Introduction

Meet the Bunny Postie on Tea Break—a cuddly, hand-knitted rabbit styled like a sweet postie taking a quiet moment with tea and a biscuit. This design captures a curious head tilt, soft DK-weight texture, a removable cable-look cardigan with tiny wooden buttons, a sage flat cap, and a caramel cross-body postbag with a little postcard peeking out.

The proportions, shaping, and accessories in this pattern are written to reproduce the exact look of the photo you see: rounded paws and feet, gently oval head, upright ears with inner purl ridge, and neat, seam-friendly edges for a polished, “real handmade” finish.

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Materials Needed

• Yarn (DK/Light Worsted, non-fuzzy for crisp stitches):
  1. Body/Head/Ears/Arms/Legs/Tail: Oatmeal/Light Camel – ~55 g
  2. Cardigan: Slate Blue – ~30 g
  3. Flat Cap: Sage Green – ~15 g
  4. Postbag: Caramel Brown – ~15 g
  5. Postcard: Cream – scraps; Stamp corner: Red scrap; “1st” detail: White/Beige scrap
• Needles: 3.0 mm (US 2½–3) straight needles for knitting flat; optional 3.25 mm if you tend to knit tight
• Notions:
  1. Safety eyes 8 mm (2 pcs)
  2. Black embroidery thread for nose/mouth
  3. 4 mini wooden buttons (≈6–7 mm) for cardigan
  4. Tapestry needle, stitch holders, waste yarn, locking stitch markers
  5. Stuffing (polyfill), small amount of cardboard for postbag base (optional)
  6. Pipe cleaner or 18–20 cm floral wire (optional) for ear support—wrap ends in tape
  7. Sew-in snap (1 small) for the postbag flap (optional)
  8. Blocking pins and steam/handheld steamer (optional)

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Abbreviations (US Terms)

• CO: cast on
• BO: bind off
• K: knit
• P: purl
• St(s): stitch(es)
• Kfb: knit front and back (increase 1)
• M1L/M1R: make 1 left/right (increase 1)
• K2tog: knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• PM/SM: place/slide marker
• RS/WS: right side/wrong side
• St st: stockinette stitch (RS knit, WS purl)
• Garter: knit every row
• Inc: increase
• Dec: decrease
• Rep: repeat
• Tbl: through back loop

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Gauge & Finished Size

• Gauge: ~26 sts × 36 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in St st on 3.0 mm needles, lightly stuffed fabric.
• Finished height: ~8″ (20 cm) from foot to ear tip (ears upright); ~6.75″ (17 cm) to top of head.
  To match the photo proportions, aim to meet gauge or adjust needle size to achieve a firm, dense fabric that does not show stuffing.

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Pattern Notes

• Construction: Each body part is knit flat and seamed for a crisp, tailored toy silhouette: legs/feet, body, arms, head, ears, tail.
• Seams: Use mattress stitch for vertical seams and ladder/whip stitch for closed edges.
• Stuffing rhythm: Lightly stuff as you go; keep limbs evenly packed so the bunny stands with stable, rounded feet.
• Color placement:
  1. Body set in oatmeal/camel.
  2. Cardigan slate blue with faux-cable panels.
  3. Flat cap sage.
  4. Postbag caramel, postcard cream with a small red corner “stamp.”
• Safety: If gifting to a child under 3, embroider eyes instead of using safety eyes.

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Proportion & Form Analysis (For Accuracy)

• Head: Gentle oval—slightly wider than deep. Muzzle formed by subtle decreases; no separate snout piece. Eyes set slightly below mid-height of head, 11–12 sts apart.
• Ears: Upright, tapered ovals; inner fold implied by a purl “valley” ridge along the center after blocking—gives the soft-lined ear look.
• Body: Compact barrel (torso height ≈ head height). Narrow shoulder slope for cardigan fit.
• Arms: Slim tubes with softly rounded ends; seam sits underside to hide.
• Legs/Feet: Foot pads are plump ovals forming stable stance; legs continue straight into the body for a neat join that hides under the cardigan hem.
• Accessories:
  1. Cardigan length finishes just below waistline; sleeves cuffed.
  2. Flat cap has a tiny seed-stitch brim and a softly domed crown with narrow band.
  3. Postbag sits high on hip with a narrow strap crossing the chest.

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Pieces Overview

1. Head (flat, bottom-up)
2. Ears (2)
3. Body/Torso (bottom-up)
4. Legs/Feet (2)
5. Arms (2)
6. Tail (pom/mini oval)
7. Cardigan (back, 2 fronts, sleeves, neckband/button band)
8. Flat Cap (band, crown, small brim)
9. Postbag (front/back/base/flap/strap)
10. Postcard (flat rectangle; optional embroidered “1st”)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1) Legs & Feet (make 2)

With oatmeal on 3.0 mm needles, knit flat.
CO 10 sts.
Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2 (RS): Kfb, K to last st, Kfb. (12)
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4: Kfb, K to last st, Kfb. (14)
Row 5: Purl.
Row 6: K1, Kfb, rep to last 1 st, K1. (20)
Row 7: Purl.
Row 8: K across.
Row 9: P across.
Row 10: K2, Kfb, rep to end. (26)
Rows 11–16: Work even in St st (creates the plump foot).

