Bird-of-Paradise Sunset Resort Bunny – Knitting

Meet a sunny little resort bunny dressed for warm weather strolls, poolside lounging, and bright vacation photos. This project includes a soft knit bunny with floppy ears, a wide-brim gradient sunhat, a lacy cropped cardigan, and a long ombré skirt featuring a bold bird-of-paradise bloom. You’ll also make a striped crossbody bag plus tiny accessories for styling. If you love shopping for gradient yarn cakes, crisp stitch markers, small circular needles, and premium toy stuffing, this set is a satisfying make that looks like a boutique collectible when finished.

 

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

Overview

This pattern is written for a knit bunny and a full “sunset resort” outfit that matches the photo: floppy-eared bunny in neutral cream, pastel rainbow sunhat, pale aqua lace cardigan with bright sleeve motifs, an ombré maxi skirt with a large bird-of-paradise design, braided sandals, a striped crossbody bag, plus mini props (a tiny parrot friend, sunglasses, and a small umbrella drink).

Construction is mostly seamless for the bunny (worked in the round), with garments knitted flat and seamed lightly. Colorwork for the skirt and sleeves can be done with intarsia (recommended for flat pieces) or duplicate stitch on top of stockinette. Choose the method you enjoy most and keep your tension steady.

Skill Level

• Intermediate toy knitting + confident beginner lace.
• Comfortable with small-circumference knitting (DPNs or magic loop).
• Basic seaming, simple increases/decreases, and tidy finishing.
• Optional: intarsia or duplicate stitch for motifs.

Finished Measurements

• Bunny seated height: about 9–10 in (23–25 cm) from bottom to top of head, excluding hat.
• Hat brim diameter: about 6–6.5 in (15–16.5 cm).
• Skirt length: about 5.5–6.5 in (14–16.5 cm) from waistband to hem.
• Bag: about 2.25 in (5.5–6 cm) wide, 2 in (5 cm) tall.

Yarn

Use smooth DK or light worsted (category 3) for the bunny body and most garments. Gradient yarn works best for the hat and skirt to match the soft sunset stripes in the photo. Small scraps in bright colors are needed for the bird-of-paradise and the parrot.

• Body yarn: DK cotton or cotton blend in cream/beige (approx 120–160 yd / 110–145 m).
• Gradient yarn A (sunset): DK gradient cake with coral, peach, mint, pale blue, lavender (hat + skirt + bag + strap; approx 220–320 yd / 200–290 m total depending on yardage and desired striping).
• Cardigan yarn B: DK in pale aqua/light seafoam (approx 80–110 yd / 73–100 m).
• Motif scraps: small amounts of orange, bright blue, green, and a touch of yellow.
• Sandals yarn: small amount of pale pink/lilac (or use leftover gradient section that reads pink).
• Accessories scraps: black/charcoal, white, red, purple, teal, and multicolor bits for the parrot and props.

Needles and Notions

• 2.25 mm (US 1) DPNs or 32 in circular for magic loop (bunny body for tight fabric).
• 2.75 mm (US 2) needles (garments and accessories for a softer drape).
• Optional: 3.25 mm (US 3) for the hat brim if you want extra fluidity (keep brim firm with tighter gauge if preferred).
• Stitch markers, tapestry needle, small sharp scissors.
• Polyester toy stuffing.
• Fine black embroidery thread or black sock yarn for facial details.
• Optional: 2 tiny black beads or 6 mm safety eyes (photo shows stitched eyes; beads/eyes are optional).
• Pipe cleaner (optional) to stabilize hat brim; floral wire also works (use safely for display pieces only).

Gauge

Gauge is not critical, but fabric for toys must be firm so stuffing does not show. Aim for about 28–32 sts and 38–44 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) in stockinette in the round with 2.25 mm needles and body yarn. Garments can be slightly looser.

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
• m1L/m1R = make 1 left/right
• yo = yarn over
• sl = slip
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• pm/sm = place marker/slip marker

Helpful Notes for a Clean Look

• Stuff firmly but do not stretch stitches. Add stuffing in small pinches and shape as you go.
• Colorwork: For flat pieces, intarsia gives the neatest blocks. For small details, duplicate stitch is quick.
• Seams: Mattress stitch for garments keeps seams nearly invisible.
• Proportion check: The bunny’s head is slightly larger than the torso, with long ears that hang to shoulder level.
• Feet: Keep them rounded and slightly wide so sandals sit nicely.

