Knitting Tutorial: Victorian Blue Rose Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Victorian Blue Rose Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant heirloom-style bunny is designed with a soft ivory body, long lop ears, a blush pink Victorian dress, and a sweeping powder-blue rose coat trimmed with ruffles and floral details. The look is completed with a wide-brim hat, a tiny rose purse, dainty gloves, and a sweet squirrel companion. This collectible-style toy is perfect for knit doll display, handmade nursery decor, luxury bunny plush gifting, and boutique-style animal doll lovers searching for a romantic knitted rabbit pattern with timeless vintage charm.

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

Pattern Overview

This pattern makes a fully dressed Victorian bunny with a removable hat, coat, purse, and gloves, plus a separate small squirrel companion and berry basket. The bunny is tall, graceful, and lightly weighted by structure rather than pellets. The clothing is fitted closely to match the image.

The bunny in the photo has a refined silhouette. The head is large but not oversized, the body is narrow under the dress, and the long ears fall straight down. The sleeves are full at the upper arm and narrow toward the wrist. The skirt has layered softness rather than stiffness.

The coat is important to the final appearance. It opens down the front, frames the pink dress, and widens into a dramatic hem. The brimmed hat is equally important and should sit low and soft, with floral trim concentrated on one side. Do not skip the floral embroidery and bow placement.

Finished Size

  • Main bunny: approximately 15.5 inches / 39 cm tall from foot to top of head, not including hat brim
  • Hat diameter: approximately 5.5 inches / 14 cm across brim
  • Squirrel companion: approximately 6.5 inches / 16.5 cm tall
  • Berry basket: approximately 2 inches / 5 cm high
  • Gloves: approximately 2.25 inches / 5.5 cm long each
  • Purse: approximately 2.75 inches / 7 cm tall excluding handle

Skill Level

Advanced intermediate. A determined beginner can make this pattern if comfortable with shaping, seaming, picking up stitches, knitting small pieces, i-cord, embroidery, and light decorative finishing.

Materials

  • Main yarn weight: Fingering or heavy lace held singly for most visible pieces
  • Body yarn: Soft ivory
  • Dress yarn: Pale blush pink
  • Coat and hat yarn: Powder blue
  • Trim yarn: Cream or soft ivory
  • Accent yarns: Rose pink, dusty rose, sage green, pale yellow, light aqua, warm brown, cream for squirrel dress, berry shades
  • Needles: US 1.5 / 2.5 mm double-pointed needles, US 2 / 2.75 mm straight or circular needles for flat garment pieces
  • Optional smaller needle: US 1 / 2.25 mm for firm purse, basket, and floral details
  • Stuffing: Fine polyester fiberfill
  • Eyes: 6 mm black safety eyes or embroidered French-knot eyes
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Waste yarn
  • Fine sewing thread in blush, blue, cream, and brown
  • Tiny satin ribbon bows in blush pink, or knit substitute bows if preferred
  • Small button or hidden snap for coat closure if desired

Gauge

For the body and most garments on US 1.5 / 2.5 mm needles in stockinette: 32 stitches and 44 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm.

Exact gauge is less important than firmness. The fabric must be dense enough that stuffing does not show. If your stitches are loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

  • CO = cast on
  • BO = bind off
  • k = knit
  • p = purl
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • rnd = round
  • inc = increase 1 stitch
  • kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • k2tog = knit 2 together
  • p2tog = purl 2 together
  • M1L = make 1 left
  • M1R = make 1 right
  • sl = slip
  • rep = repeat
  • yo = yarn over
  • pm = place marker
  • sm = slip marker
  • beg = beginning
  • rem = remaining
  • i-cord = knitted cord over 3 stitches unless noted

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Construction Notes

The bunny is worked in separate pieces and sewn together. Legs and arms are knitted in the round. The torso is worked in the round from lower body upward. The head is worked separately in the round, then attached to the neck. Ears are worked flat and seamed minimally at the base.

The dress is built in layers so it falls exactly like the image. The underbody remains slim. The pink gown is worked from the hem upward. The blue coat is worked flat in sections and seamed at the shoulders. Sleeves are worked separately and attached to the armholes.

The squirrel is a smaller companion toy, worked separately, with a curled tail and tiny dress. The basket and berries are simple finishing accessories that complete the scene.

Main Bunny Legs (Make 2)

Using ivory and DPNs, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.

