Knitting Tutorial: Rowan Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Rowan Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bunny is a beautifully dressed knitted rabbit with a timeless, country-style wardrobe and a sweet little fox friend. This project is ideal for makers who love heirloom toys, handmade nursery decor, collectible stuffed animals, and giftable knitted dolls. The finished set has the warm look of boutique soft toys often searched for as knitted rabbit dolls, handmade bunny toys, and artisan woodland nursery gifts. Every piece in this pattern is designed to recreate the look of the photo closely, from the soft cap and cardigan to the checked trousers, tiny handbag, mini fox, teacup, and yarn ball.

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

Materials

This pattern is written in US English and is worked mostly in stockinette stitch with small shaped pieces sewn together. The bunny and accessories are designed to match the proportions in the image as closely as possible.

  • Main bunny yarn: DK weight in warm cream
  • Cardigan and fox sweater yarn: DK weight olive green
  • Trousers and cap yarn: DK weight medium brown
  • Trousers contrast: DK weight cream or oatmeal
  • Belt and handbag yarn: DK weight caramel brown
  • Fox yarn: DK weight rust orange, cream, dark brown, and a little black
  • Teacup yarn: fingering or light DK in cream, pale blue, pale yellow, and tan
  • Yarn ball: brown
  • Needles: US 2.5 / 3.0 mm straight needles and a set of double-pointed needles in the same size for small pieces
  • Optional smaller needles: US 1.5 / 2.5 mm for teacup and handbag if you want firmer fabric
  • Stuffing: toy filling
  • 2 small black safety eyes or black embroidery floss
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • 4 tiny buttons for cardigan
  • Thin floral wire optional for handbag handles only

Finished Size

  • Rowan Bunny: about 13 inches tall seated, about 16 inches tall from foot to top of head before the cap settles
  • Fox: about 4 inches tall seated
  • Handbag: about 2 inches tall
  • Teacup: about 1 inch tall
  • Yarn ball: about 1 inch across

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 2.5 / 3.0 mm needles using DK yarn. A firm fabric is important for toys. If your fabric looks open, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

  • CO = cast on
  • BO = bind off
  • k = knit
  • p = purl
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • rep = repeat
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of stitch
  • dec = decrease 1 stitch by knitting 2 together on RS or purl 2 together on WS where stated
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • k2tog = knit 2 together
  • st st = stockinette stitch
  • g st = garter stitch

Construction Notes

The bunny is made from separate legs, body, arms, head, and ears. The cream body is knitted first. Clothing is made separately so the layered look matches the image. The checked trousers are worked in striped rows, then embroidered with vertical duplicate stitch lines for a neat woven plaid effect.

The cream sweater front with green argyle diamonds is worked in stockinette and the diamond pattern is added afterward with duplicate stitch. This gives sharper shapes and lets you place the motifs exactly where they appear in the image.

The cardigan is a separate garment with a V opening and ribbed bands. The cap is shaped as a soft newsboy style hat. The fox is knitted as a second small toy so the set includes all visible items in the image.

Bunny Legs Make 2

Shoe Base and Foot

Using cream, CO 16 sts.

  1. Row 1 WS: p16.
  2. Row 2 RS: kfb, k14, kfb. 18 sts.
  3. Row 3: p18.
  4. Row 4: k18.
  5. Row 5: p18.
  6. Row 6: k18.
  7. Row 7: p18.
  8. Row 8: k18.
  9. Row 9: p5, p2tog, p4, p2tog, p5. 16 sts.
  10. Row 10: k16.
  11. Row 11: p4, p2tog, p4, p2tog, p4. 14 sts.
  12. Row 12: k14.
  13. Row 13: p14.
  14. Row 14: k14.

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This makes the rounded shoe front. The image shows soft cream knitted shoes with a plump toe, so keep the first section gently stuffed later.

Leg

  1. Row 15: purl.
  2. Row 16: knit.
  3. Row 17: purl.
  4. Row 18: knit.
  5. Row 19: purl.
  6. Row 20: knit.
  7. Row 21: purl.
  8. Row 22: knit.
  9. Row 23: purl.
  10. Row 24: knit.
  11. Rows 25-42: continue in st st for 18 rows.
  12. Row 43 RS: k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1. 12 sts.
  13. Row 44 WS: p12.
  14. Rows 45-56: work 12 more rows in st st.

BO loosely. Make a second leg. Seam each leg. Stuff the foot firmly, then the leg more lightly so the seated shape remains soft instead of stiff. Flatten the upper opening of each leg before sewing to the body.

Bunny Body

Using cream, CO 18 sts.

