The Lighthouse Keeper Bunny captures the spirit of the seaside with a vintage, nautical charm. Ready to watch over the waves, she is dressed in a classic white and navy blue striped wool dress that evokes traditional sailor attire. To stay cozy against the salty sea breeze, she wears a bright yellow wool cardigan, reminiscent of a classic slicker, fastened with wooden buttons.

Her outfit is topped with a matching yellow knitted sou’wester hat, perfectly shaped to protect her long ears from the elements. On her feet, she sports practical navy blue boat shoes with white detailing. Around her neck hangs a pair of black binoculars for spotting ships on the horizon. Her faithful companion is a delightful small gray seal, clapping its flippers in joy. This heirloom-quality set is perfect for beach lovers and adventurers alike.

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:
  • Oatmeal/Beige (Bunny body)
  • Navy Blue (Dress stripes, Shoes)
  • White (Dress stripes, Shoe soles/details)
  • Bright Yellow (Cardigan, Hat)
  • Black (Binoculars)
  • Grey (Seal)
  • Black embroidery thread (Seal face)
• 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 bunny, 6mm for seal)
• 3 small wooden buttons (approx 10mm) for the cardigan
• Tapestry needle and embroidery needle
• 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.
• Finished Height: Approximately 14–15 inches (36–38 cm) from shoes to ear tips.

Construction Overview

• Bunny: Worked in the round from the feet up. Navy boat shoes are integrated into the leg knitting to ensure a seamless fit. Legs are joined to form the body and head. Arms and ears are knitted separately and attached.
• Dress: Worked from the bottom up in the round using a simple 2-row stripe pattern.
• Cardigan: Worked flat from the neck down (raglan style) with a ribbed button band.
• Hat: A sou’wester style, worked in the round with an elongated back brim.
• Accessories: Binoculars and the Seal are miniature separate projects.

Bunny Body & Head

Legs with Boat Shoes (Make 2)

Start with White yarn for the shoe sole.

CO 10 sts on DPNs. Join in the round.

Rnd 1: kfb around (20 sts).

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

Rnds 3–5: k all (Sole).

Change to Navy Blue.

Rnds 6–8: k all (Shoe sides).

Rnd 9 (Shape Toe): k10, (k2tog) 5 times, k10 (25 sts).

Rnd 10: k10, (k2tog) 3 times, k9 (22 sts).

Rnds 11–13: k all (Shoe upper).

Rnd 14: Purl all (Top rim of shoe).

Change to Oatmeal/Beige (Skin).

Rnd 15: In back loops only, k all.

Rnds 16–34: k all (Leg). Stuff foot firmly (shape the toe to look like a moccasin/boat shoe) and leg lightly.

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

Body

Rnd 35 (Join Legs): k11 (from 2nd leg), CO 4 sts, k22 (from 1st leg), CO 4 sts, k11 (from 2nd leg). (52 sts total).

Rnds 36–44: k all (Hips).

Rnd 45: *(k11, k2tog)* rep around (48 sts).

Rnds 46–52: k all.

Rnd 53: *(k6, k2tog)* rep around (42 sts).

Rnds 54–58: 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 Details

With White yarn, embroider a “mock lace” across the front of the shoe and stitch a line around the top rim to mimic the white leather lacing often found on boat shoes.

Nautical Striped Dress

Worked in the round. Stripe Pattern: 2 rounds Navy Blue, 2 rounds White.

Start with Navy Blue, CO 60 sts.

Rnds 1–4: Garter stitch (Hem) in Navy.

Rnds 5–28: Work in Stockinette stitch, alternating the stripe pattern (Skirt).

Waist Decrease:

Rnd 29 (Navy): *(k4, k2tog)* rep around (50 sts).

Rnd 30 (Navy): k all.

Rnd 31 (White): *(k3, k2tog)* rep around (40 sts).

Bodice:

Continue in stripe pattern on these 40 sts until bodice measures 1.5 inches.

Armholes:

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

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

Yellow Slicker Cardigan

Worked flat, raglan style.

With Bright Yellow, 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 (Hem). BO.

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

Sew wooden buttons to the front band.

Sou’wester Hat

This hat has a brim that is longer in the back to protect the neck.

With Bright Yellow, CO 40 sts. Join in round.

Crown:

Rnds 1–10: k all.

Rnd 11: *(k8, k2tog)* rep around.

Decrease every other round until 8 sts rem. Close top.

Brim:

Pick up 40 sts along the cast-on edge.

Rnd 1: *(k4, m1)* rep around (50 sts).

Rnd 2: k all.

Short Row Shaping (for the back):

k35, turn. p20, turn. k22, turn. p24, turn… continue working back and forth, adding 2 stitches each time until you have worked across 40 stitches. Then resume working in the round.

Rnd 3: k all.

Rnd 4: Purl all (Rim).

Rnd 5: BO.

Accessories

Binoculars

Barrels (Make 2): With Black yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in round. Knit 10 rounds. BO. Stuff lightly.

Bridge: CO 3 sts. Knit 4 rows flat. BO. Sew between the two barrels.

Strap: CO 2 sts. Knit an I-cord approx 8 inches long. Sew to the outside of each barrel.

Clapping Seal

Body: With Grey yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in round. Inc to 12. Knit 2 rnds. Inc to 18. Knit 10 rnds (Body). Dec to 12. Dec to 6. Close.

Head: Pick up 6 sts at the top. Inc to 12. Knit 4 rnds. Dec and close.

Flippers (Make 2): CO 5 sts. Knit 4 rows flat. Dec 1 st at start of next 2 rows. BO. Sew to sides.

Tail: CO 8 sts. Knit 4 rows flat. Divide into two sets of 4 sts. Knit each set separately for 3 rows to make a forked tail. BO. Sew to back.

Face: Embroider black nose, whiskers, and eyes.

Assembly

• Weave in all ends.
• Dress the bunny in the nautical striped dress.
• Put on the yellow cardigan and button it up.
• Place the sou’wester hat on the head, ensuring the longer brim is at the back.
• Hang the binoculars around the bunny’s neck.
• Position the seal next to the bunny.
• Embroider a “Y” nose on the bunny with brown thread.

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