The Magnolia & Cardinal Bunny represents a breathtaking intersection of nature-inspired artistry and traditional craft. This project features a sophisticated color palette of deep burgundy, creamy ivory, and brilliant cardinal red, making it a standout piece for any heirloom collection. To ensure the finest results, many crafters choose to buy premium extra-fine merino wool, as it provides the necessary stitch definition for the intricate 3D magnolia blooms and the delicate embroidery. When you purchase high-quality materials, you ensure that every petal and wing-tip holds its shape for a lifetime. This character exudes a sense of quiet observation and woodland peace, accompanied by her vivid cardinal companion and miniature binoculars for birdwatching adventures.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Required Materials and Tools

To recreate this bunny with 100% accuracy, selecting the correct yarn weights and textures is paramount. For the bunny’s skin, a soft oatmeal or light beige DK-weight yarn is required. For the wardrobe, you will need a rich burgundy or maroon for the dress and hat, a crisp cream for the bolero jacket, and a vibrant red for the cardinal pet and shoes. Small amounts of forest green and white are necessary for the magnolia embroidery. A scrap of tan and black yarn is used for the binoculars.

The needles recommended for this project are 3.0mm (US size 2.5) double-pointed needles or circular needles for the magic loop method. Using a slightly smaller needle size than the yarn label suggests creates a dense, firm fabric that prevents the fiberfill stuffing from showing through the stitches. You will also need 9mm black safety eyes, a tapestry needle for assembly, and sharp embroidery needles for the floral details. High-quality polyester fiberfill is essential for achieving a smooth, plump form that is both durable and soft.

Stitch Abbreviations and Terminology

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd: round
• st-st: stockinette stitch
• kfb: knit into front and back of the same stitch (increase)
• m1: make one stitch by lifting the bar between stitches (increase)
• k2tog: knit two stitches together (decrease)
• ssk: slip, slip, knit the two slipped stitches together (decrease)
• RS / WS: right side / wrong side
• I-cord: a narrow tube of knitting worked on two needles

The Foundation: Knitting the Legs and Feet

The bunny begins from the feet up. In this design, the shoes and socks are integrated into the leg knitting to provide a seamless look. We will start with the red shoes, move into the oatmeal skin tone, and then join them to form the body.

The Red Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

Using the red yarn, cast on 12 stitches. We will work in the round.

• Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (24 sts).
• Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat around (32 sts).
• Rnd 3-8: Knit all stitches. This forms the base of the foot.
• Rnd 9: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shapes the toe area.
• Rnd 10: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
• Rnd 11: Knit all stitches.

Transition to the Leg

Change to the oatmeal yarn. This represents the skin above the shoe line.

• Rnd 12: Working in the back loops only (BLO) for this round, knit all stitches. This creates a ridge that helps the shoe look separate from the leg.
• Rnd 13-40: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This builds the height of the leg.

Stuff the foot very firmly, ensuring the toe area is rounded. Stuff the leg moderately to allow for a natural seated position later. Leave the stitches for the first leg on a holder. Complete the second leg and keep the yarn attached.

The Plump Body and Torso Shaping

Joining the legs creates the foundation for the torso. This section focuses on creating rounded hips and a tapered waist that will fit the burgundy dress perfectly.

Joining the Legs

Rnd 41: Knit across 24 stitches of the second leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across 24 stitches of the first leg, and cast on 4 stitches for the back (56 sts total). This creates the base of the hips.

The Torso

• Rnd 42-55: Knit all stitches in the round. The body will look like a wide cylinder.
• Rnd 56: *k12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
• Rnd 57-62: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 63: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Rnd 64-68: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 69: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
• Rnd 70-74: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 75: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
• Rnd 76: Knit all stitches. Start stuffing the body firmly, pushing the fiberfill toward the sides to define the hips.
• Rnd 77: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
• Rnd 78: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This round forms the neck. Do not bind off.