  1. Rnd 1: k all.
  2. Rnd 2: kfb into each st. 24 sts.
  3. Rnds 3-8: k all.
  4. Rnd 9: k3, kfb, k8, kfb, k11. 26 sts.
  5. Rnds 10-14: k all.
  6. Rnd 15: k3, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k12. 24 sts.
  7. Rnds 16-20: k all.
  8. Rnd 21: k2tog, k20, ssk. 22 sts.
  9. Rnds 22-32: k all.

Stuff foot firmly and lower leg lightly. Shape the foot so it sits forward. At the top of the leg, flatten opening.

Next row worked across half the stitches to create joining edge: k11. Leave remaining stitches on needle. Break yarn on first leg.

Work second leg the same, but do not break yarn.

Joining Legs and Lower Body

With second leg active, k across its 11 front stitches, CO 4 stitches for crotch bridge, k across 11 front stitches of first leg, k across rem 11 stitches of first leg, CO 4 stitches, k across rem 11 stitches of second leg. 52 sts.

Arrange markers so side seams are visually centered. Continue in rounds.

  1. Rnds 1-5: k all.
  2. Rnd 6: k10, k2tog, k14, ssk, k10, k2tog, k14, ssk. 48 sts.
  3. Rnds 7-10: k all.
  4. Rnd 11: k12, k2tog, k8, ssk, k12, k2tog, k8, ssk. 44 sts.
  5. Rnds 12-16: k all.
  6. Rnd 17: k all, placing markers after 11 sts, 22 sts, 33 sts.
  7. Rnd 18: k1, M1L, knit to 1 st before marker, M1R, k1; rep for all four quarters. 48 sts.
  8. Rnd 19: k all.
  9. Rnd 20: repeat increase round. 52 sts.
  10. Rnds 21-28: k all.
  11. Rnd 29: k all.
  12. Rnd 30: k5, k2tog, knit to 7 sts before side marker, ssk, k5; repeat on back. 48 sts.
  13. Rnds 31-34: k all.

Stuff body gradually. Keep upper torso lighter than hips.

Upper Body and Neck

  1. Rnd 35: k4, k2tog, knit to 6 sts before side marker, ssk, k4; repeat on back. 44 sts.
  2. Rnds 36-38: k all.
  3. Rnd 39: k3, k2tog, knit to 5 sts before side marker, ssk, k3; repeat on back. 40 sts.
  4. Rnds 40-42: k all.
  5. Rnd 43: k2, k2tog, knit to 4 sts before side marker, ssk, k2; repeat on back. 36 sts.
  6. Rnd 44: k all.
  7. Rnd 45: k1, k2tog, knit to 3 sts before side marker, ssk, k1; repeat on back. 32 sts.
  8. Rnds 46-48: k all.
  9. Rnd 49: k2tog around. 16 sts.
  10. Rnds 50-56: k all for neck.

BO loosely, leaving a long tail for attaching head. Finish stuffing torso firmly but not hard.

Main Bunny Arms (Make 2)

Using ivory, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all.
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 20 sts.
  3. Rnds 3-6: k all.
  4. Rnd 7: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
  5. Rnds 8-20: k all.
  6. Rnd 21: k1, k2tog, k12, ssk, k1. 16 sts.
  7. Rnds 22-30: k all.
  8. Rnd 31: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
  9. Rnds 32-38: k all.

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Stuff hand and lower arm lightly. Flatten top opening and seam closed later when attaching, or leave live stitches for grafting. Make both arms identical.

Main Bunny Head

Using ivory, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly on DPNs. Join.

  1. Rnd 1: kfb into each st. 24 sts.
  2. Rnd 2: k all.
  3. Rnd 3: (k3, kfb) around. 30 sts.
  4. Rnd 4: k all.
  5. Rnd 5: (k4, kfb) around. 36 sts.
  6. Rnd 6: k all.
  7. Rnd 7: (k5, kfb) around. 42 sts.
  8. Rnd 8: k all.
  9. Rnd 9: (k6, kfb) around. 48 sts.
  10. Rnd 10: k all.
  11. Rnd 11: (k7, kfb) around. 54 sts.
  12. Rnd 12: k all.
  13. Rnd 13: (k8, kfb) around. 60 sts.
  14. Rnds 14-26: k all.

Insert eyes between rnds 18 and 19, about 10 stitches apart. The eyes in the image are tiny, bead-like, and placed low enough to keep the forehead broad. Before fixing them permanently, lightly shape the cheeks by adding a small extra pinch of stuffing around the muzzle zone.

