Knitting Tutorial: Camellia Silk-Scarf Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Welcome to the sophisticated and graceful world of the Camellia Silk-Scarf Bunny. This project captures the essence of timeless elegance, reminiscent of a stroll through a manicured botanical garden in late winter when the camellias are in full, glorious bloom. This refined rabbit character is a connoisseur of fine fabrics and floral arrangements, bringing a touch of high-society charm to your handmade collection.

She is dressed in an ensemble that speaks of luxury and attention to detail. Her dress is a creamy, porcelain-hued garment adorned with a border of vibrant pink and red Camellia blossoms, mimicking the patterns found on fine china. To protect against the crisp air, she wears a textured sage green cardigan with a vintage collar. Her signature accessory is a delicate, knitted “silk-style” headscarf tied chicly around her ears, accompanied by a structured handbag and a graceful Swan companion. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for generations to come.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the luxurious, professional finish seen in the concept, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the most premium materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn in a soft oatmeal or biscuit shade for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch.

For the intricate clothing, such as the colorwork dress and the delicate scarf, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a silk-blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp and the fabric has a lovely drape. Before you begin, take a moment to check your knitting supplies; ensure you have a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for assembly, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to craft this elegant figure, check your knitting bag for stitch markers and let’s cast on.

 

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

Project Overview and Design Philosophy

The Camellia Silk-Scarf Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be robust, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed to allow for precise shaping of the curves. This method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time, whether she is sitting at a tea table or displayed on a collector’s shelf.

The wardrobe is a study in pattern and texture. The dress features a stranded colorwork hem depicting the complex layers of Camellia petals. The “silk” scarf is knitted in a fine gauge to mimic the drape of fabric. The accessories are intricate: a structured handbag, a realistic swan, and a bouquet of winter blooms.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Dress Main): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Porcelain White.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Leaves): 60g DK weight yarn in Sage Green or Muted Olive.
• Yarn D (Camellias & Scarf): 40g DK weight yarn in Rose Pink, Deep Red, and a Silk-blend Pink for the scarf.
• Yarn E (Swan): 30g DK weight yarn in Bright White.
• Yarn F (Bag & Shoes): 20g DK weight yarn in Taupe or Soft Brown.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads (swan eyes), embroidery floss (black, orange, yellow), stitch holders, small pearl buttons.

Gauge and Tension

The target gauge is 24 stitches and 30 rows equal to 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A firm gauge is essential for the stuffed components. If your fabric is too loose, the stuffing will show through, detracting from the professional finish. If you are a loose knitter, consider sizing down your needles.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase (Knit into the front and back of the stitch – KFB).
• Dec: Decrease (Knit 2 together – K2tog).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the Right Side, Purl on the Wrong Side.

Part 1: Constructing the Oatmeal Bunny Body

We begin the construction by knitting the legs individually. This provides a solid foundation for the doll to stand or sit. We will then join them to form the torso and continue seamlessly into the head.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal) and US 3 needles, cast on 12 stitches. Leave a long tail for seaming later. This tail will be used to sew up the foot and the back of the leg.

• Row 1: Purl all stitches across the row.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You will now have 24 stitches.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (36 sts)
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row. This smooth section forms the base of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 12. This creates the instep of the foot, giving it a realistic shape. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl all stitches.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): Knit 9, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 9. (24 sts)
• Row 13: Purl all stitches.
• Row 14 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts)
• Rows 15-42: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This long section forms the leg. Ensure your tension remains even here so both legs are identical in length.

Break the yarn for the first leg and place the stitches on a holder. Knit the second leg in the exact same manner, but do not break the yarn. We will use this working yarn to join the two pieces.

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Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (this forms the crotch), then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg from the holder.

• Row 43: You should now have 42 stitches on your needle.
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. (44 sts)
• Row 46: Purl all stitches.
• Row 47 (Hip Increase): Knit 11, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 11. (46 sts)
• Rows 48-68: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the tummy area. Stuffing this area firmly later is key to a good shape.
• Row 69 (Decrease): *Knit 8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 stitches, Knit 6. (42 sts)
• Row 70: Purl all stitches.
• Row 71 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Rows 72-76: Work straight in stockinette stitch.
• Row 77 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts)
• Row 78: Purl all stitches.
• Row 79 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts)
• Row 80: Purl all stitches. This row marks the neck.

