Jasmine Sugar-Veranda Bunny – Knitting

Jasmine Sugar-Veranda Bunny – Knitting

This soft pastel bunny is designed as a charming heirloom knitted doll with a romantic spring wardrobe and tiny companion pieces. The finished set feels perfect for anyone searching for a handmade bunny gift, collectible knitted animal, nursery decor bunny, or a sweet seasonal display piece. The dress, bonnet, vest, shoes, floral details, little bird, flower wreath, tiny bag, and small leaf-shaped mat all work together to create a polished boutique-style result. Every section below is written to help you shape the same gentle silhouette, soft proportions, and delicate details shown in the picture.

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 a warm cream or light oatmeal tone.
  • Dress yarn: DK weight in very pale blush with faint hand-dyed or softly marled pastel shading.
  • Bonnet and shoe trim yarn: same blush pastel yarn used for the dress.
  • Vest yarn: DK weight in soft mint green.
  • Sleeves: pale pastel marl matching the bonnet and dress tones.
  • Embroidery yarn: olive green, soft leaf green, and white for the floral vines and tiny blossoms.
  • Bird yarn: warm brown, cream, sky blue, black, yellow-gold.
  • Bag yarn: pale beige, blush, mint, and a little taupe.
  • Leaf mat yarn: blush, mint, cream.
  • Flower wreath yarn: olive green and white.
  • Needles: 2.5 mm and 3 mm double-pointed needles or magic loop, plus straight needles if preferred for flat pieces.
  • Tapestry needle for sewing and embroidery.
  • Black safety eyes 6 mm to 8 mm, or black embroidery thread if you prefer stitched eyes.
  • Toy stuffing in small, firm amounts.
  • Thin cardboard or plastic canvas for flat bag base if desired.
  • Small snap, tiny button, or stitched loop closure for the bag.
  • Stitch markers, row counter, pins, and scissors.

Finished Size

The bunny stands about 11 to 12 inches tall from the bottoms of the shoes to the top of the bonnet crown. The head is round and slightly oversized, the body is softly pear-shaped, and the arms and legs are gently tapered.

The little bird is about 2 1/2 inches tall. The bag is about 2 inches wide. The flower wreath is tiny and delicate, and the leaf-shaped mat is small enough to sit beside the bunny as a decorative accessory.

Gauge

Gauge is less important than keeping a firm, even fabric so stuffing does not show through. Aim for approximately 28 to 30 stitches and 36 to 40 rows over 4 inches in stockinette on 3 mm needles.

If your stitches are loose, go down a needle size. The bunny must hold a smooth, rounded shape, and the small accessories look best when worked tightly.

Abbreviations

  • CO = cast on
  • k = knit
  • p = purl
  • st = stitch
  • sts = stitches
  • inc = increase 1 stitch
  • kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • k2tog = knit 2 together
  • p2tog = purl 2 together
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • rep = repeat
  • BO = bind off
  • m1 = make 1 stitch

Design Notes

This bunny has a very gentle, upright stance. The head is large and round, but not exaggerated. The muzzle is shaped by soft stuffing and a lightly drawn embroidered nose and mouth.

The ears fall downward from under the bonnet rather than standing upright. They are narrow at the top, slightly wider through the center, and softly rounded at the tips.

The dress is the main visual focus. It has a pale pink skirt with a subtle flare, short puffed sleeves, a pale embroidered vine border near the hem, and a small floral motif centered on the upper chest.

The mint vest is sleeveless and cropped. It opens in front with curved lower edges and ties together at the center. A simple mirrored cable panel on each side recreates the textured look visible in the image.

The bonnet is rounded with a short brim and soft ruffle. The shoes are rounded Mary Jane style slippers with pastel edge detail. The legs are slightly apart for balance.

Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Join carefully for working in the round. Distribute stitches evenly.

