Fuchsia Petal-Swing Bunny – Knitting

This elegant bunny set combines a soft heirloom rabbit doll, a petal-themed dress, a brimmed hat, a tiny shoulder bag, a flower bouquet, a picnic cloth, a simple hanging swing, and a miniature companion bunny. It has the charming look of a handmade nursery decor piece, a collectible knitted bunny doll, and a thoughtful baby shower gift. The finished set feels polished, giftable, and sweet while still staying cozy and classic in shape.

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 design is built in separate pieces so the shaping stays neat and easy to control. The large bunny has a rounded head, a slim neck, a gently stuffed body, long straight legs, soft arms, floppy ears, fitted shoes, a flared dress, a short cardigan, and a decorative brim hat.

The silhouette matters in this design. The head is slightly larger than the upper torso, the dress widens clearly from waist to hem, and the legs hang long below the skirt. The ears fall down beside the face instead of standing upright, which gives the bunny its calm and gentle look.

The color balance is also important. Most of the knitting is worked in a soft oatmeal beige, while the decorative areas use a vivid fuchsia. The bright shade appears in dots, petal motifs, trim, flowers, and small accents, but never overpowers the neutral base.

The instructions below are written to match the photo as closely as possible. Small details such as the narrow neck, shallow face shaping, fitted sleeves, hat trim, tiny purse, and little companion bunny are included so the full scene feels complete and cohesive.

Finished Measurements

• Large bunny: about 15 inches / 38 cm tall from top of head to bottom of feet, not including the hat brim
• Seated body height: about 10 inches / 25.5 cm
• Mini bunny: about 5 inches / 12.5 cm tall
• Swing frame: about 6 inches / 15 cm wide and 5 inches / 12.5 cm tall
• Picnic cloth: about 4 x 5 inches / 10 x 12.5 cm
• Shoulder bag: about 1.5 inches / 4 cm wide
• Bouquet: about 2 inches / 5 cm across

Materials

• Sport weight or light DK yarn in oatmeal beige for bunny bodies, clothing base, swing, bag, and cloth
• Sport weight or light DK yarn in fuchsia for dress motifs, hat trim, flowers, purse button, and accents
• A small amount of soft cream for the swing seat if you want a slightly lighter insert as shown
• Two 2.75 mm knitting needles or size needed to obtain a dense fabric
• Set of double-pointed needles in the same size for narrow tubes
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Locking markers or waste yarn
• Polyester stuffing
• Thin craft wire for the swing frame if extra firmness is desired
• Black embroidery thread for eyes and nose detailing
• Small amount of cardboard or plastic canvas for reinforcing the swing seat and bag base, optional

Yarn Notes

Use a yarn that creates a smooth, firm fabric. The stitches in the photo are tiny and even, so avoid loose knitting. A plush yarn would hide the dress motifs and facial lines, while a tightly spun cotton blend or wool blend will keep every petal and trim visible.

The fabric should be dense enough that stuffing does not peek through. If you can easily see daylight through your stockinette, go down a needle size. The body pieces need structure so the bunny sits upright without looking floppy or overstuffed.

Gauge

Gauge is not only about size in this design. It also affects the refined look of the bunny. Aim for a firm stockinette fabric with smooth shaping.

• 30 stitches and 42 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette after light blocking
• If your fabric feels soft and open, reduce needle size
• If your fabric feels stiff as cardboard, increase needle size slightly

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
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• yo = yarn over
• ssk and k2tog are used to keep shaping mirrored

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Construction Order

1. Knit the large bunny legs and shoes
2. Knit the large bunny body
3. Knit arms, head, muzzle shaping, and ears
4. Sew and stuff the large bunny
5. Knit the dress
6. Knit the short cardigan
7. Knit the hat
8. Knit the small accessories
9. Knit the mini bunny and mini outfit
10. Assemble the full display

Large Bunny: Legs and Shoes

Each leg is long, slim, and straight. The feet are softly rounded, with a shoe-like shaping line near the ankle. Make both legs first so you can compare them often and keep the length perfectly matched.

