Verbena Ruffle-Scarf Bunny – Knitting

This soft rabbit doll is dressed in a gentle sky-blue outfit with a rolled brim hat, a leafy cream cardigan, lace-edged ruffle scarf, lace-up shoes, a tiny drawstring pouch, a small bird companion, and a folded fan. It has the cozy look collectors often search for when browsing heirloom stuffed bunny, knitted rabbit doll, handmade nursery toy, artisan plush rabbit, and gift for baby shower ideas. The finished piece feels classic, calm, and beautifully detailed while still being approachable for patient knitters who enjoy shaping and fine finishing.

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 rabbit is built from separate knitted pieces and then assembled with careful stuffing and hand sewing. The look depends on neat stockinette fabric, gentle shaping, narrow limbs, softly rounded cheeks, long upright ears, and clean finishing around every edge.

The body is slightly pear-shaped, with a modest tummy and a flat seated base. The head is rounded but not oversized. The ears are tall and slim, tapering softly toward the tips. The arms are straight and relaxed. The legs are short, plump, and shaped to sit forward.

The clothing is essential to the final character. The blue dress falls just below the knees when seated. The cream cardigan sits open at the front and ends above the hem of the dress. The scarf frames the neckline with a lace-like ruffle and trails down one side.

The hat has a smooth crown and a thick rolled brim. It sits low on the forehead, leaving the ears emerging neatly through the top area. The shoes are lightly striped in warm beige tones, with long laces tied into bows. Small accessories complete the scene.

Finished Size

• Rabbit height seated, from base to top of head: about 8 1/2 inches
• Rabbit height to ear tips: about 11 inches
• Head width: about 3 inches
• Body width at dress hem while seated: about 4 1/2 inches
• Bird height: about 2 inches
• Pouch width: about 1 3/4 inches
• Fan width opened: about 2 inches

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm oatmeal for head, body, arms, legs, outer ears, hands, and feet
• DK weight yarn in pale blush-beige for inner ear shading if desired
• DK weight yarn in soft sky blue for dress and scarf
• DK weight yarn in cream for cardigan and fan
• DK weight yarn in moss green for embroidered leaf vines on cardigan cuffs and fronts
• DK weight yarn in tan, sand, and light beige for shoes
• DK weight yarn in navy, tan, dusty pink, mint, lavender, yellow, and red for bird
• Lightweight toy stuffing
• Pair of 3.0 mm needles for flat knitting
• Set of 3.0 mm double-pointed needles if preferred for small tubes
• Tapestry needle
• Sharp embroidery needle
• Two small black safety eyes or black embroidery thread for eyes
• Fine black or dark brown thread for nose and mouth
• Waste yarn
• Stitch markers

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on 3.0 mm needles after light blocking.

Gauge matters most for the head, body, dress, and cardigan. Small accessories can vary slightly, but the rabbit itself should remain firm enough to hold shape without fabric gaps showing stuffing through the stitches.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• yo = yarn over
• rep = repeat

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Notes Before You Begin

All main sections may be worked flat and seamed unless you prefer knitting in the round for narrow pieces. Keep your tension even, especially around the face. Stuff gradually and firmly, but never so tightly that the fabric stretches and distorts.

Read each section fully before beginning. Several pieces are small, and it helps to understand their final placement before shaping them. Leave long tails where noted, because many seams are best closed using the yarn already attached to each piece.

Head

The head is a softly rounded oval with a slightly narrower neck edge. It should look smooth and calm, not overly large. The face area remains plain, with tiny vertical eyes and a simple stitched nose and mouth placed low and centered.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Work 2 rows in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
3. Row 3: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 16 sts.
4. Row 4: purl.
5. Row 5: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
6. Continue increasing in this way every RS row 7 more times. 32 sts.
7. Work 18 rows even in stockinette.
8. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 30 sts.
9. Repeat decrease row every RS row 8 more times. 14 sts.
10. Work 1 WS row.
11. BO all sts neatly.