  1. Round 1: Knit all stitches.
  2. Round 2: Kfb in each stitch around. 24 sts.
  3. Rounds 3 to 8: Knit.
  4. Round 9: K4, kfb, k10, kfb, k8. 26 sts.
  5. Rounds 10 to 18: Knit.
  6. Round 19: K2tog, k9, ssk, k2tog, k9, ssk. 22 sts.
  7. Rounds 20 to 28: Knit.

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Stuff the foot firmly, especially across the front and underside. Flatten the sole lightly with your fingers as you fill. This helps create the broad, stable shoe-like base seen in the image.

Continue the leg.

  1. Round 29: K2tog, k7, ssk, k2tog, k7, ssk. 18 sts.
  2. Rounds 30 to 46: Knit.

Stuff the lower leg firmly and the upper leg slightly more softly. BO loosely or place stitches on hold. Make the second leg the same.

Joining the Legs and Lower Body

Place both legs on needles. The feet should point forward. Join with 4 stitches cast on between the inner leg edges for the front, then work across the second leg, cast on 4 stitches for the back, and rejoin to the first leg. You now have 44 sts.

  1. Rounds 1 to 5: Knit.
  2. Round 6: K1, m1, knit to 1 stitch before front bridge, m1, k1, k1, m1, knit to 1 stitch before back bridge, m1, k1. 48 sts.
  3. Rounds 7 to 16: Knit.
  4. Round 17: K6, m1, knit to marker, m1, k6 at opposite side. 50 sts.
  5. Rounds 18 to 24: Knit.
  6. Round 25: Increase 4 stitches evenly spaced. 54 sts.
  7. Rounds 26 to 34: Knit.

This section should look softly rounded, giving the bunny a gentle tummy and hip shape under the dress. Stuff firmly as you go, but avoid overpacking the top edge.

Upper Body

  1. Round 35: K7, k2tog, knit to 9 stitches before end, ssk, k7. 52 sts.
  2. Rounds 36 to 38: Knit.
  3. Round 39: Work 4 evenly spaced decreases. 48 sts.
  4. Rounds 40 to 44: Knit.
  5. Round 45: K6, k2tog, knit to 8 stitches before end, ssk, k6. 46 sts.
  6. Round 46: Knit.
  7. Round 47: Work 4 evenly spaced decreases. 42 sts.
  8. Rounds 48 to 54: Knit.

Shape the shoulders with gentle decreases.

  1. Round 55: K5, k2tog, knit to 7 stitches before end, ssk, k5. 40 sts.
  2. Round 56: Knit.
  3. Round 57: Work 4 evenly spaced decreases. 36 sts.
  4. Rounds 58 to 60: Knit.

Stuff the body quite firmly now. The upper torso should be rounded but narrower than the lower body. Do not close yet if you prefer to knit the head directly from the neck.

Head

Continue from the body with cream yarn.

  1. Round 1: Increase evenly to 42 sts.
  2. Round 2: Knit.
  3. Round 3: K6, m1 around. 48 sts.
  4. Round 4: Knit.
  5. Round 5: K7, m1 around. 54 sts.
  6. Round 6: Knit.
  7. Round 7: K8, m1 around. 60 sts.
  8. Rounds 8 to 24: Knit.

Insert eyes between Rounds 15 and 16 of the head, spaced about 8 stitches apart. Keep them small and simple. The expression in the image is calm and sweet, so place the eyes slightly low on the face rather than too high.

Stuff the head very firmly and evenly, smoothing the cheeks with your fingers as you fill. A smooth head shape is important for the bonnet to sit correctly.

  1. Round 25: K8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
  2. Round 26: Knit.
  3. Round 27: K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
  4. Round 28: Knit.
  5. Round 29: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
  6. Round 30: Knit.
  7. Round 31: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
  8. Round 32: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
  9. Round 33: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
  10. Round 34: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
  11. Round 35: K2tog around. 9 sts.

Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull tight, and fasten securely.

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Arms Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.

