Verbena Sugar-Room Bunny – Knitting.

This elegant bunny is designed as a soft collectible toy with a calm vintage feel and beautiful handmade details. The look includes a cream bunny with long floppy ears, a sky-blue sweater, a warm rose pinafore dress, a matching beret, Mary Jane shoes, a crossbody bag, a tiny fabric-look book, a bouquet of lilac flowers, and a miniature bunny companion. It is ideal for knit doll lovers, nursery decor shoppers, handmade gift buyers, and collectors searching for heirloom bunny dolls, knitted stuffed animals, and artisan rabbit toys.

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

Finished Size

The finished main bunny measures about 14 to 15 inches tall seated, or about 18 inches from the top of the beret to the bottom of the feet when gently stretched straight.

The miniature bunny measures about 4 1/2 to 5 inches tall.

These measurements match the soft, rounded proportions shown in the image, with a generously sized head, slim lower legs, long ears, and a gently weighted seated body.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream for head, ears, legs, and body
• DK weight yarn in pale sky blue for sweater, collar, and bag
• DK weight yarn in muted dusty rose for dress and shoes
• Small amounts of lavender, purple, and soft green for flowers and stems
• Very small amount of brown or taupe for nose and mouth
• Very small amount of black for eye placement if using stitched eyes, or two 6 mm safety eyes if preferred
• Light fingering or lace yarn in cream and dusty rose for the miniature bunny
• 3.0 mm needles for most pieces
• 2.5 mm needles for miniature bunny and very firm details
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop for narrow pieces
• Tapestry needle
• Toy stuffing
• Small amount of pellet filling or extra stuffing for lower body weight, optional
• Thin cardboard or plastic canvas for book insert, optional
• One tiny button for the bag flap
• Thin ribbon or knitted cord for miniature bunny neck tie
• Sewing thread matching cream for secure assembly, optional

Yarn Colors

• Cream: bunny head, muzzle shape, ears, lower body, legs, feet, and beret
• Sky blue: sweater, rounded collar, shoulder strap, bag, and tiny book tie detail if desired
• Dusty rose: pinafore dress, shoe straps, and miniature bunny body accent
• Lavender and purple: bouquet and dress flower clusters
• Soft green: bouquet stems and vertical dress vines

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for a toy, but firmness is very important. Knit tightly enough that stuffing does not show through.

• 26 to 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on 3.0 mm needles
• Use a smaller needle if your fabric feels loose

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rnd = round
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker

Design Notes

The bunny in the image has a very smooth face, a soft oval head, a subtle muzzle shaping line, narrow shoulders, and a slightly full dress that falls in an A-line shape over the seated body.

The sleeves are long and lightly rounded, not puffy. The collar is a separate soft blue rounded collar with two visible front lobes. The beret sits low across the forehead and covers the top of the head without being oversized.

The dress is dusty rose and decorated with vertical floral lines. To keep the look close to the image, the flowers are worked as tiny knitted bobble blossoms added to the surface after the dress is finished.

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The miniature bunny is also included because it is clearly visible in the image and completes the styling.

Main Bunny Overview

1. Knit the legs and feet
2. Knit the lower body
3. Knit the upper body and neck
4. Knit the head
5. Knit two arms
6. Knit two long ears
7. Knit the blue sweater and separate collar
8. Knit the rose pinafore dress
9. Knit the beret
10. Knit the shoes
11. Knit the bag, strap, book, bouquet, and miniature bunny
12. Assemble, shape, and add facial details

Legs and Feet

Make 2 in cream.

Each leg is slim and straight with a gently rounded foot base. The feet are mostly hidden by the shoes, so the shaping should stay neat and compact rather than broad.

Foot Base

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: Kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 10: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
7. Row 11: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
8. Row 12: Purl.
9. Row 13: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
10. Rows 14 to 16: Stockinette.

Lower Leg

1. Continue on 10 sts.
2. Work 26 more rows in stockinette.
3. Stuff foot firmly and leg lightly as you go.
4. Break yarn, leave tail for joining.

Make the second leg the same.

Lower Body

The seated body is softly rounded and slightly wider than the legs, but still refined. Join both legs with the feet facing forward.

