
• Very small amount of black for eyes or two small black safety eyes if preferred
• Small piece of dark navy or charcoal felt or knitted rectangle for bag insert
• Toy stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Embroidery needle
• Straight knitting needles or circular needles used flat in sizes US 2 and US 3
• Optional double-pointed needles for tiny i-cords and very small pieces
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Thin cardboard for optional sole inserts
• Two tiny buttons in wood or beige tones for bag and mini spool center
• Florist wire or pipe cleaner only if you want a firmer bouquet stem bundle

Gauge

On larger needles in stockinette stitch, 26 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches. Exact gauge matters because the facial proportions, the dress width, and the hat scale all depend on a firm but not stiff fabric. Knit tightly enough that stuffing does not show through.

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
• dec = decrease 1 stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• rep = repeat
• sl = slip
• wyif = with yarn in front
• wyib = with yarn in back

General Notes

• The bunny is shaped to sit. Do not overstuff the lower body or it will lose the relaxed seated pose shown in the image.
• The head is larger than the body width. Keep the cheeks round and the chin gently narrowed.
• The ears are long, soft, and lightly stuffed only at the upper third. The lower length should drape naturally.
• The cardigan fronts are narrow and long, hanging down nearly to the dress hem.
• The muscari flower motifs are essential to the overall look. Take time with them.
• The cap should sit low across the forehead with a short curved brim and a softly puffed crown.
• For the cleanest finish, seam with mattress stitch wherever possible.

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Main Bunny Body

Front Body

1. Using taupe, CO 34 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
3. Begin stockinette and shape body. Inc 1 st at each end of every 6th row 4 times. 42 sts.
4. Work straight for 18 rows.
5. Shape waist and underarm by dec 1 st at each end of next row, then every 6th row 3 more times. 34 sts.
6. Work 10 rows straight.
7. For shoulders and neck, knit 11, BO 12, knit to end.
8. Work each side separately. Dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row 2 times.
9. Work 2 rows straight, then BO remaining shoulder sts.

Back Body

1. Work as for front through armhole shaping.
2. Continue straight until same height as front before neck shaping.
3. For back neck, knit 13, BO 8, knit to end.
4. Work each side separately for 4 rows without shaping.
5. BO shoulder sts to match front.

Body Gusset and Seated Base

The bunny in the image has a rounded seated base that lets the body sit solidly on a flat surface. A simple oval base creates that effect.

1. Using taupe, CO 10 sts.
2. Knit 1 row.
3. Inc at each end of every RS row until 22 sts.
4. Work 10 rows straight.
5. Dec at each end of every RS row until 10 sts remain.
6. BO.

Side Depth Strip

1. Using taupe, CO 8 sts.
2. Work in stockinette for a strip long enough to go from lower front, around the bottom curve and back, leaving the neck open.
3. For most gauges, 78 to 84 rows is right.
4. BO.

Head

Head Front

1. Using taupe, CO 18 sts.
2. Work in stockinette, inc 1 st each end every 4th row 7 times. 32 sts.
3. Work 20 rows straight.
4. Shape crown by dec 1 st each end every RS row 7 times. 18 sts.
5. BO.

Head Back

1. Make same as head front.

Muzzle Shaping Notes

Before stuffing, lightly thread-shape the lower front head panel. Run a horizontal gathering thread across the lower third, pull slightly, and knot. This creates the gentle rounded muzzle seen in the photo. Do not pull sharply. The face must stay smooth and soft.

Ears

1. Using taupe, CO 12 sts for each ear.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Inc 1 st each end on next RS row. 14 sts.
4. Work 18 rows straight.
5. Dec 1 st each end every 6th row 3 times. 8 sts.
6. Work 8 more rows.
7. BO.
8. Fold each ear lengthwise with right side out and seam only the lower 1 inch at the base. Leave the rest flat and soft.

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The ears in the image are not upright. They are sewn high on the head and then fall straight down beside the face. Keep the base attachment narrow so the ear drapes cleanly.

Arms

1. Using taupe, CO 10 sts for each arm.
2. Work in stockinette, inc 1 st each end every 8th row 4 times. 18 sts.
3. Work 18 rows straight.
4. Shape top by BO 2 sts at start of next 2 rows.
5. Then dec 1 st each end every RS row 4 times.
6. BO remaining sts.