Make a second identical head piece. Seam around the curved outer edge, leaving the lower neck open. Turn right side out. Stuff the cheeks and forehead first, then the center, keeping the surface very smooth. Add enough stuffing to make the head firm but not hard.

Close the lower opening slightly with gathering stitches so it narrows to fit the neck. Do not flatten the front. The head should remain softly rounded, with only a tiny suggestion of muzzle fullness created later during facial detailing.

Ears

Each ear is long, slim, and gently tapered, with a subtle inward curve when attached. The ears in the image stand upright but still look soft. They are not extremely wide, and they narrow smoothly to rounded points rather than sharp tips.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work 2 rows stockinette.
3. Row 3: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 4: purl.
5. Row 5: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
6. Work 16 rows even.
7. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Work 1 WS row.
9. Repeat decrease row on every RS row twice more. 6 sts.
10. Knit 1 WS row.
11. Next RS row: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
12. Next WS row: purl.
13. Next RS row: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
14. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.

Make 4 ear pieces, using oatmeal for outer ears and slightly warmer beige or pale blush for inner ears if desired. Pair one outer and one inner together. Seam around edges, leaving the base open. Do not overstuff. Add only a whisper of filling to the lower third if you want more structure.

Lightly fold the base of each ear lengthwise and tack. This pinch gives the ear its natural upright shape. Set aside until after the hat is fitted, so you can check the angle and placement before sewing permanently.

Body

The body is a compact pear shape that supports a seated pose. The shoulders are narrower than the lower body. The lower edge should flatten slightly so the rabbit can sit without tipping. Keep the stuffing firm enough to support the weight of the head.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Work 2 rows stockinette.
3. Row 3: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
4. Row 4: purl.
5. Repeat increase row every RS row 5 more times. 30 sts.
6. Work 14 rows even.
7. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 28 sts.
8. Repeat decrease row every 4th row 5 more times. 18 sts.
9. Work 6 rows even.
10. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
11. Work 3 rows even.
12. BO.

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Make 2 body pieces. Seam sides and lower curve, leaving neck edge open. Turn right side out. Stuff firmly, concentrating extra stuffing in the lower body. Before fully closing, flatten the base slightly with your fingers so it becomes a stable seated bottom.

Once stuffed, run a line of gathering stitches across the lower back and underside if needed to deepen the seated shape. The finished body should lean very slightly backward, which helps the head and accessories sit naturally when assembled.

Arms

The arms are slender, plain, and softly tapered. They hang naturally at the sides. The paws are only slightly darker in tone due to shadow and shaping, not a strongly contrasting cuff. The cardigan sleeves cover most of the upper arms.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work 20 rows stockinette.
3. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
4. Work 4 rows even.
5. BO.

Make 4 pieces. Seam each pair into tubes. Turn right side out. Add light stuffing only, with a touch more at the hand end. Flatten the upper opening and sew closed later directly to the body. Do not make the arms stiff.

Legs

The legs are short and plump, with gentle shaping toward the ankle. They are meant for a seated doll, so the upper edge attaches high under the dress while the lower part projects forward. The feet should be rounded, not long.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Row 5: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
4. Work 10 rows even.
5. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
6. Work 6 rows even.
7. BO.

Make 4 pieces. Seam each pair. Turn right side out. Stuff the foot area firmly, then add slightly less stuffing toward the upper leg. Shape the front into a rounded shoe-like toe with your fingers as you fill. Leave the upper opening open for sewing.

Dress

The dress is a soft blue sleeveless piece with a smooth bodice and a gently widening skirt. It is simple, clean, and classic. The hem spreads slightly when the rabbit sits, creating the broad blue silhouette visible in the image.

Work the dress as one front and one back piece, then join at shoulders and side seams. The neckline remains high enough to sit under the scarf. The armholes are modest and mostly hidden under the cardigan.

Dress Front

1. CO 26 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch for a tidy hem edge.
3. Begin stockinette.
4. On every 8th row, decrease 1 st at each side 4 times. 18 sts.
5. Work even until piece measures from cast-on edge about 4 1/4 inches.
6. Shape armholes: BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 14 sts.
7. Work 8 rows even.
8. Shape neckline: work 5 sts, BO 4 sts, work to end.
9. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 st at neck edge every RS row twice.
10. Work even until bodice height above armhole is about 1 inch.
11. BO shoulder sts.

