Lisianthus Satin-Panel Bunny – Knitting

This knitted bunny set is designed to match the soft, heirloom look of a collectible handmade rabbit doll with refined garden details. The finished design includes the bunny, puff-sleeve dress, brimmed hat, Mary Jane shoes, flower stem bouquet, tiny basket, clasp purse, and a sweet little cat companion. It is perfect for knitters who enjoy luxury soft toy patterns, nursery decor pieces, baby shower gift ideas, and artisan stuffed animal projects with boutique-style 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 pattern creates a seated long-eared bunny with a smooth cream body, a dusty mauve dress, and matching accessories. The silhouette is gentle and slightly vintage, with a rounded head, slim neck, softly stuffed limbs, and a full skirt trimmed with pointed decorative panels.

The outfit is an important part of the finished look. The dress is not a plain tube. It has a square neckline, short puff sleeves, a softly gathered lower section, and long petal-like front panels in mauve laid over the pale cream underskirt.

The hat is softly domed with a rolled brim that frames the face. The shoes are rounded Mary Jane slippers with a narrow strap. In one paw, the bunny holds a tiny textured basket. In the other, she carries a small round clasp purse.

The floral stem bundle is also part of the look. It includes three lisianthus-style blooms in soft mauve and several pale buds on green stems. Beside the bunny sits a tiny kitten wearing a matching petal-collar dress and a small mauve cap.

Finished Measurements

• Main bunny: about 15 to 16 inches tall seated, about 19 inches tall from foot to top of hat if legs are extended
• Head width: about 4 1/2 inches
• Body length: about 5 inches from neck to lower body before dress hem
• Ear length: about 4 3/4 to 5 inches
• Cat companion: about 4 1/2 to 5 inches tall
• Basket: about 2 inches across
• Purse: about 1 1/4 inches wide

Exact size depends on yarn, stuffing density, and your personal gauge. The proportions matter more than exact inches. Keep the head large and rounded, the body narrow through the chest, and the legs long enough to drape naturally over an edge.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: sport or light DK weight in warm cream
• Dress, shoes, hat, purse, and cat outfit yarn: sport or light DK weight in dusty mauve
• Basket yarn: sport or light DK weight in warm beige or mushroom tan
• Flower stems and leaves yarn: sport weight olive green
• Flower buds: pale cream-green
• Cat yarn: light gray, cream, and a tiny amount of mauve for nose detail if desired
• Needles: set of double-pointed needles or magic loop needles in sizes US 2 and US 3
• Tapestry needle
• Locking stitch markers
• Fine black embroidery thread
• Soft toy stuffing
• Thin floral wire or pipe cleaner for flower stems and basket handle support
• Small sew-on clasp frame for the purse, about 1 inch wide, optional but recommended
• Small buttons: 2 tiny decorative side buttons for shoes if desired
• Cardboard or plastic circle to stabilize the basket base, optional

Gauge

On larger needles, 28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette worked in the round after light blocking.

For toys, dense fabric matters more than matching a garment gauge exactly. Use a needle size that gives you a firm fabric with no stuffing visible through the stitches.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• rnd = round
• 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
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• rep = repeat

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Construction Notes

The bunny is made as separate pieces and seamed. This gives better control over the exact shape seen in the image. The head is round and smooth, the muzzle is only lightly shaped, and the neck is narrower than the head and body.

The ears hang straight down from the sides of the head, beginning slightly behind the face centerline. The arms are slim cylinders with very little shaping. The legs are longer and thicker than the arms, with rounded feet designed to sit forward.

The dress is worked in separate sections. The cream underskirt is simple. The mauve overskirt panels are worked as elongated pointed pieces and stitched evenly across the front of the dress. This detail is essential to match the photo.

The cat is also knitted separately. Its construction is simplified, but the proportions must echo the bunny styling so the set looks cohesive.

Main Bunny: Legs Make 2

Using cream and smaller needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round. Join carefully.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 on each half of round. 28 sts.
5. Rnds 5-10: Knit.

This section forms the rounded toe. Stuff the toe lightly now so it keeps a smooth curved shape.

1. Rnd 11: K10, k2tog, k4, ssk, k10. 26 sts.
2. Rnd 12: Knit.
3. Rnd 13: K9, k2tog, k4, ssk, k9. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 14-18: Knit.

The foot should now look softly oval, not pointed. Continue the leg in a straight tube so it hangs naturally when seated.

1. Rnds 19-44: Knit.

Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly to medium. Flatten the top opening so the foot points slightly forward. Leave a long tail for sewing. Make the second leg exactly the same.

Main Bunny: Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 14 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnds 1-18: Knit.
2. Rnd 19: K1, k2tog around. 10 sts.
3. Rnds 20-22: Knit.

