Heather Keepsake Bunny – Knitting

This heirloom-style bunny set is designed for knitters who love collectible soft toys, handmade nursery decor, and charming gift ideas for Easter baskets, baby showers, and keepsake shelves. The set includes a dressed bunny, a tiny bear friend, a soft handbag, and a little book with a cloth tucked beneath it. Gentle heather, cream, and lavender shades give the whole group a timeless boutique look. Every piece is written to match the photographed proportions closely, with rounded shapes, neat finishing, and sweet vintage clothing details that make the finished set feel special and gift-ready.

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

Overview of the Set

This design creates five knitted pieces that work together as one complete display:

• A standing bunny with long lop ears
• A rounded newsboy-style cap with a bow
• A cream dress with lavender bud motifs
• A short cardigan with scalloped edging and tiny buttons
• Mary Jane style shoes
• A soft tote bag
• A tiny cloth and a small embroidered book
• A seated little bear wearing a matching outfit and cap

The bunny is the main figure. The bear is smaller and slightly softer in structure, with a seated body and shorter limbs. Both garments are meant to coordinate rather than be identical in construction.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 12 inches tall from feet to top of head, or about 14 inches including the cap crown
• Bear: about 6 1/2 inches tall seated
• Tote bag: about 2 1/4 inches tall
• Book: about 1 3/4 inches wide
• Cloth: about 3 1/2 inches square before folding

Your exact size will depend on yarn weight, needle choice, and firmness of stuffing. A dense fabric is important so the stuffing does not show through the stitches.

Materials

• Light fingering or heavy lace weight wool or wool-blend yarn in warm beige for bunny body
• Soft fawn or honey brown yarn for bear body
• Cream yarn for collars, dress, cloth, and book base
• Heather gray-lilac yarn for bunny cardigan, bunny cap, shoes, tote, and book edging
• Deeper mauve or purple-brown yarn for bear cardigan and feet
• Small amount of pink-lilac yarn for flower buds and embroidery
• Very small amount of black yarn for nose and mouth
• Two 3 mm black beads for bunny eyes
• Two 2.5 mm black beads for bear eyes
• Toy stuffing
• Two pairs of knitting needles suitable for working flat and in the round if preferred
• Recommended sizes: US 1 and US 2
• Tapestry needle
• Fine sewing needle and matching thread
• Four tiny lilac buttons for bunny cardigan
• Three tiny lilac buttons for bunny dress front if you want them fixed separately
• Optional thin card insert for book cover

Gauge

On larger needles, 32 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches in stockinette after light blocking.

On smaller needles, 36 stitches and 50 rows = 4 inches in stockinette after light blocking.

The fabric should feel firm and smooth. If your knitting is loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit front and back
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• yo = yarn over
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• sl = slip
• psso = pass slipped stitch over

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Construction Notes

The photographed fabric looks smooth, fine, and evenly tensioned. For that reason, the body pieces are written mainly in stockinette with shaping done through gradual increases and decreases.

The bunny and bear can be worked flat and seamed. That method gives you crisp edges, stable shaping, and excellent control over tiny details. If you prefer working in the round, you may adapt the pieces, but the written shaping below follows flat construction.

Motif buds on the dress are added as small embroidered French-knot style buds or wrapped knot stitches after knitting. This gives the raised dotted texture visible in the photo without distorting the dress fabric.

Main Bunny Body

Legs Make 2

1. Using beige and smaller needles, CO 14 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
3. Shape foot: Row 7 k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. Row 8 purl.
4. Repeat the last 2 rows twice more. You now have 20 sts.
5. Work 10 rows even.
6. Next RS row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. Next WS row purl.
7. Repeat those 2 rows once. You now have 16 sts.
8. Work 18 rows even for lower leg.
9. BO loosely.

Sew a neat back seam for each leg. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg more lightly. Keep the top edge open.

Body

1. Using beige and larger needles, CO 18 sts for front body.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Increase row: k1, inc, knit to last stitch, inc, k1. You have 20 sts.
4. Purl 1 row.
5. Repeat the increase row every 4th row until you have 28 sts.
6. Work 16 rows even.
7. Shape upper body: decrease 1 stitch each side every 6th row 3 times. You have 22 sts.
8. Work 10 rows even.
9. Shape shoulders gently by BO 4 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
10. Place remaining 14 sts on a holder for lower head opening.

Work the back body the same way.

Join the stuffed legs at the lower body during assembly. Position them slightly apart so the skirt falls between them just like the photo.

Arms Make 2

1. Using beige and smaller needles, CO 12 sts.
2. Work 8 rows stockinette.
3. Increase row: k1, inc, knit to last stitch, inc, k1. You have 14 sts.
4. Work 10 rows even.
5. Repeat increase row once. You have 16 sts.
6. Work 16 rows even.
7. Next 4 RS rows: k2tog at beginning, ssk at end. Purl WS rows.
8. BO remaining 8 sts.

