Welcome to the refined and elegant world of the Primrose Porcelain Bunny. This exquisite project captures the timeless beauty of fine blue and white china, translated into soft yarn. This gentle rabbit character is dressed for a high tea, wearing a dress inspired by classic Delftware patterns, a soft cream cardigan, and a structured bonnet. She is surrounded by a delightful array of tea-time accessories, including a knitted teacup, a plate of cookies, and even a miniature bunny companion hiding in a sugar bowl. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake, perfect for collectors of fine crafts or as a sophisticated gift for a loved one. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the pristine look seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the best materials. For the bunny’s skin, a high-quality merino wool yarn in a soft cream or ecru 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 blue colorwork and lace edges. 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 masterpiece of fiber art, 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 Primrose Porcelain 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. The dress features a scalloped hem edged in blue and a bodice with a “porcelain” colorwork pattern. The set also includes detailed instructions for the large teacup, the blue teacup with the tiny bunny, the plate of cookies, and the lace napkin.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin, Dress Skirt, Cardigan, Hat): 150g DK weight yarn in Cream, Ecru, or Off-White.
• Yarn B (Contrast Detail): 40g DK weight yarn in Delft Blue or Cornflower Blue.
• Yarn C (Cookies): Small amount of Light Brown and Dark Brown.
• Yarn D (Tiny Bunny): Small amount of White or Cream.
• 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 (main bunny), two beads for tiny bunny eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown for nose, blue for extra details), stitch holders, small 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).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• 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 to ensure a sturdy structure that doesn’t wobble.

Legs (Make 2)

The shoes are knitted as part of the leg for a seamless look, though the strap is added later. Start with Yarn A (Cream).

• Row 1: Cast on 12 stitches.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3 (Inc): Inc in every st. (24 sts)
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5 (Inc): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 6-10: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS) starting with a Purl row.
• Row 11 (Shape Foot): K12, (K2tog) 6 times, K12. (30 sts)
• Row 12: Purl.
• Row 13 (Shape Foot): K9, (K2tog) 6 times, K9. (24 sts)
• Row 14: Purl.
• Row 15 (Ankle): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Rows 16-42: 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 43 (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 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): K10, Inc, K20, Inc, K10. (44 sts)
• Row 46: Purl.
• Row 47 (Hip Increase): K11, Inc, K20, Inc, K11. (46 sts)
• Rows 48-68: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the bunny’s tummy.
• Row 69 (Decrease): *K8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 sts, K6. (42 sts)
• Row 70: Purl.
• Row 71 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 72-76: Work straight.
• Row 77 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 78: Purl.
• Row 79 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 80: Purl. This marks the neck.

Head

Continue with Yarn A from the neck stitches.

• Row 81 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 82: Purl.
• Row 83 (Increase): *K2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 84: Purl.
• Row 85 (Increase): *K7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch to form the height of the face.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 108: Purl.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
• Row 110: Purl.
• Row 111 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 112: Purl.
• Row 113 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 114 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 115 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
• Row 116 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
• Row 117: 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.

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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 3-26: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 27: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (15 sts)
• Row 28: Purl.
• Row 29: K2tog across to last st, K1. (8 sts)

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

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and soft. Use 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 Porcelain Dress

This dress features a scalloped hem edged in blue and a bodice with a floral porcelain print effect.

Skirt

Start with the scalloped hem. Using Yarn B (Blue), cast on 84 sts.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit across.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Change to Yarn A (Cream).
• Row 3 (Scallop Setup): *K2, YO, K2, SSK, K2tog, K2, YO, K2*, repeat from * to * to end.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: Repeat Row 3.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: Repeat Row 3.
• Row 8: Purl.
• Rows 9-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Cream.
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (70 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (56 sts)
• Row 38: Purl.
• Row 39 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)

Bodice (Colorwork)

This section uses Yarn A (Cream) and Yarn B (Blue) to create the porcelain look. You will carry the yarn not in use loosely across the back (Fair Isle).

