Periwinkle Lace Bunny – Knitting

This charming heirloom bunny set brings together a soft toy, a romantic dress, and tiny storybook accessories in a style many collectors search for when looking for a handmade bunny doll, knitted stuffed rabbit, nursery keepsake, Easter decor, or gift for girls. The design features a calm periwinkle palette, creamy lace-inspired trims, a miniature shoulder bag, a tiny teddy, and matching woodland props. Each piece is written to help you create a polished display set that looks refined, sweet, and beautifully finished while still feeling approachable for careful beginners.

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: light beige or warm oatmeal DK yarn for head, ears, arms, legs, and body.
• Dress yarn: soft periwinkle blue DK yarn.
• Trim yarn: cream DK yarn for ruffles, collar, cuffs, hem bands, and shoe straps.
• Lace layer yarn: white or ivory fine cotton yarn for the openwork underskirt edge.
• Tiny teddy yarn: light brown or honey-brown fingering or light DK yarn.
• Bag yarn: periwinkle blue DK plus a little cream for the bow.
• Squirrel yarn: russet brown, cream, dark brown, and leaf green yarn.
• Berry basket yarn: brown for basket, tiny amounts of red, purple, blue, and dark pink for berries.
• Tea set yarn: cream, pale pink, and a tiny touch of green.
• Book yarn: dusty rose, cream, and muted brown.
• Needles: a size that gives a firm fabric. For most knitters, 2.75 mm to 3.25 mm works well for DK yarn.
• Double-pointed needles or your preferred small-circumference method for narrow parts.
• Tapestry needle for sewing and shaping.
• Removable stitch markers.
• Toy stuffing for the bunny, teddy, and squirrel.
• Small weighted pellets in a fabric pouch if you want the bunny to sit more securely.
• Black embroidery thread for eyes and nose outline.
• Matching sewing thread for invisible anchoring.
• Fine wire is optional for the bag strap if you want it to hold a sharper curve.

Finished Size

The finished bunny sits at about 11 to 13 inches tall from the base to the top of the head, not including the ear tips.

From the base to the top of the ears, the bunny measures about 15 to 16 inches, depending on stuffing density and your row gauge.

The squirrel stands about 4 inches tall.

The tiny teddy is about 2 inches tall.

The bag reaches from the bunny’s shoulder to the upper skirt tier and looks slightly oversized in a gentle vintage way.

Gauge and Fabric Notes

A firm fabric matters more than exact stitch count in this design.

You want the stitches smooth and close together so the toy keeps its rounded shape and stuffing does not show through.

The bunny in the image has a neat stockinette surface with very small, even stitches. That means a slightly tighter gauge than garment knitting is best.

• Body fabric: knit tightly and stuff evenly.
• Dress fabric: soft but still structured enough to hold the ruffles.
• Lace edging: lighter and more delicate than the dress.
• Tiny props: very firm, especially the squirrel and teddy.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• m1 = make 1 increase

Construction Overview

The bunny is made in separate pieces and sewn together.

The head is a rounded oval, slightly narrower at the chin and fuller through the cheeks. The ears are long, slim, and softly tapered with a gentle inward lean.

The body is pear-shaped and softly weighted at the base. The arms are narrow tubes with rounded paws. The legs are longer than the arms and end in gentle foot shaping so the shoes sit neatly.

The clothing is removable if you work carefully, but it is written to fit closely for a display look. The beret, dress, collar, bag, shoes, teddy, squirrel, berry basket, teapot, teacup, and little book are all included.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Bunny Head

Using beige yarn, CO 12 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, kfb across to last st, k1. 46 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: K2, m1 across at even intervals to 54 sts.
7. Rows 7 to 19: Work in stockinette, ending with a WS row.

This section forms the broadest area of the head. Keep your tension even so the forehead looks smooth and rounded.

1. Row 20: K8, k2tog, knit to last 10 sts, ssk, k8. 52 sts.
2. Row 21: Purl.
3. Row 22: K7, k2tog, knit to last 9 sts, ssk, k7. 50 sts.
4. Row 23: Purl.
5. Row 24: K6, k2tog, knit to last 8 sts, ssk, k6. 48 sts.
6. Rows 25 to 31: Stockinette.

These decreases create the gentle narrowing toward the muzzle and chin. The bunny in the image has a sweet, soft lower face rather than a pointed snout, so do not over-decrease.

1. Row 32: K5, k2tog, knit to last 7 sts, ssk, k5. 46 sts.
2. Row 33: Purl.
3. Row 34: K4, k2tog, knit to last 6 sts, ssk, k4. 44 sts.
4. Row 35: Purl.
5. Row 36: K3, k2tog, knit to last 5 sts, ssk, k3. 42 sts.

