Welcome to the glowing, cozy world of the Buttercream Candlelight Bunny. This enchanting project captures the warmth of a quiet evening spent by the fireside, featuring a gentle rabbit character dressed in a soft yellow gown and a textured cream capelet. Her outfit is inspired by the flickering light of a candle, complete with flame embroidery and a whimsical candle-shaped handbag. She is accompanied by a tiny, loyal kitten friend wrapped in a winter scarf and a soft lantern to guide her way. This heirloom-quality doll is designed to be a treasured keepsake, perfect for bringing a sense of peace and warmth to any home. To ensure your finished bunny rivals the beauty of the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the perfect color palette. For the bunny’s skin, a high-quality merino wool yarn in a soft cream or buttercream shade provides a warm, natural finish. The clothing benefits from a smooth DK weight yarn; you might want to buy cotton yarn or a wool blend for the dress to provide a crisp canvas for the embroidery. Ensure your knitting supplies are complete with a set of fine bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for assembly, and premium polyester fiberfill. If you are ready to create this luminous masterpiece, check your knitting bag for stitch markers and let’s cast on.

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

Project Overview

The Buttercream Candlelight Bunny stands approximately 13 to 14 inches (34 cm) tall. The body is knitted flat and seamed, a method that allows for precise shaping of the curves and ensures the doll stands upright beautifully. The outfit is completely removable, allowing for dress-up play. The dress features a delicate silver lace hem and a hand-embroidered flame motif on the chest. The capelet and hat are knitted in a textured “dot” or “seed” stitch to provide contrast. The set also includes detailed instructions for the miniature kitten companion, a candle-shaped bag, and a soft knitted lantern.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Buttercream, Off-White, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress): 60g DK weight yarn in Pale Yellow or Custard.
• Yarn C (Capelet & Hat): 50g DK weight yarn in Cream or Natural Wool.
• Yarn D (Shoes & Details): 30g DK weight yarn in Cream (slightly darker than skin) or Pale Tan.
• Yarn E (Trim): 10g Metallic Silver or White Sparkle yarn for the dress hem.
• Yarn F (Cat): 20g DK weight yarn in Beige or Light Brown.
• Yarn G (Lantern/Candle Details): Scraps of Orange, Yellow, and Grey.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and clothes. US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories to create a tight fabric.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads for cat eyes, embroidery floss (orange and yellow for flames, dark brown for nose), stitch holders, small buttons for shoes/capelet.

Gauge

24 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A firm gauge is essential for the toy parts to prevent stuffing from showing through, while a standard gauge allows the clothing to drape nicely.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch (KFB).
• Dec: Decrease (K2tog).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.
• Garter Stitch: Knit every row.

Part 1: The Bunny Body

We begin by knitting the legs separately and joining them to form the body. The head is knitted as a continuation of the neck to ensure a sturdy structure that doesn’t wobble.

Legs (Make 2)

The legs start with the shoe color, transition to white socks, and then to the bunny skin color.

Foot and Shoe:
Using Yarn D (Cream/Tan), cast on 11 stitches.

• Row 1: Purl.
• Row 2 (Inc): Inc in every st. (22 sts)
• Row 3: Purl.
• Row 4 (Inc): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (33 sts)
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS) starting with a Purl row.
• Row 10 (Shape Toe): K10, (K2tog) 6 times, K11. (27 sts)
• Row 11: Purl.
• Row 12 (Shape Toe): K10, (K2tog) 3 times, K11. (24 sts)
• Row 13: Purl.

Sock:
Change to White yarn (or very pale cream).

• Row 14: Knit across.
• Row 15: Purl.
• Row 16 (Ankle Decrease): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Rows 17-22: Work straight in stockinette stitch.

Leg:
Change to Yarn A (Bunny Skin).

• Rows 23-40: Work straight in stockinette stitch to create the leg length.

Break yarn for the first leg and place stitches on a holder. Knit the second leg in the same manner but do not break the yarn.

