Orchid Meringue Bunny – Knitting

This knitted bunny set is designed to look like a boutique handmade rabbit doll with soft spring colors, heirloom styling, and charming accessories. The finished set includes a dressed bunny, cloche hat, cardigan, shoes, handbag, orchid pieces, a tiny bird, and a folded cloth accent. It has the feel of a collectible nursery doll, an artisan toy, and a thoughtful handmade gift for Easter baskets, baby showers, seasonal décor, or shoppers searching for a knitted bunny doll, rabbit soft toy, or luxury handcrafted keepsake.

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

Overview

This design recreates the exact look of the pictured bunny as closely as possible in knitted form.

The bunny is slim and upright, with a softly rounded head, long drooping ears, a narrow neck, a simple stitched face, and short oval arms. The legs are straight and gentle, not chunky, and the feet are slightly flattened to support the shoes.

The clothing is a big part of the overall look.

The dress is pale pink with a softly gathered skirt and orchid motifs placed across the upper chest and again around the lower hem. The cardigan is a short lilac piece with a curved front opening and a vertical row of pearl-like buttons.

The hat has a rounded cloche shape with a downward brim. A knitted orchid flower and leaf trim sit on one side. The handbag is small, rounded, and neutral in color. The shoes are matching pink Mary Jane slippers.

Small display pieces in the image are also included in this write-up so the finished set feels complete.

• Main bunny with dress, cardigan, shoes, and hat
• Small handbag
• Loose orchid flowers and buds for styling
• Tiny bird in green, plum, cream, and gold tones
• Folded cloth accent

Skill Level

Intermediate.

A patient beginner can make this set if they are comfortable with shaping, simple seaming, picking up stitches, small circumference knitting, and working small color sections.

Finished Size

The proportions matter more than the exact centimeter count, because the visual balance of the bunny is what creates the same look.

• Bunny height without hat: about 12 inches / 30 cm
• Bunny height with hat: about 13 inches / 33 cm
• Head height: about one-third of total body height
• Ear length: long enough to fall below the jaw and rest near the shoulders
• Dress length: just below knee level
• Cardigan length: cropped, ending just above the dress waist shaping

Materials

Use a smooth sport or light DK yarn with excellent stitch definition.

Choose matte yarn rather than fuzzy yarn, because the photographed bunny has very clean, neat stitches and crisp shaping.

• Color A: warm cream for bunny body, head, ears, neck, and legs
• Color B: soft blush pink for dress and shoes
• Color C: pale lilac for cardigan
• Color D: oatmeal or light mushroom for hat and handbag
• Color E: orchid pink for flower petals
• Color F: deep mauve for orchid motif contrast and flower centers
• Color G: soft green for leaves and buds
• Color H: bird green
• Color I: bird plum-purple
• Color J: bird cream
• Color K: bird golden tan
• Small amount: dark brown or black for eyes

• Knitting needles suitable for your yarn, usually 2.5 mm to 3.25 mm for the toy parts
• A slightly larger needle for the hat brim if needed
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop setup for tiny pieces
• Tapestry needle
• Removable stitch markers
• Fine toy stuffing
• Thin card or flexible plastic canvas for optional sole inserts
• 6 small pearl-like beads or tiny buttons for cardigan front and floral centers if desired
• Sewing thread matching cream and pink

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Gauge

Gauge must be tight enough that stuffing does not show through.

A good target is about 30 to 32 stitches per 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette for the body yarn, worked firmly.

If your fabric looks loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase
• 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
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• beg = beginning
• sl = slip
• M1 = make 1 increase
• St st = stockinette stitch
• G st = garter stitch

Construction Notes

The bunny is easiest to make in separate pieces and assemble firmly.

Keep the neck narrow and well stuffed. That long neck is important to the photographed silhouette, especially under the dress neckline and cardigan opening.

The face should stay very simple.

Do not add a nose triangle, cheeks, or heavy sculpting. The photographed bunny has tiny straight eyes, a small stitched Y-shaped nose and mouth, and very calm expression lines.

The ears are not posed upright.

They are long, soft, and naturally droop straight down from the side crown area. They should frame the face and continue under the hat.

Main Bunny Legs

Make 2 in Color A.

1. CO 10 sts. Distribute for working in the round if preferred, or work flat and seam later.
2. Work 4 rounds or rows in G st for the foot base edge.
3. Increase evenly to 14 sts.
4. Work 10 rows in St st, shaping the foot with 2 short rows at the toe if you like a gentler front curve.
5. For the ankle, work 4 rows straight.
6. For the lower leg, continue even until the piece measures about 3 inches / 7.5 cm from cast-on.
7. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly.

