Orchid Satin Bunny – Knitting

This elegant rabbit set is designed as a collectible soft toy with a romantic wardrobe and matching garden accessories. The finished look feels like a boutique handmade doll, the kind knitters search for when browsing heirloom bunny doll, knitted animal pattern, handmade nursery gift, artisan toy, and collectible spring decor ideas. The outfit is soft, polished, and beautifully coordinated in orchid pink, cream, and gentle natural tones. Every visible detail in the image is included here so the final display looks refined, balanced, and ready for gifting, styling, or shop-quality presentation.

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 pattern creates a standing long-eared bunny dressed in a pale orchid dress, a short cream cardigan, a soft pink beret, and Mary Jane shoes. The set also includes a gathered handbag, a small swan, a knitted orchid spray, a hand mirror, and a tiny perfume bottle.

The bunny has a calm expression, a gently tapered face, long hanging ears, a rounded lower body, and slim dangling legs. The overall silhouette is neat and graceful rather than chunky. Keep the stitches smooth and even so the fabric looks polished and almost tailored.

Finished bunny size: about 12 to 13 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including the height added by the beret. The swan stands about 5 inches tall. The handbag, mirror, bottle, and flower spray are scaled to look proportional beside the bunny.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream for bunny body, ears, cardigan, mirror frame, and swan
• DK weight yarn in dusty orchid pink for dress, shoes, beret, handbag, and perfume bottle
• Small amount of deeper orchid or mauve for flower centers and tiny decorative knots
• Small amount of pale green for buds and flower stems
• Small amount of soft leaf green for leaves
• Small amount of warm orange for swan beak and feet
• Small amount of black for swan eye accents and bunny facial stitches if preferred
• Straight needles or circular needles for working flat in small circumferences
• Set of double-pointed needles for tiny accessories if desired
• Needle sizes US 2 and US 3
• Toy stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Thin cardboard for mirror backing if desired
• Small piece of reflective silver fabric or safe mirror vinyl for mirror center if desired
• Optional thin floral wire for shaping the orchid spray and handbag opening

Gauge and Fabric Notes

Gauge: 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on US 3 needles using DK yarn. Exact gauge matters less than achieving a firm fabric. The stitches should be dense enough that stuffing does not show through.

The image shows very smooth, tight knitting. Avoid loose fabric. If your stitches are naturally open, go down one needle size. For the bunny body and swan, a slightly firmer fabric helps the shapes hold their clean sculpted lines.

The dress, beret, and handbag should still drape softly. Use the same yarn family throughout the whole set so the texture stays visually consistent. This helps the accessories look like a curated collection instead of unrelated miniatures.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p = purl
• psso = pass slipped stitch over
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• WS = wrong side
• yo = yarn over

Design Notes

The bunny is built in separate sections and seamed for control. This gives better shaping for the narrow face, rounded cheeks, gently sloped shoulders, and long soft ears. The dress is removable in structure but fitted closely, so work carefully and check size as you go.

The cardigan is cropped and lightly open at the front with a soft rolled edge and tiny curved lower corners. The beret is wide and relaxed with a textured floral eyelet motif around the crown band. The shoes are shallow Mary Jane slippers with a small strap effect.

The swan is plump at the body, slim through the neck, and slightly forward-facing. The orchid spray is worked as separate flowers, buds, stems, and leaves, then stitched together into a loose cluster. Place everything exactly and the scene will match the image closely.

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Bunny Body

Legs make 2

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 12 sts. Work in stockinette for 20 rows, beginning with a purl row. This makes a slim lower leg. The legs in the image are narrow and straight, with no heavy ankle shaping.

Row 21 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 14 sts.

Work 8 rows even in stockinette.

Next RS row: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 12 sts.

Work 4 rows even. BO loosely. Make the second leg the same. Stuff very lightly, only enough to keep the legs smooth. They should still hang softly beneath the dress.

Body front

Using cream and US 3 needles, CO 24 sts. Work 6 rows in stockinette. This lower section forms the rounded belly and hip base beneath the dress.

Shape outward gently over the next rows.

1. Row 7 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 26 sts.
2. Row 9 RS: repeat increase row. 28 sts.
3. Row 11 RS: repeat increase row. 30 sts.

Work 10 rows even. The lower torso should now feel softly oval, not wide. Continue shaping the waist so the dress sits nicely and the cardigan does not look bulky.