  1. Row 1 WS: p18.
  2. Row 2 RS: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
  3. Row 3: p20.
  4. Row 4: kfb, k18, kfb. 22 sts.
  5. Row 5: p22.
  6. Row 6: kfb, k20, kfb. 24 sts.
  7. Row 7: p24.
  8. Row 8: k24.
  9. Row 9: p24.
  10. Row 10: kfb, k22, kfb. 26 sts.
  11. Row 11: p26.
  12. Rows 12-28: work in st st for 17 rows.
  13. Row 29 RS: k2tog, k22, ssk. 24 sts.
  14. Row 30 WS: p24.
  15. Row 31 RS: k24.
  16. Row 32 WS: p24.
  17. Row 33 RS: k2tog, k20, ssk. 22 sts.
  18. Row 34 WS: p22.
  19. Rows 35-42: work 8 rows in st st.

BO. Make a second body piece. Sew side and bottom seams, leaving top open. Stuff firmly but keep the lower body slightly wider than the upper body. The image shows a rounded lower torso and a narrower upper chest because the layered clothes sit over it.

Bunny Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 10 sts.

  1. Row 1 WS: p10.
  2. Row 2 RS: k10.
  3. Row 3: p10.
  4. Row 4: k10.
  5. Row 5: p10.
  6. Row 6: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  7. Row 7: p12.
  8. Rows 8-24: work in st st for 17 rows.
  9. Row 25 RS: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
  10. Row 26 WS: p10.
  11. Rows 27-30: st st.

BO. Seam each arm. Stuff the lower half well and the upper half lightly. Flatten the top edge for sewing. Shape the hand ends slightly curved. The photo shows slim, softly bent arms, not thick tube arms.

Bunny Head

Using cream, CO 18 sts.

  1. Row 1 WS: p18.
  2. Row 2 RS: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
  3. Row 3: p20.
  4. Row 4: kfb, k18, kfb. 22 sts.
  5. Row 5: p22.
  6. Row 6: kfb, k20, kfb. 24 sts.
  7. Row 7: p24.
  8. Row 8: kfb, k22, kfb. 26 sts.
  9. Row 9: p26.
  10. Row 10: kfb, k24, kfb. 28 sts.
  11. Row 11: p28.
  12. Row 12: k28.
  13. Row 13: p28.
  14. Row 14: k28.
  15. Row 15: p28.
  16. Row 16: k28.
  17. Row 17: p28.
  18. Row 18: k28.
  19. Row 19: p28.
  20. Row 20: k28.
  21. Row 21: p28.
  22. Row 22: k28.
  23. Row 23: p28.
  24. Row 24 RS: k2tog, k24, ssk. 26 sts.
  25. Row 25 WS: p26.
  26. Row 26 RS: k2tog, k22, ssk. 24 sts.
  27. Row 27 WS: p24.
  28. Row 28 RS: k2tog, k20, ssk. 22 sts.
  29. Row 29 WS: p22.
  30. Row 30 RS: k2tog, k18, ssk. 20 sts.
  31. Row 31 WS: p20.

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BO. Make a second head piece. Sew around, leaving neck open. Stuff very firmly so the face remains smooth. The head in the image is softly oval, slightly wider at the cheeks than the forehead. Keep the chin gentle rather than pointed.

Bunny Ears Make 2

Using cream, CO 8 sts.

  1. Row 1 WS: p8.
  2. Row 2 RS: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  3. Row 3: p10.
  4. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  5. Row 5: p12.
  6. Rows 6-24: work in st st for 19 rows.
  7. Row 25 RS: k1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. 10 sts.
  8. Row 26 WS: p10.
  9. Row 27 RS: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1. 8 sts.
  10. Row 28 WS: p8.
  11. Row 29 RS: k1, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1. 6 sts.
  12. Row 30 WS: p6.
  13. Row 31 RS: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
  14. Row 32 WS: p4.

BO. Make a second ear. Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly and seam. Do not stuff. The ears in the image hang down flat from the sides of the head and reach to the chest area.

Neck Join

Sew the head to the body. Add extra stuffing at the neck as you join so the head sits upright. Stitch the legs to the base front of the body with the feet pointing forward. Sew arms at the upper side seams. The bunny in the image sits with the legs straight forward and the arms relaxed downward.

Cream Sweater Front With Argyle Diamonds

This visible cream section sits under the cardigan and only needs to cover the front chest. It is a shaped bib-like panel that gives the layered sweater appearance seen in the photo.

Using cream, CO 18 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: work k1, p1 rib across all rows.
  2. Row 5 RS: knit.
  3. Row 6 WS: purl.
  4. Rows 7-24: continue in st st.