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Bunny Body (Worked in the Round)

Leg 1

Using 2.25 mm needles and body yarn, CO 12 sts. Divide for small-circumference knitting and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for start of rnd.

1. Rnd 1: k all (12).
2. Rnd 2: (k1, m1R) around (24).
3. Rnd 3–10: k all (24).
4. Rnd 11: (k2, k2tog) around (18).
5. Rnd 12–18: k all (18). Lightly stuff the foot end only.
6. Rnd 19: (k1, k2tog) around (12).
7. Rnd 20–26: k all (12). This forms the lower leg.

Break yarn leaving a tail. Place Leg 1 sts on a holder or keep on needles if using magic loop.

Leg 2

Work Leg 2 the same as Leg 1, but do not break yarn at the end. Keep Leg 2 on needles; you will join to Leg 1 next.

Join Legs and Knit Torso

With Leg 2 as your working piece, k across Leg 2, then CO 4 sts (crotch bridge). Next, knit across Leg 1 sts, then CO 4 sts (second bridge). You now have a continuous round.

• Total sts: 12 (Leg 2) + 4 + 12 (Leg 1) + 4 = 32 sts.

1. Rnd 1–6: k all (32). Begin stuffing the legs more firmly; keep the crotch area smooth.
2. Rnd 7: (k6, m1R) around (36).
3. Rnd 8–18: k all (36). Stuff torso as you go, shaping a gentle belly.
4. Rnd 19: (k4, k2tog) around (30).
5. Rnd 20–24: k all (30).
6. Rnd 25: (k3, k2tog) around (24).
7. Rnd 26–30: k all (24). This is the upper torso/chest.

Neck

1. Rnd 31: (k2, k2tog) around (18).
2. Rnd 32–36: k all (18). Stuff firmly to the neck; keep neck cylindrical and stable.

Head (Continue in the Round)

The head is worked directly from the neck. Increase to form a rounded, slightly oversized head, matching the soft proportions in the photo.

1. Rnd 37: (k2, m1R) around (24).
2. Rnd 38: k all (24).
3. Rnd 39: (k3, m1R) around (30).
4. Rnd 40: k all (30).
5. Rnd 41: (k4, m1R) around (36).
6. Rnd 42–52: k all (36). Stuff head firmly, shaping cheeks slightly forward.
7. Rnd 53: (k4, k2tog) around (30).
8. Rnd 54: k all (30).
9. Rnd 55: (k3, k2tog) around (24).
10. Rnd 56: k all (24).
11. Rnd 57: (k2, k2tog) around (18).
12. Rnd 58: k all (18). Add final stuffing; smooth the crown.
13. Rnd 59: (k1, k2tog) around (12).
14. Rnd 60: k all (12).
15. Rnd 61: k2tog around (6).

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight to close. Weave in neatly.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long, soft, and slightly narrow at the top, widening gently and hanging down to about shoulder level.

Using 2.25 mm needles and body yarn, CO 10 sts. Work flat in stockinette (k on RS, p on WS) for a smooth exterior.

1. Row 1 (RS): k all.
2. Row 2 (WS): p all.
3. Row 3: k1, m1R, k to last 1, m1L, k1 (12).
4. Row 4: p all.
5. Row 5: k1, m1R, k to last 1, m1L, k1 (14).
6. Row 6: p all.
7. Rows 7–38: work stockinette even (14 sts). This length gives the long drape.
8. Row 39 (RS): k2tog, k to last 2, ssk (12).
9. Row 40 (WS): p all.
10. Row 41: k2tog, k to last 2, ssk (10).
11. Row 42: p all.
12. Row 43: k2tog, k to last 2, ssk (8).
13. Row 44: p all.

BO loosely. Fold ear lengthwise with RS out and mattress stitch from the top down about 1.5 in (4 cm), leaving the lower portion unseamed so it stays floppy. Do not stuff.

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Arms (Make 2)

Arms are softly rounded and slightly tapered at the wrist. Work in the round for smooth stockinette.

Using 2.25 mm needles and body yarn, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: k all (10).
2. Rnd 2: (k1, m1R) around (20).
3. Rnd 3–10: k all (20).
4. Rnd 11: (k2, k2tog) around (15).
5. Rnd 12–22: k all (15). Lightly stuff the hand end only.
6. Rnd 23: (k3, k2tog) around (12).
7. Rnd 24–34: k all (12). This is the forearm.

