Intro: Coastal Seashell Bunny wears a sea-glass wave dress, a light seafoam cardigan, starfish beret, Mary Jane shoes, and a gauzy shoreline scarf. Accessories: a lattice crossbody shell bag with a tiny message bottle and a pair of navy binoculars.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- CO – cast on
- BO – bind off
- K / P – knit / purl
- St(s) – stitch(es)
- Rnd(s) / Row(s) – round(s) / row(s)
- PM / SM – place / slip marker
- KFB – knit front & back (inc 1)
- M1L / M1R – make 1 left/right
- K2tog / SSK – right-/left-leaning decrease
- Tbl – through back loop
- I-cord – knit tube: K, slide, do not turn
- Yo – yarn over
- Rpt – repeat
- Beg / Cont – beginning / continue
Materials
- Yarn (Worsted/Aran, non-superwash wool for structure):
- Bunny fur: beige/oatmeal – 60 g
- Dress & shoes: seafoam/sea-glass green – 55 g
- Cardigan & crossbody: pale seafoam – 35 g
- Beret + starfish: sand beige + light coral scraps
- Scarf: cream laceweight mohair or light fingering – small amount
- Binoculars: deep navy – scraps
- Nose/embroidery: cocoa brown – scraps
- Needles:
- US 2.5 (3.0 mm) DPNs or 32″ circular (toy + shoes; dense fabric)
- US 4 (3.5 mm) (garments for softer drape)
- Notions: fiberfill, tapestry needle, stitch markers, optional thin wire for shaping the bag rim only (omit for child-safe), small amount of stuffing for binoculars/message bottle, a tiny clear bead (or knit stopper) to mimic the bottle’s cork if desired.
Finished Size: approx 10.5 in / 27 cm tall including ears.
Gauge: 26 sts × 34 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in stockinette on US 2.5 in the round and firmly stuffed. Clothing gauge on US 4: 24 sts × 32 rows = 4″ in stockinette.
Construction Overview
The bunny’s head and body are worked as one from crown to feet with separate limbs sewn on. Ears are knit flat for crisp edges and a natural inward tilt. Clothing is fully removable: scalloped wave dress with shell bobbles, cropped V-neck cardigan with two buttons, ribbed beret decorated by a coral starfish, and Mary Jane shoes. Accessories include a lattice crossbody holding a message bottle and soft binoculars. The palette is soft pastel with natural, photo-real stitch definition.
Bunny – Head & Body (beige, US 2.5)
Head
CO 8 sts, join for magic loop.
Rnd 1: KFB around (16).
Rnd 2: K.
Rnd 3: (K1, KFB) ×8 (24).
Rnd 4: K.
Rnd 5: (K2, KFB) ×8 (32).
Rnd 6: K.
Rnd 7: (K3, KFB) ×8 (40).
Rnd 8: K.
Rnd 9: (K4, KFB) ×8 (48).
Rnds 10–18: K (cheek depth).
Rnd 19: (K6, KFB) ×6 (54).
Rnds 20–22: K.
Rnd 23: (K7, K2tog) ×6 (48).
Rnd 24: K.
Rnd 25: (K6, K2tog) ×6 (42).
Rnd 26: (K5, K2tog) ×6 (36). Start stuffing firmly, keeping cheeks round.
Rnd 27: (K4, K2tog) ×6 (30).
Rnd 28: (K3, K2tog) ×6 (24).
Rnd 29: (K2, K2tog) ×6 (18).
Rnd 30: (K1, K2tog) ×6 (12). Do not close.
Neck Cinch
Rnd 31: K2tog ×6 (6). Work 1 rnd even; this tight column supports the head.
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Body Increases
Rnd 33: KFB ×6 (12).
Rnd 34: (K1, KFB) ×6 (18).
Rnd 35: (K2, KFB) ×6 (24).
Rnd 36: (K3, KFB) ×6 (30).
Rnd 37: (K4, KFB) ×6 (36).
Rnd 38: (K5, KFB) ×6 (42).
Rnds 39–50: K even for torso length (~1.75″). Stuff as you go, medium-firm.
Hip & Closure
Rnd 51: (K6, KFB) ×6 (48).
Rnds 52–54: K.
Rnd 55: (K4, K2tog) ×8 (40).
Rnd 56: K.
Rnd 57: (K3, K2tog) ×8 (32).
Rnd 58: (K2, K2tog) ×8 (24).
Rnd 59: (K1, K2tog) ×8 (16).
Rnd 60: K2tog ×8 (8). Finish stuffing; cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.
Ears (make 2, beige, US 2.5; knit flat)
CO 10 sts.
Rows 1–4: Garter (K all).
Row 5 (RS): KFB, K to last st, KFB (12).
Rows 6–16: Stockinette; inc 1 st each edge every RS row 3× → 16 sts, then work even to row 16.
Row 17: K1, yo, K2tog rpt to last st, K1 (soft inner ridge).
Rows 18–26: Stockinette even.
Shaping:
Row 27 (RS): SSK, K to last 2, K2tog.
Rpt row 27 4× more → 6 sts.
Row 32: K2tog, K2, K2tog (4).
