Welcome to a cozy and enchanting project that captures the magic of the winter season. This Nordic Winter Snowflake Bunny is a delightful heirloom-quality creation, perfect for intermediate crafters looking to expand their skills with colorwork and garment construction. If you are looking to buy luxury merino wool yarn or searching for the best knitting kits for intermediates, this project is an excellent way to use your premium supplies. The intricate details, from the Fair Isle dress to the miniature penguin companion, make this a standout piece for any collection. Many crafters who shop for knitting needles online find that projects like this allow them to utilize their fine-gauge tools to create structured, professional-looking plush toys. Whether you intend to gift this to a loved one or keep it as a seasonal decoration, sourcing the right materials is key. We recommend you order organic cotton stuffing and high-quality safety eyes to ensure a durable and safe finish for your beautiful new friend.

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

Materials and Tools Required

To recreate the exact look of the bunny in the photograph, it is essential to use the correct yarn weights and needle sizes. This project uses DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn for the bunny and sport or fingering weight for the clothing to reduce bulk.

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): Approx. 100g of Oatmeal or Beige DK weight wool or alpaca blend.
• Yarn B (Dress Main): 50g of Deep Burgundy/Wine Red Sport weight yarn.
• Yarn C (Dress Contrast & Snowflakes): 20g of Bright White Sport weight yarn.
• Yarn D (Cardigan, Hat, Shoes): 100g of Heather Grey DK weight yarn.
• Yarn E (Fur Trim): Small amount of white faux fur or eyelash yarn.
• Yarn F (Penguin): Black, White, and small scraps of Orange and Burgundy.
• Needles:
  • Set of US 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the bunny.
  • Set of US 2.5 (3.0mm) DPNs or circulars for the clothing.
• Notions:
  • Polyester fiberfill stuffing (high loft).
  • Two 9mm black safety eyes.
  • Dark brown embroidery floss for the nose.
  • Stitch markers and stitch holders.
  • Tapestry needle for weaving ends and assembly.
  • Two small wooden buttons for the shoes.
  • Cardboard or pompom maker (approx. 2 inches diameter).
  • Small wooden popsicle stick or craft wood for the snowboard prop.

Gauge and Sizing

For the bunny, the gauge is critical to prevent the stuffing from showing through. Aim for approximately 24 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. The finished bunny stands approximately 12-14 inches tall, including the ears.

Part 1: The Bunny Body and Head

The bunny is knitted in the round, starting from the feet and joining to form the body, with the head knitted separately and attached. This construction method allows for better shaping of the tummy and accurate placement of the facial features.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A and US 3 needles, cast on 12 stitches. Divide onto 3 needles.

1. Rounds 1-30: Knit all stitches. This forms the long, slender legs.
2. After the first leg, break yarn and place stitches on a holder.
3. Knit the second leg in the same manner but do not break the yarn.

Body

We will now join the legs to begin the torso.

1. Round 31 (Joining): Knit across the 12 stitches of the second leg, cast on 6 stitches (for the crotch area), knit across the 12 stitches of the first leg, cast on 6 stitches. (36 stitches total).
2. Rounds 32-35: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 36 (Increase): [Knit 5, Make 1 (M1)] repeat around. (42 sts).
4. Rounds 37-50: Knit straight. This section creates the rounded belly of the bunny.
5. Round 51 (Decrease): [Knit 5, Knit 2 together (K2tog)] repeat around. (36 sts).
6. Rounds 52-60: Knit straight.
7. Round 61: [Knit 4, K2tog] repeat around. (30 sts).
8. Round 62: [Knit 3, K2tog] repeat around. (24 sts).
9. Round 63: [Knit 2, K2tog] repeat around. (18 sts).
10. Round 64: Knit one round. Bind off loosely leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the body firmly, paying attention to the hips and belly area.

Head

The head is worked from the nose backwards. This allows for precise shaping of the snout and cheeks.