Toe taper:
Row 17: K2, K2tog, rep. (20)
Row 18: Purl.
Row 19: K1, K2tog, rep. (14)
Row 20: Purl.

Leg tube:
Row 21: Kfb, K to last st, Kfb. (16)
Rows 22–38: Work even in St st (≈ 4.5 cm).
Row 39: K3, K2tog, rep. (13)
Row 40: Purl.
Row 41: BO loosely purlwise to leave a flat top edge for seaming into the body.
Sew foot/leg seam; stuff firmly at the foot, moderate up the leg. Set aside.

2) Body/Torso (bottom-up)

CO 36 sts.
Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2 (RS): Kfb, K to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. (38)
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4: K5, Kfb, rep across. (44)
Rows 5–18: St st even (establish barrel body).
Row 19: K5, K2tog, rep. (38)
Row 20: Purl.
Row 21: K4, K2tog, rep. (32)
Row 22: Purl.
Row 23: K3, K2tog, rep. (26)
Row 24: Purl.
Row 25: K2, K2tog, rep. (20)
Row 26: Purl.
BO, leaving a long tail for seaming. Seam up side; before closing top, ladder-stitch legs inside the lower body opening (toe tips forward, feet flat). Stuff firmly to a neat barrel; close body top.

3) Arms (make 2)

CO 8 sts.
Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2: K1, Kfb, rep to end. (12)
Rows 3–18: St st even for a slim tube.
Row 19: K2tog, rep. (6)
Cut yarn, thread tail through remaining sts, pull closed into a rounded paw. Seam underside; lightly stuff. Set aside for shoulder attach.

4) Head (bottom-up)

CO 24 sts.
Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2: K3, Kfb, rep. (30)
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4: K4, Kfb, rep. (36)
Rows 5–18: St st even (face area).
Row 19: K4, K2tog, rep. (30)
Row 20: Purl.
Row 21: K3, K2tog, rep. (24)
Row 22: Purl.
Row 23: K2, K2tog, rep. (18)
Row 24: Purl.
Row 25: K1, K2tog, rep. (12)
Row 26: Purl.
Cut yarn, leaving long tail. Thread through live sts and draw just enough to form the top curve; seam the back of head from crown to neck opening.

Face placement: Insert safety eyes 11–12 sts apart horizontally, slightly below mid-height of the head panel; embroider a tiny V-nose and short vertical mouth line. Stuff gradually, shaping a gentle oval. Close neck edge after attachment to body.

5) Ears (make 2)

CO 8 sts.
Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2: K1, Kfb, rep. (12)
Rows 3–18: St st even.
Row 19: K2, K2tog, rep. (9)
Row 20: Purl.
Row 21: K1, K2tog, rep. (6)
Row 22: Purl.
Row 23: K2tog three times. (3)
Cut yarn; pull through remaining sts to close tip. Seam edges; do not overstuff (or leave unstuffed). Optional: insert taped wire for gentle poseability. After blocking, create a soft inner fold by finger-pressing a center ridge.

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6) Tail

CO 6 sts.
Row 1: Purl.
Row 2: Kfb across. (12)
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4: K2tog across. (6)
Break yarn; draw tail through sts, stuff lightly to form a tiny puff. Sew to lower back for balance.

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Assembly (Body)

1. Join Head to Body: Ladder-stitch neck opening to top of body, keeping head slightly forward for the curious tilt.
2. Attach Ears: Position 3–4 rows back from crown center, slightly angled outward; stitch securely.
3. Attach Arms: Sew to body sides at shoulder line (just below head seam); angle arms to allow postbag strap to sit naturally.
4. Final Face: Tighten eye positioning if needed by carefully anchoring threads inside head; embroider nose/mouth.

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The Cardigan (Removable)

Style: short length, faux-cable front panels, rolled garter collar, cuffs, and button band.

Back
CO 34 sts in slate blue.
Rows 1–4: Garter (K every row).
Rows 5–24: St st even.
Rows 25–28: Garter.
BO all sts.

Left Front
CO 18 sts.
Rows 1–4: Garter.
Row 5 (RS): K 4, panel [K2, P2] once, K to end.
Rows 6–24: Keep 4-st front edge in garter (for button band later), maintain panel [K2, P2] stacked to mimic a soft cable column.
Rows 25–28: Garter all. BO.

Right Front
Work as Left Front mirroring placement of the [K2, P2] panel near the center front edge.

Sleeves (make 2)
CO 20 sts.
Rows 1–6: Garter (forms a cuff you can fold).
Rows 7–24: St st even.
Row 25: K2, K2tog, rep. (15)
Row 26: Purl.
Row 27: K1, K2tog, rep. (10)
BO. Seam sleeves; set in lightly to armholes.