1. Place first leg on needle, CO 4 sts, place second leg, knit across. 24 sts.
2. Purl 1 row.
3. Next RS row: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts before gap, kfb, k2, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 28 sts.
4. Work 5 rows in stockinette.
5. Next RS row: k2, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k2. 30 sts.
6. Work 5 rows in stockinette.
7. Next RS row: k3, kfb, knit to last 3 sts, kfb, k3. 32 sts.
8. Work 10 rows in stockinette.

The lower body should now appear softly oval. Add a little weight if desired, then medium-firm stuffing.

Upper Body and Neck

The upper body narrows gently so the sweater and pinafore sit correctly without bulk.

1. Row 1 RS: k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 30 sts.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Work 3 rows stockinette.
4. Repeat decrease row once more. 28 sts.
5. Work 5 rows stockinette.
6. Next RS row: k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 26 sts.
7. Work 3 rows stockinette.
8. Next RS row: k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 24 sts.
9. Work 4 rows stockinette.
10. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
11. Work 4 rows.

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For the neck:

1. Next RS row: k2tog across. 11 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in stockinette.
3. Transfer these 11 sts to a holder.

Head

The head is worked separately from the top down for clean shaping, then attached to the neck. The face should look smooth and gentle, with fullness through the cheeks and a slight taper near the crown.

1. CO 11 sts in cream.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: kfb across. 22 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 24 sts.
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 26 sts.
8. Row 7: Purl.
9. Row 8: k2, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k2. 28 sts.
10. Row 9: Purl.
11. Row 10: k2, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k2. 30 sts.
12. Work 20 rows in stockinette.

Shape the lower face slightly:

1. Next RS row: k3, ssk, knit to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3. 28 sts.
2. Purl 1 row.
3. Work 3 more rows stockinette.
4. Next RS row: k3, ssk, knit to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3. 26 sts.
5. Purl 1 row.
6. Work 1 more row.

Begin crown shaping:

1. Row 1: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 20 sts.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 18 sts.
8. Row 8: Purl.
9. Row 9: k2tog across. 9 sts.
10. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull closed.

Stuff the head firmly, shaping the cheeks evenly. Keep the forehead smooth because the beret sits directly over it.

Ears

Make 2 in cream. The ears are long, soft, and slightly widened at the base. They hang straight down from beneath the beret.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 28: Stockinette.
7. Row 29: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 30: Purl.
9. Row 31: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
10. Row 32: Purl.
11. Row 33: ssk, k2, k2tog. 6 sts.
12. Row 34: Purl.
13. Row 35: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
14. Row 36: Purl.
15. Row 37: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
16. BO.

Fold each ear lengthwise with the purl side inward so the stockinette side faces out. Sew the lower edge closed very lightly, leaving the ear flat rather than stuffed.

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Arms

Make 2 in cream and blue. The hands are cream and the sleeves are blue, matching the image.

Hand

1. CO 8 sts in cream.
2. Work 8 rows stockinette.
3. Next RS row: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
4. Work 4 rows stockinette.
5. Change to sky blue.

Sleeve

1. Work 16 rows stockinette.
2. Increase row: k1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
3. Work 8 more rows.
4. Stuff hand and lower sleeve lightly.
5. Flatten top and sew closed later.

The arms should appear softly tubular, not bulky. They hang down beside the dress.

Neck Joining and Body Assembly

Place the head opening over the neck stitches. Using mattress stitch or grafting, sew head to neck securely. Add a final pinch of stuffing to fill any hollow under the chin.

Sew the side and back body seams if worked flat. Shape the bunny so it sits neatly with the legs hanging forward.

Face Details

The face is very minimal. The eyes are tiny and placed wide apart. The nose is a small stitched Y-shape with a soft brown tone.

• Place eyes about halfway down the head front, spaced approximately 9 to 10 stitches apart
• Use tiny black beads or French knots kept very small
• Embroider nose with two slanted stitches meeting in the center
• Add a short vertical stitch downward
• Add two very subtle curved stitches to suggest the split mouth

Do not overwork the face. The charm of the image comes from the clean, quiet expression.

Sweater

The sweater is sky blue, fitted but soft, with long sleeves and a neat neckline hidden partly by the collar and pinafore.

You may knit it flat in pieces for easier dressing, or work it in the round. The instructions below are flat for clarity.

Back

1. CO 26 sts in sky blue.
2. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Continue in stockinette for 22 rows.
4. Armhole shaping: BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 22 sts.
5. Work 8 rows straight.
6. Neck row RS: k7, BO 8, k7.
7. Work each side separately for 2 rows.
8. BO shoulders.

