Step into a world of timeless elegance and nostalgic charm with the Vintage Rose Garden Bunny. This heirloom-quality project is designed for knitters who appreciate intricate details and classic aesthetics. Whether you are looking to buy luxury merino wool to create a soft, durable keepsake or searching for the best knitting kits for advanced beginners, this pattern offers a rewarding challenge. The bunny features a stunning wardrobe, including a cable-knit cardigan, a delicate lace bonnet, and a dress adorned with a Fair Isle rose border. Many crafters who shop for knitting needles online find that projects like this allow them to showcase their skills in colorwork and garment construction. Perfect as a centerpiece for a nursery or a treasured gift for a collector, this bunny requires patience and high-quality materials. We recommend you order organic cotton yarn or soft alpaca blends to ensure the finished plush is as huggable as it is beautiful.

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 Checklist

To recreate the Vintage Rose Garden Bunny exactly as shown in the photograph, you will need to gather specific materials. The choice of yarn weight and needle size is crucial for achieving the correct proportions.

• Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 100g of DK weight yarn in a classic Cream or Oatmeal shade. A wool/nylon blend works well for durability.
• Cardigan & Shoes Yarn: 50g of DK weight yarn in Dusty Pink or Antique Rose.
• Dress Main Yarn: 50g of DK weight yarn in Cream (same as body or slightly lighter).
• Dress Pattern Yarn: Small amounts of Rose Pink (for flowers) and Sage Green (for leaves).
• Bonnet Yarn: 30g of Cream DK weight yarn.
• Cat & Accessories Yarn: Small amount of White (for the cat), Dark Pink (for the bag rose), and Green.
• Knitting Needles:
  • US 2.5 (3.0mm) straight needles for the bunny parts to ensure a tight gauge.
  • US 3 (3.25mm) straight or circular needles for the clothing to allow for drape.
• Notions:
  • A cable needle for the cardigan.
  • Two 8mm black safety eyes for the bunny.
  • Pink embroidery floss for the nose.
  • High-quality polyester fiberfill stuffing.
  • Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.
  • Stitch holders and markers.
  • Two small buttons for the shoes.

Gauge and Sizing Information

While exact gauge is not critical for a toy, it is important that the fabric for the bunny body is dense enough so the stuffing does not show through. Aim for approximately 26 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch using the smaller needles. The finished bunny should measure approximately 14 inches (35cm) from feet to the top of the head, excluding the ears.

Part 1: The Bunny Construction

We begin by knitting the bunny in separate pieces: head, body, legs, arms, and ears. These pieces are then sewn together. Use the Cream yarn and US 2.5 (3.0mm) needles for all body parts.

The Head

The head is knitted from the back of the skull forward to the nose.

1. Cast on 12 stitches.
2. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
3. Row 2: Increase in every stitch (Kfb) to end (24 sts).
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: *K1, Kfb* repeat to end (36 sts).
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: *K2, Kfb* repeat to end (48 sts).
8. Row 7: Purl.
9. Row 8: *K3, Kfb* repeat to end (60 sts).
10. Rows 9-23: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This forms the main round part of the head.
11. Row 24 (Shape Cheeks): *K8, K2tog* repeat to end (54 sts).
12. Row 25: Purl.
13. Row 26: *K7, K2tog* repeat to end (48 sts).
14. Row 27: Purl.
15. Row 28: *K6, K2tog* repeat to end (42 sts).
16. Row 29: Purl.
17. Row 30: *K5, K2tog* repeat to end (36 sts).
18. Row 31: Purl.
19. Note: Insert safety eyes now, between rows 20 and 21, spaced about 12 stitches apart.
20. Row 32: *K4, K2tog* repeat to end (30 sts).
21. Row 34: *K3, K2tog* repeat to end (24 sts).
22. Row 36: *K2, K2tog* repeat to end (18 sts).
23. Row 38: *K1, K2tog* repeat to end (12 sts).
24. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. Sew the chin seam, stuffing the head firmly before closing the gap.

The Ears (Make 2)

To achieve the look in the photo, the ears have a pink inner lining and a cream outer shell. You can knit these as two separate flat pieces and sew them together, or knit in the round changing colors. We will knit them flat for ease.

Outer Ear (Cream):

1. Cast on 10 stitches.
2. Increase 1 stitch at each end of every RS row until you have 20 stitches.
3. Work straight for 25 rows.
4. Decrease 1 stitch at each end of every RS row until 6 stitches remain. Bind off.

Inner Ear (Dusty Pink):

1. Repeat the instructions for the Outer Ear using Dusty Pink yarn.
2. Sew the Inner and Outer pieces together with wrong sides facing each other. This creates a thick, structured ear that flops naturally.

