Scarf-Neck Cardigan Darling Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to capture the look of a collectible handmade rabbit doll with boutique appeal. The outfit features a warm ribbed beanie, a patterned cardigan, a long scarf, a lace-trim skirt, Mary Jane shoes, a tiny crossbody pouch, a miniature companion bunny, a soft flower, and a rose bouquet accent. If you love handmade stuffed animal decor, heirloom-style rabbit dolls, nursery gifts, seasonal cottage toys, and artisan knit collectibles to gift or shop for, this sweet design brings all of those search-worthy details into one polished project.

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 creates a standing long-eared bunny with a softly rounded head, narrow body, simple arms, straight legs, and a gentle woodland outfit.

The sample in the image has a calm, balanced silhouette. The head is large but not oversized, the torso is slim, and the skirt adds width at the lower body.

The ears are long and relaxed, hanging down from beneath the hat. The cardigan sits close to the body, and the scarf wraps once around the neck before draping down.

The palette is soft and earthy. The bunny is knitted in a warm cream. The hat is dusty terracotta. The cardigan is brown with muted blue stranded motifs and tiny cream dots. The skirt is sage green with a delicate lace border.

The accessories are important to the final result. Do not skip them if you want the finished piece to match the image closely.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including ear height above the crown because the ears hang down.
• Mini bunny: about 3 inches tall.
• Flower accent: about 1.5 inches across.
• Rose bouquet accent: about 2 inches across.
• Crossbody pouch: about 1.25 inches wide.

Your size may vary slightly depending on yarn, stuffing density, and gauge. The proportions matter more than exact measurement.

Skill Level

Confident beginner to intermediate.

The shaping itself is straightforward, but the cardigan includes small-scale colorwork and the skirt hem uses a decorative eyelet-lace section. Finishing is what gives this design its polished look.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm cream for bunny body.
• DK weight yarn in dusty terracotta for hat and flower petals.
• DK weight yarn in medium brown for cardigan, shoes, and part of the scarf.
• DK weight yarn in muted denim blue for cardigan motifs and scarf stripes.
• DK weight yarn in sage green for skirt and leaf base.
• Small amount of pale cream or off-white for cardigan dots and flower center.
• Very small amounts of rose pink, dusty pink, and cream for bouquet roses.
• Pair of 2.5 mm needles for flat pieces.
• Set of double-pointed needles or magic loop needles in 2.5 mm for small tubes.
• Optional 2.25 mm needles if you knit loosely and want firmer fabric for toys.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Row counter.
• Toy stuffing.
• Thin cardboard or plastic canvas for optional sole inserts.
• Black embroidery thread for eyes.
• Dark brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth.
• Strong sewing thread matching each piece where needed.

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on 2.5 mm needles, measured after light blocking.

For toys, exact gauge is less critical than density. The fabric should be firm enough that stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• yo = yarn over
• rep = repeat
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches

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Design Notes

The body is worked in separate parts for control and symmetry, then seamed and stuffed. This makes it easier to place the clothing accurately.

The cardigan is worked in flat pieces and seamed. That structure gives the neat shoulder line and straight front opening shown in the image.

The scarf is narrow and long. It should look slightly soft and flexible, not thick or bulky.

The beanie sits low on the forehead with a folded ribbed brim. Make the hat deep enough that it lightly covers the top of the ears.

Main Bunny Body

Legs Make 2

Using cream, CO 14 sts. Work in St st for 20 rows.

Shape the foot and lower leg as follows:

1. Row 1 RS: K1, kfb, K10, kfb, K1. 16 sts.
2. Row 2 WS: P all.
3. Rows 3 to 10: Work even in St st.
4. Row 11 RS: K1, ssk, K10, k2tog, K1. 14 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 28: Work even.

The leg should be slim and straight with only a mild widening near the foot. This matches the narrow, delicate legs seen below the skirt.

Break yarn on first leg. On second leg, do not break yarn.

Join Legs and Work Lower Body

K across second leg, CO 4 sts, K across first leg. 32 sts.

Work 8 rows even in St st.

Next RS row: K7, kfb, K2, kfb, K10, kfb, K2, kfb, K7. 36 sts.

Work 10 rows even.

Next RS row: K all.

Next WS row: P all.

Repeat those 2 rows 4 more times to form a smooth torso.

Decrease for upper torso:

1. Row 1 RS: K2, ssk, K12, k2tog, K4, ssk, K12, k2tog, K2. 32 sts.
2. Row 2 WS: P all.
3. Rows 3 to 8: Work even.
4. Row 9 RS: K2, ssk, K10, k2tog, K2, ssk, K10, k2tog, K2. 28 sts.

