Verbena Sugar-Room Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted bunny is designed as a soft heirloom toy with a romantic wardrobe and sweet little accessories. The finished set includes a cream bunny, a flower-pattern dress, a blue beret, a shoulder bag, a tiny book, a small bouquet, and a miniature bunny friend. It is a lovely project for anyone searching for a handmade bunny doll, knitted nursery decor, collectible soft toy, baby shower gift, Easter bunny gift, or artisan stuffed animal with a timeless boutique look.

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 is written to recreate the full knitted scene shown in the image as closely as possible. The main bunny has a large rounded head, long softly hanging ears, a simple embroidered face, narrow shoulders, long legs, rounded feet, and a calm seated posture.

The outfit is a key feature of the design. The bunny wears a cream dress with repeated vertical floral columns in lavender and purple, gently flaring from the underarm to the hem. A double rounded collar frames the neck. The sleeves are plain but softly detailed, and the look is completed with a slouchy blue beret.

The accessories matter just as much here. The shoulder satchel sits across the front of the body. A tiny knitted book rests beside the bunny. A small bouquet fills the left side of the lap area. A miniature bunny companion with a blue bonnet sits on the right side.

Style note: this design is meant to look polished, soft, and gift-worthy. Keep shaping neat, stuff evenly, and avoid over-firm stuffing in the face so the muzzle lines remain gentle.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: sport or light DK weight in soft cream.
• Dress yarn: cream, lavender, soft lilac, medium purple, and a touch of green for stems.
• Beret yarn: dusty cornflower blue or muted denim blue.
• Shoes and satchel yarn: warm beige or oatmeal.
• Mini bunny yarn: cream plus the same blue used for the bonnet.
• Needles: sizes needed to create a firm fabric, usually 2.25 mm to 3 mm for the toy, and 2.75 mm to 3.25 mm for garments.
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop: for narrow pieces such as arms, legs, and mini accessories.
• Tapestry needle: for sewing seams and embroidery.
• Black embroidery thread: for eyes.
• Brown embroidery thread: for nose and mouth.
• Toy stuffing: fine polyester fill.
• Small button: one tiny beige button for the satchel flap.
• Thin cardboard: optional, for the tiny book cover support.

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge is not highly critical, but consistency is important. Knit tightly enough that stuffing does not show through. On average, 28 to 32 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette with sport or light DK yarn works well for the main bunny.

The main bunny should finish at about 11 to 13 inches tall while seated, or around 14 to 16 inches if measured from the top of the beret to the bottom of the feet when stretched straight. The mini bunny should be about 3 to 4 inches tall.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

General Construction Notes

• The bunny can be worked flat and seamed, or in the round if that is your preferred method. The shaping below is written in an easy-to-follow flat style for accessibility.
• Keep the head larger than the torso. This proportion is essential to the sweet look in the image.
• The legs are long and straight with softly rounded feet.
• The ears are narrow, long, and lightly stuffed only at the base, leaving the rest floppy.
• The dress should sit loosely over the torso and widen toward the hem.
• The floral columns should be evenly spaced and visually vertical from upper dress to hem.

Main Bunny Legs

Knit two. Use cream. The legs are long cylinders with a little widening at the foot. Make them slightly firm so the seated bunny keeps its shape well.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch for the sole edge.
3. Shape the foot over the next 6 rows by increasing 1 stitch at each end on rows 1, 3, and 5. You will have 20 sts.
4. Work 8 rows in stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
5. Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next 3 RS rows to return to 14 sts.
6. Work straight in stockinette until the leg measures about 4 1/2 to 5 inches from the sole.
7. BO loosely, leaving a long tail for sewing to the body.

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Sew the leg seam. Shape the foot by flattening the cast-on edge into an oval. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg more lightly above it. The finished leg should remain slim, not chunky.

Main Bunny Body

The body is short compared with the head and legs. It should be pear-shaped but subtle, with the widest point near the lower torso. Knit front and back separately.

Body front and body back: make two in cream.