Stuff the lower half of each arm firmly and the upper half lightly. The sleeves in the outfit are close-fitting, so bulky arm tops will spoil the look.

Legs

1. Using cream, CO 14 sts for each leg.
2. Work 24 rows in stockinette for the stocking section.
3. Change to brown for shoe base.
4. Knit 2 rows.
5. Work 6 rows in garter for the sole edge.
6. Return to stockinette for 8 rows.
7. Shape toe by k2tog across. 7 sts.
8. Purl 1 row.
9. Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight.

Seam the back leg first, then flatten the shoe front slightly before stuffing. The feet in the photo look broad and rounded at the toe, not pointed. Add a tiny piece of cardboard in the sole if you want extra stability.

Shoes and Straps

The shoe coloring is simple, but the image clearly shows light straps across the top. These should be added after the feet are sewn and stuffed.

1. Using cream or pale beige, work a narrow i-cord 10 inches long.
2. Cut into two equal lengths.
3. Lay one strap across each shoe top from side to side.
4. Sew neatly into the side seam area so the straps curve gently like Mary Jane shoes.

Assembling the Main Bunny

1. Sew front and back body pieces to the side depth strip.
2. Insert the oval base into the lower opening and seam in place.
3. Stuff the lower body firmly at the back and base, but keep the front belly softer.
4. Sew head pieces together, leaving lower edge open.
5. Shape muzzle lightly, then stuff head firmly but smoothly.
6. Attach head to body with small hidden stitches.
7. Sew ears high on each side of the head, slightly behind the eye line.
8. Sew arms to upper sides of body, angled downward.
9. Sew legs close together at the lower front so the bunny sits with feet forward.

Facial Placement

The face is minimal and gentle. That simplicity is a large part of the design. Eyes are tiny black ovals, set fairly wide apart. The nose and mouth are stitched in medium brown, forming a narrow inverted triangle and a short split line.

• Eyes: place about 7 rows above the muzzle center and 8 to 9 stitches apart
• Nose: embroider a small upside-down triangle, about 3 stitches wide
• Mouth: bring a vertical stitch down from nose center, then make two soft curved stitches
• Cheeks: no blush is needed for this exact look

Dress

The dress is one of the defining features. It is taupe overall with a pale bib panel, a central muscari bouquet motif, a softly gathered skirt, green hem trim, and rows of little purple and blue dots around the lower skirt. Two patch pockets sit on the front with small green leafy embroidery above them.

Dress Skirt Front

1. Using pale sage, CO 70 sts.
2. Knit 2 rows.
3. Change to taupe.
4. Work 6 rows stockinette.
5. On next RS row, create the lower dot band using duplicate stitch later. Do not change structure yet.
6. Work 10 more rows.
7. Decrease evenly across next RS row to 56 sts.
8. Work 10 rows.
9. Decrease evenly across next RS row to 44 sts.
10. Work 8 rows.

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Bib Section

1. Work 14 sts, BO 16 sts, work to end.
2. Work each side of upper skirt for 2 rows without shaping, then CO 8 sts at inner edge to form straps and bib sides.
3. Join and continue across all sts with pale oatmeal or pale sage-gray for the bib panel center.
4. Work 14 rows straight.
5. Shape neckline by BO center 10 sts and finish each side separately for 4 rows.
6. BO shoulder straps.

Dress Back

1. Work lower skirt same as front through waist shaping.
2. Continue in taupe for upper back.
3. At upper section, shape shallow armholes by BO 2 sts at each side once.
4. Work 16 rows straight.
5. BO center back neck 12 sts.
6. Work each side 3 rows, then BO shoulders.

Dress Sleeves

1. Using taupe, CO 18 sts for each sleeve.
2. Work 4 rows in rib of k1, p1.
3. Work stockinette, inc 1 st each side every 8th row 3 times. 24 sts.
4. Work until sleeve length reaches the bunny wrist area.
5. BO 2 sts at each end of next 2 rows.
6. Dec 1 st each end every RS row 4 times.
7. BO remaining sts.

Duplicate-stitch tiny blue flowers and green stems near each cuff, matching the picture. Keep them delicate and low on the sleeve.

