Iris Tea Salon Bunny – Knitting

This elegant bunny set is designed as a collectible knitted display piece with a soft lavender tea-salon palette, floral details, and charming miniature accessories. It has the appeal of a handmade heirloom toy, a boutique stuffed rabbit, a dressed bunny doll, and a seasonal spring decor piece all in one. The finished set includes the bunny, beret, flower trim, dress, cardigan, shoes, tote bag, teacup with saucer, a small pastry, an iris bouquet, a folded cloth, and a tiny kitten companion. Every element is shaped to match the image closely, with gentle proportions and a refined handcrafted look that suits gift, nursery, and handmade toy lovers.

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 standing bunny with a large rounded head, short muzzle shaping, long soft ears that fall downward, a compact upper body, slim arms, sturdy legs, and a full gathered skirt. The visual balance is very important.

The head appears slightly larger than the torso. The skirt creates most of the body volume. The cardigan is short and cropped. The beret sits low and slightly slanted. The shoes are rounded and soft, not sharply defined.

The accessories are essential to the look. The tote bag is simple and softly structured. The teacup is tiny and shallow with a curved handle. The saucer is flat. The pastry is small and low. The bouquet is tied at the stems.

The little kitten companion should be noticeably smaller than the bunny, about one-third of the bunny’s height from feet to hat top. It should look like a separate display companion, not a full-sized second toy.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: light taupe or warm mushroom beige DK or light sport wool yarn for head, arms, legs, ears, and body base
• Dress yarn: soft lavender DK or light sport yarn
• Cardigan yarn: creamy ivory DK or light sport yarn
• Beret yarn: pale lavender DK or light sport yarn
• Shoe yarn: muted lavender-gray DK or light sport yarn
• Grass embroidery yarn: medium and deep leaf green
• Iris flower yarn: deep purple, medium purple, pale lavender, and a touch of yellow or gold
• Kitten yarn: light gray-brown, dusty pink, ivory, pale green, and purple scraps
• Bag and tea set yarn: oatmeal or beige fine yarn
• Cloth yarn: very pale lavender or off-white with lavender and green scraps for small floral detail
• Toy stuffing: fine polyester stuffing
• Weighted pellets: optional, for feet and lower body only, secured inside fabric sachets
• Safety eyes or black embroidery floss: use embroidery for the closest match
• Brown or dark taupe embroidery floss: for nose and mouth
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop needles: sized to create a firm fabric
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Small snaps or hidden stitches: for closing the cardigan if desired

Gauge and Fabric Notes

The fabric in the image is dense, smooth, and evenly worked. Use a needle size smaller than usual for your yarn so the stuffing does not show through. The body pieces should feel firm and sculpted rather than loose or floppy.

For the best resemblance, aim for a neat stockinette surface and clean edges. If your knitting tends to stretch, reduce needle size. If your stitches are already compact, keep the size that gives a tidy toy fabric with minimal gaps.

• Recommended fabric: tightly knit stockinette for toy parts
• Recommended finish: light blocking only for garments and flat accessories
• Important: do not overstuff the head sides, or the face will become too wide

Finished Size

The bunny should stand at approximately 11 to 13 inches tall, depending on yarn and gauge. The little kitten should stand about 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches tall. The bag should reach just below the bunny’s elbow.

The teacup should be small enough to sit comfortably in front of the bunny’s feet. The bouquet should look hand-held if placed beside the bunny, with bloom heads clustered and stems tied together.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• Kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• SSK = slip, slip, knit
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• BO = bind off
• Rep = repeat

Construction Order

1. Knit the legs and feet.
2. Knit the body and join to the legs.
3. Knit the arms.
4. Knit the head and muzzle shaping.
5. Knit the ears.
6. Assemble the bunny structure.
7. Knit the dress.
8. Add the skirt embroidery and central iris motif.
9. Knit the cardigan.
10. Knit the beret and flower trim.
11. Knit the shoes.
12. Knit the tote bag, teacup, saucer, pastry, bouquet, and cloth.
13. Knit the small kitten companion and its outfit.
14. Finish all facial details and final styling.