BO. Make one panel.

Now add the green argyle diamonds using duplicate stitch. Work two full diamonds and the suggestion of side diamonds to match the photo.

  • Center diamond 1: place centered between stitches 8 and 11, rows 8-13.
  • Center diamond 2: place centered between stitches 8 and 11, rows 14-19.
  • Side half diamonds: place partial shapes at each side edge on rows 10-17.

Use this 6-row diamond shape for each full motif, widest in the middle:

  • Row A: 1 stitch
  • Row B: 3 stitches
  • Row C: 5 stitches
  • Row D: 5 stitches
  • Row E: 3 stitches
  • Row F: 1 stitch

Sew this panel to the bunny chest only at the sides and lower edge. Leave upper neck area free so the cardigan can sit naturally over it.

Checked Trousers Make 2 Legs and Join

The trousers are one of the most important visual details. They are brown and cream with a clear check. To reproduce that neatly in knitting, the horizontal stripes are knitted first, then the vertical cream bars are added in duplicate stitch after seaming.

Trouser Leg Make 2

Using brown, CO 18 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: k1, p1 rib.
  2. Rows 3-4: brown in st st.
  3. Rows 5-6: cream in st st.
  4. Rows 7-8: brown in st st.
  5. Rows 9-10: cream in st st.
  6. Rows 11-12: brown in st st.
  7. Rows 13-14: cream in st st.
  8. Rows 15-16: brown in st st.
  9. Rows 17-18: cream in st st.
  10. Rows 19-20: brown in st st.
  11. Rows 21-22: cream in st st.
  12. Rows 23-24: brown in st st.
  13. Rows 25-26: cream in st st.
  14. Rows 27-28: brown in st st.
  15. Rows 29-30: cream in st st.
  16. Rows 31-32: brown in st st.

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BO. Make two legs and seam them.

Trouser Body Join

Place the two leg pieces side by side. Sew inner leg seams first, then sew a short center seam from crotch upward for about 1 inch. This gives the rounded pant shape visible in the image.

For waistband, pick up 40 sts evenly around the top opening using brown.

  1. Round 1: k1, p1 around.
  2. Round 2: k1, p1 around.
  3. Round 3: knit around.
  4. Round 4: purl around.

BO loosely. Sew trousers onto the bunny at the waist only if you want a permanent outfit. For a removable pair, leave them unattached and close the back opening with snaps.

Add the Vertical Check Lines

Using cream, add duplicate stitch vertical bars every 4 stitches down the length of each trouser leg. Start after the ribbing and continue to the hem. This creates the same small gingham effect seen in the image.

  • Work a vertical line over stitch columns 3, 7, 11, and 15 on each leg.
  • Do not make the lines too thick. One column of duplicate stitch is enough.

Belt

Using caramel brown, CO 28 sts.

  1. Row 1: knit.
  2. Row 2: knit.
  3. Row 3: knit.

BO. Sew around the waist over the trouser waistband. Form a tiny buckle with a small loop of yarn at center front. The belt in the image is slim and sits low across the cardigan opening.

Green Cardigan

The cardigan is made in three pieces: back, left front, and right front, then sleeves. It should sit open at the front with a deep V and short body length. Keep it fitted and slightly cropped so the argyle front remains visible.

Back

Using olive green, CO 22 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: k1, p1 rib.
  2. Rows 7-24: work in st st.
  3. Row 25 RS: BO 3 sts at beginning, knit to end.
  4. Row 26 WS: BO 3 sts at beginning, purl to end. 16 sts.
  5. Rows 27-34: st st.
  6. Row 35 RS: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
  7. Row 36 WS: p14.
  8. Row 37 RS: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
  9. Row 38 WS: p12.

BO.

Left Front

Using olive green, CO 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: k1, p1 rib.
  2. Row 7 RS: knit.
  3. Row 8 WS: purl.
  4. Rows 9-16: continue st st.
  5. Row 17 RS: knit 12, k2tog. 13 sts.
  6. Row 18 WS: purl.
  7. Row 19 RS: knit.
  8. Row 20 WS: purl.
  9. Row 21 RS: knit 11, k2tog. 12 sts.
  10. Row 22 WS: purl.
  11. Row 23 RS: knit.
  12. Row 24 WS: purl.
  13. Row 25 armhole row: BO 3 sts at beginning of RS row, knit to end. 9 sts.
  14. Row 26 WS: purl.
  15. Row 27 RS: knit 7, k2tog. 8 sts.
  16. Row 28 WS: purl.
  17. Row 29 RS: knit.
  18. Row 30 WS: purl.
  19. Row 31 RS: knit 6, k2tog. 7 sts.
  20. Row 32 WS: purl.
  21. Row 33 RS: knit 5, k2tog. 6 sts.
  22. Row 34 WS: purl.