Row 33: K2tog twice (2). Fasten off with long tail.
Block lightly; sew ear bases to head with a gentle inward tilt and slight forward pitch as in the photo.
Arms (make 2, beige, US 2.5; in the round)
CO 6 sts.
Rnd 1: KFB around (12).
Rnds 2–8: K.
Rnd 9: (K2, KFB) ×4 (16).
Rnds 10–14: K.
Rnd 15: (K2, K2tog) ×4 (12).
Stuff lightly (leave upper arm softer).
Rnds 16–22: K even. BO, flatten opening and mattress stitch closed to form a tidy shoulder.
Legs & Feet (make 2, beige; shoes are separate)
CO 8 sts.
Rnd 1: KFB ×8 (16).
Rnd 2: (K1, KFB) ×8 (24).
Rnd 3: (K2, KFB) ×8 (32).
Rnds 4–7: K even for foot length, stuffing firmly.
Rnd 8: (K2, K2tog) ×8 (24).
Rnds 9–16: K even for leg tube; stuff medium. BO leaving long tail for sewing.
Tail (beige)
CO 6 sts, Rnd 1 KFB ×6 (12).
Rnd 2: K.
Rnd 3: (K2tog) ×6 (6). BO, stuff, sew to center back at hip line.
Face
Embroider a soft cocoa triangular nose centered above neck taper; add a short vertical stitch and a delicate “Y” mouth. Work small black/brown seed-stitch eyes level with the nose corners, spaced ~7 sts apart for the gentle look.
Wave Dress (sea-glass, US 4)
Dress is worked top-down in the round with a scalloped shell hem.
Bodice
CO 72 sts, join, PM.
Rnds 1–6: K1, P1 rib for neckline.
Rnd 7: (K5, M1R) ×12 (84).
Rnds 8–16: K even.
Armhole split: K 18, BO 6 (armhole), K 36, BO 6, K 24.
Work back and forth in rows.
Row 1 (WS): P across; CO 6 over each armhole gap as you pass, turning piece into a sleeveless bodice; PM at each side seam.
Row 2 (RS): K across.
Row 3: (K12, M1R) across side sections only (adds slight A-line).
Cont even to 3.25″ from CO.
Skirt – Wave & Shell Panel
Join in the round again.
Set pattern repeat over 12 sts (multiple of 12 maintained at 96 sts after increases below).
Rnd A (Inc set): K8, M1R, M1L, P2 around (adds 2 sts each rpt → 112 sts).
Rnd B: K10, P2 around.
Rnd C: K2, (yo, K2tog) ×3, K1, P2 around (gentle ripple).
Rnd D: K10, P2 around.
Shell Bobble Border (to mimic sewn shells):
Rnd E: [K1, (KFB, KFB, KFB into next st), K1] over the first 3 knit sts, then K5, P2 around → bobble cluster = raised “shell.”
Rnd F: Knit all knit sts and P2 purls, tightening bobbles by knitting tbl where convenient.
Repeat Rnds C–F once more for a second ripple tier.
Hem Scallop
Work: (K2tog, K2, [yo, K1] ×2, K2, SSK, P2) around.
Final rnd: K all knit sts, P2 around.
BO loosely in pattern. Steam the hem lightly; the shells should sit proud and rounded.
Cardigan (pale seafoam, US 4 body; US 2.5 edges)
A cropped V-neck with two buttons.
Back
CO 40 sts.
Rows 1–6: K1, P1 rib.
Work stockinette to 3.25″.
Armholes: BO 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows; then dec 1 each side every RS row 2× → 32 sts.
Work even to 4.75″.
Shoulders: BO 8 sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Neck: BO rem 16 sts.
Left Front
CO 22 sts.
Rows 1–6: K1, P1 rib.
Work stockinette; at 2.5″, shape armhole as back (−5 sts total).
V-neck: At neck edge, dec 1 every RS row 7× → 10 sts; when length matches back, BO.
Right Front
Work as Left, reversing shaping.
Seams
Join shoulders; seam sides.
Sleeves (PU)
PU 34 sts around armhole with US 4.
Work stockinette 3″, decreasing 1 st each side every 6th row 4× → 26 sts.
Change to US 2.5 and work 6 rows K1, P1; BO in pattern.
Front Bands & Neck (US 2.5)
PU 56 sts along each front edge.
Left band (buttonholes): K1, P1 rib 6 rows, making two eyelets on Row 3: (K3, yo, K2tog) spaced near neckline and waist.
Right band: K1, P1 rib 6 rows even.
Neckband: PU around back neck and down Vs (~68 sts). Work K1, P1 6 rows; BO.
Sew two small knit bobble buttons or child-safe wooden buttons on right band.
Starfish Beret (sand beige with coral star, US 4)
Band
CO 72 sts, join.
Rnds 1–6: K1, P1 rib.
Crown
Inc Rnd: K6, KFB around (84).
Work 6 rnds even.
Dec Rnds: (K10, K2tog) around (77). Next rnd: (K9, K2tog) around (70). Continue, decreasing spacing by 1 each rnd until (K1, K2tog) around (~14 sts).
