Pansy Letterbox-Bow Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to look like a treasured heirloom toy, complete with a pansy dress, a letter pouch, a folded cloth, tiny flowers, and a sweet robin companion. The finished set has the appeal of a handmade bunny doll, knitted stuffed rabbit, nursery gift, spring décor piece, and collectible Easter toy. Soft lilac, cream, and beige shades give it a boutique look that fits cottage-style home décor and gift ideas perfectly. Every piece is shaped to match the image closely, with rounded features, gentle proportions, and polished finishing details.

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 bunny yarn: DK weight wool or wool-blend in warm oatmeal beige.
• Dress yarn: DK weight in dusty lilac, pale cream, and a slightly deeper purple.
• Flower yarn: Small amounts of deep violet, soft lavender, cream, yellow, and leaf green.
• Robin yarn: Rust red, brown, taupe, cream, and a tiny amount of charcoal and mustard.
• Needles: 2.75 mm double-pointed needles for the bunny and tiny pieces, 3 mm needles for dress sections if needed.
• Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, stuffing, small black safety eyes or black embroidery floss, thin cardboard for the letter, sewing thread, and optional fabric glue for securing the card insert.

Finished Size

• Bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall from feet to headband top.
• Robin: about 2 1/2 inches tall.
• Envelope pouch: about 2 1/4 inches wide.
• Folded cloth: about 2 inches square before folding.
• Flower spray: about 2 1/2 inches long.

Gauge

In stockinette stitch on 2.75 mm needles, 28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches. Exact gauge matters most for the bunny head, body, and dress so the proportions stay balanced and the accessories remain correctly scaled.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• m1 = make 1 increase
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Design Notes

The bunny in the image has a soft pear-shaped body, a large rounded head, long ears that fall behind the shoulders, and short cylindrical limbs. The dress sits high on the body with puff sleeves, a shallow collar, a wide skirt, and a framed front panel showing a pansy motif.

The lower skirt has a cream edging, then a soft waved hem in purple and cream. The shoes are simple, rounded Mary Jane-style slippers in dusty pink-lilac. The head is framed by a padded cream band, and a large knitted bow sits behind it.

The accessories matter to the overall look. The envelope pouch is softly structured, the folded cloth has purple border stripes, the flower spray echoes the dress motif, and the robin adds a storybook touch. Keep finishing neat and gentle rather than overly stiff.

Bunny Body

Lower Body

1. Using oatmeal beige, CO 12 stitches. Divide evenly across 3 double-pointed needles and join for working in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit.
3. Round 2: Kfb in each stitch. 24 stitches.
4. Round 3: Knit.
5. Round 4: K1, kfb around. 36 stitches.
6. Rounds 5 to 10: Knit.
7. Round 11: K2, kfb around. 48 stitches.
8. Rounds 12 to 24: Knit.

This forms the lower belly and hip area. The body should look plump but not ball-shaped. Lightly stuff the base as you go so the lower section keeps a flat standing shape instead of collapsing.

Waist and Upper Body

1. Round 25: K6, k2tog around. 42 stitches.
2. Rounds 26 and 27: Knit.
3. Round 28: K5, k2tog around. 36 stitches.
4. Rounds 29 to 34: Knit.
5. Round 35: K4, k2tog around. 30 stitches.
6. Rounds 36 to 40: Knit.

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Stuff the body firmly, concentrating extra filling at the tummy and seat. The upper body should be narrower than the lower half, creating the gentle dressmaker-doll silhouette shown in the image.

Neck and Head

Neck

1. Round 41: K3, k2tog around. 24 stitches.
2. Rounds 42 to 45: Knit.

The neck is short and stable. Add a little extra stuffing under the neck so the head will sit upright without wobbling.

Head Increase

1. Round 46: K3, m1 around. 30 stitches.
2. Round 47: Knit.
3. Round 48: K4, m1 around. 36 stitches.
4. Round 49: Knit.
5. Round 50: K5, m1 around. 42 stitches.
6. Round 51: Knit.
7. Round 52: K6, m1 around. 48 stitches.
8. Rounds 53 to 68: Knit.

