Retro Milkshake Bunny is a knitted bunny dressed in a coral-red polka dot diner dress with a cream collar and hem, a soft pink beret, bright aqua Mary Jane shoes, a cream crossbody bag, and a tall milkshake accessory with a tiny strawberry on top.
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 – knit
- p – purl
- kfb – knit front and back (increase 1)
- m1 – make 1 increase
- k2tog – knit 2 together (decrease 1)
- ssk – slip, slip, knit (decrease 1)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rnd(s) – round(s)
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
- pm – place marker
- sm – slip marker
- rep – repeat
Materials
- Yarn (DK / light worsted, smooth, non-fuzzy preferred):
- Bunny body, arms, legs, ears: light beige / oatmeal
- Inner ears (optional): slightly darker beige
- Dress main: coral red or warm raspberry
- Dress trim and collar: cream
- Beret: soft pink
- Shoes: aqua / turquoise
- Bag: cream
- Milkshake glass and foam: cream
- Milkshake band: light pink
- Strawberry on milkshake: red and green
- Nose: pink
- Face embroidery: black
- Needles
- US 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles or long circular for magic loop
- US 2 (2.75 mm) needles for small accessories if you like them extra firm
- Notions
- Fiberfill stuffing
- 2 safety eyes, 6–8 mm
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Optional: small snap or hidden stitches to fix bag and milkshake in place
Gauge and Finished Size
- Gauge: about 24 sts x 34 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in stockinette worked in the round on US 3 needles.
- Height: around 10–11″ (25–28 cm) from soles to top of ears when stuffed firmly.
Matching this gauge will keep proportions and clothing close to the sample.
Construction Overview
- Bunny is worked from the feet upward in one piece: feet, legs, body, and head.
- Arms, ears, and tail are knitted separately and sewn on.
- Dress is knitted in the round from hem to yoke, then shaped for armholes and finished flat with a sewn-on cream collar and polka dots added later with duplicate stitch.
- Beret, shoes, crossbody bag, and milkshake are all individual pieces that complete the retro diner look.
Bunny Body, Legs, and Head
Use body-color yarn and US 3 needles. Work in the round throughout this section.
Legs (make 2)
CO 10 sts. Join in the round, taking care not to twist.
Rnd 1–3: k all sts.
Rnd 4: *k1, kfb; rep from * around (15 sts).
Rnd 5–18: k all for lower leg tube. Stuff this section lightly but firmly.
Rnd 19: *k3, k2tog; rep from * (12 sts).
Rnd 20–24: k all for upper leg.
Break yarn, leaving a tail, and slip these 12 sts onto a holder. Work a second leg the same way but do not cut the yarn at the end.
Join Legs and Work Body
Slide sts from the first leg onto the needles so both legs sit next to each other.
With yarn from second leg:
- k12 across second leg, CO 4 sts for front crotch, k12 from first leg, CO 4 sts for back crotch.
You now have 32 sts.
Place marker at center back.
Rnd 1–4: k all.
Rnd 5: *k7, kfb; rep from * (36 sts).
Rnd 6–10: k all, begin stuffing firmly.
Rnd 11: *k4, k2tog; rep from * (30 sts).
Rnd 12–14: k all.
Rnd 15: *k3, k2tog; rep from * (24 sts).
Rnd 16–18: k all, filling body as you go so it feels solid but not over-stretched.
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Neck and Head
Rnd 19: *k2, k2tog; rep from * (18 sts).
Rnd 20–22: k all (neck). Add extra stuffing so neck stands straight.
Increase for head:
Rnd 23: *k2, kfb; rep from * (24 sts).
Rnd 24: *k3, kfb; rep from * (30 sts).
Rnd 25: *k4, kfb; rep from * (36 sts).
Rnd 26–35: k all for a nicely rounded head. Stuff very firmly and smooth out bumps.
Shape top:
Rnd 36: *k4, k2tog; rep from * (30 sts).
Rnd 37: *k3, k2tog; rep from * (24 sts).
Rnd 38: *k2, k2tog; rep from * (18 sts).
Rnd 39: *k1, k2tog; rep from * (12 sts).
Rnd 40: *k2tog; rep from * (6 sts).
Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure on the inside.
Bunny Arms (make 2)
CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
Rnd 1–3: k all.