Feet Make 2

1. CO 14 sts in oatmeal beige.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
3. Begin foot shaping: Row 1 (RS): k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 16 sts.
4. Row 2: p.
5. Repeat the last 2 rows twice more. 20 sts.
6. Work 6 rows stockinette.
7. Shape toe: Row 1: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2.
8. Row 2: p.
9. Repeat these 2 rows 3 more times. 12 sts.
10. Work 2 rows stockinette.
11. On next RS row, knit 6, turn, work only these 6 sts for 6 rows in stockinette for sole top flap.
12. Break yarn. Rejoin to remaining 6 sts and work 6 rows.
13. Place all 12 sts back on one needle and work 2 rows across all sts.
14. Work 3 rows garter to create the little shoe band.

The photo shows a gentle strap effect rather than a hard shoe color change. This is best copied by keeping the whole foot in the same oatmeal shade and using texture plus a shallow seam placement to suggest the edge of a soft knitted shoe.

Leg Tubes Make 2

1. From the heel edge, pick up or continue with 12 sts.
2. Work 26 rows stockinette.
3. Increase 2 sts evenly across next RS row. 14 sts.
4. Work 18 more rows stockinette.
5. Stuff the foot firmly and the lower leg lightly as you go.
6. Leave upper leg open for joining into the body.

The legs in the photo are very straight and do not taper strongly. Keep stuffing light through the upper section so the legs drape naturally when the bunny sits, but fill the feet enough that the shoes keep a rounded front shape.

Large Bunny: Body

The body is modest in width and slightly pear-shaped under the dress. It does not need a dramatic chest. The dress creates most of the visible fullness, so the inner torso should remain narrow enough to let the cardigan hang close to the body.

1. Place both leg tops on one needle with 4 new sts cast on between them for the center body. 32 sts.
2. Work 6 rows stockinette.
3. Increase 4 sts evenly across next RS row. 36 sts.
4. Work 8 rows stockinette.
5. Increase 4 sts evenly across next RS row. 40 sts.
6. Work 10 rows stockinette.
7. Shape waist gently: decrease 2 sts on next RS row, then every 6th row twice more. 34 sts.
8. Work 8 rows straight.
9. Increase 2 sts on next RS row, then every 6th row twice more. 40 sts.
10. Work 10 rows straight to underarm level.

This body section should look softly filled and cylindrical, not broad and flat. The shoulders are covered by the cardigan, so keep the upper torso slim. A narrow torso helps the head appear sweeter and makes the dress fall cleanly around the waistline.

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Shoulders and Neck

1. Next RS row: k9, BO 4, k14, BO 4, k9.
2. Work each side separately for 2 rows.
3. BO remaining shoulder sts.
4. For neck tube, pick up 16 sts evenly around neck opening.
5. Work 10 rows stockinette.
6. Decrease 2 sts evenly across final row. 14 sts.
7. Leave a long tail for sewing head to neck tube.

The neck in the image is visibly slender and longer than a typical toy rabbit neck. Do not shorten it. That extra height helps the head sit gracefully above the dress collar and keeps the face from sinking into the shoulders.

Large Bunny: Arms Make 2

The arms are narrow, slightly curved, and relaxed at the sides. They are not overly stuffed. A soft bend makes them look natural against the cardigan front.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Increase 2 sts evenly across next RS row. 12 sts.
4. Work 8 rows straight.
5. Increase 2 sts evenly across next RS row. 14 sts.
6. Work 18 rows stockinette.
7. Decrease 2 sts evenly across next RS row. 12 sts.
8. Work 6 rows.
9. Decrease 2 sts evenly across next RS row. 10 sts.
10. Work 8 rows.
11. BO.

Seam the arm with the seam running along the inner edge. Stuff the hand area and lower arm lightly, but leave the top third mostly unstuffed so the shoulder joins smoothly and the arm can lie flat under the cardigan sleeve opening.

Large Bunny: Head

The head is round with a soft oval front. The face is simple and calm. The muzzle is only slightly projected, and the eyes are tiny, dark, and evenly placed. The beauty comes from careful symmetry rather than heavy sculpting.

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Work 2 rows stockinette.
3. Increase 1 st at each end of next RS row and every RS row 7 more times. 32 sts.
4. Work 14 rows straight.
5. Shape crown: decrease 1 st at each end of every RS row 8 times. 16 sts.
6. Work 1 WS row.
7. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and draw tight.

Seam the head from the lower edge to the crown. Stuff firmly, especially through the cheeks and back of the head. The face should not collapse when the embroidery is added. Keep the lower edge open for attaching to the neck tube.

Muzzle Shaping

Use matching oatmeal yarn and make two gentle horizontal gathering lines across the lower center face. Pull lightly to form a small wedge-shaped muzzle. The photo does not show a very protruding snout, so avoid strong pulling.