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Bunny Legs and Feet

The feet in the image are narrow from the ankle upward, with a rounded front and a stable base. They are covered later by strap shoes, so the basic leg shape should stay simple and smooth.

Make two legs in taupe. Begin at the sole. Knit each foot in the round if preferred, or flat and seam later. Use short rows or gradual toe increases to create a soft oval front.

1. CO enough stitches for a narrow oval sole. Work a few rounds or rows increasing at each end to make a small rounded foot base.
2. Work even for the sole depth.
3. Begin decreasing slightly at the sides to shape the instep.
4. Knit upward in a straight narrow tube for the ankle and lower leg.
5. Stuff the foot firmly, especially the toe area, then stuff the leg lightly to medium.
6. Make the second leg identical.

The finished foot should be slimmer than a typical toy rabbit foot. Keep the toes modest because the image shows delicate footwear, not oversized plush feet. The legs should be straight with only a slight natural curve.

Body

The visible body under the dress is compact and cylindrical. It should not be wide at the waist because the dress volume comes from the garment, not the stuffed torso. Join the legs with a small gap between them for a natural standing posture.

1. With body yarn, pick up or join from the tops of both legs.
2. Knit across one leg, cast on a small bridge between legs, knit across the second leg, and complete the round.
3. Work straight for the lower torso.
4. Increase lightly over several rounds to create a soft tummy.
5. Work even through the chest area.
6. Decrease slightly near the neckline so the head can sit neatly on top.

Stuff the body firmly at the lower section and more lightly at the upper chest. The bunny in the image looks stable and upright, so place a little weight low in the body if needed. Keep the neck opening small and well shaped.

Arms

The arms are slim, softly tapered, and end in rounded paw-like hands without separate fingers. They hang straight down and reach to about the upper skirt area. Make two arms in taupe.

1. CO for the hand end.
2. Knit a few rounds or rows with small increases to round the paw.
3. Work even for the hand depth.
4. Decrease gently into a slimmer wrist.
5. Knit straight for the forearm.
6. Increase very slightly once or twice toward the upper arm.
7. BO leaving a long tail for sewing.

Stuff the lower half more firmly than the upper half. The top should stay soft enough to flatten slightly against the body. Do not overstuff the shoulders or the cardigan sleeves will look bulky.

Head

The head is the focal point. It is broad but not oversized, with a smooth crown, subtly narrowed chin, and a gentle muzzle area formed by shaping and embroidery. The face is calm, centered, and symmetrical.

1. Begin at the neck opening and increase gradually to form the lower head.
2. Work additional increases through the cheek area.
3. Knit even for the fullest part of the head.
4. Shape the upper head with evenly spaced decreases toward the crown.
5. Leave an opening for stuffing and closing.

Stuff the head firmly but carefully. Build fullness at the forehead and cheeks while keeping the muzzle area controlled. After stuffing, use a strong thread to sculpt a slight indentation from eye area to muzzle if needed.

The face in the image has a smooth, refined finish. Avoid a pointed nose or sharply protruding snout. The muzzle should look soft, rounded, and naturally part of the head shape.

Ears

The ears are long, narrow, and droop downward beside the face. They are attached high on the head but fall low, ending around shoulder level. Make two ears in taupe.

1. CO at the ear tip with a small number of stitches.
2. Increase gradually along both sides until the ear reaches its widest point.
3. Work even for the center length.
4. Decrease very gently toward the base, but keep the base wide enough for a soft fold.
5. Work the second ear to match.

Do not stuff the ears. Lightly steam or finger-press them so they lie flat. Fold the top of each ear slightly inward before sewing to create the relaxed downward angle shown in the image.

Head and Body Assembly

Sew the head securely to the body with the face centered over the gap between the legs. The bunny in the image stands straight, so the head should not tilt strongly. A very slight forward-facing posture is ideal.

Attach the arms low enough that the cardigan sleeve sits naturally over them. The hands should fall near the dress side seams. Attach the ears after testing the beret placement, because the hat sits low and partly overlaps the upper head area.

