Welcome to the heartwarming and nostalgic world of the Cherry Blossom Letter Bunny. This intricate project captures the essence of a vintage storybook character, featuring a sweet rabbit who serves as the woodland’s most reliable messenger. Dressed in a textured cream dress speckled with “popcorn” bobbles, a cozy mocha cable-knit cardigan, and a matching leaf-adorned beret, she is ready to deliver messages of love and friendship. She is accompanied by a faithful white dove messenger, a handwritten love letter, and even a tiny knitted pencil for composing her notes. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake, perfect for collectors or as a sentimental gift. 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 oatmeal or biscuit 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 definition for the bobble texture. 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 epistolary 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 Cherry Blossom Letter 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 delightful “popcorn” or bobble stitch texture. The cardigan showcases a classic rope cable design on the front panels. The set also includes detailed instructions for the miniature white dove, a tiny envelope bag, a loose letter, and a pencil.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Light Brown, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Bunny Muzzle): 10g DK weight yarn in Cream or White.
• Yarn C (Dress & Dove): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
• Yarn D (Cardigan, Hat, Shoes, Bag): 80g DK weight yarn in Mocha, Latte, or Light Brown.
• Yarn E (Pencil Body): Small scrap of Mustard Yellow.
• Yarn F (Pencil Eraser/Heart): Small scrap of Pink.
• Yarn G (Pencil Tip/Lead): Small scrap of Grey/Black.
• 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), embroidery floss (dark brown for nose, black for dove eyes, red for heart), stitch holders, small wooden buttons.

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).
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle.
• MB (Make Bobble): (K1, yo, K1, yo, K1) into next st, turn, P5, turn, K5, turn, P5, turn, K5, pass 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th sts over 1st st.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.

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. Note the color change for the muzzle to create the distinct face marking.

Legs (Make 2)

The legs are knitted in the skin color (Oatmeal). The shoes and socks are removable items in this pattern, so we knit a plain leg.

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal), cast on 12 stitches.

• Row 1: Purl.
• Row 2 (Inc): Inc in every st. (24 sts)
• Row 3: Purl.
• Row 4 (Inc): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS) starting with a Purl row.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): K12, (K2tog) 6 times, K12. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): K9, (K2tog) 6 times, K9. (24 sts)
• Row 13: Purl.
• Row 14 (Ankle): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Rows 15-40: Work straight in stockinette stitch to create the long leg.

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

The head features a color change for the muzzle. You will need to join Yarn B (White) for the center stitches using the Intarsia method (twisting yarns at color change to prevent holes).

• Row 77 (Increase): Using Yarn A, *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 82-88: Work straight in stockinette stitch with Yarn A.
• Row 89 (Begin Muzzle): K22 Yarn A, K10 Yarn B (White), K22 Yarn A.
• Row 90: P22 Yarn A, P10 Yarn B, P22 Yarn A.
• Row 91: K21 Yarn A, K12 Yarn B, K21 Yarn A.
• Row 92: P21 Yarn A, P12 Yarn B, P21 Yarn A.
• Rows 93-98: Continue working the center 12-14 stitches in White and the sides in Oatmeal to create the round muzzle shape.
• Row 99 (End Muzzle): Work across in Yarn A only.
• Row 100: Purl in Yarn A.
• Row 101 (Decrease): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 102: Purl.
• Row 103 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
• Row 104: Purl.
• Row 105 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 106: Purl.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 108 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 109 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
• Row 110 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
• Row 111: 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.

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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.

Ears (Make 2)

Using Yarn A.

• Row 1: Cast on 14 sts.
• Rows 2-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Decrease): SSK, K10, K2tog. (12 sts)
• Row 44: Purl.
• Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, K8, K2tog. (10 sts)
• Row 46: Purl.
• Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, K6, K2tog. (8 sts)
• Row 48: Purl.
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, K4, K2tog. (6 sts)
• Row 50: Purl.
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, K2, K2tog. (4 sts)
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Cream Bobble Dress

This dress is knitted in Yarn C (Cream) and features a scattered bobble (popcorn) pattern on the skirt.

Skirt

Using Yarn C, cast on 60 sts.

• Rows 1-3: Knit (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5 (Bobble Row): *K5, MB (Make Bobble), K4*, repeat to end.
• Rows 6-10: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 11 (Bobble Row Offset): *K2, MB, K7*, repeat to end.
• Rows 12-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 17: Repeat Row 5.
• Rows 18-34: Continue pattern, spacing bobbles as desired.
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (45 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)

Bodice

• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armholes): K6, cast off 3 sts, K18, cast off 3 sts, K6.
• Row 44: P6, cast on 3 sts, P18, cast on 3 sts, P6. (36 sts)
• Rows 45-48: Work straight.
• Row 49: Knit (Garter ridge).
• Row 50: Cast off loosely.

