Forget-Me-Not Storytime Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the enchanting and studious world of the Forget-Me-Not Storytime Bunny. This delightful project captures the quiet magic of a library garden, where stories come to life amidst blooming blue flowers. Our gentle rabbit character is a scholar and a dreamer, dressed in an outfit that reflects the serene blue of the forget-me-not flower and the crisp pages of a beloved book.

She wears a meticulously crafted ensemble designed for reading in the park. Her dress is a stunning cornflower blue pinafore featuring a cream lace hem and a bodice adorned with embroidered vertical vines of blue and yellow flowers. To add a touch of vintage charm, she wears a detachable cream collar with delicate leaf embroidery. Her look is topped with a cream cloche hat featuring a cluster of knitted blue blooms, matching blue Mary Jane shoes, and a collection of literary treasures including a miniature book, reading glasses, a tote bag, a lace handkerchief, and a wise owl companion. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for book lovers.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the refined, professional finish seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the finest 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 embroidered dress and the miniature accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a sport-weight wool blend. These fibers provide excellent stitch definition, which is crucial for the floral motifs and the tiny book details to stand out clearly. 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 start this literary journey, check your knitting bag for stitch markers and let us 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 Forget-Me-Not Storytime 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 on a bookshelf or being carried to a story circle.

The wardrobe is a study in classic childhood nostalgia. The dress utilizes a combination of stockinette stitch and lace edging. The collar is a separate piece, adding a layer of dimension. The accessories are narrative-driven: the miniature book and the owl companion tell a story of wisdom and learning.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Sand, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress & Accessories): 80g DK weight yarn in Cornflower Blue or Forget-Me-Not Blue.
• Yarn C (Hat, Collar, Hem): 50g DK weight yarn in Cream or Ivory.
• Yarn D (Owl): 30g DK weight yarn in Grey.
• Yarn E (Embroidery/Details): Scraps of Yellow, Green, White, and 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 safety eyes or felt circles (owl), embroidery floss (black, yellow, green), stitch holders, craft wire (for spectacles), small snaps or 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. Consistency is key when making matching limbs.

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. This sets up the wrong side.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You will now have 24 stitches. This rapid increase creates the base of the foot pad.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches. Keep your tension even to avoid gaps.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (36 sts). This widens the foot to create a cute, chubby paw.
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row. This smooth section forms the height of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 12. This creates the instep of the foot, curving the fabric to form the toe area. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl all stitches.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): Knit 9, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 9. (24 sts). The foot is now taking its final shape.
• Row 13: Purl all stitches.
• Row 14 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts). This tightens the ankle to define the leg.
• 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.

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Break the yarn for the first leg and place the stitches on a stitch holder or a spare piece of yarn. 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 together.

Torso and Head

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

• Row 43: You should now have 42 stitches on your needle. Ensure both legs are facing the same way (Right Side facing you).
• Row 44: Purl all stitches. Treat the new cast-on stitches carefully so they don’t stretch.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. (44 sts). This increase helps shape the bunny’s bottom.
• 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). We are now beginning to shape the chest.
• 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 to elongate the upper body slightly.
• 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). The head begins to widen immediately.
• 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). This gives the bunny lovely chubby cheeks.
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give the bunny its classic round face and room for eye placement.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts). We begin closing the top of the head.
• 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. This forms the length of the arm.
• Row 27: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to the end. (15 sts). Shaping the shoulder.
• 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 to allow movement.

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). Tapering the tip.
• 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.

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Part 2: The Forget-Me-Not Pinafore Dress

This dress is designed to look like a vintage pinafore. It features a cream scalloped lace hem peeking out from under a blue skirt, and a fitted bodice with embroidery.

The Cream Lace Underskirt (Hem)

Using Yarn C (Cream), cast on 80 stitches.

• Rows 1-2: Knit.
• Row 3 (Scallop Pattern): *K1, YO, K3, SK2P (slip 1, k2tog, psso), K3, YO*, repeat to end.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Repeat Rows 3 and 4 three times to create a lovely lace border.
• Next Row: Change to Yarn B (Blue). Knit across, decreasing evenly to 72 stitches.

Blue Skirt Body

Continue using Yarn B (Blue).

