Welcome to the enchanting world of the Wisteria Porch Swing Bunny. This project captures the essence of a lazy late-spring afternoon, featuring a unique lilac-colored rabbit enjoying the sweet scent of blooming vines. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake, perfect for collectors or as a stunning centerpiece in a nursery. To ensure your finished creation achieves the delicate and professional 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 that distinct, soft lilac hue that sets this character apart. For the intricate clothing, such as the white cardigan and the embroidered dress, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality blend to ensure the stitch definition is sharp and the embroidery sits perfectly on the fabric. 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 Wisteria Porch Swing 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. The outfit is intricate and features advanced finishing techniques, particularly embroidery. The dress is a masterpiece of surface decoration, featuring cascading wisteria racemes created with bullion knots or French knots. The accessories include a structured cloche hat with floral clusters, a basket-weave texture shoulder bag, embroidered Mary Jane shoes, and a delicate miniature hummingbird companion.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Soft Lilac or Pale Lavender.
• Yarn B (Dress): 60g DK weight yarn in Pale Pinkish-Lilac or Thistle.
• Yarn C (Cardigan): 50g DK weight yarn in Bright White.
• Yarn D (Shoes): 20g DK weight yarn in Dark Purple or Plum.
• Yarn E (Bag): 20g DK weight yarn in Tan or Light Brown.
• Yarn F (Hummingbird): Scraps of Emerald Green, White, and Ruby Red fingering weight yarn.
• Embroidery Floss: Dark Purple, Light Purple, White, and Sage Green (for the wisteria vines on the dress).
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and main clothing. US 1 (2.25mm) or US 2 (2.75mm) for the hummingbird to create a tight fabric.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads for hummingbird 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).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.

Part 1: The Lilac 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. Note that this bunny uses a unique lilac color for the “fur” or skin.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Lilac), 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.

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.

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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 Wisteria Dress

This dress is the showstopper of the outfit. It is knitted in a pale thistle/pinkish-lilac (Yarn B) and features a scalloped hem. The stunning wisteria flowers are embroidered onto the finished fabric.

Skirt

Using Yarn B, cast on 72 sts.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3 (Scallop Hem): *K1, YO, K4, SK2P (slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over), K4, YO*, repeat 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 (Knit RS, Purl WS). This provides a smooth canvas for the embroidery.
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (45 sts)

Bodice

• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armholes): K8, cast off 4 sts, K21, cast off 4 sts, K8.
• Row 44: P8, cast on 4 sts, P21, cast on 4 sts, P8. (45 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.

Wisteria Embroidery

This step brings the dress to life.

Stems: Using Green embroidery floss, stitch trailing vines starting from the waistline and draping down the center of the skirt and slightly onto the bodice. Use a stem stitch.

Flowers: Using Dark Purple, Light Purple, and White floss, create the hanging racemes of wisteria.

1. Start at the top of a vine with the darkest purple. Make clusters of 3-4 French Knots or Bullion Knots.

2. Move down the vine, switching to the lighter purple floss for the middle section of the flower cluster.

3. Finish the bottom tip of the flower cluster with white floss to mimic the fading color of wisteria.

4. Repeat this to create multiple hanging clusters on the front of the dress.

Leaves: Add small lazy-daisy stitches in green along the main stems.

Part 3: The White Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Bright White (Yarn C) and features a simple, clean design to balance the detailed dress.

Back

Cast on 32 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. (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 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.

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 3 rows of garter stitch for the button band.

Part 4: The Floral Cloche Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn A (Lilac) to match the bunny, creating a monochromatic look, but adorned with purple flowers.

• Brim: Cast on 52 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Knit (Garter Stitch) to create a rolled brim.
• Rows 7-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to last 4 sts, K4.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: K2tog across.

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

Hat Decoration:

Bobble Cluster: Using Dark Purple yarn, cast on 1 st. (K1, yo, k1, yo, k1) into stitch. Turn, P5. Turn, K5. Turn, P5. Turn, K5. Pass 4 sts over 1. Fasten off. Make 6-8 of these.

Leaves: Using Green yarn, cast on 3 sts. K 1 row. Inc 1 at each end. Work 3 rows. Dec 1 at each end. K3tog. Make 3.

Assembly: Sew the leaves to the side of the hat and arrange the purple bobbles in a tight cluster on top of them to resemble a hydrangea or wisteria bunch.

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Part 5: Embroidered Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn D (Dark Purple).

• 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.

Embroidery: Using lighter purple embroidery floss, stitch a simple leaf or vine pattern onto the toe of each shoe.

Part 6: Accessories

Basketweave Bag

Using Yarn E (Tan/Light Brown). This uses a basketweave stitch pattern.

• Front/Back (Make 1 long strip): Cast on 14 sts.

  Rows 1-4: *K2, P2*, repeat to last 2, K2.

  Rows 5-8: *P2, K2*, repeat to last 2, P2.

  Repeat these 8 rows until piece measures 4 inches. Cast off.

• Assembly: Fold in half. Sew side seams.
• Strap: Knit an I-cord approx 10 inches long. Attach to sides.

Miniature Hummingbird

This is a delicate piece using fingering weight yarn and US 1 or 2 needles.

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

  Change to White for belly (work center 4 sts in white). Work 4 rows.

  Change to Red for throat. Work 2 rows.

  Decrease to 4 sts. Draw through. Stuff lightly.

• Wings (Make 2): Using Grey/Brown, cast on 3 sts. Knit 5 rows. Dec to 1. Fasten off. Sew to sides.
• Beak: Use a black toothpick tip or stiffened black yarn.
• Tail: Loop several strands of dark yarn at the back.
• Assembly: Attach the bird to the swing or the bunny’s hand with clear thread.

The Swing Stand (Optional Prop)

While the wooden stand is likely a purchased prop, you can create the Vine Decoration for it.

• Vine: Using Green yarn, knit a very long I-cord (approx 12 inches).
• Flowers: Make several “Bobble Clusters” as described in the Hat section, using Lilac and Purple yarn. Sew these clusters along the green I-cord.
• Leaves: Knit small leaf shapes and attach them between the flowers.
• Wrap this vine around your prop or drape it over the bunny’s arm.

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 embroidered shoes on the feet.
   • Put the wisteria dress on the bunny.
   • Put the white cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the cloche hat on the head.
   • Hang the basketweave bag over her shoulder.
   • Position the hummingbird and wisteria vine nearby.

Your Wisteria Porch Swing Bunny is now complete! This project is a labor of love, resulting in a scene of botanical beauty and peacefulness.