Her palette is a study in neutrals, featuring layers of Cream, Ivory, and Pale Sand to mimic the aging of vintage fabrics. She wears a stunning Cream Lace Dress, where the skirt is knitted in the classic “Feather and Fan” stitch, creating undulating waves that ripple like real lace. Over her shoulders, she drapes a diaphanous Ivory Mesh Shawl, light enough to wear while working.

Her head is framed by an elaborate Lace Bonnet with intricate detailing around the face. On her feet, she wears soft Pale Sand Slippers. She carries the tools of her trade: a traditional cylindrical Lace Pillow adorned with tiny bobbins, and she is accompanied by a symbol of peace, a pure White Dove.

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)

• k – knit
• p – purl
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• CO – cast on
• BO – bind off
• rnd(s) – round(s)
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• kfb – knit front and back (increase 1 stitch)
• m1 – make 1 (lifted increase)
• k2tog – knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
• ssk – slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• yo – yarn over
• MC – Main Color (Cream/Oatmeal for bunny)
• CC – Contrast Colors (Cream, Ivory, Pale Sand, White)

Materials

• Yarn: DK or Light Worsted weight yarn (Heirloom quality cotton or merino blend recommended):
  • Oatmeal/Beige: Approx. 50g for the bunny body.
  • Rich Cream: Approx. 40g for the dress.
  • Ivory/Off-White: Approx. 20g for the shawl and bonnet.
  • Pale Sand/Tan: Approx. 15g for slippers and lace pillow base.
  • Pure White: Approx. 10g for the dove.
• Needles:
  • US 3 (3.25 mm) DPNs or circular needles (Bunny, Shoes, Accessories).
  • US 4 (3.5 mm) Straight or circular needles (Clothing).
• Notions: Fiberfill stuffing, tapestry needle, stitch markers, black embroidery floss (eyes), tiny wooden beads or toothpicks (to simulate bobbins), thin white thread.

Gauge & Finished Size

• Gauge: 24 sts and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US 3 needles.
• Finished Size: Approximately 14 inches (36 cm) tall from slippers to the top of the bonnet.

Construction Overview

• Bunny: Worked in the round from the feet up. Legs are knitted separately, then joined to form the hips. The body and head are one continuous piece. Arms and ears are knitted separately and sewn on.
• Feather and Fan Dress: Worked flat from the bottom up. The skirt uses the “Old Shale” or Feather and Fan lace pattern to create a scalloped hem and wavy texture.
• Mesh Shawl: A triangular shawl worked flat using yarn overs to create an open grid.
• Lace Bonnet: Worked flat to frame the face with a decorative brim, then shaped at the back.
• Accessories: The Lace Pillow is a cylinder; the Dove is a simple shaped toy.

Bunny Body Instructions

Legs (Make 2)

With Oatmeal yarn and US 3 needles.

Rnd 1: CO 10 sts. Join in the round. k all.

Rnd 2: kfb in every st (20 sts).

Rnds 3–8: k all (Foot).

Rnd 9 (Heel): k10, turn. p10, turn. k10, turn. p10, turn. k all sts to end of rnd.

Rnds 10–35: k all. Stuff foot firmly and leg lightly.

Break yarn for the first leg and place stitches on a holder. Knit the second leg but do not break yarn.

Body

Rnd 36 (Join): k across 10 sts of second leg, CO 4 sts, k across 20 sts of first leg, CO 4 sts, k remaining 10 sts of second leg (48 sts). Join to work in the round.

Rnds 37–48: k all (Hips).

Rnd 49: *k6, k2tog* rep around (42 sts).

Rnds 50–60: k all.

Rnd 61: *k5, k2tog* rep around (36 sts).

Rnds 62–66: k all.

Rnd 67: *k4, k2tog* rep around (30 sts).

Rnd 68: *k3, k2tog* rep around (24 sts).

Rnd 69 (Neck): *k2, k2tog* rep around (18 sts).

Rnds 70–72: k all for neck. Stuff body firmly.

Head

Rnd 73: *k2, m1* rep around (27 sts).

Rnd 74: *k3, m1* rep around (36 sts).

Rnd 75: *k3, m1* rep around (48 sts).

Rnds 76–96: k all. Stuff neck very firmly.

Rnd 97: *k6, k2tog* rep around (42 sts).

Rnd 98: *k5, k2tog* rep around (36 sts).

Rnd 99: *k4, k2tog* rep around (30 sts).

Rnd 100: *k3, k2tog* rep around (24 sts).

Rnd 101: *k2, k2tog* rep around (18 sts).

Rnd 102: k2tog around (9 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight.

Arms (Make 2)

With Oatmeal yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in round.

Rnd 1: kfb around (16 sts).

Rnds 2–24: k all.

Rnd 25: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk (14 sts).

BO. Stuff lightly and sew to body.

Ears (Make 2)

With Oatmeal yarn, worked flat. CO 12 sts.

Rows 1–35: Stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS).

Row 36: ssk, k8, k2tog (10 sts).

