Scarlet Travel Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted rabbit is designed as a polished little traveler, dressed in a rich scarlet skirt, matching hat, and Mary Jane shoes, with a tiny suitcase ready for a day out. If you love collectible bunny dolls, heirloom nursery toys, handmade rabbit decor, and giftable knitted animal patterns that look lovely enough to buy or display, this design is a beautiful project to make. The finished set includes the main bunny, her travel case, and the sweet hedgehog companion shown in the image, all worked with soft shaping and classic 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 yarn in warm cream or soft ivory for head, body, ears, arms, and legs.
• Clothing yarn: DK weight yarn in deep scarlet red for skirt, hat, and shoes.
• Contrast yarn: Fine black yarn for bows, trim, tiny button details, and hat band.
• Suitcase yarn: Light brown, dark brown, tan, muted gold, pale blue, cream, and green yarn scraps for the embroidered front motifs.
• Hedgehog yarn: Beige, oatmeal, medium brown, dark brown, moss green, olive green, and a small amount of rust brown.
• Needles: A set of straight or circular needles suitable for knitting small circumferences. Use a size that gives a dense fabric. For most DK yarns, US 2 to US 4 works well.
• Double-pointed needles: Helpful for tiny pieces such as shoes, arms, hat crown, and companion details.
• Tapestry needle: For seaming, embroidery, and finishing.
• Stuffing: Soft polyester toy stuffing.
• Stitch markers: For marking shaping points and facial placement.
• Small buttons or beads: Optional for shoe side accents, though embroidered knots are safer for a toy.
• Pipe cleaner or soft wire: Optional, only if this is for display and not for children.

Finished Look and Approximate Size

The bunny in the image is tall and elegant, with a softly rounded head, long hanging ears, a narrow upper body, and gently weighted legs. The hat sits low and slightly wide, and the skirt falls full and gathered.

• Main bunny: about 12 to 14 inches tall seated, depending on yarn and gauge.
• Suitcase: about 2 3/4 inches wide and 2 1/4 inches tall.
• Hedgehog companion: about 3 1/2 to 4 inches tall.

Gauge and Fabric Notes

Use a firm gauge. The stitches in the image are smooth, neat, and slightly dense, which helps the body hold a clean shape without gaps. If stuffing shows through, go down a needle size.

The main bunny has a very refined surface. Avoid loose fabric, especially on the face and blouse area, because the face is simple and every line stays visible. Dense stockinette with tidy increases and decreases gives the best result.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• dec = decrease 1 stitch
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Construction Overview

The bunny is made in separate parts and assembled carefully for the polished look shown. Begin with the legs and shoes, then knit the body upward into the blouse section. The head is worked separately and joined later.

The ears, arms, skirt, hat, suitcase, and hedgehog are all separate pieces. This method gives more control over angle, fullness, and proportion, which matters here because the finished figure has a dressed, posed appearance rather than a very soft floppy toy style.

Main Bunny Legs

The legs in the image are long, slim, and evenly stuffed. They are not chunky. The feet angle forward slightly, and the lower legs remain narrow all the way up to the skirt hem.

Make 2 Legs

1. Using cream yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Work 2 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Continue in stockinette for 18 rows.
4. Increase 1 st at each end of next row. Repeat every 8th row 2 more times. You should have 22 sts.
5. Work even for 10 rows.
6. Begin gentle thigh shaping: k2tog at beginning of next RS row, ssk at end of same row. Repeat once more 8 rows later. You should have 18 sts.
7. Work 6 more rows even.
8. Leave stitches on hold.

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Stuff the leg lightly but evenly as you go. The leg should remain soft enough to bend when seated, but not collapse. The image shows a clean cylindrical leg with no knees defined sharply.

Mary Jane Shoes

The shoes are scarlet, rounded at the toe, and smooth across the front. Each shoe has an open instep with a strap crossing one side. The opening is small, showing a neat oval of the cream leg above.