1. Next RS row: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 28 sts.
2. Work 3 rows even.
3. Next RS row: repeat decrease row. 26 sts.
4. Work 3 rows even.

Shape shoulders and upper chest.

1. Next RS row: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 24 sts.
2. Work 5 rows even.

BO 4 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. 16 sts.

Work 8 rows even for the narrow neck base. Leave live stitches on waste yarn.

Body back

Work exactly as body front through shoulder shaping. Leave neck stitches on waste yarn. The back remains plain because the dress covers it, but the shaping should mirror the front so the bunny stands centered.

Arms make 2

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 14 sts. Work 4 rows stockinette.

Shape the tapered sleeve-arm form. The arms in the image are simple, soft tubes that narrow gently toward the wrist and end in rounded tips with no defined paws.

1. Next RS row: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 12 sts.
2. Work 8 rows even.
3. Next RS row: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 14 sts.
4. Work 10 rows even.

Shape top curve.

1. BO 2 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. 10 sts.
2. Next RS row: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 8 sts.
3. Purl 1 row.
4. Thread yarn through remaining sts and draw up.

Stuff lightly. The arms should look modestly padded and relaxed, not stiff.

Head

Head front

Using cream and US 3 needles, CO 20 sts. Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row, for 8 rows.

Increase to form the rounded cheek area. The face in the image is broad through the lower half, then softly narrows upward. The muzzle is subtle, created later with stuffing and embroidered shaping rather than a separate protruding piece.

1. Row 9 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 22 sts.
2. Row 11 RS: repeat increase row. 24 sts.
3. Row 13 RS: repeat increase row. 26 sts.

Work 14 rows even. Maintain perfectly smooth stockinette because this is the most visible surface on the finished bunny.

Now narrow gently toward the crown.

1. Next RS row: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 24 sts.
2. Work 1 WS row.
3. Next RS row: repeat decrease row. 22 sts.
4. Work 1 WS row.
5. Next RS row: repeat decrease row. 20 sts.
6. Work 3 rows even.

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BO 5 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. 10 sts. Work 6 rows even. Leave live stitches.

Head back

Using cream and US 3 needles, CO 20 sts. Work same as head front, but after reaching 26 sts, work 18 rows even instead of 14. This gives a fuller back head, which helps the beret sit properly and creates the softly rounded skull seen in the image.

Work crown shaping exactly as for head front. Leave live stitches.

Ears make 2

Using cream and US 3 needles, CO 10 sts. Work 2 rows stockinette. Increase evenly across next RS row to 14 sts.

Work 28 rows even. The ears are long, flat, and softly rounded, hanging down on either side of the face. They begin higher than shoulder level and fall almost to the cardigan hem.

Shape the lower width very gently so the ears look natural rather than ribbon-like.

1. Next RS row: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 16 sts.
2. Work 10 rows even.

Shape tip.

1. Next RS row: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 14 sts.
2. Work 1 WS row.
3. Repeat decrease row. 12 sts.
4. Work 1 WS row.
5. Repeat decrease row. 10 sts.
6. Work 1 WS row.
7. Repeat decrease row. 8 sts.
8. Work 1 WS row.
9. Repeat decrease row. 6 sts.
10. Thread yarn through remaining sts and draw up.

Do not stuff the ears. Lightly steam or press through a cloth if needed so they lie flat and drape cleanly.

Making Up the Bunny Base

Sew the head front and head back together around the outer edges, leaving the lower neck edge open. Stuff gradually. Build fullness in the cheeks and back of the head, but keep the face front fairly smooth. A well-packed head helps the embroidered mouth sit neatly.

Sew the body front and body back together. Before closing the lower edge, insert the two legs evenly, spaced so they fall directly beneath the outer edges of the dress opening. The bunny in the image stands with the feet slightly apart but still parallel.

Stuff the body firmly at the lower half and moderately at the upper half. This keeps the figure stable while still allowing the cardigan and dress to sit without strain. Sew the neck edges together or graft them neatly, then attach the head to the body with strong stitches.

Attach the arms slightly below the neckline and a little forward on the shoulder line. The arms should angle downward naturally. Sew the ears to the top sides of the head, slightly behind the face line, then let them fall straight down beside the cheeks.