Work 10 rows even. Bind off loosely.

Back Body Panel

Make a second matching body panel from legs through upper torso.

When both panels are ready, place them together with RS facing out and seam sides and inner legs. Leave neck edge open for joining the head.

Stuff legs firmly at the feet and lightly through the calves. Add moderate stuffing to the body. The torso should stay slim, not round or bulky.

Arms Make 2

Using cream and double-pointed needles, CO 10 sts and divide evenly. Join carefully.

K 18 rounds.

Round 19: K1, k2tog, K4, ssk, K1. 8 sts.

K 6 rounds.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed. Stuff very lightly only at the lower half.

Flatten the top and seam closed. The arms should hang softly and look narrow under the cardigan sleeves.

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Head

The head is nearly spherical but slightly flatter at the face center. It should be big enough to look sweet and youthful, yet not so large that it overwhelms the body.

Using cream, CO 16 sts.

Work flat in St st and shape as follows:

1. Row 1 RS: K1, kfb, K14, kfb, K1. 18 sts.
2. Row 2 WS: P all.
3. Row 3 RS: K1, kfb, K16, kfb, K1. 20 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: P all.
5. Continue increasing in this way at each end of every RS row until 30 sts.
6. Work 18 rows even.
7. Decrease on each RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1 until 16 sts remain.
8. Work 1 WS row.
9. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull gently.

Make 2 identical head panels.

Seam around the curved edge, leaving the neck edge open. Stuff firmly but evenly. Shape the cheeks with your fingers as you fill. Avoid overstuffing the forehead.

Once stuffed, close the lower opening around the neck edge later when attaching to the body.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, flat, and softly rounded. They are not wired. They should fall down naturally from under the beanie.

Using cream, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: K1, kfb, K6, kfb, K1. 10 sts.
2. Row 2 WS: P all.
3. Row 3 RS: K1, kfb, K8, kfb, K1. 12 sts.
4. Rows 4 to 30: Work even in St st.
5. Row 31 RS: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
6. Row 32 WS: P all.
7. Row 33 RS: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
8. Row 34 WS: P all.
9. Row 35 RS: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
10. Row 36 WS: P all.
11. Row 37 RS: K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.

Bind off.

Make a second ear. Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly and steam if needed so it hangs smoothly. Do not stuff the ears.

Neck Join

Attach the head to the body with strong whipstitch or mattress stitch. Add a little extra stuffing into the neck area before closing fully.

The bunny should stand upright with support from firm foot stuffing. If needed, insert a small amount of plastic canvas in each sole before closing the foot area.

Facial Placement Before Embroidery

Mark the face before stitching anything permanent.

• Eyes sit low on the head, widely spaced, and slightly above center.
• The nose is a tiny inverted triangle shape.
• The mouth is a short vertical line and two small angled stitches below, forming a delicate Y shape.

The expression in the image is quiet and sweet. Keep the embroidery small.

Cardigan

The cardigan is the most visible garment. It is cropped, slightly boxy, and closes visually at the front with tiny decorative dot details. The sleeves are straight and sit just above the wrist.

Use brown as the main color, blue as the motif color, and cream for the small dots.

Back

Using brown, CO 28 sts.

Work 4 rows in garter stitch.

Begin charted effect with simple repeated motif:

Rows 1 to 4: Brown background with small blue checks and narrow horizontal bands.

Rows 5 to 8: Brown background with spaced cream dots.

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Rows 9 to 16: Repeat rows 1 to 8 once more.

For a practical written sequence, use this color rhythm across RS rows:

• Row A: K3 brown, K2 blue, repeat to end.
• Row B: Work all sts in their established colors.
• Row C: K1 brown, K2 blue, K3 brown, repeat.
• Row D: Work all sts in established colors.
• Dot row: Knit all in brown and place a cream stitch at every 5th stitch across the center section.

Work 22 rows total from cast-on.

Shape armholes:

1. Bind off 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 24 sts.
2. Work 10 rows even.
3. Shape shoulders: Bind off 5 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
4. Bind off remaining 14 sts.

Left Front

Using brown, CO 14 sts.

Work 4 rows garter.

Follow the same motif arrangement as back, keeping the front edge neat. Work 22 rows total.

Shape armhole at side edge only:

• Bind off 2 sts once at side edge. 12 sts.

Work 6 rows even.

Shape neck:

1. Next RS row: K8, k2tog, turn. 9 sts.
2. Work back.
3. Next RS row: K to last 2 sts, k2tog. 8 sts.
4. Work 4 rows even.
5. Bind off 5 sts at armhole edge for shoulder.
6. Work 1 row.
7. Bind off remaining 3 sts.

