Protea Petal Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to look like a boutique collectible toy, with a soft blush dress, a peach jacket, a slouchy beret, tiny Mary Jane shoes, and a floral shoulder bag. The scene also includes a sweet little puppy, a protea bouquet, a hand mirror, and a tiny cookie box, making it perfect for a nursery display, a handmade gift, a keepsake doll, or a shop-quality knitted toy for spring décor.

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

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream, blush pink, dusty rose, peach, beige, warm taupe, soft brown, green, and a very small amount of black
• 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or magic loop needle for the smallest parts
• 3.0 mm needles for the main doll and clothing
• Toy stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Small amount of felt or firm card for the mirror backing if desired
• Very small safety eyes or black embroidery yarn for the bunny eyes
• Black and brown embroidery yarn for facial details
• Thin cord or i-cord maker for the bag strap

Finished Size

The bunny stands about 11 to 12 inches tall from foot to beret top when made in DK yarn on 3.0 mm needles.

The puppy stands about 4 inches tall.

The bouquet, mirror, and cookie box are scaled to fit naturally beside the bunny, just as shown in the image.

Color Notes

• Cream: bunny head, ears, paws, and legs
• Dusty blush: dress body and skirt
• Peach: jacket and shoe tops
• Soft beige: bag body, mirror, hat brim, cookie box, and puppy body accents
• Warm taupe: beret and upper dress bodice
• Rose pink: flower petals, shoes, bow, and floral embroidery details
• Green: leaves, stems, and protea foliage
• Soft brown: puppy ears and side patches

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on 3.0 mm needles, lightly blocked.

Exact gauge matters most for the doll, puppy, shoes, and hat. Small props are more forgiving, but keep your tension firm so everything holds its shape well.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rnd = round
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• M1 = make 1 increase

Design Overview

The bunny has a rounded head, long relaxed ears, a softly tapered muzzle, and a compact body with short cream legs. The dress is worked separately so the textured skirt falls in a clean bell shape. The jacket sits open in front and is slightly cropped.

The beret is wide and soft with a ribbed band, sitting low over the forehead and slightly over the ears. The bag hangs crossbody and rests at the bunny’s right hip. The puppy is small, seated, and slightly floppy, with a brimmed hat trimmed by a knitted protea topper.

Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using cream, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb into each stitch around. 24 sts.
3. Rnds 3 to 8: Knit.
4. Rnd 9: K4, k2tog, k8, ssk, k8. 22 sts.
5. Rnds 10 to 18: Knit.

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Stuff the foot firmly, especially at the toe, so the shoe will sit neatly later. Shape the sole flat with your fingers while stuffing.

For the ankle, work 2 rounds of purl. This creates a gentle turning point and helps the foot sit under the dress in the same compact way seen in the image.

1. Rnds 19 to 20: Purl.
2. Rnds 21 to 34: Knit.

BO one leg. Leave the second leg on the needles.

Joining Legs and Lower Body

Place both legs on the same needle. Join with 4 new stitches between them at the inner thigh. This gives a stable base and the slightly separated leg stance seen in the photo.

1. Rnd 1: Knit across first leg, CO 4, knit across second leg, CO 4. 52 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K24, M1, k2, M1, k24, M1, k2, M1. 56 sts.
4. Rnds 4 to 10: Knit.

Begin shaping the tummy very lightly. The body should not be round like a ball. It should be softly pear-shaped, narrower at the chest, because the dress and jacket add the outer volume.

1. Rnd 11: K12, k2tog, k26, ssk, k14. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 12: Knit.
3. Rnd 13: K11, k2tog, k26, ssk, k13. 52 sts.
4. Rnd 14: Knit.
5. Rnd 15: K10, k2tog, k26, ssk, k12. 50 sts.
6. Rnds 16 to 22: Knit.

Stuff the lower body now. Keep the stuffing firm at the hips and softer near the upper body so the neck can shape smoothly.

