Poppy Picnic-Day Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to a delightful project that captures the essence of a sunny afternoon in the countryside. This charming bunny, dressed in her finest floral attire, is ready for an outdoor adventure. When you set out to buy knitting yarn for this heirloom-quality doll, look for soft, natural fibers like merino wool or a high-quality cotton blend to ensure the finished toy is cuddly yet durable enough for play.

Creating this scene, complete with a miniature picnic basket and a tiny canine companion, is a wonderful way to expand your crafting skills. As you gather your materials and perhaps search for the best knitting needles online, remember that the joy of this project lies in the small details, from the ruffled sun hat to the tiny cherry pie. This pattern is designed to guide you through every stitch.

 

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

 

Project Overview and Essential Materials

Before casting on, it is vital to understand the scope of this project. You are not just knitting a doll; you are creating a character with a complete wardrobe and accessories. This project is knitted flat on straight needles and seamed, which is often more manageable for beginners than working in the round.

The bunny stands approximately 10 to 12 inches tall, depending on your tension. The clothing is removable, adding an extra layer of playability. The color palette focuses on creamy naturals, vibrant poppy reds, and soft leaf greens.

Yarn Requirements

• Main Body Color (Cream/Oatmeal): Approximately 100g of DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn. A wool/acrylic blend is ideal for structure.
• Dress Main Color (Light Cream): 50g of DK weight yarn.
• Poppy Red: 30g of DK yarn for the dress hem, flowers, and hat brim.
• Leaf Green: 20g of DK yarn for stems and leaves.
• Mint Green: 20g of DK yarn for the shoes.
• Basket Color (Tan/Beige): 30g of worsted weight or DK yarn held double for stiffness.
• Dog Color (Golden Brown): Small amount of DK yarn.
• Pie Colors: Scraps of tan (crust), dark red (filling), and blue (dish).

Tools and Notions

• Knitting Needles: A pair of US 2.5 (3.00mm) needles for the bunny and clothes. A pair of US 4 (3.5mm) needles for the basket.
• Tapestry Needle: A blunt-ended needle is essential for seaming the pieces together using mattress stitch.
• Embroidery Needle: A sharp needle for the facial features and duplicate stitch details.
• Toy Stuffing: High-quality polyester fiberfill. Avoid cheap stuffing as it can result in a lumpy finish.
• Safety Eyes: Two 9mm black safety eyes for the bunny and two 4mm eyes for the dog (or use black yarn for embroidery).
• Stitch Holders: To hold the leg stitches before joining.
• Row Counter: Very helpful for keeping track of the dress pattern.

Part 1: The Bunny Construction

We begin by knitting the legs, which are worked separately and then joined to form the body. This construction method gives the bunny a sturdy base, allowing it to sit nicely. We use a smaller needle size than the yarn label suggests to create a dense fabric that keeps the stuffing hidden.

Legs (Make 2)

Start with the main body color (Cream/Oatmeal). We begin at the sole of the foot.

1. Cast On: Cast on 10 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method. This creates a neat, elastic edge.
2. Row 1: Purl all stitches. This establishes the wrong side (WS) of the work.
3. Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back (kfb) of the first stitch. Knit 8 stitches. Kfb in the last stitch. (12 sts).
4. Row 3: Purl all stitches. Keep your tension even.
5. Row 4 (Increase): Kfb in the first stitch. Knit 10 stitches. Kfb in the last stitch. (14 sts).
6. Row 5: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 6 (Shape Foot): Knit 1 row straight.
8. Row 7: Purl 1 row straight.
9. Row 8 (Shape Toe): Knit 4, k2tog (knit two together), ssk (slip, slip, knit), Knit 4. This begins to curve the front of the foot. (12 sts).
10. Row 9: Purl all stitches.
11. Row 10 (Ankle): Knit 4, k2tog, ssk, Knit 4. (10 sts).
12. Row 11: Purl all stitches. You have now completed the foot shaping.
13. Rows 12-30: Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit on RS, Purl on WS) for 19 rows. This forms the leg.
14. Break Yarn: Cut the yarn for the first leg, leaving a small tail, and place the stitches on a holder. Knit the second leg exactly the same way, but do not cut the yarn.

Joining the Body

Now we will join the two legs to start the torso. This is a critical step for the structure of the doll.