1. Using Yarn A, cast on 6 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Round 1: [Knit 1, M1] around. (12 sts).
3. Round 2: Knit all stitches.
4. Round 3: [Knit 1, M1] around. (24 sts).
5. Rounds 4-8: Knit straight. This forms the muzzle.
6. Round 9 (Cheek Shaping): [Knit 3, M1] around. (32 sts).
7. Round 10: [Knit 4, M1] around. (40 sts).
8. Rounds 11-25: Knit straight. This large section forms the main part of the head.
9. Note: Insert safety eyes between Rounds 8 and 9, spaced about 10 stitches apart.
10. Round 26: [Knit 3, K2tog] around. (32 sts).
11. Round 27: [Knit 2, K2tog] around. (24 sts).
12. Round 28: [Knit 1, K2tog] around. (16 sts).
13. Round 29: K2tog around. (8 sts).
14. Cut yarn, thread through remaining loops, and pull tight. Stuff the head firmly, adding extra stuffing to the cheeks to make them chubby.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are a defining feature. They are tall, tapered, and slightly folded at the base.

1. Using Yarn A, cast on 14 stitches. Do not join; knit flat to create a neat edge, or knit in round if preferred. Instructions below are for knitting in the round.
2. Rounds 1-5: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 6: [Knit 6, M1] twice. (16 sts).
4. Rounds 7-25: Knit straight.
5. Round 26: [Knit 2, K2tog] repeat to end. (12 sts).
6. Rounds 27-30: Knit straight.
7. Round 31: K2tog around. (6 sts).
8. Cut yarn and pull through. Flatten the ears and sew them to the top of the head.

Arms (Make 2)

1. Cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Knit straight for 25 rounds.
3. K2tog around. Cut yarn and pull through.
4. Stuff lightly (do not overstuff near the shoulder) and sew to the body just below the neck decrease.

Part 2: The Nordic Snowflake Dress

The dress features a classic Fair Isle design. It is knitted from the bottom up using Yarn B (Burgundy) and Yarn C (White). Use the smaller needles (US 2.5) for a neat fabric.

1. Cast On: Using Yarn B, cast on 60 stitches. Join in the round.
2. Hem: Knit 2 rounds in Burgundy.
3. Zigzag Border (Colorwork):
   • Round 1: [1 Burgundy, 1 White] repeat around.
   • Round 2: [1 White, 1 Burgundy] repeat around.
   • Round 3: Using White, knit a zigzag pattern: *Knit 3 White, Knit 1 Burgundy* (Consult a basic 4-stitch zigzag chart if needed, or simply alternate 2 rows of blocks). Looking closely at the image, the hem has a specific chevron:
   • Adjusted Chevron Round 1: *K2 Burgundy, K1 White, K1 Burgundy* repeat.
   • Adjusted Chevron Round 2: *K1 Burgundy, K3 White* repeat.
   • Adjusted Chevron Round 3: *K2 Burgundy, K1 White, K1 Burgundy* repeat.
4. Main Skirt: Switch to Yarn B only. Knit straight for 20 rounds.
5. Waist Decrease: [Knit 4, K2tog] around. (50 sts).
6. Waistband: Knit 1, Purl 1 ribbing for 4 rounds.
7. Bodice & Snowflake Motif:
   • Knit 2 rounds plain in Yarn B.
   • Center the snowflake pattern on the front chest (approximately 15 stitches wide).
   • Work the snowflake chart: Use Yarn C to create an 8-pointed star/snowflake in the center front. Keep the back of the dress solid Burgundy or add small lice (single white stitches) if desired.
   • Ensure floats on the wrong side are loose to prevent puckering.
8. Armholes: Divide work. Bind off 4 stitches at each underarm. Work front and back separately.
9. Neckline: Decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge every row until shoulders are 4 stitches wide. Bind off.
10. Finishing Dress: Sew shoulder seams. Pick up stitches around the armholes and knit small sleeves if desired, or leave sleeveless as it sits under the cardigan. The image suggests long sleeves in the dress are not visible or it is sleeveless. We will assume sleeveless for reduced bulk.

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Part 3: The Grey Winter Cardigan with Fur Trim

This cozy layer is knitted flat in Yarn D (Grey).

Body of Cardigan

1. Cast on 40 stitches using Yarn D.
2. Work in Stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS) for 4 inches.
3. Divide for Armholes: Knit 8 (Front), Bind off 4, Knit 16 (Back), Bind off 4, Knit 8 (Front).
4. Work the Back section for 2 inches. Bind off.
5. Work each Front section for 2 inches. Bind off.
6. Sew shoulder seams.