  1. Rnd 27: k8, k2tog repeated 6 times. 54 sts.
  2. Rnd 28: k all.
  3. Rnd 29: k7, k2tog repeated 6 times. 48 sts.
  4. Rnd 30: k all.
  5. Rnd 31: k6, k2tog repeated 6 times. 42 sts.
  6. Rnd 32: k all.
  7. Rnd 33: k5, k2tog repeated 6 times. 36 sts.

Begin stuffing firmly. Shape the face so the cheeks are round but the front is slightly tapered toward the nose.

  1. Rnd 34: k all.
  2. Rnd 35: k4, k2tog repeated 6 times. 30 sts.
  3. Rnd 36: k all.
  4. Rnd 37: k3, k2tog repeated 6 times. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 38: k all.
  6. Rnd 39: k2, k2tog repeated 6 times. 18 sts.
  7. Rnd 40: k all.
  8. Rnd 41: k1, k2tog repeated 6 times. 12 sts.

Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull tight, and close.

Muzzle and Face Shaping

Using matching ivory yarn, run a sculpting thread from the neck opening to the face. Create a slight indentation between the eye positions and a short vertical nose line. The bunny in the image has a very neat Y-shaped mouth and a tiny triangular nose formed by embroidery rather than a protruding muzzle.

  • Nose: embroider a narrow inverted triangle in medium brown
  • Mouth: bring yarn down 3 rows and split into a short Y
  • Optional cheek shaping: lightly pull one stitch inward at each side of muzzle

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long, soft, and narrow at the top, widening gently, then tapering slightly toward the lower hanging section. They should drape straight downward from the hat brim area to below the shoulders.

Using ivory and straight needles, CO 9 sts.

  1. Row 1 (RS): k all.
  2. Row 2: p all.
  3. Row 3: k1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1. 11 sts.
  4. Row 4: p all.
  5. Row 5: k all.
  6. Row 6: p all.
  7. Row 7: k1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1. 13 sts.
  8. Rows 8-14: work in stockinette.
  9. Row 15: k1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1. 15 sts.
  10. Rows 16-46: work in stockinette.
  11. Row 47: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 13 sts.
  12. Row 48: p all.
  13. Rows 49-55: work in stockinette.
  14. Row 56: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 11 sts.
  15. Row 57: p all.
  16. Rows 58-62: work in stockinette.
  17. Row 63: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 9 sts.
  18. Row 64: p all.
  19. Row 65: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 7 sts.
  20. Row 66: p all.
  21. Row 67: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. 5 sts.
  22. Row 68: p all.
  23. Row 69: k1, k2tog, k2. 4 sts.
  24. Row 70: p all.
  25. Row 71: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
  26. Row 72: p2tog. 1 st.

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Fasten off. Make a second ear. Lightly steam if needed. Sew ears to the upper side of head, starting slightly behind the eye line. The ears should hang straight down close to the face.

Pink Victorian Dress Skirt

Using blush pink and larger garment needle, CO 120 sts. Join carefully for working in the round.

The skirt in the image has a soft layered hem and a central smooth panel effect. To mimic the look, work a deep lower ruffle first, then the main skirt.

  1. Rnd 1: p all.
  2. Rnd 2: k all.
  3. Rnd 3: (k2, yo) around. 180 sts.
  4. Rnd 4: p all.
  5. Rnds 5-10: stockinette.
  6. Rnd 11: k2tog around. 90 sts.
  7. Rnd 12: p all.
  8. Rnds 13-20: stockinette.
  9. Rnd 21: pick up 90 sts on inside at rnd 11 edge if desired for layered effect, or continue as decorative fold line.

Continue main skirt from the 90 active stitches.

  1. Rnds 22-50: stockinette.
  2. Rnd 51: p all for waist turning ridge.
  3. Rnd 52: k all.
  4. Rnd 53: k8, k2tog repeated around. 81 sts.
  5. Rnds 54-58: k all.
  6. Rnd 59: k7, k2tog repeated around. 72 sts.
  7. Rnds 60-64: k all.
  8. Rnd 65: k6, k2tog repeated around. 63 sts.
  9. Rnds 66-70: k all.
  10. Rnd 71: k5, k2tog repeated around. 54 sts.

Transfer to waste yarn. This skirt will be sewn to the body at the waist after dressing.

Dress Bodice

The dress front visible in the image is pink, with a cream inset panel and pink lacing. The easiest way to recreate this accurately is to knit a separate bodice front and side-back pieces, then seam neatly.