Dress Back

1. Work as for front to armhole shaping.
2. After armholes, work 10 rows even.
3. Shape back neck by BO center 6 sts.
4. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 st at neck edge once.
5. BO shoulder sts.

Sew shoulders and side seams. Pick up around neck and armholes and work 2 rows in knit on the RS, purl on the WS for a tidy rolled edge. BO loosely. Slip the dress onto the rabbit before attaching arms if you want the neatest fit.

The dress should fit closely at the top and fall into a bell shape below the waist. If you want more spread at the lower edge, lightly steam the hem while protecting the fabric with a cloth. Do not flatten the stockinette texture.

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Cardigan

The cardigan is cream, open at the front, and cropped. It has gentle curved fronts and tiny green embroidered leafy vines running around the cuffs and along the lower front edges. This detail gives the garment the delicate botanical look seen in the image.

Work the cardigan in one piece to the armholes, then divide for fronts and back. Sleeves are made separately and sewn in. The body stays plain so the embroidered trim stands out clearly.

Cardigan Body

1. CO 34 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter stitch.
3. Set front bands by working first 4 sts and last 4 sts in garter throughout. Center sts remain stockinette.
4. Work 16 rows even.
5. Shape lower front curve: on each RS row, decrease 1 st just inside each front band 4 times. 30 sts.
6. Work 4 rows even.
7. Divide for fronts and back: 7 sts front, 16 sts back, 7 sts front.

Left Front

1. Work 7 sts, keeping front band in garter.
2. At armhole edge, BO 2 sts once. 5 sts.
3. Work 10 rows even.
4. At neck edge, decrease 1 st every RS row twice.
5. BO remaining shoulder sts.

Back

1. Join yarn to back sts.
2. BO 2 sts at each armhole edge once. 12 sts.
3. Work 12 rows even.
4. BO center 4 sts for neck.
5. Work each side separately for 2 rows.
6. BO shoulders.

Right Front

Work to mirror left front.

Sleeves

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter stitch.
3. Begin stockinette and increase 1 st at each side every 8th row twice. 14 sts.
4. Work until sleeve measures about 2 inches.
5. BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
6. Work 4 rows even.
7. BO.

Sew shoulder seams. Attach sleeves. Sew sleeve seams and side seams. Try cardigan on rabbit. It should sit open naturally, showing the blue dress beneath. The lower fronts curve gently away from the center rather than meeting edge to edge.

Leaf Embroidery

Using moss green yarn split to a finer strand if needed, embroider a meandering vine at each cuff and along both lower fronts. Use stem stitch for the vine and tiny detached chain stitches for leaves. Keep the embroidery delicate and airy.

Do not overfill the fronts with stitching. In the image, the green trim is sparse and graceful, acting as a border detail rather than a dense motif. A little unevenness makes the vine feel more natural and hand-touched.

Ruffle Scarf

The scarf is one of the key visual features. It sits around the neckline like a soft lace collar, then drapes down one side in a long ruffled tail. The texture is more decorative than heavy. It should look airy, flexible, and slightly wavy.

1. CO 12 sts in blue.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. Begin ruffle-lace section:
4. Row 1 RS: k2, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k1.
5. Row 2 WS: purl.
6. Row 3 RS: k1, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k2.
7. Row 4 WS: purl.
8. Repeat Rows 1 to 4 until scarf measures about 14 inches.
9. For final 6 rows, increase ruffle depth by working a yo before and after each central repeat section.
10. Work 2 rows garter and BO loosely.

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Lightly block the scarf so the openings and ripples show. Wrap it once around the neck. Arrange the collar area into soft waves. Let the long end fall down the rabbit’s right side, with extra undulation toward the tip.

Hat

The hat has a rounded crown and a thick rolled brim. It resembles a soft cloche or bucket hat adapted for rabbit ears. The brim rolls upward naturally and frames the face. The crown is plain and slightly gathered toward the top.