  1. Rounds 1 to 6: Knit.
  2. Round 7: Increase 2 stitches evenly. 12 sts.
  3. Rounds 8 to 24: Knit.
  4. Round 25: Increase 2 stitches evenly. 14 sts.
  5. Rounds 26 to 32: Knit.

Stuff the lower arm firmly and the upper arm lightly. Flatten the top opening and sew closed. Attach arms to the body slightly below the neck. Angle them downward so the hands rest at the side of the skirt, matching the relaxed pose in the image.

Ears Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts and work flat.

  1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
  2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
  3. Row 3: K1, m1, knit to last stitch, m1, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 4: Purl.
  5. Row 5: K1, m1, knit to last stitch, m1, k1. 12 sts.
  6. Rows 6 to 16: Work in stockinette.
  7. Row 17: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  8. Row 18: Purl.
  9. Row 19: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  10. Row 20: Purl.
  11. Row 21: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
  12. Row 22: Purl.
  13. Row 23: K2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
  14. Row 24: Purl.
  15. Row 25: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
  16. Row 26: P2tog.

Make a second ear. Steam lightly or finger-shape. Sew ears low on the sides of the head so they fall downward from beneath the bonnet brim.

Facial Embroidery

Use dark brown or black thread. Stitch a small vertical nose about 3 rows below the eyes. From the bottom of the nose, embroider two short slanting lines outward to create the soft Y-shaped mouth.

Do not make the mouth too large. The face in the image is minimal and delicate. A little cheek shading with pink yarn is optional, but keep it very soft.

Dress

Skirt and Bodice

Using pale blush yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 96 sts. Join in the round carefully.

  1. Rounds 1 to 4: K1, p1 rib.
  2. Round 5: Knit.
  3. Round 6: K7, m1 around. 108 sts.
  4. Rounds 7 to 20: Knit.
  5. Round 21: Knit a decorative stripe by working 1 round in pale mint if desired.
  6. Rounds 22 to 28: Return to blush and knit.
  7. Round 29: Begin shaping. K10, k2tog around. 99 sts.
  8. Rounds 30 to 33: Knit.
  9. Round 34: K9, k2tog around. 90 sts.
  10. Rounds 35 to 38: Knit.
  11. Round 39: K8, k2tog around. 81 sts.
  12. Rounds 40 to 43: Knit.
  13. Round 44: K7, k2tog around. 72 sts.

The skirt should flare softly, not dramatically. Its shape is gentle and rounded, creating the calm bell silhouette visible in the image.

Separate for the bodice front and back if working flat from this point, or keep in the round and mark armholes. For the simplest finish, divide into front 36 sts and back 36 sts.

Work the back first.

  1. Rows 1 to 8: Work stockinette.
  2. Bind off 3 sts at each armhole edge once. 30 sts.
  3. Work 8 more rows even.
  4. Shape shoulders by binding off 7 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
  5. Bind off remaining 16 sts for upper back.

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For the front, work the same armhole shaping, but after 8 rows from armhole bind-off, shape the neckline.

  1. Work 11 sts, bind off center 8 sts, work remaining 11 sts.
  2. Complete each side separately, decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge every other row 3 times.
  3. Work until front matches back shoulder height.
  4. Bind off shoulder stitches.

Sew shoulder seams neatly.

Puffed Sleeves Make 2

Using the pale marl yarn, CO 24 sts. Work flat.

  1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, p1 rib.
  2. Row 5 RS: Increase evenly to 30 sts.
  3. Rows 6 to 16: Work stockinette.
  4. Row 17: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
  5. Row 18: Purl.
  6. Repeat these 2 rows 3 more times. 22 sts.
  7. BO loosely.

Sew sleeve seams and set them into the armholes with a slight gather across the sleeve cap. The sleeves should appear softly rounded and modest, sitting just above the elbow line.

Chest Embroidery

Use olive green to embroider a small centered vine motif on the upper front bodice. Make two curved stems crossing outward from the center, then add tiny leaves in pale green. Add small white knot flowers near the ends.

