Welcome to the sophisticated and delicious world of the Magnolia Sunday-Brunch Bunny. This elegant project captures the joy of a leisurely Sunday morning spent enjoying fine pastries and coffee in a blooming garden. Our fashionable rabbit character is dressed for the occasion in a stunning ensemble featuring a pale pink dress with a diamond leaf-lace hem, a chic grey cable-knit cardigan, and a soft cream beret adorned with a statement magnolia blossom. She is ready for her reservation with a pearl-handled handbag, a fresh croissant, and a takeaway box of treats. She is accompanied by a mischievous grey kitten who seems to have claimed a croissant for himself. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for foodies and collectors of fine handmade items. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the refined, 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 a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch. For the intricate clothing, such as the lace skirt and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality 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 curate this beautiful scene, 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 Magnolia Sunday-Brunch 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 lace knitting for the skirt and cabling for the cardigan. The dress transitions from a pink lace skirt to a cream bodice. The accessories are unique: a round “pearl” bag, a realistic knitted croissant, and a kitten companion.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress Skirt & Shoes): 60g DK weight yarn in Pale Pink or Blush.
• Yarn C (Dress Bodice & Hat): 50g DK weight yarn in Cream or Ivory.
• Yarn D (Cardigan & Kitten): 60g DK weight yarn in Light Grey or Silver.
• Yarn E (Croissant): 20g DK weight yarn in Golden Brown or Toast.
• Yarn F (Magnolia Flower): Scraps of White and Pink.
• 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 kitten eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown for nose), stitch holders, small buttons, string of faux pearls or wire for the bag handle.

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.
• 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 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 Magnolia Lace Dress

This dress is the showstopper. It features a pale pink skirt with a large diamond leaf lace pattern and a contrasting cream bodice.

Skirt with Lace Hem

Using Yarn B (Pale Pink), cast on 72 sts.

• Rows 1-3: Knit (Garter Stitch) to prevent rolling.
• Row 4: Purl.

Diamond Leaf Lace Pattern:

Work this panel over the center stitches or repeat across the skirt.

• Row 5: *K3, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K3*, repeat to end.
• Row 6 and all WS rows: Purl.
• Row 7: *K2, K2tog, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K2*, repeat to end.
• Row 9: *K1, K2tog, YO, K5, YO, SSK, K1*, repeat to end.
• Row 11: *K2tog, YO, K7, YO, SSK*, repeat to end.
• Row 13: *K1, YO, SSK, K5, K2tog, YO, K1*, repeat.
• Row 15: *K2, YO, SSK, K3, K2tog, YO, K2*, repeat.
• Row 17: *K3, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K3*, repeat.
• Row 19: *K4, YO, SK2P, YO, K4*, repeat.
• Rows 20-34: Work in stockinette stitch (Pink).
• 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

Change to Yarn C (Cream).

• 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.

Detail: Using yellow and brown embroidery thread, stitch small flower buds along the waistline where the pink and cream meet.

Part 3: The Grey Cable Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn D (Grey) and features a classic cable down the front panels.

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.
• Row 5 (Cable Row): K2, P1, C4F, P1, K10.
• Row 6: P10, K1, P4, K1, P2.
• Row 7: K2, P1, K4, P1, K10.
• Row 8: Repeat Row 6.
• Rows 9-20: Continue pattern, twisting cable every 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.

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 Magnolia Beret

This hat is knitted in Yarn C (Cream) and features a large, multi-layered magnolia flower.

• Brim: Cast on 54 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Knit (Garter Stitch) for a firm edge.
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: K2tog across.

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

Magnolia Flower

Petals (Make 5 White, 3 Pink): Cast on 6 sts. Knit 6 rows. Dec 1 st at each end. K2tog. Fasten off.

Center: Using Yellow yarn, cast on 8 sts. Knit 2 rows. Draw through to make a bobble.

Assembly: Layer the pink petals on top of the white ones, slightly offset. Sew the yellow center in the middle. Attach to the side of the beret. Add a small green knitted leaf if desired.

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Part 5: Leaf Shoes

Using Yarn B (Pink).

• 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 back heel seam. Crochet a strap.

Leaf Detail: Using Green yarn, embroider a lazy daisy leaf or knit a tiny green leaf and sew it to the toe of each shoe.

Part 6: Brunch Accessories

Pearl Handbag

Using Yarn C (Cream).

• Bag Body: Cast on 15 sts. Inc to 30 sts. Work in stockinette for 2 inches to form a sphere. Dec to 15 sts. Stuff lightly. K2tog across. Draw through.
• Handle: Use a string of faux crafting pearls on a wire or thread. Sew the ends securely to the sides of the bag.

The Croissant

Using Yarn E (Golden Brown).

• Cast on 15 sts.
• Row 1: Knit.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3: Decrease 1 st at each end.
• Repeat rows 2-3 until 3 sts remain. Cast off. You now have a triangle.
• Roll the triangle tightly starting from the wide base towards the point. Stitch in place to hold the roll. Curve the ends slightly to shape the croissant.

The Kitten

Using Yarn D (Grey), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 sts. Inc to 20. Work 10 rows St st. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head: Pick up 10 sts. Work 6 rows. Dec and draw through.
• Ears: Cast on 3 sts. Knit 3 rows. Cast off. Sew to head.
• Legs (Make 4): Cast on 4 sts. Knit 6 rows. Cast off. Sew to body.
• Tail: Cast on 3 sts. Knit 2 inches. Sew to back.
• Stitch the croissant to the kitten’s front paws.

Takeout Box

Using Brown cardstock or stiff brown felt, fold a small cube box. Or knit a cube using Beige yarn (6 squares sewn together) and tie with a white yarn bow.

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 pink shoes on the feet.
   • Put the dress on the bunny.
   • Put the grey cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the beret on the head.
   • Hang the pearl bag on her arm.
   • Place the kitten and croissant nearby.

Your Magnolia Sunday-Brunch Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of sophisticated leisure and delicious treats.