Sew arm seams and stuff lightly. The paws should remain flatter than the sleeves so the cardigan sits correctly later.

Bunny Head

The head in the photo is softly rounded with a gentle muzzle, not sharply protruding. The cheeks are full, and the chin area narrows only slightly. Work two side head pieces and one center gusset for the most accurate shape.

Head Sides Make 2

1. Using beige and larger needles, CO 14 sts.
2. Work 2 rows stockinette.
3. Increase 1 stitch each side every RS row 5 times. You have 24 sts.
4. Work 18 rows even.
5. Decrease 1 stitch each side every RS row 5 times. You have 14 sts.
6. Work 2 rows even.
7. BO.

Center Head Gusset

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1 knit.
3. Row 2 purl.
4. Increase 1 stitch each side every RS row until you have 16 sts.
5. Work 20 rows even.
6. Decrease 1 stitch each side every RS row until 6 sts remain.
7. BO.

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Sew the gusset between the two side pieces, starting at the nose area and moving over the top of the head to the back neck. Stuff very firmly but shape the muzzle area with your fingers as you go.

Muzzle Shaping and Face

Thread a long beige strand and make a small horizontal indentation across the lower center face to suggest the muzzle pad. Pull gently, not tightly.

Sew the eyes level with the lower edge of the cap brim line, placing them wide apart, about 8 to 10 stitches between. The eyes sit slightly angled, which gives the bunny its calm expression.

Embroider a small inverted triangle nose in black. Extend a short vertical line downward, then split it into a shallow Y. Add two tiny angled mouth lines. Keep the face simple and soft.

Bunny Ears Make 2 Outer and 2 Inner

The ears are long lop ears that fall straight down from beneath the cap. Each ear is narrow at the top, wider through the middle, and softly rounded at the tip.

1. Using beige for outer ear, CO 8 sts.
2. Increase 1 stitch each side every RS row 4 times. You have 16 sts.
3. Work 20 rows even.
4. Decrease 1 stitch each side every 4th row 4 times. You have 8 sts.
5. Work 8 rows even.
6. BO.

For the inner ear, repeat in pale dusty pink or lighter beige, but work 2 fewer rows in the long center section so the inner panel sits slightly smaller.

Sew each inner ear to an outer ear around the sides and tip, leaving the top edge open. Do not stuff. Lightly steam if needed so they hang flat.

Assembling the Bunny Base

1. Sew body front and back at shoulders and side seams, leaving neck open.
2. Insert the legs into the lower body and stitch securely.
3. Stuff the body firmly at the tummy and chest.
4. Sew the head to the neck opening with small ladder stitches.
5. Attach the ears to the upper side head, close together, so they fall from just below the cap line.
6. Sew arms to the sides slightly below the neck join.

The bunny in the image stands upright because the legs are firmly stuffed and the skirt hem is broad enough to help visually balance the figure. You may add a few pellets inside each foot if desired.

Bunny Dress

The dress is cream with scattered lavender buds. It is sleeveless beneath the cardigan, with a rounded neckline, full skirt, and a small front opening finished under the cardigan. The buds are denser across the lower half than the upper chest.

Dress Skirt and Bodice Worked in One Piece to Underarm

1. Using cream and larger needles, CO 72 sts.
2. Work 6 rows stockinette, ending with WS facing.
3. Make a turning ridge by purling 1 RS row if you want a tidy hem fold, or continue plain if you prefer a simple rolled lower edge. The photo shows a neat, narrow lower edge rather than a deep rib.
4. Work 10 more rows even.
5. Begin gentle waist shaping: decrease 6 stitches evenly across the next RS row. You have 66 sts.
6. Work 8 rows even.
7. Decrease 6 stitches evenly again. You have 60 sts.
8. Work 8 rows even.
9. Decrease 6 stitches evenly again. You have 54 sts.
10. Work 10 rows even.

Now divide for back, front, front: 14 sts, 26 sts, 14 sts.

Work each section separately to underarm height, shaping armholes by BO 2 sts at each outer edge once, then decrease 1 stitch at armhole edge every other row twice.

For the front section, shape a rounded neckline by binding off center 8 sts, then decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge every other row 3 times.

For the two back sections, work 4 rows longer than the front to allow overlap if you want a partial opening. Bind off shoulder stitches to match the body width.

Dress Collar

The collar is broad, cream, and softly scalloped, sitting over the shoulders and upper cardigan. Pick up stitches around the neckline with smaller needles.