Finishing the Cardigan

• Seam shoulders (back to fronts).
• Attach sleeves to armholes; sew side/underarm seams.
• Neck/Front Bands: Pick up and knit evenly along the fronts and back neck (≈58–66 sts total, depending on your gauge). Work 4 rows garter.
• Buttonholes: On Right Front Band (as worn by the bunny), work 2 buttonholes on Row 2: K2, YO, K2tog placed evenly; repeat two more times for 3–4 buttons (match the photo: 4 small wooden buttons).
• Bind off loosely. Sew buttons to the opposite band.
• Light steam to relax the panels; fold sleeve cuffs.

Fit Check: The hem should sit just below the waistline, with the panels aligning near center front. The faux panels create a soft “cable” texture seen in the photo without bulky bulk on a tiny garment.

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The Flat Cap (Sage)

Band
CO 44 sts.
Rows 1–6: K1, P1 rib. BO very loosely; seam short ends to form a ring.

Crown (picked up from band)
With RS facing, pick up and K 44 sts evenly around one edge of the band.
Round 1 (or work flat in the round on DPNs; instructions written in rows for flat):

• If knitting flat: Row A (RS) K all; Row B (WS) P all.
  Shape crown with gentle decreases:
• Row C (RS): K9, K2tog, rep to end. (40)
• Row D (WS): Purl.
• Row E: K8, K2tog, rep. (36)
• Row F: Purl.
• Row G: K7, K2tog, rep. (32)
• Row H: Purl.
• Row I: K6, K2tog, rep. (28)
• Row J: Purl.
• Row K: K5, K2tog, rep. (24)
• Row L: Purl.
• Row M: K4, K2tog, rep. (20)
• Row N: Purl.
• Row O: K3, K2tog, rep. (16)
• Row P: Purl.
• Row Q: K2, K2tog, rep. (12)
  Cut yarn; draw through remaining sts and fasten. Seam crown seam if worked flat.

Mini Brim
CO 10 sts.
Row 1: Seed stitch (K1, P1 across).
Rows 2–4: Repeat Row 1.
Row 5: K2tog, K to last 2, K2tog. (8)
Row 6: Seed stitch.
BO; lightly steam to curve. Sew brim under the band’s front edge; tack sides so it sits neatly like in the photo.

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The Postbag with Strap (Caramel)

Front & Back (make 2)
CO 16 sts.
Rows 1–14: St st even.
Row 15: Garter.
BO.

Base
CO 16 sts. Work 4 rows garter; BO.

Assembly
Sew front, base, and back into a tiny rectangle pouch. Optionally slip a thin cardboard oval inside for structure.

Flap
CO 16 sts.
Rows 1–4: Garter.
Row 5: K2tog, K to last 2, K2tog. (14)
Row 6: Garter.
Row 7: K2tog, K to last 2, K2tog. (12)
Row 8: Garter.
Row 9: BO.
Sew flap to top back edge. Add a tiny sew-in snap or a small button centered.

Strap
CO 3 sts; work i-cord to ~22–24 cm (enough to cross the bunny’s chest and hang at hip as in the photo). Attach to pouch sides. Drape across the cardigan; tack lightly at shoulder so it sits like the picture.

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The Mini Postcard (Cream + Red)

CO 8 sts in cream.
Rows 1–6: St st.
BO.
Work one red embroidered corner (satin stitch triangle) as the “stamp” and add a tiny white ‘1st’ with a single chain or straight stitch. Tuck into the postbag so it peeks out visibly.

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Attaching Accessories & Final Styling

1. Dress the Bunny: Put on cardigan first; fasten 4 wooden buttons.
2. Postbag: Strap goes from right shoulder to left hip (as in the photo). Secure with a few hidden tacking stitches so it doesn’t slide.
3. Cap Angle: Seat the flat cap just behind the ear bases with a tiny tilt forward; tack with two invisible stitches to keep the “curious” vibe.
4. Tea-Break Scene (optional props): Place a small teacup and a biscuit beside your bunny for the exact tableau.

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Finishing Touches / Tips

• Blocking: A light steam over ears, cardigan panels, and cap brim defines edges without flattening DK texture. Do not over-steam the body—keep it plush.
• Stuffing Balance: Firm at feet and lower legs to help standing; medium in torso; firm in head so the safety eyes sit flush without dimples.
• Seam Discipline: For the clean “handmade photo” look, keep mattress seams perfectly aligned at limb undersides and body side.
• Ear Personality: Add a subtle bend by stitching a tiny tack ⅓ from the tip.
• Color Matching: Oatmeal body + slate blue cardi + sage cap + caramel bag deliver the exact pastel harmony seen in the image.
• Buttons: Choose matte mini wooden buttons (≈6–7 mm) for the authentic vibe.