Verbascum Honey Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted bunny set is designed with a soft heirloom look, warm honey tones, and sweet garden details that make it ideal for shoppers searching for a handmade bunny doll, knitted rabbit gift, nursery decor toy, collectible stuffed animal, or spring bunny keepsake. The set includes the main bunny, bonnet, pinafore dress with flower motifs, crossbody pouch with blossoms, shoes, a tiny bear friend, a small honey jar with lid, a little spoon, and a folded cloth with buttons. Every piece is shaped to echo the proportions, color balance, and gentle finish of the sample shown.

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

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 12 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including bonnet ruffle.
• Bonnet: fitted to the head with a soft wavy brim that frames the face and ears.
• Tiny bear: about 4 inches tall seated.
• Honey jar: about 2 inches tall.
• Folded cloth: about 2 1/2 inches wide.
• Pouch: sized to sit at the bunny’s left hip with a narrow strap across the chest.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: light beige, cream, and warm taupe DK weight.
• Dress and bonnet yarn: honey mustard DK weight.
• Flower yarn: pale butter yellow, muted olive green, and a tiny amount of deeper gold.
• Shoes: pale butter cream DK weight.
• Tiny bear: medium brown, pale blush beige, cream, and a little honey mustard.
• Jar: honey mustard, cream, and a tiny bit of white.
• Folded cloth: cream and honey mustard.
• Needles: US 2 and US 3 double-pointed needles or long circulars for small circumference knitting.
• Stuffing: soft polyester toy stuffing.
• Eyes: small black safety eyes or black embroidery thread.
• Embroidery thread: dark brown for nose and mouth.
• Buttons: 2 tiny tan buttons for dress straps, 2 tiny buttons for folded cloth if desired.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, waste yarn, sewing needle.

Gauge

On larger needles, 26 stitches and 36 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette after light blocking.

A firm gauge is important because the toy should hold its shape well. If your fabric feels loose, move down a needle size. The body, head, limbs, and tiny accessories all look best when the stitches are even and dense, with very little stuffing visible through the fabric.

Abbreviations

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

Construction Notes

The bunny is worked mostly in the round. Legs are made first, then joined for the lower body. The torso, neck, and head are shaped as one main unit. Arms, ears, bonnet, dress, shoes, pouch, flowers, and all small props are made separately and sewn on.

The face is gentle and centered, with small black eyes set wide apart, a narrow embroidered nose, and a short split mouth. The ears are long, soft, and lightly stuffed only at the base so they hang naturally beside the face.

The dress sits like a simple pinafore, slightly flared from the chest to the hem. The flower border is placed across the lower front, wrapping gently toward the sides. The pouch rests low on one side and is filled with three small knitted blossoms.

Main Bunny Legs

Make 2

1. Using light beige and smaller needles, CO 12 sts. Join carefully for working in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in each stitch around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: K3, inc, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnds 5–10: Knit.
7. Rnd 11: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 12: Knit.
9. Rnd 13: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
10. Rnds 14–28: Knit even for the straight lower leg.

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Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly. The feet in the sample are rounded but not oversized. They should feel stable and slightly oval from front to back. Keep the leg section slimmer than the foot so the finished bunny has a delicate standing silhouette under the dress.

Break yarn on first leg and leave stitches waiting. Work the second leg the same way, but do not break yarn.

Lower Body and Torso

1. Using the second leg as starting point, knit across 18 stitches of leg two.
2. CO 4 stitches for center join.
3. Knit across 18 stitches of leg one.
4. CO 4 stitches for back join. 44 sts total.
5. Rnds 1–6: Knit.
6. Rnd 7: K9, inc, repeat 4 times. 48 sts.
7. Rnds 8–14: Knit.
8. Rnd 15: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
9. Rnd 16: Knit.
10. Rnd 17: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
11. Rnds 18–24: Knit.
12. Rnd 25: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
13. Rnds 26–31: Knit.

At this stage, stuff the hips and tummy evenly. The lower body should be softly rounded, not bulky. The front of the bunny in the sample looks smooth under the dress, so avoid overstuffing. Shape the belly gently with your fingers while adding filling.

1. Rnd 32: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
2. Rnds 33–36: Knit for the upper chest.
3. Switch to cream for the top section that will show as the short-sleeve shirt under the pinafore.
4. Rnds 37–42: Knit.

Neck and Head

1. Rnd 43: K2, inc, repeat around. 32 sts.
2. Rnd 44: Knit.
3. Rnd 45: K3, inc, repeat around. 40 sts.
4. Rnd 46: Knit.
5. Rnd 47: K4, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
6. Rnds 48–62: Knit even.

