The White Calla Lily & Bombay Cat Bunny is a breathtaking heirloom-quality creation that blends the timeless elegance of floral motifs with the sleek mystery of a black feline companion. This sophisticated character features a gentle oatmeal-colored rabbit outfitted in a striking black dress adorned with hand-embroidered calla lilies, a crisp white cardigan featuring a tiny black cat silhouette, and a chic pearl-embellished hat. To achieve the professional, high-definition finish seen in the inspiration images, it is essential to buy premium merino wool or a high-twist cotton-merino blend that provides superior stitch definition. When you purchase professional knitting supplies and shop for artisan yarn from a reputable online yarn store, the intricate details like the pearl necklace and the miniature Bombay cat companion remain crisp and perfectly defined. This project is a rewarding journey for any textile artist looking to order luxury craft materials and transform them into a storied work of art that captures the essence of a moonlit garden walk and the graceful spirit of the Calla Lily.

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 Technical Specifications

To ensure your finished bunny mirrors the professional aesthetic of the reference photo, selecting the correct fiber weights and needle sizes is paramount. This project is optimized for DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn, which provides the necessary structural integrity for the bunny’s standing pose while allowing for fine detail in the multi-layered wardrobe. Using a needle size slightly smaller than the yarn manufacturer suggests is a professional secret for creating a dense fabric that keeps the fiberfill completely concealed.

• Main Bunny Body: Approximately 150g of DK weight wool in Oatmeal or Heathered Taupe. Natural, high-quality fibers provide a soft, matte finish characteristic of boutique art dolls.
• Dress and Hat Base: 100g of DK weight yarn in Jet Black.
• Cardigan Base: 75g of DK weight yarn in Crisp White or Soft Ivory.
• Miniature Cat and Details: 50g of DK weight yarn in Black.
• Floral Embroidery and Bag: Small amounts of White, Sage Green, and Pale Yellow for the lilies; Tan/Beige for the handbag.
• Jewelry and Embellishments: A strand of small white seed pearls for the necklace, hat, and bag closure.
• Needles: US Size 2 (2.75mm) for the bunny body and US Size 3 (3.25mm) circular needles for the clothing components.
• Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the main bunny; 4mm yellow or green beads for the tiny Bombay cat companion.
• Stuffing: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 300g).
• Notions: A sharp tapestry needle, fine embroidery needle, stitch markers, and tiny wooden buttons for the shoes.

Structural Gauge and Tension Control

Consistency in your tension is what transforms a simple project into a museum-quality piece. For the bunny’s body, aim for a gauge of approximately 26 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the 2.75mm needles. The fabric should feel solid and have very little “give” when stretched. This prevents the white stuffing from becoming visible when the limbs are posed. The clothing is designed to fit snugly over the stuffed form; therefore, checking the fit of the dress and cardigan against the bunny’s torso as you progress is highly recommended to ensure the proportions match the image perfectly. Maintain an even gauge throughout, especially when transitioning between the body and the clothing items.

Foundation: Constructing the Bunny Legs

The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward. This provides the bunny with the stability needed for its upright standing posture. We work the legs as seamless tubes to avoid bulky side seams that would detract from the professional finish. This bunny is designed with long, slender limbs that look elegant and realistic when posed against wooden furniture or natural backdrops.

Right Leg Construction

Using the oatmeal yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across your needles and join for working in the round, ensuring the stitches are not twisted. Place a marker at the start of the round.

1. Round 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch around (24 sts).
2. Round 2: *Knit 2, kfb* repeat from * to end of round (32 sts).
3. Rounds 3-10: Knit every stitch across the next eight rounds. This builds the rounded base and sides of the foot.
4. Round 11: Knit 12, (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
5. Round 12: Knit 10, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 10 (24 sts).
6. Round 13: Knit all stitches around.
7. Rounds 14-48: Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures roughly 5.5 inches (14 cm) from the sole. Ensure your tension remains extremely consistent to avoid any visible “jog” in the stitches.

Stuff the foot area very firmly, using your fingers to shape a rounded toe and a distinct heel. The leg should be stuffed moderately as you move upward to allow for a natural flexibility at the hip join. Leave these stitches on a holder or spare needle.

Left Leg Construction

Repeat the exact instructions provided for the right leg. After reaching Round 48, do not break the yarn. This working yarn will be used to initiate the joining process for the torso in the next section. Ensure the lengths of both legs are identical before proceeding.

 

Building the Plump Torso and Hips

Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture. Place the legs side-by-side with the toes pointing forward. We will create a gap between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the black dress to sit elegantly. This part must be stuffed very firmly to prevent the character from leaning over time.

Round 49 (Joining): Knit across the 24 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across the 24 stitches of the right leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back gap (56 sts total). Join to work in a large circle.