BO leaving a long tail for sewing. Add a tiny bit of stuffing near the hand; keep upper arm soft so sleeves fit.

Tail (Optional)

The photo’s tail is not prominent under the skirt, but a small tail adds charm.

Using 2.25 mm needles and body yarn, CO 6 sts, join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: k all (6).
2. Rnd 2: (m1R, k1) around (12).
3. Rnd 3–6: k all (12). Stuff lightly.
4. Rnd 7: k2tog around (6).

Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight. Leave a tail for sewing.

Sunhat (Wide Brim, Gradient)

The hat in the photo has a rounded crown and a broad brim with gentle waves. Use gradient yarn A. For the firm brim shape, knit slightly tighter and consider adding a hidden ring of pipe cleaner at the outer edge (optional).

Crown Top

Using 2.75 mm needles and gradient yarn A, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: k all (8).
2. Rnd 2: (k1, m1R) around (16).
3. Rnd 3: k all (16).
4. Rnd 4: (k2, m1R) around (24).
5. Rnd 5: k all (24).
6. Rnd 6: (k3, m1R) around (32).
7. Rnd 7: k all (32).
8. Rnd 8: (k4, m1R) around (40).
9. Rnd 9–14: k all (40).

Hat Band

The photo shows a smooth band area before the brim begins, keeping the crown structured.

1. Rnd 15–18: (k1, p1) around (40) for a subtle textured band.
2. Rnd 19: k all (40).

Brim

Increase steadily to create the wide brim. If your brim curls, add an extra increase round earlier. If it waves too much, skip one increase round.

1. Rnd 20: (k4, m1R) around (48).
2. Rnd 21: k all (48).
3. Rnd 22: (k5, m1R) around (56).
4. Rnd 23: k all (56).
5. Rnd 24: (k6, m1R) around (64).
6. Rnd 25: k all (64).
7. Rnd 26: (k7, m1R) around (72).
8. Rnd 27: k all (72).
9. Rnd 28: (k8, m1R) around (80).
10. Rnd 29: k all (80).
11. Rnd 30: p all (80) to help brim lie flatter.
12. Rnd 31: k all (80).

BO loosely. Weave in ends. Optional: thread a pipe cleaner around the outer brim edge on the WS, whipstitching it in place for a softly posed brim.

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Lace Cardigan (Cropped, Light Aqua)

This cardigan is short, open-front, and airy like the photo. It has lace texture in the body and sleeves, plus bright bird-of-paradise motifs near the sleeve ends. Work with yarn B and 2.75 mm needles.

Back Panel

CO 42 sts. Work flat. Use this simple lace repeat: Row A (RS): k1, *yo, k2tog, k1* repeat to last st, k1. Row B (WS): p all.

1. Rows 1–2: work 1 Row A, then 1 Row B.
2. Rows 3–18: repeat Rows 1–2 eight more times (lace texture builds).
3. Row 19 (RS): k all (smooth transition at underarm line).
4. Row 20 (WS): p all.

BO. This back panel should span shoulder to shoulder and sit at the waistline of the bunny.

Left Front Panel

CO 22 sts. Work the same lace texture as back, but keep the front edge neat.

1. Row 1 (RS): k2, then work Row A pattern across to last 2 sts, k2.
2. Row 2 (WS): p all.
3. Rows 3–18: repeat Rows 1–2.
4. Row 19 (RS): k all.
5. Row 20 (WS): p all.

BO. Make Right Front Panel the same.

Shoulder Seams

With RS facing, seam the top edges of Left Front to Back for 5 sts. Seam Right Front to Back for 5 sts, leaving the center for the neck opening. Keep the opening wide so it sits open like the photo.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Sleeves are short and slightly loose, ending around the bunny’s wrist. Work flat for easiest motif placement.

CO 24 sts. Work lace texture Rows 1–12 (six repeats of Row A/Row B).

Then shape slightly:

1. Row 13 (RS): k1, m1R, k to last 1, m1L, k1 (26).
2. Row 14 (WS): p all.
3. Rows 15–20: continue lace texture on 26 sts.

BO. Fold sleeve lengthwise and seam. Leave the top edge open to set into armhole.

Attach Sleeves

Match sleeve seam to side seam position. Sew sleeve into armhole opening with small whipstitches. Keep stitches flexible so cardigan drapes naturally.

Sleeve Bird-of-Paradise Motifs

The photo shows bright orange and blue shapes on each sleeve near the cuff. Add motifs using duplicate stitch on the lower sleeve area (about 6–10 rows above the cuff edge). Keep each motif about 10–12 sts wide and 8–10 rows tall.

