The Peony & White Dove Bunny is a breathtaking creation that combines the softness of a classic stuffed rabbit with the intricate artistry of high-end floral design. This project is ideal for those who appreciate the delicate balance of color and texture, featuring a deep rose-pink palette contrasted with pure white accents. To achieve the professional results seen in the photographs, many enthusiasts choose to buy premium extra-fine merino wool, as it provides the necessary stitch definition for the 3D peony decorations and the graceful dove companion. When you buy the correct materials, you ensure that every petal and wing-tip holds its shape for a lifetime of display. This character exudes elegance and peace, making her a standout piece in any handcrafted collection.

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

Essential Materials and Tools

To recreate this bunny exactly as shown, selecting the right textures is vital. You will need DK weight yarn in several specific colors. For the bunny’s skin, an oatmeal or soft beige shade is required. For the wardrobe, you will need a vibrant deep pink or magenta for the dress, a lighter blush pink for the beret and shoes, and a crisp pure white for the bolero jacket and the dove pet. A small amount of beige or tan yarn is used for the birdcage accessory.

The needles recommended for this project are 3.0mm (US size 2.5) double-pointed needles or circular needles if you prefer the magic loop method. Using a slightly smaller needle size than the yarn label suggests helps create a dense, firm fabric that keeps the fiberfill stuffing hidden. You will also need 9mm black safety eyes, a tapestry needle for sewing pieces together, and small white pearl beads to scatter across the beret. A bit of brown embroidery thread is needed for the nose and mouth, along with pink cosmetic blush for the cheeks. High-quality polyester fiberfill is necessary to give the bunny her plump, huggable form.

Abbreviations and Terminology

• k: knit
• p: purl
• sts: stitches
• rnd: round
• st-st: stockinette stitch
• kfb: knit into front and back of the same stitch (increase)
• m1: make one stitch (increase)
• k2tog: knit two stitches together (decrease)
• ssk: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

The Foundation: Knitting the Legs

The bunny begins from the feet up. We will knit two separate legs and then join them to form the body. This ensures a sturdy base for the doll to stand or sit comfortably.

Right Leg Construction

Using the oatmeal yarn, cast on 12 stitches onto three double-pointed needles. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

1. Rnd 1: kfb in every stitch around (24 sts).
2. Rnd 2: *k2, kfb* repeat from * to end of round (32 sts).
3. Rnd 3-9: Knit all stitches. This forms the foot.
4. Rnd 10: k12, (k2tog) 4 times, k12 (28 sts). This shapes the front of the foot.
5. Rnd 11: k10, (k2tog) 4 times, k10 (24 sts).
6. Rnd 12-40: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This builds the height of the leg.

Stuff the foot area very firmly, shaping the heel and toe. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately. Leave the stitches on a holder or a spare needle.

Left Leg Construction

Repeat the exact steps as the right leg. Once you reach Round 40, do not break the yarn. We will use the working yarn from the left leg to begin joining the body.

The Plump Body and Graceful Neck

Joining the legs creates the lower torso. This section requires careful attention to the stitch count to ensure the bunny has her signature rounded hips.

Joining the Legs

1. Rnd 41: Knit across 24 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across 24 stitches of the right leg, and cast on 4 stitches for the back gap (56 sts total).
2. Rnd 42-55: Knit all stitches. The body will begin to widen naturally.
3. Rnd 56: *k12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
4. Rnd 57-62: Knit all stitches.
5. Rnd 63: *k11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
6. Rnd 64-68: Knit all stitches.
7. Rnd 69: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
8. Rnd 70-74: Knit all stitches.
9. Rnd 75: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
10. Rnd 76: Knit all stitches. Start stuffing the body firmly, focusing on the belly area.
11. Rnd 77: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
12. Rnd 78: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the neck area. Do not bind off, as we will continue directly to the head.

The Bunny Head and Facial Features

The head is worked as a continuation of the neck. We increase rapidly to create the rounded cheeks seen in the image, then decrease gradually at the top.

Head Shaping

1. Rnd 79: *k2, m1* repeat around (36 sts).
2. Rnd 80: *k3, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
3. Rnd 81: *k4, m1* repeat around (60 sts).
4. Rnd 82-95: Knit all stitches. This builds the main volume of the head.
5. Rnd 96: *k8, k2tog* repeat around (54 sts).
6. Rnd 97: Knit all stitches.
7. Rnd 98: *k7, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
8. Rnd 99: Knit all stitches.

