Welcome to the charming world of the Marigold Market Bunny. This delightful project captures the essence of a bountiful harvest day, featuring a sweet rabbit character ready for a trip to the local farmers market. Dressed in a vibrant orange gingham pinafore that echoes the warmth of marigold flowers, a cozy cream cable-knit cardigan, and a rustic straw-colored sun hat, she is the picture of country elegance. She is accompanied by a market basket overflowing with fresh carrots, a loaf of crusty bread, and fresh blooms, along with a tiny squirrel friend who has found a prize acorn. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the professional, 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 colorwork gingham dress and the structured hat, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality 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 cultivate this beautiful project, 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 Marigold Market 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 advanced techniques such as stranded colorwork (Fair Isle) for the gingham effect and cabling for the cardigan. The accessories are numerous: a structured market basket, various vegetables, a squirrel, and a flower-shaped coin purse.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Bunny Muzzle): 20g DK weight yarn in White or Cream.
• Yarn C (Dress Gingham): 50g DK weight yarn in Rust/Orange and 50g in Cream/White.
• Yarn D (Cardigan): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
• Yarn E (Hat & Basket): 50g DK weight yarn in Tan, Straw, or Camel.
• Yarn F (Shoes & Squirrel): 30g DK weight yarn in Medium Brown.
• Yarn G (Carrots/Flowers): Scraps of Orange, Green, and Yellow.
• 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 squirrel eyes, embroidery floss (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).
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle.
• 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.

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

The head features a color change for the muzzle to create the white patch seen in the photo.

• Row 81 (Increase): Using Yarn A, *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)
• Row 86 (Begin Muzzle): P20 Yarn A, P14 Yarn B (White), P20 Yarn A. (Use Intarsia method, twisting yarns at change).
• Row 87: K20 Yarn A, K14 Yarn B, K20 Yarn A.
• Rows 88-96: Continue working the center 14 stitches in White and the sides in Oatmeal to create the round muzzle shape.
• Row 97 (End Muzzle): Work across in Yarn A only.
• Rows 98-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch (Yarn A).
• 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.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

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 Gingham Pinafore Dress

This dress features a gingham check pattern created using stranded colorwork (Fair Isle). You will carry the non-working yarn loosely across the back of the work.

Skirt

Using Yarn C (Rust/Orange) and Yarn B (Cream/White), cast on 64 sts.

Gingham Chart Logic:

Block A: 2 sts Rust, 2 sts Cream.

Block B: 2 sts Cream, 2 sts Rust (Note: for true gingham, you usually need a third mixed color, but for this scale, 2 colors work well if you alternate 2 rows of Rust/Cream with 2 rows of Cream/Rust).

• Rows 1-4: Knit in Garter Stitch using Rust (Hem).
• Rows 5-6: *K2 Rust, K2 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Rows 7-8: *K2 Cream, K2 Rust*, repeat to end.
• Rows 9-34: Repeat rows 5-8 to create the check pattern.
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): Using Rust only, *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (48 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (36 sts)

Bodice and Bib

The dress has a bib front. We will bind off the back stitches and work only on the center front.

• Row 38: Cast off 10 sts, K16 (Front Bib), Cast off 10 sts.
• Working on center 16 sts only (Rust):
• Rows 39-50: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 51: Knit.
• Row 52: Cast off.

Straps: Pick up 4 sts at the back corners of the waist. Knit strips long enough to cross over the shoulders and attach to the front bib corners.

Marigold Embroidery: On the bib, use Orange and Yellow yarn to embroider clusters of French knots to resemble marigold flowers. Add green lazy-daisy leaves.

Part 3: The Cream Cable Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn D (Cream) and features a braided cable on the front panels.

Back

Cast on 30 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 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 3 sts at armhole edge.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Rows 23-28: 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 and cable placement (K8, P1, K4, 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.

Part 4: The Straw Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn E (Tan/Straw) and features a wide, textured brim.

• Brim: Cast on 60 sts.
• Rows 1-8: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create the ridged straw look.
• Row 9 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end. (50 sts)
• Rows 10-18: Work in stockinette stitch for the crown.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (40 sts)
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (30 sts)
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end. (20 sts)
• Row 24: K2tog across. (10 sts)

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

Decorations: Knit 3 flowers using Orange/Yellow yarn.

Flower: Cast on 5 sts. *Inc in every st* (10 sts). Knit 2 rows. Cast off. Roll into a rosette. Sew to the side of the hat with green leaves.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn F (Medium 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 the back heel seam.

Strap: Crochet a small chain or knit a thin strip and sew across the foot. Use a slightly lighter brown yarn for the sole edge if desired to create a “sole” effect.

Part 6: Market Accessories

The Market Basket

Using Yarn E (Tan).

• Base: Cast on 12 sts. Knit a square base (approx 2 inches).
• Sides: Pick up 36 sts around the base. Work in Basketweave Stitch (*K3, P3* for 3 rows, then *P3, K3* for 3 rows) for 2 inches. Cast off.
• Handle: Cast on 4 sts. Knit a strip 6 inches long. Sew to sides.

Vegetables & Bread

Carrots: Using Orange, cast on 10 sts. Work 4 rows St st. Decrease 1 st at start of every row until 1 st remains. Sew into a cone, stuff, and add green yarn loops at the top.

Baguette: Using Tan, cast on 12 sts. Work 3 inches St st. K2tog across. Draw through. Sew side seam and stuff firmly. Embroider diagonal slashes with darker brown.

The Squirrel

Using Yarn F (Brown).

• Body: Cast on 8 sts. Inc to 16. Work 8 rows St st. Dec to 8. Draw through. Stuff.
• Head: Pick up 8 sts. Work 4 rows. Dec and draw through.
• Tail: Cast on 4 sts. Knit in Garter stitch for 3 inches. Sew to back and curve it upwards.
• Acorn: Using dark brown, make a tiny French knot ball.

Flower Coin Purse

Using Yellow and Green yarn.

• Center: Cast on 5 sts (Green). Inc to 10. Knit circle.
• Petals: Pick up sts around the edge in Yellow. Knit 6 small lobes/petals.
• Sew a backing piece and add a small loop for a handle.

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 (on the oatmeal section, just above the white muzzle).
   • Nose: Using dark brown embroidery thread, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth on the white muzzle.
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 gingham dress on the bunny.
   • Put the cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the hat on the head.
   • Fill the basket with the produce and place it on her arm.
   • Position the squirrel and coin purse nearby.

Your Marigold Market Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of harvest joy and country charm.