Gentian Alpine-Rib Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to look like a collectible handmade bunny doll with a timeless countryside feel. The main bunny wears a softly shaped blue dress, a matching short cardigan with pockets, cozy slippers, and a beret trimmed with a blue rose. The set also includes a small companion animal, a tiny knitted basket bag, and the little styling details that make the whole display feel like a premium heirloom stuffed rabbit, nursery decor gift, or handmade toy keepsake. Every section below is written to help you recreate the same proportions, mood, and finish shown in the image.

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 yarn, bunny body: light beige or oatmeal sport-weight yarn for head, arms, ears, and upper legs.
• Main outfit yarn: deep gentian blue sport-weight yarn for dress, cardigan, slippers, and beret.
• Accent yarn: green sport-weight yarn for rose leaves and tiny bracelet stem.
• Rose yarn: medium blue yarn for the beret flower.
• Companion yarn: cream, taupe, and blue sport-weight yarn.
• Needles: double-pointed needles or magic loop needles in sizes needed to create a firm fabric. A smaller needle than the yarn label suggests is best.
• Stuffing: soft polyester fiberfill.
• Tapestry needle: for mattress stitch and finishing.
• Stitch markers: especially useful for shaping arms, head, beret, and companion.
• Black embroidery thread: for eyes and nose detailing if preferred.
• Small safety eyes or embroidered knots: use only if appropriate for the intended recipient.
• Thin cardboard or plastic canvas: optional for base support inside feet and basket.
• Small button or knitted nub: for the tiny bag closure.
• Mini bell: for the companion’s hand.
• Optional fabric square: for the folded handkerchief prop.

Finished Size

The large bunny should measure about 11 to 13 inches tall seated, or about 15 to 17 inches from the top of the beret to the base of the feet if gently extended. The companion should measure about 5 to 6 inches tall.

The large bunny must look broad-headed, softly weighted, and slightly old-fashioned. The body is plump, the legs are short and rounded, and the arms fall low at the sides. The cardigan ends above the hem of the dress, and the beret sits low over the crown.

Gauge and Fabric Notes

Use a gauge that creates a dense, smooth stockinette fabric with almost no stuffing visible through the stitches. The fabric in the image is not loose or rustic. It is neat, even, and refined.

The body and head must be firm enough to hold their shape while still looking soft. The clothing should be slightly more fluid than the body, but still tidy. Avoid oversized stitches. This design depends on fine stitch definition and careful shaping.

Design Overview

This set includes these main pieces:

• Large seated bunny with separate head, body, arms, ears, and legs
• Blue dress with simple eyelet accents and a softly scalloped lower edge
• Short open-front cardigan with ribbed band and two patch pockets
• Rounded slippers
• Low beret with knitted rose and leaves
• Tiny wrist flower bracelet
• Small basket-style bag with lid
• Small cream-and-taupe companion animal with cape, skirt, hat, and bell
• Optional folded handkerchief and decorative bells for styling

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• yo = yarn over
• BO = bind off
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat

Large Bunny Body

Legs

Make 2 in beige, beginning at the sole. Each leg should be short, softly tubular, and slightly wider at the foot than at the upper leg. The bunny in the image has small forward-facing feet with a gentle rounded toe.

1. CO a small oval sole. Work a few rounds flat or in the round to build a compact foot base.
2. Increase evenly around the sole until the foot is slightly wider than the ankle.
3. Work several rounds even in St st.
4. Begin very gentle decreases at the sides to taper toward the ankle.
5. Continue straight for the lower leg.
6. Stuff the foot firmly, then stuff the leg lightly.
7. Leave a long tail for joining.

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For the image look, insert a tiny oval of plastic canvas in the base of each foot if you want the slippers to sit neatly later. Do not overstuff the ankles. They should remain soft and slightly bendable.

Body

The torso is a rounded pear shape, fuller at the lower half and narrower toward the neckline. It is not very long. The dress visually enlarges the body, but beneath the dress the torso remains compact.