1. CO 24 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in stockinette.
3. Increase 1 stitch at each end of the next 4 RS rows. You will have 32 sts.
4. Work straight for 12 rows.
5. Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next 3 RS rows. You will have 26 sts.
6. Work 6 rows straight.
7. Shape shoulders by BO 4 sts at the start of the next 2 rows.
8. BO remaining 18 sts.

Sew the body sides, leaving lower openings to attach the legs. Stuff the body moderately. It should feel soft, not rigid, because the dress needs to drape well over it.

Main Bunny Head

The head is the most important shape in the project. It should be large, round, and softly oval, with a gentle lower muzzle area. Knit front and back separately in cream.

Head front and head back: make two.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: k1, inc, knit to last stitch, inc, k1.
3. Row 2: purl.
4. Rep these 2 rows until you have 34 sts.
5. Work 18 rows straight in stockinette.
6. Shape top by decreasing 1 stitch at each end of every RS row until 18 sts remain.
7. BO.

Before sewing the head closed, add very light contour stitching if desired. A few tiny horizontal stitches across the lower face can help suggest the rounded muzzle area visible in the image.

Stuff the head carefully. Keep the center face smooth. Avoid lumps. The cheeks should look soft and even. Attach the head to the body only after the ears are prepared.

Main Bunny Ears

Knit four ear pieces in cream, two for each ear. The ears are long, flat, and softly tapered with a rounded tip. They hang straight down from beneath the beret.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 6 rows straight in stockinette.
3. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row. You will have 12 sts.
4. Work 18 rows straight.
5. Decrease 1 stitch at each end on every 4th row, 3 times. You will have 6 sts.
6. Work 4 rows straight.
7. BO.

Sew each pair together around the sides and tip. Leave the lower edge open. Do not heavily stuff. If desired, place only a pinch of stuffing in the bottom inch so the ear base looks softly rounded while the rest hangs flat.

Main Bunny Arms

Knit two in cream. These arms are gently rounded tubes with a slight taper toward the wrist. They sit low enough to allow the satchel strap to cross the body naturally.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 4 rows straight in stockinette.
3. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row. You will have 14 sts.
4. Work straight for 18 rows.
5. Decrease 1 stitch at each end on the next 2 RS rows. You will have 10 sts.
6. Work 4 rows straight.
7. BO.

Sew and lightly stuff. Keep the wrists soft. The arms should lie close to the body and not stick outward too much.

Dress Bodice and Skirt

The dress is cream with repeated floral motif columns running vertically. The shape is sleeveless in structure but layered over the bunny body, while the visible cream sleeves belong to the bunny itself. The dress should begin high under the collar and widen gently toward the hem.

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You may work the dress as one front and one back piece, then seam at the sides. The decorative flowers may be added by duplicate stitch, tiny embroidered knots, or attached knitted bobble clusters. To match the image most closely, use small raised flower dots rather than flat colorwork.

Dress Front

1. CO 42 sts in cream.
2. Work 6 rows in garter stitch for the hem edge.
3. Begin stockinette and decrease 1 stitch at each end every 8th row, 5 times. You will have 32 sts.
4. Work straight until the piece measures from hem to underarm about 3 3/4 inches.
5. Shape armholes by BO 2 sts at the start of the next 2 rows.
6. Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next 2 RS rows. You will have 24 sts.
7. Work 8 rows straight.
8. Shape neckline by BO center 8 sts and work each side separately.
9. At neck edge, decrease 1 stitch every RS row 3 times.
10. Work 2 rows straight.
11. BO shoulder stitches.

Dress Back

1. Work as front to armhole shaping.
2. After armhole shaping, work 10 rows straight.
3. BO center 10 sts for neck.
4. Finish each side separately, decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge twice.
5. BO shoulder stitches.

Floral Columns

The front of the dress shows evenly spaced vertical rows of small blossoms. There are multiple columns, each formed by stacked purple flower heads connected by short green stems. Near the hem, some blossoms shift into lighter lavender shades.

To recreate the look, mark 6 to 8 vertical columns across the front. Keep them evenly spaced, but not too close to the side seams. Start the first flowers just below the bodice and continue nearly to the hem.

