Nasturtium Sail-Knot Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to match a collectible heirloom toy style, complete with a flower-trimmed sunhat, cozy cardigan, pumpkin-toned dress, lace-edged hem, floral handbag, bouquet, tiny companion bunny, little kerchief, and two twisted cord charms. The look blends cottagecore softness with boutique stuffed animal appeal, making it ideal for readers searching for knitted bunny doll patterns, handmade nursery gifts, artisan toy ideas, and collectible rabbit decor to make or sell at craft markets.

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

Pattern Overview

This pattern creates a seated bunny with long floppy ears, a rounded head, a plump lower body, slim arms, softly shaped legs, and a complete wardrobe and accessory set. The finished style is warm, detailed, and polished, with a close visual match to the pictured sample.

The main bunny is worked mostly in smooth stockinette with very fine shaping. The clothing is built to sit neatly on the body rather than look oversized. Decorative flowers are made separately and attached in careful layers to keep the surface textured but not bulky.

The large bunny sits upright because the lower body is weighted and firmly stuffed. The feet angle slightly forward. The face is minimal and sweet, with tiny black eyes, a centered nose, and a short split mouth worked with matching dark embroidery.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall seated, about 15 inches including hat
• Mini bunny: about 4 1/2 to 5 inches tall
• Handbag: about 2 1/2 inches tall excluding handle
• Bouquet: about 3 inches long
• Kerchief: about 2 1/4 inches across
• Twisted cord charms: about 1 1/2 inches each

Materials

• Sport or light DK yarn in soft beige for bunny bodies
• Muted moss green for cardigan, mini cardigan, leaves, and hem border
• Burnt orange or pumpkin for dress, mini dress, shoes, and orange flowers
• Cream or oatmeal for sunhat, mini hat, handbag, and kerchief
• Golden yellow for flowers
• Deep red or rust red for flowers and flower centers
• Small amount of olive green for stems and leaf accents
• Black embroidery thread or very fine black yarn for eyes
• Dark brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth
• Straight needles or preferred needles for working flat
• Double-pointed needles if you prefer working small tubes in the round
• Tapestry needle
• Stuffing
• Small amount of toy pellets or weighted filling in a secure inner pouch
• Two very small buttons for dress straps
• Optional tiny buttons for decorative shaping markers only if desired

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette after light blocking.

Gauge matters most for the clothing fit and hat proportion. A firm fabric is best. The body should not show stuffing through the stitches.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• Sts = stitches
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• K2tog = knit 2 together
• SSK = slip, slip, knit
• Inc = increase 1 stitch
• Rep = repeat
• BO = bind off
• St st = stockinette stitch

General Construction Notes

• The main bunny is made in separate pieces and seamed.
• The head is slightly larger than the upper torso and softly oval rather than perfectly round.
• The ears are long, flat, and lightly curved inward at the lower edge.
• The arms are slim and short, ending just below the cardigan front edge.
• The feet are rounded rectangles with gentle toe fullness.
• The dress is worked with a fitted upper section and a gathered skirt.
• The cardigan is short, open at the front, and ends just above the floral skirt border.
• The hat brim is shallow and slightly downward at the sides.
• Flowers are layered and lightly cupped before sewing in place.

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Main Bunny

Head Make 2

CO 22 sts.

1. Work 4 rows in St st, beginning with a K row.
2. Inc 1 st at each end of next RS row. Rep this increase every 4th row 5 times total. 32 sts.
3. Work 18 rows even in St st.
4. Shape top: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1 on next RS row. Purl WS row.
5. Rep these decrease rows every RS row 5 more times. 20 sts.
6. BO.

Leave one head piece with a long tail for seaming. Before seaming fully, embroider the face on one piece. Place the eyes about 7 rows below the top shaping and 6 stitches apart. Keep them very small and vertical to match the calm expression.

Embroider a tiny Y-shaped nose and mouth centered 5 rows below the eyes. The nose should be narrow, with a short split stitch downward and two tiny outward mouth stitches. Do not overwork the face. The simplicity is important to the look.

Gusset for Head

CO 8 sts. Work in St st.

1. Inc 1 st at each end of every 4th row until there are 16 sts.
2. Work 20 rows even.
3. Decrease 1 st at each end of every 4th row until 8 sts remain.
4. BO.

Use this gusset from lower back head, over crown, to lower front neck. Keep shaping smooth so the head stays softly rounded and not boxy.

Body Front

CO 24 sts.

1. Work 6 rows in St st.
2. Inc 1 st at each end of next RS row, then every 6th row 4 more times. 34 sts.
3. Work 18 rows even.
4. Shape underarm and shoulder softness by decreasing 1 st at each end on next RS row. 32 sts.
5. Work 10 rows even.
6. Shape neck: K12, BO 8, knit to end.
7. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 st at neck edge every RS row 2 times.
8. Work 4 rows even, then BO shoulder.