Rnd 4: *k1, kfb; rep from * (12 sts).
Rnd 5–16: k all. Lightly stuff, leaving the top few rounds soft so the arm lies nicely against the body.
Rnd 17: *k2, k2tog; rep from * (9 sts).
Break yarn, draw through remaining sts, and close.
Bunny Ears (make 2)
Worked flat.
CO 8 sts in body color.
Row 1 (WS): purl.
Row 2: k1, kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (10 sts).
Row 3: p.
Row 4: rep Row 2 (12 sts).
Row 5–14: work in stockinette (k RS, p WS).
Shaping:
Row 15 (RS): k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (10 sts).
Row 16: p.
Row 17: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (8 sts).
Row 18: p.
Row 19: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1 (6 sts).
Row 20: p.
BO. Fold lengthwise and lightly seam the lower half if you want more structure. The ears should stand tall and slightly angled outward.
Bunny Tail
CO 6 sts. Join.
Rnd 1: k.
Rnd 2: *k1, kfb; rep from * (9 sts).
Rnd 3–4: k.
Rnd 5: *k2tog, k1; rep from * (6 sts).
Stuff, break yarn, draw through sts, pull snug.
Face and Basic Assembly
- Place eyes about 6–7 rnds down from the top of the head, spaced roughly 6 sts apart. Attach safety eyes securely.
- With pink yarn, embroider a small oval nose 2–3 rnds below the eyes.
- With black thread, stitch a short vertical line under the nose and two small curves for the smile.
- Sew ears to the top of the head, slightly behind the center line so they tilt back under the beret.
- Stitch arms to either side of the body just below the neck.
- Sew the tail to the center back above the legs.
Set bunny aside while you knit the clothing and accessories.
Coral Diner Dress
Use coral-red yarn for the main dress and cream for trims. US 3 needles.
Skirt
CO 78 sts in cream for the hem. Join in the round.
Rnd 1–3: k1, p1 rib.
Switch to coral.
Rnd 4–22: k all for a softly flared skirt.
Waist Shaping
Rnd 23: *k11, k2tog; rep from * (72 sts).
Rnd 24–26: k all.
Rnd 27: *k10, k2tog; rep from * (66 sts).
Rnd 28–30: k all.
Form Bodice and Armholes
Next rnd: k16, BO 6, k28, BO 6, k to end.
You now have front 28 sts and back 28 sts, divided by armhole gaps. Work each section flat.
Back Bodice
Row 1 (WS): p across 28 sts.
Row 2: k across.
Rows 3–10: rep last two rows for a simple back bodice.
BO all back sts and set aside.
Front Bodice
Rejoin yarn to front 28 sts.
Row 1 (WS): p.
Row 2: k across.
Row 3: p.
Row 4 (RS): k2, k2tog, k to last 4 sts, ssk, k2 (26 sts).
Rows 5–8: work in stockinette.
Row 9 (RS): rep Row 4 (24 sts).
Rows 10–12: stockinette.
BO all front sts.
Sew shoulder seams between front and back.
Sleeves (short and cuffed, worked top-down)
Pick up around 26 sts evenly around each armhole with coral yarn.
Rnd 1–6: k all.
Switch to cream.
Rnd 7–8: k1, p1 rib for a neat cuff.
BO loosely. Turn the cuff up slightly to imitate the rolled sleeve edge in the photo.
Cream Collar
Use cream yarn, worked flat.
CO 40 sts.
Row 1 (WS): p.
Row 2: *k2, m1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2 (about 60 sts).
Row 3: p.
Row 4: *k3, m1; rep from * to end (creates gentle scallops).
Row 5: p.
BO loosely. Shape into a ring that sits smoothly around the dress neckline with a small opening at center front, forming two rounded “points”. Sew the inner edge to the neckline of the dress.
Polka Dots
With cream yarn, add small duplicate-stitch dots over the skirt and partway up the bodice, evenly spaced. Keep dots small (one or two stitches) so the dress keeps a fine, all-over spot pattern.
Slip the dress onto the bunny from feet upward.
Pink Beret
Use pink yarn and US 3 needles.
CO 60 sts. Join.
Rnd 1–5: k1, p1 rib.
Rnd 6: k all.
Rnd 7: *k4, kfb; rep from * (72 sts).
