Trillium Empire-Meringue Bunny – Knitting

This heirloom-style bunny is dressed in a soft meringue dress with an empire waist, a textured cream cardigan with leafy cables, and a sage bonnet finished with a small flower. The scene also includes a tiny deer friend, a satchel, a scalloped mat, and a little envelope with blossoms. If you love shopping for DK cotton, merino blends, tiny buttons, safety eyes, and embroidery floss, this set turns those supplies into a keepsake display piece.

 

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

• Bunny: about 13–15 in (33–38 cm) tall, depending on yarn and stuffing firmness.
• Deer companion: about 5–6 in (13–15 cm) tall, seated.
• Accessories: sized to match the photo styling for a tabletop scene.

Skill Level

• Advanced beginner to intermediate.
• Skills used: shaping, seaming, simple cables, small appliqués, embroidery, tidy color changes.

Materials

Yarn

• Main bunny: DK weight in Cream/Oat (approx. 220–300 yd / 200–275 m).
• Dress: DK in Meringue/Vanilla (approx. 140–200 yd / 128–183 m).
• Cardigan: DK in Soft Ivory/Stone (approx. 120–170 yd / 110–155 m).
• Bonnet: DK in Sage (approx. 60–90 yd / 55–82 m).
• Shoes + satchel: DK in Warm Beige/Taupe (approx. 60–90 yd / 55–82 m) + Sage scraps.
• Deer: DK in Fawn/Tan (approx. 60–90 yd / 55–82 m) + Cream and Brown scraps.
• Embroidery floss: white/cream, sage/green, and a tiny touch of pink or soft berry for the envelope seal.

Needles

• 2.75 mm (US 2) straight needles or circular for working flat.
• 2.25–2.5 mm needles for very small accessories (optional, for crisper fabric).
• Cable needle (small) for cardigan cable panels.

Notions

• Polyfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle, pins, stitch markers, scissors.
• Eyes: 6–8 mm safety eyes, or embroider for a fully soft finish.
• Strong thread for button sewing and limb attachment.
• Buttons: 1 tiny button for satchel flap, optional small buttons for cardigan (photo shows a clean front; you may add hidden snaps or leave open).

Gauge

Stockinette fabric: about 26 sts x 34 rows = 4 in (10 cm) on 2.75 mm needles. A firm gauge is important for toys so stuffing does not show through.

If your fabric looks loose, change to a smaller needle. If it feels too stiff, go up slightly, but keep the stitches tight enough for a smooth face.

Abbreviations

• k knit
• p purl
• st(s) stitch(es)
• RS/WS right side / wrong side
• k2tog knit 2 together
• ssk slip, slip, knit
• yo yarn over
• m1L/m1R make one left/right
• sl1 slip 1 stitch purlwise
• CO cast on
• BO bind off
• C4F/C4B cable 4 front/back (details in cardigan section)

Construction Overview

The bunny is made from simple knitted pieces that are seamed and stuffed. The head is a rounded panel seam with shaping. Ears are long and set low at the sides, hanging down. The outfit is separate: a light cardigan with cable texture, an empire-waist dress with hem appliqués, and a sage bonnet with a flower and leaf.

The photo scene also includes a small seated deer, a tiny satchel, a scalloped mat, and a small envelope with blossoms. Each accessory is included below, with clear sizing so everything matches the proportions shown.

Body: Bunny

Head (Cream/Oat)

Work flat. The head panel forms a rounded shape when seamed. Keep the face area smooth by using stockinette and careful stuffing.

1. CO 34 sts. Work 2 rows garter (k every row).
2. Work stockinette for 12 rows (RS k, WS p).
3. Increase row (RS): k1, m1R, k to last st, m1L, k1 (36 sts).
4. WS: p across.
5. Repeat the increase row once more (38 sts). Work 10 rows even in stockinette.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Top rounding

1. RS: k2, k2tog, k to 4 sts from end, ssk, k2 (36 sts).
2. WS: p.
3. RS: k2, k2tog, k to 4 sts from end, ssk, k2 (34 sts).
4. WS: p.
5. Continue decreasing every RS row in the same way until 20 sts remain.
6. Work 4 rows even in stockinette to soften the curve.