Make 2 Shoes

1. Using red yarn, pick up 16 sts around the lower edge of one leg, or knit the foot separately and sew it on if preferred.
2. Work 4 rows in stockinette.
3. Increase 1 st at each side of the toe on the next RS row. Repeat on every other RS row 3 times. You should have 24 sts.
4. Work 6 rows even to round the foot.
5. Shape sole: work to 8 center sts, turn, work short rows across center to create a soft toe dome.
6. Resume across all sts and work 2 rows.
7. Begin instep opening by BO 6 center front sts on next row.
8. Work each side separately for 3 rows, then rejoin by CO 2 sts above the opening.
9. Work 2 more rows.
10. Decrease evenly back to 16 sts and BO.

Sew sole neatly. Add a narrow strap on the outer side of each shoe using an i-cord, knitted strip, or embroidered chain. Finish the side with a tiny embroidered knot or a very small red button.

Body and Blouse

The torso is slim at the waist and a little fuller at the chest, but still gentle and simple. The blouse is part of the body look and remains cream. The neckline is plain, with a black bow added later.

Joining the Legs

1. Place both leg stitches on one needle, leaving a gap of 4 sts between them. CO those 4 sts between the legs as you join. You now have 40 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in stockinette.
3. On the next RS row, decrease 1 st at each side seam. Repeat every 6th row 3 times. You should have 32 sts.
4. Work 8 rows even for the waist.
5. Increase 1 st at each side seam on next RS row. Repeat every 6th row twice. You should have 38 sts.
6. Work 10 rows even.

The bunny in the picture has a smooth seated silhouette. Keep stuffing in the lower body moderate so the skirt can drape well over it. Do not overfill the waist. A soft narrowing at the middle is important for the dress shape.

Upper Body and Shoulder Shaping

1. Work 6 more rows even.
2. On the next RS row, decrease 1 st at each side. Repeat every 4th row twice. You should have 32 sts.
3. Work 4 rows even.
4. For shoulders, BO 4 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
5. Work 10 center sts for the front neck and place remaining stitches on hold.
6. Shape each shoulder separately by decreasing 1 st at neck edge on next 2 RS rows.
7. Work back in the same way.

Stuff the body before closing, focusing more filling at the lower torso and only a modest amount in the chest. The blouse area in the image lies fairly smooth, not stretched tight.

Head

The head is round but slightly taller than wide, with a soft muzzle area formed by subtle shaping and embroidery rather than a protruding snout. The face is minimal, giving the bunny a quiet, classic expression.

Make 1 Head

1. Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Work 1 WS row purl.
3. Increase 1 st at each end of every RS row until you have 28 sts.
4. Work 10 rows even.
5. Increase 1 st at each end of next 4 RS rows to reach 36 sts.
6. Work 12 rows even.
7. Begin crown shaping: k2tog at beginning of RS row, ssk at end of same row. Repeat on every RS row until 20 sts remain.
8. Work 1 row.
9. Repeat decrease row until 12 sts remain. Break yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and draw closed.

Sew side seam and stuff firmly but smoothly. Shape the lower face with your hands while adding filling. The front should be softly rounded, not pointed. Leave the neck edge open for attaching to the body.

Ears

The ears are long, narrow, and floppy, hanging straight down from the sides of the head. They are not wide at the base. Their lower tips reach to about chest level when attached.

Make 2 Ears

1. Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Work in stockinette for 26 rows.
3. Increase 1 st at each end of next RS row. You now have 12 sts.
4. Work 8 rows even.
5. Decrease 1 st at each end of next RS row. Repeat every 4th row 3 times until 4 sts remain.
6. Work 2 rows.
7. BO.

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Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly and seam the edges only where needed. Do not stuff. Press gently with your fingers to flatten. Attach them low enough that the hat can sit over the top of the head while the ears fall naturally beside the face.

Arms

The arms are slim and softly stuffed, hanging straight with only a slight bend. The cuffs show black tie details near the wrists, so keep the arm ends neat and narrow.

Make 2 Arms

1. Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Decrease 1 st at each end of next RS row. You now have 10 sts.
4. Work 18 rows even.
5. Increase 1 st at each end of next RS row. You now have 12 sts.
6. Work 10 rows even.
7. BO.

