Lobelia Breezy-Collar Bunny – Knitting

This charming rabbit doll is designed as a collectible-style knitted soft toy with a sweet spring wardrobe and carefully scaled accessories. The finished set includes a dressed bunny, a flower-trim beret, a soft blue top with a rounded collar, a pale green skirt, brown shoes, a tiny knitted handbag, a folded white shawl, a little bird companion, and a small flower bundle. It is ideal for gift knitting, handmade toy display, nursery décor, and shoppers searching for knitted bunny doll pattern, heirloom rabbit toy, collectible stuffed animal, and boutique-style handknit gifts.

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 yarn: fingering or light sport weight wool or wool-blend in warm oatmeal-beige for head, body, arms, ears, and upper legs.
• Hat and collar yarn: cream or soft ivory in the same weight.
• Sweater yarn: soft sky blue.
• Skirt yarn: pale mint green.
• Shoes yarn: medium brown and dark brown.
• Bag yarn: camel, biscuit, or light tan.
• Bird yarn: light blue, royal blue, beige, mustard, and a small amount of gray-blue for the scarf.
• Flower yarns: periwinkle, cornflower blue, violet, soft purple, yellow, and leaf green.
• Optional bouquet stem yarn: green.
• Stuffing: high-quality toy stuffing.
• Eyes: 6 mm black safety eyes or small black embroidered eyes.
• Needles: double-pointed needles or magic loop needles suitable for tight toy knitting, approximately US 1.5 to US 2.5 / 2.5 mm to 3 mm.
• Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, row counter, small buttons if desired, sewing pins, and matching sewing thread.

Finished Size

The bunny is designed to sit upright with the ears dropping down at the sides, matching the proportions in the image.

• Bunny height: about 10 to 11 inches tall seated, or 12 to 13 inches including the beret.
• Head width: approximately one-third of total seated height.
• Body length: slightly shorter than the head height.
• Arms: slim and straight, ending just below the waistline when attached.
• Legs: longer than the arms, with narrow ankles and broader shoe fronts.
• Ears: long and soft, falling from beneath the hat to shoulder level.
• Bird companion: about one-third the bunny’s body height.

Gauge

Toys need a firm fabric so the stuffing does not show through. Knit tighter than you would for a garment.

• Suggested gauge: 32 to 36 stitches and 44 to 48 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette.
• Important: exact gauge matters less than proportion, firmness, and symmetry.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• BO = bind off
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker

Construction Overview

The project is easiest when made in sections. Start with the legs, then body, head, ears, and arms. After that, knit the clothing and all small accessories. The flowers are added last so their placement can match the image closely.

1. Knit both legs and shoes.
2. Join legs and knit body.
3. Shape neck and head.
4. Knit ears separately and attach low on the head.
5. Knit arms and sew to the upper body.
6. Knit skirt, sweater, collar, beret, bag, shawl, bird, and bouquet.
7. Add facial details and decorate with flowers.

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Bunny Legs and Shoes

Each leg begins at the sole. The feet in the image are slightly flat at the front, with dark brown toe shading and lighter brown upper shoes. The legs are slim above the shoes and lightly stuffed.

Sole of Foot Make 2

1. Using dark brown, CO 8 stitches.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 stitches.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 stitches.
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: K1, kfb, K8, kfb, K1. 14 stitches.
8. Knit 1 WS row purlwise if working flat, or arrange for working in the round.

Pick up stitches around the sole edge, or transfer to double-pointed needles and work a classic toy foot. Aim for an oval shoe front rather than a narrow tube.

Foot Upper

1. Using medium brown, knit 1 rnd through all stitches after changing color.
2. Work 3 rnds in stockinette.
3. Next rnd: K to front center, k2tog twice across front curve, K to end.
4. Work 1 rnd plain.
5. Repeat decrease rnd once more to create a softly squared shoe front.

Stuff the front lightly before the ankle narrows. Keep the shoe rounded but not overfilled.