1. CO from the lower body circumference.
2. Work in St st for a few rounds while increasing slightly to create a rounded tummy.
3. Join the legs after the first lower body section, spacing them so they angle gently forward when seated.
4. Continue upward, placing a little extra fullness at the front belly if desired.
5. After the widest point, decrease gradually toward the chest.
6. Finish with a neat neck opening that is distinctly narrower than the lower body.

Stuff the lower body firmly enough to support the seated pose. The upper chest should be softer. The bunny in the image has a cuddly, weighted appearance rather than a rigid doll form.

Arms

Make 2 in beige. These arms are medium-short and lightly curved. They hang beside the body and end just below the cardigan hem. The hands are rounded, with no separate fingers.

1. CO a few stitches for the wrist.
2. Increase slightly for the hand.
3. Work straight for the forearm.
4. Add a couple of subtle increases for the upper arm.
5. Shape the top with a shallow cap or gathered edge for sewing.

Stuff lightly. Flatten the upper edge before sewing so the arm joins smoothly at the shoulder. One wrist will later hold the tiny blue bracelet flower.

Head and Ears

Head

The head is the most important feature. It must be broad, rounded, and slightly deeper than wide, with a soft lower muzzle area. The face in the image is sweet and calm, with widely spaced eyes and a centered stitched nose-mouth detail.

1. CO from the neck opening or begin at the crown, depending on your preferred construction.
2. Increase gradually to form a full rounded head.
3. Work even for the main face depth.
4. Add a subtle muzzle bulge with tiny short-row shaping or light stuffing placement rather than a separate snout.
5. Decrease neatly to close.

Stuff the head very firmly and massage the fill until the surface looks smooth. Avoid lumps. The face should look plush and gently domed.

Ears

Make 2 in beige. The ears are long, narrow, and droop downward from either side of the head. They are attached under the beret line. Each ear is slightly flattened and curves inward naturally.

1. CO at the ear tip with a narrow start.
2. Increase gradually for the first third of the ear.
3. Work even for the middle section.
4. Taper slightly near the top if needed.
5. Do not overstuff. These ears should stay soft and floppy.

Sew the ears low on the side of the head, not on top. Let them fall close to the cheeks. Their length should end around the neckline area.

Facial Features

Place the eyes far apart and slightly above center. The expression in the image is gentle, quiet, and almost vintage. Small black knots or tiny stitched satin eyes work better than large shiny eyes.

• Eyes: small vertical ovals or knots
• Nose: stitched in dark taupe or black as a small upside-down triangle
• Mouth: a short vertical line from the nose, then two tiny angled stitches
• Optional face shaping: a little thread sculpting under the eyes for softness

Keep the face minimal. Too much embroidery will change the calm expression that defines the piece.

Dress

The dress is deep blue and sits under the cardigan. It has a classic, modest shape with a lightly flared skirt and small eyelet details placed in vertical rhythm across the front. The lower hem has a soft scalloped or picot-like feel.

 

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Skirt and Bodice

1. CO for the lower hem using blue yarn.
2. Work a decorative edging first. A small scallop effect can be made with a picot-style hem, tiny eyelet scallops, or a rounded bind-off edge.
3. Increase slightly after the hem to create a gentle skirt flare.
4. Work the skirt in St st, adding evenly spaced eyelet motifs every few rows.
5. Keep the motifs delicate. They should read as tiny floral or diamond openings, not bold lace panels.
6. When the skirt reaches knee-to-mid-body height, decrease gradually for the waist.
7. Work the bodice straight with a slightly closer fit.
8. At the chest, add one tiny centered eyelet flower detail if desired to echo the image.
9. Shape armholes lightly.
10. Shape a round neckline and join shoulders.

The dress should end just above the bunny’s feet when seated. It must look tidy and structured, not puffy. The eyelets in the image are subtle and sparse, so less is better.

Sleeve Area

The sleeves visible under the cardigan are short and simple. They appear as small blue caps at the shoulders. You may either knit them as part of the dress or work tiny separate sleeve bands and sew them in place.

Cardigan

The cardigan is one of the defining features of the set. It is short, open at the front, and slightly boxy. The front edges have a ribbed band, and the cardigan includes two patch pockets placed low at the front.