Torso

We will now join the legs to form the body.

• Row 41 (Join): With the second leg on the needle, cast on 2 stitches, then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg (from holder). (42 sts total)
• Row 42: Purl all stitches.
• Row 43 (Hip Increase): K10, Inc, K20, Inc, K10. (44 sts)
• Row 44: Purl.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): K11, Inc, K20, Inc, K11. (46 sts)
• Rows 46-65: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the bunny’s tummy.
• Row 66 (Decrease): *K8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 sts, K6. (42 sts)
• Row 67: Purl.
• Row 68 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 69-72: Work straight.
• Row 73 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 74: Purl.
• Row 75 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 76: Purl. This marks the neck.

Head

Continue with Yarn A from the neck stitches.

• Row 77 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 78: Purl.
• Row 79 (Increase): *K2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 80: Purl.
• Row 81 (Increase): *K7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Rows 82-102: Work straight in stockinette stitch to form the height of the face.
• Row 103 (Decrease): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 104: Purl.
• Row 105 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
• Row 106: Purl.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 108: Purl.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 110 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 111 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
• Row 112 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
• Row 113: K2tog across. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining loops, pull tight, and secure. Sew the back seam of the head and body using mattress stitch, stuffing firmly as you go. Pay extra attention to stuffing the neck so the head doesn’t wobble.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A.

• Row 1: Cast on 10 sts.
• Row 2: Inc in every st. (20 sts)
• Rows 3-25: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 26: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (15 sts)
• Row 27: Purl.
• Row 28: K2tog across to last st, K1. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, sew side seam. Stuff lightly.

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Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy. Use Yarn A.

• Row 1: Cast on 14 sts.
• Rows 2-40: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 41 (Decrease): SSK, K10, K2tog. (12 sts)
• Row 42: Purl.
• Row 43 (Decrease): SSK, K8, K2tog. (10 sts)
• Row 44: Purl.
• Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, K6, K2tog. (8 sts)
• Row 46: Purl.
• Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, K4, K2tog. (6 sts)
• Row 48: Purl.
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, K2, K2tog. (4 sts)
• Row 50: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Candlelight Dress

This dress is knitted in a soft Pale Yellow (Yarn B) with a shimmering hem and flame embroidery.

Skirt

Using Yarn B (Pale Yellow), cast on 60 sts.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3: Switch to Yarn E (Silver/Metallic). Knit 1 row.
• Row 4: Purl 1 row.
• Row 5: *K2tog, YO*, repeat to end (Creates a picot effect).
• Row 6: Purl.
• Switch back to Yarn B (Pale Yellow).
• Rows 7-34: Work in stockinette stitch. This provides the smooth canvas for the dress.
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (50 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (40 sts)
• Row 38: Purl.
• Row 39 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)

Bodice

• Rows 40-44: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 45 (Armholes): K5, cast off 4 sts, K12, cast off 4 sts, K5.
• Row 46: P5, cast on 4 sts, P12, cast on 4 sts, P5. (30 sts)
• Rows 47-50: Work straight.
• Row 51: Knit (Garter ridge).
• Row 52: Cast off loosely.

Embroidery: On the center of the bodice, use Orange and Yellow embroidery floss to stitch a small candle flame. Use a satin stitch for the main flame body (orange) and a smaller satin stitch inside for the center (yellow).

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Leave the bodice open and attach a small snap fastener.

Part 3: The Textured Capelet

This capelet is knitted in Yarn C (Cream) and uses a “Dot Stitch” or “Seed Stitch” for texture. We will use Seed Stitch for this pattern.

• Neckline: Cast on 20 sts.
• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat to end. (30 sts)
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5 (Increase): *K2, Inc*, repeat to end. (40 sts)
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7 (Texture Setup): *K1, P1*, repeat to end.
• Row 8: *P1, K1*, repeat to end.
• Row 9 (Increase in pattern): *Pattern 3 sts, Inc*, repeat to end. (50 sts)
• Rows 10-20: Continue in Seed Stitch, increasing 10 stitches evenly across the row every 4th row until the capelet covers the shoulders nicely (approx 70-80 sts).
• Border: Knit 3 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Bind off loosely.