Position the safety eyes between Rnd 88 and Rnd 89, approximately 10 stitches apart. Ensure they are centered relative to the legs. Begin stuffing the head very firmly, using your fingers to shape the cheeks symmetrically.

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Top of Head Closure

1. Rnd 100: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
2. Rnd 101: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
3. Rnd 102: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
4. Rnd 103: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
5. Rnd 104: k2tog around (8 sts).

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread it through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close the hole, and weave in the end securely.

Long Bunny Ears

The ears are a defining feature. They are worked flat and then sewn to the top of the head. This gives them a natural, slightly floppy drape.

1. Using oatmeal yarn, cast on 12 stitches.
2. Row 1-30: Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS).
3. Row 31: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk (10 sts).
4. Row 32-35: Work in stockinette stitch.
5. Row 36: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk (8 sts).
6. Row 37-40: Work in stockinette stitch.
7. Row 41: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk (6 sts).
8. Row 42: Purl all.
9. Row 43: k2tog, k2, ssk (4 sts).
10. Bind off all stitches.

Make two ears. Fold the cast-on edge of the ear slightly in half and sew it to the top of the head at Rnd 100, spaced about 4 stitches apart. Use the pink blush to lightly color the inside center of the ears for a realistic look.

Arms and Paws

The arms are slender and joined at the shoulders. They should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally or hold the dove pet.

1. Cast on 10 stitches using oatmeal yarn.
2. Rnd 1-35: Knit all stitches in the round.
3. Rnd 36: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (8 sts).
4. Cut yarn and thread through the remaining stitches.

Stuff the paw area (bottom) firmly and the rest of the arm lightly. Sew the open end of the arms to the body at Rnd 77, just below the neck.

The Rose-Pink Peony Dress

The dress is the centerpiece of the outfit. It is worked in the round from the bottom up, featuring a wide skirt that tapers at the waist. The highlight is the set of 3D peonies attached to the front.

Dress Skirt

1. Using the deep rose-pink yarn, cast on 84 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1-4: Knit every round. This creates a small rolled hem.
3. Rnd 5-30: Knit all stitches in stockinette.
4. Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *k5, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts).
5. Rnd 32: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (60 sts).
6. Rnd 33: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
7. Rnd 34: Knit all stitches.

Dress Bodice

1. Rnd 35-42: Knit all stitches.
2. Next Rnd: k10, bind off 4 stitches for the armhole, k20, bind off 4 stitches for the second armhole, k10.
3. Work the front and back sections separately flat for 6 rows each.
4. On the next row, bind off all stitches.

Sew the shoulder seams, leaving a wide opening for the bunny’s head. The dress should fit snugly at the waist and flare out at the bottom.

3D Peony Flowers (Make 3)

These large flowers are created using ruffled strips that are rolled into shape.

1. Cast on 60 stitches using the rose-pink yarn.
2. Row 1: *k1, m1* repeat across the row (120 sts).
3. Row 2: Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3: *k1, m1* repeat across the row (240 sts).
5. Row 4: Purl all stitches.
6. Row 5: Bind off all stitches loosely.

The strip will be very long and curly. Starting from one end, roll the strip tightly into a flower shape, stitching the bottom base as you go to hold the petals in place. Once all three peonies are made, sew them to the front of the dress skirt, positioned as seen in the image (one central and two slightly to the sides).

The White Bolero and Dove Appliqué

The white bolero is a cropped jacket that sits over the dress. It features a decorative white dove motif on the chest.

Bolero Body

1. Using white yarn, cast on 24 stitches. We will work this flat.
2. Row 1-12: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Row 13: Cast on 10 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows to form the sleeves (44 sts total).
4. Row 14-22: Knit all stitches on RS, Purl on WS.
5. Row 23: Knit 16, bind off 12 stitches for the neck, knit 16.
6. Work the two front panels separately for 10 rows. Bind off.

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Sew the side seams and the underarm sleeve seams. The bolero should be short, ending just above the dress waist.

White Dove Appliqué

This is a small flat bird shape sewn onto the front of the bolero.

1. Body: Cast on 5 stitches. Knit 6 rows of stockinette, decreasing at each end on the last row. Bind off.
2. Tail: Cast on 3 stitches. kfb in every stitch (6 sts). Knit 2 rows. Bind off.
3. Wings: Cast on 4 stitches. kfb at one end for 3 rows. Bind off. Make two.

Assemble the bird parts and sew them to the center of the bolero. The wings should be spread slightly upward to look like the dove is flying.