Leave a long tail, cut yarn, and thread through live stitches if working flat with seaming, or continue the method you prefer for a closed toy shape. Make a second matching head panel if knitting flat.

Sew the head neatly, leaving an opening for stuffing. Stuff firmly at the forehead and cheeks, but slightly less at the lower face so you can shape a natural chin. Close the opening and use matching thread to sculpt a very light muzzle dip.

Ears

Make 2 in beige yarn.

Each ear is long, narrow, and softly tapered. The ear base is slightly wider than the top and should not be stuffed heavily. A very light filling or no stuffing at all works best.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 17: Stockinette.
7. Row 18: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 19: Purl.
9. Row 20: Repeat decrease row. 8 sts.
10. Row 21: Purl.
11. Row 22: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 6 sts.
12. Row 23: Purl.
13. Row 24: K2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
14. Row 25: Purl.
15. Row 26: K2tog twice. 2 sts.

Fasten off. Seam the side if needed, then pinch the lower ear edge together with two or three tiny stitches. This creates the upright inner curve seen in the image.

Body

Using beige yarn, CO 14 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: Kfb in each st. 28 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K2, m1 across evenly to 36 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: K3, m1 across evenly to 42 sts.
7. Rows 7 to 21: Stockinette.

This lower section forms the rounded seated base. If you want extra stability, place a small pouch of pellets in the base before final stuffing.

1. Row 22: K4, k2tog, knit to last 6 sts, ssk, k4. 40 sts.
2. Row 23: Purl.
3. Row 24: K4, k2tog, knit to last 6 sts, ssk, k4. 38 sts.
4. Rows 25 to 31: Stockinette.
5. Row 32: K3, k2tog, knit to last 5 sts, ssk, k3. 36 sts.
6. Row 33: Purl.
7. Row 34: K3, k2tog, knit to last 5 sts, ssk, k3. 34 sts.
8. Rows 35 to 39: Stockinette.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Leave a tail for sewing. Make the second panel if needed. Seam and stuff firmly at the belly and base, but keep the upper body slightly softer so the dress drapes well.

Arms

Make 2 in beige yarn.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Stockinette.
3. Row 5: Kfb at each end. 10 sts.
4. Rows 6 to 18: Stockinette.
5. Row 19: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 8 sts.
6. Rows 20 to 22: Stockinette.

Fasten off with a long tail. Seam and stuff lightly. The arms in the image are slim, gently hanging, and not bulky. Flatten the top edge before attaching.

Legs

Make 2 in beige yarn.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Stockinette.
3. Row 7: Kfb at each end and once in the center. 13 sts.
4. Rows 8 to 18: Stockinette.
5. Row 19: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 11 sts.
6. Rows 20 to 26: Stockinette.

The foot should be subtle, not pronounced. This bunny wears little shoes, so the leg shape stays narrow and elegant.

Seam and stuff more firmly at the lower foot and ankle, then a little softer toward the thigh. Flatten the top edge for easy attachment.

Dress Bodice

Using periwinkle blue yarn, CO enough stitches to fit neatly around the upper body. For average gauge, 40 to 44 sts works well.

The bodice should sit close to the body, with a high waist and a soft gathered skirt below. The neckline is hidden under a large cream ruffle collar.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work 1×1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 12: Stockinette.
3. Row 13: Increase evenly across by 10 to 14 sts for the waist seam and skirt fullness.

Keep the shoulder line simple. The image shows smooth sleeves and a round neckline rather than a fitted tailored shape.

Sleeves

Using periwinkle blue, CO 16 sts for each sleeve.

1. Rows 1 to 10: Stockinette.
2. Row 11: Increase 2 sts evenly. 18 sts.
3. Rows 12 to 18: Stockinette.
4. Rows 19 to 22: Work very gentle cap shaping with one decrease at each edge every other row.

Sew sleeves into the armholes so they angle slightly downward. The sleeves in the image are straight, soft, and modestly full.

Cream Cuffs

Pick up stitches at each sleeve edge with cream yarn.

1. Work 2 rounds or 2 rows in garter or seed texture.
2. Finish with a tiny gathered ruffle by increasing every third stitch on the final row.
3. BO loosely.

The cuff should look like a delicate cream frill peeking from the blue sleeve.

Skirt

The skirt has three visible layers: the main blue skirt, a cream ruffled layer beneath it, and a white lace-like lower edge beneath both.

Continue from the bodice waist stitches in periwinkle blue.

1. Round or Row 1: Knit.
2. Round or Row 2: Increase evenly by about 25 percent.
3. Work 12 to 16 rows in stockinette for the main upper skirt.

The skirt should bell outward softly while the bunny is seated. It must not be too stiff, but it should hold a rounded silhouette.

At the blue lower edge, create a small gathered finish.