BO.

 

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Right Front

Work as left front, reversing shaping. On decrease rows, k2tog at beginning of RS shaping area after first stitch so the slant mirrors the other side.

Sleeves Make 2

Using olive green, CO 12 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: k1, p1 rib.
  2. Row 5 RS: knit.
  3. Row 6 WS: purl.
  4. Row 7 RS: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
  5. Row 8 WS: p14.
  6. Rows 9-18: st st.
  7. Row 19 RS: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
  8. Row 20 WS: p16.
  9. Rows 21-28: st st.
  10. Row 29 RS: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
  11. Row 30 WS: p14.

BO. Seam sleeves and set into armholes.

Cardigan Bands

Pick up stitches evenly along each front edge and around the neck using olive green.

  • Front edge: pick up about 18 sts on each side
  • Neck: pick up about 12 sts

Work 3 rows of k1, p1 rib. On the right front band, make 4 small button loops on Row 2 by working yarn over, k2tog at evenly spaced positions. Sew on 4 tiny buttons to match. The image shows several dark buttons visible down the cardigan front.

Newsboy Cap

The hat is soft, rounded, and slightly oversized, with a textured look and a short brim. To mimic the image closely, the top is divided into subtle panels.

Using brown, CO 64 sts on double-pointed needles. Join carefully.

  1. Rounds 1-4: k1, p1 rib.
  2. Round 5: knit.
  3. Round 6: purl.
  4. Round 7: knit.
  5. Round 8: purl.
  6. Round 9: knit.
  7. Round 10: purl.
  8. Round 11: knit 6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
  9. Round 12: purl.
  10. Round 13: knit 5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
  11. Round 14: purl.
  12. Round 15: knit 4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
  13. Round 16: purl.
  14. Round 17: knit 3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
  15. Round 18: purl.
  16. Round 19: knit 2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
  17. Round 20: purl.
  18. Round 21: knit 1, k2tog around. 16 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and pull tight.

Brim

Using brown, CO 18 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: knit.
  2. Row 3: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
  3. Rows 4-6: knit.
  4. Row 7: k2tog, k16, k2tog. 18 sts.
  5. Rows 8-9: knit.

BO. Lightly curve the brim and sew to the front lower edge of the cap. Add two tiny anchoring tacks from brim to cap so the front looks gently pinched, as in the image.

Handbag

The handbag is small, rounded, and soft with short handles. It sits at the bunny’s left side in the image.

Using caramel brown and smaller needles if desired, CO 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1-12: work in st st.
  2. Row 13 RS: k2tog, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
  3. Row 14 WS: p12.
  4. Row 15 RS: k2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  5. Row 16 WS: p10.

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BO. Make 2 pieces. Sew side and bottom seams. Stuff very lightly or leave flat.

Handbag Gusset

Using the same yarn, CO 4 sts. Knit 20 rows in garter stitch. BO. Sew around the side and base between the front and back pieces.

Handles Make 2

CO 18 sts. BO all stitches knitwise very tightly to form a cord-like strip. Sew each handle to the top edge. For a more upright look, slip a fine strand of wire or extra yarn inside the handle before attaching.

Mini Fox

The fox is a separate knitted toy with a large head, small body, dark paws, and a green sweater. The proportions are intentionally cute and slightly chunky, matching the photo.

Fox Head Front and Back Make 2

Using rust orange, CO 12 sts.

  1. Row 1 WS: p12.
  2. Row 2 RS: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
  3. Row 3: p14.
  4. Row 4: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
  5. Row 5: p16.
  6. Rows 6-16: st st.
  7. Row 17 RS: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
  8. Row 18 WS: p14.
  9. Row 19 RS: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
  10. Row 20 WS: p12.

BO. For the lower face patch, duplicate stitch or sew a small cream muzzle triangle at the lower center. Embroider a tiny black nose.

Fox Ears Make 2

Using dark brown, CO 2 sts.

  1. Row 1: knit.
  2. Row 2: kfb, kfb. 4 sts.
  3. Row 3: p4.
  4. Row 4: kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts.
  5. Row 5: p6.

BO. Add a small cream inner ear patch if desired.

Fox Body

Using green, CO 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: k1, p1 rib.
  2. Rows 5-12: st st in green.
  3. Change to rust orange for neck row if desired: 2 rows st st.
  4. Row 15 RS: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
  5. Row 16 WS: p12.