Chin and neck edge

1. RS: k2, k2tog, k to 4 sts from end, ssk, k2 (18 sts).
2. WS: p.
3. Work 8 rows even in stockinette.
4. Work 2 rows garter. BO loosely.

Seam and stuff

Fold head panel with RS out. Mattress stitch the back seam from top to bottom, leaving a 2 in (5 cm) opening near the bottom for stuffing. Stuff firmly, shaping a gentle muzzle by placing a slightly denser pocket of stuffing at the lower front.

Close the opening neatly. Mark the face center with a pin. Set aside for facial details later, after ears are attached, so placement stays balanced.

Ears (Make 2, Cream/Oat)

Long ears hang down like the photo. Do not stuff. Steam lightly if they curl.

1. CO 16 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
2. Work 26 rows stockinette.
3. RS taper: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1 (14 sts).
4. WS: p.
5. Repeat taper every 4th row 3 more times (8 sts).
6. Work 6 rows even.
7. RS: k1, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1 (6 sts).
8. WS: p.
9. Cut yarn, thread through remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close tip, secure.

Body (Cream/Oat)

The torso is softly shaped to fit the empire dress and cardigan. Keep the shoulder area smooth so the cardigan lays flat.

1. CO 28 sts. Work 4 rows garter.
2. Work 20 rows stockinette.
3. Waist shaping (RS): k2, k2tog, k to last 4, ssk, k2 (26 sts).
4. WS: p.
5. Repeat waist shaping once more (24 sts). Work 10 rows even.
6. Hip shaping (RS): k1, m1R, k to last st, m1L, k1 (26 sts).
7. WS: p.
8. Repeat hip shaping once more (28 sts). Work 14 rows even.
9. Work 4 rows garter. BO.

Fold with RS out. Seam side edges. Stuff firmly, keeping waist slightly narrower than hips. Close the bottom opening with a tight seam. Add a small flat base by slightly squaring the bottom during the last stuffing pushes.

Arms (Make 2, Cream/Oat)

Arms sit relaxed at the sides. Light stuffing keeps them soft and natural.

1. CO 14 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
2. Work 22 rows stockinette.
3. RS: k2, k2tog, k to last 4, ssk, k2 (12 sts).
4. WS: p.
5. Work 6 rows even.
6. Work 2 rows garter. BO.

Seam long edge and close the hand end. Turn RS out. Stuff lightly, leaving the top 1 in (2.5 cm) unstuffed for easy sewing.

Legs and Feet (Make 2, Cream/Oat)

Legs are straight with a rounded foot that fits into the shoes. Stuff firmly for stability.

1. CO 18 sts. Work 4 rows garter.
2. Work 30 rows stockinette for the leg length.
3. RS: k2, k2tog, k to last 4, ssk, k2 (16 sts).
4. WS: p.
5. Work 10 rows even for the foot length.
6. Toe shaping (RS): k2, k2tog, k to last 4, ssk, k2 (14 sts).
7. WS: p.
8. RS: k2, k2tog, k to last 4, ssk, k2 (12 sts).
9. WS: p.
10. RS: k2tog across (6 sts). Cut yarn, pull through, cinch toe, secure.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Seam the leg and foot. Turn RS out. Stuff the foot moderately and the leg firmly. Flatten the sole slightly with your fingers so the bunny stands neatly when posed.

Tail (Cream/Oat)

The tail is small and sits under the dress. Keep it low-profile.

1. CO 10 sts. Work 10 rows garter.
2. BO. Roll tightly into a nub and stitch into shape.

Dress: Empire Meringue

The dress has a fitted upper panel, a high waist, and a gathered skirt. The hem shows three repeated trillium flower-and-leaf appliqués around the front like the photo. The dress is put on before the cardigan.