Front panel: Using blush pink, CO 18 sts.

  1. Rows 1-8: work in stockinette, keeping first and last stitch in garter.
  2. Row 9: k2, p14, k2.
  3. Rows 10-20: maintain side garter edges and center texture if desired.
  4. Row 21: k2tog, work to last 2 sts, ssk. 16 sts.
  5. Rows 22-28: continue even.
  6. Row 29: k2tog, work to last 2 sts, ssk. 14 sts.
  7. Rows 30-34: continue even.
  8. Row 35: BO 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows for armholes. 8 sts.
  9. Rows 36-42: continue even.
  10. Row 43: BO all.

Back pieces: Make 2. CO 10 sts each in blush pink.

  1. Rows 1-28: stockinette with 2-stitch garter edge at center back.
  2. Row 29: neck edge shaping, BO 2 sts on neck edge once. 8 sts.
  3. Rows 30-34: continue even.
  4. Row 35: BO 3 sts at armhole edge once. 5 sts.
  5. Rows 36-42: continue even.
  6. Row 43: BO all.

Sew shoulder seams. Sew side seams to front panel. Add a cream narrow inset strip to the center front using duplicate stitch or a separately knitted 6-stitch strip stitched on top.

Embroider crisscross pink lacing over the cream inset. Add a small blush bow at the top center.

Dress Sleeves With Pink Ruffle Cuffs (Make 2)

Using powder blue, CO 24 sts. Work flat.

  1. Rows 1-10: stockinette.
  2. Row 11: k1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1. 26 sts.
  3. Rows 12-18: stockinette.
  4. Row 19: k1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1. 28 sts.
  5. Rows 20-30: stockinette.
  6. Row 31: BO 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 22 sts.
  7. Row 33: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 20 sts.
  8. Row 34: p all.
  9. Repeat last 2 rows twice more. 16 sts.
  10. Rows 39-42: stockinette.

Now work cuff ruffle in blush pink by picking up 32 sts along lower sleeve edge.

  1. Ruffle Row 1: p all.
  2. Ruffle Row 2: kfb all. 64 sts.
  3. Ruffle Rows 3-6: stockinette.
  4. BO loosely on RS.

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Make sleeve seam. Gather sleeve cap slightly and set into armhole of bodice/coat combination when dressing the bunny.

Blue Victorian Coat Panels

The coat is the statement garment. It is long, open-front, and richly trimmed with roses and ruffles. The front opening curves from the neckline downward and outward, leaving the pink dress visible.

Back: Using powder blue, CO 42 sts.

  1. Rows 1-8: garter stitch.
  2. Rows 9-52: stockinette, keeping first and last 3 sts in garter for stability.
  3. Row 53: BO 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows for armholes. 36 sts.
  4. Rows 54-68: continue even.
  5. Row 69: BO center 12 sts for neck, work each side separately.
  6. Rows 70-72: decrease 1 st at neck edge every row twice.
  7. Row 73: BO shoulder sts.

Left front: CO 24 sts.

  1. Rows 1-8: garter stitch.
  2. Rows 9-20: work in stockinette with 3 garter sts at front opening edge.
  3. Row 21: at front opening edge, k3, ssk, work to end. 23 sts.
  4. Rows 22-28: continue even.
  5. Row 29: repeat edge decrease. 22 sts.
  6. Continue decreasing at opening edge every 8th row 4 more times. 18 sts.
  7. At same time, after full length matches back to armhole, BO 3 sts at armhole edge once.
  8. Continue until shoulder height matches back.
  9. Shape neck by decreasing 1 st at front edge every other row 3 times.
  10. BO shoulder sts.

Right front: work to mirror left front.

Sew shoulder seams and side seams.

Coat Front Ruffle Trim

Using powder blue, pick up 96-110 stitches evenly around entire front opening and neck edge, starting at one lower hem, up front, around neck, and down other side.

  1. Row 1: p all.
  2. Row 2: kfb each st. Double stitch count.
  3. Rows 3-5: stockinette.
  4. BO loosely.

This creates the soft ruched front trim seen in the image. Do not make it too stiff. Let it ripple naturally.

Coat Hem Floral Border

Pick up stitches evenly along coat hem and work a narrow ruffled edge.

  1. Row 1: k all picked-up sts.
  2. Row 2: p all.
  3. Row 3: kfb every other st.
  4. Rows 4-5: stockinette.
  5. BO loosely.