Stuff the hand area lightly and the upper arm very lightly. The arms in the image are slim and flexible, not stiff. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Main Bunny: Body

Using cream, CO 28 sts for front and 28 sts for back on straight needles. Work two flat pieces, then seam, or work in the round if preferred and mark side lines. Flat knitting gives slightly cleaner shoulder placement for this design.

Front Body

1. Rows 1-8: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
2. Row 9: K2, M1L, knit to last 2 sts, M1R, k2. 30 sts.
3. Rows 10-14: Stockinette.
4. Row 15: Rep Row 9. 32 sts.
5. Rows 16-24: Stockinette.

This creates a body that widens gently toward the lower torso, matching the soft doll shape under the dress.

1. Row 25: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 30 sts.
2. Rows 26-30: Stockinette.
3. Row 31: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 28 sts.
4. Rows 32-36: Stockinette.

For the neck shaping:

1. Row 37: K10, BO 8, knit to end.
2. Work each side separately for 3 rows, decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge every RS row.
3. Continue straight until front measures about 5 inches.
4. BO remaining shoulder stitches.

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Back Body

Work as for front through Row 36. Then continue straight for 4 more rows before shaping a shallow back neck.

1. Next row: K11, BO 6, knit to end.
2. Work each side separately for 2 rows, decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge once.
3. BO shoulders to match front.

Join shoulders. Seam sides later after attaching legs.

Main Bunny: Head

The head is a smooth rounded shape with only subtle muzzle contour. Use cream and work in the round.

1. CO 12 sts. Join.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: K1, kfb around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 4: Knit.
6. Rnd 5: K2, kfb around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 6: Knit.
8. Rnd 7: K3, kfb around. 60 sts.
9. Rnds 8-24: Knit.

At this stage, begin stuffing firmly. Keep the face smooth and dense, especially around the muzzle area, but do not overstuff the lower head where it joins the neck.

1. Rnd 25: K3, k2tog around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 26: Knit.
3. Rnd 27: K2, k2tog around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 28: Knit.
5. Rnd 29: K1, k2tog around. 24 sts.

Stuff more as needed. The finished head should be round but very slightly longer vertically than horizontally.

1. Rnd 30: K2tog around. 12 sts.
2. Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Main Bunny: Ears Make 2

The ears are long, flat, and softly tapered. They are not wired. They should fall from beneath the hat brim and end near the upper chest.

Using cream, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: Stockinette.
2. Row 7: K1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1. 12 sts.
3. Rows 8-20: Stockinette.
4. Row 21: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
5. Rows 22-30: Stockinette.
6. Row 31: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
7. Rows 32-38: Stockinette.
8. BO knitwise.

Make a second ear. Steam lightly if needed so the ears lie flat. Do not overpress.

Neck Insert

To support the square neckline look of the dress, the bunny in the image has a visible cream neck section above the dress. Knit a simple neck band if desired.

Using cream, CO 24 sts and work 8 rows of 1×1 rib. BO loosely. Wrap around the neck seam area after assembly and stitch in place. This gives a neat, tidy transition from head to dress neckline.

Dress: Cream Underlayer

This section creates the pale skirt visible under the mauve overlay panels. Knit from lower edge upward.

Using cream and larger needles, CO 72 sts and join in the round, or work flat and seam later.

1. Rnds 1-4: Knit.
2. Rnd 5: Purl for turning ridge if desired.
3. Rnds 6-18: Knit.
4. Rnd 19: K6, k2tog around. 63 sts.
5. Rnds 20-24: Knit.
6. Rnd 25: K5, k2tog around. 54 sts.
7. Rnds 26-30: Knit.

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Set aside. This lower skirt should flare softly, not dramatically.

Dress Bodice in Mauve

Pick up 54 sts at top of cream skirt or sew later as separate pieces. Work front and back separately from this point to form the square neckline and shoulder shaping.

Front Bodice

1. Work 27 sts for front.
2. Rows 1-10: Stockinette.
3. Row 11: K6, BO center 15 sts, knit to end.

This wide opening creates the square front neckline seen in the image. The neckline is not deep, but it is broad and clearly squared.

1. Work each side separately for 8 more rows.
2. On neck edge, decrease 1 stitch once only to soften the corner slightly.
3. BO shoulder stitches.

Back Bodice

Work 27 back sts in stockinette for 14 rows. Shape a shallow neck opening across the center 11 sts, then finish shoulders to match front.

Puff Sleeves Make 2

The sleeves are short, rounded, and softly full. They sit slightly off the shoulder and should cover the top of the arm, ending above the elbow.