This motif should sit inside the neckline opening and remain delicate. It is a pretty accent, not a large statement panel.

Hem Embroidery

Embroider a winding vine border around the lower skirt using olive green. Space the vine about 1 inch above the cast-on hem. Add short angled leaves in pairs. Then sew tiny white French knots or wrapped knots as blossoms.

Keep the flowers small and evenly spaced. The image shows a continuous garden-like border rather than separate large flowers.

Mint Vest

Using mint yarn and 3 mm needles, make 2 mirrored fronts and 1 back. This vest is short, curved at the lower edges, and tied in the center front.

Back

CO 34 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, p1 rib.
  2. Rows 5 to 24: Work in pattern as follows: 4 sts seed stitch border, 6 sts simple cable panel, 14 sts stockinette, 6 sts simple cable panel, 4 sts seed stitch border.
  3. Rows 25 to 30: Shape armholes by binding off 3 sts at each side once, then decreasing 1 stitch at each side every other row twice.
  4. Work even until piece reaches upper chest height.
  5. Bind off all stitches.

Fronts Make 2

CO 18 sts each.

  1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, p1 rib.
  2. Rows 5 to 24: Work 4 sts seed stitch at front edge, 6 sts cable, remaining stitches stockinette.
  3. At lower front edge, shape the curved opening by decreasing 1 stitch at the inner edge every 4th row 4 times.
  4. At armhole edge, bind off 3 sts once, then decrease 1 stitch every other row twice.
  5. At neckline edge, decrease 1 stitch every 4th row 3 times.
  6. Bind off shoulder stitches when length matches back.

Sew shoulder seams and side seams. Work a neat applied i-cord or narrow knitted tie at each front lower edge. Tie them together in a small bow at the center front.

If you do not want to work full cables, use twisted stitch columns every 4th row to create the same vertical texture. The important detail is that the vest fronts look gently textured and symmetrical.

Bonnet

Using the pale pastel yarn, CO 64 sts and work in the round or flat if preferred.

  1. Rounds 1 to 6: Knit.
  2. Round 7: Purl 1 round to create a soft turning ridge.
  3. Rounds 8 to 18: Knit.
  4. Round 19: Work decreases evenly to 56 sts.
  5. Round 20: Knit.
  6. Round 21: Work decreases evenly to 48 sts.
  7. Round 22: Knit.
  8. Round 23: Work decreases evenly to 40 sts.
  9. Round 24: Knit.
  10. Round 25: Work decreases evenly to 32 sts.
  11. Rounds 26 to 28: Knit.
  12. Round 29: K2tog around. 16 sts.
  13. Round 30: K2tog around. 8 sts.

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Draw yarn through remaining stitches and close the crown. Seam if worked flat.

For the brim frill, pick up stitches around the front edge and work 1 row knit, 1 row purl, then increase every 3rd stitch on the next row. Work 3 more rows in stockinette and BO loosely so the edge ripples softly.

Attach narrow side ties if desired, though they are mostly hidden in the image. Position the bonnet low so the ruffled brim frames the face and slightly overlaps the ears.

Shoes Make 2

Using blush pastel yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.

  1. Round 1: Knit.
  2. Round 2: Kfb in each stitch. 24 sts.
  3. Rounds 3 to 6: Knit.
  4. Round 7: K8, k2tog 4 times, k8. 20 sts.
  5. Rounds 8 to 10: Knit.
  6. Round 11: Work 1 round in pale mint or cream for the narrow decorative edge.
  7. Round 12: Knit.

Bind off. Sew the back seam if needed and slip onto the feet. Add a few hidden stitches underneath and at the heel so the shoes keep their rounded slipper shape.

Tiny Bag

Using beige or pale taupe yarn, CO 20 sts. Work a small rectangular pouch.

  1. Rows 1 to 16: Work in k1, p1 rib for a vertical textured effect.
  2. Rows 17 to 20: Knit in blush or mint stripes if desired.
  3. Bind off.