Dress Bodice (Meringue/Vanilla)

Work flat, then seam at the back. The upper bodice sits under the cardigan opening, with a small three-petal motif on the chest.

1. CO 30 sts. Work 4 rows garter.
2. Work 18 rows stockinette.
3. Arm shaping: BO 2 sts at start of next 2 rows (26 sts).
4. Work 10 rows even.
5. Neck: BO center 10 sts. Work each side separately for 4 rows, BO shoulder sts.

Make a second identical bodice piece for a clean inside finish, or keep a single layer for a lighter dress. If using one layer, add neat seam allowances when sewing so the inside looks tidy.

Dress Waistband (Meringue/Vanilla)

The waistband creates the empire line. It also gives a firm edge to gather the skirt evenly.

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Work 1×1 rib (k1, p1) for 44–52 rows, or until it wraps around the bunny torso just under the chest.
3. BO in rib. Stitch ends together to form a ring.

Dress Skirt (Meringue/Vanilla)

The skirt is a wide rectangle gathered into the waistband. The bottom has a garter border that matches the photo’s clean edge.

1. CO 90 sts. Work 8 rows garter for hem border.
2. Work stockinette for 44 rows.
3. Work 6 rows garter for the top edge to prevent rolling. BO.

Seam skirt rectangle into a tube. Run a gathering thread along the top edge. Gather evenly to match the waistband circumference. Stitch gathered skirt to the waistband ring with strong thread, keeping gathers smooth and not bulky.

Chest Trillium Motif (White/Cream)

The dress shows a three-petal trillium on the chest area. Make one small motif and sew centered.

1. CO 9 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
2. RS: k1, yo, k2tog, k3, ssk, yo, k1.
3. WS: p across.
4. Work 4 rows stockinette.
5. BO. Fold slightly into a three-petal clover shape and stitch at center.

Hem Trillium Appliqués (Make 3 sets)

Each hem unit is one flower with two leaf clusters. The photo shows three spaced across the front hem. You may add more around the back, but keep the front spacing the same for photo accuracy.

Flower (Cream/White)

1. CO 12 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
2. Work 6 rows stockinette.
3. RS shaping: k2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2 (10 sts).
4. WS: p.
5. RS: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1 (8 sts).
6. WS: p.
7. Cut yarn, pull through 8 sts, cinch slightly into a rounded petal cluster.

Form three petals by folding and stitching at the base. Add a tiny center knot stitch with matching floss.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Leaves (Sage, Make 4 leaves per flower)

1. CO 6 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
2. RS: k1, yo, k to last 1, yo, k1 (8 sts).
3. WS: p.
4. RS: k across.
5. WS: p.
6. RS: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1 (6 sts).
7. WS: p.
8. RS: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1 (4 sts).
9. WS: p.
10. Cut yarn, pull through 4 sts, cinch tip, secure.

Pair leaves into two small clusters. Stitch leaves first onto the hem, then stitch the flower slightly overlapping the leaves, matching the photo’s layered look. Space the three sets evenly across the front hem.

Cardigan: Leaf-Cable Ivory

The cardigan is cropped and open-front, with two vertical cable panels resembling leafy braids. Keep the edges neat with garter borders. Sleeves are full length with a small scallop-like cuff detail to echo the photo’s soft finish.

Cable Panel (8 sts)

• Setup: work cables on RS rows, purl cable stitches on WS rows if working stockinette background.
• C4F: slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in front, k2, k2 from cable needle.
• C4B: slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in back, k2, k2 from cable needle.

Leafy cable sequence (worked over 8 sts)

• Row 1 (RS): C4F, C4B
• Row 3 (RS): k8
• Row 5 (RS): C4B, C4F
• Row 7 (RS): k8

Repeat Rows 1–8 of this cable rhythm while maintaining background stitches.

