The White Calla Lily & Bombay Cat Bunny – Knitting

Meet a soft, elegant bunny and her sleek little Bombay cat companion, dressed for a calm afternoon at home. This project is designed for makers who love classic black-and-white style with tiny couture details: a cloche hat with pearl accents, a pearl necklace, a crisp cardigan, and a black dress decorated with white calla lilies. If you shop for a complete knitting kit, you will want worsted weight yarn, polyfill stuffing, safety eyes (or embroidery floss), and small craft pearls to match the look. The finished set also makes a charming handmade gift idea for anyone who collects soft dolls, nursery decor, or boutique-style plush toys.

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

You will knit two characters and a complete outfit set that matches the photo: a bunny with long floppy ears, a black dress with three white calla lilies, a white cardigan with a black cat applique, a black cloche hat dotted with pearls, a pearl necklace, a small beige purse with pearl handle, and white Mary Jane shoes. Then you will knit a small black Bombay cat with a long tail.

The construction uses mostly simple shaping and seaming. Keep your stuffing firm and smooth, and keep your stitches tight so the fabric looks clean and “doll-like.” If you are new to shaping, read each section once before you begin. The stitch counts and finishing steps are written so you can check your progress often.

Finished Size

• Standing bunny (including hat): about 10–12 in (25–30 cm), depending on yarn and tension.
• Bombay cat: about 5–6 in (13–15 cm) sitting height, with a long tail.
• Clothing fits the bunny as written. If you change yarn size, keep proportions by knitting the same shapes but checking fit as you go.

Yarn and Colors

• Main Bunny Color (A): warm beige or oatmeal (body, head, ears, arms, legs, purse).
• Dress Color (B): black (dress, hat base, cat body).
• Cardigan and Shoes (C): soft white or cream (cardigan, shoes, sock cuffs).
• Calla Lily White (D): bright white (flower petals).
• Green (E): medium leafy green (stems and leaves).
• Embroidery (F): dark brown or black floss for nose/mouth; optional light pink for inner ear tint.

Tools and Notions

• Knitting needles: size to obtain a dense fabric (often US 3–5 / 3.25–3.75 mm) for worsted yarn.
• Double-pointed needles or circular needle for small circumferences (hat, limbs, cat).
• Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors.
• Polyfill stuffing.
• Optional: 8–10 mm safety eyes for bunny; 6 mm safety eyes for cat (or embroider eyes).
• Small craft pearls or pearl beads (for hat band, hat dots, necklace, purse handle detail).
• Small snap or tiny button for cardigan (optional; cardigan in photo appears open).
• Thin felt sheet (optional) for shoe soles, or embroider soles with yarn.

Gauge and Fabric Notes

Gauge is not critical, but your fabric must be tight enough that stuffing does not show through. Many toy knitters use a needle size smaller than the yarn label suggests. If your stitches look loose, go down a needle size. If the fabric is too stiff to shape neatly, go up one size.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS/WS = right side / wrong side
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• m1 = make 1 increase (use your preferred method)
• inc = increase
• dec = decrease
• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off

General Construction Notes

• Unless stated, pieces are knit in the round for smooth stockinette.
• Use a smooth “ladder-less” method when switching needles for small rounds.
• Stuff firmly in small amounts, shaping often with your fingers.
• Seams should be neat and hidden. Mattress stitch is recommended.
• When attaching pearls, anchor each bead with multiple passes of thread so they stay secure.

The Bunny

Head (Color A)

The bunny has a softly rounded head with a slightly tapered chin. The face is calm and minimal: small eyes placed wide, a tiny triangular nose, and a short “Y” mouth line. Keep the muzzle smooth by stuffing evenly and avoiding lumps.