Stuff the neck firmly so the head stands upright. Continue stuffing the head as you work. The head should be slightly taller than it is wide, with full cheeks and a soft taper at the top. The face on the sample is calm, centered, and not overly round.

1. Place eyes between rounds 56 and 57, about 8 stitches apart. If using embroidery instead, mark placement now.
2. Rnd 63: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
3. Rnd 64: Knit.
4. Rnd 65: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 66: Knit.
6. Rnd 67: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
7. Rnd 68: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 69: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
9. Finish stuffing firmly but smoothly.
10. Rnd 70: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
11. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and close neatly.

Arms

Make 2

1. Using warm taupe, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Inc in each stitch around. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 2–16: Knit.
4. Switch to cream for the shirt sleeve section.
5. Rnds 17–21: Knit.
6. Rnd 22: K2tog around. 8 sts.
7. Break yarn, leaving a tail for sewing.

Stuff the lower part of each arm lightly, leaving the top soft and flat. The sample shows simple tapered arms angled downward. Sew the arms to the side of the torso just below the cream upper body section so the sleeves look as though they sit under the dress bib.

Ears

Make 2

1. Using light beige, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1–4: Knit flat in stockinette, beginning with a knit row on RS.
3. Row 5: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
4. Row 6: Purl.
5. Repeat rows 5 and 6 until 4 sts remain.
6. Next row: K1, k2tog, k1.
7. Final row: Purl.
8. BO.

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Make a second matching piece for each ear if you want a double-layer finish, or use one layer and fold lengthwise. The ears in the sample are long, narrow, and softly draped. They hang from under the bonnet brim and extend down to about the upper chest.

If working double-layer ears, place two pieces together, sew around edges, and lightly stuff only the top inch. The rest should remain flat. Sew the ears high on the head, slightly behind the eye line, angling them downward so they frame the face naturally.

Tail

1. Using light beige, CO 6 sts on double-pointed needles.
2. Rnd 1: Inc in each stitch. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 2–4: Knit.
4. Rnd 5: K2tog around. 6 sts.
5. Stuff lightly and close.

Sew the tail to the lower back, centered under the dress line.

Facial Embroidery

Use dark brown thread. Stitch a tiny inverted triangle nose centered about 4 rounds below the eyes. From the lower point of the nose, work a short vertical line downward, then split into two soft curved stitches for the mouth.

The expression should stay minimal. Keep the nose small and the mouth short. Do not overwork the features. The appeal of the sample comes from its simplicity, wide eye placement, and the gentle downward lines beside the muzzle.

Pinafore Dress

The dress is a honey mustard pinafore with a bib front, two straps, and a softly flared skirt. The lower front includes a neat row of raised flower motifs in pale yellow with olive leaves. The bib sits high on the chest and fastens with small tan buttons.

Skirt Section

1. Using honey mustard, CO 72 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1–4: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rnd 5: Knit.
4. Rnd 6: K8, k2tog, repeat around. 64 sts.
5. Rnds 7–12: Knit.
6. Rnd 13: K7, k2tog, repeat around. 56 sts.
7. Rnds 14–20: Knit.

Check fit around the bunny’s body. The dress should slide on comfortably but not hang loosely. It needs enough room for the cream torso underneath while still keeping the clean A-line seen in the sample.

Flower Border Placement

Work the flower motifs over the lower front half of the skirt between rounds 10 and 18, spacing them evenly. The sample shows a front row of little butter-yellow blossoms with soft olive leaf bases. You may use duplicate stitch for petals and knit tiny attached bobbles for extra texture.

• Each flower: 5 tiny petals in pale yellow around a small deeper gold center.
• Leaf base: 2 small olive stitches angled outward below each flower.
• Arrangement: place 5 flowers across the front, with the outer flowers curving slightly toward the sides.

Upper Dress

1. Continue from skirt.
2. Rnd 21: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 49 sts. Adjust to 48 sts on next round if needed.
3. Rnds 22–24: Knit.
4. Divide for front bib and back.
5. Place 16 front sts on one needle for bib. Place remaining 32 sts on waste yarn for back and straps.

Bib Front

1. Work flat on 16 sts.
2. Rows 1–10: Stockinette.
3. Row 11: K2, BO 12, k2 if you want a slight top shaping. On next row, cast those stitches back on loosely, or keep straight if preferred.
4. Rows 12–14: Stockinette.
5. BO.

A straight bib also works beautifully. The sample has a simple smooth rectangle with softly rounded upper corners created naturally during finishing.