1. Pick up about 40 sts evenly around neck edge.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. Scallop row: *k2tog, yo; repeat across.
4. Work 3 rows garter.
5. BO knitwise, gently.

For a more lace-like effect, embroider tiny eyelet accents along the outer collar edge after blocking.

Lavender Bud Motifs

Using lilac yarn, add tiny bud knots across the lower skirt. Keep the spacing irregular but balanced. The photographed dress has small clustered buds rather than evenly striped motifs.

• Place no buds on the center top chest
• Add a light scattering at waist level
• Add more buds from mid-skirt to hem
• Keep the side edges slightly clearer so the cardigan remains the focus

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At the upper front opening, sew three lilac buttons in a vertical line. These may be decorative if the dress is stitched closed at the back.

Bunny Cardigan

The cardigan is short, pale heather-lilac, and sits above the waist. It has set-in shoulders, full sleeves, scalloped lower edging, and a front opening trimmed with a narrow button band.

Back

1. Using heather-lilac and smaller needles, CO 28 sts.
2. Work scalloped lower border: Row 1 purl. Row 2 *k2tog, yo; repeat. Row 3 purl. Row 4 knit.
3. Continue in stockinette for 20 rows.
4. Shape armholes by BO 2 sts at start of next 2 rows.
5. Decrease 1 stitch each side every other row twice.
6. Work 12 rows even.
7. BO 4 sts at start of next 2 rows for shoulders.
8. BO remaining center sts.

Fronts Make 2

1. CO 14 sts each.
2. Work the same scalloped lower border as back.
3. Continue in stockinette.
4. At the front edge, work 3 stitches in garter throughout for a neat band.
5. Shape armhole as for back.
6. Shape neck by decreasing 1 stitch at front edge every 4th row 4 times.
7. Bind off shoulder to match back.

Sleeves Make 2

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Work one eyelet-scallop row if desired to echo the cuff edge.
4. Increase 1 stitch each side every 8th row until 22 sts.
5. Work even until sleeve reaches arm length.
6. Shape cap by BO 2 sts at start of next 2 rows, then decrease 1 stitch each side every other row until 10 sts remain.
7. BO.

Sew cardigan together. Add four tiny lilac buttons down the front. In the image, the cardigan hangs open enough to show the dress, so do not pull the fronts too tightly closed.

Bunny Cap

The cap is a soft newsboy or baker-boy shape with a rounded crown, short structured brim, and a small bow at one side. It sits low over the forehead but does not cover the eyes.

Crown

1. Using heather-lilac and smaller needles, CO 72 sts and join if working in the round, or work flat if preferred.
2. Work 6 rows in 1×1 rib.
3. Switch to stockinette and increase 12 stitches evenly across next row. You have 84 sts.
4. Work 12 rows even.
5. Decrease round or row: *k5, k2tog; repeat around.
6. Work 1 even row.
7. Decrease round: *k4, k2tog; repeat around.
8. Continue decreasing in this manner every other row until 12 sts remain.
9. Thread yarn through live sts and pull tight.

Brim

1. Using smaller needles, CO 24 sts.
2. Work 10 rows stockinette.
3. Decrease 1 stitch each side every RS row 4 times.
4. Work 2 rows even.
5. BO.

Fold the brim lightly over a narrow strip of felt or firm knitted lining if you want more structure. Sew it to the front lower edge of the cap. Gather the cap slightly where it joins the brim so the crown looks softly puffed.

Bow

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 16 rows stockinette.
3. BO and wrap the center with yarn.
4. Sew at the right side of the cap above the brim.

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Bunny Shoes Make 2

The shoes are lilac Mary Jane slippers with rounded toes and a strap across the instep.

1. CO 14 sts in lilac.
2. Work 6 rows garter for sole.
3. Pick up stitches around sole if desired, or continue flat by knitting an upper panel 14 stitches wide for 10 rows.
4. Shape toe by decreasing 1 stitch each side every RS row until 8 sts remain.
5. Sew heel seam and sole seam.
6. Add a narrow 6-stitch strap and sew across instep.

Slip the shoes onto the stuffed feet and tack in place with a few hidden stitches.

Tote Bag

The tote is soft-sided, rectangular, and made in the same cream tone as the dress with tiny lavender bud accents and a heather handle.

1. Using cream, CO 16 sts.
2. Work 24 rows stockinette for front.
3. Work a second matching piece for back.
4. Add 5 to 7 tiny lilac bud knots on the front piece.
5. Sew side and bottom seams.
6. For the handle, make an i-cord or narrow strip 18 rows long in heather-lilac.
7. Sew each end to the inside upper edge.

Little Book

The small book is cream with lavender edging and a tiny floral spray embroidered on the front cover.