• Rounds 50-65: Knit every stitch in the round for sixteen rounds. This section establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain a firm tension to ensure the fabric is smooth and dense.
• Round 66: Perform a decrease round by knitting *12, k2tog* and repeat around (52 sts).
• Rounds 67-72: Knit all stitches around without further decreases.
• Round 73: *Knit 11, k2tog* and repeat around (48 sts).
• Rounds 74-78: Knit all stitches around. At this stage, begin stuffing the lower body firmly. Focus on pushing the stuffing toward the sides to define the rounded hip silhouette seen in the image.
• Round 79: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
• Rounds 80-84: Knit all stitches around.
• Round 85: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
• Round 86: Knit all stitches around.
• Round 87: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
• Round 88: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the narrow neck area. Do not bind off, as the head is worked directly from these stitches to ensure structural strength and prevent a wobbly head.

 

Shaping the Bunny Head and Facial Sculpting

The head requires specific increases to define the broad, sweet cheeks and the slightly tapered bridge of the nose. This part must be stuffed very firmly to maintain its shape over time, especially since the heavy black hat will be placed on top. The head and body are worked as one piece in this style to eliminate the need for a neck seam.

The Snout and Face

Round 89: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
Round 90: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Round 91: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Round 92: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Round 93: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
Rounds 94-115: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This vertical growth creates the main volume of the face and forehead. It should look like a rounded, slightly elongated dome.

Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 104 and 105, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are level and aligned with the center of the feet for a balanced, thoughtful gaze. Secure the backings firmly.

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Closing the Crown

Round 116: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
Round 117: Knit all stitches.
Round 118: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Round 119: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Round 120: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
Begin stuffing the head very firmly at this point. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks and a smooth forehead. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps.
Round 121: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Round 122: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Round 123: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in the end securely inside the head.

 

Long Drooping Ears and Slender Arms

Detailed Ears (Make 2)

The ears are a defining feature, standing tall at the crown before showing a natural drooping curve. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape that mimics the internal ear flap. Use the oatmeal yarn and 3.0mm needles.

Cast on 12 stitches. Work flat on two needles.
Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long, elegant rectangle.
Row 46: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk) (10 sts).
Row 47: Purl all stitches.
Row 48: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 sts).
Row 49: Purl all stitches.
Row 50: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (6 sts).
Bind off all stitches. Fold the bottom edge of the ear slightly in half to create depth and sew them to the top of the head at Round 118, spacing them about 4 stitches apart. They should hang down naturally on either side of the head.

Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)

The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally at the bunny’s side or hold accessories. Join oatmeal yarn in the round on 2.75mm needles.

1. Cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rounds 1-42: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge to match the legs.
3. Round 43: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across (8 sts).
4. Round 44: k2tog around (4 sts).

Break yarn and pull through. Stuff the hand area (bottom) firmly and the upper arm very lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck line at Round 88.

 

The White Calla Lily Black Dress

This dress features a classic flared silhouette with high-relief floral embroidery. The calla lilies are the artistic centerpiece of the garment and are added after the base is complete. We use the Jet Black yarn and 3.25mm circular needles.

Knitting the Dress Skirt

Cast on 84 stitches in Black. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This establishes a clean, weighted hem that won’t roll.
Rnds 7-30: Continue in stockinette stitch. This builds the main length of the skirt, reaching mid-calf on the rabbit.
Round 31 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
Round 32: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
Round 33: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts). This gathers the waist perfectly to fit the bunny’s torso. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Calla Lily Embroidery Guide

The lilies are positioned in a cluster of three at the front center of the skirt. Use a fine embroidery needle, white wool, and sage green thread.
The Stems: Using a stem stitch with green yarn, create three long, slightly arching stems of varying heights starting from the hem line.
The Calla Spathes: Using the white yarn, work a large, teardrop-shaped satin stitch or bullion knot. The shape should be wide at the top and taper down into the stem. Use the pale yellow yarn to create a single long French knot in the center of the white spathe to represent the spadix. This detail is essential for a museum-quality finish.

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The White Cardigan and Cat Motif

The cardigan is a standout piece of the character’s wardrobe, worked flat in crisp white wool. It features a cropped silhouette and a high-relief black cat embroidery on the right panel (bunny’s left).

Cardigan Body and Sleeves

Using the white yarn and 3.25mm needles, cast on 44 stitches. We work this piece flat from the top down.
Rows 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for the collar.
Row 5 (RS): Knit 6 (front), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k10 (back), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k8 (sleeve), m1, k1 (raglan), m1, k6 (front).
Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.
Continue increasing at the raglan points every RS row until the piece measures 2.5 inches (6 cm). Separate for Sleeves: Place sleeve stitches on holders and continue the body for 2 inches. Finish with 4 rows of garter stitch and bind off. Pick up sleeve stitches and work in the round for 18 rounds. Finish with a 3-row garter cuff.