1. CO 42 sts in warm beige.
2. Work 12 rows stockinette, beginning with a purl row. This deep section will roll to form the brim.
3. Continue in stockinette for 16 more rows.
4. Begin crown shaping.
5. Decrease row RS: k5, k2tog across. 36 sts.
6. WS row: purl.
7. Next RS: k4, k2tog across. 30 sts.
8. WS row: purl.
9. Next RS: k3, k2tog across. 24 sts.
10. WS row: purl.
11. Next RS: k2, k2tog across. 18 sts.
12. WS row: purl.
13. Next RS: k1, k2tog across. 12 sts.
14. WS row: purl.
15. Next RS: k2tog across. 6 sts.
16. Cut yarn and draw through.

Sew the back seam. Roll the lower edge upward to make the brim. Fit the hat on the head before sewing ears. Mark two openings where the ears will emerge from the upper side area rather than directly from the brim line.

Either thread the ear bases under small lifted stitches in the hat fabric or carefully sew the ears on top so they appear to rise naturally from the crown. The hat should sit low and cozy, with the ears standing neatly above it.

Shoes

The shoes are warm beige with subtle striping and long lace ties. They are soft knitted slippers rather than rigid boots. The toes are rounded and slightly darker at the front due to color placement. The laces wrap and tie at the ankles.

1. CO 12 sts in sand.
2. Work 4 rows garter stitch for sole edge.
3. Change to tan and work 4 rows stockinette.
4. Change to light beige and work 2 rows.
5. Change to tan and work 4 rows.
6. Shape toe: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 on next RS row.
7. Work 3 rows even.
8. Repeat toe decrease once more.
9. BO loosely.

Make 2 pieces for each shoe and seam around the foot. Slip over each stuffed leg end before sewing the legs to the body, or stitch directly onto the attached legs. For laces, make twisted cords about 10 inches long and thread through upper shoe stitches.

Tie each lace in a soft bow near the front ankle area, leaving trailing ends. The bows in the image are relaxed rather than crisp, so avoid making them too tight. A slightly loose tie looks more natural and charming.

Drawstring Pouch

The tiny pouch is simple, round-bottomed, and softly gathered at the top. It hangs from the rabbit’s left hand. This small extra detail helps the piece feel complete and story-like without overwhelming the main doll.

1. CO 16 sts in oatmeal.
2. Work 10 rows stockinette.
3. Row 11: k1, k2tog across to last st, k1.
4. Work 1 WS row.
5. Next RS: k2tog across. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight.

Sew side seam and base. Add a tiny bit of stuffing or leave empty for a natural pouch look. Create a drawstring cord and thread through top edge. Gather slightly and knot the ends. Sew or tie the pouch to one hand.

Folded Fan

The folded fan lies beside the rabbit in the image. It is cream with a tan base section. This can be knitted flat in a tiny wedge and then pleated slightly with stitches to resemble a folded handheld fan.

1. CO 14 sts in tan.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. Change to cream.
4. On every RS row, decrease 1 st at each side until 6 sts remain.
5. Work 4 rows even.
6. BO.

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Lightly pinch small vertical pleats into the cream section and secure with tiny stitches at the lower edge. Wrap a short tan strand around the base to suggest the handle tie. This piece may remain separate or be lightly stitched in place for display.

Bird Companion

The small bird sits on the rabbit’s right shoulder. It has a navy head, dark wings, a red throat, a yellow beak, tan outer body, and a pale dress in soft lavender and mint tones. Its presence adds whimsy and must stay very small.

Bird Body

1. CO 8 sts in tan.
2. Work 2 rows stockinette.
3. Increase to 12 sts over next 2 RS rows.
4. Work 8 rows even.
5. Decrease to 8 sts over next 2 RS rows.
6. BO.

Make 2 body pieces. Seam and lightly stuff.

Bird Head

1. CO 6 sts in navy.
2. Increase to 10 sts over 2 RS rows.
3. Work 6 rows even.
4. Decrease to 4 sts.
5. Draw yarn through remaining sts.