• Row 40: Purl in Cream.
• Row 41: *K3 Cream, K1 Blue*, repeat to last 2 sts, K2 Cream.
• Row 42: *P1 Blue, P1 Cream, P2 Blue*, repeat to last 2 sts, P2 Cream.
• Row 43: *K1 Cream, K3 Blue*, repeat to last 2 sts, K2 Cream.
• Row 44: *P3 Cream, P1 Blue*, repeat to last 2 sts, P2 Cream.
• Row 45: Knit across in Cream.
• Row 46: Purl in Cream.
• Row 47 (Armholes): K7 Cream, cast off 4 sts, K20 Cream, cast off 4 sts, K7 Cream.
• Row 48: P7, cast on 4 sts, P20, cast on 4 sts, P7. (42 sts)
• Rows 49-52: Work in stockinette stitch (Cream).
• Row 53: Knit (Garter ridge).
• Row 54: Cast off loosely.

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

Part 3: The Cream Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn A (Cream) and features a simple, classic design to let the dress shine.

Back

Cast on 30 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. (26 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 18 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21: Cast off 2 sts at armhole edge.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Rows 23-28: Work straight.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 6 sts at neck edge.
• Row 30: Purl.
• Row 31: Dec 1 st at neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 16. (24 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.

Part 4: The Structured Bonnet

This hat mimics a vintage cloche or bonnet style with a textured band.

• Brim: Using Yarn A (Cream), cast on 50 sts.
• Rows 1-4: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 5 (Eyelet Row): *K2tog, YO*, repeat to end.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Rows 7-10: Knit (Garter Stitch). This creates the fancy band seen in the photo.
• Rows 11-24: Work in stockinette stitch for the crown.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (40 sts)
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 28: Purl.
• Row 29 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (20 sts)
• Row 30: K2tog across. (10 sts)

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

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Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

The shoe base is part of the leg, but we need to add the strap.

Strap: Using Yarn A (Cream), pick up 4 sts on one side of the ankle (where the leg knitting changed from shoe to leg). Knit a strip long enough to cross the foot (about 20 rows). Cast off and sew to the other side. Sew a small button to the strap.

Part 6: Tea Time Accessories

Large Teacup

Using Yarn A (Cream).

• Base: Cast on 6 sts. Inc to 12. Inc to 24. Knit flat for 1 inch.
• Rim: Knit a purl row on the RS to create a fold line. Work 3 more rows. Cast off.
• Assembly: Sew side seam. Sew bottom. The “rim” naturally rolls or can be folded down.
• Handle: I-cord for 2 inches. Sew to side.

Small Blue Teacup

Same pattern as above, but use Yarn B (Blue) and stop increasing at 18 stitches for a smaller size.

Tiny Bunny in a Cup

Using Yarn D (White/Cream).

• Head/Body: Cast on 8 sts. Inc to 16. Work 6 rows St st. Dec to 8. Draw through. Stuff lightly.
• Ears: Cast on 2 sts. Knit 4 rows. Fasten off. Sew to head.
• Assembly: Place the tiny bunny inside the Blue Teacup and stitch in place so just the head and ears peek out.

Plate and Cookies

• Plate: Using Yarn B (Blue), cast on 30 sts. Knit 1 row. Change to Yarn A (Cream). Knit 3 rows. Dec 5 sts evenly. Knit 1 row. K2tog across. Draw through and flatten.
• Cookies: Using Yarn C (Brown), cast on 4 sts. Inc in every st (8 sts). Knit 2 rows. K2tog across. Draw through. Make two.

Lace Napkin

Using Yarn A (Cream). Cast on 20 sts. Knit in Garter stitch until square. Crochet a simple scallop edge around the perimeter or knit a lace edging separately and sew on.

Part 7: 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. Dressing:
   • Put the porcelain dress on the bunny.
   • Put the cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the bonnet on the head.
   • Arrange the teacups, cookies, and tiny bunny friend for a perfect party setup.

Your Primrose Porcelain Bunny is now complete! This project brings a touch of classic elegance to your knitting collection.