Right Front

Work as left front, reversing shaping.

Sleeves Make 2

Using brown, CO 16 sts.

Work 4 rows garter.

Continue in the same motif family as the body, but keep it simpler because the sleeve is narrow.

Increase 1 st each side every 6th row 3 times. 22 sts.

Work until sleeve measures about 18 rows from cuff.

Bind off 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 18 sts.

Work 6 rows even. Bind off.

Cardigan Finishing

Seam shoulders first, then sleeves, then side and underarm seams.

Do not make the cardigan too long. It should end around the upper hip so the skirt is fully visible beneath.

Using brown, pick up stitches around the neck and front edges and work 2 rows garter for a neat border. Bind off knitwise.

Add tiny cream embroidered dots down the front to mimic the button-like accents shown in the image. Three or four are enough.

Scarf

The scarf is long, narrow, and wrapped once around the neck with both ends hanging down at the front-left side of the bunny.

Using brown, CO 6 sts.

Work in seed stitch for 6 rows.

Begin stripe sequence:

• 4 rows brown
• 4 rows blue
• 4 rows brown
• 4 rows blue
• Repeat until scarf measures about 15 inches

End with 6 rows brown seed stitch. Bind off loosely.

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Wrap around the neck after dressing the bunny. Tack in place with two invisible stitches so the scarf sits exactly like the sample.

Skirt

The skirt is sage green, softly gathered, and finished with a delicate lace band and picot-like scalloped lower edge. It should flare gently rather than stand stiffly.

Using sage green, CO 54 sts.

Work in St st for 16 rows.

Decrease for waist shaping:

• Row 17 RS: K4, k2tog across. 45 sts.
• Work 5 rows even.

Begin decorative lower-band sequence near hem if working from top down is not your preference, or simply incorporate the lace at the hem after knitting the main body. For this version, continue downward from waist to hem for easier fitting:

Increase for fullness:

• Next RS row: K3, kfb across. 60 sts.
• Work 10 rows even.

Lace border:

1. Row 1 RS: K2, yo, k2tog, K2, repeat to end.
2. Row 2 WS: P all.
3. Row 3 RS: K1, yo, k2tog, K3, repeat.
4. Row 4 WS: P all.
5. Repeat Rows 1 to 4 two more times.

Scalloped edge:

• Row 1 RS: K2tog, yo, K1, yo, ssk, repeat.
• Row 2 WS: P all.
• Bind off very loosely on RS.

Sew back seam. Gather the waist gently to fit around the bunny body. Sew in place under the cardigan line so the top edge is hidden.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are small Mary Jane-style slippers in brown. They cover the foot and leave a narrow strap appearance across the top.

Using brown, CO 12 sts.

Work 6 rows St st.

Shape sole and sides:

1. Row 1 RS: K all.
2. Row 2 WS: P all.
3. Repeat these 2 rows 5 more times.

Fold around the foot and seam underneath. For the top opening, leave the center upper area open.

Create strap by picking up 4 sts on one side of opening and knitting 6 rows in garter. Sew across to other side.

Slip shoes onto feet and tack in place. If preferred, sew them directly around the lower foot instead of making removable shoes.

Beanie

The hat is deep, softly slouch-free, and finished with a folded ribbed brim. It sits low and snug, covering the crown and slightly shading the forehead.

Using terracotta, CO 48 sts. Join in the round.

Work K2, P2 rib for 16 rounds.

Fold line round: Knit all sts.

Continue body of hat in K2, P2 rib for 18 more rounds.

Decrease crown:

1. Round 1: K2tog at each knit pair, purl purl sections as established. 36 sts.
2. Round 2: Work as set.
3. Round 3: K1, P2 around. 24 sts.
4. Round 4: Work as set.
5. Round 5: K1, p2tog around. 16 sts.
6. Round 6: Knit all sts, decreasing evenly to 8 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and pull tight.

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Fold the brim upward along the fold line. Place hat on the bunny after attaching the ears so the ears emerge from beneath the brim and drape downward.

Crossbody Pouch

This tiny pouch is one of the details that makes the image feel complete. It looks like a small round pouch with gathered bow-like side knots and a thin strap.

Using mustard-tan yarn, CO 10 sts.

Work 12 rows St st. Make 2 pieces.

Seam around edges, stuff lightly, and close into a soft rounded pouch.

For side knots, wrap yarn around each side 3 or 4 times and tie tightly, then stitch down so each side pinches inward like a bow.