Embroider a tiny vertical nose in dark thread, then add a small Y-shaped mouth. The mouth should be centered and short. Too long a mouth line will make the bunny look older and less delicate than the image.

Eyes

Place the eyes with black embroidery thread or tiny knots about 5 stitches apart, slightly above the muzzle line. They are very small in the photo, appearing as neat dark ovals rather than large safety eyes. Keep them understated.

Large Bunny: Ears Make 2

The ears are long, flat, and floppy. They hang down close to the cheeks and end around shoulder level. Their shape is narrow at the top, broad through the center, and softly rounded at the tips.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work 2 rows stockinette.
3. Increase 1 st at each end of every RS row 4 times. 16 sts.
4. Work 20 rows straight.
5. Decrease 1 st at each end of every 6th row 3 times. 10 sts.
6. Work 6 rows straight.
7. Decrease 1 st at each end of every RS row 3 times. 4 sts.
8. Work 1 WS row.
9. BO.

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Make each ear as a flat piece, then fold lengthwise very slightly near the top before sewing to the head. Do not stuff the ears. Their softness is essential for the draped look under the hat brim.

Assembling the Large Bunny Base

1. Sew the leg seams and finish stuffing.
2. Sew body seam if worked flat and close the lower torso around the legs.
3. Attach arms to the upper body slightly below neck level.
4. Sew the head to the neck tube carefully, easing evenly all around.
5. Attach ears just behind the side eye line so they frame the face.

Before moving on to the clothes, test the seated pose. The bunny should sit with legs hanging forward, feet pointing slightly outward, and head upright. If the head tilts backward, add a little more stuffing into the upper neck or use a few anchoring stitches.

Dress

The dress is the signature feature of this design. It has a fitted upper section, a gently flared skirt, bright petal-drop motifs running vertically, and small dotted details near the hem. The overall feel is floral and polished without looking busy.

Dress Bodice

1. CO 40 sts in oatmeal beige.
2. Work 4 rows garter for the upper edge.
3. Work 10 rows stockinette.
4. On the next RS row, place 8 fuchsia bobble or duplicate-stitch dots across the center front area to match the clustered berry-like dots in the image.
5. Work 6 more rows stockinette.
6. Shape arm openings: BO 3 sts at each end once, then decrease 1 st at each end every RS row 2 times. 30 sts.
7. Work 8 rows straight.
8. Shape a shallow neckline by binding off center 8 sts and working each side separately for 4 rows.

The front of the dress in the photo shows bright rounded fuchsia dots across the upper chest. The easiest clean method is to add them later using duplicate stitch or tiny knitted bobbles stitched in place after the bodice is complete.

Dress Skirt

You may knit the skirt upward from the hem and attach to the bodice, or pick up from the bodice lower edge and knit downward. Picking up from the bodice gives the cleanest join and keeps the waistline soft.

1. Pick up 54 sts around lower bodice edge.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Increase 6 sts evenly across next RS row. 60 sts.
4. Work 6 rows.
5. Increase 6 sts evenly across next RS row. 66 sts.
6. Work 8 rows.
7. Increase 6 sts evenly across next RS row. 72 sts.
8. Work 10 rows.
9. Work 4 rows garter for a neat hem edge, then BO loosely.

Petal-Swing Skirt Motifs

The photo shows vertical fuchsia lines descending from the upper skirt, each ending in a rounded petal or lantern-shaped form. Between those larger motifs are tiny dotted accents. The spacing is regular and should cover the front half of the skirt most prominently.

To reproduce the look cleanly, complete the skirt in oatmeal first. Then add the fuchsia decorations with duplicate stitch and a few sewn knitted circles. This keeps the fabric smooth and lets you place every motif exactly where it belongs.

• Mark 7 main vertical motif lines across the front and around the visible side areas
• Work each line downward in duplicate stitch, about 10 to 14 rows long depending on position
• At the lower end of each line, stitch a rounded bulb shape about 5 to 7 stitches wide
• Add 2 or 3 tiny dots below selected bulbs to mimic the floral spray effect near the hem
• Repeat the motif on the back only lightly if desired; the photo mainly shows the front

The center motif should be slightly longer than those at the sides. This creates the gentle downward visual sweep seen in the image and helps the skirt look balanced when the bunny is seated.