1. CO 6 sts, join for working in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: inc in each st around. (12)
4. Rnd 3: (k1, inc) around. (18)
5. Rnd 4: (k2, inc) around. (24)
6. Rnd 5: (k3, inc) around. (30)
7. Rnd 6: (k4, inc) around. (36)
8. Rnd 7: (k5, inc) around. (42)
9. Rnd 8: (k6, inc) around. (48)
10. Rnds 9–16: k all sts. Keep tension even for a smooth dome. (48)

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Place eyes now if using safety eyes. Center the face and mark the middle front. Position eyes about 6–7 rnds up from the bottom edge of the head, spaced about 10–12 sts apart. If embroidering, wait until after stuffing so you can adjust symmetry.

1. Rnd 17: (k6, dec) around. (42)
2. Rnd 18: k all sts. (42)
3. Rnd 19: (k5, dec) around. (36)
4. Rnd 20: k all sts. (36)
5. Rnd 21: (k4, dec) around. (30)
6. Rnd 22: (k3, dec) around. (24)

Begin stuffing firmly. Shape the cheeks by pushing stuffing to the sides. Keep the lower face slightly narrower than the widest part of the head so the chin looks gentle and not boxy.

1. Rnd 23: (k2, dec) around. (18)
2. Rnd 24: (k1, dec) around. (12)
3. Rnd 25: (dec) around. (6)
4. Cut yarn, thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in.

Ears (Make 2, Color A)

The ears are long and floppy, hanging down to the bunny’s shoulders. They are slightly thicker at the base and softly tapered at the tip. For the photo look, keep them unstuffed or only lightly stuffed at the lower third so they drape naturally.

1. CO 8 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnds 1–3: k all sts. (8)
3. Rnd 4: (k3, inc) twice. (10)
4. Rnds 5–7: k all sts. (10)
5. Rnd 8: (k4, inc) twice. (12)
6. Rnds 9–26: k all sts. (12)
7. Rnd 27: (k4, dec) twice. (10)
8. Rnds 28–32: k all sts. (10)
9. Rnd 33: (k3, dec) twice. (8)
10. Rnds 34–40: k all sts. (8)
11. BO loosely. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Optional inner-ear tint: with a few strands of light pink embroidery floss, add a soft blush line in the inner ear area. Keep it subtle so it looks like gentle shading, not a bold stripe.

Body (Color A)

The body is a simple tapered torso with a flat-ish base so the bunny stands. The dress will cover most of the torso, but the neck and hands remain visible, so keep shaping tidy at the top.

1. CO 8 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st around. (16)
3. Rnd 2: (k1, inc) around. (24)
4. Rnd 3: (k2, inc) around. (32)
5. Rnd 4: (k3, inc) around. (40)
6. Rnds 5–10: k all sts. (40)
7. Rnd 11: (k8, dec) around. (36)
8. Rnds 12–16: k all sts. (36)
9. Rnd 17: (k7, dec) around. (32)
10. Rnds 18–22: k all sts. (32)
11. Rnd 23: (k6, dec) around. (28)
12. Rnds 24–26: k all sts. (28)
13. Rnd 27: (k5, dec) around. (24)
14. Rnds 28–30: k all sts. (24)
15. BO. Leave a long tail for attaching head.

Stuff firmly, shaping the lower body flat so the bunny stands. If needed, cut a small circle of cardboard or plastic canvas to place at the base inside the stuffing. Cover it well with stuffing so no edges are felt.

Arms (Make 2, Color A)

The arms are slim tubes with small rounded hands. In the photo, the hands rest naturally at the sides and can hold the purse strap lightly. Keep them lightly stuffed so they bend slightly.

1. CO 6 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: (k1, inc) around. (9)
3. Rnds 2–5: k all sts. (9)
4. Rnd 6: (k1, dec) around. (6)
5. Rnds 7–22: k all sts. (6)
6. BO. Leave tail for sewing.

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Stuff the hand area, then add just a little stuffing up the arm for softness. Keep the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) mostly unstuffed for easier sewing to the shoulder.

Legs (Make 2, Color A)

The legs are sturdy so the bunny can stand. They will be covered by the dress, but the ankles and shoes are visible. Aim for firm stuffing, especially at the lower half.