1. Using cream, CO 12 sts.
2. Work 28 rows in garter or stockinette with a narrow seed-stitch border if preferred.
3. BO.
4. Fold into a booklet shape around a small scrap of felt or thin card.
5. Oversew side folds lightly.
6. Using lilac, embroider one tiny stem with 3 small buds on the front.
7. Add a short lilac bookmark cord at the fold.

Folded Cloth

1. Using cream, CO 22 sts.
2. Work 22 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Embroider a tiny scattered floral print using very small lilac stitches if desired.
5. Edge one side with a lilac whipstitch or narrow crochet-look sewn trim.
6. Fold and place beneath the book.

Little Bear Body

The bear is smaller, seated, and softer in posture than the bunny. Its head is rounder, the snout is shorter, and the paws are darker. The outfit mirrors the bunny’s dress and cardigan in a simplified way.

Bear Legs Make 2

1. Using dark brown for feet, CO 10 sts.
2. Work 6 rows stockinette.
3. Change to fawn and work 14 rows even.
4. BO.

Sew and stuff lightly, keeping the thighs soft so the bear sits naturally.

Bear Body Front and Back

1. Using fawn, CO 16 sts.
2. Increase 1 stitch each side every 4th row until 22 sts.
3. Work 18 rows even.
4. Decrease 1 stitch each side every 6th row twice.
5. Work 6 rows even.
6. Bind off shoulders and leave center open for head joining.

Bear Arms Make 2

1. Using fawn, CO 8 sts.
2. Work 6 rows even.
3. Increase to 10 sts.
4. Work 12 rows even.
5. BO.

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Bear Head

Make as a simplified version of the bunny head, but slightly smaller and rounder. Work two side pieces with a narrow center gusset. Embroider a short black nose and mouth. Add tiny bead eyes close to the muzzle for a gentle toy-bear look.

Bear Dress, Cardigan, and Cap

The bear dress is cream with a few lilac buds concentrated low on the skirt. The cardigan is a richer purple-brown shade with a narrow front opening. The cap echoes the bunny cap but is smaller and has a slightly narrower brim.

• Bear dress CO 40 sts, shape to 30 sts at upper body
• Bear cardigan back CO 16 sts
• Bear cardigan fronts CO 8 sts each
• Bear sleeves CO 10 sts each
• Bear cap crown CO 42 sts, increasing to 54 sts for fullness
• Add two or three tiny embroidered lavender buds to the cap crown

The bear’s paws and feet remain visible beneath the garments, matching the image where the darker feet extend beyond the cream skirt.

Color Placement Guide

• Bunny body: warm beige
• Bunny inner ear: pale dusty pink-beige
• Bunny dress: cream with lilac buds
• Bunny cardigan: pale heather-lilac
• Bunny cap and shoes: pale heather-lilac
• Bear body: honey-fawn
• Bear feet: dark cocoa brown
• Bear cardigan and cap: mixed purple-brown heather
• Accessories: cream and lilac

Blocking and Finishing Tips

Block only the clothing pieces lightly. Do not soak the stuffed toy parts after assembly. Instead, shape them with a little steam held at a distance.

The dress should hang smoothly with a soft bell shape. The cardigan should end just above the widest part of the skirt. The cap should rest low enough to frame the eyes but high enough to keep the full face visible.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Dress the bunny first, then add the cardigan, shoes, and cap. Sew the cap in place with two or three hidden stitches behind the ears if the piece will be handled often.

After all clothing is on, check the face again. A tiny pull at the muzzle threads can improve symmetry. Add a faint blush with dry pastel only if you want a softer nursery look.

Seat the bear with its legs angled forward. Arrange the tote beside the bunny and place the book on top of the folded cloth for the same styled display shown in the image.

Care Notes

Keep the finished set away from heavy rubbing, rough play, and prolonged direct sunlight. This design works best as a decorative keepsake rather than an unsupervised play toy for very young children because of the bead eyes and small buttons.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Face centered and balanced
• Ears attached evenly
• Dress buds scattered mostly on lower skirt
• Cardigan hem softly scalloped
• Cap brim curved gently forward
• Bow placed on one side of cap
• Shoes matched and level
• Tote handle secure
• Book embroidery neat and small
• Bear seated with darker feet visible

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust the set gently with a clean soft brush. For small marks, spot clean with cool water and a tiny amount of wool-safe soap. Blot, do not rub.

Never twist or wring the knitted pieces. Reshape while damp and dry flat on a towel. Keep the book insert dry if you used card inside.

For long-term storage, wrap the set in acid-free tissue and place it in a breathable cotton bag or archival box. Avoid plastic containers in humid spaces.

Moth protection is important for wool yarns. Store with cedar or lavender sachets nearby, but do not let oils touch the knitted fabric directly.