Back and Straps

1. Return to remaining 32 sts.
2. Work 8 sts for first strap, place 16 center back sts on holder, work last 8 sts for second strap separately.
3. Each strap: Knit flat for 16 rows, or until it reaches front bib comfortably.
4. BO each strap.

Sew or button straps to the front bib. Add a small tan button to each upper corner. The buttons are visible and important to the overall look, so choose a warm wood or honey shade.

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Bonnet

The bonnet is a fitted cap in honey mustard with a deep scalloped brim. It sits close to the head and frames the face in a soft wave. The brim is the key feature, so keep the edge flexible and even.

1. Using honey mustard, CO 48 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1–10: Knit.
3. Rnd 11: K6, inc, repeat around. 56 sts.
4. Rnd 12: Knit.
5. Rnd 13: K7, inc, repeat around. 63 sts.
6. Rnds 14–20: Knit.
7. Begin crown shaping.
8. Rnd 21: K7, k2tog, repeat around.
9. Rnd 22: Knit.
10. Rnd 23: K6, k2tog, repeat around.
11. Rnd 24: Knit.
12. Continue in this manner until 14 sts remain.
13. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

Scalloped Brim

Pick up 56 to 64 stitches evenly around the bonnet front opening. Work flat if preferred.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: K2, inc, repeat across.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: *K3, turn, p3, turn, k3, turn, p3; return to main row, BO 1 loosely*, repeat to create shallow waves.
6. Alternative simpler edging: work 1 row knit, 1 row purl, then BO loosely in a wavy manner by knitting into front and back before each bind-off section.

The finished brim should undulate rather than frill sharply. Steam very lightly from a distance if needed. Sew the bonnet in place with a few hidden stitches behind the ears, or leave it removable.

Shoes

Make 2

1. Using pale butter cream, CO 12 sts and join in round.
2. Rnd 1: Inc in each stitch around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: K3, inc, repeat around. 30 sts.
5. Rnds 4–8: Knit.
6. Rnd 9: K8, k2tog 7 times, k8. 23 sts.
7. Rnd 10: Knit.
8. Rnd 11: K7, k2tog 4 times, k8. 19 sts.
9. Rnds 12–14: Knit.
10. BO loosely.

Slip each shoe over the foot and stitch in place around the lower edge. Add a short narrow strap across the top opening in cream or the same pale butter shade. The shoes should look like soft Mary Jane slippers with open top fronts, matching the sample.

Crossbody Pouch

1. Using honey mustard, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1–14: Stockinette, keeping edge stitches neat.
3. Fold piece in half to form pouch and sew side seams.
4. For flap, pick up 16 sts across top back edge.
5. Work 4 rows stockinette.
6. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
7. Purl back.
8. Repeat shaping once more, then BO.

Strap

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Knit i-cord for about 10 inches, or until it crosses from shoulder to opposite hip.
3. Sew ends securely to pouch.

The pouch in the sample has a tiny button or knot detail on the flap. Add one small tan stitch or button if desired. Position the pouch on the bunny’s left hip with the strap crossing from the right shoulder.

Pouch Flowers

Make 3 blossoms

1. Using pale yellow, CO 5 sts.
2. Work one tiny bobble petal in each stitch or knit a miniature flower by making a 5-petal ring.
3. Create a small center with deeper gold.
4. Embroider or attach two olive leaves beneath each bloom.

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Sew the blossoms together as a tiny bunch and attach them peeking out of the pouch opening. Keep them compact. The cluster should look fresh and rounded, not large enough to hide the pouch shape.

Tiny Bear Friend

The small bear is seated and wears a pale blush dress with a cream collar edge and a little honey bonnet. Its proportions are simple and sweet, with a round head, short body, small limbs, and a darker stitched nose.

Bear Body and Head

1. Using medium brown, CO 10 sts and join in round.
2. Rnd 1: Inc in each stitch. 20 sts.
3. Rnds 2–6: Knit.
4. Rnd 7: K3, inc, repeat around. 25 sts.
5. Rnds 8–12: Knit for belly and chest.
6. Rnd 13: K4, inc, repeat around. 30 sts.
7. Rnds 14–22: Knit for head.
8. Insert tiny black eyes between rounds 18 and 19, about 5 stitches apart.
9. Rnd 23: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
10. Rnd 24: Knit.
11. Rnd 25: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
12. Rnd 26: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
13. Stuff firmly and close.

Bear Ears

1. Make 2 tiny circles.
2. CO 4 sts, join, inc to 8 sts, knit 2 rounds, then close.

Sew ears high on the head.