After assembly, embroider rose clusters in dusty pink, pale pink, cream, and pale yellow with sage leaves around the front trim and hem. Concentrate roses at the lower coat edge and scattered up the opening. This embroidery is essential to match the photo.

Hat Crown

Using powder blue on DPNs, CO 8 sts. Join.

  1. Rnd 1: kfb all. 16 sts.
  2. Rnd 2: k all.
  3. Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) around. 24 sts.
  4. Rnd 4: k all.
  5. Rnd 5: (k2, kfb) around. 32 sts.
  6. Rnd 6: k all.
  7. Rnd 7: (k3, kfb) around. 40 sts.
  8. Rnd 8: k all.
  9. Rnd 9: (k4, kfb) around. 48 sts.
  10. Rnds 10-24: k all.

On the final 4 rounds, work every 6th stitch in purl if you want subtle rib-like texture. The hat in the image looks softly structured, so a plain knit crown is also acceptable.

Hat Brim

From live stitches of crown, increase for brim.

  1. Rnd 25: (k4, M1R) around. 60 sts.
  2. Rnd 26: k all.
  3. Rnd 27: (k5, M1R) around. 70 sts.
  4. Rnd 28: p all.
  5. Rnd 29: (k6, M1R) around. 80 sts.
  6. Rnd 30: k all.
  7. Rnd 31: (k7, M1R) around. 90 sts.
  8. Rnd 32: p all.
  9. Rnd 33: k all.
  10. Rnd 34: p all.
  11. Rnd 35: BO loosely in knit.

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Work a blush pink edging by picking up around the outer brim and knitting 1 round, 1 purl round, then BO. The brim should roll softly downward and slightly upward at the front edge depending on shaping. Light blocking helps.

Hat Floral Trim

Make 5-7 tiny knitted roses and 4 small leaves.

Mini rose strip: CO 18 sts in pink. Work 1 row purl. Next row: (k1, yo) across. Next row purl. BO loosely. Roll tightly from one end and sew base.

Leaf: CO 3 sts in sage. Row 1 k. Row 2 kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts. Row 3 k. Row 4 ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts. Row 5 k. Row 6 sl1, k2tog, psso. Fasten off.

Arrange flowers on one side of the hat crown near the brim, matching the image. Add one cream flower and one tiny yellow bud among the pink roses.

Purse

Using powder blue, CO 18 sts and work flat.

  1. Rows 1-16: stockinette with 2 garter edge sts on each side.
  2. Row 17: p all.
  3. Rows 18-32: stockinette.

BO. Fold in half and seam sides. Make a 3-stitch i-cord strap long enough to hang from bunny wrist to lower skirt, approximately 11 inches / 28 cm. Sew to purse sides.

Embroider purse with tiny pink rosebuds, one larger central rose, and small green leaves. Add a top edge in cream if desired.

Gloves (Make 2)

Using ivory, CO 18 sts. Work flat.

  1. Rows 1-10: rib as k1, p1.
  2. Rows 11-14: stockinette.
  3. Row 15: k2tog, k to end. Slight taper.
  4. Rows 16-20: stockinette.
  5. BO.

Fold and seam into a flat decorative glove shape. Embroider a tiny pink rose near each cuff. These are display accessories and do not need separate fingers.

Bows

The image includes several pink bows across the bodice, cuffs, front waist, and coat trim. Use narrow ribbon if preferred, but knitted bows may also be made.

Knit bow: CO 8 sts in blush pink. Work 10 rows in stockinette. BO. Wrap center with matching yarn and sew into place.

Make:

  • 1 medium bow for bodice center
  • 2 small bows for sleeve cuffs
  • 4-5 small bows for lower front decoration across skirt/coat edge

Squirrel Companion Body

Using warm brown, CO 8 sts on DPNs. Join.

  1. Rnd 1: kfb all. 16 sts.
  2. Rnd 2: k all.
  3. Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) around. 24 sts.
  4. Rnds 4-8: k all.
  5. Rnd 9: (k2, kfb) around. 32 sts.
  6. Rnds 10-18: k all.
  7. Rnd 19: k2tog every 7th and 8th stitch around. 28 sts.
  8. Rnds 20-24: k all.
  9. Rnd 25: k2tog every 6th and 7th stitch around. 24 sts.
  10. Rnds 26-30: k all.

Stuff firmly through opening as you continue.

  1. Rnd 31: k2tog around. 12 sts.
  2. Rnds 32-36: k all for neck.

Squirrel Head

Continue from neck or work separately. For best shaping, work separately.

