Welcome to the serene and beautiful world of the Magnolia Morning Bunny. This enchanting project captures the essence of a crisp, early spring morning in a quiet garden. The bunny is designed to be a cherished heirloom, a soft companion that brings the peace of nature indoors. Dressed in a sophisticated olive green ensemble that reflects the verdant hues of new foliage, she is ready to greet the day. Her outfit features a stunning dress with a geometric lemon-yellow leaf motif at the hem and a matching green cardigan adorned with a bold, white magnolia blossom. To complete her look, she wears a cream sun hat to shield her eyes and sweet cream shoes with yellow bows. She is accompanied by a faithful robin friend and a bottle of fresh milk, suggesting she is ready for a breakfast picnic. To ensure your creation lasts for generations, we highly recommend visiting your local yarn shop to select the finest materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn for the bunny’s skin to ensure a soft, huggable texture that is gentle against the cheek. For the detailed clothing and accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality blend to provide excellent stitch definition for the colorwork and lace details. Before you begin, checking your knitting supplies is essential; ensure you have a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, sharp scissors, and premium fiberfill. If you are ready to bring this garden scene to life, organize your knitting bag and let us 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 and Materials

The Magnolia Morning Bunny stands approximately 13 to 14 inches (34 cm) tall, a perfect size for cuddling or display. The body is constructed by knitting the legs separately, joining them to form the torso, and continuing up through the head in one seamless piece to ensure stability. The ears and arms are knitted separately and sewn on. The clothing is designed to be removable, adding an element of play. The dress features stranded colorwork, while the cardigan utilizes intarsia or duplicate stitch for the floral detail. The accessories—the robin, the milk bottle, and the bag—add a narrative element to the piece.

Supply List

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress & Cardigan): 80g DK weight yarn in Olive Green or Moss Green.
• Yarn C (Hat, Shoes, Milk Bottle): 50g DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
• Yarn D (Colorwork & Bows): 20g DK weight yarn in Pale Yellow or Lemon.
• Yarn E (Magnolia & Milk): Small amount of White.
• Yarn F (Robin): Scraps of Brown, Red/Orange, and White.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and main clothing. US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories (robin, milk bottle) to create a tight fabric.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads for robin eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown for nose, black for 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).
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.

Part 1: The Bunny Body

We begin by creating the foundation of our character. The legs are knitted first and then joined to create the body, ensuring a seamless transition into the head. This method provides a sturdy neck which is important for the head shape.

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 Olive Garden Dress

This beautiful dress captures the colors of the garden. It is knitted in Olive Green (Yarn B) with a geometric lemon-yellow pattern near the hem.

Skirt

Using Yarn B (Olive Green), cast on 64 sts.

• Rows 1-3: Knit (Garter Stitch) to create a sturdy hem.
• Row 4: Purl.

Colorwork Band: Join Yarn D (Yellow). Work in Fair Isle style, carrying the yarn not in use loosely across the back.

• Row 5: *K3 Green, K1 Yellow, K3 Green*, repeat to last st, K1 Green.
• Row 6: *P2 Green, P3 Yellow, P2 Green*, repeat to last st, P1 Green.
• Row 7: *K1 Green, K5 Yellow, K1 Green*, repeat to last st, K1 Green.
• Row 8: *P2 Green, P3 Yellow, P2 Green*, repeat to last st, P1 Green.
• Row 9: *K3 Green, K1 Yellow, K3 Green*, repeat to last st, K1 Green.

Break Yarn D. Continue with Yarn B (Olive Green).

• Rows 10-34: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)

Bodice

• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armholes): K6, cast off 4 sts, K16, cast off 4 sts, K6.
• Row 44: P6, cast on 4 sts, P16, cast on 4 sts, P6. (36 sts)
• Rows 45-48: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 49: Knit (Garter ridge).
• Row 50: 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 Magnolia Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn B (Olive Green) to match the dress, creating a “twinset” look. The highlight is the white magnolia flower on the front.

Back

Cast on 30 sts using Yarn B.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Armhole): Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows. (24 sts)
• Rows 21-32: Work straight.
• Row 33: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 16 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19: Cast off 3 sts at armhole edge.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Rows 21-28: Work straight.
• 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.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 18 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-18: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 14. (22 sts)
• Row 19: Cast off.

The Magnolia Flower

Once the Right Front is knitted, use Yarn E (White) to embroider (duplicate stitch) a large flower shape.

1. Center the flower on the chest area.

2. Stitch 5 large petals radiating from a center point.

3. Use a small amount of Yellow yarn to create French Knots in the center for the stamens.

Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up stitches along the front edges and knit 3 rows of garter stitch for the button band.

Part 4: The Cream Sun Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn C (Cream) and features a rolled brim and leaf decoration.

• Brim: Cast on 50 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Knit (Garter Stitch). This creates the structured brim.
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: K2tog across.

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

Leaf Decoration: Using Yarn B (Green), cast on 5 sts. Knit 6 rows. Decrease 1 st at each end. Cast off. Make 2 leaves and sew to the side of the hat.

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Part 5: Cream Shoes with Yellow Bows

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.

Bow: Using Yarn D (Yellow), tie a small bow and stitch it to the front of the shoe.

Part 6: Accessories

The Robin

Using US 2 needles and Yarn F (Brown, Red, White).

• Body: Using Brown, cast on 10 sts. Inc to 16. Work 4 rows.

  Change to Red for the chest (center 6 sts) and Brown for sides. Work 4 rows.

  Change to White for underbelly. Work 4 rows.

  Decrease to 8 sts. Draw through. Stuff lightly.

• Head: Pick up 8 sts. Work 4 rows in Brown. Dec and draw through.
• Wings: Cast on 4 sts. Knit 4 rows. Dec to point. Sew to sides.
• Beak: Embroider with black or dark brown.

Milk Bottle

Using Yarn C (Cream/White) and a scrap of Blue/Grey.

• Base: Cast on 8 sts. Knit 10 rows.
• Bottle: Pick up 24 sts around the base. Work in stockinette for 2 inches.
• Label: Change to Blue/Grey for 3 rows. Change back to White.
• Neck: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. Work 4 rows. Cast off.
• Stuff firmly to keep the cylindrical shape.

Shoulder Bag

Using Yarn B (Green) or Brown.

• Cast on 12 sts. Work in stockinette for 3 inches.
• Fold the bottom up to form the pouch. Sew side seams.
• Fold the remaining flap down.
• Strap: Knit an I-cord approx 10 inches long. Attach to sides.

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 hat on the head.
   • Hang the bag over her shoulder.
   • Arrange the milk bottle and robin nearby.

Your Magnolia Morning Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of peaceful morning rituals and nature’s beauty.