Back (Ivory/Stone)

1. CO 32 sts. Work 6 rows garter.
2. Next RS: k4 (garter edge), work 8-st cable panel, k8, work 8-st cable panel, k4.
3. WS: k4, p24, k4 (garter edges stay knit).
4. Continue, working cable panels on RS rows and keeping center background in stockinette.
5. Work until back measures about 3.5–4 in (9–10 cm) from CO edge.
6. Armholes: BO 3 sts at start of next 2 rows (26 sts).
7. Work 10 rows even.
8. Neck shaping: BO center 10 sts. Work each side 4 rows even. BO shoulders.

Left Front (Ivory/Stone)

Front has a garter edge that becomes the opening. Place one cable panel near the outer side to match the photo’s framing texture.

1. CO 18 sts. Work 6 rows garter.
2. RS: k4 (front edge), work 8-st cable panel, k6.
3. WS: k4, p14.
4. Work even, continuing cable rhythm on RS rows.
5. At same length as back armhole, BO 3 sts at start of next WS row (15 sts).
6. Work 10 rows even, shaping neck by decreasing 1 st at the front edge every 4th row, 3 times.
7. BO shoulder sts to match back.

Right Front (Ivory/Stone)

Work to mirror Left Front, keeping garter edge at the opening side and cable panel placed symmetrically.

Sleeves (Make 2, Ivory/Stone)

Sleeves are straight with a neat cuff. The photo shows a delicate edge, not bulky.

1. CO 20 sts. Work 8 rows 1×1 rib (k1, p1).
2. Work 22 rows stockinette, increasing 1 st each side every 10th row twice (24 sts).
3. Sleeve cap: BO 2 sts at start of next 2 rows (20 sts).
4. BO 1 st at start of next 6 rows (14 sts).
5. BO remaining sts.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Cardigan Finishing

Seam shoulders. Set sleeves into armholes and seam sleeve and side seams. Pick up along neck and front edges and work 4 rows garter, then BO. Leave the cardigan open like the photo, or add tiny hidden snaps inside the edge if you want it to stay closed.

Bonnet: Sage Flower Cap

The bonnet sits snug around the face and ties under the chin. It has a smooth edge and a small flower on one side with a leaf behind it.

Bonnet Base (Sage)

1. CO 56 sts. Work 6 rows garter.
2. Work 16 rows stockinette.
3. Back shaping: BO 18 center sts. Work remaining 19 sts on each side separately for 10 rows, creating side flaps.
4. BO each side. Seam the back curve together so it cups the head.

Pick up stitches around the face opening and work 4 rows garter to frame the face neatly. BO. Add two tie cords: CO 4 sts and knit i-cord style for 30–35 rows each, or work garter strips and roll.

Bonnet Flower (Cream/White)

Make a small five-petal flower and sew to the right side of bonnet like the photo.

1. CO 20 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
2. RS: *k2tog, yo* repeat across.
3. WS: p across.
4. BO. Gather strip tightly into a rosette and stitch securely.

Bonnet Leaf (Sage)

1. CO 10 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
2. Work 6 rows stockinette.
3. RS: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1 (8 sts).
4. WS: p.
5. RS: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1 (6 sts).
6. WS: p.
7. Cut yarn, pull through 6 sts, cinch tip slightly.

Sew leaf behind the flower so it peeks out, matching the layered look.

Shoes: Taupe with Leaf Motif

The shoes are slip-on slippers with a soft strap line and a green leaf detail on top. Knit the shoe as a small pouch, then stitch to shape a rounded toe.

Shoe (Make 2, Taupe)

1. CO 20 sts. Work 6 rows garter for the sole edge.
2. Work 16 rows stockinette.
3. Toe shaping (RS): k2, k2tog, k to last 4, ssk, k2 (18 sts).
4. WS: p.
5. Repeat toe shaping once more (16 sts). Work 8 rows even.
6. BO. Fold and seam side edges. Gather the front slightly to round the toe.