Rnd 8–14: k all for the wide, flat part of the beret.
Begin decreases:
Rnd 15: *k10, k2tog; rep from * (66 sts).
Rnd 16: k all.
Rnd 17: *k9, k2tog; rep from * (60 sts).
Rnd 18: k all.
Rnd 19: *k3, k2tog; rep from * (48 sts).
Rnd 20: *k2, k2tog; rep from * (36 sts).
Rnd 21: *k1, k2tog; rep from * (24 sts).
Rnd 22: *k2tog; rep from * (12 sts).
Break yarn, draw through sts, pull tight. Block lightly so the beret has a flat top with a soft band that hugs the head. Place it slightly tilted forward on the bunny.
Aqua Mary Jane Shoes (make 2)
Use aqua yarn.
CO 14 sts. Join.
Rnd 1: k all.
Rnd 2: *k1, kfb; rep from * (21 sts).
Rnd 3–5: k all.
Rnd 6: k6, *k2tog, k1; rep from * to last 3 sts, k3 (17 sts).
Rnd 7: k all.
Rnd 8: *k2, k2tog; rep from * until 13 sts remain (adjust repeat as needed).
Rnd 9–11: k all to form side walls.
Top band:
Rnd 12–14: k1, p1 rib. BO loosely.
Shoe Strap
CO 11 sts in aqua. Work 3 rows garter stitch. BO.
Sew strap across the top of the shoe so a small oval opening shows the beige foot, matching the look of the photo.
Cream Crossbody Bag
Use cream yarn.
Bag Body
CO 14 sts. Work flat.
Row 1–16: knit every row (garter stitch) to form a rectangle.
Fold so the bottom edge is at row 8 and seam the sides, leaving top open.
Flap
Pick up 14 sts along one top edge of the bag.
Row 1: k.
Row 2: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk (12 sts).
Row 3–4: k.
Row 5: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk (10 sts).
Row 6–7: k.
BO all sts. The flap should be slightly rounded.
Strap
CO 60 sts. Work 3 rows garter stitch. BO.
Sew strap ends to the sides of the bag so it can cross the bunny’s chest from right shoulder to left hip, as in the image. Tuck bag under the left arm and secure with a few stitches.
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Milkshake Accessory
Use cream for glass and foam, light pink for band, red and green for strawberry.
Glass Base
With cream yarn and smaller needles (US 2 or 3):
CO 8 sts. Join.
Rnd 1–3: k all.
Rnd 4: *k1, kfb; rep from * (12 sts).
Rnd 5–10: k all. Stuff lightly as you go.
Rnd 11: *k2, k2tog; rep from * (9 sts).
Rnd 12–14: k all for narrow neck.
CO 12 sts separately for the foot of the glass. Work 4 rnds in k all, then k2tog; rep to close to 6 sts, draw yarn tight. Sew this disc to bottom of glass.
Milkshake Top and Pink Band
Change to pink yarn at Rnd 15 of the glass.
Rnd 15–16: k all to form the decorative band.
Switch back to cream.
Rnd 17: *k1, kfb; rep from * (increase slightly for flared top).
Rnd 18: k all.
Break yarn, work several tight loops of cream over the top to imitate swirled whipped cream. Add more stuffing under the top so the glass is firm.
Tiny Strawberry and Straw
Strawberry: with red, CO 4 sts, knit 4 rows, BO. Roll into a tiny cone and stitch on top of the foam. Add 2 small green stitches for leaves.
Straw: knit a very thin i-cord with 2 sts in cream for about 1.25″ (3 cm). Sew one end into the whipped cream at a slight angle.
Position the glass in the bunny’s right hand and secure with a couple of stitches so it stays upright.
Final Finishing
- Dress the bunny in the coral diner dress. Smooth the skirt and make sure the collar lies flat.
- Put on the aqua shoes and check that straps sit straight.
- Place the crossbody bag from right shoulder to left side, as in the photo.
- Fit the pink beret so it hugs the head just above the eyes with ears showing above.
- Stitch the milkshake into the right paw.
Your Retro Milkshake Bunny is ready for a pastel diner photoshoot on a wooden table or cozy sofa, with every knit stitch crisp and visible—perfect for sharing with fellow knitters and collectors.