The head should be large, smooth, and softly oval. It is not sharply pointed at the chin. The face is broad and calm, with a gentle muzzle area created later by slight shaping during finishing.

Head Decrease

1. Round 69: K6, k2tog around. 42 stitches.
2. Round 70: Knit.
3. Round 71: K5, k2tog around. 36 stitches.
4. Round 72: Knit.
5. Round 73: K4, k2tog around. 30 stitches.
6. Begin stuffing the head very firmly.
7. Round 74: Knit.
8. Round 75: K3, k2tog around. 24 stitches.
9. Round 76: K2, k2tog around. 18 stitches.
10. Round 77: K1, k2tog around. 12 stitches.
11. Round 78: K2tog around. 6 stitches. Break yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and close.

Legs

Make 2. These are short, straight legs that disappear under the dress. They should be sturdy enough for standing support but still slightly soft.

1. Using oatmeal beige, CO 10 stitches and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit.
3. Round 2: Kfb around. 20 stitches.
4. Rounds 3 to 8: Knit.
5. Round 9: K3, k2tog around. 16 stitches.
6. Rounds 10 to 20: Knit.
7. Stuff lightly at the foot and more firmly through the leg tube.
8. Flatten opening and use three-needle bind off or whip stitch closed after sewing to body.

When attaching, place the legs slightly forward on the base so the bunny stands with the gentle front-facing posture seen in the image.

Arms

Make 2. These are smooth, simple tubes with a slightly fuller upper arm to sit nicely beneath the puff sleeves.

1. Using oatmeal beige, CO 8 stitches and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Kfb around. 16 stitches.
3. Rounds 2 to 10: Knit.
4. Round 11: K2, k2tog around. 12 stitches.
5. Rounds 12 to 20: Knit.
6. Stuff lightly, especially at the hand end.
7. Flatten top opening and leave a long tail for sewing.

The arms should angle slightly down the front of the dress, ending around the waistline. Do not overstuff, or the sleeve shape will be distorted.

Ears

Make 2. The ears are long, softly tapered, and sewn so they fall backward behind the headband and bow.

1. Using oatmeal beige, CO 10 stitches.
2. Work flat in St st for 6 rows, beginning with a knit row on RS.
3. Row 7: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, K1.
4. Row 8: Purl.
5. Repeat Rows 7 and 8 until 4 stitches remain.
6. Work 10 more rows straight on these 4 stitches.
7. Break yarn and draw through stitches.

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Make a second ear to match. Fold the cast-on edge slightly to give a soft rounded base. Do not stuff the ears. Steam lightly so they lie flat but still retain some body.

Muzzle and Facial Shaping

The face in the image is very minimal. It uses tiny dark eyes, a small stitched nose, and a soft center line for the mouth. The expression is calm and sweet, never exaggerated.

1. Mark eye placement about halfway down the head, spaced 7 to 8 stitches apart.
2. Use black embroidery floss and make small vertical satin stitches for the eyes, each about 2 stitches high.
3. For the nose, stitch a small upside-down triangle in medium brown or soft charcoal.
4. From the bottom point of the nose, stitch a short center line about 3 rows long.
5. Add a tiny V shape at the base for a neat mouth finish.

To create the gentle muzzle, take a length of matching sewing thread through the head from one side of the nose area to the other and pull very lightly. This should define the face without creating deep dimples.

Shoes

Make 2 in dusty pink-lilac. These slippers should be rounded and slightly plump, with a pale strap across the front to suggest Mary Jane shoes.

1. CO 8 stitches in pink-lilac and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Kfb around. 16 stitches.
3. Round 2: K1, kfb around. 24 stitches.
4. Rounds 3 to 5: Knit.
5. Round 6: Knit 16, turn work and continue flat on next 8 stitches for instep.
6. Work 6 rows St st on these 8 stitches.
7. Pick up stitches around opening to restore 24 stitches total.
8. Work 3 rounds knit.
9. Round 10: K2, k2tog around. 18 stitches.
10. Round 11: Knit.
11. Round 12: K2tog around. 9 stitches. Gather closed.