The Bunny Head and Snout Construction

The head is worked directly from the neck. We will use specific increases to create a slightly elongated snout and broad cheeks, which give the bunny a gentle, contemplative expression.

Head Shaping Rounds

• Rnd 79: *k2, m1* repeat around (36 sts).
• Rnd 80: *k3, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
• Rnd 81: *k4, m1* repeat around (60 sts).
• Rnd 82-95: Knit all stitches. This builds the main volume of the head.
• Rnd 96: *k8, k2tog* repeat around (54 sts).
• Rnd 97: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 98: *k7, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Rnd 99: Knit all stitches.

Eye Placement and Closing

Insert the safety eyes between Rnd 88 and Rnd 89. They should be spaced roughly 10 stitches apart. Ensure they are level with the center of the face. Begin stuffing the head very firmly, focusing on the cheek area to ensure a symmetrical, plump look.

• Rnd 100: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
• Rnd 101: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
• Rnd 102: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
• Rnd 103: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
• Rnd 104: k2tog around (8 sts).

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Cut the yarn, thread the tail through the remaining stitches, and pull tight. Weave the end into the head.

Slender Arms and Paws

The arms are worked separately and sewn to the body later. They should be stuffed more lightly at the top to allow them to hang naturally against the bolero jacket.

Using oatmeal yarn, cast on 10 stitches in the round.

• Rnd 1-35: Knit all stitches. This creates a long, thin arm.
• Rnd 36: *k3, k2tog* repeat (8 sts).
• Rnd 37: k2tog around (4 sts).

Thread the yarn through the final stitches. Stuff the bottom (paw) area firmly and the rest of the arm lightly. Make two. These will be sewn to Rnd 77 of the body after the dress and bolero are fitted.

The Burgundy Magnolia Dress

The dress is the most detailed garment in this project. It is worked in a rich burgundy color and serves as a canvas for the 3D magnolia embroidery.

The Skirt and Bodice

Using burgundy yarn, cast on 80 stitches. Join in the round.

• Rnd 1-5: Knit every round. This creates a subtle rolled hem.
• Rnd 6-30: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This builds the flared skirt.
• Rnd 31 (Waistline): *k8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
• Rnd 32: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
• Rnd 33: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
• Rnd 34-40: Knit all stitches for the bodice.
• Rnd 41: k10, bind off 4 stitches for the armhole, k20, bind off 4 stitches for the second armhole, k10.

Work the front and back sections flat for 6 rows each, then bind off. Sew the shoulder seams, leaving a wide opening for the neck.

3D Magnolia Embroidery

The magnolia flowers on the skirt are the defining feature. We will use a “painting with thread” approach.

1. The Stems: Using forest green yarn and a stem stitch, create a wandering branch that starts at the hem and travels upward toward the waist.
2. The Buds: Using forest green, work a small satin-stitch oval at the end of a stem.
3. The Blooms: Use white yarn and a satin stitch to create large, oval petals. To make them 3D, work the stitches over a small amount of padding or layer the stitches heavily in the center. Add a yellow French knot in the center of the fully opened magnolia.
4. The Leaves: Using forest green, work lazy daisy stitches around the stems to fill in the foliage.

The Cream Bolero with Cardinal Embroidery

The bolero jacket is worked in a crisp cream yarn. It is a cropped style that sits just above the dress’s waistline.

Bolero Construction

Using cream yarn, cast on 30 stitches. We will work this piece flat.

• Row 1-12: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 13 (Sleeves): Cast on 8 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows (46 sts total).
• Row 14-22: Knit all stitches on RS, purl all stitches on WS.
• Row 23: Knit 18, bind off center 10 stitches for the neck, knit 18.
• Work each side for 8 more rows, then bind off.

Sew the underarm and side seams. The bolero should be short with sleeves that reach the bunny’s elbows.