Dress Pockets

1. Using taupe, CO 14 sts twice.
2. Work 10 rows stockinette.
3. Knit 2 garter ridges.
4. BO.

Sew the pockets on the front skirt, one at each side, with the top edge slightly angled outward. Above each pocket, embroider a short green vine with two or three leaves. The vine should sit just above the pocket edge, not across the pocket body.

Dress Hem Embellishment

This lower hem treatment is important to the image. Along the taupe skirt near the bottom, add evenly spaced duplicate-stitch dots in lavender and blue. Below that, the sage band peeks out as a neat border. Keep the dots rounded and consistent.

• Use lavender and blue alternately
• Place dots every 4 to 5 stitches
• Keep them in one tidy row with a second shorter row above if desired
• Do not make them too large

Muscari Bib Motif

The bib carries a cluster of muscari flowers in blue and purple with green stems. This motif is central and should be worked carefully. Duplicate stitch works well for the grape-like blossom heads.

1. Mark the center of the bib.
2. Work three main flower spikes: left blue, center deeper purple, right blue-violet.
3. Build each flower head from stacked rounded dots, wider at the top and narrowing slightly downward.
4. Add short green stems and two small angled leaves beneath the cluster.
5. Keep the motif compact so it fits the bib and does not spill onto the side shaping.

Cardigan

The cardigan is taupe, open at the front, and slightly longer in the narrow fronts. It has soft rolled edges and no visible fastening. It frames the bib and pockets and adds the layered look seen in the photo.

Back

1. Using taupe, CO 34 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Continue in stockinette for 26 rows.
4. BO 2 sts at each side for armholes.
5. Work 16 rows straight.
6. BO center 12 sts for neck.
7. Work each side separately for 2 rows, then BO shoulders.

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Left Front

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Continue in stockinette, keeping first 2 sts at front edge in garter for a soft band.
4. Work until same length as cardigan back hem to shoulder.
5. Shape neck by dec 1 st at front edge every 4th row 5 times.
6. BO shoulder.

Right Front

1. Work to match left front.

Cardigan Sleeves

1. CO 16 sts for each sleeve.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Continue in stockinette, inc 1 st each side every 8th row 3 times.
4. Work until sleeve reaches wrist.
5. BO 2 sts each end of next 2 rows.
6. Dec 1 st each end every RS row 4 times.
7. BO remaining sts.

Sew cardigan together and place it over the dress so the fronts hang long and vertical. Tack at the shoulder and upper side area if needed so the layers stay neat.

Cap

The cap is soft sage green with a rounded puffed top and a short curved brim. A tiny muscari trim sits near one side. The crown is fuller than a simple beanie, so do not make it too flat.

Cap Crown Band

1. Using sage, CO 56 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Work 18 rows stockinette.
4. On next RS row, k6, k2tog across. 49 sts.
5. Work 3 rows.
6. Next decrease row: k5, k2tog across. 42 sts.
7. Work 3 rows.
8. Next decrease row: k4, k2tog across. 35 sts.
9. Work 2 rows.
10. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull closed.

Cap Brim

1. Using sage, CO 26 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. Shape brim by short rows or by simple decreases at each end every RS row until the edge curves slightly.
4. Work a total of 10 rows.
5. BO.

Sew brim to lower front cap edge. Add a narrow cord or twisted yarn trim above the brim seam to create the raised band visible in the photo. On the wearer’s right side, stitch three tiny muscari buds in lavender and blue-violet.

Shoulder Bag

The small hanging bag is narrow, taupe, and rectangular with a flap and one tiny button. Inside is a dark rectangle that looks like a small phone or notebook.

1. Using taupe, CO 12 sts.
2. Work 22 rows stockinette.
3. Fold lower half upward to form the bag body.
4. Continue upper half for 8 more rows for the flap.
5. BO.
6. Seam sides of lower folded section.
7. Work a thin i-cord 14 inches long for the strap.
8. Sew strap to each upper side of bag.
9. Add one tiny button to front.
10. Make a dark felt or knitted rectangle and tuck inside so it peeks out.

Muscari Bouquet

The bouquet resting beside the bunny is made from several lavender and blue flower spikes tied together with green stems. This detail adds a lot of charm and is worth finishing carefully.

