Welcome to the whimsical world of the Sugarplum Meadow Bunny, a project that embodies the sweetness of a fairytale confectionery shop set in a pastel garden. This enchanting rabbit character is dressed in a sugar-pink dress with delicate leaf lace details, a creamy lace-patterned cardigan, and a jaunty powder blue beret adorned with a matching rose. She is accompanied by a delightful oversized macaron cushion and a tiny sparrow friend, making this set a dream for those who love sweet treats and soft colors. This heirloom-quality doll is designed to be a treasured keepsake, perfect for decorating a nursery or gifting to a special collector. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the luscious, soft finish seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the best materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch. For the intricate clothing, such as the lace bodice and the structured beret, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-twist wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp. Before you begin, take a moment to check your knitting supplies; ensure you have a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for assembly, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to embark on this lovely crafting journey, 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 Sugarplum Meadow Bunny stands approximately 13 to 14 inches (34 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be sturdy, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed to allow for precise shaping of the curves. The outfit is intricate and features multiple textures and pastel hues. The dress combines a scalloped lace hem with a central leaf motif on the bodice. The accessories are unique: a French-style beret with a knitted flower, a giant macaron floor cushion, and a miniature bird.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress): 60g DK weight yarn in Sugarplum Pink or Rose.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Shoes): 50g DK weight yarn in Cream or Ivory.
• Yarn D (Hat): 30g DK weight yarn in Powder Blue or Sky Blue.
• Yarn E (Macaron Cookie): 30g DK weight yarn in Mint Green.
• Yarn F (Macaron Filling): 15g DK weight yarn in Lilac or Lavender.
• Yarn G (Bird): Small amount of Cocoa Brown and Tan.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and main clothing. 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 bird eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown for nose, yellow for beak), stitch holders, small pearl 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.
• SK2P: Slip 1, K2tog, pass slipped stitch over (double decrease).
• 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)

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 15-42: 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 floppy. 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 Sugarplum Dress

This dress is knitted in Pink (Yarn B) and features a scalloped hem and a leaf-lace bodice.

Skirt

Using Yarn B (Pink), cast on 73 sts.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3 (Scallop Hem): K1, *K1, YO, K3, SK2P, K3, YO*, repeat from * to * to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: Repeat Row 3.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Rows 7-8: Repeat Rows 3-4.
• Rows 9-34: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS).
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last st, K1. (approx 55 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (44 sts)
• Row 38: Purl.
• Row 39 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (33 sts)

Bodice with Leaf Lace

• Rows 40-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armholes): K6, cast off 3 sts, K15, cast off 3 sts, K6.
• Row 44: P6, cast on 3 sts, P15, cast on 3 sts, P6. (33 sts)

Leaf Panel (Center 9 sts):

Work the following pattern on the center 9 stitches of the bodice (Knit the side stitches plain).

• Row 45: K12, (K4, YO, K1, YO, K4), K12. (35 sts)
• Row 46: Purl.
• Row 47: K12, (K2tog, K3, YO, K1, YO, K3, SSK), K12. (35 sts)
• Row 48: Purl.
• Row 49: K12, (K2tog, K2, YO, K3, YO, K2, SSK), K12. (35 sts)
• Row 50: Purl.
• Row 51: K12, (K2tog, K1, YO, K5, YO, K1, SSK), K12. (35 sts)
• Row 52: Purl.
• Row 53 (Neckline): 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 Lace Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Cream (Yarn C) and features a lace eyelet pattern on the fronts.

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 16 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 5 (Lace Pattern): K2, *YO, K2tog, K1*, repeat to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: K2, *K1, YO, K2tog*, repeat to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 8: Purl.
• Rows 9-20: Repeat rows 5-8.
• Row 21: Cast off 2 sts (armhole), work pattern to end.
• Rows 22-28: Continue in pattern.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 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 and pattern placement.

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 pearl buttons to the band.

Part 4: The Blue Rose Beret

This hat is knitted in Powder Blue (Yarn D).

• Brim: Cast on 48 sts.
• Rows 1-6: K2, P2 Ribbing.
• Row 7 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat to end. (72 sts)
• Rows 8-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 27: *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: K2tog across.

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

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The Rose: Cast on 40 sts.

Row 1: Knit.

Row 2: Purl.

Row 3: *K1, Cast off 3 sts*, repeat to end.

Coil the remaining strip into a rose shape, stitch the base, and sew it to the side of the beret.

Part 5: Cream Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn C (Cream).

• Sole: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 8 rows (Garter).
• Upper: Pick up 24 sts around three sides.
• Rows 1-5: Stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Row 7: Purl.
• Row 8 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 2 times, K8. (18 sts)
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam.

Strap: Crochet a small chain or knit a thin strip and sew across the foot.

Part 6: Accessories

The Giant Macaron

Using Yarn E (Mint) and Yarn F (Lilac).

• Shells (Make 2 in Mint): Cast on 6 sts. Inc to 12. Inc to 24. Inc to 36. Knit flat for 1 inch. K2tog across. Draw through. (This creates a domed circle).
• Filling (Lilac): Cast on 6 sts. Knit a strip long enough to go around the circumference of the shells. Cast off.

  Or knit a ruffle: Cast on 60 sts. Knit 2 rows. Cast off.

• Assembly: Sew the filling strip between the two mint shells, stuffing the inside firmly with fiberfill to create a round cushion shape.

The Sparrow

Using Yarn G (Cocoa Brown/Tan).

• Body: Cast on 6 sts. Inc to 12. Knit 6 rows. Dec to 6. Draw through. Stuff.
• Head: Pick up 6 sts. Knit 3 rows. Dec and draw through.
• Wings: Cast on 3 sts. Knit 4 rows. Cast off. Sew to sides.
• Beak: Embroider with Yellow.
• Eyes: Use small black beads.
• Assembly: Sew the bird onto the top of the macaron cushion.

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 shoes on the feet.
   • Put the dress on the bunny.
   • Put the cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the beret on the head, tilting it slightly to show the rose.
   • Place the macaron cushion and bird next to the bunny.

Your Sugarplum Meadow Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of sweetness and elegance, perfect for display.