1. CO 8 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: (k1, inc) around. (12)
3. Rnd 2: k all sts. (12)
4. Rnd 3: (k2, inc) around. (16)
5. Rnds 4–6: k all sts. (16)
6. Rnd 7: (k6, dec) twice. (14)
7. Rnds 8–18: k all sts. (14)
8. BO. Leave tail for sewing.

Stuff firmly. The leg should feel supportive. Flatten the top slightly so it sits neatly under the dress and against the body when sewn on.

Bunny Outfit Set

Black Dress with White Calla Lily Motif (Color B + Embroidery D/E)

The dress is a sleeveless, simple A-line with a smooth bodice and a skirt that falls to the ankles. The calla lily motif sits centered on the front skirt: three white flowers with green stems and leaves. The bodice also shows a narrow vertical rib look in the photo; you can mimic this with a panel of simple rib or slip-stitch texture.

Dress Bodice (Color B)

1. CO 44 sts and work flat. This becomes a wrap-around tube when seamed.
2. Row 1 (RS): k all.
3. Row 2 (WS): p all.
4. Rows 3–10: repeat Rows 1–2 for smooth stockinette.

Optional center texture panel (photo-like vertical lines): On RS rows, work k across, but for the center 10 sts, work a simple rib: k1, p1 repeated. On WS rows, follow the stitches as they appear over that panel. Keep edges in stockinette so seaming stays neat.

1. Arm shaping: Row 11 (RS): BO 4 sts, knit to end. (40)
2. Row 12 (WS): BO 4 sts, purl to end. (36)
3. Rows 13–16: continue stockinette on remaining 36 sts.
4. Neck shaping: Row 17 (RS): BO 6 sts, knit to end. (30)
5. Row 18 (WS): BO 6 sts, purl to end. (24)
6. Rows 19–22: stockinette on 24 sts.
7. BO remaining sts. Leave a long tail for seaming.

This bodice piece is designed to wrap and seam at the back. If you prefer, add a small opening and sew tiny snaps. For the photo look, a clean back seam is fine.

Dress Skirt (Color B)

The skirt is knit in the round from the bottom up, then attached to the bodice. It should look smooth and slightly flared. Keep the hem clean and not ruffled.

1. CO 72 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnds 1–4: k all sts. (72)
3. Rnd 5: (k10, inc) around. (78)
4. Rnds 6–10: k all. (78)
5. Rnd 11: (k12, inc) around. (84)
6. Rnds 12–18: k all. (84)
7. Rnd 19: (k13, inc) around. (90)
8. Rnds 20–24: k all. (90)
9. Rnd 25: (k8, dec) around. (80)
10. Rnds 26–28: k all. (80)
11. Rnd 29: (k6, dec) around. (70)
12. Rnds 30–32: k all. (70)
13. Rnd 33: (k5, dec) around. (60)
14. Rnds 34–36: k all. (60)
15. BO. Leave long tail for attaching to bodice.

Test the skirt around the bunny’s body. It should slide over the legs and sit at the waist. If it is tight, reduce decreases near the top. If it is too loose, add one more decrease round.

Calla Lily Front Embroidery (D and E)

The photo shows three calla lilies: white petals with a soft inner curve, and green stems with leaves. Place them centered on the skirt front, starting about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the hem and ending around mid-skirt.

• Mark the center front of the skirt with a stitch marker.
• Using green yarn (E), embroider three stems rising upward from a shared base. Make the center stem slightly taller.
• Add two to three leaves: one leaf leaning left, one leaning right, and an optional small center leaf.
• Using white yarn (D), stitch three calla petals at the top of each stem. Each petal can be an oval loop shape with a folded “lip” line inside.
• For definition, add a tiny inner line in pale yellow thread if desired, but keep it subtle so the flowers remain mostly white as in the photo.

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Keep the embroidery smooth and not too raised. Anchor all ends securely on the inside of the dress so nothing loosens with handling.