BO. Make 2 pieces. Sew and stuff lightly.

Fox Arms Make 2

Using dark brown, CO 4 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: st st.
  2. Change to green.
  3. Rows 3-8: st st.

BO. Sew lightly and attach to sides.

Fox Legs Make 2

Using dark brown, CO 5 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: st st.

BO and sew to base.

Fox Tail

Using rust orange, CO 6 sts.

  1. Rows 1-8: st st.
  2. Change to cream.
  3. Rows 9-12: st st.

BO. Fold, seam, lightly stuff, and attach at the back side so it curves around. The tail in the image curls toward the front.

Mini Acorn for Fox

The small dark object near the fox paw reads nicely as an acorn-like accessory. It is tiny and optional, but it helps the set feel complete.

Using dark brown, CO 4 sts on double-pointed needles. Work 4 rounds knit. Switch to caramel brown for 2 rounds. Thread yarn through stitches and pull closed. Stuff with a tiny pinch of filling and stitch closed.

Teacup and Saucer

Saucer

Using cream and smaller needles, CO 6 sts on dpns. Join.

  1. Round 1: knit.
  2. Round 2: kfb around. 12 sts.
  3. Round 3: knit.
  4. Round 4: k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
  5. Round 5: purl.

BO loosely. Flatten into a shallow saucer.

Cup

Using cream, CO 10 sts on dpns. Join.

  1. Rounds 1-4: knit.
  2. Round 5: purl.
  3. Round 6: knit.

BO. Sew a little round base underneath if needed. Use tan yarn to embroider the tea surface. Add tiny duplicate stitch dashes in pale blue and pale yellow on the side to echo the decorative cup in the photo.

Handle

CO 6 sts. BO immediately. Curve into a loop and sew to the side of the cup.

Yarn Ball

Using brown, CO 6 sts on dpns. Join.

  1. Round 1: knit.
  2. Round 2: kfb around. 12 sts.
  3. Round 3: knit.
  4. Round 4: k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
  5. Rounds 5-6: knit.
  6. Round 7: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  7. Round 8: knit.
  8. Round 9: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Stuff lightly, thread yarn through remaining stitches, and close. Wrap a long strand around and around the ball to create the realistic wound-yarn look. Leave a short loose tail.

Facial Embroidery

The bunny face is simple and sweet. It has tiny dark eyes, a stitched Y-shaped nose and mouth, and no heavy shading. Minimal details are important because the image shows a calm, understated expression.

  • Place eyes about 8 rows down from the top of the head and 6 stitches apart.
  • Use tiny black knots or very small safety eyes.
  • With brown or black yarn, embroider a small vertical nose line about 3 rows long.
  • Add two short slanting mouth stitches meeting at the base of that line.

The fox face uses even smaller features. Place eyes close together and low on the face so the head appears large and cute.

Shaping and Styling Notes

Before dressing the bunny, gently steam or damp-block the cardigan, trousers, and chest panel. Do not flatten them too much. Slight softness helps the clothing sit like real fabric.

The cap should be tilted slightly forward. The ears should emerge from beneath the cap and hang down straight. Let one ear sit a touch farther forward than the other for a natural look.

The cardigan should overlap the top of the trousers. The cream argyle chest insert should remain visible between the cardigan fronts. The belt sits over both the cardigan lower edge and trouser waist, which helps hold the layered look in place.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

  • Sew legs first, then body, then head, then arms, then ears.
  • Dress the bunny in the chest panel, trousers, cardigan, belt, and cap in that order.
  • Position the ears low on the side head seams so they hang to chest level.
  • Keep the face minimal: tiny eyes, a neat nose line, and short mouth stitches only.
  • Place the handbag in the left paw and the fox at the bunny’s right side.

Care Notes

  • Spot clean whenever possible.
  • Do not machine wash if buttons, embroidery, or wired handles are used.
  • Reshape ears, hat, and cardigan after cleaning.
  • Store away from direct sunlight to protect the warm neutral colors.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Are both ears the same length and sewn evenly?
  • Is the cap sitting low enough over the forehead?
  • Are the argyle diamonds centered on the cream chest panel?
  • Do the trouser checks run straight vertically and horizontally?
  • Are the cardigan buttons and belt centered?
  • Is the fox tail curved and the cup handle attached firmly?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

  • Use cool water and a mild wool-safe cleanser for any hand cleaning.
  • Press gently in a towel and never wring the toy.
  • Dry flat and reshape the head, ears, feet, cap, and mini accessories while damp.
  • For display storage, keep the set in a dust-free cabinet or cotton bag.
  • Avoid hanging the bunny by the ears, arms, or clothing.

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