Fold into a boxy pouch and seam sides. Make a small flap separately with 10 stitches worked for 6 rows in stockinette, then decrease at the corners for a rounded shape. Sew the flap to the back top edge.

Add a tiny button or stitched knot closure. Make a narrow cord strap and sew to the sides. For a firmer shape, insert a tiny piece of cardboard inside the base before closing.

Flower Wreath

Using olive green, make a thin cord long enough to form a small ring. Join into a circle. Stitch tiny white blossoms all around the ring using French knots or wrapped knots. Add a few tiny green leaf stitches between flowers.

The wreath should look airy and delicate. Do not overfill it with petals.

Leaf-Shaped Mat

Using blush, mint, and cream leftovers, CO 3 sts and work flat.

  1. Row 1: Knit.
  2. Row 2: Kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
  3. Row 3: Knit.
  4. Row 4: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 7 sts.
  5. Continue increasing at both sides every other row until 13 sts.
  6. Work 4 rows even, changing colors softly if desired.
  7. Then decrease 1 stitch at each side every other row until 3 sts remain.
  8. K3tog.

Embroider a center vein and a few small side veins. Add a short looped cord at one end.

Little Bird

Body

Using brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.

  1. Round 1: Kfb in each stitch. 12 sts.
  2. Round 2: K1, kfb around. 18 sts.
  3. Round 3: K2, kfb around. 24 sts.
  4. Rounds 4 to 10: Knit.
  5. Round 11: Begin cream tummy by knitting front 8 stitches in cream and remaining stitches in brown.
  6. Rounds 12 to 15: Continue in pattern.
  7. Round 16: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
  8. Round 17: Knit.
  9. Round 18: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.

Stuff lightly. Add a tiny beak with cream or pale gray. Embroider black eye patches and insert tiny black eyes or knots. Close top.

Wings Make 2

CO 6 sts in brown. Work 6 rows stockinette, then decrease at both ends every other row twice. Bind off. Sew to the sides angled slightly backward.

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Collar

Using pale blue, CO 18 sts, work 2 rows garter, then on the next row increase every 3rd stitch. Work 2 more rows and BO loosely. Wrap around the neck area and sew in place to create the soft ruffled collar.

Feet

Using yellow-gold, stitch two tiny triangular feet underneath with embroidery or small felted yarn knots.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the ears to the head first, then place the bonnet over them so the lower ear sections remain visible. Attach the arms level with the upper body sides and angle them gently downward.

Dress the bunny in the dress, then add the vest over the top. Tie the front bow at the center. Slip on the bonnet and adjust the brim so it frames the eyes without covering them.

Check the face from the front. If needed, add one tiny stitch beside each side of the mouth to refine the gentle expression. Keep all facial features minimal and soft.

Care Notes

  • Spot clean whenever possible.
  • Use cool water and a mild wool-safe soap.
  • Do not twist or wring the knitted pieces.
  • Reshape while damp and dry flat on a towel.
  • Store away from direct sunlight to protect the pastel colors.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head stuffed firmly and evenly
  • Eyes placed low and evenly spaced
  • Ears attached in a downward position
  • Dress hem embroidery balanced around the skirt
  • Chest floral motif centered
  • Vest fronts matching and tied neatly
  • Bonnet brim softly ruffled
  • Shoes rounded and secure on feet
  • Bag, wreath, bird, and leaf mat all completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the bunny and accessories in a clean, dry room. Avoid hanging the bag or wreath from the bunny for long periods if the yarn feels delicate, as constant pull can stretch the stitches.

If the piece is packed away seasonally, wrap it in clean tissue and place it in a breathable cotton bag or box. Avoid plastic for long storage in humid spaces. A light lavender sachet nearby is fine, but do not place strong oils directly on the yarn.

After cleaning, always reshape the bonnet frill, skirt flare, and little bird body by hand before drying. This preserves the soft boutique finish that gives the whole set its polished look.

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