  1. CO 10 sts. Join.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb all. 20 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all.
  4. Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) around. 30 sts.
  5. Rnds 4-10: k all.
  6. Rnd 11: (k3, k2tog) around. 24 sts.
  7. Rnds 12-14: k all.
  8. Rnd 15: (k2, k2tog) around. 18 sts.
  9. Rnd 16: k all.
  10. Rnd 17: (k1, k2tog) around. 12 sts.

Stuff and close. Embroider tiny nose and mouth. Add black eyes.

Squirrel Ears, Arms, Tail, and Dress

  • Ears: make 2 tiny triangles, CO 5 sts, decrease to point over 4 rows, sew on top of head
  • Arms: CO 6 sts in brown, work 10 rounds, stuff lightly, attach holding an acorn
  • Tail: CO 12 sts, work 34 rows in stockinette with gentle increases at lower third and decreases to rounded tip, sew into curled shape behind body
  • Dress: cream skirt and blue yoke, small ruffled hem, tiny rosebud embroidery at front

For the squirrel dress, CO 36 sts in cream, work 8 rounds, increase to 54 sts for skirt fullness, work 6 rounds, then decrease back to 30 sts for bodice, switching to pale blue for final 8 rows. Add two shoulder seams and leave small openings for arms.

Acorn

Using brown, CO 6 sts. Join and work 1 round. Increase to 12 sts, work 4 rounds, decrease back to 6 sts, stuff lightly, close. Add a darker cap with a few embroidered texture lines. Sew between squirrel hands.

Berry Basket

Using tan yarn and small needles, CO 8 sts. Join.

  1. Rnd 1: kfb all. 16 sts.
  2. Rnd 2: k all.
  3. Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) around. 24 sts.
  4. Rnd 4: p all for base edge.
  5. Rnds 5-12: k all.
  6. Rnd 13: BO loosely.

Handle: make a 3-stitch i-cord 5 inches / 13 cm long and attach at both sides. Fill basket with tiny knitted berry balls in navy, red, and purple.

Rose Embroidery Placement Guide

The floral details are what turn this from a simple bunny into the exact Victorian garden character shown in the image. Keep embroidery balanced and delicate.

  • Add rose clusters to both sides of the coat front opening
  • Add a heavier floral arrangement around the lower coat hem
  • Add a narrow floral line along the dress waist area above the lower ruffle
  • Decorate the purse front with one large rose and several buds
  • Add one rose to each glove cuff
  • Add tiny roses to squirrel dress front
  • Add flower trim to the hat on one side only

Dressing and Layering Order

  1. Sew head to body securely.
  2. Sew ears in place.
  3. Attach arms angled slightly downward and inward.
  4. Pull pink dress skirt onto body and stitch waist in place.
  5. Fit bodice snugly around upper torso and close at back.
  6. Add sleeves.
  7. Fit blue coat over dress and tack lightly at shoulders and upper front if needed.
  8. Add bodice bow, cuff bows, and front hem bows.
  9. Place hat low on head and tack invisibly.
  10. Sew purse strap around wrist or tack to hand.
  11. Arrange gloves on display surface.
  12. Place squirrel and berry basket beside bunny.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head tilts very slightly forward for the gentle expression seen in the image. The ears should fall evenly, with one partly tucked under the hat brim. Keep the eyes small and quiet, not wide or cartoonish. The nose should be short, centered, and neatly embroidered.

Before finishing, lightly adjust stuffing at the cheeks, neckline, and lower skirt. Steam the garments very carefully from a distance if needed. Tack the coat front so it frames the dress symmetrically. Secure every bow and floral trim firmly.

Care Notes

  • Display use is recommended for the best long-term finish
  • Spot clean gently with a barely damp cloth
  • Do not machine wash
  • Do not soak if ribbon or delicate trims are attached
  • Store away from direct sunlight to protect pastel colors

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Are the ears placed low enough and hanging evenly?
  • Does the hat sit softly and slightly forward?
  • Is the coat opening balanced on both sides?
  • Are the roses distributed like the photo, not overcrowded?
  • Is the pink dress visible clearly beneath the blue coat?
  • Are the bows attached at cuffs, bodice, and skirt front?
  • Is the squirrel scaled smaller and standing close to the bunny?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a soft dry brush to remove dust from knitted surfaces and floral embroidery. If needed, spot clean only the affected area with cool water and mild soap, then blot with a towel. Reshape while damp and air dry flat. Keep the doll in a breathable storage box or glass cabinet for best preservation.

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