1. Row 31 (Join): With the second leg on your needle, Knit across the 10 stitches. Cast on 2 new stitches (this creates the space between the legs). Knit across the 10 stitches of the first leg from the holder. You now have 22 stitches total.
2. Row 32: Purl across all 22 stitches. When you reach the center cast-on stitches, purl them tightly to prevent holes.
3. Rows 33-45: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch. This forms the lower belly.
4. Row 46 (Waist Shaping): Knit 5, k2tog, Knit 8, ssk, Knit 5. (20 sts).
5. Row 47: Purl all stitches.
6. Rows 48-52: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch.
7. Row 53 (Chest Increase): Knit 5, kfb, Knit 8, kfb, Knit 5. (22 sts).
8. Row 54: Purl all stitches.
9. Rows 55-60: Work straight to build the chest height.
10. Row 61 (Shoulders): Knit 5, k2tog, Knit 8, ssk, Knit 5. (20 sts).
11. Row 62: Purl all stitches.
12. Row 63: Knit 4, k2tog, Knit 8, ssk, Knit 4. (18 sts).
13. Row 64: Purl all stitches. Do not cast off. We will continue directly into the head.

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The Head

The head requires rapid increases to create the “chubby cheek” look characteristic of this bunny.

1. Row 65 (Neck Increase): Kfb in every stitch across the row. You now have 36 stitches.
2. Row 66: Purl all stitches.
3. Row 67 (Cheek Increase): *Knit 3, kfb* repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (45 sts).
4. Rows 68-85: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch. This large canvas is where the face will be embroidered later.
5. Row 86 (Decrease): *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat to end. (36 sts).
6. Row 87: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 88: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat to end. (27 sts).
8. Row 89: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 90: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat to end. (18 sts).
10. Row 91: Purl all stitches.
11. Row 92: k2tog across the entire row. (9 sts).
12. Finish: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread it through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close the top of the head, and secure.

Arms (Make 2)

The arms are simple tubes, but be careful not to stuff them too firmly near the top, or they will stick out at odd angles.

• Cast on 8 stitches.
• Work in Stockinette Stitch for 22 rows.
• Decrease Row: k2tog, Knit 4, ssk. (6 sts).
• Purl one row.
• Cast off.

Ears (Make 2)

These ears are long and floppy. We will use a garter stitch border to keep them flat.

• Cast on 12 stitches.
• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
• Row 5: Knit 2 (border), Knit 8, Knit 2 (border).
• Row 6: Knit 2, Purl 8, Knit 2.
• Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until the ear measures approximately 5 inches long.
• Decrease: k2tog, Knit to last 2 stitches, ssk.
• Purl row.
• Repeat decrease row.
• Cast off remaining stitches.

Part 2: The Poppy Dress

This beautiful dress is the centerpiece of the outfit. It features a red garter stitch hem, a colorwork poppy border, and a lace-detail bodice.

The Skirt

We start from the bottom hem with Poppy Red yarn.

1. Cast On: Cast on 45 stitches.
2. Rows 1-4: Knit every row. This creates the red garter stitch hem that prevents rolling.
3. Change Color: Switch to Light Cream yarn.
4. Rows 5-15: Work in Stockinette Stitch. This is the background for our flowers.

The Poppy Motif (Duplicate Stitch Guide)

While you can use Intarsia, for a design this small, Duplicate Stitch is highly recommended. It is less bulky and allows for more precision. Continue knitting the skirt in Cream until it measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge.

Instructions for Duplicate Stitch placement later: You will stitch 5-petal red flowers evenly spaced around the hem (approx. every 8 stitches). Use Green yarn to stitch vertical stems and small ‘V’ shapes for leaves connecting to the red blooms. Do this after the dress is knitted but before seaming.

Waist and Bodice

Now we shape the dress to fit the bunny.

1. Next Row (Decrease): *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat to end. (36 sts).
2. Next Row: Purl all stitches.
3. Row (Eyelet Detail): Knit 1, *yo (yarn over), k2tog, Knit 1* repeat to end. This creates the decorative holes seen in the photo.
4. Next Row: Purl all stitches.
5. Rows (Bodice Height): Work 6 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
6. Armholes: Cast off 4 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. (28 sts).
7. Work 4 more rows straight.
8. Neckline: Switch to Red yarn. Knit 2 rows in Garter Stitch.
9. Cast off loosely.