The Pearl-Studded Pink Beret

The beret is a classic rounded hat. It is decorated with small white pearl beads for a touch of luxury.

1. Using the light blush pink yarn, cast on 44 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1-4: *k1, p1* ribbing for the brim.
3. Rnd 5: kfb in every stitch (88 sts).
4. Rnd 6-15: Knit all stitches. This builds the “puff” of the beret.
5. Rnd 16: *k6, k2tog* repeat around (77 sts).
6. Rnd 17: *k5, k2tog* repeat around (66 sts).
7. Rnd 18: *k4, k2tog* repeat around (55 sts).
8. Rnd 19: *k3, k2tog* repeat around (44 sts).
9. Rnd 20: *k2, k2tog* repeat around (33 sts).
10. Rnd 21: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (22 sts).
11. Rnd 22: k2tog around.

Pull the yarn through the remaining stitches and fasten. Using a sewing needle and white thread, sew the pearl beads randomly across the top surface of the beret. Place the beret on the bunny’s head between the ears, tilting it slightly to one side.

Pink Ballet Flats

The shoes are simple and cute, matching the beret and the peony accents. Make two.

1. Using blush pink yarn, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches.
3. Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts).
4. Rnd 6: Bind off all stitches.

Sew the bottom edge together flat to form the sole. For the strap, cast on 8 stitches, bind off immediately, and sew it across the top opening of the shoe. Slip the shoes onto the bunny’s feet.

The White Dove Companion (3D Pet)

The dove pet is a small 3D figure that the bunny holds. It has a rounded body, a fanned tail, and spread wings.

Dove Head and Body

1. Using white yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around (12 sts).
3. Rnd 2-8: Knit all stitches.
4. Rnd 9: *k1, k2tog* repeat around (8 sts).
5. Stuff the body firmly.
6. Rnd 10: k2tog around (4 sts). Bind off.

Dove Tail and Wings

1. Tail: Cast on 6 stitches. Work flat. Row 1: kfb in every stitch (12 sts). Row 2: Purl all. Row 3: *k1, kfb* across. Row 4: Bind off loosely to create a wide fanned shape.
2. Wings: Cast on 8 stitches. Knit 4 rows of stockinette. On Row 5, k2tog at the beginning and end. Bind off. Make two.

Sew the tail to the back of the body and the wings to the sides. Use a tiny dot of brown thread for the eyes. Position the dove in the bunny’s hand or on the table next to her.

Wicker Birdcage Accessory

The birdcage is a hollow structure that sits on the table. It is made using tan or beige yarn.

1. Base: Cast on 6 stitches. kfb around (12 sts). Rnd 2: *k1, kfb* (18 sts). Rnd 3: *k2, kfb* (24 sts). Bind off.
2. Bars: Knit 8 separate I-cords, each 3 inches long.
3. Top: Cast on 6 stitches. kfb around (12 sts). Bind off.

Assemble by sewing the bottom of each I-cord bar to the base circle, and the top of each bar to the smaller top circle. This creates a cage-like structure. You may use a starch spray or a hidden wire inside the I-cords to help the cage stand upright.

Final Assembly and Details

The final steps bring the character to life. Use the brown embroidery thread to create a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between the safety eyes. Apply the pink blush to the cheeks in small circular motions to give her a youthful glow.

Ensure all yarn tails are woven into the center of the bunny so they are invisible. Check that the peony flowers are secured tightly to the dress. The dove appliqué on the bolero should be perfectly centered. Your Peony & White Dove Bunny is now complete and ready for display or gifting.

Care for Your Hand-Knitted Bunny

Because this bunny features delicate 3D peonies, pearl beads, and a white bolero, it should be treated with care. If the bunny becomes dusty, a gentle surface cleaning is best. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a very soft brush to remove dust from the petals and the beret.

If a deeper clean is necessary, hand washing is highly recommended. Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent specifically formulated for wool or delicate fibers. Submerge the bunny carefully, avoiding excessive agitation which can cause the yarn to pill or the stuffing to clump. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and gently press the water out using a clean towel. Never wring or twist the bunny. Lay her flat on a dry towel in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Reshape the ears and peonies while damp to ensure they dry in their original form. A touch of fabric softener in the final rinse can help keep the white bolero feeling soft and smelling fresh. With proper care, this bunny will remain a pristine and cherished treasure for many years.

Knitting a project of this detail is a labor of love. Every stitch contributes to a story of craftsmanship and patience. Whether you are keeping this for yourself or giving it as a gift, the Peony & White Dove Bunny is a testament to the beauty of handmade art.