Introduction

Meet the Book Nook Bunny—a cozy knitted rabbit dressed in a mustard cardigan, cream-and-yellow striped dress, Mary Jane shoes, and a tiny “BOOKS” crossbody bag.

With a softly rounded head, upright tapered ears, and compact feet for easy posing, it’s perfectly proportioned for charming bookshelf photos. All pieces are removable for easy styling.

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Materials Needed

Yarn (DK / Light Worsted, smooth, non-fuzzy for stitch definition):

• Body, ears, arms, legs, shoes soles: light oatmeal/camel – ~55 g
• Cardigan: mustard – ~30 g
• Dress (main): cream – ~25 g
• Dress stripes & shoes uppers: warm yellow/gold – ~20 g
• Bag & strap: caramel brown – ~10 g
• Tiny books (optional): scraps of denim blue and cream

Needles & Notions

• Straight needles 3.0 mm (US 2½–3). Optional 3.25 mm if you knit tight.
• Tapestry needle, stitch holders or waste yarn, locking stitch markers
• Safety eyes 8 mm (2 pcs) or embroidery for child-safety
• Black/brown embroidery thread for nose & smile
• 2 small wooden buttons (≈8–9 mm) for cardigan
• Stuffing (polyfill)
• Optional: thin card rectangle to stiffen the bag flap
• Optional: fabric glue for anchoring bow/knot tails inside shoes

Gauge (very important for exact proportions)

• 26 sts × 36 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in Stockinette on 3.0 mm with light blocking.
  The toy is lightly but firmly stuffed; meeting gauge keeps the clothing proportional.

Finished Size

• Standing height (to ear tips): ~8 in / 20 cm
• Head height (to crown, no ears): ~3¼ in / 8.5 cm

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Abbreviations (US Terms)

CO – cast on
BO – bind off
K – knit
P – purl
St(s) – stitch(es)
Kfb – knit front and back (inc)
M1L/M1R – make 1 left/right (inc)
K2tog – knit 2 together (right-lean dec)
SSK – slip, slip, knit (left-lean dec)
Tbl – through back loop
RS/WS – right/wrong side
St st – stockinette (RS K, WS P)
Garter – knit every row
Rep – repeat
PM – place marker
YO – yarn over
Dec/Inc – decrease/increase

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Form & Proportion Analysis (Read before knitting)

• Head: Gentle round oval; widest at eye line. Eyes placed 11–12 sts apart, slightly below head’s vertical center. Subtle smile; nose sits centered 2 rows above mouth.
• Ears: Upright ovals that taper to rounded tips; installed 3–4 rows behind crown center, splayed slightly outward.
• Body: Barrel equal to head height; decreases create a narrow shoulder shelf so the cardigan hangs naturally.
• Arms: Slim tubes with rounded ends; attached just below head seam.
• Legs/Feet: Feet are plump ovals with flat undersides; legs join inside torso so the dress hem clears the ankles.
• Dress: Short, A-line; cream with mustard/yellow stripes; hem has a decorative ridge and subtle flare.
• Cardigan: Mustard with simple textured front bands, rolled cuffs, two small wooden buttons; hem just over waistline.
• Shoes: Mary Jane style in warm yellow, contrasting cream inserts (socks suggestion), small cross stitch “X” on toe.
• Bag: Caramel, square shape with strap crossing left shoulder to right hip; “BOOKS” embroidered in off-white.

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Construction Overview

All pieces are knit flat:

1. Legs & feet (2), body, arms (2), head, ears (2), tail.
2. Dress (skirt in one piece flat, bodice formed by decreases), shoulder seams.
3. Cardigan (back, 2 fronts, sleeves, neck/front bands).
4. Shoes (2), bag & strap; embroidery and tiny books (optional).
5. Assembly and styling.

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Step-by-Step Toy Pattern

Legs & Feet (make 2) – oatmeal

Purpose: match plump feet in image; seam sits underfoot.
CO 10 sts.
Row 1 (WS) P.
Row 2 (RS) Kfb, K to last st, Kfb. (12)
Row 3 P.
Row 4 K1, Kfb to last st, K1. (18)
Row 5 P.
Row 6 K across.
Row 7 P across.
Row 8 K2, Kfb to end. (24)
Rows 9–14 St st even for the foot belly.
Row 15 K2, K2tog to end. (18)
Row 16 P.
Row 17 K1, K2tog to end. (12)

Leg tube
Row 18 Kfb, K to last st, Kfb. (14)
Rows 19–36 Work even in St st (~4.2 cm).
Row 37 K5, K2tog twice. (12)
Row 38 P.
Row 39 BO loosely purlwise to create a flat top.

Seam each leg/foot; stuff firm at the feet (flat underside), moderate up the leg. Set aside.