Short Cardigan

The cardigan is short, open-front, and neat through the shoulders. It ends just below the bust line and does not cover the whole dress bodice. The sleeves are narrow and smooth. This piece frames the floral dots on the chest and softens the overall outfit.

Back

1. CO 28 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Work 18 rows stockinette.
4. Shape armholes: BO 2 sts at each end once, then decrease 1 st at each end every RS row twice. 20 sts.
5. Work 10 rows straight.
6. BO 6 center sts for neck, then work each side separately for 2 rows.
7. BO shoulders.

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Fronts Make 2

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Work 18 rows stockinette, keeping front edge neat.
4. Shape armhole on outer edge to match back.
5. After 8 more rows, shape neck on inner edge by decreasing 1 st every RS row 4 times.
6. BO shoulder.

Sleeves Make 2

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Work 22 rows stockinette, increasing 1 st at each end every 8th row twice. 16 sts.
4. BO.

Sew shoulder seams, attach sleeves, and close side and sleeve seams. The cardigan in the photo sits very close to the body, so do not make it oversized. A tailored fit is what gives the outfit its polished, vintage feel.

Brimmed Hat

The hat has a soft bucket-like crown, an outward brim, and a fuchsia decorative band near the edge with small eyelet openings above it. The brim frames the face and allows the ears to fall beneath it.

Crown

1. CO 56 sts and join carefully for working in the round, or work flat if preferred.
2. Work 14 rounds stockinette.
3. Begin crown shaping: decrease 8 sts evenly on next round.
4. Work 2 rounds plain.
5. Repeat decrease round every 3rd round until 16 sts remain.
6. Thread yarn through remaining sts and draw tight.

Brim

1. Pick up 64 sts around lower crown edge.
2. Work 4 rounds stockinette.
3. Increase 8 sts evenly across next round. 72 sts.
4. Work 4 rounds.
5. Eyelet round: repeat k2tog, yo around.
6. Work 2 rounds in fuchsia.
7. Work 1 round purl in fuchsia for a delicate turning ridge.
8. Work 2 more rounds knit in fuchsia.
9. BO loosely in oatmeal or fuchsia according to your preferred edge finish.

The bright trim should sit near the brim edge, not high on the hat crown. This placement matches the photo and helps the hat echo the dress details. Steam lightly over a rounded bowl if you want a softer outward flare.

Mini Shoulder Bag

The little bag on the table is tiny, square-ish, and simple, with a long narrow strap and one fuchsia flap accent. It should look soft rather than rigid.

1. CO 8 sts in oatmeal.
2. Work 12 rows garter.
3. BO.
4. Fold the piece into a small pouch and seam side edges.
5. Knit or crochet a narrow strap about 10 inches / 25 cm long and sew to each upper side.
6. Add one small fuchsia stitched circle or button at the flap center.

Picnic Cloth

This cloth is a small folded rectangle in oatmeal with a slim fuchsia edge line. It looks like a hand towel or picnic mat folded once.

1. CO 16 sts in oatmeal.
2. Work 20 rows in garter or seed stitch for a flat fabric.
3. On the final 2 rows, add a fuchsia stripe near one edge.
4. BO.
5. Fold neatly before styling.

Bouquet of Flowers

The bouquet is compact, round, and made of small fuchsia flower heads gathered together with short greenish or neutral stems. If you only have the two main shades, the bouquet can still be convincing with oatmeal stems and fuchsia tops.

• Knit or wrap 7 to 9 tiny fuchsia bobbles or French-knot-like flower heads
• Attach each to a short cord stem
• Bind the stems together firmly
• Wrap the lower stem area with oatmeal yarn
• Shape into a tight cluster rather than a loose spray

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Swing

The swing in the image is small and decorative. It has a simple rectangular frame, two hanging cords, and a narrow seat. It is meant as a charming prop rather than a weight-bearing toy structure.

Frame

1. Create two upright side bars and one top crossbar using tightly wrapped knitting i-cords or slim dowels covered in yarn.
2. Make the finished frame about 6 inches / 15 cm wide.
3. Join the pieces into a shallow U-shaped stand with the crossbar fixed at the top.

Seat

1. CO 10 sts in oatmeal or cream.
2. Work 12 rows garter.
3. BO.
4. Insert a small piece of cardboard if you want a firmer seat.

Hangers

1. Make 2 matching cords about 5 inches / 12.5 cm long.
2. Tie or sew each cord from the seat corners to the top bar.
3. Adjust so the seat hangs level.