Body Back

Work as for Body Front through row 5.

1. Work 14 rows even.
2. Shape upper back with slight shoulder slope: decrease 1 st at each end on next RS row. 32 sts.
3. Work 8 rows even.
4. BO center 10 sts for neck and finish each side separately.
5. Work 3 rows even, then BO shoulders.

Body Side Gusset

CO 10 sts. Work a strip in St st for 44 rows. BO. This gives the body a rounded, seated depth. Sew between front and back from lower edge upward, leaving the neck area open.

Legs Make 2

CO 14 sts.

1. Work 8 rows St st.
2. Inc 1 st at each end of next RS row and every 6th row twice more. 20 sts.
3. Work 18 rows even.
4. Shape top: decrease 1 st at each end every RS row 3 times. 14 sts.
5. Work 4 rows even. BO.

Sew each leg into a soft tube. Stuff lightly through the calf and more firmly at the foot. Flatten the very top edge before attaching so the legs angle outward slightly from the lower body.

Feet Soles Make 2

CO 8 sts.

1. Inc 1 st at each end every RS row until 14 sts.
2. Work 8 rows even.
3. Decrease 1 st at each end every RS row until 8 sts.
4. BO.

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Attach the sole to the lower end of each leg, easing the extra fullness toward the toe. Add a little more stuffing at the front to create the rounded shoe-ready foot shape seen in the sample.

Arms Make 2

CO 10 sts.

1. Work 6 rows St st.
2. Inc 1 st each end on next RS row. 12 sts.
3. Work 16 rows even.
4. Decrease 1 st each end on next RS row. 10 sts.
5. Work 6 rows even. BO.

Sew into narrow tubes and stuff lightly. The arms should remain slim and bendable, not stiff. Stitch to the body at shoulder level so they hang slightly forward.

Ears Make 2

CO 12 sts.

1. Work 4 rows St st.
2. Inc 1 st at each end every 6th row 3 times. 18 sts.
3. Work 26 rows even.
4. Decrease 1 st at each end every 6th row 3 times. 12 sts.
5. Work 4 rows even. BO.

Fold each ear lengthwise very slightly and seam. Do not stuff. Steam lightly if needed. Sew the ears high on the sides of the head so they fall downward from beneath the hat brim. The lower ends should rest near the shoulder line.

Dress

Bodice Front

Using pumpkin yarn, CO 20 sts.

1. Knit 4 rows in garter stitch for the top edge.
2. Work 12 rows in St st.
3. On next RS row, K2, M1, knit to last 2 sts, M1, K2. 22 sts.
4. Work 4 rows even.
5. BO 3 sts at each end for arm curves. 16 sts.
6. Work 6 rows even.
7. BO center 6 sts for neckline, then finish each side separately for 2 rows and BO.

Bodice Back Make 2

CO 10 sts each piece.

1. Work as for front through arm shaping, keeping inner edge straight for opening.
2. At neckline, BO 3 sts at inner edge once, then decrease 1 st at neck edge once.
3. BO shoulder.

Skirt

CO 72 sts using pumpkin yarn.

1. Work 6 rows St st.
2. On next RS row, K2tog across evenly 12 times while keeping spacing balanced. 60 sts.
3. Work 10 rows even.
4. Join green yarn and work 4 rows St st.
5. Work lace-edged hem as follows.

Lace-Edged Hem Border

This hem should resemble gentle rounded leaf scallops, not pointed lace.

1. Row 1 RS: K2, yarn to front and back of next stitch, K4, rep across.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3 RS: K3, K2tog, yarn to front and back of next stitch, K2, rep across.
4. Row 4 WS: Purl.
5. Row 5 RS: K2tog, K3, yarn to front and back of next stitch, K2, rep across.
6. Row 6 WS: Purl.
7. BO loosely knitwise.

Gather the top of the skirt to fit the bodice lower edge. Sew the skirt to the bodice. Sew the back seam only below the opening. Add two narrow straps from front to back using i-cord or flat knitted straps about 4 stitches wide and 3 inches long.

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Sew a very small button to each front strap point, matching the pictured look. The buttons should sit at the top corners of the front bodice and be visible beneath the cardigan.

Floral Skirt Appliqués

The front skirt carries a row of stitched flowers in warm yellow, orange, and deep red, with green stems and layered leaves above the green scalloped hem.

• Make 7 flowers total for the large skirt front.
• Arrange colors in a balanced sequence: orange, yellow, orange, red, yellow, orange, red works well.
• Stitch stems upward from the hem using olive green.
• Add paired leaves between stems, slightly overlapping.