Sew seam and stuff lightly. Flatten the top edge before attaching. The arms in the image are not posed outward dramatically. Sew them close to the side of the body so they fall down with a calm, natural angle.

Skirt

The skirt is one of the most important visual features. It is bright scarlet, full, and slightly gathered at the waist. It falls in a gentle bell shape when the bunny is seated, with a smooth lower edge and no extra trim.

Make 1 Skirt

1. Using red yarn, CO 90 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch for the hem.
3. Change to stockinette and work 28 rows.
4. On the next RS row, decrease evenly across to 72 sts.
5. Work 4 rows.
6. Decrease evenly across to 56 sts.
7. Work 4 rows.
8. Decrease evenly across to 40 sts.
9. Work 2 rows.
10. BO loosely, leaving a long tail for gathering and sewing.

Sew the back seam of the skirt. Gather the waist very slightly only if needed. The image shows fullness coming from the body of the skirt rather than very tight gathering. Sew around the bunny waist so the skirt begins just below the blouse section.

Hat

The hat is rounded with a soft cloche-like shape and a rolled brim. It sits low and slightly forward, with a black band and a tiny black accent on one side. This piece must fit snugly without looking tight.

Hat Crown

1. Using red yarn, CO 12 sts onto double-pointed needles and join carefully if working in the round, or work flat and seam later.
2. Increase evenly every other round until you have 48 sts.
3. Work 18 rounds even.
4. Increase evenly to 56 sts.
5. Work 6 rounds.

Hat Brim

1. Increase evenly to 68 sts.
2. Work 10 rounds in garter style or alternating knit and purl rounds if working in the round to create a soft textured brim.
3. BO loosely.

Make a thin black band using a narrow i-cord or chain of embroidered stitches. Wrap it around the base of the crown and sew in place. Add a tiny black rosette or twisted knot on the left side to match the picture.

Neck Bow, Cuff Bows, and Front Dots

These tiny black details bring the outfit to life. They are small, crisp, and very visible against the cream blouse and cuffs.

• Neck bow: Make a short black i-cord, tie it into a tiny bow, and sew it at the center front neckline.
• Neck trim: Add 4 to 5 tiny black straight stitches around the neckline, spaced evenly like miniature decorative tabs.
• Front dots: Embroider 3 small black French knots or satin dots down the center front.
• Cuff bows: Add one small black bow at each wrist.

Suitcase

The suitcase is rectangular with rounded corners, brown edging, a dark handle, and a richly decorated front panel. It should look neat and structured, not floppy. Very light cardboard inside is acceptable for display pieces only.

Main Suitcase Panels

1. Using tan or light brown yarn, knit 2 rectangles of 20 sts by 18 rows.
2. Knit 1 long strip for the sides, 8 sts wide and long enough to go around three edges and the base.
3. Using darker brown yarn, knit 2 narrow edging strips.

Sew one rectangle to the side strip, then add the second rectangle. Insert a small layer of felt or firm interfacing if you want more structure. Keep the case only lightly stuffed if using stuffing alone.

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Handle

1. Using black or very dark brown yarn, make a short i-cord.
2. Curve it into an arch and sew securely at the top of the front panel.

Front Embellishment

The front of the suitcase in the image is decorated with travel-style motifs that look like pins, clocks, medallions, or destination badges. Recreate this look with tiny embroidered circles, stems, dots, and linked shapes.

• Use cream and muted gold to make 3 small circular medallions.
• Use pale blue and green for vertical decorative lines with tiny round tops.
• Outline some motifs in darker brown for contrast.
• Keep the arrangement balanced but slightly whimsical.

Attach the suitcase to the bunny’s left hand so it hangs naturally. It should rest near the skirt without pulling the arm too low.

Hedgehog Companion

The small hedgehog is knitted as a separate figure. It has a beige face and body, dark textured back spines, a green vest, and a little green hat with a darker band. This tiny character adds the storybook travel feel seen in the image.