1. Work 1 eyelet row if desired for a delicate transition.
2. Work 3 rows in stockinette.
3. Increase every 4th stitch on the next row.
4. Work 3 more rows.
5. BO loosely so the blue hem ripples.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Cream Middle Ruffle

Using cream yarn, pick up stitches just under the blue overskirt line.

1. Pick up about 1.5 times the number of waist stitches.
2. Work 6 to 8 rows in stockinette or garter-based ruffle texture.
3. Increase once more across the next row to create a fuller fall.
4. Work 4 more rows.
5. BO loosely.

This section should be more visible than the white lace but less dominant than the blue skirt. In the image, the cream middle tier creates a soft scalloped fullness.

White Lace-Inspired Underskirt

Using white or ivory cotton yarn, pick up stitches under the cream ruffle.

1. Work 2 rows plain.
2. Row 3: K2tog, yo across for a simple openwork row.
3. Row 4: Purl.
4. Rows 5 to 8: Repeat a gentle eyelet rhythm or simple lace motif.
5. BO loosely.

This lower edge should read as a lace petticoat rather than a heavy knitted flap. Keep it airy and fine.

Large Cream Collar

The collar is one of the defining features of the piece. It frames the face in a soft, gathered ring and sits high, almost like a vintage lace ruff.

Using cream yarn, pick up stitches evenly around the neckline.

1. Work 2 rows in garter.
2. Increase every other stitch on the next row.
3. Work 4 rows.
4. Increase every third stitch on the next row.
5. Work 4 more rows.
6. BO loosely.

After binding off, lightly steam the collar from a distance and arrange the folds so it sits in soft ripples around the neck rather than standing stiffly upward.

Blue Neck Bow

Using periwinkle blue yarn, make a tiny rectangular strip.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 8 rows in garter or stockinette with a neat edge.
3. BO.

Wrap the center with yarn to form a bow. Sew it at the front neck, just below the chin and above the teddy.

Tiny Teddy Bear Pendant

This small teddy hangs from the neck area and sits over the top of the dress front.

Using light brown yarn, make the body as a tiny oval. Make the head separately as a smaller round shape. Add four tiny tube limbs and two tiny ears.

• Body: 6-stitch start, increase to 10 or 12 sts, work a few rows, then decrease.
• Head: 6-stitch start, increase to 10 sts, work a few rows, then decrease.
• Arms and legs: 3 to 4 stitches each, just a few rows long.
• Ears: tiny half-circles or folded tabs.

Stuff lightly. Embroider a tiny face in dark thread. Sew the teddy to the front center below the bow so it sits as a little hanging charm.

Beret

The beret is soft blue with a cream band and sits low across the forehead, leaving the ears to rise through the top area behind the front brim line.

With cream yarn, CO to fit the head snugly. For average gauge, start with 36 to 40 sts in the round.

1. Work 4 rounds of 1×1 rib in cream.
2. Change to periwinkle blue.
3. Increase evenly by 10 to 14 sts in the first blue round.
4. Work 8 to 10 rounds plain.
5. Decrease evenly across 2 rounds until the crown gathers.
6. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and close.

Shape the beret so the top is softly rounded and slightly slouchy. It should not be flat like a cap. Position it so it angles gently and the ears remain clearly visible.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is a small rectangular pouch with a narrow strap and a cream bow on the front. It rests at the bunny’s right hip in the image.

Using periwinkle blue yarn:

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 14 rows in stockinette or garter with tidy edges.
3. Make two matching panels or fold one longer strip into shape.
4. Sew side seams.

📌Thank you for reading the article

For the flap, either extend one panel and fold it down, or knit a separate smaller flap and sew it on. Keep the flap softly rounded.

For the strap, make a narrow i-cord or knit strip long enough to cross from shoulder to opposite hip.

Add a small cream bow to the lower right area of the bag front. Sew the strap securely so the bag hangs naturally and does not twist.

Shoes

The shoes are cream Mary Jane style with rounded toes and delicate straps.

Make 2.

1. CO 10 sts in cream.
2. Work short rows or gentle increases to form a rounded toe.
3. Work 8 to 10 rows for the upper.
4. Shape a small opening so the shoe sits like a slipper over the foot.
5. Add a narrow strap across the front top.

These shoes should look neat and close-fitting, not oversized. Sew them directly onto the feet after checking the leg length and seated posture.

Squirrel Friend

The squirrel is russet brown with a cream face and belly, a large tail, a green vest, and a tiny dark basket or acorn bundle in its paws.

Body and Head

Use russet brown for the main shape. The squirrel stands upright, with the head slightly rounded and the muzzle small.

• Head: knit a small round shape.
• Body: knit a pear-shaped torso with a narrow neck.
• Muzzle: add a tiny cream oval.
• Belly: use cream or sew on a cream front panel.