Simple Flower Motif Make 7

CO 18 sts in chosen flower color.

1. Work 2 rows garter.
2. Cut yarn, thread through live sts, draw tightly into a ring.
3. Roll and overlap the strip into a five-petal rosette.
4. Sew securely and add a contrasting center knot.

For fuller flowers like those on the hat, use 22 stitches instead of 18 and form a slightly deeper cup. For flat skirt flowers, keep them shallower so the dress still sits smoothly.

Cardigan

Back

Using moss green, CO 22 sts.

1. Work 4 rows in K1, P1 rib.
2. Work 20 rows in St st.
3. BO 2 sts at each end for armhole shaping.
4. Work 10 rows even.
5. BO center 8 sts for neck.
6. Finish each side separately for 2 rows, then BO shoulders.

Left Front

CO 12 sts.

1. Work 4 rows K1, P1 rib.
2. Work 20 rows St st, keeping 3 sts at front edge in garter for band.
3. BO 2 sts at side edge for armhole.
4. Work 8 rows even.
5. Decrease 1 st at neck edge every RS row 3 times.
6. Work 2 rows even. BO shoulder.

Right Front

Work to match Left Front, reversing shaping.

Sleeves Make 2

CO 14 sts.

1. Work 4 rows rib.
2. Work 18 rows St st, increasing 1 st each end every 6th row twice. 18 sts.
3. BO 2 sts at each end once.
4. Work 6 rows even.
5. BO.

Sew shoulders first, then set in sleeves, then sew side and sleeve seams. The cardigan should sit open at the front with no closure. The lower front edges curl gently inward, so do not overblock them flat.

Shoes

The bunny wears knitted pumpkin shoes with pale cross-laced ties.

Shoe Top Make 2

Using pumpkin yarn, CO 12 sts.

1. Work 10 rows St st.
2. Decrease 1 st each end on next RS row. 10 sts.
3. Work 4 rows even. BO.

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Sew each shoe top over the stuffed foot, leaving a soft rounded toe. Add 3 horizontal lace bars on each side using cream yarn, then thread a crisscross tie through them and knot at the ankle line.

Sunhat

Crown Top

Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts onto double-pointed needles or work flat and seam later.

1. Increase evenly every round or every RS row until 40 sts.
2. Work 12 rounds or rows even.
3. Begin brim by increasing 8 sts evenly. 48 sts.
4. Work 6 rounds or rows even.
5. Increase 8 sts evenly again. 56 sts.
6. Work 4 rounds or rows even, then BO loosely.

The brim should gently extend outward then dip slightly downward. It must not be floppy. If needed, run a fine hidden thread around the brim edge for support.

Hat Flowers and Leaves

Make 9 flowers total for the large hat band. Use a mix of yellow, orange, and deep red, with the largest blooms centered. Add small olive or moss leaves tucked behind selected flowers.

• 3 larger orange flowers
• 2 medium yellow flowers
• 2 medium deep red flowers
• 2 smaller filler flowers in yellow or orange
• 6 to 8 leaves

Sew the flowers around the front half of the hat only, from side to side, leaving the back plain. This matches the sample and keeps the hat from looking overcrowded.

Leaf Make as Needed

CO 8 sts in green.

1. Work 1 row P.
2. K1, Inc, knit to last 2 sts, Inc, K1.
3. Purl.
4. K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
5. Purl.
6. BO.

Fold the base slightly before stitching under flowers.

Handbag

Bag Body Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 16 sts.

1. Work 18 rows St st.
2. Round the upper corners by decreasing 1 st each end on next RS row.
3. Work 3 rows even. BO.

Sew sides and base, leaving top open. Add a narrow strap using a 4-stitch i-cord about 8 inches long, then attach securely to upper sides.

Decorate the bag front with 3 flowers and 2 large circular leaves. Place one orange flower near the upper left, one deep red flower low center, and one orange flower at the right. Add curved green stems and textured leaf circles beneath them.

Bouquet

The bouquet includes several loose flowers in warm autumnal nasturtium shades, tied together with a pale wrap. Keep the stems short and soft.

• Make 6 flowers in mixed sizes
• Use yellow, orange, and deep red
• Add 4 or 5 small leaves
• Use green yarn cords for stems

Wrap the stems together with cream yarn several times and knot at the back. The bouquet should look hand-tied and slightly irregular rather than perfectly formal.

Mini Bunny Companion

This tiny bunny echoes the larger bunny in color and clothing. The head is rounder, the body simpler, and the ears shorter in proportion, but the outfit should clearly match.