Row 37: p all.

Row 38: ssk, k6, k2tog (8 sts).

Row 39: p all.

Row 40: ssk, k4, k2tog (6 sts).

Row 41: ssk, k2, k2tog (4 sts).

BO. Sew to head.

Cream “Feather and Fan” Dress

Worked flat from the bottom up using Rich Cream yarn and US 4 needles. The skirt creates a beautiful scalloped edge naturally.

Skirt Setup: CO 62 sts (Multiple of 12 + 2 edge sts).

Rows 1–2: Knit all (Garter border).

Lace Pattern (Feather and Fan):

Row 1 (RS): k1 (edge), *[k2tog] 2 times, [yo, k1] 4 times, [k2tog] 2 times*, repeat from * to * to last st, k1.

Row 2 (WS): Purl all.

Row 3: Knit all.

Row 4: Purl all.

Repeat these 4 rows until the skirt measures 3.5 inches. End with a Row 4. The fabric will naturally wave.

Waist Decrease (RS): *k2, k2tog* rep across (approx 46 sts).

Waistband: Work 4 rows k1, p1 rib.

Bodice: Work 8 rows Stockinette stitch (smooth).

Armhole Shaping:

Row 1: k10 (Back), BO 4, k18 (Front), BO 4, k10 (Back).

Work the three sections separately for 8 rows. BO all sections.

Finishing: Sew shoulder seams. Sew back seam up to the waist. Add a tiny pearl button at the neck.

Ivory Mesh Shawl

Worked flat using Ivory yarn and US 4 needles (or US 5 for a looser drape). Triangular shape.

Cast On: 5 sts.

Row 1: k2, yo, k1, yo, k2.

Row 2: Knit all.

Row 3: k2, yo, k to last 2 sts, yo, k2.

Row 4: Knit all.

Mesh Section:

Row 5: k2, yo, *k2tog, yo* repeat to center stitch, k1, *yo, k2tog* repeat to last 2 sts, yo, k2.

Row 6: Knit all.

Repeat Rows 5 and 6, expanding the mesh pattern as the shawl grows, until it measures approx 11 inches wide at the top.

Border: Knit 4 rows Garter Stitch. BO loosely.

Antique Lace Bonnet

With Ivory yarn and US 3 needles.

Brim (Lace Edge):

CO 48 sts.

Work 6 rows of the Feather and Fan pattern (same as dress) to create a ruffled, scalloped frame for the face.

Bonnet Body:

Change to Stockinette stitch. Work for 2 inches.

Back Shaping:

Row 1: *k4, k2tog* across.

Row 2: Purl.

Row 3: *k3, k2tog* across.

Row 4: Purl.

Row 5: *k2, k2tog* across.

Row 6: Purl.

Row 7: *k1, k2tog* across.

Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts. Sew back seam.

Ties: Attach cream ribbon to the corners of the brim.

Pale Sand Slippers

Make 2. With Pale Sand yarn and US 3 needles.

Sole: CO 10 sts. Knit 12 rows Garter. Round toe. BO.

Upper: Pick up 34 sts around sole.

Rnds 1–3: Knit all.

Rnd 4 (Toe): k11, (k2tog) 6 times, k11 (28 sts).

Rnd 5: BO all sts.

Detail: These should look like soft indoor slippers. You can embroider a tiny “X” on the toe to mimic ballet lacing.

Heirloom Accessories

Lace Pillow (The Bolster)

With Pale Sand or Blue (traditional color for lace pillows) yarn.

Cylinder: CO 15 sts.

Work in Stockinette stitch for 4 inches. BO.

Ends (Make 2): CO 6 sts. Inc to 12. Knit 2 rows. Dec to 6. Close (Circle).

Assembly: Sew the rectangle into a tube. Sew one end circle on. Stuff very firmly. Sew the other end circle.

Bobbins: Cut 6-8 toothpicks in half or use small wooden beads. Glue a strand of white thread to each “bobbin” and pin them to the pillow to look like work in progress.

White Dove

With Pure White yarn and US 3 needles.

Body: CO 6 sts. Inc to 12. Knit 5 rounds.

Dec to 6 (Tail).

Tail Fan: Inc to 10. Knit 3 rows. BO.

Head: Pick up 6 sts from the chest area. Inc to 10. Knit 3 rounds. Dec to 4. Close.

Wings (Make 2): CO 4 sts. Knit 4 rows Garter. Dec to 1. BO. Sew to sides.

Beak: A tiny stitch of beige yarn.

Final Assembly

• Face: Embroider serene, patient eyes. Use pale pink or beige thread for a delicate nose.
• Dressing: Put on the cream lace dress. Place the bonnet on the head, ensuring the scalloped brim frames the face nicely. Put on the slippers. Drape the mesh shawl over the shoulders.
• Props: Position the lace pillow on the bunny’s lap or attached to her hand. Perch the white dove on her shoulder or next to her.

Your “Antique Lace Maker” Bunny is ready to weave her magic! Happy knitting.