Tail

The tail is tall, full, and curves upward behind the squirrel. Knit it as a flattened curved piece, stuff lightly, and sew it to the back.

Arms and Legs

Make small firm limbs. The paws should meet at the front so the squirrel appears to hold its tiny basket.

Vest

Using green yarn, make a very simple sleeveless vest front and back. It should fit close and end above the cream belly base.

Basket or Acorn Bundle

Using dark brown yarn, make a tiny cupped shape and place it between the paws.

Attach the squirrel beside the bunny or leave it separate as a display prop.

Berry Basket

This tiny basket sits to the bunny’s left and holds colorful berries.

Using brown yarn:

1. Make a tiny circular or oval base.
2. Pick up stitches around the edge.
3. Work a few rows upward to form a basket wall.
4. Add a narrow handle.

Make miniature berry balls in red, blue, purple, and pink. Stuff each with a tiny bit of fiber if needed, or knot firmly for tiny rounded shapes. Sew them into the basket.

Teapot

The teapot is cream with a pale pink lid knob and a tiny green leaf-like detail.

1. Knit a tiny rounded body in cream.
2. Add a short spout.
3. Add a curved handle.
4. Make a small lid and top knob in pale pink.

Keep the proportions sweet and compact. It should look decorative, not realistic at full detail scale.

Teacup

Using cream yarn, make a tiny shallow cup and matching saucer.

• Cup: tiny cylinder with a miniature loop handle.
• Saucer: flat round disk with a slight edge.

The cup should sit just beside the basket and book in the display arrangement.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Little Book

Using dusty rose, cream, and brown yarn, make a small rectangular book.

1. Knit two dusty rose rectangles for covers.
2. Add a cream spine or pages section.
3. Embroider or stitch a faint decorative line on the cover.

The book in the image is tiny and low-profile, so avoid making it thick.

Face Placement

The bunny’s face is simple and gentle. The eyes are tiny black embroidered ovals set fairly wide apart. The nose and mouth are formed with dark embroidery in a soft triangular style.

• Eyes: place them symmetrically at the upper muzzle line.
• Nose: center it low on the face.
• Mouth: split into a small Y shape below the nose.

Do not overwork the face. Its charm comes from restraint and clean placement.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff the head.
2. Sew and stuff the body.
3. Attach legs first so the bunny can sit evenly.
4. Attach arms at a low shoulder angle.
5. Attach ears with a slight inward lean.
6. Embroider the face.
7. Dress the bunny in the bodice and skirt.
8. Add collar, cuffs, bow, teddy, shoes, beret, and bag.
9. Finish the squirrel and tiny props.

Styling Notes for Accuracy

• Color balance: most visible fabric is periwinkle blue and cream, with beige only for the bunny body.
• Silhouette: head slightly larger than body, with long slim ears.
• Dress feel: romantic and layered, never stiff or plain.
• Collar size: large and noticeable, framing the neck.
• Bag placement: crossbody from left shoulder to right hip.
• Teddy placement: centered on the chest below the bow.
• Shoes: rounded and delicate.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the seated balance before securing the last stitches. The legs should hang naturally over an edge, and the dress should spread softly around them.

Anchor the ears from both the front and back so they remain upright. Position the beret low across the forehead. Arrange the collar in gentle ruffles around the neck.

Embroider the eyes first, then the nose, then the mouth. Take time to compare both sides before knotting off. A tiny adjustment in eye spacing changes the whole expression.

Sew the bag so it rests flat against the skirt. Attach the teddy after the neck bow is in place. Add the squirrel and props only after the bunny itself is fully finished.

Care Notes

• Display indoors and away from strong direct sunlight.
• Handle the tiny props gently because they are delicate.
• Spot clean first whenever possible.
• Avoid soaking pieces with embroidered facial features.
• Store flat or seated so the dress ruffles keep their shape.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both ears the same height and angle?
• Does the face look centered and calm?
• Is the collar full enough around the neck?
• Does the bag hang to the correct hip?
• Are the shoes even and level?
• Does the teddy sit at the center front?
• Do the blue, cream, and white skirt layers all show clearly?
• Is the squirrel balanced and holding its tiny prop?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a soft dry brush to remove dust from the bunny, squirrel, and accessories. Brush in the direction of the knitted stitches rather than against them.

For small marks, dab lightly with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Do not rub hard, especially on the face embroidery, cream ruffles, or lace-like underskirt.

If the dress loses its shape, lightly steam from a distance and reshape by hand. Let the item dry fully before moving it back to display.

Store the set in acid-free tissue inside a breathable box if you are saving it long term. Keep heavy objects away from the ears, collar, and tail so the shaping stays beautiful.