The pictured legs are straight and slim. They do not widen dramatically.

When both legs are complete, set them aside with live stitches if working top-up, or leave long yarn tails for joining if worked separately and seamed.

Body

Join the legs into one body in Color A.

1. Arrange both legs so the feet angle slightly outward.
2. Join with 4 to 6 cast-on bridge stitches between legs, depending on your gauge.
3. Work around all stitches to begin the lower torso.
4. On the next 6 rounds, decrease the extra bridge fullness gradually so the inner thighs look neat.
5. Work even for about 8 rounds.
6. Increase 4 sts evenly across one round to form the widest hip section.
7. Work 8 rounds even.
8. Begin waist shaping by decreasing 4 sts evenly every 4th round, twice.
9. Work 6 rounds even for the narrow waist.
10. Increase 4 sts evenly across one round for the upper torso.
11. Work until the body from crotch to shoulder base measures about 3 1/4 inches / 8 cm.

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The bunny in the photo has a soft pear shape under the dress, but the actual body is still fairly slender.

Do not overstuff the tummy. It should feel soft, not round and hard.

Neck

The neck is long and visible above the dress and cardigan.

1. Decrease evenly across the next round until you have a narrow neck circumference.
2. Work 10 to 14 rounds even.
3. Stuff very firmly as you go.
4. Insert a small rolled fabric tube, cotton swab stem, or other soft internal support only if needed to prevent wobble.

Head

The head is a soft oval with a wide forehead and gently narrowing chin.

1. From the neck, increase evenly across 2 rounds until the head width looks balanced with the shoulders.
2. Work 8 rounds even.
3. Increase 4 sts evenly once more for the fullest head point.
4. Work 10 to 12 rounds even.
5. Begin crown shaping by decreasing 4 sts evenly every other round.
6. When the opening becomes small, stuff the head firmly and smoothly.
7. Continue decreasing until 8 to 10 sts remain.
8. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull closed.

Before closing fully, check that the face front is centered over the feet.

The head should sit upright with only a soft handmade lean, never a dramatic tilt.

Arms

Make 2 in Color A.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work 3 rows or rounds in G st.
3. Increase to 10 sts.
4. Work straight until the arm reaches about 2 1/4 inches / 5.5 cm.
5. Shape the upper arm with one increase near each side if desired.
6. Stuff only the lower half firmly.
7. Flatten the top and seam closed.

The arms in the image are slim, smooth, and hang downward close to the dress.

Attach them low enough that the cardigan sleeve line looks natural over the shoulder.

Ears

Make 2 in Color A.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 2 rows in G st.
3. Change to St st and work 6 rows even.
4. Increase 1 st at each end every 4th row twice.
5. Work straight until the ear is long and elegant, about 4 1/2 to 5 inches / 11.5 to 12.5 cm.
6. Begin tapering by decreasing 1 st at each end every 6th row until only 10 sts remain.
7. Work 2 rows even.
8. Shape the tip with paired decreases until 4 sts remain, then close neatly.

Lightly steam or hand-shape the ears so they lie flat.

Sew them to the head just behind the top side face line, not on the very crown. They should fall down naturally and reach near the upper chest.

Face Detailing

Use dark brown or black thread or very fine yarn.

• Place the eyes low on the face, well apart, and slightly vertical
• Each eye should be tiny, only 1 to 2 stitches long
• Do not use large safety eyes for this look
• Stitch a short central nose line in cream-beige or soft brown
• Add two small angled mouth lines beneath for the gentle Y-shaped expression

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The photographed face is calm and minimal. Restraint is the key detail here.

Dress Bodice

Work in Color B.

This dress has a soft empire feeling, with the skirt gathered below the chest area and a floral motif centered across the upper front.

1. CO enough stitches to fit the upper torso snugly.
2. Work the back and front as a simple sleeveless bodice, either flat in pieces or in one piece with openings at the back.
3. Use 4 rows of k1, p1 rib at the neckline edge if you want a clean top finish.
4. Keep the armholes modest and rounded.
5. Shape the neckline straight across with slightly curved top corners.

Before sewing the bodice closed, add the orchid chest motif.

Chest Orchid Motif

The upper motif spans the front center and visually resembles a stylized orchid blossom with side petals in pale cream-white and mauve-purple accents.

You can achieve this in either of two ways.

• Method 1: work a small intarsia chart directly into the front
• Method 2: knit the bodice plain and add duplicate stitch afterward

For the closest visual match, use duplicate stitch because it allows softer petal edges.