• Use green yarn to add short vertical stem stitches between blossoms.
• Make each blossom with 3 to 4 tiny wrapped knots or bobble-like seed stitches.
• Alternate medium purple and lavender for a natural clustered look.
• Place some lighter blossoms in the lower dress area to match the image balance.

Important: keep each floral cluster small. The flowers should read as delicate repeated sprigs, not large roses. The dress background must remain dominant.

Rounded Double Collar

The collar is a defining feature of the outfit. It is soft, rounded, and made as two separate cream pieces sewn to the neckline so they overlap slightly at the center front.

Knit two collar pieces in cream.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. Continue in stockinette with garter stitch edge stitches if desired for neatness.
4. On every RS row, decrease 1 stitch at the outer edge only, 5 times, creating a curved teardrop shape.
5. When the piece measures about 1 1/2 inches, BO.

Lightly steam or block. Sew each collar to the neckline with the rounded ends pointing downward. Let the two pieces sit side by side with a small gap or minimal overlap at the center front.

Blue Beret

The beret is wide, soft, and slightly slouchy. It sits low over the forehead and covers the ear attachment points. Use muted blue yarn.

1. CO 72 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Increase evenly across the next RS row to 96 sts.
4. Work 18 to 22 rows in stockinette.
5. Begin crown shaping by dividing stitches into 8 sections.
6. Decrease 1 stitch at each section marker on every other row until 32 sts remain.
7. Decrease on every row until 8 sts remain.
8. Thread yarn through the remaining stitches and pull tight.

Sew the seam if worked flat. The beret should appear puffed at the back and slightly tilted. Position it low enough to frame the face exactly as in the image.

Shoes

The bunny wears simple beige Mary Jane style shoes with a rounded toe and a narrow strap. Knit two in warm beige.

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter stitch.
3. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next 2 RS rows. You will have 20 sts.
4. Work 8 rows stockinette.
5. Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next 2 RS rows. You will have 16 sts.
6. Work 4 rows straight.
7. BO.

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Sew each shoe around the foot like a slipper. For the strap, pick up or sew a narrow i-cord or knitted strip across the upper foot. The strap should sit slightly above the center, creating the classic Mary Jane look.

Shoulder Satchel

The satchel is a small rectangular beige bag with a rounded lower edge, front flap, long strap, and a tiny button. It hangs from the bunny’s left shoulder across the body toward the right side.

Bag Body

1. CO 18 sts in beige.
2. Work 14 rows in stockinette.
3. Fold in half and sew side seams to form a shallow pouch.

Flap

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Work 6 rows stockinette.
3. Decrease 1 stitch at each end every RS row 3 times.
4. Work 2 rows straight.
5. BO.

Strap

Make an i-cord or narrow strip about 10 to 12 inches long, depending on your bunny size. Sew the flap to the back top edge of the pouch. Add the tiny button at the front. Then attach the strap so the bag rests naturally at the bunny’s hip.

Tiny Book

The small book is beige and simple. It sits to the left of the bunny and adds a storybook mood to the scene.

1. CO 10 sts in beige.
2. Knit a flat rectangle about 2 by 1 1/4 inches.
3. Make a second identical rectangle.
4. Optional: place thin cardboard between the outer covers for structure.
5. Add a few tiny cream pages inside using felt, fabric, or a folded knitted strip.
6. Sew along one side like a spine.

For the tiny clasp detail visible on the book edge, sew a short contrasting stitch or tiny embroidered tab.

Flower Bouquet

The bouquet combines soft green stems with lavender and purple flower clusters. It should look small and hand-tied, not oversized. Make enough stems to form a compact bunch that fits against the bunny’s dress.

• Knit or crochet several short green cords for stems.
• Add tiny lavender and purple pom-pom blossoms, French-knot style stitched flowers, or miniature knitted petals.
• Group the stems tightly at the base.
• Wrap the bundle with a few turns of matching yarn.

The bouquet should rest near the bunny’s left side, just under the satchel strap area, echoing the flower colors used on the dress.

Mini Bunny Companion

This little companion is an essential part of the full set. It has a tiny cream body, small ears, a stitched face, and a blue bonnet tied under the chin.