Mini Body Front and Back

CO 12 sts in beige for each piece.

1. Work 4 rows St st.
2. Increase 1 st each end every 4th row twice. 16 sts.
3. Work 12 rows even.
4. Decrease 1 st each end every 4th row twice. 12 sts.
5. BO.

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Mini Head Make 2

CO 14 sts.

1. Increase 1 st each end every 4th row 3 times. 20 sts.
2. Work 10 rows even.
3. Decrease 1 st each end every RS row 3 times. 14 sts.
4. BO.

Mini Arms Make 2

CO 6 sts. Work 12 rows St st. BO.

Mini Legs Make 2

CO 8 sts. Work 14 rows St st. BO.

Mini Ears Make 2

CO 6 sts. Increase to 10 sts gradually, work 10 rows even, then decrease back to 6 sts. BO.

Assemble firmly but keep the body softly rounded. Embroider very tiny black eyes and a small nose. Dress the mini bunny in a simple pumpkin dress with 3 tiny dot flowers near the hem and a small green cardigan.

Mini Dress

CO 16 sts in pumpkin. Work 6 rows for skirt, decrease to 12 sts, work 8 rows for bodice, BO center 4 sts for neck, then finish shoulders.

Mini Cardigan

Use green yarn. Make a tiny back and two fronts in the same style as the main cardigan, keeping the front open.

Mini Hat

Use cream yarn for a tiny shallow hat with a narrow brim. Add one small orange flower at the right side of the band.

Kerchief

The small cream kerchief in the sample is triangular and decorated with three tiny flowers.

CO 2 sts in cream.

1. Increase 1 st at the beginning of every RS row until 16 sts.
2. Work 1 WS row.
3. BO loosely.

Embroider or sew 3 tiny flowers across the surface in orange, yellow, and red. Add a short cord tie at one corner if desired.

Twisted Cord Charms Make 2

These small striped pieces look like twisted cords placed beside the kerchief. They can be worked as decorative sailor-style knot charms to suit the set name.

• Cut one red strand and one cream strand for each charm
• Twist tightly together
• Fold in half and allow to twist back on itself
• Tie the top end with matching yarn
• Shape a slight hook curve before stitching a few hidden securing stitches

Keep them soft and slightly bent rather than stiff. Place near the kerchief when styling the finished set.

Color Placement Guide

• Main bunny body: warm beige
• Dress: pumpkin orange bodice and skirt
• Dress lower border: moss green with scalloped edge
• Cardigan: moss green
• Shoes: pumpkin orange with cream lacing
• Hat: cream with warm floral band
• Bag: cream with orange and red flowers, green leaves
• Bouquet: yellow, orange, red blooms with green stems
• Mini bunny: pale green body, pumpkin dress, green cardigan, cream hat

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff the head.
2. Sew and stuff the body with a weighted base.
3. Attach legs first, then arms.
4. Attach ears high on the head sides.
5. Dress the bunny in the orange dress.
6. Add the cardigan.
7. Sew on shoes or shoe tops.
8. Fit the hat and secure with a few hidden stitches if desired.
9. Complete handbag, bouquet, mini bunny, kerchief, and twisted cord charms.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

When attaching the head to the body, angle it only very slightly forward. The sample has a calm, centered posture, not a tilted or playful pose. Add stuffing to the neck area before closing so the head stays stable beneath the hat.

Keep the eyes small and evenly spaced. The nose should be narrow and short. A larger stitched face will quickly change the expression and make the bunny look less like the sample. Use tiny stitches and check symmetry often as you work.

Sew the dress so the waist seam sits a little high on the body. This gives the skirt a fuller fall. The cardigan should end near the upper skirt and remain open. Arrange the floral skirt motifs low on the dress, just above the green scalloped edge.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible
• Do not machine wash if weighted filling is used
• Reshape the hat brim and ears after cleaning
• Store accessories in a fabric bag to avoid tangling
• Keep out of direct sunlight to protect warm flower colors

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Face centered and balanced
• Ears attached evenly
• Feet filled firmly enough to sit forward
• Dress straps buttoned at the front
• Skirt flowers placed low and evenly spaced
• Hat flowers only across the front half
• Handbag strap secure
• Mini bunny outfit matches the main bunny palette
• Kerchief and twisted cords completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a barely damp cloth and mild soap for routine surface cleaning. Press gently instead of rubbing, especially over flower appliqués and embroidered facial details. Dry flat on a towel and reshape the body, ears, hat, and cardigan while still slightly damp.

For long-term storage, wrap the bunny and accessories in clean acid-free tissue and place them in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags for long periods. Keep the set in a dry, cool place to preserve color, prevent musty odor, and protect the stuffing and decorative stitching.