Welcome to the delightful and sunny world of the Primrose Postcard Bunny. This charming character captures the essence of sending handwritten notes on a bright spring morning. Dressed in a cheerful ensemble that reflects the blooming primroses of the season, she is ready to deliver messages of friendship and joy. Her outfit features a pale blue pleated skirt paired with a yellow bodice adorned with a geometric floral motif. To keep warm on her delivery rounds, she wears a cozy cream cardigan featuring classic cable knit detailing. Her look is completed with a structured yellow sun hat decorated with white daisies and a blue band, and matching yellow shoes. She carries a striped tote bag, a knitted envelope with a miniature pencil, and is accompanied by a helpful hedgehog friend who is ready to assist with the mail. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for correspondents and collectors alike. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the vibrant, 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 in a soft cream or buttercream shade 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 bodice and the structured accessories, 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 craft 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 Primrose Postcard 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 ribbing for the skirt, stranded colorwork (Fair Isle) for the bodice, and cabling for the cardigan. The dress combines a blue ribbed texture with a yellow floral pattern. The accessories include a striped tote bag, a knitted envelope, a tiny pencil, and a textured hedgehog.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Cream or Pale Buttercream.
• Yarn B (Skirt & Hat Band): 50g DK weight yarn in Pastel Blue or Sky Blue.
• Yarn C (Bodice, Hat, Shoes): 50g DK weight yarn in Pale Yellow or Primrose.
• Yarn D (Cardigan): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
• Yarn E (Daisies/Envelope): Small amount of White.
• Yarn F (Hedgehog): 20g DK weight yarn in Dark Brown (for spines) and Beige (for face).
• Yarn G (Pencil): Scraps of Yellow, Pink, and Grey.
• 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 hedgehog 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 Cream 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 (Cream), 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. Ensure both legs are equal in length.

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 Primrose Dress

This dress features a ribbed blue skirt for texture and a yellow bodice with a geometric floral motif.

Skirt

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

• Rows 1-4: Knit (Garter Stitch) for the hem.
• Row 5 (Ribbing): *K2, P2*, repeat to end.
• Row 6: *K2, P2*, repeat to end (knit the knits and purl the purls).
• Rows 7-30: Continue in K2, P2 ribbing. This creates the pleated look seen in the photo.
• Row 31 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Row 32: Purl across.
• Row 33 (Waist Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (45 sts)

Bodice

Change to Yarn C (Yellow).

Join Yarn B (Blue) and Yarn A (Cream/White) for the colorwork motif.

• Rows 34-42 (Primrose Chart): Work in Stockinette Stitch.

  Motif Guide: Create a checkerboard or diamond pattern.

  Row 34: K in Yellow.

  Row 35: *K3 Yellow, K1 Blue*, repeat.

  Row 36: *P2 Yellow, P3 Blue*, repeat.

  Row 37: *K1 Yellow, K1 Blue, K1 White (Center), K1 Blue, K1 Yellow*, repeat.

  Continue pattern to create small flower shapes.

• Row 43 (Armholes): Using Yellow only: 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 in Yellow.
• 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 Cream Cable Cardigan

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

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 Daisy Bucket Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn C (Yellow) with a structured brim and a blue band.

• Brim: Cast on 60 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Knit (Garter Stitch) to create a stiff brim.
• Row 7: Change to Yarn B (Blue) for the hat band. Knit 2 rows.
• Row 9: Change back to Yarn C (Yellow). Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 10 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end. (50 sts)
• Row 11: Purl.
• Row 12 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (40 sts)
• Row 13: Purl.
• Row 14 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (30 sts)
• Row 15: Purl.
• Row 16 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end. (20 sts)
• Row 17: K2tog across. (10 sts)

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

Daisies: Using Yarn E (White) and Yarn C (Yellow), embroider lazy daisy flowers onto the blue band of the hat.

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Part 5: Yellow Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn C (Yellow).

• 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. Embroider a small blue flower on the toe.

Part 6: Accessories

Striped Tote Bag

Using Yarn D (Cream), B (Blue), and C (Yellow).

• Base: Cast on 12 sts in Cream. Knit 4 rows.
• Body: Work in stockinette stitch, changing colors every 4 rows to create horizontal stripes (Cream, Blue, Yellow). Work for 2.5 inches.
• Top Edge: Knit 3 rows Garter stitch in Cream. Cast off.
• Handles: Knit two I-cords in Cream and sew to the top edge.

Knitted Envelope

Using Yarn E (White/Cream).

• Cast on 12 sts. Work in stockinette for 2 inches.
• Flap: Decrease 1 st at each end of next 2 rows (creates point). Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold bottom up to create pouch. Sew side seams. Fold flap over.
• Detail: Embroider a small blue square for a stamp and a heart or flower for the seal.

Miniature Pencil

Using Yarn G (Yellow, Pink, Grey).

• Eraser: Using Pink, cast on 4 sts. I-cord 2 rows.
• Ferrule: Change to Grey. I-cord 1 row.
• Body: Change to Yellow. I-cord 6 rows.
• Tip: Change to Beige. I-cord 2 rows. Change to Black. K2tog twice. Fasten off.

The Hedgehog

Using Yarn F (Brown/Beige).

• Body: Cast on 10 sts in Dark Brown. Inc to 20. Work 4 rows.

  Row 5 (Texture): *K1, P1, K1 into same stitch, then pass 2 over (Bobble)* to create spines.

  Repeat texture rows for 1 inch.

  Dec to 10 sts. Draw through. Stuff.

• Face: Pick up 8 sts in Beige on one end. Knit 4 rows. Dec to point. Sew side seams. Embroider eyes and nose.
• Letter: Knit a tiny white rectangle and sew to the hedgehog’s paws.

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 yellow shoes on the feet.
   • Put the dress on the bunny.
   • Put the cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the hat on the head.
   • Place the tote bag near her, along with the envelope, pencil, and hedgehog.

Your Primrose Postcard Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of cheerful communication and spring happiness.