Front

1. CO 26 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Continue in stockinette for 18 rows.
4. Armhole shaping: BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 22 sts.
5. Work 4 rows.
6. Neck row RS: k8, BO 6, k8.
7. Decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge on next 2 RS rows.
8. Work until front matches back.
9. BO shoulders.

Sleeves

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 4 rows k1, p1 rib.
3. Continue in stockinette, increasing 1 stitch each side every 8th row 3 times. 18 sts.
4. Work until sleeve length matches the visible arm length in the image, about 34 rows total.
5. BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
6. Work 4 rows.
7. BO remaining sts.

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Sweater Finishing

Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves. Sew side and sleeve seams. Dress the bunny and close the back seam with a few hidden stitches if desired.

Rounded Collar

The collar is a separate pale blue Peter Pan style collar with two rounded front sections. It sits above the pinafore and is clearly visible in the image.

1. CO 34 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. Row 3 RS: k14, BO 6, k14.
4. Work left side only for first lobe.
5. Shape rounded edge by decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge every RS row 4 times, while working 2 garter ridges along outer edge.
6. When 10 sts remain, BO loosely.
7. Rejoin yarn to second side and repeat.

Sew or tack collar neatly around neckline so the rounded lobes lie flat on the sweater front.

Pinafore Dress

The dusty rose pinafore is the visual center of the outfit. It has narrow straps over the shoulders and a softly flared skirt. The floral lines run vertically down the front.

Skirt

1. CO 56 sts in dusty rose.
2. Work 6 rows garter stitch for the hem edge.
3. Continue in stockinette for 10 rows.
4. Decrease row RS: k6, k2tog across row. 49 sts.
5. Work 8 rows.
6. Decrease row RS: k5, k2tog across row. 42 sts.
7. Work 8 rows.
8. Decrease row RS: k4, k2tog across row. 36 sts.
9. Work 6 rows.

The skirt should now have a gentle A-line shape without heavy gathering.

Bodice

1. Work 10 rows stockinette on 36 sts.
2. Next RS row: k8, BO 20, k8.
3. Work left side strap on 8 sts for 14 rows.
4. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
5. BO.
6. Rejoin yarn and repeat for second strap.

Dress the bunny, cross straps over shoulders, and sew to back waist level. The dress should sit over the sweater and fall just above the ankles, exactly like the image.

Dress Floral Lines

The dress front shows three delicate vertical floral trails in purple and lavender with green stems. These are best added after the dress is sewn in place so the placement stays centered.

Stem Placement

• One central floral line beginning below the bodice center
• One left floral line placed near the side front
• One right floral line placed symmetrically

Use soft green yarn and small duplicate stitches or tiny straight stitches to create narrow stems. Keep them delicate, not thick.

Flower Clusters

Make 15 to 18 tiny knitted blossom knots in mixed lavender and purple.

1. For each flower, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: kfb into each stitch. 6 sts.
3. Row 2: purl.
4. Row 3: k2tog across. 3 sts.
5. Cut yarn, thread through stitches, pull into a tiny nub.

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Sew blossoms along the green lines in small spaced clusters. Keep the center line slightly longer than the side lines. This will mirror the image closely.

Beret

The beret is cream, softly rounded, and slightly slouchy at the crown, with a ribbed band that sits low on the forehead.

1. CO 48 sts in cream and join for working in the round, or work flat if preferred.
2. Work 8 rnds in k1, p1 rib.
3. Increase rnd: kfb every 3rd stitch around. 64 sts.
4. Work 12 rnds in stockinette.
5. Increase rnd: k8, kfb around. 71 sts approximately.
6. Work 8 rnds stockinette.

Shape crown:

1. Rnd 1: k8, k2tog around.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: k7, k2tog around.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Continue decreasing in this manner until 14 sts remain.
6. k2tog around. 7 sts.
7. Cut yarn and thread through remaining stitches.

Lightly steam only if needed. Place the beret low so the ears emerge beneath it and the crown gently domes to one side.

Shoes

The shoes are dusty rose Mary Jane style with a rounded toe and a narrow strap.

Make 2.

Sole and Upper

1. CO 10 sts in dusty rose.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. Increase row: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Work 6 rows stockinette.
5. Decrease row: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
6. Work 4 rows stockinette.
7. BO.

Strap

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. BO.