For the strap, pick up 5 stitches in cream across the instep area. Work 2 rows garter stitch and stitch both ends down gently. Slip the finished shoes onto the feet before attaching the legs if you prefer a fixed finish.

Dress Bodice

The bodice is fitted but not tight. It has a smooth upper chest, short puff sleeves, and a tiny scalloped cream collar. The lilac tone should be soft and dusty rather than bright.

Bodice Base

1. Using lilac, CO 36 stitches and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 6: Knit.
3. Round 7: Purl.
4. Rounds 8 to 12: Knit.

This section sits at the upper chest. Try it around the bunny body before continuing. It should skim the body and close smoothly at the back if you choose to seam it later, or stretch lightly if worked fully in the round.

Puff Sleeves

For a close match to the image, make separate small puff sleeves and sew them into the arm openings. They should look rounded at the shoulder and gathered at the edge.

1. Using lilac, CO 18 stitches and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit.
3. Round 2: K1, m1 around. 27 stitches.
4. Rounds 3 to 6: Knit.
5. Round 7: K1, k2tog around. 18 stitches.
6. Round 8: Purl.
7. Round 9: Knit.
8. BO loosely.

Gather the upper edge slightly and sew so the puff sits high and rounded. The lower sleeve edge should hug the arm gently, creating the puffy lantern look from the image.

Collar

The collar is cream and petite, forming soft little rounded points around the neckline.

1. Using cream, CO 28 stitches.
2. Row 1 RS: Knit.
3. Row 2 WS: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, yo, k2tog repeat across to create a decorative edge.
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Row 5: Knit.
7. BO loosely.

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Steam lightly, then pinch the fabric at intervals to form tiny petal-like points. Sew around the neckline so only a narrow collar shows above the dress bodice.

Skirt

Upper Skirt

1. Pick up 60 stitches around the lower bodice edge using lilac.
2. Round 1: Knit.
3. Round 2: K4, m1 around. 72 stitches.
4. Rounds 3 to 8: Knit.
5. Round 9: Change to slightly deeper purple-lilac and knit 4 rounds.
6. Round 13: Change back to main lilac and knit 4 rounds.

The image shows tonal bands across the skirt, not sharp stripes. You can blend yarn shades for a watercolor look by alternating one round in each tone during color change areas.

Front Apron Panel

The cream panel at the center front frames the pansy motif. Work this panel flat separately, then sew it onto the skirt.

1. Using cream, CO 18 stitches.
2. Work 24 rows in St st.
3. Knit 4 rows garter stitch for a neat border at top and bottom.
4. Pick up and knit 24 stitches down each side and work 2 rounds garter border all around if desired.
5. BO.

Sew the panel centrally on the skirt front. Leave the top edge tucked just under the bodice line. The bottom edge should end above the cream curved skirt band.

Pansy Motif for Apron Panel

Duplicate stitch the flower onto the cream panel after sewing it in place. Use deep violet for the top center petal, lavender for the side petals, and cream for the lower petals. Add a tiny yellow center and green stem with two leaves.

• Top petal: 5 stitches wide and 4 rows tall in dark purple.
• Side petals: 4 stitches wide each in lavender.
• Lower petals: rounded cream petals worked wider at the base.
• Center: 1 small knot or duplicate stitch cluster in yellow.
• Stem and leaves: narrow green stitches extending downward.

Keep the flower centered and delicate. It should read clearly from a distance but still look hand-finished and soft.

Curved Cream Band

This band divides the skirt body from the waved hem. It curves visually because it sits above the wide flare.

1. At the round where you want the cream trim, change to cream and knit 2 rounds.
2. Return to lilac for 1 round.

If you want more definition, sew a fine cream cord or use surface duplicate stitch just above the cream band.

Waved Hem

1. From the last skirt round, increase to 96 stitches evenly.
2. Work 3 rounds in deeper purple-lilac.
3. Change to cream.
4. Round 4: K2, yo around.
5. Round 5: Knit.
6. Round 6: K2tog, K1 around.
7. Round 7: Knit.
8. BO loosely in knit.