Using mauve, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1-3: K1, p1 rib.
2. Row 4: Kfb in every 3rd st across. 32 sts.
3. Rows 5-12: Stockinette.
4. Row 13: K2tog across. 16 sts.
5. BO loosely.

Seam each sleeve into a shallow tube. Gather top edge slightly and attach neatly to the armhole so it forms a puff, not a flat sleeve cap.

Mauve Satin-Panel Overskirt Pieces

This detail defines the design. Make 5 long pointed panels in mauve. The center panel should be slightly longer than the outer panels. These pieces sit over the cream skirt and create the petal-like satin-panel look from the image.

Center Panel Make 1

CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: Stockinette.
2. Row 5: K1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1. 14 sts.
3. Rows 6-20: Stockinette.
4. Row 21: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
5. Rows 22-28: Stockinette.
6. Rep decrease row every 4th row until 6 sts remain.
7. Then decrease every RS row until 2 sts remain.
8. K2tog. Fasten off.

Side Panels Make 4

CO 10 sts and work as for center panel, but begin decreases sooner so each panel finishes slightly shorter.

Lightly steam the panels. Stitch them evenly to the front waist seam of the dress so they fan out gently. The center panel should point lowest. The two nearest side panels should angle slightly outward. The outermost panels should sit closer to the side seams.

Hat

The hat is a soft mauve cloche shape with a rounded crown and a deep rolled brim. It should sit low enough to shade the forehead while still leaving the eyes visible.

Using mauve and smaller needles, CO 72 sts and join.

1. Rnds 1-8: 1×1 rib.
2. Rnds 9-14: Knit.

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Fold the ribbed section upward later to form the thick brim edge visible in the photo.

1. Rnd 15: K10, k2tog around. 66 sts.
2. Rnds 16-18: Knit.
3. Rnd 19: K9, k2tog around. 60 sts.
4. Rnds 20-22: Knit.
5. Rnd 23: K8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
6. Rnd 24: Knit.
7. Rnd 25: K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
8. Rnd 26: Knit.
9. Rnd 27: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
10. Rnd 28: Knit.
11. Rnd 29: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
12. Rnd 30: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
13. Rnd 31: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
14. Rnd 32: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
15. Rnd 33: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
16. Rnd 34: K2tog around. 6 sts.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Shape the crown smoothly. Fold the brim upward and tack in place at a few points so it keeps the same depth as the photo.

Mary Jane Shoes Make 2

Using mauve, CO 12 sts and work in the round as for feet, but smaller and less deep. These are shoe covers sewn over the knitted feet.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
2. Rnds 2-6: Knit.
3. Rnd 7: K8, k2tog, k4, ssk, k8. 22 sts.
4. Rnds 8-10: Knit.
5. BO all sts except center top 6 sts if you want an open instep, or bind off fully and embroider the opening shape later.

For the strap, CO 8 sts flat and work 2 rows in garter. Sew across the instep. Add a tiny side button if desired. Make sure a pale cream opening remains visible beneath the strap, matching the image.

Basket

The basket is small, cylindrical, and textured. It should look handwoven, not glossy or stiff. Use beige yarn and smaller needles.

Base: CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Purl.
5. Rnds 5-11: Seed stitch or moss stitch.
6. BO loosely.

If desired, insert a tiny cardboard circle into the base. For the handle, make an I-cord about 5 inches long around a thin wire or pipe cleaner. Sew firmly at both sides so the basket hangs from the bunny arm.

Round Clasp Purse

This purse is small, soft, and nearly spherical. Knit in mauve.

CO 6 sts and work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K1, kfb around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Rnd 5: K2, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 6-10: Knit.
7. Rnd 11: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
8. Rnd 12: Knit.
9. Rnd 13: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.

Stuff lightly. Flatten the top slightly and stitch into a tiny metal clasp frame if using. Otherwise, embroider a faux clasp line in gold-toned thread and add a tiny curved top edging. Make a thin cord handle and loop it around the bunny wrist.

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Lisianthus Flower Bundle

The flower bundle includes soft spiral blooms and closed buds. Keep everything delicate. Oversized flowers will overpower the doll.

Open Bloom Make 3

Using mauve, CO 24 sts flat.

1. Rows 1-2: Garter stitch.
2. Row 3: K1, kfb across. 36 sts.
3. Rows 4-6: Stockinette.
4. BO loosely.

Roll the strip from one end into a loose spiral rose shape and stitch securely at the base. Do not make the center too tight. Lisianthus petals should look soft and layered rather than hard and compact.

Buds Make 4 or 5

Using pale bud color, CO 8 sts and work tiny ovals.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. 10 sts.
3. Rows 3-4: Stockinette.
4. Row 5: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 8 sts.
5. Row 6: Purl.
6. Row 7: K2tog across. 4 sts.