Facial Placement

The face is extremely simple. That simplicity is what makes the bunny look gentle and refined. Use very small black embroidered eyes, each formed with one short vertical stitch or a tiny satin cluster. Place them low on the face, far apart, and slightly above the midpoint of the muzzle area.

For the nose and mouth, use matching cream-brown or soft taupe embroidery. Stitch a tiny inverted Y shape. The nose should be very small, almost only implied. Extend the mouth downward with two short angled stitches so the expression remains soft and calm.

Dress

Skirt and bodice

Using orchid pink and US 3 needles, CO 84 sts. Work 6 rows garter stitch for the narrow hem border seen at the bottom of the dress. The border is subtle and straight, not flared or frilly.

Change to stockinette and work 16 rows even. Then begin gentle shaping into the waist.

1. Decrease row RS: k2, k2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, k2. 70 sts.
2. Work 5 rows even.
3. Decrease row RS: k1, k2tog, repeat across to last 1 st, k1. 56 sts.
4. Work 5 rows even.
5. Decrease row RS: k2tog across. 28 sts.

Work 10 rows even for the bodice. The image shows a smooth plain bodice with no straps, no collar, and no buttons. It fits close to the bunny body and disappears slightly beneath the cardigan.

Divide for back opening if you want the dress removable. Otherwise work as a closed tube and seam at the back. For the closest match to the image, a neat back seam works well because no opening is visible.

Shape armholes if desired by binding off 2 sts at each side, then working 6 rows even. Bind off. Seam the back. Slip the dress onto the bunny and secure with tiny hidden stitches at the shoulders and sides if needed.

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Front floral applique on bodice

The dress has one central flower at the waistline and a cascading orchid branch down the wearer’s right side. These details are raised decorative knitting rather than printed surface design, so they must be added carefully.

For the central waist flower, make 5 petals separately.

• CO 3 sts in orchid pink.
• Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
• Row 2: p.
• Row 3: k1, yo, k1, yo, k1. 7 sts.
• Row 4: p.
• Row 5: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
• Row 6: p.
• Row 7: k2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
• Row 8: p3tog.

Make 5 petals. Arrange in a circular flower at the waist center. Add a tiny deeper mauve center knot or satin cluster. Sew the flower slightly raised so it casts a soft shadow like the image.

Side orchid branch

Make 3 orchid flowers for the right side of the skirt, working from top to bottom. The uppermost flower is medium sized, the middle flower is largest, and the lowest is smallest. Add a thin curved stem and several stitched leaves beneath them.

Each orchid flower is made from 4 rounded side petals and 1 lower petal with a slightly fuller shape.

Standard petal:

• CO 2 sts.
• Row 1: kfb, kfb. 4 sts.
• Row 2: p.
• Row 3: k1, yo, k2, yo, k1. 6 sts.
• Row 4: p.
• Row 5: k1, yo, k2, yo, k1, k1. 8 sts.
• Row 6: p.
• Row 7: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
• Row 8: p.
• Row 9: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
• Row 10: p.
• Row 11: k2tog, k2tog. 2 sts.
• Row 12: k2tog.

Lower petal: work as standard petal, but repeat Row 6 once more before shaping. This makes it slightly fuller.

For each flower, make 4 standard petals and 1 lower petal. Sew together with a deeper mauve center. Add one tiny center knot in yellow-cream or pale green if desired, but keep it muted.

For the curved stem, use pale green and work a narrow I-cord of 2 sts for about 4 to 6 inches. Shape the cord into a soft rising curve and sew it onto the skirt. Attach the flowers along it. Add 3 small leaves worked separately and angled outward.

Leaf: CO 3 sts in leaf green.

• Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
• Row 2: p.
• Row 3: k1, yo, k1, yo, k1. 7 sts.
• Row 4: p.
• Row 5: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
• Row 6: p.
• Row 7: k2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
• Row 8: p3tog.

Steam the petals lightly before attaching so they cup gently instead of sitting flat. This raised shaping is important for the image-matched look.

Cardigan

Using cream and US 3 needles, CO 34 sts. Work 4 rows garter stitch. This creates the neat lower border.

Continue in stockinette for 8 rows. Divide for fronts and back as follows: 8 sts left front, 18 sts back, 8 sts right front. Work each section separately with 1 edge stitch at each front opening kept in garter stitch.

