Step back in time to an era of refined elegance, afternoon high teas, and whispered secrets behind fluttery fans. The “Vintage Fan” Bunny captures the aristocratic charm of the Edwardian era, bringing a touch of sophistication to your handmade collection. She is the embodiment of grace, dressed for a grand social engagement.

Her ensemble is a study in soft luxury, utilizing a palette of Ivory, Blush Pink, and Pale Gold. She wears a magnificent Blush Pink Gown, the skirt of which is constructed with tiers of an intricate “Shell Stitch,” creating a cascading, voluminous silhouette fit for a ball. To ward off the evening chill, she drapes a luxurious Ivory Faux Fur Stole over her shoulders. Her accessories are equally lavish: a Feathered Headband adorned with beads and delicate Pale Gold Ballet Flats. In her hand, she holds the piece de resistance: a knitted Lace Hand Fan. She is accompanied by the ultimate status symbol of the era: a pristine, well-groomed White Poodle.

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
• Shell Stitch – A wavy pattern created by decreases and yarn overs (explained in pattern).
• MC – Main Color (Oatmeal/Beige for bunny)
• CC – Contrast Colors (Blush Pink, Ivory, Pale Gold, White)

Materials

• Yarn: DK or Light Worsted weight yarn:
  • Oatmeal/Beige: Approx. 50g for the bunny body.
  • Blush Pink: Approx. 45g for the dress.
  • Ivory (Faux Fur or Eyelash): Approx. 20g for the stole.
  • Pale Gold: Approx. 15g for the shoes.
  • White (Boucle or Textured preferred): Approx. 25g for the poodle.
  • Ivory (Smooth): Scrap for the fan.
• Needles:
  • US 3 (3.25 mm) DPNs or circular needles (Bunny, Shoes, Poodle, Fan).
  • US 4 (3.5 mm) Straight or circular needles (Dress, Stole).
• Notions: Fiberfill stuffing, tapestry needle, stitch markers, black embroidery floss (eyes), craft wire (for the fan rim), small beads and a craft feather (for headband).

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 shoes to the tips of the ears.

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.
• Shell Stitch Dress: Worked flat from the bottom up. The skirt uses a “Feather and Fan” or “Old Shale” variation to create the scalloped, shell-like layers.
• Faux Fur Stole: A simple rectangular shape worked in garter stitch using textured yarn.
• Lace Fan: Worked flat, increasing rapidly with yarn overs to create a semi-circle, then stiffened.
• Poodle: Worked to create the specific “poodle cut” shape with puffy ankles and chest.

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.

Blush Pink “Shell Stitch” Dress

Worked flat from the bottom up using Blush Pink yarn and US 4 needles. The skirt pattern uses a multiple of 18 stitches plus edge stitches.

Skirt Setup: CO 74 sts (4 repeats of 18 + 2 edge).

Shell Lace Pattern:

Row 1 (RS): k1, *[k2tog] 3 times, [yo, k1] 6 times, [k2tog] 3 times*, repeat from * to * to last st, k1.

Row 2: Knit (This creates a garter ridge that separates the layers).

Row 3: Knit.

Row 4: Purl.

Repeat these 4 rows. The fabric will naturally wave and ripple, creating the “shell” layers.

Work for approximately 4 inches ending with a Row 2.

Waist Decrease:

Next Row (RS): *k1, k2tog* rep across (approx 50 sts).

Next Row (WS): Purl.

Waistband: Work 4 rows k1, p1 rib.

Bodice: Work 8 rows Stockinette stitch.

Armhole Shaping:

Row 1: k12 (Back), BO 4, k18 (Front), BO 4, k12 (Back).

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

Finishing: Sew shoulder seams. Sew back seam up to the waist. The scallop hem needs no further finishing.

Ivory Faux Fur Stole

With Ivory Faux Fur yarn (or textured yarn) and US 5 needles (larger needles help fur fluff up).

Cast On: 12 sts.

Work in Garter Stitch (Knit every row) until the piece measures 9 inches.

BO loosely.

Drape this around the bunny’s shoulders. You can add a small hook and eye or a hidden snap to keep it closed.

Pale Gold Shoes

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

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

Upper: Pick up 32 sts around sole.

Rnds 1–3: Knit all.

Rnd 4 (Toe): k10, (k2tog) 6 times, k10 (26 sts).

Rnd 5: BO all sts.

Strap: Chain a small strap across the instep.

Accessories of the Era

Lace Hand Fan

With Ivory (smooth cotton yarn is best for stiffness) and US 3 needles. Worked flat.

Base: CO 5 sts.

Row 1: kfb in every st (10 sts).

Row 2: Purl.

Row 3: *k1, yo* across (19 sts).

Row 4: Purl.

Row 5: *k2, yo* across (approx 28 sts).

Row 6: Purl.

Row 7: *k2tog, yo* across (Eyelet row).

Row 8: Knit (Ridge).

Row 9: BO firmly.

Assembly:

Weave a thin craft wire along the bind-off edge and down the sides to hold the semi-circle shape open.

Gather the cast-on edge tightly and wrap with gold yarn to create the handle.

The White Poodle

With White yarn (Boucle or textured is best).

Legs (Make 4):

CO 6 sts.

Inc to 12. Knit 4 rows (The pom-pom ankle).

Dec to 6. Knit 6 rows (The skinny leg).

Leave on holder.

Body:

Join all 4 legs: Knit across leg 1, 2, 3, 4 (24 sts).

Knit 10 rounds.

Dec to 12. Stuff body. Close.

Head/Chest (The Puffy Part):

Pick up stitches at the neck. Inc to 18.

Knit 5 rounds.

Dec to 12 (Snout base).

Knit 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.

Ears: Pick up 4 sts. Knit 5 rows Garter (Floppy ears).

Tail: Knit I-cord, increase at tip for a pom-pom, then close.

Grooming: If using regular yarn, you can brush the “pom-pom” areas (ankles, tail tip, head) with a velcro strip to make them fluffy, leaving the legs smooth.

Headband

With Pale Gold yarn.

CO 4 sts. Knit an I-cord approx 11 inches long. BO.

Sew ends together to fit head.

Embellishment: Sew a small craft feather and 2-3 pearl beads to one side.

Final Assembly

• Face: Embroider refined, elegant eyes. Use pink thread for a delicate nose.
• Dressing: Put on the shell stitch dress. Put on the gold shoes. Place the headband on the head. Drape the fur stole.
• Props: Tack the fan to the bunny’s hand. Place the poodle by her side (sitting or standing).

Your “Vintage Fan” Bunny is ready for the tea party! Happy knitting.