Slide each shoe onto a bunny foot. Stitch lightly at the heel and sides so it stays in place but still looks soft.

Leaf Motif (Sage, Make 2)

1. CO 8 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
2. RS: k1, yo, k to last 1, yo, k1 (10 sts).
3. WS: p.
4. Work 2 rows stockinette.
5. RS: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1 (8 sts).
6. WS: p.
7. RS: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1 (6 sts). BO.

Sew one leaf onto the top of each shoe, centered, with the tip pointing upward. Add a small stitch line across the shoe opening to suggest a strap like the photo.

Accessories Set

Scalloped Mat (Cream/White)

This mat sits under the satchel like the photo. It has a smooth center and a scalloped edge created with short decreases and a final garter border.

1. CO 46 sts. Work 20 rows stockinette.
2. Work 6 rows garter.
3. Scallop shaping: BO 3 sts, then *BO 2 sts, k6, BO 2 sts* repeat across, ending BO 3 sts.

📌Thank you for reading the article

If you prefer a softer edge, instead of BO shaping, work a simple eyelet row: k2, yo, k2tog across, then add a garter border. Keep the mat modest in size so it matches the scene.

Satchel Bag (Taupe)

The satchel is a tiny rectangular pouch with a flap and one small button. It sits to the left of the bunny like the photo.

Bag body

1. CO 22 sts. Work 8 rows garter.
2. Work 18 rows stockinette.
3. Work 8 rows garter. BO.

Fold into a pouch: bottom garter forms the base, top garter forms the back. Seam sides. Pick up along the front top and work 10 rows garter for a flap. BO. Sew a tiny button on the flap and stitch a small loop on the body.

Strap

1. CO 4 sts. Work garter for 70–80 rows. BO.
2. Stitch strap to side edges so it drapes naturally.

Envelope with Blossoms (Cream + tiny berry seal)

The photo shows a small envelope with a few blossoms resting nearby. Make a tiny rectangle and fold into an envelope shape, then add miniature flowers.

1. CO 18 sts in Cream. Work 10 rows garter. BO.
2. Fold bottom up to form a pocket. Stitch side edges.
3. Fold top corner down as the flap and tack with one stitch.

Add a small berry-colored stitch as a “seal” at the flap tip. Keep it subtle. Place blossoms at the side of the envelope for the photo scene.

Mini Blossoms for Envelope (Make 6–10)

These tiny blossoms echo the trillium theme. Keep them small so they do not overpower the props.

1. CO 6 sts in Cream. Work 2 rows garter.
2. RS: k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog (3 sts).
3. WS: p3.
4. BO. Pull gently into a petal cluster and secure.

Stitch 3 blossoms together to form a small group. Add a few green stitches as leaf hints. Place near the envelope and also in a small pile beside the bunny’s feet.

Deer Companion

The tiny deer is seated and wears a simple little coat. The face has a dark nose and delicate eyes. Keep the deer proportions small compared to the bunny, matching the photo.

Deer Head (Fawn)

1. CO 18 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
2. Work 16 rows stockinette.
3. RS: k2, k2tog, k to last 4, ssk, k2 (16 sts).
4. WS: p.
5. Work 10 rows even.
6. RS: k2tog across (8 sts). Cut yarn, pull through, cinch, secure.

Seam the head into a tube. Stuff lightly, shaping a small muzzle. Embroider eyes with small black stitches. Add a small dark nose at the tip and a short mouth line.

Deer Ears (Make 2, Fawn)

1. CO 6 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
2. Work 6 rows stockinette.
3. RS: k1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1 (4 sts).
4. WS: p.
5. Cut yarn, pull through 4 sts, cinch.

Pinch the base slightly and stitch to the top sides of the head.

Deer Body (Fawn)

1. CO 16 sts. Work 4 rows garter.
2. Work 18 rows stockinette.
3. Work 4 rows garter. BO.

Seam sides and stuff lightly. Flatten the bottom so it sits. Attach the head securely to the top of the body.