For the fronts, work 10 rows even. Then shape the neckline by decreasing 1 st at the neck edge every other row 4 times. Keep the outer lower front edge slightly rounded by working one extra short row near the hem if desired.

For the back, work 12 rows even, then shape shoulders by binding off 4 sts at each side once. Bind off remaining center sts.

Sew shoulder seams.

Sleeves

CO 16 sts for each sleeve using cream. Work 4 rows stockinette. Increase 1 st each side every 6th row three times. 22 sts. Work until sleeve length matches the bunny arm from shoulder to wrist.

Shape sleeve cap by binding off 2 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then decreasing 1 st each side every RS row until 10 sts remain. Bind off. Sew sleeve seams and set into armholes.

The cardigan should end just below the waist flower, leaving most of the dress visible. Front edges remain open with no visible closure. Sew the cardigan lightly in place at the shoulders only, or leave removable if preferred.

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Beret

Using orchid pink and US 3 needles, CO 72 sts. Join carefully if working in the round, or work flat and seam later. Work 6 rounds or rows in k1, p1 rib.

Now form the decorative eyelet-floral band. This is the most distinctive hat detail in the image. Repeat the following 12-stitch pattern around.

1. Round 1: k2, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k4
2. Round 2: knit all sts
3. Round 3: k1, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k3
4. Round 4: knit all sts
5. Round 5: yo, ssk, k6, k2tog, yo, k2
6. Round 6: knit all sts

After the decorative band, increase evenly to 96 sts. Work 16 rounds or rows in stockinette. The beret must relax outward into a soft round crown and then narrow toward the top center.

Begin crown shaping by dividing into 8 sections.

1. Round 1: k10, k2tog around. 88 sts.
2. Knit 3 rounds.
3. Round 5: k9, k2tog around. 80 sts.
4. Knit 2 rounds.
5. Continue in the same manner, decreasing 8 sts each decrease round, with one fewer plain round between as needed, until 16 sts remain.

Thread yarn through remaining sts and draw up. Block lightly over a small plate or bowl so the beret spreads softly. Add no pompom. The top remains smooth and plain in the image.

Shoes make 2

Using orchid pink and US 2 needles, CO 14 sts. Work 6 rows garter stitch for the sole edge. Pick up 14 sts along the opposite side if you prefer a full sole construction, or keep it simple and seam later.

Work 8 rows stockinette for the foot. On the next RS row, decrease evenly to 10 sts. Work 4 rows. Draw thread through remaining sts to shape the toe. Sew back seam and sole seam.

For the strap effect, embroider or sew a narrow band across the instep, leaving a central opening to suggest a Mary Jane style. Attach the shoes firmly to the feet so they sit flat and slightly forward.

Handbag

The handbag is soft, puffed, and gathered at the top. It resembles a petal-shaped mini purse. Use orchid pink and US 3 needles.

Make 4 outer purse panels.

• CO 8 sts.
• Work 2 rows stockinette.
• Increase 1 st each side every RS row 4 times. 16 sts.
• Work 8 rows even.
• Decrease 1 st each side every RS row 4 times. 8 sts.
• Work 2 rows.
• BO.

Sew the 4 panels together side by side to form a rounded pouch. Gather the top edge slightly. For the base insert, make a small oval in matching yarn or felt and sew inside to help the bag sit neatly.

For the handle, work a 4-stitch I-cord about 5 inches long. Sew to opposite upper sides of the purse. Add a soft inner lining in matching knit if desired, but keep the outer shape visibly plush and petaled like the image.

Swan

Body

Using cream and US 3 needles, CO 20 sts. Work 6 rows stockinette. Increase 1 st each side every other row 4 times. 28 sts. Work 16 rows even.

Now shape the rounded lower body.

1. Next RS row: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 26 sts.
2. Work 1 WS row.
3. Repeat decrease row every other row until 18 sts remain.
4. Work 6 rows even.

Fold and seam into an oval body, stuffing firmly at the base and moderately at the upper chest.

Neck and head

Using cream, CO 8 sts. Work 24 rows stockinette. Increase 1 st each side once. 10 sts. Work 10 rows. Shape head by increasing 1 st each side every other row 2 times. 14 sts. Work 6 rows even. Then decrease back to 8 sts. Work 6 more rows and bind off.

