Jasmine Moonmilk Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the serene and ethereal world of the Jasmine Moonmilk Bunny. This exquisite project captures the essence of a moonlit garden, where the sweet, intoxicating scent of white jasmine blooms fills the cool night air. Our refined rabbit character is a vision of moonlight and purity, dressed in an ensemble that reflects the creamy textures of fresh milk and the delicate structure of climbing night-flowers. She is the perfect companion for quiet evenings and peaceful dreams.

To ensure your finished bunny achieves the professional and heirloom-quality 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 cream or off-white shade for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft. For the intricate clothing, such as the pearl-studded dress and the lace-detailed cardigan, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp. Before you begin, 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 magical figure, check your knitting bag 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 Jasmine Moonmilk 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 traditional method ensures the doll maintains its posture over time, whether she is displayed on a bedside table or held during a quiet moment.

The wardrobe is a study in monochromatic texture and botanical elegance. The dress features a smooth stockinette base adorned with applied pearls and a 3D floral hem, while the cardigan introduces delicate embroidery on the yoke. The accessories are narrative-driven, with the tiny bunny companion and the floral bouquet adding depth to her character as a gentle keeper of the moonlit garden.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Cream, Ivory, or Off-White.
• Yarn B (Dress Base): 80g DK weight yarn in Milk White or Porcelain.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Hat): 60g DK weight yarn in Minty Sage or Seafoam.
• Yarn D (Leaves): 20g DK weight yarn in Sage Green.
• Yarn E (Flowers): 30g DK weight yarn in Bright White.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes, small craft pearls, stitch markers, and small buttons for the shoes.

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 to ensure the bunny stands evenly.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase (KFB – Knit into front and back of stitch).
• Dec: Decrease (K2tog – Knit 2 together).
• 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 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. This method creates a continuous flow and minimizes bulky seams at the waist.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Cream) 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 foundation.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. (24 sts). This rapid increase creates the base of the foot pad.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches. Keep your tension even to avoid gaps between stitches.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (36 sts). This widens the foot.
• 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. (30 sts). This creates the instep of the foot, curving the fabric to form the toe area.
• 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 length of the leg. Ensure your tension remains even here.

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 together.

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Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (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. Ensure both legs are facing forward.
• 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 for a seated posture.
• 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 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.
• 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 cheeks a round shape.
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give room for safety eye placement.
• 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 111 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts).
• 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, pull tight to close the top of the head, and secure with a knot.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Cream), 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.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy. Using Yarn A, cast on 14 stitches.

• Rows 1-42: Work in stockinette stitch. Keep edges neat.
• 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 47 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 6, K2tog. (8 sts).
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 4, K2tog. (6 sts).
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 2, K2tog. (4 sts).
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Jasmine Moonmilk Dress

This dress features a milk-white base with a beautiful 3D floral hem and pearl embellishments. It fits the bunny body snugly and serves as a showcase for delicate detailing.

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Skirt with applied Details

Using Yarn B (White), cast on 72 stitches. Use a long-tail cast on for a tidy edge.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a sturdy hem.
• Rows 5-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Yarn B. This provides the main length of the skirt.

Waist and Bodice

We will now decrease at the waist and proceed to the bodice.

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

Floral Hem Embellishment

The Jasmine flowers and leaves are knitted separately and sewn to the hem.

• Leaves (Make 12): Using Yarn D (Sage), cast on 3 sts. Row 1: K1, YO, K1, YO, K1 (5 sts). Row 2: Purl. Row 3: SSK, K1, K2tog (3 sts). Row 4: Sl1, K2tog, PSSO. Fasten off.
• Flowers (Make 12): Using Yarn E (Bright White), cast on 10 sts. Row 1: *K2tog* across (5 sts). Fasten off, leaving a tail. Pull the tail through the stitches and tighten into a small bud.
• Assembly: Sew the leaves in a vine pattern around the hem. Sew the jasmine buds at intervals among the leaves.
• Pearls: Sew small craft pearls scattered across the upper skirt and bodice.