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Body/Torso – oatmeal

CO 36 sts.
Row 1 (WS) P.
Row 2 (RS) Kfb, K to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. (38)
Row 3 P.
Row 4 K5, Kfb across. (44)
Rows 5–18 St st even (barrel).
Row 19 K5, K2tog across. (38)
Row 20 P.
Row 21 K4, K2tog across. (32)
Row 22 P.
Row 23 K3, K2tog across. (26)
Row 24 P.
Row 25 K2, K2tog across. (20)
Row 26 P.
BO, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Seam body side; before closing the top, position legs inside lower opening and ladder-stitch through the inner body edge so feet point forward and sit level. Stuff body firmly; close top with mattress stitch.

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Arms (make 2) – oatmeal

CO 8 sts.
Row 1 P.
Row 2 K1, Kfb to end. (12)
Rows 3–18 St st even (slim tube).
Row 19 K2tog across. (6)
Break yarn, thread tail through remaining sts, pull to close the rounded paw. Seam underside; lightly stuff. Set aside.

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Head – oatmeal

CO 24 sts.
Row 1 P.
Row 2 K3, Kfb to end. (30)
Row 3 P.
Row 4 K4, Kfb to end. (36)
Rows 5–18 St st even (face plane).

Crown taper
Row 19 K4, K2tog to end. (30)
Row 20 P.
Row 21 K3, K2tog to end. (24)
Row 22 P.
Row 23 K2, K2tog to end. (18)
Row 24 P.
Row 25 K1, K2tog to end. (12)
Row 26 P.

Break yarn, thread through live sts, snug gently to curve.
Seam up the back of head from crown to neck opening.

Face placement (exact look): Insert 8 mm eyes 11–12 sts apart horizontally, slightly below midline of the head. Embroider a tiny horizontal stitch for nose, then a short vertical stitch below; curve a subtle smile over 2 rows. Stuff firmly, sculpting a softly rounded oval.

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Ears (make 2) – oatmeal

CO 8 sts.
Row 1 P.
Row 2 K1, Kfb to end. (12)
Rows 3–18 St st even.
Row 19 K2, K2tog to end. (9)
Row 20 P.
Row 21 K1, K2tog to end. (6)
Row 22 P.
Row 23 K2tog three times. (3)
Break yarn, draw through remaining sts. Seam long edges; leave unstuffed. Finger-press a gentle inner ridge after blocking.

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Tail – oatmeal

CO 6 sts.
Row 1 P.
Row 2 Kfb across. (12)
Row 3 P.
Row 4 K2tog across. (6)
Break yarn; draw up into a tiny puff. Sew to lower back centerline for balance.

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Assembly (Toy)

1. Head to body: Ladder-stitch neck opening to torso top, giving a slight forward tilt (curious look).
2. Ears: Position symmetrically, 3–4 rows behind crown center, tips slightly outward. Stitch securely.
3. Arms: Attach at the shoulder line just below the neck. Angle slightly downward so cardigan sleeves fall naturally.
4. Face tweak: Tie off and sink all face threads to the back of the head.

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Clothing & Accessories

Dress (Cream with Mustard Stripes)

Skirt (worked flat bottom-up):
With cream, CO 72 sts.
Rows 1–4: Garter (hem stability).
Row 5 (RS): K2, P2 to end (decorative ridge).
Row 6 (WS): Purl.
Row 7 (Stripe 1): Join mustard, K across.
Row 8: P across.
Rows 9–12 (cream): St st 2 rows, then repeat mustard 2 rows again.
Stripe Rhythm: Work 4 mustard stripes spaced by 2 cream rows between each, ending with cream.
Continue St st in cream until skirt height measures 2.25 in / 5.7 cm.

A-line shaping to waist:
Row A (RS): K7, K2tog, rep across. (64)
Row B: P.
Row C: K6, K2tog, rep. (56)
Row D: P.
Row E: K5, K2tog, rep. (48)
Row F: P.

Bodice (front/back in one, then split):
Row G (RS): K across.
Row H (WS): P across.
Row I (RS): K6, PM, K6, PM, place markers to indicate underarm points (approximate).
Row J (WS): P across.

Armhole splits:
Next (RS): K 24, turn—this is Back; place remaining 24 sts on holder for Front.

Back Bodice
Row 1 (WS) P.
Row 2 (RS) K2tog, K to last 2, SSK. (22)
Row 3 P.
Row 4 K2tog, K to last 2, SSK. (20)
Rows 5–8 Work even.
Row 9 BO 4 sts at beginning of next 2 rows (shoulder shaping). (12)
Row 11 BO all remaining 12 sts straight across for back neckline.

Front Bodice
Return held 24 sts.
Row 1 (WS) P.
Row 2 (RS) K2tog, K to last 2, SSK. (22)
Row 3 P.
Row 4 K2tog, K to last 2, SSK. (20)
Rows 5–6 Work even.
Row 7 (RS) K6, BO 8, K6 (splits for neck).
Row 8 (WS) Work each side separately: P6 on first side; return to second side and P6.

Left shoulder
Row 9 (RS) K2tog, K to end. (5)
Row 10 P.
Row 11 BO 5.

Right shoulder
Reattach yarn.
Row 9 (RS) K to last 2, SSK. (5)
Row 10 P.
Row 11 BO 5.