Back

1. CO for the back width from lower cardigan edge.
2. Work a short ribbed hem.
3. Continue in St st to underarm height.
4. Shape shallow armholes.
5. Work straight to shoulders.
6. Shape a modest back neck.

Fronts

1. Make 2 mirrored fronts.
2. CO for each front section.
3. Work ribbing along the front opening edge from the beginning, or add a separate band later.
4. Continue in St st, keeping the front edge neat and firm.
5. Shape the neckline softly so the cardigan falls open without overlapping much.
6. Match the back shoulder length.

Sleeves

The sleeves are short and slightly rounded, ending around upper arm level. They are not puffed. Their silhouette is soft and simple.

1. CO from upper arm circumference.
2. Work a small sleeve hem.
3. Increase very lightly for cap fullness.
4. Shape a shallow sleeve cap.

Pockets

Make 2 small patch pockets in blue. They are wide enough to be noticeable but not oversized. The lower corners look softly rounded in the image, and there is a tiny stitched motif or texture detail on at least one pocket.

1. CO for a small rectangle.
2. Work in St st.
3. Add a few centered eyelets or a tiny textured motif if desired.
4. Round the bottom corners with slight decreases or shape by sewing.
5. Finish the top edge with a narrow rib band.

Sew the pockets low on the fronts, symmetrical and slightly outward from center.

Assembly of Cardigan

Sew shoulders. Insert sleeves. Sew sleeve and side seams. If you did not knit the front bands at the same time, pick up stitches along both fronts and neck and work a neat ribbed border. The cardigan should sit open and relaxed over the dress without buttoning shut.

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Slippers

The bunny wears blue knitted slippers that cover the feet like soft house shoes. They are low, rounded, and snug.

1. CO from sole or ankle edge.
2. Shape a small rounded toe.
3. Work enough depth to cover the front half to two-thirds of the foot.
4. Finish with a narrow rib or clean edge around the opening.

Sew the slippers onto the feet after the bunny is assembled. They should hide most of the beige foot, leaving only a little of the leg visible above.

Beret

The beret is a soft, slightly slouchy cap in deep blue. It sits low over the forehead and one side dips a little more than the other. A blue knitted rose with green leaves is attached on the upper right side from the viewer’s perspective.

1. CO for the headband in rib.
2. Join in the round and work a snug band that fits around the upper head above the eyes.
3. Increase evenly over the next round to create the beret fullness.
4. Work several rounds in St st.
5. Decrease gradually near the crown.
6. Draw the top closed neatly.

Do not make the beret too large. In the image it is refined, not oversized. The rim frames the face closely.

Knitted Rose

Make a narrow strip in blue with shaping that allows it to curl into a rose.

1. CO a small number of stitches.
2. Work a strip with increases along one long edge so it naturally ruffles.
3. Roll the strip tightly from one end to form the center.
4. Continue wrapping more loosely for outer petals.
5. Secure the base with sewing stitches.

Leaves

Make 2 small green leaves. Each can be knitted from tip to base with a central decrease line for shape. Sew them behind the rose. Attach the flower cluster firmly to the beret.

Wrist Flower Bracelet

On one wrist there is a tiny blue flower on a slim green strand. This detail is small but important because it adds delicacy and balance to the composition.

1. Knit or crochet a narrow green cord.
2. Make a tiny blue flower with a rolled nub or star-like shape.
3. Wrap the green cord around the wrist once.
4. Sew the flower in place so it looks like a bracelet rather than a bouquet.

Basket Bag

The small bag on the bunny’s left side is shaped like a tiny lidded basket or structured handbag. It is knitted in taupe beige and has a small blue accent at the front. The handle arches neatly upward.

1. Knit a flat rectangular base.
2. Pick up stitches around and work the sides upward to form a boxy basket body.
3. Add a firm insert if you want the sides to stand neatly.
4. Knit a separate lid flap with a rounded front edge.
5. Make a narrow handle and attach at both sides.
6. Add a tiny blue nub, flower, or button at the front center.

The bag should be proportional to the bunny’s hand, not oversized. It is a styling accessory and should look polished.