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Finishing the Dress: Sew the back seam, leaving the top inch open. You can add a small snap fastener or a hook and eye to close it.

Part 3: The Cable Cardigan

The cardigan adds texture and warmth. It features a simple cable down the sleeves and fronts.

Back Panel

• With Cream yarn, cast on 24 stitches.
• Work 4 rows in K1, P1 ribbing.
• Work 16 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
• Cast off 3 stitches at each end for armholes.
• Work 10 more rows. Cast off.

Left Front (With Poppy)

• Cast on 12 stitches.
• Work 4 rows in K1, P1 ribbing.
• Row 5: Knit across.
• Row 6: Purl across.
• Continue in Stockinette until the piece measures the same as the back to the armhole.
• Armhole: Cast off 3 stitches at the beginning of the RS row.
• Work straight up to the shoulder. Cast off.
• Note: The large poppy on the front is embroidered using Duplicate Stitch after knitting. It should be placed centrally on the chest area.

Right Front

Work exactly as the Left Front, but reverse the shaping for the armhole (cast off at the start of the WS row).

Sleeves (Make 2)

The sleeves feature a small cable or textured twist.

• Cast on 14 stitches.
• Work 4 rows ribbing.
• Pattern Row 1: Knit 5, Cable 4 Front (C4F), Knit 5.
• Row 2: Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: Knit all stitches.
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.
• Repeat these 4 rows. The cable twist happens every 4th row.
• Increase 1 stitch at each end of every 6th row until you have 18 stitches.
• Cast off.

Part 4: The Ruffled Sun Hat

This bucket-style hat has a distinct, scalloped red brim.

1. Brim: Using Poppy Red yarn, cast on 60 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Picot Edge): *Knit 2, yo, k2tog* repeat to end. This forms the scalloped points when folded.
3. Rows 2-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch).
4. Change Color: Switch to Cream yarn.
5. Row 5: Knit all stitches.
6. Row 6: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 7 (Decrease): *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat to end. (50 sts).
8. Row 8: Purl.
9. Rows 9-12: Work straight in Stockinette.
10. Row 13 (Crown Shaping): *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat to end. (40 sts).
11. Row 14: Purl.
12. Row 15: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat to end. (30 sts).
13. Row 16: Purl.
14. Row 17: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat to end. (20 sts).
15. Row 18: Purl.
16. Row 19: k2tog across. (10 sts).
17. Finish: Cut yarn, thread through remaining loops, pull tight, and sew the back seam.

Part 5: Mint Shoes with Pom-poms

These dainty shoes complete the look.

• Using Mint Green yarn, cast on 14 stitches.
• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter sole).
• Row 3: Knit 1, M1 (make one), Knit 12, M1, Knit 1. (16 sts).
• Row 4: Purl.
• Rows 5-7: Stockinette Stitch.
• Row 8 (Toe): Knit 5, cast off 6 stitches (loosely), Knit 5.
• Row 9: Purl across the first group, cut yarn. Rejoin at second group, purl across.
• Row 10: Cast off remaining stitches.
• Assembly: Sew the back heel seam and the sole seam. Create a tiny red French knot or sew a small red bead onto the front of each shoe for the “pom-pom.”

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Part 6: The Picnic Accessories

The details make the scene! We have a basket, a liner, a dog, and a pie.

The Picnic Basket

Use Tan yarn, possibly held double for stiffness.

• Base: Cast on 12 stitches. Knit in Garter Stitch for 18 rows. Pick up stitches along the 3 other sides (approx 12 on short sides, 18 on long side). You are now working in the round or flat (described flat here).
• Sides (Basketweave Stitch):Row 1: *K4, P4* repeat across.Row 2: Purl the Purls, Knit the Knits.

  Rows 3-4: Repeat Rows 1-2.

  Row 5: *P4, K4* repeat across (shift the pattern).

  Row 6: Knit the Knits, Purl the Purls.

  Rows 7-8: Repeat Rows 5-6.

• Work until basket is 2 inches deep. Cast off.
• Handle: Knit a 6-inch I-cord and sew to the sides.