Instep Strap Detail

The shoes show a Mary Jane style strap across the front. This can be added after knitting by embroidering a narrow horizontal line in matching brown yarn, then a tiny vertical fastening stitch at the outer side of each shoe.

Leg

1. Change to bunny beige.
2. Knit 2 rnds.
3. Decrease evenly to 10 or 12 stitches, depending on your scale.
4. Knit straight for 20 to 24 rnds to form the lower leg.
5. Stuff lightly as you go, keeping the leg soft and flexible.
6. BO or leave live stitches if you prefer to join into the body directly.

Make the second leg the same. Check that both legs are exactly equal in length and shoe angle.

Joining the Legs and Knitting the Body

The body is plump but not round like a ball. It has a soft pear shape, narrower at the neck and widest near the lower torso. The bunny in the image sits neatly, so avoid overstuffing the back.

1. Place both legs on needles with inner leg stitches facing each other.
2. Using beige yarn, join the legs and CO 4 stitches between them at the center front and 4 stitches at the center back if needed.
3. Work around all stitches in stockinette for 2 rnds.
4. Next 4 to 6 rnds: increase evenly every other rnd until the body reaches a gentle pear width.
5. Knit straight for 12 to 14 rnds.
6. Begin upper body shaping by decreasing 4 stitches evenly every 3rd rnd, repeating until the torso tapers.

The lower body should be a little wider than the sweater hem area so the skirt sits naturally over it. The image shows the clothes resting on a seated form, so a slightly flattened bottom is helpful.

Body Stuffing Tips

• Fill the lower body firmly enough for sitting support.
• Keep the upper chest softer so the sweater and collar do not distort.
• Shape the front to remain smooth and centered.

Neck and Head

The neck is narrow and short. The head is large, softly oval, and slightly wider through the cheek area. The face panel appears smooth and calm, with a centered nose and small black eyes set fairly wide apart.

1. When the body shaping is complete, decrease to a neat neck circumference, around 16 to 20 stitches.
2. Knit 4 to 6 rnds straight for the neck.
3. Increase evenly on the next rnd to begin the head.
4. Over the next 6 to 8 rnds, continue increasing evenly until the head reaches its full width.
5. Knit straight for 14 to 18 rnds.
6. Insert the eyes before closing the head. Place them symmetrically with about 8 to 10 stitches between them, depending on scale.

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The eyes should sit a little above the midpoint of the face. They are small, oval-looking black eyes in the image, so do not choose oversized safety eyes.

Head Shaping

1. After the plain head section, begin decreasing evenly every other rnd.
2. Stuff the head gradually with small pieces of filling.
3. Keep the face smooth and slightly flatter at the front than at the back.
4. Continue decreasing until the opening is small.
5. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and close securely.

Face Contours

Use a matching sewing thread or split yarn to create a very gentle muzzle definition. The bunny in the image has a subtle central face ridge rather than a strongly protruding snout.

• Lightly sculpt downward from between the eyes toward the nose area.
• Do not pull tightly. The effect should remain soft.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, narrow, and droop naturally from the sides of the head. They are not wired. The lower ear joins close to the hat edge, and the tips reach roughly to shoulder level.

1. Using beige, CO 10 stitches.
2. Work flat in stockinette for 4 rows.
3. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row. 12 stitches.
4. Continue straight for 18 to 22 rows.
5. Shape tip: On each RS row, k1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1.
6. Purl WS rows.
7. When 4 stitches remain, k2tog twice, cut yarn, and pull through.

Make a second matching ear. Fold the cast-on end slightly before attaching so the ear falls downward rather than standing outward.

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim cylinders with softly rounded ends. They hang straight down and stop a little below the sweater hemline when the bunny is seated.

1. Using beige, CO 10 stitches and join in the round.
2. Knit 3 rnds.
3. Increase to 12 stitches if needed for a smoother upper arm.
4. Knit 22 to 26 rnds straight.
5. Lightly stuff only the lower two-thirds.
6. Flatten the top opening and sew closed.