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Facial Placement Basics

The eyes are tiny, dark, and spaced moderately apart. They sit just above the muzzle line, giving a gentle and slightly thoughtful expression. The nose is embroidered in dark taupe and forms a tiny triangular shape.

• Eyes: place them level and evenly spaced
• Nose: keep small and vertical at the center
• Mouth: split downward softly from the nose and curve slightly to each side
• Muzzle shaping: use subtle sculpting only

The image shows no heavy blush or dramatic face shading. Keep the expression restrained and sweet. The strength of this design comes from precise proportion, not exaggerated facial features.

Dress Bodice

The dress is lavender with a ribbed or finely textured bodice and a fuller skirt. It appears sleeveless under the cardigan, with the cardigan covering the shoulders. The waist sits slightly high, giving the bunny a gentle doll-like silhouette.

1. CO for the neckline or upper chest, depending on your preferred garment construction.
2. Work the bodice in a narrow rib or textured knit that resembles the vertical structure seen in the image.
3. Shape lightly through the chest with small increases.
4. Work to the high waist.

The bodice should fit close to the bunny without straining. It should look smooth beneath the cardigan. Keep the arm openings neat and compact so the garment does not flare at the sides.

Dress Skirt

The skirt is the key visual feature. It is softly gathered from the waist and falls to just above the ankles. The lower edge flares outward slightly. The front center shows a large iris motif, with smaller buds and tall green leaves spaced around the hem.

1. At the waistline, increase substantially but evenly to create a gathered skirt.
2. Knit the skirt in smooth stockinette.
3. Allow a gentle A-line expansion by adding a few increases spaced through the skirt length.
4. Finish with a tidy hem that rolls minimally or use a narrow border to keep the edge controlled.

Do not make the skirt too stiff. It should have a soft drape while still keeping enough body to stand away from the legs a little. The hem in the image is rounded and gentle, not sharply blocked.

Skirt Embroidery and Iris Motifs

This section matters greatly because the skirt decoration defines the design. Use duplicate stitch, surface embroidery, or a combination of both. Keep all floral work elegant and slightly stylized rather than overly realistic.

Begin with the green vertical leaves. These rise from the hem in irregular clusters around the front and sides of the skirt. They are slender, pointed, and angled slightly in different directions. Some are taller, some shorter.

Place one large central iris at the front lower-middle area. Above and around it, add several smaller purple buds or partial blooms spaced across the skirt. Keep the central flower the largest and most detailed.

• Leaves: embroider in long V-shaped and slightly curved strokes starting at the hem
• Large iris: use deep purple outer petals, softer lavender inner petals, and a tiny yellow accent at the center
• Smaller buds: place them asymmetrically for a natural garden effect
• Balance: avoid covering the whole skirt; leave visible lavender background

The central iris should sit almost at shin level when the bunny is dressed. It should be wide enough to read clearly from a distance but still fit inside the front panel area. The flower in the image is bold but tidy.

Cardigan

The cardigan is ivory, short, and softly open at the front. It has short sleeves ending above the elbow. The front edges have a textured border that reads like a small rolled or garter trim. The fit is neat, not oversized.

1. CO at the lower back hem or neckline depending on your preferred direction.
2. Work the body in stockinette with a border at both front edges.
3. Shape gentle curves at the lower front so the fronts end in rounded corners.
4. Work short sleeves directly or knit separately and attach.
5. Keep shoulder shaping soft and natural.

The cardigan ends around the upper waist, above the fullest skirt area. It remains open in the image. Do not overlap the fronts too much. They should frame the lavender bodice and central upper dress area.

Sleeves should be loose enough to slide over the bunny arms but not baggy. The cardigan is an accent layer, so it must look refined and compact. A slightly textured edge helps capture the handmade boutique style.

Beret

The beret is pale lavender and sits low on the head with a soft slouch to one side. It is not sharply flat like a fashion beret. Instead, it has a cushioned rounded top and a narrow ribbed brim.