Dress Assembly

• Seam the bodice into a tube at the back. Try it on the bunny body and adjust snugness.
• Attach skirt to the bottom edge of the bodice using mattress stitch or whip stitch, matching center front to center front.
• Lightly steam (do not press hard) if your yarn allows, to smooth the seams.

White Cardigan with Black Cat Applique (Color C + B)

The cardigan is cropped and open-front, with long sleeves. It sits over the dress and ends at the waist. The photo shows a simple clean edge and a black cat silhouette on the right side (bunny’s left when viewed). Keep the cardigan relaxed, not bulky.

Cardigan Back (Color C)

1. CO 34 sts, work flat.
2. Rows 1–2: k all rows for a neat garter edge.
3. Rows 3–18: stockinette (Row 3 RS: k all; Row 4 WS: p all; repeat).
4. Armhole shaping: Row 19 (RS): BO 3, knit to end. (31)
5. Row 20 (WS): BO 3, purl to end. (28)
6. Rows 21–28: stockinette on 28 sts.
7. Neck shaping: Row 29 (RS): BO 6, knit to end. (22)
8. Rows 30–32: stockinette on 22 sts.
9. BO. Leave tail for seaming.

Cardigan Fronts (Make 2, Color C)

1. CO 18 sts, work flat.
2. Rows 1–2: k all rows.
3. Rows 3–14: stockinette.
4. Armhole shaping: Row 15 (RS): BO 3, knit to end. (15)
5. Rows 16–24: stockinette on 15 sts.
6. Neck shaping: Row 25 (RS): BO 5, knit to end. (10)
7. Rows 26–30: stockinette on 10 sts.
8. BO. Leave tail for seaming.

Cardigan Sleeves (Make 2, Color C)

1. CO 12 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnds 1–2: k all.
3. Rnd 3: (k5, inc) twice. (14)
4. Rnds 4–10: k all. (14)
5. Rnd 11: (k6, inc) twice. (16)
6. Rnds 12–18: k all. (16)
7. BO. Leave long tail for setting into armhole.

Cardigan Assembly

• Seam shoulders of fronts to back.
• Set sleeves into armholes, then seam underarms and side seams.
• Pick up sts along the front edges and neck edge and knit 2 rows garter for a clean band, or crochet a simple edging if you prefer. Keep it slim.

Black Cat Applique (Color B)

The applique is a small cat silhouette with tail curve. It sits on the lower right front of the cardigan (as seen in the photo). Keep it simple and flat.

1. CO 10 sts, work flat.
2. Row 1 (RS): k all.
3. Row 2 (WS): p all.
4. Row 3: k2, inc, k4, inc, k2. (12)
5. Row 4: p all.
6. Row 5: k3, inc, k4, inc, k3. (14)
7. Row 6: p all.
8. Row 7: k all.
9. Row 8: p all.
10. Head shaping: Row 9: k5, k2tog, k5. (13)
11. Row 10: p all.
12. Row 11: k5, k2tog, k4. (12)
13. Row 12: p all.
14. BO. Leave tails for shaping and sewing.

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Tail: Using a separate strand, embroider a curved tail line extending from the right side of the body, curling upward. For the silhouette look, you can also knit a thin i-cord tail and stitch it down flat.

• Position applique on the cardigan front so it sits above the hem and near the outer edge.
• Stitch around the edges with small whip stitches, keeping it flat and smooth.

Black Cloche Hat with Pearls (Color B + Pearls)

The hat is a short-brim cloche that sits low on the head. It has a narrow brim and a rounded crown. Pearls decorate the band and a few small pearl “dots” appear scattered on the hat surface, matching the photo’s refined look.

1. CO 6 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st. (12)
3. Rnd 2: (k1, inc) around. (18)
4. Rnd 3: (k2, inc) around. (24)
5. Rnd 4: (k3, inc) around. (30)
6. Rnd 5: (k4, inc) around. (36)
7. Rnds 6–10: k all. (36)
8. Rnd 11: (k5, inc) around. (42)
9. Rnds 12–14: k all. (42)
10. Brim: Rnd 15: (k6, inc) around. (48)
11. Rnds 16–17: k all. (48)
12. Rnd 18: work 1 rnd of p all for a subtle turning ridge (optional).
13. Rnd 19: k all.
14. BO loosely.