Part 3: The Mint Cardigan

The cardigan is a cozy layer knitted in Yarn C (Mint Sage). It features delicate leaf embroidery on the yoke.

Back Panel

Cast on 32 stitches using Yarn C.

• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 stitches at start of next 2 rows. (26 sts).
• Rows 23-34: Work straight in stockinette.
• Row 35: Cast off all stitches.

Left Front

Cast on 18 stitches.

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

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping. On the front yoke area, embroider small white sprigs with sage leaves using Yarn E and D.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 stitches.

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

Sew shoulders, side seams, and sleeves. Pick up stitches along front and knit a 3-row garter band.

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Part 4: The Mint Beret

This hat is a stylish beret in Yarn C (Mint), adorned with a cluster of jasmine flowers.

• Brim: Cast on 60 stitches using Yarn C.
• Rows 1-6: Work in K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 7 (Increase): *K2, Inc* to end (80 sts).
• Rows 8-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog* to end.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog* to end.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog* to end.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog* to end.
• Row 26: K2tog across. Draw through.

Sew back seam. Decorate with a cluster of 3 white jasmine buds and 3 sage leaves.

Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn B (White), cast on 12 stitches.

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

Sew back heel. Create a strap across the instep and sew a tiny white flower button to the side.

Part 6: Accessories

The Tiny Bunny Companion

Using Yarn A (Cream), US 2 needles.

• Body/Head: Cast on 8 sts. Inc to 16. Work 6 rows stockinette. Dec to 8. Inc to 12 (Head). Work 4 rows. Dec to 6. Fasten off.
• Ears: Cast on 3 sts. Knit 4 rows. Cast off.
• Decoration: Tie a tiny jasmine bud to its paws.

The Floral Basket

Using Yarn C (Mint).

• Body: Cast on 10 sts. Inc to 20. Knit in Garter Stitch for 1.5 inches. Cast off.
• Handle: Knit a short I-cord and attach.
• Stuff with a small bouquet of jasmine buds and sage leaves.

Lace Handkerchief

Using Yarn B (White).

• Cast on 20 stitches. Knit a square.
• Border: Pick up stitches and work a picot bind off.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The assembly process is where your Jasmine Moonmilk Bunny truly comes to life. Take your time with these steps.

1. Body: Sew the leg and body seams using a ladder stitch. Stuff the legs and body firmly, ensuring there are no lumps. The bunny should feel solid.
2. Head: Sew the back seam of the head. Stuff the head into a round shape, ensuring the cheeks are plump and symmetrical. Ensure the neck has extra stuffing for stability.
3. Face:
   • Eyes: Place safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, approximately 9 stitches apart.
   • Nose: Using dark brown floss, stitch a small “Y” shape. Satin stitch the top for a soft, triangular nose.
4. Limbs: Sew the arms to the sides of the body below the neck seam. Attach the ears to the top of the head, angling them forward.

Care Notes

Handmade toys require gentle care. Because this bunny features delicate pearls and applied flowers, follow these tips:

• Dusting: Use a soft-bristled brush or a lint roller to remove surface dust.
• Spot Cleaning: Use a damp cloth with mild detergent to gently dab away stains. Do not rub.
• Deep Cleaning: submerge gently in cool water with wool wash. Do not machine wash. Rinse gently and press out excess water—never wring. Reshape and dry flat.

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Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are all loose ends woven in securely on the inside of the garments?
• Are the safety eyes secure?
• Is the bunny’s stuffing even and firm?
• Is the head sitting straight on the neck?
• Are the pearls securely sewn? (Omit if for a child under 3).

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Preserve your bunny by keeping her out of direct sunlight. Store in a breathable cotton bag if putting away for the season. A lavender sachet can keep her fresh and protected from moths. Check occasionally to ensure the stuffing hasn’t shifted.

Your Jasmine Moonmilk Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of the quiet magic of the moonlit garden. Whether she sits on a shelf or is given as a gift, she will bring a sense of peace and botanical beauty to her new home.