1. Make 5 flower stems.
2. For each stem, knit or crochet a thin green cord about 3 inches long.
3. At one end, build a small oval bud cluster in blue, lavender, or purple by wrapping yarn repeatedly and securing tightly.
4. Add a few tiny side wraps to create the rounded grape-hyacinth look.
5. Repeat in mixed shades.
6. Gather all stems and tie with taupe yarn near the lower third.

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Scissors

1. Using sage, make two small loops for handles with fine i-cord or tight embroidery cord.
2. Join the loops at the center with a few wraps.
3. Using pale gray yarn, stitch two straight blade shapes crossing at the center.
4. Lightly stiffen if desired.

Wooden Needles

These can be made as simple decorative props.

1. Using brown yarn, wrap tightly around two short trimmed wooden sticks if using a mixed-media finish.
2. Or knit two tiny firm i-cords in brown and insert wire for stiffness.
3. Taper one end of each slightly.

Mini Bunny Companion

The miniature bunny mirrors the main bunny in a simplified way. It has a warm brown body, taupe cardigan, pale dress with muscari motif, a small sage cap, and it holds a spool with a beige top and lavender thread body.

Mini Body and Head

1. Using medium brown, work front and back as one simple doll shape beginning with CO 12 sts.
2. Increase to 18 sts for body.
3. Work 14 rows.
4. Decrease slightly for neck.
5. Increase again to 20 sts for head.
6. Work 12 rows.
7. Decrease gradually to top and BO.
8. Make two pieces, seam, and stuff lightly but firmly.

Mini Ears

1. CO 6 sts twice in brown.
2. Work 12 rows, then dec to 4 sts and BO.
3. Sew flat against the head so they hang softly.

Mini Dress

1. Using pale cream, CO 26 sts.
2. Work 2 rows in sage.
3. Change to cream and work 12 rows stockinette.
4. Decrease evenly to 20 sts.
5. Work 6 rows.
6. Create a tiny bib panel in pale gray or cream for 8 center sts, leaving side areas as shoulder shaping.
7. Add a miniature muscari motif in purple and blue.

Mini Cardigan

1. Using taupe, knit a simple open-front vest-like cardigan with narrow fronts.
2. Keep the pieces slim so they frame the bib.
3. Sew lightly onto the shoulders only.

Mini Cap

1. Using sage, CO 20 sts.
2. Work a tiny puffed cap with a small brim shaped from a separate strip.
3. Sew onto head at a low angle.

Mini Spool

1. Make a tiny cylinder in lavender yarn.
2. Add two flat beige circles as spool ends.
3. Sew into the mini bunny hand area.

Decorative Muscari Placement Guide

• Main dress bib: one central cluster of three flower spikes with leaves
• Main cuffs: tiny scattered blue-purple blossoms with short green stems
• Main skirt hem: rows of small rounded duplicate-stitch dots
• Cap side: three tiny bud clusters
• Mini dress bib: one simplified muscari cluster

Finishing Tips for an Accurate Look

• Keep the head larger than expected. That oversized softness is part of the charm.
• Do not over-shape the nose. It should be delicate.
• Make the cardigan fronts long and narrow, not boxy.
• Place the pockets low enough that the bib motif remains the visual center.
• Use muted, dusty yarn shades rather than bright jewel tones.
• The cap brim should curve gently downward across the forehead.
• The mini bunny should echo the main outfit clearly even in simplified form.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Dress the bunny before fixing every accessory permanently. Once the dress and cardigan sit neatly, add the cap at a slight angle and tack it in place with a few hidden stitches. Sew the bag so it hangs low at the left side. Embroider the face last, checking symmetry in natural light. Keep the expression soft, calm, and simple.

Care Notes

Display use is best for this piece because of the small accessories. If the bunny will be handled often, sew all props securely and avoid loose decorative parts. Store away from direct sunlight so the taupe, sage, and lavender shades remain soft and even.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and centered
• Ears attached high and draping evenly
• Dress bib motif centered
• Pockets level and symmetrical
• Cardigan fronts hanging straight
• Cap brim curved and sitting low
• Bag strap secure
• Mini bunny dressed and holding spool
• Bouquet, scissors, and needles completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean gently with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak if the piece includes stiffened props or cardboard sole inserts. Reshape while drying flat on a towel. For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and place in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid plastic bins in humid spaces, and keep all dark and bright trims away from moisture.