• Base petal outline in pale cream or very light pink
• Inner petal fill in mauve-purple
• Central bottom petal in pale yellow-lilac tones
• Tiny bead or French-knot style center if desired

The motif should sit high on the chest, centered, and wide enough to be clearly visible under the open cardigan.

Dress Skirt

The skirt is soft, round, and lightly gathered, not stiff.

1. Pick up stitches along the lower edge of the bodice.
2. Increase generously across the first skirt round to create fullness.
3. Work the skirt in smooth St st.
4. Allow the skirt to widen gently, but not flare into a sharp A-line.
5. Continue until the hem reaches just below the knees.

The photographed hem hangs in a soft bell shape.

If your skirt collapses too much, add one more increase round near the upper third. If it flares too strongly, reduce stitch count slightly.

Hem Orchid Border

The lower dress repeats orchid motifs around the skirt front, spaced evenly.

In the image, the front visible section shows three full floral groupings, each with mauve petals and pale outlining, plus tiny yellow-centered blossoms.

Work these with duplicate stitch after knitting the skirt plain.

• Mark the front center
• Place one motif centered at the front
• Place one motif to the left and one to the right
• Keep all motifs aligned at the same height
• Use the same color logic as the chest motif

Finish the hem with 4 rows in G st or a narrow folded stockinette hem if you want extra polish.

Cardigan

Work in Color C.

This cardigan is short, fitted, and open at the front with a rounded lower edge. The sleeves are slim and end around bracelet length.

1. CO for the back.
2. Work the back in St st to underarm depth.
3. Work each front separately, shaping a soft curved lower edge by increasing gradually at the front corner over the first rows.
4. Join at shoulders or seam later.
5. Pick up or knit sleeves from the top, then work downward.
6. Keep the sleeves narrow and straight with a slight taper near the wrist.

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The front bands appear slightly textured in the photo.

A narrow cable, twisted stitch band, or simple slipped-stitch edging along each front gives the same refined look without making the sweater bulky.

Cardigan Button Detail

One front edge has a decorative row of small pearl-like buttons.

• Add 5 to 6 tiny pearl beads or miniature buttons
• Place them vertically from upper chest to lower hem curve
• Buttons are mainly decorative in the image, so hidden snaps underneath are optional

The cardigan should sit open enough to show the upper flower motif on the dress.

Shoes

Make 2 in Color B.

The photographed shoes are soft knitted Mary Jane slippers with a rounded toe and a short strap across the instep.

1. CO from the sole edge.
2. Work an oval or slightly rounded sole using increases at toe and heel.
3. After reaching the desired sole size, work 4 rounds without increases.
4. Begin upper shaping by decreasing around the toe section until the front closes around the foot.
5. Leave the instep open.
6. Add a narrow strap by picking up a few stitches on one side, knitting a short band, and sewing it to the other side.

If you want the shoes to keep their shape better, add a thin felt or card insert inside the sole.

Cloche Hat

Work in Color D.

The hat is a smooth cloche with a close rounded crown and a downward brim that frames the face softly.

1. Begin at the crown center with a small number of stitches.
2. Increase evenly every round until the flat crown circle matches the top head width.
3. Work several rounds even to create the rounded dome.
4. Increase lightly again to begin the brim.
5. Work the brim outward and downward until it extends beyond the face.
6. Finish with 4 to 6 rounds of firm edging so the brim holds its clean line.

The brim should not be floppy like sunhat lace.

It should curve gently downward and stay smooth. A slightly smaller needle on the last rounds can help maintain the shape.

Hat Orchid Trim

Make one knitted orchid flower and one small leaf in Colors E, F, G, and pale cream accents.

Sew the leaf first near the right side of the hat band area. Layer the flower partly over it.

The flower should angle outward and slightly upward, just as in the image.

• Use 5 petals total
• Top petals slightly narrower
• Side petals broader
• Lower petal rounded and full
• Add a bead or wrapped knot center

Handbag

Work in Color D.

This is a tiny gathered bucket-style handbag with a short loop handle and soft rounded base.

1. CO for a small circular or oval base.
2. Increase to form a rounded bottom.
3. Work straight upward in St st for the sides.
4. Near the top, work one eyelet round if you want to thread a drawstring.
5. Reduce slightly at the upper edge so the bag mouth tucks inward.
6. Make a short I-cord or narrow knitted handle and attach securely.

The bag should sit at the bunny’s side and reach about hip level when held.

Add a tiny knot or bead at the handle join for the subtle detail visible in the photo.

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Orchid Flower Props

The image includes a small arrangement of loose orchids on the table.