Do not overstuff the arms. They should look relaxed and slightly soft, like the image.

Embroidered Nose and Mouth

The face expression is simple and classic. The nose is a small brown triangle or softly filled V-shape, with a short vertical stitch and a balanced mouth line below.

1. Mark the center of the face below the eye line.
2. Using dark brown embroidery yarn, stitch a small horizontal triangle or satin-work nose.
3. Work a short vertical line downward from the nose center.
4. Add two tiny angled mouth lines, one to each side.

Keep the mouth delicate. A large smile would not match the calm expression of the image.

Skirt

The skirt is mint green, softly flared, and finished with a ruffled lower edge. It sits high on the waist beneath the blue top. The flare is moderate rather than dramatic.

1. Using mint green, CO enough stitches to fit around the waist, slightly stretched.
2. Join carefully and work 4 rnds in K1, P1 rib.
3. Change to stockinette and increase evenly across the next rnd by about 25 to 35 percent.
4. Knit straight for 18 to 22 rnds.
5. For gentle flare, increase 6 to 8 stitches evenly every 5th rnd, repeating 2 times.
6. Work 4 rnds plain.

Ruffled Hem

1. Next rnd: Kfb in every stitch.
2. Knit 1 rnd.
3. BO loosely knitwise, or use a picot-like tiny wave by alternating BO and extra yarn-over style fullness if preferred.

The hem in the image has a soft curled, scalloped movement. A loose bind-off with increased stitches gives the closest look.

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Blue Top

The top is short-sleeved, plain stockinette, and fitted gently to the upper body. It has a high crew neck, a separate oversized cream collar, and a centered floral cascade running down the front.

Body of Top

1. Using sky blue, CO stitches to fit around the upper torso just below the arms.
2. Work 4 rnds in K1, P1 rib for the lower edge.
3. Knit in stockinette for 10 to 12 rnds.

Pause here to check the fit on the bunny. The hem should sit just over the top of the skirt and not cover the full skirt waistband area.

Divide for Sleeves and Upper Body

1. Mark side points.
2. Bind off or place sleeve stitches on holders at each side for tiny cap sleeves.
3. Continue front and back either flat or in a small round, depending on your preferred method.

Sleeves

The sleeves are short and softly rounded, not puffed heavily. They end about halfway down the upper arm.

1. Pick up stitches around each arm opening.
2. Knit 5 to 7 rnds in stockinette.
3. Work 2 rnds in K1, P1 rib.
4. BO neatly.

Neckline

1. Shape a shallow rounded neckline.
2. Pick up neck stitches and work 4 rnds in K1, P1 rib.
3. BO with even tension.

The neckband in the image is visible above the collar, so keep it neat and slightly snug.

Rounded Cream Collar

The collar is one of the defining visual details. It is broad, soft, and scallop-shaped into two large rounded lobes at the front. It rests on top of the sweater rather than standing upright.

1. Using cream, CO enough stitches to fit the neckline opening.
2. Work flat in garter stitch or reverse stockinette with a clean edge for 2 rows.
3. Divide the work into two mirrored front sections and one back neck section if desired.
4. Increase gradually toward the outer edge to widen the collar.
5. Shape the two front lobes with short rows or simple increases so each side rounds outward and downward.
6. Work 1 final edge row and BO very loosely.

After knitting, steam lightly and pin into rounded petal-like curves. Sew the inner neckline edge to the sweater neckband so the collar lies flat.

Front Floral Embellishment on Sweater

The floral decoration is a central vertical cascade made of blue and violet flowers with green leaf accents. This detail should be added after the sweater is finished and fitted.

• Start just below the collar center.
• Arrange the motif to narrow at the top, widen slightly at the middle, and taper again near the hem.
• Use tiny knitted flowers or duplicate stitch embroidery.