Make 2 pieces. Seam, stuff lightly, and attach to body.

Beak and Throat

Embroider a tiny yellow beak. Add a small crescent of deep red under the beak for the throat. Keep stitches minimal so the face stays refined rather than bulky.

Wings and Tail

1. For each wing, CO 5 sts in navy.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Decrease to 3 sts and BO.

Make 2 wings and a tiny tail in the same manner. Sew in place.

Bird Skirt

Using pale lavender, CO 12 sts and work 2 rows garter. Increase every other stitch on next row to create a tiny frill. Work 3 rows in soft lavender, then 2 rows in mint. BO loosely. Gather top edge and sew around the lower bird body.

Add the finished bird to the rabbit’s shoulder with a few secure stitches. Angle it slightly upward, as though perched and alert. The bird should look delicate and cheerful without hiding the scarf and cardigan neckline.

Assembly

Begin by sewing the legs to the lower front body, placing them slightly apart so the shoes point forward. Test the seated position before securing fully. The legs should support the dress hem without forcing it into an unnatural spread.

Sew the arms to the upper sides of the body, slightly below the neck opening. Angle them downward. One arm may sit a touch closer to the body so the pouch hangs naturally. The other arm should leave space for the shoulder bird.

Attach the head firmly to the neck opening with ladder stitch, checking from every angle. The head should face straight ahead with only a very tiny downward tilt. Too much tilt changes the gentle, calm mood of the rabbit.

Dress the rabbit in the blue dress and cream cardigan if you have not already fitted them during construction. Wrap and arrange the scarf. Add the hat last so you can balance the ear placement against the finished neckline and shoulders.

Facial Features

Place the eyes low on the face, separated by about 10 to 12 stitches. They should be tiny and vertical in effect, not large or cartoon-like. This creates the quiet expression that matches the doll’s soft styling.

For the nose, embroider a small upside-down triangle or tiny filled V shape in dark brown. From the center point, stitch a short vertical line downward. Add a shallow split mouth with one tiny angled stitch to each side.

Very lightly indent the face by pulling the eye thread toward the back of the head if needed. Do not over-sculpt. The rabbit in the image has a smooth face with only subtle shaping around the muzzle and eye area.

Styling the Finished Piece

Once assembled, spend time arranging the garments. Smooth the dress over the body. Spread the cardigan fronts slightly open. Lift the scarf ruffles so they frame the neck. Roll the hat brim evenly. Tidy the shoe bows and position the pouch string neatly.

The final charm of this rabbit comes from these finishing adjustments. Even small changes to the scarf drape, ear angle, or bow looseness can shift the entire mood. Aim for a gentle, storybook look with soft asymmetry rather than stiff perfection.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Check that the head is centered before fully tightening the neck seam.
• Attach ears only after the hat sits correctly.
• Keep the eyes small and low for the same calm expression shown in the image.
• Shape the nose neatly and keep the mouth short.
• Secure the bird, pouch, and scarf with a few hidden stitches so they stay in place.

Care Notes

• Display use is best for a piece with many delicate details.
• Avoid rough pulling on the bird, pouch, scarf, and hat.
• Keep away from strong sunlight to reduce fading.
• Store flat or seated in a dust-free space when not on display.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head smooth and evenly stuffed
• Ears matched in height and angle
• Dress centered and hem balanced
• Cardigan fronts even
• Scarf arranged in visible soft ruffles
• Hat brim rolled evenly
• Shoes tied with relaxed bows
• Pouch attached securely
• Bird seated firmly on shoulder
• Face calm, centered, and symmetrical

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a soft dry brush or gentle lint-free cloth to remove surface dust. Spot clean only with cool water and a tiny amount of mild soap, then blot carefully. Do not soak the rabbit, as the stuffing and small details may lose shape.

If the scarf or cardigan edge becomes rumpled, reshape with slightly damp fingers and let air dry. Store with tissue support around the ears and hat if keeping the rabbit packed for a long time. Avoid crushing the face and shoe toes.