The Blue Delft Bunny is a masterpiece of knitted elegance, drawing inspiration from the exquisite tradition of European blue and white ceramics. She is a vision of refinement, evoking the delicate beauty of porcelain and the charm of the Dutch countryside. Her ensemble features a porcelain-white dress that serves as a canvas for intricate embroidery mimicking classic Delft vine and floral patterns. To complement the dress, she wears a rich, dark cobalt blue cardigan that adds a touch of regal contrast.

Her accessories are perfectly curated: a classic white Dutch bucket hat trimmed with a precise line of blue, and dainty cobalt blue flats on her feet. She brings a piece of the garden with her in the form of a tiny woolen ceramic vase holding fresh white tulips. She is never alone, accompanied by a precious small white Baby Bunny, also dressed in coordinating blue and white tones. This heirloom-quality project is perfect for those who appreciate fine details and timeless style.

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)
• m1 – make 1 (lifted increase)
• k2tog – knit 2 together
• ssk – slip, slip, knit
• rem – remaining
• rep – repeat
• I-cord – A narrow tube of knitting

Materials

• DK or Light Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
  • Porcelain White (Dress, Hat, Baby Bunny, Tulips)
  • Dark Cobalt Blue (Cardigan, Shoes, Hat trim, Embroidery, Baby Bunny dress)
  • Oatmeal or Soft Beige (Main Bunny skin)
  • Green (Tulip stems)
• US 2.5 (3.0 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circulars for magic loop
• US 2.5 (3.0 mm) straight needles (optional for flat pieces)
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Black safety eyes (approx. 9mm for main bunny, 5mm or beads for baby bunny)
• Small buttons (3 for cardigan)
• Tapestry needle and embroidery needle (crucial for the Delft details)
• Stitch markers

Gauge & Finished Size

• Gauge: Approximately 26 sts = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch.
• Work firmly to ensure stuffing does not show through the fabric, especially for the white dress.
• Finished Height: Approximately 14–15 inches (36–38 cm) from feet to ear tips.

Construction Overview

• Main Bunny: Worked in the round from the feet up. Cobalt shoes are integrated into the leg knitting. Legs join to form the body and head. Arms and ears are knitted separately.
• Dress: Worked in the round from the bottom up in plain white, then heavily embroidered to create the ceramic effect.
• Cardigan: Worked flat in one piece using raglan shaping.
• Hat: A structured bucket hat worked in the round.
• Accessories: Vase, tulips, and Baby Bunny are separate miniature knits.

Main Bunny Body & Head

Legs (Make 2)

Start with Dark Cobalt Blue yarn for the flats.

CO 10 sts on DPNs. Join in the round.

Rnd 1: kfb around (20 sts).

Rnd 2: *(k1, kfb)* rep around (30 sts).

Rnds 3–7: k all (Shoe base).

Rnd 8 (Shape Toe): k10, (k2tog) 5 times, k10 (25 sts).

Rnd 9: k10, (k2tog) 3 times, k9 (22 sts).

Rnd 10: k all.

Rnd 11 (Strap Gap): k8, BO 6 sts loosely, k8.

Rnd 12 (Change to Oatmeal/Beige): k8, CO 6 sts (using backward loop method over the gap), k8 (22 sts).

Rnds 13–32: k all (Leg). Stuff foot firmly and leg lightly.

Break yarn for first leg. Knit second leg but do not break yarn.

Body

Rnd 33 (Join Legs): k11 (from 2nd leg), CO 4 sts, k22 (from 1st leg), CO 4 sts, k11 (from 2nd leg). (52 sts total).

Rnds 34–42: k all (Hips).

Rnd 43: *(k11, k2tog)* rep around (48 sts).

Rnds 44–50: k all.

Rnd 51: *(k6, k2tog)* rep around (42 sts).

Rnds 52–58: k all. Stuff body firmly.

Rnd 59: *(k5, k2tog)* rep around (36 sts).

Rnd 60: *(k4, k2tog)* rep around (30 sts).

Rnd 61: *(k3, k2tog)* rep around (24 sts). (Neck).

Head

Rnd 62: *(k2, m1)* rep around (32 sts).

Rnd 63: *(k3, m1)* rep around (40 sts).

Rnd 64: *(k4, m1)* rep around (48 sts).

Rnds 65–78: k all. Insert safety eyes between Rnds 72 and 73.

Rnd 79: *(k4, k2tog)* rep around (40 sts).

Rnd 80: *(k3, k2tog)* rep around (32 sts).

Rnd 81: *(k2, k2tog)* rep around (24 sts). Stuff head firmly.

Rnd 82: k2tog around (12 sts).

Rnd 83: k2tog around (6 sts). Close hole.

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Arms (Make 2)

With Oatmeal, CO 8 sts. Join in round.

Rnd 1: kfb around (16 sts).

Rnds 2–20: k all.