1. CO for the head opening and work a ribbed band sized to fit securely around the upper head.
2. Increase generously after the band to create the beret fullness.
3. Knit several rounds in stockinette for the crown.
4. Decrease evenly toward the center top.
5. Close the crown neatly.

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When placing the beret, tilt it slightly so one side dips lower. The image shows the flower trim attached on the upper front-side area. Test this before sewing the hat permanently or leaving it removable.

Beret Flower Trim

The flower trim is a layered iris-inspired cluster in purple and lavender shades with a tiny pale center detail. It sits prominently on the side front of the beret and is large enough to act as a statement embellishment.

1. Knit or shape several separate petals in two tones of purple and one pale lavender shade.
2. Make each petal slightly pointed rather than round.
3. Layer the petals so darker tones sit beneath and lighter tones sit toward the center.
4. Add a tiny pale or yellow accent stitch in the middle.
5. Sew the assembled flower securely to the beret.

The flower should be substantial, roughly the width of one side of the bunny’s forehead. Do not make it too small. Its scale is important to the final resemblance.

Shoes

The bunny wears lavender-gray Mary Jane style shoes with a strap across each foot. They look knitted and soft, with rounded toes and a close fit around the ankle opening. Make two shoes.

1. Begin at the sole and shape a small oval base.
2. Knit the side walls upward.
3. Shape the top opening so the front remains covered and the instep is visible.
4. Create a narrow strap separately or by picking up stitches across the opening.
5. Sew or secure the strap at the side.

The strap should sit visibly across the front of the foot. Keep the shoe color muted so it harmonizes with the dress rather than competing with it. The shoes should cover the feet completely but still show the ankle area.

Tote Bag

The bag beside the bunny is a simple soft beige tote with rounded rectangular proportions and two knitted handles. It stands upright but remains flexible. The top opening is modest and not deeply gaping.

1. Knit a flat base rectangle or oval.
2. Pick up around the edge and work upward in the round or knit front and back panels separately.
3. Keep the sides mostly straight with very light shaping.
4. Bind off neatly at the top.
5. Knit or make two cord handles and attach symmetrically.

The handles should arch upward and inward. They should be thick enough to hold their shape, but not stiff. The bag scale should suggest a miniature market or tea-room tote made to accompany the bunny.

Teacup and Saucer

The teacup is tiny, light beige, and decorated with a miniature purple flower. The saucer is flat and slightly wider than the cup base. Both should be knitted very tightly with fine yarn to hold shape.

1. For the cup, begin at the base and work a tiny cylinder upward.
2. Increase slightly near the top so the rim opens just a bit.
3. Bind off and add a tiny curved handle at the side.
4. For the saucer, knit a flat small circle with a shallow edge if desired.
5. Embroider a tiny purple floral touch on the cup front.

In the image, the cup sits on the saucer with a small pastry beside or partly on it. Keep the tea set understated and delicate. A single floral detail is enough.

Small Pastry

The pastry appears as a tiny tan-brown baked item beside the cup. It may be read as a tea biscuit, tart, or small pastry. Keep it low and slightly irregular for a handmade bakery look.

1. Knit or wrap a tiny flat oval or low round shape.
2. Stuff lightly or pad with scrap yarn.
3. Add a darker baked edge if desired with embroidery or a contrast yarn round.

Place it beside the cup on the saucer. The goal is visual charm, not exact food realism. Keep it tiny enough that it does not dominate the tea set.

Iris Bouquet

The bouquet on the table includes several purple iris blooms with long green stems tied near the bottom. The flowers are stylized and softly rounded, matching the knitted world of the set.

1. Make five to seven flower heads in lavender and purple shades.
2. Create each bloom with layered petals or folded petal pieces.
3. Attach each bloom to a slender green knitted cord or wrapped floral stem.
4. Gather the stems together.
5. Tie with a pale string or matching yarn near the lower stem area.

The bouquet should feel loose and natural. Let the flower heads cluster at different angles. In the image, the bouquet lies on the table and the blooms face slightly outward rather than all in one direction.

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Folded Cloth

The small folded cloth is pale lavender or off-white with a simple embroidered floral corner. It looks like a napkin or handkerchief placed near the bouquet.

