Baby’s Breath Tulle-Cloud Bunny – Knitting

This soft cream bunny is designed as an heirloom-style knitted rabbit doll with a cloud-light outfit and delicate accessories. It is ideal for makers searching for a handmade bunny doll, nursery decor gift, baby shower keepsake, collectible plush rabbit, or boutique-style knitted toy. The set includes the bunny, bonnet-style hat, short eyelet cardigan, layered tulle skirt, tiny shoes, a swan companion, a flower pouch, a small bow, and a lace-trim cloth. Every detail is gentle, neutral, elegant, and true to the picture, while still being manageable for a careful knitter.

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

Materials

• Main yarn: Fingering or light sport weight cotton or cotton-wool blend in soft ivory or warm milk white, about 220 to 260 g total for the full set.
• Contrast yarn: Very small amounts of beige, black, and pale cream for the swan beak, swan face detail, and tiny finishing touches.
• Tulle: Soft cream tulle with tiny raised dots, about 20 x 80 cm.
• Lace trim: Fine cream cotton lace or knitted-on lace effect yarn for the folded cloth if desired.
• Needles: 2.25 mm and 2.75 mm straight needles or double-pointed needles if preferred.
• Optional circular needle: 2.75 mm for working small circumferences.
• Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery.
• Stitch markers and row counter.
• Toy stuffing, fine and smooth.
• Thin millinery wire, pipe cleaner, or floral wire for the swan neck if you want extra shaping.
• Small snap fastener or hook for the cardigan neck.
• Sewing needle and matching thread for attaching tulle and accessories.

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge matters because the bunny in the image has a firm, smooth surface with very little visible stuffing. Use a tight gauge so the stitches look neat and compact.

• Gauge for toy sections: 32 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on 2.75 mm needles.
• Gauge for clothing details: 34 stitches and 46 rows = 4 inches on 2.25 mm needles.
• Finished bunny height: about 12 inches from sole to top of hat, or about 10 inches without the hat.
• Body proportions: large round head, narrow neck, softly tapered torso, medium-length arms, sturdy legs, long hanging ears, and slightly oversized feet.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• yo = yarn over
• rep = repeat
• sl1 = slip 1 stitch purlwise

Construction Notes

The bunny is worked mostly in flat pieces and seamed. This gives a smooth, classic handmade look that matches the picture. If you prefer working in the round, you may convert the pieces, but the shaping below is written for flat knitting.

The face is very minimal. The eyes are short vertical black embroidered dashes. The nose and mouth are stitched in a soft brown shade, forming a tiny Y-shape centered low on the face.

The cardigan is cropped and slightly rounded at the lower front edges. The eyelets run in tidy vertical columns, and the edging is delicate, like a tiny picot or scalloped trim. Keep this section neat, because it frames the whole outfit.

The skirt has a knitted underlayer and a separate dotted tulle overskirt. The tulle should be full, airy, and gently gathered, not stiff. It should begin right at the waist and fall to just above the ankles.

Bunny Head

Make 2 identical head pieces in ivory.

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
6. Continue in this manner, increasing 2 sts on every RS row 8 more times. 36 sts.
7. Work 18 rows in stockinette.
8. Shape upper head: Row 1: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
9. Row 2: Purl.
10. Repeat the last 2 rows 8 times more. 18 sts.
11. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
12. Purl 1 row.
13. BO purlwise.

📌Thank you for reading the article

With mattress stitch, seam the curved top and back edges of both pieces together, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff the head very firmly so it stays round and smooth. The face in the photo is plump but not stretched. Close the lower opening only after attaching the muzzle shaping to the neck area.

Muzzle and Face Shaping

The bunny’s face is not made with a separate protruding muzzle. Instead, it is shaped by light tension stitches. This keeps the face flat, gentle, and refined.

• Thread strong matching yarn and pass it horizontally across the lower face area, about one-third up from the neck opening.
• Pull lightly to define a soft muzzle width without creating deep dimples.
• Make a second tiny anchoring stitch below the nose point to create a subtle center split.
• Embroider the nose as a tiny upside-down triangle or short satin-filled V in taupe-brown.
• Extend one short vertical stitch downward, then divide into two tiny diagonal mouth stitches.
• Embroider the eyes as narrow vertical black dashes, evenly spaced and slightly above the nose line.