The Tiny Cardinal Detail

On the left breast of the bolero, we will embroider a miniature cardinal. Use vibrant red embroidery thread to create a small teardrop shape for the body and a tiny triangle for the crest. Use black thread for the “mask” around the eye and a single stitch of yellow for the beak. Place the bird on a small brown embroidered branch.

The Burgundy Flower Hat

The hat matches the burgundy dress and features a cream magnolia accent. It is a classic brimmed style that fits snugly between the ears.

• Cast on 44 stitches with burgundy yarn. Join in the round.
• Rnd 1-5: Knit all stitches (Brim).
• Rnd 6: *k1, kfb* repeat around (66 sts). This creates the flare.
• Rnd 7-15: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 16: *k4, k2tog* around.
• Rnd 17-20: Continue decreasing every round by 6-8 stitches until the top is closed.

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Knit a tiny white magnolia petal (CO 3, knit 4 rows, BO) and sew it to the side of the hat crown.

The Brilliant Red Cardinal Companion

This 3D pet is a miniature cardinal bird that can be perched on the bunny’s arm or the table beside her.

Body and Head

Using red yarn, cast on 6 stitches in the round.

• Rnd 1: kfb around (12 sts).
• Rnd 2-8: Knit all stitches. Stuff firmly.
• Rnd 9: *k1, k2tog* around (8 sts).
• Rnd 10: k2tog around (4 sts). Bind off.

Wings and Tail

• Wings: Cast on 5 stitches, knit 4 rows of garter stitch, and bind off. Make two and sew to the sides.
• Tail: Cast on 4 stitches, work 6 rows of I-cord, and bind off. Sew to the back.
• Facial Details: Use black thread to embroider the mask and a tiny bead of orange for the beak.

Miniature Binoculars Accessory

The binoculars are a charming prop made of three small parts joined together.

• Barrels (Make 2): Using tan yarn, cast on 8 stitches. Work in st-st for 8 rounds. Change to black yarn for the final round (the lens) and bind off. Stuff lightly.
• Bridge: Using black yarn, knit an I-cord 1 inch long.
• Assembly: Sew the bridge between the two tan barrels. Attach a long strand of black yarn to either side of the barrels to act as a neck strap.

Bunny Ears and Face Finalization

The ears are worked flat in oatmeal yarn. They are long and elegant, framing the burgundy hat.

1. Cast on 12 stitches.
2. Rows 1-35: Stockinette stitch.
3. Row 36: k2tog at both ends.
4. Repeat the decrease every 4 rows until 4 stitches remain.
5. Bind off.

Sew the ears to the top of the head at Round 100. They should stand upright but have enough flexibility to tilt slightly.

Facial Embroidery

Use the brown embroidery thread to create a small “Y” shape centered between the eyes for the nose and mouth. Ensure the stitches are small and neat. Use a very light touch of pink cosmetic blush or a pink colored pencil to add circular blushes to the cheeks, giving the bunny a healthy glow.

Proper Care and Maintenance

Because this bunny features complex 3D embroidery and multiple knitted layers, it requires specific care to maintain its pristine appearance. If the bunny becomes dusty, a gentle surface cleaning with a soft, lint-free cloth is recommended. Avoid using a vacuum or harsh brushes that might snag the delicate magnolia petals.

For deeper cleaning, hand washing is the only appropriate method. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent designed specifically for wool or delicate fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Let it soak for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Gently press the water out using a clean towel—never wring the doll. Lay the bunny flat on a dry towel in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the rich burgundy and brilliant red yarns. Once completely dry, you may need to gently reshape the magnolia petals with your fingers. A light application of fabric softener in the final rinse can help keep the cream bolero jacket feeling soft and supple. With this care, your Magnolia & Cardinal Bunny will remain a cherished companion for years to come.

The joy of knitting such a detailed character lies in the storytelling. Every stitch in the burgundy dress and every cardinal embroidered on the bolero contributes to a world of woodland wonder. Whether this bunny is kept as a personal treasure or given as a meaningful gift, the time and quality fibers invested in her creation make her truly priceless.