For the strap, make a narrow knitted cord or twisted cord about 9 inches long. Stitch to pouch sides and place diagonally across the body from shoulder to opposite hip.

Mini Bunny

The miniature bunny echoes the outfit of the main bunny. It should be tiny but clearly recognizable, with a cream body, small terracotta hat, and a little brown-and-blue cardigan effect.

Mini Body

Using cream, CO 10 sts. Work 18 rows in St st, shaping lightly with one increase row near the lower body and one decrease row near the upper body if desired.

Make 2 panels, seam, stuff lightly, and close.

Mini Head

Using cream, CO 12 sts. Increase to 18 sts gradually, work 8 rows even, then decrease back down. Make 2 panels, seam, and stuff.

Mini Ears

Using cream, CO 4 sts. Increase to 6 sts, work 8 rows, then decrease to 4 sts. Make 2 and sew to head.

Mini Hat

Using terracotta, CO 20 sts in the round. Work K1, P1 rib for 6 rounds, then another 6 rounds plain rib. Decrease evenly to close.

Mini Cardigan Effect

You may either knit a tiny actual jacket or embroider the look onto the body using brown and blue stitches. For best visual accuracy at this scale, a real jacket is ideal.

Use 2 tiny flat fronts and 1 back, all in brown, adding blue duplicate stitches or narrow stripes after knitting. Sew onto the mini bunny.

Embroider tiny black eyes and a very small nose and mouth. Set the mini bunny beside the main piece.

Flower Accent

The small flower near the mini bunny is soft, flat, and decorative with layered petals and a pale center.

• Using terracotta, CO 3 sts and make 5 tiny petal tabs, each 3 rows long.
• Sew the tabs in a circle.
• Add a cream center knot or tiny knitted circle.
• Using sage green, knit 2 small leaf shapes and attach under the flower.

Rose Bouquet Accent

The bouquet is made from several tiny rolled roses in cream and pink shades. It sits beside the mini bunny and helps complete the image styling.

• Knit narrow strips 3 sts wide and 8 to 10 rows long in cream, dusty pink, and rose pink.
• Roll each strip tightly from one end to form a rose.
• Stitch the base securely.
• Make 7 to 9 roses.
• Arrange together in a rounded cluster.
• Add a small backing circle if needed to hold the bouquet shape.

Dressing Order

1. Finish and stuff the bunny body, head, arms, and ears.
2. Attach head to body.
3. Attach arms at upper side body, slightly below neck seam.
4. Sew on skirt.
5. Dress bunny in cardigan and sew closed lightly at the shoulder and underarm if needed.
6. Wrap scarf and tack in place.
7. Add shoes.
8. Attach crossbody pouch.
9. Put on beanie.
10. Complete facial embroidery last if you want to adjust expression after dressing, or earlier if preferred.

Proportion Check

• The head should be about the width of the torso plus sleeves together.
• The ears should reach to around the lower chest when hanging.
• The cardigan should end above mid-skirt.
• The scarf ends should hang to around waist level.
• The hat brim should sit low but not cover the eyes.
• The pouch should rest at upper skirt level.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Position the ears first, then place the hat over them so the ear attachment points are hidden. The ears should angle slightly outward at the top and then fall straight down.

Embroider the eyes using small vertical black satin stitches. Keep them evenly spaced and subtle. The nose should be stitched in dark brown, centered low on the face.

Add the mouth with one short vertical stitch below the nose and two tiny angled stitches branching down. Pull gently to create a soft, delicate expression.

If desired, use a tiny amount of matching thread sculpting at the eye line or nose base for extra facial definition, but keep it minimal.

Care Notes

Display the bunny away from direct sunlight to protect the muted colors. Store flat or upright in a dry area where the ears and scarf will not crease sharply.

If giving as a decor gift, include a note that the small accessories are decorative and should be handled gently.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head centered and secure
• Ears matched in length and angle
• Cardigan front edges even
• Scarf wrapped neatly and tacked down
• Skirt hem level all around
• Shoes aligned evenly
• Pouch strap sitting diagonally
• Mini bunny and accents completed
• Face balanced and symmetrical

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap when needed. Avoid soaking if the piece includes dense stuffing, embroidered details, and attached accessories.

If deeper cleaning becomes necessary, hand wash very gently in cool water, press out moisture with a towel, and reshape carefully before air drying flat.

Do not twist, wring, or machine dry. Keep the bunny and all small accessories in acid-free tissue or a breathable cotton bag if storing long term.

This helps preserve the shape of the skirt lace, the ribbed hat brim, the scarf drape, and the tiny floral details.