The “Vintage Carpet Bag” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Her attire is a masterclass in Edwardian-inspired elegance. She wears a sharp Black Pleated Skirt that offers a formal, structured silhouette. Over this, she dons a magnificent Wine Red Coat, featuring a smart collar and a long, sweeping hem that keeps her warm on rooftop excursions. Her look is topped with a chic Black Beret accented with a single red bloom, and she walks confidently in Black Button Boots.




Her accessories are the true showstoppers. She carries an oversized Tapestry Carpet Bag, knitted in a rich geometric pattern of reds, greens, and golds, hinting at the impossible number of items stored inside. Perched on the handle or standing by her side is her magical companion: a colorful Parrot, reminiscent of a famous umbrella handle, holding a tiny black umbrella of his own.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • k – knit
  • p – purl
  • st(s) – stitch(es)
  • CO – cast on
  • BO – bind off
  • rnd(s) – round(s)
  • RS – right side
  • WS – wrong side
  • kfb – knit front and back (increase 1 stitch)
  • m1 – make 1 (lifted increase)
  • k2tog – knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
  • ssk – slip, slip, knit (decrease)
  • MC – Main Color (Oatmeal/Beige for bunny)
  • CC – Contrast Colors (Black, Wine Red, Tapestry colors: Dark Green, Gold, Navy, Rust)

Materials

  • Yarn: DK or Light Worsted weight yarn:
    • Oatmeal: Approx. 50g for the bunny body.
    • Black: Approx. 30g for the skirt, hat, and boots.
    • Wine Red (Burgundy): Approx. 45g for the coat.
    • Tapestry Colors: Scraps of Rust, Dark Green, Navy, and Gold for the bag.
    • Parrot Colors: Scraps of Green, Yellow, Red, and Black.
  • Needles:
    • US 3 (3.25 mm) DPNs or circular needles (Bunny, Shoes, Bag, Parrot).
    • US 4 (3.5 mm) Straight or circular needles (Clothing).
  • Notions: Fiberfill stuffing, tapestry needle, stitch markers, black embroidery floss, 3 small buttons for the coat, tiny beads for boots (optional), craft wire for the umbrella.

Gauge & Finished Size

  • Gauge: 24 sts and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US 3 needles.
  • Finished Size: Approximately 14 inches (36 cm) tall from boots to the top of the ears.

Construction Overview

  • Bunny: Worked in the round from the feet up. Legs are knitted separately, then joined to form the hips. The body and head are one continuous piece.
  • Pleated Skirt: Worked flat or in the round using a rib pattern to simulate knife pleats.
  • Wine Coat: A structured garment worked flat with a collar added at the end.
  • Carpet Bag: Worked in stranded colorwork (Fair Isle) to create the thick, rug-like fabric and pattern.
  • Parrot: A miniature sculpture knitted in the round with color changes.

Bunny Body Instructions

Legs (Make 2)

With Oatmeal yarn and US 3 needles.

Rnd 1: CO 10 sts. Join in the round. k all.

Rnd 2: kfb in every st (20 sts).

Rnds 3–8: k all (Foot).

Rnd 9 (Heel): k10, turn. p10, turn. k10, turn. p10, turn. k all sts to end of rnd.

Rnds 10–35: k all. Stuff foot firmly and leg lightly.

Break yarn for the first leg and place stitches on a holder. Knit the second leg but do not break yarn.

Body

Rnd 36 (Join): k across 10 sts of second leg, CO 4 sts, k across 20 sts of first leg, CO 4 sts, k remaining 10 sts of second leg (48 sts). Join to work in the round.

Rnds 37–48: k all (Hips).

Rnd 49: *k6, k2tog* rep around (42 sts).

Rnds 50–60: k all.

Rnd 61: *k5, k2tog* rep around (36 sts).

Rnds 62–66: k all.

Rnd 67: *k4, k2tog* rep around (30 sts).

Rnd 68: *k3, k2tog* rep around (24 sts).

Rnd 69 (Neck): *k2, k2tog* rep around (18 sts).

Rnds 70–72: k all for neck. Stuff body firmly.

Head

Rnd 73: *k2, m1* rep around (27 sts).

Rnd 74: *k3, m1* rep around (36 sts).

Rnd 75: *k3, m1* rep around (48 sts).

Rnds 76–96: k all. Stuff neck very firmly.

Rnd 97: *k6, k2tog* rep around (42 sts).

Rnd 98: *k5, k2tog* rep around (36 sts).

Rnd 99: *k4, k2tog* rep around (30 sts).

Rnd 100: *k3, k2tog* rep around (24 sts).

Rnd 101: *k2, k2tog* rep around (18 sts).

Rnd 102: k2tog around (9 sts).




Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight.

Arms (Make 2)

With Oatmeal yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in round.

Rnd 1: kfb around (16 sts).

Rnds 2–24: k all.

Rnd 25: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk (14 sts).

BO. Stuff lightly and sew to body.