The image shows a very soft, handcrafted frame, so a perfect wooden finish is not required. A yarn-wrapped structure actually helps the swing blend with the knitted scene and keeps the visual style consistent.

Mini Bunny

The companion bunny repeats the same styling in a smaller scale. It has a similar face, long ears, dress, hat, and a narrow neck scarf. Its proportions are chubby and adorable, but it still mirrors the large bunny clearly enough to look like a matching set.

Mini Body and Legs

1. CO 10 sts for each leg.
2. Work 10 rows stockinette for the foot and lower leg.
3. Make 2 legs.
4. Join legs onto one needle with 2 new center sts. 22 sts.
5. Work 12 rows for the body, decreasing 2 sts once at the waist.
6. Shape small shoulders and leave a neck opening.

Mini Head

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Increase at each end every RS row 4 times. 20 sts.
3. Work 8 rows straight.
4. Decrease at each end every RS row 4 times. 12 sts.
5. Thread yarn through remaining sts and draw closed.

Mini Ears and Arms

• Make ears from 6 sts, increase to 10 sts, work straight, then taper to 4 sts
• Make simple narrow arms from 6 to 8 sts
• Stuff very lightly
• Attach ears so they fall beside the face

Mini Dress

Use the same color arrangement as the large dress. Keep the skirt simple, but add a few fuchsia dots and tiny petal marks so it clearly belongs to the same design family.

• CO 20 sts for bodice
• Work short bodice section
• Increase to 30 or 34 sts for skirt
• Work gentle flare
• Add fuchsia dots and miniature hanging petal motifs with duplicate stitch

Mini Hat and Scarf

The tiny hat should have an oatmeal crown and a slim fuchsia band. The scarf is narrow, soft, and hangs down at the front. It is not bulky, just long enough to frame the tiny dress.

1. For hat, CO 28 sts, work short crown, then add a lightly flared brim.
2. Add 1 fuchsia stripe or trim round near the brim edge.
3. For scarf, CO 3 sts and work i-cord or narrow garter strip to about 6 inches / 15 cm.
4. Wrap once around the neck and tack in place.

Color Placement Guide

Because this design depends heavily on exact visual balance, keep the fuchsia in the same places throughout the set. Repeating the accent in several small areas makes the whole arrangement feel intentional and elegant.

• Dress bodice: clustered dots at the front
• Dress skirt: vertical lines ending in rounded petals
• Hat: trim near brim edge
• Bag: one tiny flap accent
• Bouquet: full flower heads
• Mini bunny dress: simplified matching dots and petals

Styling Notes

The large bunny should sit at center with the dress spread slightly. Place the swing to one side, the bag and bouquet to the other side, and the folded cloth near the front. The mini bunny stands or sits close by, angled inward toward the larger figure.

If your dress hem curls, use a light steam and hand smoothing rather than aggressive blocking. The hem in the photo keeps a soft round line, not a sharply flattened circle. Gentle shaping gives the best result.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Dress the bunny before the final hat placement. Pull the cardigan on first, then arrange the dress so the bodice dots stay centered. Sew the hat lightly to the head in two or three hidden points so it does not slide forward over the eyes.

Check the face from the front before locking in the ears and hat. The eyes should be even, the nose centered, and the mouth short. A tiny extra stitch under the chin can help the head tilt slightly forward, matching the gentle expression in the image.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible
• Use cool water and mild soap for deeper cleaning
• Press out moisture with a towel, never wring
• Reshape ears, hat brim, and skirt while damp
• Dry flat away from direct sunlight

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and centered on the neck
• Ears evenly placed and softly draped
• Dress dots centered on the bodice
• Petal motifs spaced evenly on the skirt
• Cardigan fitted close to the body
• Hat brim flaring softly outward
• Mini accessories scaled neatly to the main bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term storage, keep the set in a breathable cotton bag or acid-free box. Avoid plastic bags in humid spaces. If displayed on a shelf, rotate the bunny occasionally so one side does not collect dust or fade more than the other.

To freshen the set, use a soft dry brush first. For the hat and dress motifs, clean gently around the stitched decoration so the fuchsia details stay crisp. If needed, place tissue inside the dress and hat during drying to preserve their shape.

This finished set looks best when the shaping remains soft but defined. Take your time with stuffing, motif placement, and small prop details. Those careful finishing steps are what turn the knitting into a scene that matches the image closely and beautifully.