• Rows 1-24: Work in stockinette stitch. This provides the main body of the skirt.

Waist and Bodice

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

• Row 25 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (54 sts)
• Row 26: Purl all stitches.
• Row 27 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (45 sts)
• Rows 28-32: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 33 (Armhole Shaping): Knit 8, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 21, cast off 4 stitches, Knit 8.
• Row 34: Purl 8, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 21, cast on 4 stitches, Purl 8. (45 sts)
• Rows 35-40: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 41: Knit across (Garter ridge).
• Row 42: Cast off loosely.

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

Forget-Me-Not Embroidery

Use embroidery floss or thin yarn in Green, Blue, and Yellow.

1. Stems: Stitch five or six vertical green stems on the front bodice of the dress. Make them slightly varied in height.
2. Leaves: Add tiny “V” shaped leaves along the stems.
3. Flowers: At the top of each stem, stitch a cluster of small blue flowers. You can use lazy daisy stitch for petals or simple French knots.
4. Centers: Add a tiny yellow French knot in the center of each blue flower cluster.

Part 3: The Detachable Lace Collar

This accessory adds a touch of refinement to the bunny’s outfit. Using Yarn C (Cream).

• Cast On: 30 stitches.
• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat to end. (45 sts)
• Rows 3-6: Work in Stockinette stitch.
• Row 7 (Picot Edge): *K2tog, YO*, repeat to end.
• Row 8: Knit.
• Row 9: Cast off loosely.
• Detail: Embroider tiny blue flowers and green leaves on the collar tips using the same method as the dress. Sew a small button or tie to close it at the back of the neck.

Part 4: The Cloche Hat

This hat is a classic shape in Cream, adorned with blue flowers.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn C (Cream).
• Rows 1-8: Work in Seed Stitch (*K1, P1* across, offset on next row) or Garter Stitch for a textured, sturdy brim.
• Rows 9-20: Change to Stockinette stitch for the crown.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew back seam.

Decoration: Knit three small blue flowers (cast on 5, knit 1 row, bind off, roll into rosette) and sew them to the side of the hat with green leaves.

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Part 5: Blue Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn B (Blue), 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 Yarn B to crochet or knit a small strap across the instep. Sew a tiny blue flower button to the strap.

Part 6: Storytime Accessories

The Wise Owl Companion

Using Yarn D (Grey), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 12 stitches. Increase to 24. Work 10 rows stockinette. Decrease to 12. Draw through. Stuff firmly to make a round egg shape.
• Wings: Knit two small grey triangles and sew to sides.
• Eyes: Cut two small circles of white felt. Place safety eyes or black beads through the felt and attach to the head.
• Beak: Embroider a small yellow “V”.
• Book: Knit a tiny rectangle in brown (cover) and white (pages) and sew to the owl’s wings.

The Blue Handbag

Using Yarn B (Blue).

• Body: Cast on 14 stitches. Work in Garter Stitch for 3 inches.
• Assembly: Fold in half. Sew side seams.
• Handle: Knit an I-cord and attach to the top corners.

The Miniature Book

Using Blue yarn (Cover) and White yarn (Pages).

• Cover: Cast on 10 stitches in Blue. Knit 12 rows in Garter Stitch. Cast off.
• Pages: Cast on 8 stitches in White. Knit 10 rows. Cast off.
• Assembly: Place pages inside cover. Stitch down the center spine. Embroider a flower on the front cover.

Wire Spectacles

Using thin crafting wire and pliers:

1. Wrap the wire around a marker pen twice to create two circles.
2. Twist the wire between the circles to form the nose bridge.
3. Bend the ends of the wire back to create the arms of the glasses.
4. Curl the very ends so they aren’t sharp.

Lace Handkerchief

Using Yarn C (Cream).

• Cast on 15 stitches.
• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: *K1, YO, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Rows 3-18: Stockinette stitch.
• Row 19: *K1, YO, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Knit. Cast off.
• Embroider a border of blue forget-me-nots around the edge.

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.

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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 wire glasses) safe if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Forget-Me-Not Storytime Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the love of reading, the beauty of nature, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a library shelf or is given as a gift to a budding reader, it is sure to bring a sense of wonder and comfort to its new home.