Sew into a slender tube with a small rounded head at the top. Stuff the head well and the neck only lightly. Bend the neck into a gentle forward curve before attaching to the body.

Wings make 2

Using cream, CO 12 sts. Work 2 rows stockinette. Increase 1 st each side every RS row 3 times. 18 sts. Work 6 rows even. Decrease 1 st each side every RS row 3 times. 12 sts. Work 4 rows, then bind off.

Attach wings low on the body sides. The wing tops sit slightly raised, but the shapes stay compact. Add a small scalloped lower edge in duplicate stitch or tiny sewn loops if you want the feather line more defined.

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Beak, eyes, feet, and flower

Embroider a narrow orange beak extending forward from the face tip. Add one black eye area with a bold eyelash shape on the visible side only, matching the photo. For feet, make two tiny orange pads and sew beneath the body.

Make one small orchid flower and sew it onto the top of the swan’s head. Add a tiny mauve knot at the center. This flower should be scaled smaller than the dress flowers.

Orchid Spray

Make 3 full orchids, 3 pale green buds, 1 long green stem group, and 3 leaves.

For each full orchid, use the same petal instructions from the dress flower section. Make one larger center orchid, one medium orchid, and one slightly smaller orchid by shortening each petal by one row on the smallest version.

For buds, CO 4 sts in pale green and work tiny oval shapes:

• Row 1: kfb across. 8 sts.
• Row 2: p.
• Row 3: k.
• Row 4: p2tog across. 4 sts.
• Thread yarn through sts and draw up.

Work two short stems and one main stem in pale green I-cord. Sew the flowers and buds together in a loose spray. Attach the leaves near the base. The finished cluster should look soft and slightly informal, resting on the table.

Hand Mirror

Using cream yarn and US 2 needles, make two small ovals.

• CO 6 sts.
• Row 1: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
• Row 2: p.
• Row 3: kfb, knit to last st, kfb. 10 sts.
• Row 4: p.
• Row 5: knit.
• Row 6: p.
• Row 7: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 8 sts.
• Row 8: p.
• Row 9: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 6 sts.
• BO.

For the handle, work a 4-stitch I-cord about 2 inches long. Sew between the two oval pieces. Insert a reflective center or knit a pale gray inner oval if you prefer an all-yarn version. Keep the shape small, delicate, and slightly rounded.

Perfume Bottle

Using orchid pink, CO 8 sts and work 10 rows stockinette. Sew into a tiny tube and stuff lightly. Gather the lower edge flat. For the neck, switch to pale green and work 4 sts for 3 rows. Bind off. Top with a tiny green ball worked from 4 sts gathered into a nub.

The bottle should sit beside the mirror and look like a tiny vanity accessory. Keep it very small, only about 1 inch tall.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Dress the bunny first, then position the cardigan so the front opening frames the center flower on the bodice. Place the beret low enough to touch the upper forehead, but not so low that it hides the eyes. Let both ears fall outside the cardigan.

Sew the handbag to the bunny’s left arm or wrist area so it hangs naturally. Place the swan at the bunny’s right side. Arrange the orchid spray, mirror, and bottle in front for the finished display scene.

Check the face one final time. The eyes must stay tiny and low. The nose should be centered exactly between the ears and above the mouth split. Small changes here strongly affect the personality of the bunny.

Care Notes

Handle the raised orchid petals gently. Store the set flat or upright in a dust-free space. Avoid pulling the handbag handle or flower stems. Decorative pieces are best treated as display items rather than everyday toys.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Bunny head is smoothly stuffed with rounded cheeks
• Ears are even in length and hang symmetrically
• Dress hem sits level
• Waist flower is centered
• Side orchid branch curves downward on the bunny’s right side
• Cardigan is cropped and open
• Beret spreads softly and sits slightly slouched
• Shoes are attached evenly
• Handbag looks gathered and puffed
• Swan neck curves forward gently
• Mirror and perfume bottle are scaled small
• All yarn tails are secured firmly

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak the assembled set, especially after adding embroidered facial details and decorative flowers. Press out excess moisture with a towel and air dry flat away from direct sun.

For long-term storage, wrap the set loosely in acid-free tissue and keep it in a breathable box. Avoid plastic containers in humid spaces. If needed, reshape the beret, petals, and ears by hand while the fibers are dry and relaxed.