Next: K2tog around (7). Cut yarn, draw through. Add a tiny 3-st i-cord nub (4 rows) to the center.
Coral Starfish (appliqué)
With light coral on US 2.5, CO 5 sts.
Row 1: [KFB, K1, KFB] across (9).
Row 2: P.
Row 3: Divide into 5 “arms”: (K1, yo, K1, yo, K1); slip next st on holder; rpt four times—work each arm separately for 4 rows of stockinette tapering with SSK/K2tog at tips. Block lightly and sew to the band’s left front.
Mary Jane Shoes (sea-glass, US 2.5)
Soles (make 2)
CO 6 sts.
Row 1 (RS): K.
Row 2: KFB, K to last st, KFB (8).
Rpt Row 2 3× more → 14 sts.
K 3 rows even.
Dec Row (RS): SSK, K to last 2, K2tog.
Rpt Dec Row until 8 sts. BO; weave tails.
Uppers
PU 28 sts evenly around each sole; join.
Rnds 1–3: K (firm sidewall).
Rnd 4: (K5, K2tog) ×4 (24).
Rnd 5: K.
Split for throat: work back-and-forth over top 12 sts, dec 1 at each throat edge every RS row 2×; BO top.
Heel cup: K remaining 12 sts in the round 3 rnds; BO.
Strap
Pick up 3 sts from outer side; knit I-cord 2.25″, BO.
Sew to inner side forming a classic T-strap look by tacking the mid-strap to the center vamp with two tiny stitches.
Gauzy Shoreline Scarf (cream mohair)
With US 4, CO 60 sts.
Rows 1–6: [K2tog, yo] across, ending K1 (airy mesh).
BO loosely. Wrap once around neck with a soft drape to the bunny’s right side.
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Lattice Shell Crossbody & Message Bottle (pale seafoam + cream)
Bag Body (mesh)
With pale seafoam (US 4), CO 18 sts.
Rows 1–2: K.
Rows 3–18: [K2tog, yo] across on RS; P on WS.
Row 19–20: K. BO. Fold to form a small net pouch; seam sides with mattress stitch. Optional: thread a fine wire or firm i-cord through the mouth edge for a tidy circle.
Strap
I-cord 2 sts for 7″; sew ends to pouch sides for a crossbody fit.
Tiny Shells
With cream, knit three bobbles: CO 1, (KFB, turn, P2, turn, K2) twice; pass first st over second repeatedly to close. Sew along the pouch rim.
Message Bottle
With cream or very light sand, CO 6 sts in the round (US 2.5).
Rnd 1: K.
Rnd 2: KFB ×6 (12).
Rnd 3: K.
Rnd 4: (K2tog) ×6 (6).
Stuff lightly; embroider a tiny cork at the top with a cocoa French knot. Place inside the bag.
Binoculars (navy, US 2.5)
Work 2 identical tubes: CO 8 sts, knit 10 rnds, stuff lightly; BO.
Bridge: CO 6 sts, knit 6 rows, BO; stitch between tubes.
Neck strap: I-cord 2 sts for 6″; attach to outer sides so the bunny can “hold” them.
Assembly
- Attach legs to the body base with the feet pointing slightly outward for balance.
- Sew arms at the shoulder line so the right hand can hold the binoculars strap and the left touches the bag.
- Ears: whipstitch along the head curves; pinch bases slightly for the gentle lift seen in the photo.
- Dress order: dress first, then cardigan, then shoes.
- Beret sits low on the forehead with ears peeking; add one hidden tack if gifting.
- Drape the scarf once around the neck; let tails float to the right.
- Sling the crossbody across the left shoulder to the right hip; tuck the bottle and a small shell inside.
- Place binoculars in the right hand; secure with two tiny couching stitches for display.
Finishing & Styling
- Stitch definition: Tight gauge on the toy (US 2.5) ensures crisp, realistic knit texture; garments on US 4 keep the soft pastel drape.
- Blocking: Light steam on the wave hem helps shells pop; avoid heavy blocking on the toy.
- Color matching: Beige/oatmeal body, sea-glass dress and shoes, pale seafoam cardigan/bag, sand beret with coral starfish, cream scarf, navy binoculars.
- Photo styling: Place your bunny on a rustic tabletop with seashell props and natural window light for the same cozy coastal feel.
Troubleshooting
- Dress rides high: Add 4 sts evenly at the bodice split or work 2 extra stockinette rows before the wave section.
- Beret loose: Reduce CO by 4 sts on the band or run a soft elastic thread in the rib.
- Shoes slipping: Add one extra garter rnd at the sole pickup or lightly tack at the heel.
- Bag opening too floppy: Thread a hidden i-cord or fishing line through the rim for structure (remove for child-safe gifting).
Recap
You’ve made the Coastal Seashell Bunny with a sea-glass wave dress, pale seafoam cardigan, sand beret topped by a coral starfish, Mary Jane shoes, a gauzy cream scarf, a lattice shell bag with a tiny message bottle, and soft navy binoculars—matching the realistic handmade look in the photo. Enjoy your pastel coastal friend!