Pearl band: stitch a line of pearls around the hat just above the brim ridge. Space them evenly so the band looks delicate and balanced. Then add 3–6 tiny pearl dots scattered on the upper hat area, keeping them subtle and not crowded.

Pearl Necklace (Pearls + Thread)

The necklace is a simple strand that sits close to the neck, visible between the cardigan and dress. Use small pearls so it looks refined. If you do not have pearls, embroider a dotted chain with white yarn.

• Thread a strong sewing thread through pearls to fit the bunny’s neck circumference.
• Tie securely with a double knot and hide the knot at the back.
• If stitching individual pearls, anchor each one with several passes.

Beige Purse with Pearl Handle (Color A + Pearls)

The purse is a small rectangular pouch with a short strap. It sits at the bunny’s side. The photo shows a pearl-like handle detail and a soft structured shape.

Purse Body (Color A)

1. CO 18 sts, work flat in garter stitch for firmness.
2. Rows 1–20: k all rows.
3. BO.

Fold the rectangle in half to form a pouch. Seam the sides, leaving the top open. For structure, insert a small felt rectangle inside the base before closing the final seam. Keep seams neat and hidden.

Purse Strap (Color A)

• CO 4 sts, knit i-cord for about 4–5 in (10–13 cm).
• BO and stitch ends to the purse sides.

Pearl handle detail: stitch a short row of pearls along the top edge or across the strap area, matching the photo’s elegant accent. Keep it subtle and secure.

White Mary Jane Shoes (Color C)

The shoes are rounded with a Mary Jane strap. They appear smooth and snug, with a clean top opening. Work them tightly so they hold shape, and add a small strap across the top of the foot.

Shoe Base (Make 2, Color C)

1. CO 10 sts, work flat.
2. Row 1 (RS): k all.
3. Row 2 (WS): p all.
4. Row 3: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. (12)
5. Row 4: p all.
6. Row 5: k1, inc, k8, inc, k1. (14)
7. Row 6: p all.
8. Rows 7–10: stockinette (RS knit, WS purl).

Toe shaping: create a shallow cup by picking up sts around the sides and working a few short rows, or simply seam the toe area with gathering. For an easy method, fold the piece and seam the toe end, then seam along the bottom edges to form a slipper shape.

• Seam the toe with a gentle curve so it looks rounded, not pointed.
• Seam the heel snugly so the shoe stays on the foot.

Mary Jane Strap (Make 2, Color C)

• CO 4 sts, work i-cord for about 1.5 in (4 cm).
• Stitch one end to the shoe side, wrap across the top, and stitch to the other side.
• Add a tiny stitch “button” detail with yarn if desired.

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Optional sole: cut a matching felt sole and stitch it to the bottom. This helps the bunny stand and protects the knit fabric.

The Bombay Cat Companion (Color B)

This small cat is sleek and simple, sitting upright with a gentle curve at the back and a long tail resting on the table. The face is minimal: small eyes and a tiny nose. Keep the body smooth and not too wide so it reads as a slim cat silhouette.

Cat Head (Color B)

1. CO 6 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st. (12)
3. Rnd 2: (k1, inc) around. (18)
4. Rnd 3: (k2, inc) around. (24)
5. Rnds 4–7: k all. (24)
6. Rnd 8: (k2, dec) around. (18)
7. Rnd 9: k all. (18)
8. Rnd 10: (k1, dec) around. (12)

Insert safety eyes (or embroider later). For the photo look, small eyes that sit low and forward work well. Add a tiny embroidered nose and short mouth line.

