Welcome to a project that captures the very essence of a sunny afternoon spent in a meadow. The Vanilla Daisy Picnic Bunny is a heartwarming creation, designed to bring a touch of pastoral charm to your collection. This heirloom-quality soft toy features a gentle rabbit character prepared for an al fresco feast, complete with a beautifully detailed outfit and a basket full of sweet treats. Whether you are crafting this for a spring display or as a cherished gift for a loved one, the process is as delightful as the finished result. To ensure your bunny achieves the professional, soft finish seen in the photos, we 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 gingham hem and the daisy-studded pinafore, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-twist wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp and the colors remain vibrant. 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 Vanilla Daisy Picnic 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. The dress combines a stranded colorwork “gingham” hem with a textured bobble-stitch pinafore bodice. The accessories are numerous: a structured straw hat, a textured picnic basket, knitted donuts, a rolled blanket, and a tiny bumblebee companion.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Vanilla, Cream, or Oatmeal.
• Yarn B (Pinafore & Hat): 60g DK weight yarn in Beige, Straw, or Light Tan.
• Yarn C (Underskirt & Blanket): 40g DK weight yarn in Sky Blue.
• Yarn D (Underskirt Contrast & Daisies): 30g DK weight yarn in White.
• Yarn E (Basket & Shoes): 30g DK weight yarn in Medium Brown.
• Yarn F (Donuts & Bee): Scraps of Pink, Chocolate, Yellow, and Black.
• 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: Tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), embroidery floss (yellow for flower centers, dark brown for nose), 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).
• 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 to ensure a sturdy structure that doesn’t wobble.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Vanilla), 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 Daisy Pinafore Dress

This intricate dress has a layered look: a blue gingham underskirt and a beige pinafore overlaid with white bobble daisies.

Gingham Underskirt Border

Using Yarn C (Blue) and Yarn D (White), cast on 64 sts. Use the stranded colorwork method (Fair Isle), carrying the non-working yarn loosely across the back.

• Rows 1-2: Knit using Blue.
• Row 3 (Check Pattern): *K2 Blue, K2 White*, repeat to end.
• Row 4: *P2 White, P2 Blue*, repeat to end.
• Row 5: *K2 White, K2 Blue*, repeat to end.
• Row 6: *P2 Blue, P2 White*, repeat to end.
• Rows 7-10: Repeat Rows 3-6.
• Rows 11-12: Repeat Rows 3-4.

Pinafore Main Skirt

Break Blue and White yarn. Join Yarn B (Beige).

• Row 13: Knit across in Beige.
• Row 14: Purl.
• Row 15 (Daisy Bobble Row): *K5, switch to White, MB (Make Bobble), switch to Beige, K4*, repeat to end. (Note: Only use White for the bobble itself).
• Row 16: Purl in Beige.
• Rows 17-20: Work in stockinette stitch in Beige.
• Row 21 (Offset Daisy Row): *K2, switch to White, MB, switch to Beige, K7*, repeat to end.
• Rows 22-26: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 27: Repeat Row 15.
• Rows 28-32: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 33: Repeat Row 21.
• Rows 34-36: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 38: Purl.
• Row 39 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)

Bodice

The bodice creates the look of a pinafore over a white blouse.

• Change to Yarn D (White) for the blouse.
• Rows 40-44: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 45 (Armholes): K6, cast off 3 sts, K18, cast off 3 sts, K6.
• Row 46: P6, cast on 3 sts, P18, cast on 3 sts, P6. (36 sts)
• Rows 47-50: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 51 (Neckline): Knit (Garter ridge).
• Row 52: Cast off loosely.

Pinafore Straps and Collar:

Using Yarn D (White), pick up stitches around the neckline to create a small ruffled collar (Knit into front and back of each stitch, knit 2 rows, cast off).

Daisy Centers: Using Yellow embroidery floss, stitch a French Knot in the center of every white bobble on the skirt.

Part 3: Accessories

Straw Hat

Using Yarn B (Beige).

• Brim: Cast on 60 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Work in Garter Stitch (Knit every row).
• Row 7 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end. (50 sts)
• Rows 8-16: Work in stockinette stitch for the crown.
• Row 17: *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (40 sts)
• Row 18: Purl.
• Row 19: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (30 sts)
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21: *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end. (20 sts)
• Row 22: K2tog across. (10 sts)

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

Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn E (Brown).

• 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 heel seam. Add a small strap across the instep.

Picnic Basket

Using Yarn E (Brown) in Basketweave Stitch.

• Base: Cast on 12 sts. Knit a square base in Garter Stitch.
• Sides: Pick up 40 sts around the base.

  Rows 1-4: *K4, P4*, repeat.

  Rows 5-8: *P4, K4*, repeat.

  Repeat pattern for 2 inches. Cast off.

• Handle: Cast on 4 sts. Knit a strip 5 inches long. Sew to sides.

Donuts (Make 3)

Using Yarn A (Dough) and Yarn F (Pink/Chocolate).

• Cast on 12 sts. Work stockinette for 1 inch. Change to icing color. Work 1 inch. Cast off.
• Sew cast-on edge to cast-off edge to make a tube. Stuff lightly. Sew ends together to form a ring. Embroider sprinkles.

Rolled Blanket

Using Yarn C (Blue) and Yarn D (White).

• Cast on 20 sts. Knit in the same gingham check pattern as the dress hem for 5 inches. Cast off.
• Roll the rectangle tightly. Use a piece of blue yarn to tie it in a roll.

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Tiny Bee

Using Yellow and Black yarn.

• Cast on 4 sts (Yellow). Inc to 8. Knit 1 row.

  Change to Black. Knit 2 rows.

  Change to Yellow. Knit 2 rows.

  Change to Black. Knit 2 rows.

  Dec to 4. Draw through.

  Wings: Use white yarn to loop two small wings on the back.

Part 4: 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. Ensure the puff sleeves sit nicely.
   • Place the hat on the head.
   • Arrange the basket, donuts, blanket, and bee for the picnic scene.

Your Vanilla Daisy Picnic Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of summer joy and outdoor fun.