The Gingham Liner

You can knit this or use fabric. To knit:

• Using Red and White yarn. Cast on 20 stitches.
• Row 1: *K2 Red, K2 White* repeat.
• Row 2: *P2 Red, P2 White* repeat.
• Row 3: *K2 White, K2 Red* repeat.
• Row 4: *P2 White, P2 Red* repeat.
• Continue until you have a square. Place inside the basket.

The Tiny Dog

Use US 1.5 (2.5mm) needles and Golden Brown yarn.

• Body: Cast on 10 sts. Work 10 rows stockinette. Decrease ends to round off. Sew into a sausage shape.
• Head: Cast on 6 sts. Work 5 rows. Decrease. Sew into a ball and attach to body.
• Ears: Cast on 3 sts. Knit 3 rows. Cast off. Sew to head.
• Legs: Make 4 tiny I-cords (3 sts, 4 rows). Sew to body.
• Face: Embroider tiny black eyes and nose.

The Cherry Pie

• Crust (Tan): Cast on 15 sts. Knit a circle (increase every other stitch, then work straight).
• Filling (Red): Make a pom-pom or knit a small red ball.
• Assembly: Place red ball on tan circle. Fold edges up and crimp. Embroider “lattice” lines on top with tan yarn.

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

This is the stage where your bunny comes to life. Patience here yields the best results.

Seaming the Body

Start by sewing the sole of the foot flat. Then, using mattress stitch, sew up the back of the leg. Continue up the center back of the body. When you reach the neck opening, pause to stuff.

Stuffing Tip: Stuff the feet very firmly so they look like shoes. Stuff the legs moderately. Stuff the body firmly, especially the neck area, to prevent the head from wobbling.

Head and Face

Sew the back seam of the head. Stuff the head very firmly into a round ball shape. Before closing the top completely, add a little more stuffing to the cheeks.

Sculpting the Face:

1. Eyes: Insert safety eyes between rows 75 and 80, spaced about 10 stitches apart. If the head is already closed, use black embroidery thread to satin stitch circles.

2. Nose: Use brown thread. Stitch a “Y” shape. The V top is the nose, and the straight line down is the split lip.

3. Ears: Sew the cast-on edge of the ears to the sides of the head, slightly curving them so they cup forward.

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Attaching Arms

Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck decrease rows. Angle them slightly forward so the bunny can hold her basket.

Dress Decoration

Before dressing the bunny, ensure you have completed the duplicate stitch embroidery on the skirt (red poppies, green stems) and the large poppy on the cardigan.

Care Notes

Because of the duplicate stitch embroidery and the multiple accessories, this toy requires gentle care.

• Washing: Spot clean is best. If a full wash is needed, submerge gently in cool water with wool wash. Do not rub the embroidered areas.
• Drying: Roll in a towel to squeeze out water. Lay flat to dry. Reshape the hat and basket while wet.
• Maintenance: If the stuffing compresses over time, you can carefully open a seam and add more fresh fiberfill.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

Before you wrap up your picnic project, check these details:

1. Are all yarn ends woven in and hidden inside the body?
2. Is the neck stiff enough to hold the head up? (Add more stuffing if needed).
3. Are the buttons/safety eyes secure?
4. Have you blocked the dress hem so it lays flat?
5. Is the basket handle sewn on securely?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To keep your Poppy Picnic-Day Bunny looking her best for years:

Dust Prevention

Dust can settle into the knit stitches. Once a month, use a lint roller or a piece of masking tape to gently lift surface dust from the bunny and her clothes. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a nylon stocking placed over the nozzle to gently suction dust without damaging the fabric.

Long-Term Storage

If storing the bunny away, place her in a breathable cotton bag. Do not use plastic, as moisture can get trapped and cause mildew. Place a cedar ball or a sachet of lavender in the bag to deter moths, especially if you used wool yarn. Avoid storing in direct sunlight, as the red yarn of the poppies is prone to fading.

Refreshing the Shape

Knitted toys can get “squashed” with love. To refresh the shape, use a darning needle to gently poke through the fabric and lever the stuffing back into place. This is particularly useful for the cheeks and the tummy area.

We hope you enjoy this serene knitting journey. The Poppy Picnic-Day Bunny is more than just a pattern; it is a scene of joy and relaxation created by your own hands.