Ears

Make 4 ear pieces in ivory, 2 for each ear.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
8. Work 24 rows in stockinette.
9. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
10. Purl 1 row.
11. Repeat the last 2 rows 4 more times. 4 sts.
12. K2tog twice. 2 sts.
13. P2tog and fasten off.

Place 2 ear pieces together and seam around the sides, leaving the lower edge open. Do not stuff. Flatten gently. Lightly curve the lower third of each ear inward so the ears fall softly beside the face, just as shown.

Body

Make 2 body pieces in ivory.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
4. Continue increasing 2 sts on every RS row 4 more times. 28 sts.
5. Work 10 rows in stockinette.
6. Shape waist: On the next RS row, k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 26 sts.
7. Purl 1 row.
8. Repeat the last 2 rows 3 more times. 20 sts.
9. Work 8 rows straight.
10. Shape upper torso: Increase 2 sts on every RS row 3 times. 26 sts.
11. Work 6 rows straight.
12. Shape shoulders and neck: BO 4 sts at start of next 2 rows.
13. Next RS row: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 16 sts.
14. Purl 1 row.
15. Repeat the last 2 rows once. 14 sts.
16. BO.

Seam the body sides and shoulders, leaving neck opening. Stuff firmly at the base and more lightly near the top. The body should sit straight and slightly column-like, not round like a teddy bear.

Legs

Make 4 leg pieces. Each leg is made from 2 flat pieces. The lower foot is slightly broader than the calf so the bunny can stand with support.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in garter stitch.
3. Next row: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
4. Purl 1 row.
5. Repeat increase row once more. 16 sts.
6. Work 10 rows in stockinette.
7. Shape ankle: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
8. Purl 1 row.
9. Repeat the last 2 rows once. 12 sts.
10. Work 18 rows straight.
11. BO.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Seam each leg, stuffing the foot firmly and the upper leg slightly less firmly. Flatten the very bottom with your fingers while closing so the sole sits broad and level. Attach the legs close together under the body, angled slightly forward at the ankles.

Arms

Make 4 arm pieces.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter stitch.
3. Change to stockinette and knit 18 rows.
4. Next RS row: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
5. Purl 1 row.
6. Work 6 rows straight.
7. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Purl 1 row.
9. BO.

Seam each arm and stuff lightly, keeping the hand end a bit flatter and softer than the upper arm. Attach at the shoulder seam area so the arms hang naturally downward. The image shows straight, relaxed arms with very little bend.

Neck Joining and Main Assembly

Attach the head to the body using strong matching yarn. Add extra stuffing to the neck area before fully closing. The head should sit centered and upright, with only a slight forward tilt.

Sew the ears onto the head beneath the hat line. Position them so they drop from the sides rather than from the top center. Their lower attachment begins just behind the eye line, and the long ends hang nearly to the cardigan hem.

Knitted Underdress Bodice

This section gives the bunny its clean waistline beneath the cardigan and tulle skirt. It is a simple close-fitting tube with narrow shoulder straps.

1. CO 30 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Work 16 rows in stockinette.
4. Divide for back opening if desired, or keep as one strip and seam at back.
5. For straps: BO 8 sts, knit 7, BO 8 sts, knit 7.
6. Work each 7-st strap separately for 8 rows.
7. BO.

Wrap around the upper body and seam neatly at the back. The bodice should end right at the waist where the tulle skirt begins. Keep it smooth and snug.

Tulle-Cloud Skirt

The skirt in the picture is very important. It is airy, translucent, and softly puffed. Use two layers of soft cream dotted tulle for the best match.

• Cut 2 tulle rectangles, each about 8 inches long and 22 inches wide.
• Stack them together with dots facing outward.
• Run a gathering stitch along one long edge.
• Gather to fit the bunny waist, about 10 to 11 inches around once attached.
• Hand-sew the gathered edge onto the waistline of the knitted bodice.
• Distribute the gathers evenly, with slight extra fullness at the sides.
• Let the skirt fall to ankle height, with the knitted feet still visible.

If you want more body, add a hidden third layer of plain soft net under the dotted tulle. Keep the volume gentle. The skirt should look cloud-like, not like a stiff tutu.