Upper Body and Neck

1. Rnd 23: K8, k2tog, k5, k2tog, k18, ssk, k5, ssk, k8. 46 sts.
2. Rnd 24: Knit.
3. Rnd 25: K7, k2tog, k4, k2tog, k18, ssk, k4, ssk, k7. 42 sts.
4. Rnds 26 to 28: Knit.
5. Rnd 29: K5, k2tog, k3, k2tog, k16, ssk, k3, ssk, k5. 38 sts.
6. Rnd 30: Knit.
7. Rnd 31: K1, k2tog around. 26 sts.
8. Rnds 32 to 36: Knit.

The neck is quite narrow in proportion to the head. Keep it firm. Add a little more stuffing to the shoulders before moving on.

Head

1. Rnd 1: Knit, increasing evenly to 40 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K4, M1 around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Rnd 5: K5, M1 around. 56 sts.
6. Rnd 6: Knit.
7. Rnd 7: K6, M1 around. 64 sts.
8. Rnds 8 to 20: Knit.

The head in the image is rounded but not oversized. The face is gentle and broad through the cheek area, with a slightly tapered lower muzzle. Keep the stuffing even so there are no dents under the beret line.

Muzzle Shaping

To create the subtle triangular muzzle, use a length of cream yarn after knitting. Run the yarn inside the head from the lower neck area and draw in a small horizontal section around the lower front center of the face.

Pull only slightly. The muzzle should project softly, not sharply. The face in the image is calm and smooth, with a tiny centered nose and a narrow mouth line.

Top of Head

1. Rnd 21: K6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
2. Rnd 22: Knit.
3. Rnd 23: K5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 24: Knit.
5. Rnd 25: K4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
6. Rnd 26: Knit.
7. Rnd 27: K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 28: K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
9. Rnd 29: K1, k2tog around. 16 sts.

Stuff fully before closing. Close remaining stitches tightly and weave in securely.

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Ears Make 2

Using cream, CO 10 sts. Work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Rep Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 4 inches.

Now begin narrowing both sides so the ear becomes long, smooth, and gently rounded at the end.

1. Next Row RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
2. Next Row WS: Purl.
3. Rep these 2 rows until 4 sts remain.
4. Work 2 rows straight.
5. Next Row: Ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
6. Cut yarn and pull through.

Make a second matching ear. Fold the CO edge slightly before attaching so each ear falls close to the sides of the head instead of sticking outward.

Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 10 sts and join to work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb into each stitch. 20 sts.
2. Rnds 2 to 5: Knit.

This rounded cuff becomes the little visible paw. Change to peach for the jacket sleeves.

1. Rnd 6: Change to peach and knit.
2. Rnd 7: K8, k2tog, k8, ssk. 18 sts.
3. Rnds 8 to 20: Knit.
4. Rnd 21: K2tog around. 9 sts.

Stuff only the lower half lightly. Flatten the top edge and sew closed. The arms should curve inward slightly and sit low enough to peek from the jacket sleeves.

Facial Features

Place the eyes about 10 rows above the muzzle point and spaced about 8 stitches apart. In the image, the eyes are very small and vertical-looking, so use tiny black stitches rather than large plastic eyes if you want the closest look.

Embroider the nose in warm brown as a tiny inverted triangle. From the bottom point, work a straight stitch down 2 rows. Add a short split line on each side to form the simple mouth.

Do not add blush or heavy contouring. The face is clean, soft, and understated.

Textured Dress

Upper Bodice

The dress has a fitted warm taupe upper section with narrow shoulder shaping and a lower skirt in dusty blush. It sits under the jacket and ends around the lower calf.

Using warm taupe, CO 44 sts. Join to work in the round.

1. Rnds 1 to 10: Knit.
2. Rnd 11: Purl.
3. Rnd 12: Knit.
4. Rnd 13: Increase evenly to 52 sts.

Change to dusty blush and begin the skirt texture.

Skirt Texture Pattern

This skirt uses a repeating leaf-diamond texture inspired by the motif seen in the image. Work over multiples of 8 stitches.

1. Rnd 1: P1, k6, p1.
2. Rnd 2: P1, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, p1.
3. Rnd 3: P1, k1, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1, p1.
4. Rnd 4: P1, k6, p1.
5. Rnd 5: P1, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, p1.
6. Rnd 6: P1, k6, p1.
7. Rnd 7: P1, k6, p1.
8. Rnd 8: P1, k6, p1.