Small Companion Animal

The tiny companion appears to be a lamb or goat-like animal with little horns, cream face and body, taupe skirt, blue cape, and a small hat. Its expression is simple and sweet, echoing the main bunny.

Body and Legs

1. Use cream yarn for the central body and legs.
2. Knit two short legs first, then join into a narrow body.
3. Keep the torso slim and upright.
4. Stuff lightly but enough to stand or lean steadily.

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Head

1. Knit a small rounded head in cream.
2. Add a slightly tapered muzzle area.
3. Embroider tiny dark eyes and a miniature nose-mouth detail.

Ears and Horns

The ears are tiny and pale, attached to the sides of the head. Two short taupe horns curve slightly upward from the top. Keep them small and understated.

Skirt

Knit a taupe skirt as a small flared tube. It should end above the knees and sit high at the waist.

Cape

The blue cape is short and triangular, covering the shoulders and upper torso. It closes at the neck with a tiny tie or button-like detail.

1. CO at the neckline.
2. Increase outward over several rows.
3. Keep the length cropped.
4. Finish with a clean edge.

Hat

The tiny hat is taupe with a blue band. It resembles a shallow brimmed hat and sits at a jaunty angle. Make a small flat crown, then add a narrow brim. Sew a blue band around the base of the crown.

Bell

Sew a miniature bell to one hand so the companion looks like it is carrying it. Secure it tightly. This is a styling detail for the finished display and may be omitted for very young children.

Optional Handkerchief and Styling Bells

The folded pale cloth with blue edging and the loose golden bells complete the image styling. These are not essential knitted components, but they help recreate the same presentation.

• Use a small square of pale blue or white fabric for the handkerchief.
• Add a narrow blue embroidered or crocheted edging.
• Fold into a triangle and place near the bunny.
• Scatter a few decorative bells around the set if desired for photography or display.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the large bunny legs to the body if not already joined.
2. Attach the head securely to the neck.
3. Sew the ears to the sides of the head.
4. Attach the arms at shoulder level.
5. Dress the bunny in the blue dress.
6. Sew or slip on the slippers.
7. Assemble and place the cardigan.
8. Add the beret and stitch it in place discreetly.
9. Attach the rose and leaves to the beret.
10. Add the wrist flower bracelet.
11. Place or lightly tack the basket bag to the hand if desired.
12. Assemble the companion and dress it completely.
13. Add final face shaping and all tiny props.

Shaping Tips for an Accurate Look

• Head: keep very round and full, with a soft jawline.
• Ears: narrow and low-set, not wide or upright.
• Body: short and rounded, with gentle weight at the base.
• Cardigan: slightly structured, not drapey.
• Dress: modest flare, subtle eyelet pattern only.
• Beret: low and elegant, with controlled slouch.
• Companion: very small compared to the main bunny, roughly one-third the height.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face before securing the beret permanently. The eyes should be even, calm, and slightly above the center of the face. The nose should sit low enough to leave room for a soft forehead and cheeks.

Steam-block the clothing pieces lightly before dressing the bunny. Do not flatten the stuffing. Stitch the cardigan in place at the shoulders if needed so it stays open and tidy. Secure all small accessories firmly for a polished finish.

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Care Notes

Spot clean when possible using cool water and a mild wool-safe soap. Squeeze gently with a towel and reshape while damp. Dry flat away from direct sunlight or heat.

If the set is used for display, dust it regularly with a soft dry brush. Remove bells or other non-knitted trim before any deeper cleaning if possible.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is round, smooth, and firmly stuffed
• Ears are evenly placed and softly drooping
• Eyes and nose are centered and balanced
• Dress hem sits neatly above the slippers
• Cardigan fronts hang evenly
• Pockets match in height and angle
• Beret sits low and rose placement looks balanced
• Bracelet flower is visible but delicate
• Basket bag keeps its shape
• Companion scale matches the main bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term preservation, store the bunny and companion in a clean, dry place with stable temperature. Avoid compressing the hat, ears, or cardigan pockets during storage.

Wrap the pieces in acid-free tissue if placing them in a box. Keep away from moisture, rough handling, and prolonged strong light. This helps the knitted fabric keep its color, softness, and shape over time.