Mini Bunny Body

1. CO 12 sts in cream.
2. Increase to 20 sts over several RS rows for a rounded lower body.
3. Work 10 rows straight.
4. Decrease gradually back to 12 sts for the head area.
5. Work 6 rows straight.
6. Decrease to close the top.

The mini bunny can be made as one simple piece with a pear shape. Stuff lightly so it remains very cute and compact.

Mini Bunny Ears

1. CO 4 sts for each ear.
2. Work 8 to 10 rows in stockinette.
3. Decrease at the tip and BO.

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Sew the ears near the top sides of the head. Keep them short and upright.

Mini Bunny Bonnet

1. CO enough stitches to fit around the mini bunny’s face and head, usually 20 to 24 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in rib or garter for the face edge.
3. Continue in stockinette for 8 rows.
4. Decrease at the back of the head to shape a snug bonnet.
5. Finish with two narrow ties.

Tie the bonnet under the chin with a neat bow. The blue color should match the beret used on the large bunny.

Face Embroidery

The face is sweet and restrained. The eyes are very small black vertical stitches placed wide apart. The nose is a softly defined triangular or Y-shaped stitched form in warm brown. The mouth continues downward in a delicate split line.

• Place the eyes low enough to keep the forehead broad.
• Keep both eyes minimal. Large eyes will change the whole character.
• Use 2 to 3 tiny satin stitches for each eye.
• Shape the nose with small centered stitches.
• Work the mouth in a soft downward V with a short central line.

Do not over-detail the face. The calm, handmade simplicity is what gives the bunny its charm.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff both legs.
2. Sew and stuff the body, then attach the legs evenly at the lower edge.
3. Sew and stuff the arms.
4. Prepare the head and embroider the face before closing completely if needed.
5. Attach the ears to the head.
6. Sew the head securely to the body.
7. Attach the arms at shoulder level.
8. Dress the bunny in the floral dress.
9. Sew on the collar pieces.
10. Add the shoes.
11. Place and secure the satchel.
12. Set the beret on the head and tack lightly in place.
13. Finish the mini bunny, book, and bouquet.

Shaping Tips for a Close Match

• Head: keep it wider than the neck and body.
• Ears: attach slightly behind the face line so they fall down the sides.
• Arms: place low and close to the torso.
• Dress: do not make it too stiff. The skirt needs a gentle outward flare.
• Beret: allow fullness at the back for the characteristic puffed shape.
• Mini bunny: keep proportions extra tiny and round to make it look companion-sized beside the main toy.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Once every piece is complete, sit the bunny upright and make final placement checks before sewing permanently. Confirm that the beret sits low, the satchel crosses the chest naturally, and the bouquet rests softly near the left side.

Adjust the eyes one last time before stitching. A change of even one row can alter the expression. Keep the nose centered and small. Lightly shape the cheeks with hidden stitches if needed for a softer, rounder face.

Care Notes

Handle the finished bunny gently, especially around the floral dress details, bouquet, and mini accessories. This design is best used as a decorative toy, shelf display, nursery keepsake, or supervised gift rather than a rough-play toy.

If giving to a child, secure all stitched details very firmly and avoid detachable parts unless you are certain they are safe for the intended age group.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both ears the same length and attached evenly?
• Does the face look calm and centered?
• Does the dress flare slightly at the hem?
• Are the floral columns evenly spaced?
• Does the beret sit with a soft back slouch?
• Is the satchel strap the right length?
• Are the shoes matched and balanced?
• Does the mini bunny feel proportional beside the main bunny?

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Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean whenever possible using a soft cloth, cool water, and a very mild soap. Avoid soaking the bunny, especially if the bouquet, book, and satchel include mixed materials or firm inserts.

If deeper cleaning is needed, gently hand wash only the knitted portions, press out water with a towel, and dry flat away from direct sunlight. Do not wring, twist, or hang to dry, since that can distort the head, dress, and beret.

Store the bunny in a clean, dry place. To preserve the shape, support the head and avoid crushing the beret. Keep away from damp storage, strong perfume, smoke, and long periods of direct sun to protect both yarn texture and color.