Repeat these 8 rounds 4 times, or until the skirt reaches the same length as shown in the image. The textured motifs should stack vertically and spread slightly as the skirt widens.

To create the soft flare, add one stitch in each purl column every second repeat round 1. Increase gently and evenly so the dress opens near the hem without looking stiff.

Scalloped Hem

The lower edge in the image has a wavy, petal-like finish. Work the hem as follows:

1. Rnd 1: K2tog, yo around.
2. Rnd 2: Purl.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. BO loosely knitwise.

Lightly steam or block the hem so the points settle into a gentle ripple.

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Jacket

The jacket is peach, hip length, open at the front, and slightly boxy with rounded collar flaps. It should sit neatly over the bodice and not cover the full skirt texture.

Back

Using peach, CO 30 sts and work flat in stockinette with a 3-stitch garter border at each side.

1. Rows 1 to 20: Work straight.
2. Row 21 RS: BO 3 sts at start, knit to end.
3. Row 22 WS: BO 3 sts at start, purl to end.
4. Rows 23 to 32: Work straight on 24 sts.
5. Row 33: K7, k2tog, k6, ssk, k7. 22 sts.
6. Rows 34 to 36: Work straight.
7. BO.

Left Front

CO 16 sts. Work with a 3-stitch garter border at the front opening edge.

1. Rows 1 to 20: Work straight.
2. Row 21 RS: BO 3 sts at armhole edge, work to end.
3. Rows 22 to 28: Work straight.
4. Row 29 RS: Work to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
5. Row 30 WS: Work back.
6. Rep Rows 29 and 30 once more. 11 sts.
7. BO.

Right Front

Work to mirror the left front.

Sleeves Make 2

Using peach, CO 20 sts and work flat.

1. Rows 1 to 18: Stockinette.
2. Row 19 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
3. Row 20 WS: Purl.
4. Rep Rows 19 and 20 until 14 sts remain.
5. Rows 27 to 30: Work straight.
6. BO.

Sew sleeves into armholes and seam the underarms.

Collar Flaps Make 2

The collar in the image is softly rounded, not pointed. Make two identical flaps and sew them at the neckline.

CO 10 sts in peach.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Rows 3 to 8: Continue in stockinette.
4. Row 9 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
5. Row 10 WS: Purl.
6. Repeat Rows 9 and 10 until 6 sts remain.
7. Work 2 rows straight, then BO.

Sew one flap to each front neckline so they spread outward like small petals.

Beret

The beret is one of the key features of the set. It is roomy, softly slouched, and sits low on the head. Use warm taupe.

CO 56 sts and join.

1. Rnds 1 to 8: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rnd 9: Increase evenly to 84 sts.
3. Rnds 10 to 22: Knit.

For the crown shaping:

1. Rnd 23: K12, k2tog around. 78 sts.
2. Rnd 24: Knit.
3. Rnd 25: K11, k2tog around. 72 sts.
4. Rnd 26: Knit.
5. Continue decreasing in this way every other round until 12 sts remain.

Finish with 4 rounds of i-cord over the remaining stitches, or simply gather closed and add a tiny center nub. The finished beret should spread softly around the top, with a gentle gathered transition above the ribbed edge.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are blush Mary Jane-style slippers with a small strap opening at the front. Make them to fit over the knitted feet snugly.

Using rose pink, CO 12 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb into each stitch. 24 sts.
2. Rnds 2 to 5: Knit.
3. Rnd 6: K6, k2tog 6 times, k6. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 7: Knit.
5. Rnd 8: K5, BO 4, knit to end.
6. Rnd 9: Knit to gap, CO 2, knit to end.
7. Rnds 10 to 12: Knit.
8. BO.

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Sew the cast-on edge to shape the toe. Add a tiny strap with 6 stitches worked flat for 4 rows and sew one side across the opening. The shoes should look rounded, low, and soft.

Crossbody Floral Bag

The bag is a small beige pouch with rounded lower corners and a single protea flower embroidered or duplicate-stitched on the front. It hangs on a narrow strap from left shoulder to right hip.

Bag Body

Using beige, CO 14 sts. Work flat in stockinette for 16 rows. Make a second identical piece.

Round the lower corners by sewing them softly rather than sharply. Join the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.