Bear Arms and Legs

• Arms: CO 6 sts, work 10 rounds in brown, stuff lightly, close and sew to sides.
• Legs: CO 6 sts, work 8 rounds in brown, stuff lightly, close and sew at lower front so the bear sits.

Bear Face

Embroider a tiny dark brown triangular nose and a short vertical stitch beneath it. Keep the muzzle expression simple and slightly deeper in tone than the bunny’s face.

Bear Dress

1. Using pale blush beige, CO 24 sts and join in round.
2. Rnds 1–4: Knit.
3. Rnd 5: K2tog evenly around to 18 sts.
4. Rnds 6–9: Knit.
5. Switch to cream and work 1 round.
6. BO loosely.

Slip onto the bear body and stitch neatly in back. Add a soft cream edge at neckline or hem. The sample shows a simple little dress with a pale body and a cream trim.

Bear Bonnet

1. Using honey mustard, CO 18 sts and knit a tiny fitted cap.
2. Increase to 24 sts over first two rounds.
3. Work 4 rounds even.
4. Decrease gradually at crown and close.
5. Pick up stitches around front edge and create a small wavy brim.

Sew bonnet in place. It should sit low and echo the larger bunny bonnet.

Honey Jar

This little prop adds warmth and story to the set. The jar is knitted in a rich golden shade with a cream lid and a soft scalloped trim that looks fabric-like around the top edge.

1. Using honey mustard, CO 8 sts and join in round.
2. Rnd 1: Inc in each stitch. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 3–12: Knit.
5. Stuff firmly as you go so the jar stands upright.
6. Rnd 13: K2tog around. 12 sts.
7. Break yarn and close.

Lid

1. Using cream, CO 8 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: Inc in each stitch. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, inc, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 3–4: Knit.
5. BO loosely.

Sew the lid onto the top of the jar with a tiny overhang. Add a decorative scallop by embroidering a white or cream wave around the lid edge if desired.

Spoon

For the spoon, knit or embroider a tiny narrow strip in tan yarn, or substitute a miniature wooden spoon if you are styling the finished set for display. If making it from yarn, work a slim i-cord about 1 1/2 inches long and flatten one end for the bowl.

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Folded Cloth

The folded cloth in front of the jar looks like a tiny napkin or washcloth in cream with a honey border and two raised circular accents. This piece is small but very visible in the arrangement, so neat edges matter.

1. Using cream, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1–4: Knit.
3. Switch to honey mustard.
4. Rows 5–6: Knit.
5. Switch back to cream.
6. Rows 7–14: Knit.
7. BO.

Fold one corner inward if you want the same layered look as the sample. Sew lightly to hold the fold.

Button Details

1. Make 2 tiny knitted circles in honey mustard, or use two tiny matching buttons.
2. Sew them side by side near the folded edge.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Sew ears to head first.
2. Embroider the nose and mouth after checking symmetry from the front.
3. Attach arms so they angle slightly inward.
4. Sew tail to back.
5. Dress the bunny in the pinafore and secure straps with small buttons.
6. Add shoes and tack them in place.
7. Place bonnet over head and secure with hidden stitches if desired.
8. Sew pouch strap across chest and fix pouch at hip.
9. Attach the flower cluster inside the pouch opening.
10. Finish the tiny bear, honey jar, spoon, and folded cloth as separate display pieces.

When the main bunny is complete, check the face one last time. The eyes should look balanced and calm. The embroidered nose should sit slightly above center on the muzzle area, with the mouth kept delicate and short for the same gentle expression seen in the sample.

Care Notes

• Display indoors away from direct moisture.
• Handle the flower details and bonnet brim gently.
• Do not pull the pouch strap too hard, since it is narrow.
• If giving to a child, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes for added caution.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Main bunny stands balanced with softly rounded feet.
• Ears hang evenly and frame the face.
• Dress flowers are centered across the lower front.
• Bonnet brim forms soft waves, not tight ruffles.
• Pouch sits at one hip and flowers peek out naturally.
• Shoes match and straps are aligned.
• Tiny bear, jar, spoon, and cloth are scaled neatly to the bunny.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap when needed. Do not soak the finished set unless absolutely necessary, especially once the small accessories have been attached. Press gently with a towel to remove moisture and let every piece air dry flat.

Store in a clean, dry box lined with tissue if not on display. Keep away from heavy sunlight to preserve the honey and cream shades. For long-term display, occasional light dusting with a soft brush will help maintain the smooth knitted surface and tidy flower details.