We will now transition directly into the head. It is important to stuff the neck very firmly during assembly to prevent the head from wobbling.

• Row 81 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Row 82: Purl all stitches.
• Row 83 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts)
• Row 84: Purl all stitches.
• Row 85 (Increase): *Knit 7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (54 sts)
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give the bunny its classic round face.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts)
• Row 108: Purl all stitches.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (42 sts)
• Row 110: Purl all stitches.
• Row 111 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Row 112: Purl all stitches.
• Row 113 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts)
• Row 114 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts)
• Row 115 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (18 sts)
• Row 116 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (12 sts)
• Row 117: K2tog across the row. (6 sts)

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining loops using a tapestry needle, pull tight to close the top of the head, and secure with a knot.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal), cast on 10 stitches.

• Row 1: Purl all stitches.
• Row 2 (Increase): Increase in every stitch. (20 sts)
• Rows 3-26: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 27: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to the end. (15 sts)
• Row 28: Purl all stitches.
• Row 29: K2tog across to the last stitch, Knit 1. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, and sew the side seam. Stuff the hand area firmly and the upper arm lightly.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy, adding to the bunny’s gentle character. Using Yarn A, cast on 14 stitches.

• Rows 1-42: Work in stockinette stitch. You can make these longer or shorter depending on your preference.
• Row 43 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 10, K2tog. (12 sts)
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 8, K2tog. (10 sts)
• Row 46: Purl all stitches.
• Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 6, K2tog. (8 sts)
• Row 48: Purl all stitches.
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 4, K2tog. (6 sts)
• Row 50: Purl all stitches.
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 2, K2tog. (4 sts)
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Camellia Dress

This dress is designed to look like fine porcelain or silk. It features a cream base with a border of intricate Camellia flowers in pink and red.

Skirt with Floral Border

Using Yarn B (Cream), cast on 72 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.
• Row 9 (Begin Colorwork): Join Yarn D (Deep Red/Pink) and Yarn C (Green). We will create a repeating Camellia motif.

  Pattern Row 1: *Knit 3 Cream, Knit 1 Green (Stem), Knit 2 Cream*, repeat to end.

• Row 10: *Purl 2 Cream, Purl 3 Green (Leaves), Purl 1 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 11: *Knit 1 Cream, Knit 1 Green, Knit 3 Pink (Flower Base), Knit 1 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 12: *Purl 1 Cream, Purl 2 Pink, Purl 1 Red (Center), Purl 2 Pink, Purl 1 Cream* (Petals).
• Row 13: Break contrast colors. Knit across in Cream.
• Rows 14-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream. This expansive area allows the skirt to drape elegantly.

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Waist and Bodice

We will now decrease for the waist to create a gathered look.

• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (54 sts)
• Row 36: Purl all stitches.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (45 sts)
• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 21, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 44: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 21, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 45-48: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 49: Knit across (Garter ridge).
• Row 50: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Leave the bodice open and attach a small snap fastener.

Part 3: The Sage Green Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Sage Green) and features a textured stitch to contrast with the smoothness of the dress.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• Rows 5-20: Work in Moss Stitch (*K1, P1* repeat; next row *P1, K1* repeat) for a textured, woven look.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (26 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Continue in Moss Stitch.
• Row 35: Cast off all stitches.

Left Front

Cast on 18 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in Moss Stitch.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 stitches at the armhole edge.
• Rows 22-28: Work straight in pattern.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 stitches at the neck edge.
• Row 30: Pattern.
• Row 31: Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off remaining stitches.

Right Front

Work as for the Left Front, reversing the shaping for the armhole and neck.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 stitches.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row.
• Rows 5-20: Work in Stockinette stitch (for a smooth arm), increasing 1 stitch at each end of Row 8 and 16. (24 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Finishing: Sew the cardigan pieces together. Pick up stitches along the front opening and knit 3 rows of garter stitch for a button band. Add small pearl buttons.

Part 4: The “Silk” Headscarf

This accessory mimics a vintage silk scarf tied around the head. It is knitted in a fine gauge using Yarn D (Pink) or a silk-blend yarn if available.