Finishing dress: Seam back lengthwise. Pick up and knit around neckline approximately 40 sts with cream; work 2 rows garter; BO loosely. For the armholes, pick up 22–24 sts each, work 2 rows garter, BO loosely. Weave ends.

Dress hem should end just above the ankles, matching the photo.

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Cardigan (Mustard)

Back
CO 34 sts in mustard.
Rows 1–4: Garter.
Rows 5–22: St st even (≈ body length to just below neck).
Rows 23–24: Garter.
BO.

Left Front
CO 18 sts.
Rows 1–4: Garter.
Rows 5–22: St st even; keep first 4 sts in garter to form a neat front band (visible textured edge like the image).
Rows 23–24: Garter.
BO.

Right Front
Mirror Left Front (the 4-st garter band sits at center front edge).

Sleeves (make 2)
CO 22 sts.
Rows 1–4: Garter (cuffs).
Rows 5–18: St st even.
Row 19: K2, K2tog across. (17)
Row 20: P.
Row 21: K1, K2tog across. (12)
BO. Seam sleeve; set in gently, leaving a soft roll at the cuff just like the picture.

Assembly & Bands

• Seam shoulders of fronts to back.
• Set in sleeves; sew side and underarm seams.
• Front/Neck Band: With RS facing, pick up evenly along the Right Front, around back neck, and down Left Front (≈ 60–66 sts total). Work 4 rows garter.
• Buttons & Buttonholes: On Row 2 of band (Right Front as worn), work two buttonholes using K2, YO, K2tog spaced to align with chest area in photo. Sew two wooden buttons on the Left Front band to match. BO loosely. Light steam to settle edges.

Cardigan hem should sit just above the waist, leaving the dress stripes visible.

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Shoes (Mary Janes, warm yellow + cream insert)

Sole – oatmeal (to match body, like a felted edge)
CO 8 sts.
Row 1 P.
Row 2 Kfb, K6, Kfb. (10)
Row 3 P.
Row 4 Kfb, K to last st, Kfb. (12)
Row 5 P.
Row 6 Kfb, K to last st, Kfb. (14)
Row 7 P.
Row 8 K across; BO loosely. Seam around edge to form an oval.

Upper – warm yellow
CO 26 sts.
Row 1 P.
Row 2 K across.
Row 3 P.
Row 4 (strap prep) K9, BO 8, K9.
Row 5 P across both sides keeping them connected by casting 8 sts back on over the gap (cable cast-on).
Rows 6–9 St st even.
Row 10 K2, K2tog to end. (20)
Row 11 P.
Row 12 K1, K2tog to end. (14)
Row 13 P.
Row 14 K2tog to end. (7)
BO; shape into shoe top and seam up the heel.

Sock insert (optional look in photo) – cream
Pick up and knit around inner shoe opening ≈ 28 sts; work 2 rows garter to mimic socks. BO loosely.

Toe decoration: Use cream yarn to stitch a small “X” on center toe of each shoe.

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Crossbody Book Bag (Caramel, with “BOOKS”)

Pouch
CO 16 sts.
Rows 1–14: St st even.
Row 15: Garter.
BO.

Make two panels; seam sides and bottom to form a square pouch.

Flap
CO 16 sts.
Rows 1–4: Garter.
Row 5: K2tog, K to last 2, K2tog. (14)
Row 6: Garter.
Row 7: K2tog, K to last 2, K2tog. (12)
Row 8: Garter.
Row 9: BO.
Attach to the pouch’s back top edge. Slip a thin piece of card inside flap for crispness (optional).

Strap (i-cord)
CO 3 sts; work i-cord to ~22–24 cm (fits left shoulder to right hip). Attach ends to pouch sides.

Embroidery
With cream yarn, chain-stitch or satin-stitch the word “BOOKS” centered on the front panel, letters all-caps, neatly spaced.

Mini Books (optional prop)
Cut two small felt/knit rectangles (denim blue & cream), fold, and seam one short edge; slip into the pouch so they peek out.

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Final Assembly & Styling

Dressing Order

1. Slide on dress; seam aligns at back.
2. Put on cardigan; fasten two buttons.
3. Place shoes; if needed, tack a tiny stitch at heel to keep secure.
4. Wear bag across left shoulder to right hip (as in photo); tack the strap at one shoulder with 1–2 hidden stitches so it doesn’t slide.

Pose

• Keep ears upright with a slight outward splay.
• Tilt head forward a touch for the friendly “hello” look.
• Hands slightly away from torso to reveal cardigan band and bag strap.

Finishing Touches / Tips

• Blocking: Light steam only; avoid over-flattening the toy’s surface. A gentle press on cardigan bands and dress hem gives the same crisp edges as the image.
• Stuffing balance: Firm in feet and head; medium in torso and arms so clothing falls naturally.
• Seam management: Mattress stitch on vertical seams keeps edges invisible—especially along leg undersides and side of body.
• Safety: For babies/toddlers, replace safety eyes with embroidered eyes and ensure the bag/strap is fixed or removed.
• Maintenance: Spot clean with cool water and mild soap; reshape and air dry flat.