Ears (Make 2)

With Oatmeal yarn, worked flat. CO 12 sts.

Rows 1–35: Stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS).

Row 36: ssk, k8, k2tog (10 sts).

Row 37: p all.

Row 38: ssk, k6, k2tog (8 sts).

Row 39: p all.

Row 40: ssk, k4, k2tog (6 sts).

Row 41: ssk, k2, k2tog (4 sts).

BO. Sew to head.

Black Pleated Skirt

Worked flat from the bottom up using Black yarn and US 4 needles.

Skirt: CO 64 sts.

Rows 1–3: Knit (Garter hem).

Pleat Pattern:

Row 4 (RS): *k6, p2* repeat to end.

Row 5 (WS): *k2, p6* repeat to end.

Repeat Rows 4–5 until the skirt measures 3.5 inches. The wide knit sections mimic box pleats.

Waist Decrease (RS): *k2, k2tog* rep across (48 sts).

Waistband: Work 4 rows k1, p1 rib. BO in rib.

Sew the back seam and place on the bunny.

Wine Red Coat with Collar

Worked flat using Wine Red yarn and US 4 needles.

Body: CO 54 sts.

Rows 1–3: Garter stitch (Hem).

Rows 4–24: Stockinette stitch (Keep 3 sts at each end in Garter for button bands).

Armhole Shaping:

Next Row: k13 (Front), BO 4, k20 (Back), BO 4, k13 (Front).

Place pieces on holders.

Sleeves (Make 2):

CO 18 sts. Work 2.5 inches in Stockinette. BO 2 sts at start of next 2 rows. Leave on holder.

Yoke:

Knit across Front, Sleeve, Back, Sleeve, Front.

Decrease at raglan points every RS row until 24 sts remain.

Collar:

On the remaining neck stitches, knit 1 row increasing 1 st in every stitch (48 sts).

Work 6 rows Stockinette.

Work 2 rows Garter. BO loosely.

Sew sleeve seams and attach buttons to the front.

Black Beret with Flower

With Black yarn and US 3 needles.

Brim: CO 44 sts. Join in round.

Rnds 1–5: k1, p1 rib.

Crown:

Rnd 6: *k1, m1* around (88 sts).

Rnds 7–12: Knit all.

Rnd 13: *k6, k2tog* around.

Decrease every round in pattern until 8 sts remain. Draw tight.

Red Flower: With Red yarn, CO 20 sts. Knit 1 row. Cast off. Roll into a rosette and sew to the side of the beret.

Black Button Boots

Make 2. With Black yarn and US 3 needles.

Sole: CO 10 sts. Knit 12 rows Garter. Round toe. BO.

Upper: Pick up 34 sts around sole.

Rnds 1–2: Knit all.

Rnd 3: Purl (Sole ridge).

Rnd 4 (Toe): k11, (k2tog) 6 times, k11 (28 sts).

Rnd 5: k11, (k2tog) 3 times, k11 (25 sts).

Rnds 6–10: *k1, p1* rib (Cuff). BO.

Sew two tiny gold beads on the side of each boot to simulate buttons.

The Magical Accessories

The Tapestry Carpet Bag

This bag uses stranded colorwork. Use Rust (A), Navy (B), and Gold (C).

Body: CO 40 sts with Rust.

Work 4 rows Garter stitch (Base).

Pattern:

Rows 1–2: *k2 A, k2 B* repeat.

Rows 3–4: *k2 B, k2 C* repeat.

Rows 5–6: *k2 C, k2 A* repeat.

Repeat this sequence to create a geometric “carpet” texture for 2.5 inches.

Top Shaping:

Change to Black (Frame).

Row 1: ssk, k to last 2, k2tog.

Row 2: Purl.

Repeat until 20 sts remain. BO.

Sides: Knit two smaller rectangles in pattern to seal the sides of the bag.

Assembly: Sew panels together to form a boxy bag. Stuff well.

Handles: Knit two I-cords in Black and attach to the top.

The Parrot & Umbrella

Parrot:

With Green yarn. CO 6 sts. Inc to 12.

Knit 4 rounds.

Change to Red (Head). Knit 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.

Add a Yellow beak (stitch) and Blue wings (small triangles).

Umbrella:

With Black yarn. CO 30 sts.

Rnd 1: Knit.

Rnd 2: *k4, k2tog* around.

Rnd 3: Knit.

Continue decreasing until 3 sts remain. Knit an I-cord for 2 inches (Handle).

Sew the parrot onto the handle of the umbrella.

Final Assembly

  • Face: Embroider polite, knowing eyes. Use black thread for a nose.
  • Dressing: Put on the black pleated skirt. Put on the boots. Layer the wine red coat over the top and button it. Place the beret on the head.
  • Props: Place the carpet bag in the bunny’s hand or by her feet. Position the parrot and umbrella nearby.




Your “Vintage Carpet Bag” Bunny is ready for a magical adventure! Happy knitting.

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