Small Flower Method

For each flower, make a tiny five-petal shape.

1. CO 5 stitches.
2. Work i-cord petals individually or crochet tiny petals only if you are comfortable mixing methods.
3. Alternatively, form flowers with French-knot style centers and small detached chain-like loops in yarn.

If you prefer all-knit embellishment, a simple knitted flower can be made by casting on a tiny number of stitches and shaping petal tabs. Then sew the flower flat to the sweater.

Placement Guide

• Use one medium purple flower near the upper center.
• Add several cornflower and periwinkle blossoms below it.
• Place one smaller violet bloom just above or beside the cluster.
• Stitch leaf accents in green along the vertical line.
• Use tiny yellow centers sparingly.

The image shows a natural bouquet-like arrangement rather than a perfectly symmetrical pattern. Keep the look soft and organic.

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Beret

The beret is cream, softly slouchy, and sits low on the head, covering the ear bases. A ribbed band fits around the head, and the top widens gently before being drawn in. The flower cluster is attached on one side near the front.

1. Using cream, CO stitches to fit around the bunny head just above the eyes and ears.
2. Join carefully and work 8 to 10 rnds in K1, P1 rib.
3. Increase evenly across the next rnd by about one-third.
4. Knit 10 to 14 rnds in stockinette for the slouchy body.
5. Begin crown decreases by dividing stitches into 6 sections and working k2tog at each section marker every other rnd.
6. When the opening is small, thread yarn through remaining stitches and close.

Shape the beret with your hands so the fullness leans softly backward and slightly to one side.

Beret Flower Cluster

The hat decoration includes several tiny blue and purple flowers grouped tightly with green leaf accents.

• Make 5 to 7 miniature flowers.
• Use at least three blue shades and one purple tone.
• Add one or two yellow centers.
• Attach near the right-front side of the beret.

Cluster the flowers rather than spacing them apart. They should look like a small pinned corsage.

Handbag

The handbag is a tiny round-bottomed camel bag with a flap and narrow handle. It sits to the bunny’s side and should look structured, not floppy.

Bag Body

1. Using camel yarn, CO 8 stitches for the base.
2. Work a small oval or circle base, increasing to create a rounded pouch.
3. Pick up around the base and knit 10 to 12 rnds upward.
4. Decrease slightly near the top opening to form a tidy edge.
5. BO.

Flap

1. Pick up stitches across one side of the top opening.
2. Knit flat in stockinette or garter for 5 to 6 rows.
3. Shape the last rows with decreases at each side to round the flap tip.
4. BO.

Handle

1. Make a narrow i-cord or knitted strip.
2. Sew to each upper side of the bag.

Add a tiny embroidered button or knot at the center of the flap. This echoes the image nicely.

Folded White Shawl

The white accessory on the table appears like a folded knitted shawl or scalloped handkerchief. It is soft ivory and edged decoratively.

1. Using cream or white, CO 3 stitches.
2. Knit a small triangle by increasing 1 stitch at each edge every RS row until the piece reaches handkerchief size.
3. Work 2 rows plain.
4. Add a decorative scalloped border by repeating small yarn-over based loops or a simple picot-style bind-off.
5. Fold into a soft layered triangle before display.

This piece should remain delicate and slightly lacy in appearance, even if it is made in simple stitches.

Bird Companion

The little companion beside the bunny is a plump bird in blue tones with a beige hat, yellow beak, tiny feet, and a small scarf. Its proportions are toy-like and adorable, with a round belly and short wings.

Bird Body

1. Using light blue, CO 12 stitches and join in the round.
2. Increase evenly over the next few rnds to form a plump oval body.
3. Knit 10 to 12 rnds straight.
4. Change to a slightly darker blue for side or wing color blocking if desired.
5. Decrease toward the top.
6. Stuff firmly and close.

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Bird Belly Contrast

If you want a cleaner finish, embroider or duplicate stitch a lighter belly panel instead of knitting separate sections. The image shows a lighter front with darker side wings.