Black Cat Embroidery Detail

On the right chest panel of the white cardigan, use the jet black yarn. Embroider a silhouette of a sitting cat with its tail curled around its feet. Use a satin stitch for the body and a series of backstitches for the tail. Use the yellow thread or tiny beads for the eyes. This level of detail is essential for a 100% accurate match to the image theme.

 

The Black Cloche Hat and Mary Janes

Black Hat Construction

The hat frames the bunny’s face and coordinates with the dress. Use the jet black yarn and 3.25mm needles.
Cast on 48 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-6: Knit all stitches. This forms the rolled brim.
Rnds 7-18: Continue in stockinette stitch. This forms the side walls of the hat.
Round 19: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around.
Continue decreasing in this pattern until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through the remaining stitches and fasten off.
Pearl Detail: Using a needle and thread, sew a row of small white pearls around the crown of the hat, just above where the brim begins to roll.

White Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

These shoes are separate items that fit over the oatmeal feet. Use the white yarn and 3.0mm needles.
Cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the side of the shoe.
Round 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box.
Round 6: Bind off 17 stitches loosely.
The Strap: Pick up 10 stitches across the top opening of the shoe and bind off immediately. Sew a tiny button or bead to the side of the strap. Slip onto the bunny’s feet.

 

Accessories: Handbag and Pearl Jewelry

Tan Envelope Handbag

The bunny carries a small structured bag. Use the tan yarn.
Bag Body: Cast on 12 stitches. Work in garter stitch for 5 inches. Fold the bottom 2 inches up to form a pocket and sew side seams. Fold the top 1 inch down to form a triangular flap.
Finishing: Sew a single pearl to the center of the flap for the clasp. Knit a 6-inch I-cord for the handle and attach to the sides. Place the bag in the bunny’s hand.

Knitted Pearl Necklace

Using a needle and strong thread, string 20 small white pearls. Tie the ends securely around the bunny’s neck over the black dress but under the white cardigan. This provides the sophisticated “Parisian” aesthetic seen in the reference photo.

 

The Miniature 3D Bombay Cat Companion

This tiny pet perches next to the bunny and requires very careful assembly to achieve its realistic sitting pose.

1. Using Black yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. kfb to 12.
2. Knit 10 rounds for the body. Rnd 11: *K1, k2tog* around (8). Stuff firmly.
3. Rnd 12: k2tog around (4). Pull through to close.
4. The Tail: Knit a 3-inch I-cord in black and sew to the rear, curling it forward.
5. Details: Add tiny pointed ears and use yellow beads or thread for the eyes. Position the cat sitting next to the bunny’s feet.

 

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The character’s personality is brought to life during the final assembly. Begin by ensuring the head is perfectly aligned with the center of the chest.

Nose and Mouth: Using Dark Charcoal embroidery thread, stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered exactly between the safety eyes. The mouth should be positioned low on the face to create a sweet, innocent expression.

Cheek Blush: Using a cotton swab, apply a very small amount of actual pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a circular motion. This adds a youthful, healthy glow that mimics the soft lighting in the photo. Check all seams for any gaps and ensure all loose yarn ends are woven in deeply so they are hidden within the stuffing.

 

Detailed Cleaning and Care Guidelines

Because this project features intricate embroidery, delicate seed pearls, and multiple layers of high-quality knitwear, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom status. This bunny is an art doll intended for display rather than rough play, and should be handled with care to prevent pilling of the merino fibers and snagging of the delicate calla lily petals.

Hand washing is the only recommended method for this character. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of a gentle detergent designed specifically for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding any aggressive scrubbing or agitation. Do not scrub the embroidered calla lilies on the dress or the cat motif on the cardigan, as this can distort the stitches or cause the tiny pearls to loosen. Let the doll soak for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.

To dry, place the bunny between two clean, thick towels and press down gently to remove excess moisture. Never wring or twist the doll, as this will distort the internal fiberfill and ruin the shape of the head and the A-line skirt. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant black and white colors over time. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and cardigan feeling exceptionally soft. Once completely dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing with your fingers to restore her original plump shape and use a small needle to “fluff” the lily petals back into their rounded form.

If the bunny is intended for long-term display, keep her in a dust-free environment, such as a glass-fronted cabinet. Avoid placing her in direct sunlight for extended periods, as natural wool can be sensitive to UV rays. By following these maintenance steps, your White Calla Lily & Bombay Cat Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come. Every stitch in the white cardigan and every embroidered petal on the black skirt contributes to a narrative of patience and artistic expression. Enjoy the process of bringing this garden-dwelling rabbit to life!

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