Sleeves

1. Pick up 18 stitches around the armhole.
2. Knit in the round (or flat and seam later) for 2.5 inches.
3. Cuff: Switch to Yarn E (Fur). Knit 3 rounds in Garter stitch. Bind off.

Hood

1. Pick up 24 stitches around the neck opening.
2. Work in Stockinette stitch, increasing 1 stitch at the beginning and end of every RS row until you have 34 stitches.
3. Work straight until the hood measures 3 inches.
4. Bind off. Fold the top edge in half and sew the seam to close the hood.
5. Fur Trim: Pick up stitches along the entire front opening of the cardigan and the edge of the hood using Yarn E (Fur). Knit 2 rows Garter stitch. Bind off loosely.

Part 4: Accessories

The Pompom Beanie

1. Using Yarn D (Grey), cast on 30 stitches.
2. Work k1, p1 ribbing for 5 rounds.
3. Switch to Stockinette stitch. Work for 2 inches.
4. Decrease: [K3, K2tog] around. Next row plain. [K2, K2tog] around. Next row plain. [K1, K2tog] around.
5. Cut yarn, pull through remaining stitches.
6. Make a large, dense pompom using Yarn C (White) and sew it securely to the top.

Grey Shoes

These are knitted to fit snugly over the bunny’s feet.

1. Cast on 16 stitches in Yarn D.
2. Knit 2 rows (Garter stitch sole).
3. Work 4 rows Stockinette.
4. Shape Toe: K5, k2tog, k2tog, k2tog, k5. (13 sts).
5. Strap: Cast on 6 extra stitches at the end of the row for the strap. Knit 1 row across all stitches.
6. Bind off. Sew the sole and back seam. Attach a small wooden button to the side of the strap. Make a second shoe, reversing the strap side.

Mittens on a String

1. Using Beige yarn, cast on 8 stitches. Join in round.
2. Knit 5 rounds.
3. Knit 1 round, increasing 2 stitches for thumb gusset.
4. Bind off. This makes a tiny mitten shape (thumbless or simplified).
5. Make two. Crochet a chain or twist a cord approx 8 inches long and attach a mitten to each end. Drape around the bunny’s neck.

Part 5: The Miniature Penguin Friend

This tiny toy adds immense character to the scene.

1. Body: Using Black yarn, cast on 12 stitches. Join in round. Knit 10 rounds.
2. Belly: You can duplicate stitch a white oval on the front later, or knit intarsia. Duplicate stitch is easier for this scale.
3. Head: Change to White for the face. Knit 2 rounds. Change back to Black for the top of head. Decrease [K2tog] around until closed.
4. Wings: Cast on 4 stitches in Black. Knit 3 rows. Bind off. Make 2. Sew to sides.
5. Beak & Feet: Embroider with Orange yarn.
6. Scarf: Using Burgundy and White, cast on 4 stitches. Knit in stripes (2 rows color A, 2 rows color B) until 4 inches long. Wrap around penguin.

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Part 6: The Snowboard Strap

If you have a small wooden prop or piece of stiff cardboard shaped like a snowboard:

1. Cast on 8 stitches using Grey yarn.
2. Work in Fair Isle with Burgundy yarn: Knit a small star or snowflake pattern over 6 rows.
3. Bind off. Sew the ends together to form a loop and slide it onto the wooden board.

Final Assembly and Finishing Touches

Now that all your components are knitted, it is time to bring the character to life.

1. Facial Features: Using the dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between the eyes. Keep stitches delicate.
2. Dressing: Put the dress on the bunny first. It should fit snugly. Next, put on the shoes.
3. Layering: Put the cardigan on. Adjust the hood so it lays flat on the back.
4. Accessories: Place the hat on the bunny’s head (you can tack it down with a stitch if you want it permanent). Drape the mitten cord around the neck.
5. Staging: Place the penguin next to the bunny and position the snowboard prop nearby.

Your Nordic Winter Snowflake Bunny is now complete! The combination of textures—from the smooth stockinette of the bunny to the fuzzy trim of the cardigan—makes this a tactile delight. Projects like this are fantastic for using up scrap yarn from larger sweaters. We hope you enjoyed this pattern. If you are inspired to create more, browse our site to buy pattern books or find deals to order yarn online for your next adventure.

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