• Orange petals: make 3 pointed petals angled upward.
• Blue accents: add 2–3 slim spikes between petals.
• Green base: add a small green nub at the bottom center.

Repeat on the second sleeve, mirroring the direction so both sleeves look balanced.

Maxi Skirt (Ombré with Large Front Motif)

The skirt is a long, straight tube with a gentle A-line and a bold bird-of-paradise flower on the front. Use gradient yarn A for the background so the colors shift softly from pink to blue like the photo.

Waistband

Using 2.75 mm needles and gradient yarn A, CO 64 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1–6: (k1, p1) around (64). This creates a neat waistband.
2. Rnd 7: k all (64).

Skirt Body

Work in stockinette in the round, adding a little width for the long drape. Place markers at sides: after 32 sts, pm for left side; after next 32 sts, pm for right side.

1. Rnd 8–16: k all (64).
2. Rnd 17: m1R, k to 1 st before left marker, m1L, sm, m1R, k to 1 st before right marker, m1L, sm (68).
3. Rnd 18–26: k all (68).
4. Rnd 27: repeat increase rnd at both sides (72).
5. Rnd 28–40: k all (72). Try skirt on bunny to confirm length; it should reach just above the ankles, leaving sandals visible.

Hem

1. Rnd 41–42: p all (72) for a subtle edge that helps the hem lie flat.

BO loosely. Weave in ends on the inside.

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Front Bird-of-Paradise Motif (Large)

The front motif is the statement piece: a tall green stem with a bold orange-and-blue bloom, centered on the skirt front. Add it with duplicate stitch over the stockinette or knit it as intarsia on a flat panel version of the skirt. Duplicate stitch is simplest and still looks crisp.

Place the motif so the flower sits around mid-skirt and the stem reaches toward the hem. The bloom should be about 18–22 sts wide at its widest point and about 18–22 rows tall.

• Stem and leaf (green): a vertical stem 2 sts wide, plus a long leaf sweeping left, widening to 4–5 sts then tapering.
• Flower base (green): a small green cup at the top of the stem, about 4 sts wide.
• Orange petals (orange): 3–4 upright petals, each 2–3 sts wide, staggered in height.
• Blue spikes (blue): 2–3 narrow spikes between orange petals, 1–2 sts wide.

Work duplicate stitch neatly, keeping yarn tails on the inside. After finishing, lightly steam the skirt (do not press hard) so stitches settle and the motif looks smooth.

Crossbody Bag (Striped) and Strap

The photo shows a small striped bag with a long strap crossing the bunny’s chest. Use gradient yarn A so the bag naturally stripes. Knit the bag as a small pouch, then add a flap-like fold by sewing the top edge inward slightly.

Bag Body

Using 2.75 mm needles, CO 22 sts. Work flat in stockinette for a smooth exterior.

1. Rows 1–26: stockinette (k on RS, p on WS). Keep tension even so stripes look clean.

Fold piece in half with RS out to form a pouch. Mattress stitch side seams. Leave top open.

Bag Top Finish

Turn top edge inward about 2 rows and whipstitch to the inside. This creates a tidy lip and helps the bag hold shape.

Strap

Using the same yarn, make an I-cord strap for a rounded look like the photo.

• CO 3 sts, work I-cord for about 14–16 in (36–41 cm), or long enough to cross the bunny from shoulder to opposite hip.

Sew strap ends securely to the bag sides near the top corners. Add an extra reinforcing stitch so it can handle gentle play.

Sandals (Braided Look, Make 2)

The sandals have a soft sole and a braided strap across the toes. Use pale pink/lilac yarn and 2.75 mm needles.

Sole

CO 10 sts. Work in garter stitch (k every row) for a sturdy, flat sole.

1. Rows 1–10: k all.
2. Row 11: k1, m1R, k to last 1, m1L, k1 (12).
3. Rows 12–16: k all (12).
4. Row 17: k1, m1R, k to last 1, m1L, k1 (14).
5. Rows 18–22: k all (14).

BO. Make 2 soles.

Braided Strap

Make three thin cords, then braid them for the raised strap look.

• For each cord: CO 3 sts and work I-cord for 3.5–4 in (9–10 cm). BO.
• Make 3 cords, then braid and stitch ends together.

Heel Loop

CO 3 sts and work I-cord for 2.5 in (6 cm). BO.