Sew a small button to the neckband. Make a small loop of yarn on the opposite side for a closure.

Part 4: The Vintage Hat

This hat mimics the texture of the capelet.

• Brim: Using Yarn C (Cream), cast on 50 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Work in Seed Stitch (*K1, P1* on RS, *P1, K1* on WS) to create a textured brim.
• Row 7: Knit across.
• Row 8: Purl across.
• Rows 9-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (40 sts)
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (20 sts)
• Row 26: K2tog across. (10 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, and sew back seam.

Decoration: Crochet a chain or use a piece of lace ribbon to tie around the base of the crown.

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Part 5: Accessories

The Candle Bag

This bag looks like a partially melted candle.

• Body: Using Yarn D (Tan/Beige), cast on 14 sts. Work in stockinette for 2 inches.
• Wax Drip: Change to Yarn A (White/Cream). Work 4 rows in stockinette.

  Next Row (Picot Edge): *K2tog, YO*, repeat to end.

  Work 2 more rows stockinette. Cast off.

• Assembly: Fold the strip in half. Sew side seams. The picot edge should be at the top. Fold the picot edge down to create a jagged “wax drip” look.
• Flame: Using Orange yarn, cast on 3 sts. Work 4 rows. Dec to 1 st. Fasten off. Sew this small flame shape to the inside of the bag opening so it peeks out.
• Strap: Knit an I-cord in Tan yarn and attach to sides.

The Knitted Lantern

Using Yarn G (Grey for frame, Yellow for light).

• Base: With Grey, cast on 8 sts. Knit a small square (Garter stitch). Cast off.
• Light: Pick up 20 sts around the square base using Yellow. Work in stockinette in the round (or flat and seam) for 1.5 inches.
• Top Frame: Change to Grey. *K2tog* across. (10 sts). Knit 2 rows. K2tog across. (5 sts).
• Handle: Work I-cord on the remaining 5 sts for 2 inches. Fasten off and sew loop to top.
• Assembly: Stuff the yellow section lightly to keep it cylindrical.

The Kitten Companion

Using Yarn F (Beige) and Yarn G (Scrap for scarf).

• Body/Head: Cast on 10 sts. Inc to 20. Work 15 rows St st. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff.
• Legs (Make 4): Cast on 4 sts. Knit 6 rows. Cast off. Sew to body.
• Ears: Pick up 3 sts on head. Knit 3 rows. Dec to 1. Fasten off.
• Tail: Cast on 3 sts. Knit 3 inches. Cast off.
• Scarf: Using scrap yarn, cast on 4 sts. Knit in garter stitch until long enough to wrap around the cat’s neck. Cast off. Fringe ends.

Part 6: Assembly and Finishing

1. Stuffing: Stuff the bunny’s legs, body, and head firmly. Ensure the neck is very stiff so the head doesn’t droop.
2. Seaming: Use mattress stitch for the back of the legs, body, and head. This creates an invisible seam which is professional and neat.
3. Face Details:
   • Eyes: Insert safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spaced about 9 stitches apart.
   • Nose: Using dark brown embroidery thread, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth.
4. Attaching Parts:
   • Ears: Fold the cast-on edge of the ear slightly in half and sew to the side of the head, level with the eyes, so they drape downwards.
   • Arms: Sew the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam.
5. Shoe Bows: Using Yarn D (Shoe color), cast on 30 sts. Cast off. Tie this small strip into a bow and sew it to the front of the shoe area.
6. Dressing:
   • Put the dress on the bunny.
   • Fasten the capelet around her shoulders.
   • Place the hat on her head.
   • Hang the candle bag over her shoulder.
   • Position the lantern and kitten near her feet.

Your Buttercream Candlelight Bunny is now complete! This project brings a soft glow of happiness to any room and showcases your knitting skills beautifully.