Deer Legs (Make 2, Brown)

1. CO 8 sts. Work 12 rows stockinette.
2. Work 2 rows garter. BO.

Seam into small tubes, stuff lightly, and stitch to the lower body front as seated legs. Add tiny feet shaping by squaring the end with a few stitches.

Deer Coat (Cream/Stone)

The coat is a simple wrap jacket like the photo, lightly open at the front.

1. CO 18 sts. Work 4 rows garter.
2. Work 12 rows stockinette.
3. BO 3 sts at start of next 2 rows (12 sts).
4. Work 6 rows even, then BO.

Fold around deer body and stitch at shoulders and sides, leaving front open. Add tiny sleeve hints by tacking corners under the arms.

Deer Spot Detail (Optional)

If you want the subtle spotted look, add a few tiny white stitches on the deer head, placed randomly and sparingly. Keep it delicate so it reads as “speckles” rather than bold dots.

Assembly Order

1. Make head, ears, body, arms, legs, tail.
2. Seam and stuff body parts. Attach legs and arms to body.
3. Attach ears to head, then attach head to body.
4. Embroider face details after head is attached, so expression aligns.
5. Dress the bunny: dress first, then cardigan, then shoes, then bonnet.
6. Make deer companion and accessories. Arrange props for styling.

Precise Placement Notes for Photo Accuracy

Ears should sit low and slightly behind the eye line, hanging beside the cheeks. The bonnet sits over the ear tops, framing the face. Keep the cardigan cropped so the empire line remains visible. Place the three hem appliqués across the front, evenly spaced, with leaves pointing outward.

Shoes should sit snug, with the green leaf centered on each toe. The satchel and mat sit to the bunny’s left. The envelope and blossom pile sit near the right foot. The deer stands slightly behind the bunny’s right side, angled inward.

Facial Stitching Guide

Use matching cream yarn or slightly darker beige embroidery floss for gentle definition. Place eyes about halfway down the head, spaced evenly. The nose is a small inverted “V” or a tiny triangle, and the mouth is a short “Y” shape centered under the nose.

• Eyes: place 8–9 sts apart visually, centered on the face.
• Nose: 3–4 stitches wide, positioned slightly above the mouth split.
• Mouth: one short vertical stitch, then two short diagonals.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After dressing the bunny, re-check symmetry. The bonnet ties should be even and sit under the chin without pulling the face. Smooth the cardigan front edges and ensure cable panels sit vertical. Add a tiny chin indent by stitching from mouth area to back of head and tightening gently.

Secure all accessories with a few hidden tacking stitches if you plan to display the full scene. If the bunny will be handled, stitch the shoes and bonnet ties firmly so they do not shift during play.

Care Notes

Handle lace-like edges and appliqués gently. Keep the doll away from rough surfaces that can snag stitches. If displayed, rotate its position occasionally so light exposure is even across fabrics. Check seams and buttons regularly, especially on the satchel and cardigan edges.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head centered, seam at back, stuffing smooth with no lumps.
• Ears placed evenly and hanging naturally.
• Arms attached securely and aligned with cardigan sleeves.
• Legs parallel and shoes sitting evenly.
• Dress waistband sitting high under chest, skirt gathers even.
• Three hem appliqué sets spaced evenly across front.
• Cardigan cables vertical, edges flat, sleeves even length.
• Bonnet flower and leaf placed on one side, ties matched.
• Accessories completed: mat, satchel, envelope, blossoms, deer.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean using cool water and a mild detergent on a soft cloth. Dab gently, especially on facial embroidery and appliqués. Do not scrub textured cables or stitched flowers. Rinse the cloth well and dab again to remove soap residue, then air dry flat on a towel.

To preserve shape, reshape bonnet edges, cardigan fronts, and dress hem while damp. Store in a breathable cotton bag with acid-free tissue. Avoid airtight plastic storage where moisture can collect. For long-term display, keep away from direct sunlight to reduce fading.