Assemble Sandal

1. Sew braided strap across the front third of the sole.
2. Sew heel loop to the back corners of the sole, forming a small U shape.
3. Try on bunny foot and adjust strap placement so toes show slightly and sandal sits snug.

Tiny Parrot Friend

The small parrot sits beside the bunny and adds a playful pop of color. Knit it as a tiny stuffed figure with a simple dress-like body shape, then add facial patches and beak.

Parrot Body (In the Round)

Using 2.25 mm needles, CO 6 sts with green. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: k all (6).
2. Rnd 2: (m1R, k1) around (12).
3. Rnd 3: (k1, m1R) around (18).
4. Rnd 4–10: k all (18). Switch colors every few rounds with scraps for a speckled look.
5. Rnd 11: (k1, k2tog) around (12). Stuff lightly.
6. Rnd 12: k all (12).
7. Rnd 13: k2tog around (6).

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Cut yarn, close top. The parrot sits as a rounded cone. Flatten slightly at the base with your fingers for stability.

Wings (Make 2)

CO 6 sts in teal or blue. Work flat in garter stitch for 6 rows. BO. Sew to sides.

Face and Beak

• White cheek patch: stitch a small white oval on the front.
• Eye: stitch a tiny black dot or add a bead.
• Beak: embroider a small triangle in charcoal/black, with a tiny red accent above if desired.

Parrot “Dress” Detail

The photo shows a patterned, dress-like look. Add a simple band around the lower body using duplicate stitch in orange, blue, and cream. Keep it as small geometric dots and short lines for a woven feel.

Sunglasses (Tiny Prop)

The sunglasses sit near the bunny and read as a playful vacation accessory. Use purple yarn and a small amount of black for lenses if desired.

1. CO 20 sts. Work flat for 2 rows in garter stitch.
2. BO. Fold into a gentle “M” shape to suggest two lenses and a bridge.
3. Stitch sides slightly to define lenses, then add two thin I-cord arms (CO 2 sts, work 6–8 rows) and sew to edges.

Umbrella Drink (Tiny Prop)

This small prop includes a base “cup,” a little umbrella, and a tassel-like garnish to match the colorful vibe in the photo.

Cup

Using tan or golden yarn, CO 8 sts, join in the round.

1. Rnd 1–4: k all (8).
2. Rnd 5: (k2tog) around (4). Stuff lightly.

Close and leave a tail to stitch it stable on a small felt circle if you use one, or simply shape it to sit on a surface.

Umbrella

Using pink yarn, CO 6 sts, join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: k all (6).
2. Rnd 2: (m1R, k1) around (12).
3. Rnd 3: k all (12).

BO. Stitch a short stick-like “stem” using a toothpick-sized craft stick for display, or a tightly rolled yarn cord. Sew umbrella canopy to the top of the stick.

Garnish Tassel

Wrap orange and blue yarn around two fingers 6–8 times, tie at one end, cut the other end, then trim to a small tassel. Stitch it to the side of the cup.

Outfit Fit and Styling

Dress the bunny in this order for the cleanest look: sandals first, then skirt, then cardigan, then crossbody strap and bag, and finally the sunhat. The cardigan should sit open and short, letting the skirt motif stay fully visible.

Angle the strap from the bunny’s left shoulder to right hip as shown. Let the hat brim curve softly downward at the sides, creating the relaxed “resort” silhouette seen in the photo.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew ears to the head about 5–6 rows below the crown, spaced evenly so they hang down. Attach arms at the upper torso sides, slightly forward. If adding the tail, sew it low on the back. For the face, stitch two small vertical eyes and a simple “Y” mouth with black thread, keeping the expression gentle and minimal.

Care Notes

Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. If garments need freshening, remove them and hand wash separately in cool water. Reshape flat and air dry. Avoid high heat, which can distort lace and flatten the hat brim.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• All seams tight and tidy, no stuffing visible through stitches.
• Head firmly stuffed, neck stable, ears attached symmetrically.
• Skirt length reaches ankles with sandals still visible.
• Motifs centered: large flower on skirt front, small motifs on sleeves.
• Hat brim sits wide and soft without excessive curling.
• Bag strap secured with reinforced stitches.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the bunny out of direct sunlight to protect gradient colors. Store in a breathable cotton bag. If dust collects, use a soft makeup brush to gently lift dust from lace and motifs. Avoid hanging the doll by the strap; store flat or seated to prevent stretching.