Sew shoe around foot with seam underneath. Attach strap across top opening so a cream section of leg remains visible through the front, matching the image.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is sky blue with a front flap and one tiny button. It sits at the bunny’s left hip with the strap crossing the front of the dress from right shoulder to left side.

1. CO 14 sts in sky blue.
2. Work 18 rows in garter stitch.
3. Fold lower section upward to form pouch, leaving top section for flap.
4. Round the flap corners slightly by trimming shape with sewn edge or by decreasing 1 stitch each side over 2 rows before BO.
5. Sew side seams.
6. Add tiny button to front.

Strap

1. CO 54 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. BO.

Sew strap behind flap edges and position across the body after dressing.

Tiny Book

The small pale book rests beside the bunny. It looks soft and fabric-covered, with a tie wrap.

1. CO 16 sts in cream or pale beige.
2. Work 22 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO loosely.
4. Fold around a tiny rectangle of felt, cardboard, or extra knitted padding.
5. Sew edges to create a closed little book.
6. Add a thin blue cord wrap around the middle.

Bouquet of Lilac Flowers

The bouquet is made of tiny clustered blossoms in lavender and purple tones, tied together with green stems.

Flowers

• Make 10 to 14 tiny blossoms
• Use the same small blossom method as for the dress flowers
• Vary the purple shades slightly for a natural look

Stem Group

1. Cut several lengths of green yarn.
2. Bundle together.
3. Sew flower heads to the top of each strand.
4. Wrap lower ends tightly with more green yarn.
5. Trim evenly.

Tack bouquet lightly into the bunny’s right hand.

Miniature Bunny Companion

This small bunny is essential to the full look. It has a cream head and ears, a dusty rose body, tiny black eyes, and a soft neck tie.

Mini Head

1. Using 2.5 mm needles and cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Increase to 16 sts over first 3 RS rows.
3. Work 10 rows stockinette.
4. Decrease evenly back to 8 sts.
5. Thread through remaining stitches and close.
6. Stuff lightly.

Mini Body

1. Using dusty rose, CO 10 sts.
2. Increase to 14 sts.
3. Work 12 rows stockinette.
4. Decrease to 8 sts.
5. Stuff lightly and close.

Mini Ears

1. Make 2 in cream.
2. CO 4 sts.
3. Work 8 rows stockinette.
4. Decrease to 2 sts and BO.

Mini Arms

1. Make 2 in cream.
2. CO 3 sts.
3. Work 6 rows i-cord or narrow stockinette strip.
4. BO.

Sew head to body. Add ears high on the head. Stitch tiny eyes and a tiny nose. Tie a cream cord or ribbon around the neck in a simple bow.

Dressing Order

1. Place sweater on bunny
2. Sew collar into position
3. Put on dress and secure straps
4. Add shoes
5. Place beret
6. Sew on bag strap and bag
7. Tack bouquet into hand
8. Place miniature bunny at side if for display, or tack lightly if permanent styling is wanted
9. Set small book beside bunny

Shaping Tips

• Keep the head very smooth and firm
• Do not overstuff the neck
• Keep ears flat and soft
• Stuff lower body enough to support seated posture
• Keep sleeves lightly filled so arms drape naturally
• Use tiny details only, especially for the face

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the arms level with the upper side body so they fall naturally below the collar. Attach the ears slightly behind the side face line so they hang from under the beret rather than from the very top of the head.

Position the beret low and smooth the front band across the forehead. Keep the eyes tiny and evenly spaced. Stitch the nose in soft brown with a delicate centered mouth. Add the dress flowers last so their lines stay balanced after the outfit is fully placed.

Care Notes

Handle the bunny gently because it includes many small decorative details. Display use is best, though careful play is possible if all sewn elements are secured firmly.

Keep away from rough pulling, especially on the bag strap, bouquet, miniature bunny, and beret edge.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head centered and firmly attached
• Ears even in length and hanging at matching angles
• Collar flat and visible above the dress
• Dress straps balanced and skirt centered
• Flower lines placed neatly on front
• Shoes aligned evenly
• Bag crossing from right shoulder to left hip
• Bouquet secure in hand
• Mini bunny and book completed for full image styling

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak unless you are certain all details are colorfast and firmly attached. Reshape while drying and lay flat away from direct heat.

For long-term display, store in a clean dry space away from intense sunlight. Tissue support under the beret, ears, and skirt will help preserve the original silhouette.