Bag Strap

Make a 20-inch i-cord with 3 stitches, or braid three strands of yarn tightly. Sew each end to the upper sides of the bag.

Bag Flower

Using rose pink, dusty pink, and green, add a stylized protea bloom on the front center.

• Work three overlapping petal shapes in pink tones
• Add two green leaves at the base
• Keep the design simple and centered

The bag in the image is understated, so avoid overfilling the embroidery.

Puppy

The puppy is small, seated, and friendly, with a cream body, brown ears, brown side patches, a black nose, and a pink neck bow. It should reach only about one third of the bunny’s height.

Body and Head Worked as One

Using cream, CO 12 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 24 sts.
2. Rnds 2 to 8: Knit.
3. Rnd 9: K3, k2tog around. 20 sts.
4. Rnds 10 to 14: Knit.
5. Rnd 15: Increase evenly to 28 sts.
6. Rnds 16 to 24: Knit.

Add brown duplicate stitch or small intarsia patches on each side of the head-body section, placed higher than the midpoint to imitate the puppy markings in the image.

Stuff the lower half firmly so the puppy can sit. Keep the neck area very lightly filled and the head more rounded.

1. Rnd 25: K5, k2tog around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 26: Knit.
3. Rnd 27: K4, k2tog around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 28: Knit.
5. Rnd 29: K3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
6. Rnd 30: Knit.
7. Close.

Front Legs Make 2

Using cream, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
2. Rnds 2 to 10: Knit.
3. Rnd 11: K2tog around. 8 sts.
4. Close lightly.

Stuff only the bottom section. Sew to the front body so the puppy sits upright.

Back Legs Make 2

CO 10 sts in cream.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 20 sts.
2. Rnds 2 to 5: Knit.
3. Rnd 6: K2tog around. 10 sts.
4. Rnds 7 to 10: Knit.
5. BO.

Fold into squat curved shapes and sew at the sides and lower back.

Ears Make 2

Using brown, CO 8 sts and work flat.

1. Rows 1 to 10: Stockinette.
2. Row 11 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
3. Row 12 WS: Purl.
4. Rep until 4 sts remain.
5. BO.

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Sew ears so they hang low and long beside the face.

Tail

Make a tiny 4-stitch i-cord in cream, 1 inch long. Sew at the back.

Puppy Face

Use black yarn for the nose and one small straight stitch for the mouth line. Add two small black eyes placed wide for a soft expression.

Puppy Hat

The puppy wears a tiny beige brimmed hat topped with a knitted protea bloom.

Using beige, CO 30 sts and join.

1. Rnds 1 to 4: Knit.
2. Rnd 5: Purl.
3. Rnd 6: Knit into front and back of every stitch. 60 sts.
4. Rnd 7: Purl.
5. Rnd 8: Knit.
6. BO loosely for brim.

Pick up 24 stitches just inside the brim edge for the crown.

1. Rnds 1 to 5: Knit.
2. Rnd 6: K2tog around. 12 sts.
3. Close.

Hat Flower

Make a tiny protea using 6 small rose-pink petals, a pale center, and 2 green leaves. Sew to the top front of the hat.

Puppy Bow

Using rose pink, CO 12 sts. Work 8 rows in stockinette, BO, wrap center with matching yarn, and sew at the neck.

Protea Bouquet

The bouquet contains three knitted protea blooms in dusty pink and pale cream with layered green leaves and wrapped stems.

Petals for Each Flower

Make 6 outer petals and 4 inner petals for each bloom.

Outer petals: CO 6 sts in dusty pink.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Rows 3 to 8: Continue in stockinette.
4. Row 9: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
5. Row 10: Purl.
6. Rep until 2 sts remain, then close.

Inner petals: Work the same but start with 4 stitches and make them shorter.

Flower Center

Make a small cream oval by knitting a tiny tube over 8 stitches for 6 rounds, stuff lightly, and close. Wrap petals around the center, placing smaller petals inside and larger petals outside.

Leaves

Make 4 leaves per flower in soft green.

CO 5 sts and work in stockinette, increasing to 9 sts over the first 3 rows, then decreasing back to 1 stitch for a pointed leaf.

Stems

Use floral wire wrapped in green yarn, or make firm i-cords. Attach flowers and leaves, then gather all stems together and wrap with beige yarn to imitate the tied bouquet in the image.