• Cast On: 3 stitches.
• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3 (Increase): K1, Inc, K to last 2 sts, Inc, K1.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until you have 25 stitches.
• Work straight in stockinette for 8 inches (this forms the section that goes over the head).
• Decrease: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
• Purl next row.
• Repeat decrease rows until 3 stitches remain. Cast off.
• Ties: Pick up 3 stitches at each tapered end and knit a long I-cord (approx 6 inches) to allow the scarf to be tied beneath the bunny’s chin or behind the ears.
• Embroidery: Embroider small, delicate Camellia flowers on the scarf corners.

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Part 5: Taupe Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn F (Taupe/Brown), cast on 12 stitches.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 30 stitches around three sides of the sole rectangle.
• Rows 1-5: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 5 times, Knit 10. (25 sts)
• Row 7: Purl all stitches.
• Row 8 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 3 times, Knit 9. (22 sts)
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam. Use a lighter yarn to create a strap across the instep. Embroider a tiny pink bud on the toe.

Part 6: Elegant Accessories

The Swan Companion

Using Yarn E (White), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 stitches. Increase to 20. Work 10 rows stockinette. Decrease to 10. Draw through. Stuff firmly to make an oval.
• Neck: Pick up 6 stitches at one end. Knit a tube (I-cord style) for 2.5 inches.
• Head: Increase to 12 stitches. Knit 4 rows. Decrease to 4. Draw through.
• Beak: Embroider an orange triangle at the front of the head. Add a black detail at the base of the beak (the knob).
• Wings (Make 2): Cast on 4 stitches. Increase to 8. Knit 6 rows. Decrease to 2. Cast off. Sew to the sides of the body, angled upwards.

The Structured Handbag

Using Yarn F (Taupe).

• Body: Cast on 14 stitches. Work in Garter Stitch for 1 inch (Base).
• Sides: Pick up stitches around the base rectangle. Work in stockinette for 2 inches.
• Flap: On the back stitches only, continue knitting for 1.5 inches, decreasing at the sides to form a curved flap. Cast off.
• Handle: Knit a short, stiff I-cord and attach to the top.
• Detail: Sew a small Camellia flower (knitted or embroidered) to the flap.

Camellia Bouquet

• Flowers: Cast on 20 stitches in Pink. Knit 2 rows. K2tog across. Break yarn and draw through tightly. Coil the strip to form a rose-like flower. Make 3.
• Leaves: Knit small green diamonds.
• Assembly: Attach to green wire or I-cord stems. Wrap with a scrap of the “silk” yarn used for the scarf.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The assembly process is where your bunny truly comes to life. Take your time with these steps to ensure a professional finish.

1. Body Assembly: Using the mattress stitch, sew the back seam of the legs and the center back of the body. Stuff the legs firmly to ensure the bunny can stand (if propped) or sit nicely. Leave the very top of the legs slightly softer to allow for bending at the hips. Stuff the body firmly.
2. Head Assembly: Sew the back seam of the head. Stuff the head into a round shape, ensuring the cheeks are plump and symmetrical. Ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly to support the head.
3. Face:
   • Eyes: Insert the safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spacing them about 9 stitches apart. If the head is already closed, you can use black embroidery thread to satin stitch the eyes.
   • Nose: Using dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a “Y” shape in the center of the face. Satin stitch a small triangle at the top of the “Y” for the nose to give it dimension.
4. Limbs: Sew the ears to the sides of the head, curving them slightly forward to frame the face. Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck seam.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Because this is a handmade item, likely containing wool, it requires specific care to last for generations.

• Dusting: Regularly dust the bunny with a soft brush or a lint roller to prevent dirt buildup on the textured knits.
• Washing: Never machine wash this bunny if you used wool. Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild wool detergent. If a full wash is absolutely necessary, submerge gently in cool water with wool wash, press out excess water (do not wring), and reshape on a towel to dry.
• Storage: Store out of direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading. If storing for a long period, place in a breathable cotton bag with a lavender sachet to repel moths.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Have all loose ends been woven in securely?
• Are the safety eyes secured properly (if used)?
• Is the stuffing distributed evenly, without lumps?
• Is the neck sturdy enough? (If not, you may need to open a seam and add more stuffing).
• Are all accessories (like the swan’s beak) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Camellia Silk-Scarf Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of floral elegance, fine textures, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a vanity table or is given as a gift to someone who appreciates the finer things, it is sure to bring a touch of grace to its new home.