Hedgehog Body

1. Using beige yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Increase at each end of every RS row until 24 sts.
3. Work 10 rows even.
4. Decrease at each end of every RS row until 12 sts remain.
5. Draw closed at top and seam body.

Stuff lightly. Keep the lower body plump and upright. The hedgehog is short and rounded, with tiny feet rather than long legs.

Hedgehog Face and Snout

• Embroider two small dark eyes close together.
• Add a tiny dark brown nose at the end of a short, rounded snout.
• Use a few beige stitches to shape the muzzle softly.

Spine Backing

Knit a separate dark brown back panel with texture. You may use loop stitch, slipped strands, or brushed yarn ends to imitate soft spines. Sew it from crown to lower back, covering the rear half of the hedgehog.

Hedgehog Arms and Feet

• Make 2 tiny beige arms from 6 sts each, worked for 8 rows.
• Make 2 tiny beige feet from 6 sts each, worked for 6 rows.
• Sew close to the body so the companion stands compactly.

Green Vest

1. Using moss green yarn, knit a tiny back piece to fit the torso.
2. Knit two front panels, leaving a center opening.
3. Sew at shoulders and sides.
4. Add 2 tiny rust brown knots as front buttons.

Green Hat

1. Using olive or moss green yarn, CO 8 sts and increase gradually to 20 sts.
2. Work 4 rows even.
3. Increase slightly for a small brim.
4. BO loosely.

Add a darker green band around the base. Place the hat slightly angled, just as in the image, so it looks playful and old-fashioned.

Facial Embroidery for the Bunny

The bunny face is quiet and delicate. The eyes are tiny black stitches rather than large safety eyes. The nose and mouth are embroidered in matching cream or a slightly darker beige, making the expression soft.

• Place the eyes well apart and a little above center.
• Use one short vertical black stitch for each eye.
• Embroider a small Y-shaped nose and mouth in soft taupe or cream-brown thread.
• Keep the mouth short and centered.

Do not overwork the face. Its simplicity is part of the look. The image shows a sweet, calm expression rather than a cartoon style.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff both legs and complete the shoes.
2. Join legs and finish the body.
3. Attach arms at shoulder level.
4. Sew, stuff, and attach the head.
5. Attach ears, letting them fall straight down.
6. Sew on the skirt.
7. Add neck bow, cuff bows, neckline dots, and front dots.
8. Fit and sew down the hat with a few hidden stitches.
9. Make and attach the suitcase.
10. Knit, dress, and place the hedgehog companion.

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Attach the head firmly, then pinch the neck gently with your fingers to settle the join before stitching all the way around. Sew the ears so they begin high enough to frame the face but low enough to remain visible beneath the hat brim.

Place the hat slightly forward, with the black accent to one side. Sew the neck bow at the center front and make sure the three tiny black front dots line up neatly. Position the wrist bows so they sit just above the hands, not at the mid-arm.

Before securing the suitcase, test the arm angle. The case should hang close to the skirt and look natural while the bunny sits. Set the hedgehog beside the bunny’s right side so the pair reads clearly as a matching travel scene.

Care Notes

• Display pieces keep their shape best when stored upright or lightly supported.
• Spot clean with a damp cloth whenever possible.
• Avoid heavy soaking if the suitcase contains stiffener.
• Keep dark trims away from prolonged moisture to prevent color transfer.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Is the skirt full but not bulky?
• Do both ears hang at the same height?
• Are the shoe openings centered and even?
• Is the hat sitting low with the black band visible?
• Are the facial stitches small and balanced?
• Does the suitcase sit neatly in the left hand?
• Is the hedgehog hat angled slightly and the vest centered?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the finished figures away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and dusty open shelves. A glass-front cabinet or a clean cotton bag helps preserve color and surface texture. Dust gently with a soft dry brush, especially around the hedgehog spines and suitcase embroidery.

If deeper cleaning becomes necessary, test a hidden area first. Use cool water and a mild wool-safe cleanser, then blot rather than scrub. Reshape the bunny, skirt, hat, and companion carefully while damp. Dry flat on a towel and never hang the figure, because the weight may stretch the neck or arms.