1. Stuff firmly.
2. Rnd 11: (dec) around. (6)
3. Cut yarn, pull tight, weave in.

Cat Ears (Make 2, Color B)

• CO 6 sts, work flat for a tiny triangle.
• Row 1 (RS): k all.
• Row 2 (WS): p all.
• Row 3: k2tog, k2, k2tog. (4)
• Row 4: p all.
• Row 5: k2tog, k2tog. (2)
• Row 6: p2.
• BO, leave tail for sewing.

Cat Body (Color B)

The body is a seated oval with a slightly raised chest. The base should be stable so the cat sits without tipping.

1. CO 8 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st. (16)
3. Rnd 2: (k1, inc) around. (24)
4. Rnd 3: (k2, inc) around. (32)
5. Rnds 4–7: k all. (32)
6. Rnd 8: (k6, dec) around. (28)
7. Rnds 9–12: k all. (28)
8. Rnd 13: (k5, dec) around. (24)
9. Rnds 14–16: k all. (24)
10. Rnd 17: (k2, dec) around. (18)
11. Rnds 18–19: k all. (18)

Stuff firmly, shaping the base flat. If you want extra stability, add a small circle of plastic canvas at the bottom. Keep it well-padded so it does not show.

1. Rnd 20: (k1, dec) around. (12)
2. Rnd 21: (dec) around. (6)
3. Cut yarn, pull tight, weave in.

Cat Legs (Make 2 front paws, 2 back paws, Color B)

The paws are small and minimal. The cat in the photo reads as sleek, so avoid bulky paws. You can stitch the paws directly to the body without heavy stuffing.

• Front paws (make 2): CO 6 sts, join in the round, knit 4 rnds, lightly stuff tip, BO and leave tail.
• Back paws (make 2): CO 6 sts, join in the round, knit 5 rnds, lightly stuff tip, BO and leave tail.

Cat Tail (Color B)

The tail is long and thin, curving gently. Knit an i-cord so it stays smooth and rounded.

• CO 3 sts, work i-cord for about 6–7 in (15–18 cm).
• Lightly stuff the first half if you want a thicker tail, or leave unstuffed for a flatter curve.
• BO and leave a long tail for sewing.

Cat Assembly

• Sew ears to the top of the head, slightly angled outward.
• Sew head to body, placing it slightly forward to create a seated posture.
• Attach paws: front paws near the lower front, back paws slightly to the sides near the base.
• Attach tail at the back, then curve it along the surface and tack in place with a couple of small stitches.

Dressing the Bunny

Dress the bunny in this order for the cleanest fit. First put on the dress, then the cardigan, then the necklace, then the shoes, then add the purse and hat. Adjust every piece so it sits straight, especially the cardigan sleeves and the hat brim.

• Slide the dress up from the feet, carefully over the legs.
• Close the back seam if you left an opening, or keep it snug with hidden stitches.
• Put the cardigan on and smooth the front edges.
• Place the necklace at the neck, centered.
• Put on shoes and align straps across the top of each foot.
• Position the purse at the side, with the strap over the arm or shoulder.
• Set the hat low and centered, brim evenly around.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew ears to the head so they fall down evenly on both sides. Attach the head to the body with a strong seam, then sew arms at shoulder height so they hang naturally. Add the nose and mouth with small, tight stitches. If using embroidered eyes, keep them small and calm, matching the gentle expression in the photo.

Care Notes

Handle pearls and small attachments gently. Spot clean with a damp cloth when possible. If the doll needs a deeper clean, remove loose accessories first. Avoid soaking the beadwork for long periods, and reshape the knit fabric while it dries.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• All seams tight, tails woven in, and no stuffing showing through stitches.
• Dress embroidery centered and secure on the skirt front.
• Cardigan sits evenly, cat applique firmly stitched flat.
• Hat brim even, pearl band secure, pearl dots not snagging.
• Shoes snug, straps centered, bunny stands steadily.
• Cat sits stable, tail neatly curved and lightly tacked.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, especially the black yarn. Keep in a breathable bag or display case to reduce dust. For long-term preservation, avoid hanging the doll by the purse strap or necklace. If displaying upright, support the body so the legs and shoes are not stressed over time.