Rnd 21: k2tog around (8 sts).

Stuff lightly. Flatten top and sew to body.

Ears (Make 2)

With Oatmeal, CO 12 sts. Work flat.

Row 1: k all.

Row 2: p all.

Row 3: k1, m1, k10, m1, k1 (14 sts).

Rows 4–24: Stockinette stitch.

Row 25: ssk, k10, k2tog (12 sts).

Decrease 1 st at each end every RS row until 4 sts rem. BO. Sew to head.

Shoe Straps

With Cobalt Blue yarn, pick up 4 sts at the side of the shoe opening. Knit a strip to cross the foot. Sew to the other side.

Porcelain White Delft Dress

Worked in the round from the bottom up.

With Porcelain White yarn, CO 64 sts.

Rnds 1–3: Purl all (This creates a distinct hemline, like the rim of a ceramic plate).

Rnds 4–28: k all (Skirt). This smooth stockinette is your “canvas.”

Rnd 29: *(k6, k2tog)* rep around (56 sts).

Rnd 30: k all.

Rnd 31: *(k5, k2tog)* rep around (48 sts).

Rnd 32: *(k4, k2tog)* rep around (40 sts). (Waist).

Bodice:

Rnds 33–38: k all.

Armholes:

Next Rnd: k10, BO 4, k12, BO 4, k10.

Work Front and Back sections separately flat for 1 inch. BO. Sew shoulder seams.

Delft Embroidery (Crucial Step):

Once the dress is knitted, use the Dark Cobalt Blue yarn and an embroidery needle to create the “Delft” look.

1. Hem: Stitch a horizontal line of small “v” shapes or cross stitches just above the purl hem.

2. Skirt: Embroider trailing vines climbing up the skirt. Use lazy daisy stitches for leaves and satin stitches to create round floral medallions. The goal is to mimic painted pottery.

Cobalt Cardigan

Worked flat, raglan style.

With Dark Cobalt Blue, CO 30 sts.

Row 1: k2, p2 rib across.

Row 2 (Inc): k2 (border), k4 (Front), m1, k1 (Raglan), m1, k4 (Sleeve), m1, k1 (Raglan), m1, k8 (Back), m1, k1 (Raglan), m1, k4 (Sleeve), m1, k1 (Raglan), m1, k4 (Front), k2 (border).

Row 3: p all (keeping garter borders).

Repeat Rows 2–3 until sleeve sections have 14 sts.

Divide: Knit Front, place Sleeve sts on holder, Knit Back, place Sleeve sts on holder, Knit Front.

Body: Work 1.5 inches in stockinette. Work 4 rows Garter Stitch. BO.

Sleeves: Pick up sleeve sts. Knit 1.5 inches. Work 4 rows Garter Stitch. BO.

Sew small white buttons to the front.

Dutch Bucket Hat

With Porcelain White, CO 48 sts. Join in round.

Brim:

Rnd 1: *(k1, m1)* rep around (96 sts).

Rnds 2–8: k all.

Rnd 9: Purl all (Turning ridge).

Rnd 10: *(k2tog)* rep around (48 sts).

Fold the brim at the purl ridge and knit together with the current stitches on the next round for a double-thick brim.

Crown:

Rnds 11–20: k all.

Rnd 21: *(k6, k2tog)* rep around.

Decrease every round until 8 sts rem. Close top.

Trim: Embroider or duplicate stitch a single line of Cobalt Blue around the base of the crown. You can also embroider a small blue windmill motif on the front.

Accessories

Ceramic Vase & Tulips

Vase: With White yarn, CO 10 sts. Join in round. Knit 8 rnds. Increase to 14 sts (bulbous part). Knit 4 rnds. Decrease to 10 sts. Knit 2 rnds (neck). BO. Embroider blue floral motifs on the vase.

Tulips (Make 3):

Stems: Green I-cords (3 inches).

Flowers: White yarn. Cast on 1 st. (k1, yo, k1, yo, k1) in same stitch. Purl back. k5. p5. ssk, k1, k2tog. Sl1, k2tog, psso. Fasten off. Sew to stems.

Baby Bunny

Body/Head: With White yarn, CO 12 sts. Join in round. Knit 6 rnds. Decrease to 8 sts (neck). Increase to 14 sts (head). Knit 4 rnds. Decrease and close.

Ears: Pick up 3 sts. Knit 5 rows. BO.

Outfit: Using Cobalt Blue, pick up stitches around the body (or just knit a separate tube). Knit 3 rounds for a tiny dress. Embroider a white stripe.

Face: Embroider simple black eyes and nose.

Assembly

• Weave in all ends.
• Dress the main bunny in the white dress. Ensure the embroidery is visible.
• Put on the cobalt cardigan.
• Place the bucket hat on the head.
• Place the vase of tulips near the bunny.
• Position the Baby Bunny next to her.
• Embroider a “Y” nose on the main bunny.

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