Draw up and close. Attach each bloom and bud to a wrapped floral wire or pipe cleaner stem using green yarn. Wrap stems together so the bouquet sits naturally across the bunny front.

Cat Companion: Body

The cat is tiny, rounded, and slightly pear-shaped. Use light gray for most of the body and cream for the lower body if you want to match the pale dress opening effect from the image.

Using gray, CO 12 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
4. Rnds 4-10: Knit.
5. Rnd 11: K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 12: Knit.
7. Rnd 13: K1, k2tog around. 16 sts.

Stuff firmly. Continue for neck and head in one piece if preferred, or make separately. A one-piece body-head construction works well for such a tiny figure.

1. Rnd 14: Knit.
2. Rnd 15: Kfb around. 32 sts.
3. Rnds 16-22: Knit.
4. Rnd 23: K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 24: K1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
6. Rnd 25: K2tog around. 8 sts.

Finish and close.

Cat Companion: Ears, Arms, and Legs

Make two small triangle ears in gray.

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: Ssk, k2tog.

Make tiny tube arms and legs using 6 to 8 stitches each for 6 to 8 rounds. Stuff lightly and sew into place. The limbs should be short and sweet, with the cat posed upright beside the bunny.

Cat Outfit and Hat

The cat dress is a mini version of the bunny styling. Work a cream lower section and add mauve pointed collar or petal pieces around the upper body.

For the lower dress, CO 24 sts in cream and knit 8 rounds. Decrease to 20 sts, then switch to mauve. Add 5 tiny pointed tabs worked separately or embroidered as attached petal pieces around the neckline area.

For the hat, CO 28 sts in mauve, work 4 rounds of rib, then 4 rounds knit. Decrease gradually to close. Sew two gray ear tips peeking from the top sides if desired, or leave the ears outside the hat opening as shown in the image.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff both legs and arms.
2. Join body shoulders and side seams.
3. Attach legs low on the body so they hang forward when seated.
4. Attach arms slightly below neckline level.
5. Sew head securely to body.
6. Attach ears slightly behind face centerline.
7. Add neck insert if using.
8. Sew dress around body and attach sleeves.
9. Add overskirt panels evenly.
10. Place shoes on feet and sew neatly.
11. Fit hat and tack lightly.
12. Sew basket, purse, and bouquet into position.
13. Assemble cat and dress cat.

Facial Placement Guide

The bunny face is intentionally minimal. Place the eyes wide apart and low enough to create a calm, childlike expression. Use tiny black French knots or very small safety eyes if the piece is decorative only.

• Eye spacing: about 1 inch apart
• Eye line: slightly below head midpoint
• Nose point: centered about 3/4 inch below the eye line
• Mouth: simple split stitch forming a soft Y shape

The cat face follows the same idea, but smaller. Add two tiny black eyes, a little pink or mauve triangle nose, and short embroidered whisker lines if desired.

Styling Notes for Accuracy

• Keep the bunny body cream, not bright white.
• Use a muted mauve, not pink-purple or rose-red.
• The dress should fall below the knee and cover the upper legs when seated.
• The overskirt panels must be long and pointed.
• The brim of the hat must roll upward with some thickness.
• The shoes should be rounded and slightly oversized in a charming doll-like way.
• The bouquet should angle diagonally across the body.
• The basket should hang from the left side and the clasp purse from the right side for a balanced look.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Shape the head gently with your hands before sewing the final facial embroidery. Add the eyes first, then the nose, then the mouth. Keep every stitch small. Large eyes or a long mouth line will change the gentle look too much.

Sew the ears so they fall straight down under the hat brim. Tack the hat with only a few hidden stitches so it stays soft and natural. Attach the bouquet last and angle it across the front, resting just above the overskirt panels.

Care Notes

• Display use is best for the full set because of the tiny accessories.
• Keep away from rough play if the bouquet, clasp purse, or basket handle is attached permanently.
• Store out of direct sunlight to preserve the dusty mauve shade.
• Reshape hat brim, ears, and skirt panels by hand after handling.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both legs equal in length and firmly attached
• Head centered and not tilting
• Eyes placed evenly
• Square neckline visible above dress front
• Five mauve front panels attached evenly
• Hat brim rolled and tacked
• Shoe straps centered
• Basket, purse, bouquet, and cat all positioned neatly

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean gently with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak the doll if metal purse hardware or wired flower stems are included. Press out excess moisture with a towel and air dry flat away from heat.

For long-term storage, wrap the bunny and cat in clean acid-free tissue and place them in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags for extended storage. Check once in a while and gently reshape the stuffing, ears, sleeves, and hat brim as needed.