This combination gives a soft ripple rather than a frill. Steam the hem and shape it with your fingers into gentle waves. The hem should sit outward, echoing the scalloped line visible in the image.

Headband

The bunny wears a padded cream headband that frames the face. It is not narrow like a ribbon. It should look like a softly stuffed band, sitting low across the forehead and around the sides of the head.

1. Using cream, CO 8 stitches.
2. Work an i-cord for about 10 inches, or until it fits around the head from one side of the neck base over the forehead to the other side.
3. Lightly steam and gently flatten the i-cord so it becomes a soft padded band.
4. Stitch ends together behind the head.

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Large Bow

The bow behind the head is made in the same beige as the bunny, large enough to peek over both sides of the headband. The loops are long and softly upright.

1. Using oatmeal beige, CO 18 stitches.
2. Work 20 rows in St st.
3. BO.
4. Make a second identical rectangle.
5. Pinch each rectangle at the center and wrap tightly with matching yarn to form two bow loops.
6. Sew the loops side by side behind the headband.
7. For the tails, make two strips of 6 stitches by 18 rows and attach behind the loops so they fall downward behind the head.

Keep the bow elegant and slightly understated. It should support the head framing, not overpower the face.

Envelope Pouch

This small envelope-shaped pouch sits beside the bunny. It is cream with a flap and a tiny purple wax-seal effect at the point.

1. Using cream, CO 18 stitches.
2. Work 16 rows in seed stitch for a firm texture.
3. Fold lower third upward to form pocket and sew side seams.
4. Continue upper section as flap: decrease 1 stitch at each side every RS row until 4 stitches remain.
5. BO.

For the seal, embroider a tiny circle in lilac-purple at the flap point. You may add a monogram-style stitch in the center for extra detail. Lightly pad the inside with felt so the pouch keeps a crisp envelope shape.

Letter Card

The little note card is a very important visual detail. Knit a small rectangle in cream and back it with thin card so it lies flat.

1. Using cream, CO 12 stitches.
2. Work 10 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Cut a matching piece of thin card slightly smaller than the knitting.
5. Whip stitch the knitted rectangle around the card, or simply glue the knitting to the card backing on the reverse.

With dark embroidery thread, add tiny stitched lines to suggest handwriting. Keep the lines short and delicate so they look like a miniature note rather than bold text.

Folded Cloth

This small folded cloth sits near the envelope and has three narrow purple stripes. It should be crisp, simple, and lightly structured.

1. Using cream, CO 18 stitches.
2. Work 14 rows in garter stitch.
3. Rows 15 and 16: switch to lilac and knit.
4. Rows 17 and 18: cream.
5. Rows 19 and 20: deeper purple.
6. Rows 21 and 22: cream.
7. BO.

Steam flat, then fold into a neat square or triangle, depending on the look you want. The image suggests a folded rectangle with visible border stripes, so press the folds sharply.

Pansy Flower Spray

Make one small cluster of pansies and leaves. This should coordinate with the apron flower and repeat the lilac-cream-purple palette.

Petals

Each petal can be worked as a tiny knitted leaf shape.

1. CO 3 stitches in chosen petal color.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K1, kfb. 5 stitches.
4. Row 3: Knit.
5. Row 4: K1, kfb, K1, kfb, K1. 7 stitches.
6. Row 5: Knit.
7. Row 6: Ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog.
8. Repeat Row 6 until 3 stitches remain, then BO.

Make 5 petals for each pansy. Use darker yarn for one upper petal, lavender for two side petals, and cream for two lower petals.

Assembly of Each Pansy

1. Layer and sew the petals into a flower shape.
2. Embroider a tiny yellow center.
3. Add a small green calyx on the back if desired.

Leaves and Stems

1. Knit 2 or 3 small pointed leaves in green using the same petal shape but longer and narrower.
2. Wrap floral wire or stiff thread with green yarn for stems, or use I-cord stems.
3. Bind 2 or 3 pansies together into a spray with leaves at the base.

Robin Companion

The robin is tiny but full of personality. It has a rust-red breast, brown wings, a small beak, skinny legs, and a little hat with pom-pom. It also wears a short brown jacket with pale buttons.