Hand Mirror

The mirror is a tiny handheld oval with a cream knitted frame and handle. It lies flat beside the bunny.

Frame Front

Using cream, CO 8 sts and work oval shaping by increasing at both ends every other row until 16 sts are reached. Work 8 rows straight, then decrease symmetrically back to 8 sts. BO.

Back

Make a second matching oval.

Handle

CO 4 sts and work i-cord for 2 inches. Flatten and sew between the two ovals.

If desired, place a tiny oval of reflective fabric, satin, or plastic canvas between the layers. Sew the edges together neatly.

Cookie Box

The little cookie box is rectangular, beige, and shallow, with several tiny round biscuits inside.

Box Base

Using beige, CO 18 sts and work 10 rows in garter stitch. Fold into a rectangle and seam corners upward to form a tray.

Box Rim

Pick up stitches around the top edge and work 3 rounds in stockinette, then BO.

Cookies

Make 5 tiny cookies in light brown.

CO 6 sts, join, knit 2 rounds, then thread yarn through the stitches and pull tight. Flatten gently. Add a few darker stitched dots if desired.

Place them inside the box and tack lightly so they do not fall out.

Assembly

Sew the ears to the bunny head first. They should begin just below the beret line and hang straight down, close to the cheeks. The ear length should end near the upper jacket edge.

Attach the arms to the sides of the upper body. Aim for a slightly downward angle so the sleeves look naturally filled and the hands rest near the skirt.

Dress the bunny in the textured dress and fasten it at the back with a small seam or hidden snaps if you prefer removable clothing.

Sew the jacket closed only at the shoulders and side seams. Leave the front open. Add the collar flaps so they sit softly outward and slightly upward.

Place the shoes over the feet and stitch them down invisibly at the heel and toe if permanent placement is desired.

Fit the beret low on the forehead. Let it tilt just a little to one side and cover the ear tops slightly. This detail helps the finished look match the image closely.

Sling the bag from the left shoulder to the right hip. The pouch should rest against the skirt rather than float away from the body. Tack it lightly to the jacket or dress if needed.

Sew the puppy together and position the hat so it sits low but still shows the eyes. Add the bow at the neck front.

Arrange the bouquet, mirror, and cookie box as styled props around the bunny and puppy.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After the full bunny is assembled, check the head tilt. A slight forward-facing posture looks best. The face should stay centered even with the beret sitting low.

Revisit the muzzle shaping if needed. Tighten the sculpting only enough to define the nose area. Over-sculpting will make the face too sharp and unlike the gentle rounded look in the image.

Use very short stitches for the eyes. Keep them small, dark, and quiet. The expression comes from placement more than size.

Smooth the jacket seams with your fingers and lightly block the dress hem so the petal edge opens evenly all around.

Care Notes

• Keep the set for display or gentle play
• Store away from direct strong sunlight to preserve the soft pastel shades
• Do not hang the bunny by the bag strap
• Small props should be kept together in a box or basket when not displayed
• For a collector finish, dust lightly with a clean dry brush

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and evenly shaped
• Ears sewn low and hanging close to the head
• Dress texture centered at the front
• Jacket fronts open neatly and collar flaps balanced
• Beret sitting low with gentle slouch
• Shoes matched and level
• Bag strap crossing neatly from shoulder to hip
• Puppy seated securely with hat and bow attached
• Bouquet stems wrapped and tidy
• Mirror and cookie box scaled small beside the bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean first whenever possible. Use a soft cloth with cool water and a very small amount of mild soap. Dab gently instead of rubbing, especially on embroidered facial details and flowers.

If a deeper clean is needed, place the item in a mesh bag and wash by hand in cool water. Press out moisture with a towel. Do not twist, wring, or stretch the knitted fabric.

Reshape the bunny, puppy, beret, and dress while damp. Lay flat to dry on a towel away from heat. Re-form the bouquet petals and the hat brim before they fully dry.

For long-term storage, wrap each item loosely in acid-free tissue and keep in a dry container. Avoid airtight plastic in humid climates. A lavender sachet nearby can help keep the storage space fresh, but do not place it directly on the yarn.