Cardigan

The cardigan is short, cream, and finely detailed. It opens at the front and closes with a tiny neck tie or a hidden snap. The front edges are softly curved, and the lower edge has a neat picot-like trim.

Back

1. Using 2.25 mm needles, CO 26 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter stitch.
3. Next RS row: K2, yo, k2tog, k4, yo, k2tog, k4, yo, k2tog, k4, yo, k2tog, k2.
4. Next WS row: Purl.
5. Work rows 3 and 4 six times total to create eyelet columns.
6. Work 8 rows stockinette.
7. BO 3 sts at start of next 2 rows.
8. Work 8 rows straight on remaining 20 sts.
9. BO.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Left Front

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter stitch.
3. RS eyelet row: K2, yo, k2tog, k4, yo, k2tog, k4, k2.
4. WS: Purl.
5. Repeat these 2 rows 6 times total.
6. Work 6 rows stockinette.
7. Shape lower curve: On next RS row, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
8. Purl 1 row.
9. Repeat the last 2 rows 3 more times. 12 sts.
10. Work 4 rows straight.
11. Shape armhole at side seam edge by BO 3 sts once. 9 sts.
12. Work 8 rows straight.
13. Shape neckline by decreasing 1 st at front edge every RS row 4 times. 5 sts.
14. Work 2 rows.
15. BO.

Right Front

Work as for left front, reversing all shaping.

Sleeves

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter stitch.
3. Increase 1 st at each end on next RS row. 16 sts.
4. Work 18 rows stockinette.
5. BO 3 sts at start of next 2 rows.
6. Work 6 rows straight.
7. BO.

Cardigan Edging

Seam shoulders and sleeves. Set in sleeves and seam sides. Pick up stitches all around the front opening, lower curved edges, and neckline.

• Work 1 row knit.
• Next row: *K2tog, yo; rep around for a tiny decorative edge.
• Work 1 row knit.
• BO loosely.

This gives a light, scalloped finish. Attach a tiny cord tie at the neck, or sew one hidden snap. The cardigan should sit open below the throat, revealing the plain knitted bodice beneath.

Cloche Hat

The hat has a smooth rounded crown, a modest rolled brim, and tiny star-like eyelet details near the front. It sits low over the head but leaves the face fully visible.

1. CO 64 sts on 2.25 mm needles and join if working in the round, or work flat and seam later.
2. Work 8 rounds or rows in stockinette.
3. Next round: *K6, k2tog; rep to end. 56 sts.
4. Work 3 rounds plain.
5. Next round: *K5, k2tog; rep to end. 48 sts.
6. Work 3 rounds plain.
7. Next round: *K4, k2tog; rep to end. 40 sts.
8. Work 3 rounds plain.
9. Add front eyelet detail over one section: k2, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, centered over front only.
10. Next decrease round: *K3, k2tog; rep to end. 32 sts.
11. Work 2 rounds plain.
12. Next decrease round: *K2, k2tog; rep to end. 24 sts.
13. Next round: *K1, k2tog; rep to end. 16 sts.
14. Next round: *K2tog; rep to end. 8 sts.
15. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and pull tight.

For the brim, pick up stitches around the lower edge if needed, then work 8 rows in stockinette and 2 rows garter. Roll upward slightly and tack in place at the sides only. The hat should look soft and rounded, not sharply structured.

Shoes

The bunny appears to wear tiny knitted booties in the same yarn as the body. They are smooth, rounded, and just a little oversized.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 6 rows garter stitch.
3. Pick up or continue for sides and work 10 rows stockinette.
4. Decrease 2 sts evenly across next RS row. 10 sts.
5. Work 4 rows.
6. BO and seam into a little shoe shape.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Slip onto the feet and tack in place around the ankle and sole edges. Keep the front round and soft.

Swan Companion

The swan is small, elegant, and dressed to match. It sits on a circular cream base with a lace-like trim, and it wears a tiny bonnet with a pearl-like accent.

Base

1. CO 8 sts and divide onto needles, or work flat in wedges if preferred.
2. Increase evenly every other round until you have 32 sts.
3. Work 6 rounds plain.
4. Work 1 decorative eyelet round: *yo, k2tog; rep around.
5. Work 3 rounds plain.
6. BO loosely.