1. Knit a tiny rectangle in smooth fabric.
2. Fold it neatly into a square or small rectangle.
3. Add a tiny lavender flower and green stem detail at one corner.
4. Tack the fold lightly if you want it to stay in place.

This piece is small, but it adds a tea-table story to the set. Keep it delicate and flat. Avoid thick borders or bulky folds.

Small Kitten Companion

The kitten companion is a miniature character standing beside the bunny. It has a round head, tiny upright ears, a soft muzzle, and a plump little body. The outfit echoes the bunny’s color palette but is not identical.

Use gray-brown yarn for the kitten body, with a lighter muzzle and inner details. The dress is dusty pink on top with a pale skirt and tiny floral accents near the hem. A small collar sits around the neck.

1. Knit the head as a small rounded shape with two small ears attached at the top.
2. Shape a tiny muzzle with light stuffing and soft embroidery.
3. Knit a compact body that can stand when balanced.
4. Knit very small arms and legs or integrated limbs as preferred.
5. Add a short tail.

The face should have a tiny pink nose and dark eyes placed close enough to look kitten-like. Keep the expression sweet and slightly curious. The kitten should not look stern or highly realistic.

Kitten Dress and Hat

The kitten’s dress has a dusty pink bodice and a pale skirt with tiny floral motifs at the lower edge. The collar is light and rounded. The hat is pale with a tiny purple flower, echoing the bunny’s beret styling.

1. Knit a tiny bodice in dusty pink.
2. Add a gathered pale skirt below.
3. Embroider two or three tiny flower accents at the hem.
4. Add a small rounded collar in ivory or pale cream.
5. Knit a small hat with a narrow brim and decorate it with a tiny purple flower.

The kitten outfit should complement the bunny without stealing attention. Keep it miniature and refined. The flower on the hat can be very small, just enough to connect visually with the larger floral theme.

Color Placement Notes

• Bunny body: warm taupe
• Main dress: lavender
• Cardigan: ivory
• Beret: pale lavender
• Main floral accents: deep purple and lavender
• Leaves and stems: medium to dark green
• Shoes: muted lavender-gray
• Bag and tea set: oatmeal beige
• Kitten dress: dusty pink with pale skirt

The image relies on restrained harmony. Avoid bright violet, neon green, or stark white. Choose dusty, soft shades with a gentle vintage tone.

Proportion Checklist During Knitting

• The head should be slightly larger than the torso width.
• The ears should hang to around shoulder level.
• The cardigan should end above the fullest part of the skirt.
• The skirt should be wider than the torso and softly flared.
• The beret should cover the upper head and sit slightly tilted.
• The shoes should look neat and rounded, not chunky.
• The kitten should be about one-third of the bunny’s height.
• The tote should be large enough to read clearly but smaller than the bunny’s torso.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew all major pieces securely with matching yarn. Attach the ears after testing the beret position. Add the eyes first, then the nose, then the mouth. Use tiny stitches and check symmetry often. Dress the bunny completely before fixing the cardigan and beret permanently, if desired.

Arrange the skirt embroidery so the central iris sits at the front. Angle the beret slightly. Position the flower trim toward the upper side-front. Slip on the shoes last and tack them lightly if the set is meant for display.

Care Notes

Handle the set as a decorative knitted collectible rather than a rough-play toy. Keep it away from frequent pulling, especially at the flower trims, bouquet stems, and tiny tea accessories. Store flat or upright in a dust-free space.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Face centered and balanced
• Ears matched and evenly placed
• Dress waist sitting at the right height
• Skirt floral details visible and not overcrowded
• Cardigan fronts neat and even
• Beret tilted gently with flower securely attached
• Shoes aligned evenly
• Mini accessories scaled to the bunny
• Kitten companion proportionate and stable

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Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean gently with a barely damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap. Do not soak pieces with embroidery, sculpted faces, or stuffed accessories. Dry flat away from direct sunlight. For storage, wrap in clean tissue and keep in a breathable box to protect the yarn color and surface texture.