Drawstring: Make a twisted cord using Cream yarn. Weave it in and out of the stitches at the waistline (Row 37) to cinch the dress.

Part 3: The Mocha Cable Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn D (Mocha/Light Brown) and features a rope cable on the front.

Back

Cast on 28 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows. (24 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 16 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 5 (Cable Row): K2, P1, C4F, P1, K8.
• Row 6: P8, K1, P4, K1, P2.
• Row 7: K2, P1, K4, P1, K8.
• Row 8: Repeat Row 6.
• Rows 9-20: Continue pattern, twisting cable every 4th or 6th row.
• Row 21: Cast off 2 sts (armhole), work pattern to end.
• Row 30: Cast off 5 sts (neck).
• Row 31: Dec 1 st at neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping and cable placement (K8, P1, C4F, P1, K2).

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 18 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 16. (22 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up stitches along the front edges and knit 2 rows of garter stitch for the button band. Sew small wooden buttons to the band.

Part 4: The Leaf Beret

Using Yarn D (Mocha).

• Brim: Cast on 46 sts.
• Rows 1-5: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 6 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat to end. (69 sts)
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch to create the slouchy shape.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: K2tog across.

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

Leaf Detail: Cast on 5 sts. K 1 row. Inc 1 at each end of next row. Work 5 rows. Dec 1 at each end of next row. K3tog. Sew this leaf shape to the brim of the hat.

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Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes with Ruffles

These shoes feature a built-in white ruffle to look like socks.

Using Yarn D (Mocha).

• Sole: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 8 rows (Garter).
• Upper: Pick up 24 sts around the three sides of the sole.
• Rows 1-4: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 5 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: K8, (K2tog) 2 times, K8. (18 sts)
• Change to Yarn C (Cream/White) for ruffle.
• Row 8: *Inc in every stitch*. (36 sts)
• Row 9: Knit.
• Row 10: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back heel seam.

Strap: Using Mocha yarn, crochet a chain or knit a thin strip and sew across the foot.

Part 6: Accessories

The Envelope Bag

Using Yarn D (Mocha).

• Cast on 12 sts. Work in stockinette for 4 inches.
• Flap Shaping: Dec 1 st at each end of every RS row until 2 sts remain. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom rectangle up to create the pocket. Sew side seams. Fold the pointed flap down. Sew a small button. Add a twisted cord strap.

The Love Letter

Using Yarn C (White/Cream).

• Cast on 8 sts. Knit in Garter stitch for 1 inch. Cast off.
• Embroider the word “Love” in brown thread and a small red heart in the center.

The Dove Messenger

Using Yarn C (White), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 6 sts. Inc to 12. Knit 8 rows. Dec to 6. Draw through. Stuff to make an egg shape.
• Head: Pick up 6 sts at one end. Work 3 rows. Dec and draw through.
• Wings (Make 2): Cast on 4 sts. Knit 5 rows. Dec 1 st at start of next 2 rows. Cast off. Sew to sides.
• Beak: Embroider a small orange beak. Use a spare piece of paper or fabric folded like a letter and tack it to the beak.

The Pencil

• Using Yellow yarn, cast on 4 sts. Work I-cord for 1.5 inches.
• Change to Pink. Work I-cord for 0.5 inch (Eraser).
• Change to Grey. K2tog twice. Fasten off (Tip).

Part 7: Assembly and Finishing

1. Stuffing: Stuff the bunny’s legs, body, and head firmly. The neck needs to be very firm.
2. Seaming: Use mattress stitch for all vertical seams.
3. Face Details:
   • Eyes: Insert safety eyes on the head where the white muzzle meets the oatmeal fur (around row 95).
   • Nose: Using dark brown embroidery thread, stitch a “Y” shape on the white muzzle patch.
4. Attaching Parts:
   • Ears: Sew the cast-on edge of the ears to the sides of the head.
   • Arms: Sew the arms to the sides of the body.
5. Dressing:
   • Put the shoes on the feet.
   • Put the bobble dress on the bunny and tie the waist cord.
   • Put the cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the beret on the head.
   • Hang the bag over her shoulder.
   • Position the dove, pencil, and letter on the bench or in her lap.

Your Cherry Blossom Letter Bunny is now complete! This project tells a story of friendship and correspondence, making it a truly unique piece.