These pieces make the display feel complete, so they are worth knitting even though they are optional for the bunny itself.

Large Orchid Blossoms

Make 3 to 4 blossoms.

1. Knit individual petals in pale orchid pink.
2. Make each petal slightly cupped by adding a central increase line, then decreasing back down.
3. Create 5 petals per flower.
4. Add small inner contrast stitches in deeper orchid or mauve near the center.
5. Join the petals around a tiny stuffed or wrapped center nub in yellow-gold and mauve.

The petals should be soft and rounded, not pointed like stars.

Steam lightly and shape by hand while damp.

Buds and Small Stems

Make 2 to 3 buds in pale pink and green.

• Knit a tiny oval bud in pale pink
• Add a green base cap
• Attach to short knitted or wrapped stems
• Make one slightly more open than the others for realism

You may join several blossoms and buds to a wrapped floral wire stem for display, or leave them as separate styling props like the image.

Tiny Bird

This little bird is small, plump, and decorative.

Its body uses green, plum, cream, and gold shades. The shape is rounded with a short tail, pointed beak, and tiny wings attached at the sides.

Bird Body

1. Begin at the beak end with a few stitches in dark green or charcoal if desired.
2. Switch to green for the head and upper back.
3. Work short rows or strategic increases to round out the chest.
4. Use cream for the throat and plum for the lower face patch.
5. Use gold or tan for the lower body wrap area.
6. Stuff lightly.
7. Shape the back and tail with decreases.

Wings and Tail

• Make 2 tiny leaf-shaped wings in green
• Make a short pointed tail in plum or muted purple
• Sew the wings low on the sides so the body remains visible from the front

Add a tiny eye knot if desired, but keep the feature minimal because the bird is very small.

Folded Cloth Accent

This prop appears as a tiny folded cream cloth with a pink edge stripe.

It can be knitted as a small square and folded into thirds.

1. CO a small number of stitches in cream.
2. Work a flat square in G st or seed stitch.
3. Add one thin pink stripe near the edge.
4. BO loosely.
5. Steam flat and fold into a neat rectangle.

Assembly

Take your time with assembly. The photographed finish looks polished and balanced, so placement matters as much as knitting.

1. Sew the head to the neck securely.
2. Attach the ears symmetrically, letting them hang straight down.
3. Sew the arms at the shoulder line so the hands rest near the dress side seams.
4. Dress the bunny in the pink dress first.
5. Add the cardigan, keeping the floral chest motif visible.
6. Slip on the shoes.
7. Place the hat low enough to frame the face without covering the eyes.
8. Position the handbag at one side paw.

If needed, tack the cardigan fronts very lightly so they stay in the same elegant position.

You can also tack the hat to one ear and one side of the head so it does not shift.

Color Placement Guide

For the closest visual result, keep the palette gentle and dusty rather than bright.

• Bunny: warm cream
• Dress: meringue pink
• Cardigan: soft lilac
• Hat and bag: oatmeal beige
• Flowers: orchid pink, mauve, pale cream, tiny yellow center accents
• Bird: green top, plum accents, cream throat, golden lower body

Fit and Styling Notes

The dress should appear gently gathered under the chest, not tightly pleated.

The cardigan should be cropped enough to reveal the skirt fullness.

The hat brim should sit just above the eyes and extend past the face sides for the same soft garden look.

The handbag should be small. If it becomes too large, the proportions will stop matching the image.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face first from the front and from slightly above. The eyes should be low, tiny, and evenly spaced. The mouth should stay delicate and centered.

Make sure the ears fall at the same length. The hat flower should sit on one side only, with the leaf peeking out behind it. Attach the cardigan so the front buttons form a neat vertical line.

Care Notes

Handle the finished bunny gently, especially the flower trim, tiny bird, and handbag handle.

Display use is ideal. For light play, reinforce all sewn details well and avoid loose beads for very young children.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Face centered and calm-looking
• Ears matched and evenly placed
• Neck firm enough to hold the head upright
• Dress motifs balanced across chest and hem
• Cardigan cropped and button line neat
• Hat brim smooth and flower trim secure
• Shoes fit closely and sit flat
• Handbag sized small, not oversized
• Bird and orchid props finished in the same soft color family

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean whenever possible using cool water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. Do not twist, wring, or scrub the knitted surface.

If deeper cleaning is needed, hand wash gently, reshape while damp, and dry flat on a towel away from direct sunlight. Keep the hat brim supported while drying.

Store in a clean, dry place. Acid-free tissue inside the hat and dress helps preserve shape. Avoid long-term pressure on the flower trim, cardigan buttons, and facial stitches.