Robin Body

1. Using rust red, CO 6 stitches and join in round.
2. Round 1: Kfb around. 12 stitches.
3. Round 2: K1, kfb around. 18 stitches.
4. Rounds 3 to 8: Knit.
5. Change to brown for back half only by intarsia in the round or work the whole body in brown and duplicate stitch the rust breast later.
6. Round 9: K1, k2tog around. 12 stitches.
7. Stuff lightly.
8. Round 10: K2tog around. 6 stitches. Close.

The body should be pear-shaped and upright, with the chest slightly proud.

Robin Head

1. Using brown, CO 6 stitches and join in round.
2. Round 1: Kfb around. 12 stitches.
3. Rounds 2 to 5: Knit.
4. Round 6: K1, k2tog around. 8 stitches.
5. Stuff lightly and close.

Sew head to body with the bird tilted slightly upward.

Beak, Wings, and Tail

• Beak: CO 3 stitches in tan or mustard, knit 1 row, then k2tog, K1, and BO. Sew at face center.
• Wings: make 2 flat teardrop shapes in brown, each starting with 3 stitches, increasing to 7, then decreasing back to 3.
• Tail: work one tiny brown triangle and sew at back base.

Legs

Use brown embroidery floss or wrapped wire to form two thin legs and little feet. Stitch the bird securely to a branch-like prop if desired, or leave free-standing with hidden support.

Robin Hat

1. Using taupe, CO 12 stitches and join in round.
2. Work 4 rounds rib: K1, P1.
3. Change to cream and work 2 rounds knit.
4. Change to taupe and work 3 rounds knit.
5. Round 10: K2tog around. 6 stitches.
6. Close and add a tiny brown pom-pom.

Robin Jacket

1. Using brown, CO 16 stitches.
2. Work 10 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Cut arm slits if using felt backing, or simply wrap around the robin body and stitch at shoulders, leaving the front open.
5. Add 3 tiny cream French knots or stitched dots for buttons.

Assembly

1. Sew the legs to the body, keeping them parallel and slightly forward.
2. Sew the arms to the upper body at shoulder level.
3. Attach the ears high on the head so they fall backward.
4. Sew the head firmly to the neck.
5. Dress the bunny in the bodice and skirt.
6. Add the puff sleeves and collar.
7. Place shoes on the feet and secure with a few hidden stitches.
8. Attach the cream headband around the face.
9. Sew the bow behind the headband.
10. Set the envelope pouch, letter, folded cloth, and pansy spray beside the bunny.
11. Complete and place the robin companion next to the bunny.

At every stage, compare the silhouette to the image. The overall impression should be gentle, tidy, and storybook-like, with soft spring colors and carefully balanced accessory scale.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After everything is sewn, check that the face remains centered and calm. Adjust the ears so they fall behind the shoulders. The headband should frame the face evenly, and the bow should sit just behind it without covering the ears.

Use a little extra stitching beneath the chin if the head tips too far back. Add tiny blush shading only if you want a warmer look, but keep it subtle. The original styling is clean and understated.

Care Notes

• Spot clean first whenever possible.
• Handle the flower spray, letter card, and robin hat gently.
• Store flat or upright away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid heavy brushing, which can blur the crisp knitted texture.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Is the body pear-shaped and standing evenly?
• Are the eyes small, balanced, and softly placed?
• Does the dress flare smoothly with a waved lower edge?
• Is the pansy centered on the front panel?
• Does the headband frame the face neatly?
• Are all tiny accessories scaled to the bunny?
• Does the robin look upright and tidy beside the set?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For best results, place the bunny and accessories in a clean cotton bag when not on display. If dust builds up, use a very soft dry brush or a cool hair dryer on low airflow from a distance.

If deeper cleaning is needed, gently hand wash only the knitted parts in cool water with mild wool wash. Do not soak the letter card insert or any wired flower stems. Press in a towel, reshape carefully, and dry flat.

To preserve the dress waves, smooth the hem by hand while damp. Keep the set away from damp storage boxes, strong perfume, and prolonged sunlight so the cream and lilac tones stay fresh and even.