Stuff lightly or insert a small felt circle. Add a gathered band of tulle or lace around the edge so it resembles the frilled base in the picture.

Body and Neck

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Increase 1 st at each end on next RS row. 12 sts.
4. Work 8 rows.
5. Decrease back to 8 sts gradually.
6. For neck, continue on 4 center sts only for 14 rows in i-cord or narrow stockinette strip.
7. Thread wire inside if desired, then curve the neck gracefully.
8. Shape small head with 2 increase rows and 2 decrease rows.
9. Fasten off.

Stuff the body lightly. Embroider a tiny black eye and a beige-and-black beak. Sew body onto the base, curving the neck into a gentle swan pose.

Swan Wings

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Increase 1 st at each end every RS row 3 times. 12 sts.
3. Work 4 rows straight.
4. Decrease 1 st at each end every RS row 3 times. 6 sts.
5. BO.

Make 2 wings. Sew to the sides of the swan body with the top edges slightly lifted.

Swan Bonnet

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Work 10 rows stockinette.
3. Decrease 1 st at each end every RS row 3 times. 8 sts.
4. BO.

Seam and place over the swan head. Add one tiny pearl bead or a French knot at the side, if desired.

Flower Pouch

This small ivory pouch sits beside the bunny and holds baby’s breath-like flowers. It has a simple rectangular shape and a tiny bow at the front.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Work 20 rows in stockinette with 2 garter edge sts on each side.
3. BO.
4. Fold bottom upward to form a pouch, leaving a small top opening.
5. Seam sides.

Make a narrow i-cord or twisted cord and tie into a miniature bow near the top. Add tiny white artificial flowers, dried stems, or embroidered French-knot flowers.

Small Cross Bow

The tiny X-shaped piece in front of the pouch can be made as a decorative bow or crossed ribbon accessory.

• Knit two narrow strips, each 6 sts wide and 6 rows long.
• Bind off.
• Cross them into an X and stitch at the center.
• Use as a tiny hair bow, sash accent, or loose prop.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Folded Lace Cloth

This folded piece resembles a delicate handkerchief or small shawl. It should be soft, triangular or square-folded, with a lacy border.

1. CO 24 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter stitch.
3. Begin simple lace: Row 1: K2, *yo, k2tog; rep to last 2 sts, k2.
4. Row 2: Knit.
5. Repeat these 2 rows 6 times.
6. Work 4 rows garter stitch.
7. BO loosely.

Fold twice into a neat soft triangle or rectangle and place near the bunny.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Dress the bunny in this order: underdress bodice, tulle skirt, cardigan, shoes, then hat. Steam only the knitted clothing very lightly if needed, but do not press the toy body flat.

Check the face before the hat is fixed. The eyes should be even, the nose centered, and the mouth very small. A tiny touch of pink pencil or pastel under the eyes may be added, but keep it subtle.

Set the hat low enough to frame the eyes. Let the ears fall behind the brim and beside the cardigan front. Arrange the skirt so the tulle spreads softly around the legs.

Care Notes

• Display indoors away from strong sunlight.
• Spot clean the knitted surfaces with a barely damp cloth.
• Do not soak the tulle skirt unless absolutely necessary.
• Keep bead, wire, and small trim details away from very young children.
• Store flat or upright so the hat brim and swan neck keep their shape.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and centered on body
• Ears attached evenly and hanging at matching lengths
• Eyes aligned and nose centered
• Cardigan fronts symmetrical
• Tulle skirt gathered evenly all around
• Hat brim softly rolled and balanced
• Swan securely attached to its base
• Pouch, bow, and lace cloth scaled neatly to the bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For regular care, dust gently with a clean dry makeup brush or soft cloth. If a small mark appears on the knitted sections, use cool water and a tiny amount of mild soap on a cotton swab, then blot with a dry towel.

If the tulle becomes crushed, hang the doll in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes without letting it get wet. Smooth the layers with your fingers and let them air dry fully before storing.

For long-term storage, wrap the bunny and accessories in acid-free tissue and place them in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags, heavy stacking, heat, and damp conditions. This helps preserve the soft ivory color and the airy shape of the skirt.