Wings Make 2

1. CO 6 stitches in royal blue.
2. Knit flat for 6 rows.
3. Decrease at each end once or twice to make a soft teardrop shape.
4. BO and sew at the bird’s sides.

Beak

• Embroider a small mustard triangle at the center front.

Feet

• Use mustard yarn to make two tiny three-toed embroidered feet, or knit miniature cords and couch them in place.

Bird Scarf

1. Using gray-blue, CO 3 or 4 stitches.
2. Knit a tiny strip long enough to wrap once.
3. BO and tie or sew around the neck.

Bird Hat

The hat is a miniature beige cap with a rounded crown.

1. Using beige, CO stitches suitable for the head circumference.
2. Knit 2 to 3 rnds rib.
3. Work 4 to 5 rnds stockinette.
4. Decrease evenly to close the top.

Place the hat slightly tilted for the same charming look as the image.

Flower Bouquet

The bouquet at the bottom right consists of tiny blue and purple flowers grouped tightly with short green stems. It should echo the flowers on the sweater and beret.

1. Make 6 to 9 tiny blossoms in mixed blue and violet shades.
2. For each flower, create a tiny center and 4 to 5 soft petals.
3. Attach each to a short green stem.
4. Gather the stems and wrap with green yarn.
5. Trim and secure.

Keep the bouquet compact rather than long-stemmed. It should sit as a neat hand-tied posy.

Detailed Flower Notes

Because the flowers appear throughout the set, consistency matters. Use the same palette every time so the whole composition looks coordinated.

• Main blue: for the majority of blossoms.
• Secondary blue: slightly darker for contrast.
• Purple accent: used sparingly to create depth.
• Yellow centers: only on a few flowers.
• Green leaves: fine straight stitches or tiny knitted leaflets.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the legs closed and position them evenly beneath the body.
2. Attach arms at the shoulder line.
3. Sew ears to the head, low and slightly behind the eye line.
4. Dress the bunny with the skirt first, then the blue top.
5. Sew the collar neatly over the neck edge.
6. Place the beret on top and tack it down with a few hidden stitches.
7. Add the floral cluster to the hat.
8. Decorate the sweater front with flowers.
9. Finish the shoes with strap embroidery if not already done.
10. Set out the bag, shawl, bird, and bouquet.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the proportions before fixing everything permanently. The head should be centered over the neck, the arms should hang evenly, and the ears should fall naturally beneath the beret.

For the face, keep the eyes small and calm, the nose centered, and the mouth tiny. Light sculpting around the muzzle can improve the gentle rabbit expression. If needed, add a touch more stuffing behind the cheeks before closing any final seams.

Steam only very lightly around the clothing pieces. Do not flatten the stuffed head or body. Arrange the collar so both front lobes spread outward evenly, and position the beret flower cluster toward one side exactly as shown.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Use cool water and mild soap for any small marks.
• Avoid twisting or wringing the toy.
• Reshape while damp and dry flat.
• Keep small accessories stored together so the set stays complete.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head: smooth, evenly stuffed, eyes aligned.
• Ears: equal length and sewn symmetrically.
• Collar: rounded and lying flat.
• Sweater flowers: centered and balanced.
• Beret: softly slouched with side flower cluster.
• Skirt: gentle flare with soft ruffled hem.
• Shoes: matching straps and equal placement.
• Accessories: bag, shawl, bird, and bouquet all finished.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the bunny away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, especially in the blue, mint, and violet yarn shades. Store in a dry, clean space with good airflow.

If the toy is displayed on a shelf, dust it gently with a soft dry brush. Do not scrub the flower embellishments or the embroidered face. Tiny details can shift if handled roughly.

When storing the set, wrap the bunny and accessories in clean tissue or soft cotton cloth. Avoid plastic containers that trap moisture unless the environment is fully dry. This helps preserve the shape, color, and soft hand of the knitted fabric.