The Body

1. Cast on 15 stitches.
2. Increase rapidly: *Kfb* in all stitches (30 sts).
3. Purl row.
4. *K1, Kfb* to end (45 sts).
5. Purl row.
6. *K2, Kfb* to end (60 sts).
7. Work 30 rows in Stockinette Stitch to create the chubby tummy.
8. Decrease for Neck:

   Row 1: *K8, K2tog* to end (54 sts).

   Row 3: *K7, K2tog* to end (48 sts).

   Row 5: *K6, K2tog* to end (42 sts).

   Row 7: *K5, K2tog* to end (36 sts).

   Row 9: *K4, K2tog* to end (30 sts).

   Row 11: *K3, K2tog* to end (24 sts).

9. Bind off. Sew back seam and stuff firmly.

Legs and Arms

Legs (Make 2): Cast on 20 stitches. Work 35 rows in Stockinette. Bind off. Sew seam and stuff.
Arms (Make 2): Cast on 16 stitches. Work 28 rows in Stockinette. Bind off. Sew seam and stuff.

Part 2: The Vintage Rose Dress

This exquisite dress is the highlight of the pattern. It features a hem with colorwork roses. Use US 3 (3.25mm) needles and Cream yarn to start.

Skirt Section

1. Cast on 70 stitches using Cream yarn.
2. Knit 4 rows in Garter Stitch (Knit every row) for a non-rolling hem.
3. Switch to Stockinette Stitch. Work 2 rows in Cream.
4. Fair Isle Rose Border: Follow this written logic for the colorwork (chart equivalent):

   Row 1 (RS): Knit in Cream.

   Row 2 (WS): Purl in Cream.

   Row 3 (Leaves): *K3 Cream, K2 Green, K5 Cream* repeat to end.

   Row 4: *P4 Cream, P3 Green, P3 Cream* repeat to end.

   Row 5 (Flower Base): *K2 Cream, K1 Green, K3 Pink, K1 Green, K3 Cream* repeat.

   Row 6: *P2 Cream, P5 Pink, P3 Cream* repeat.

   Row 7: *K3 Cream, K3 Pink, K4 Cream* repeat.

   Row 8: Purl all in Cream.

5. Continue in Cream Stockinette for another 20 rows.
6. Waist Decrease: *K2, K2tog* across the row to gather the skirt. (Approx 52 sts remaining).
7. Work 4 rows of K1, P1 ribbing for the waistband.

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Bodice Section

1. Switch back to Stockinette. Work 8 rows straight.
2. Armholes: K10, Bind off 4, K24, Bind off 4, K10.
3. Work the Back (24 sts) for 10 rows. Bind off.
4. Work the Fronts (10 sts each) for 10 rows. Bind off.
5. Sew shoulder seams. Leave the back of the bodice open slightly to allow dressing the bunny, adding a small button for closure.

Part 3: The Cabled Cardigan

The cardigan adds texture and warmth. We use the Dusty Pink yarn and a simple cable pattern on the front panels.

Back Panel

1. Cast on 30 stitches.
2. Work 4 rows in K1, P1 rib.
3. Work in Stockinette Stitch for 20 rows.
4. Bind off 3 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows for armholes.
5. Work 10 more rows. Bind off all stitches.

Front Panels (Make 2)

You need a Left and Right front. The cable runs vertically.

1. Cast on 16 stitches.
2. Work 4 rows in K1, P1 rib.
3. Pattern Row: Purl 2, Knit 6 (for cable), Purl 2, Knit remaining stitches (Stockinette for side).
4. Cable Crossing: On every 6th row, work the cable on the 6 knit stitches: Slip 3 sts to cable needle and hold at FRONT, Knit 3, Knit 3 from cable needle (C6F).
5. Work until piece matches the back length to the armhole.
6. Bind off 3 stitches at the armhole edge.
7. Continue until shoulder height matches back. Bind off.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Cast on 20 stitches. Work 4 rows rib.
2. Work 15 rows Stockinette, increasing 1 st at each end of every 4th row.
3. Bind off.

Sew the shoulder seams, attach sleeves, and sew side seams. Create a small twisted cord using the pink yarn and attach to the neckline to tie the cardigan shut.

Part 4: The Lace Bonnet

A vintage bonnet frames the face perfectly.

1. Using Cream yarn, cast on 50 stitches.
2. Lace Brim:

   Row 1: Knit.

   Row 2: K1, *YO, K2tog* repeat to last st, K1.

   Row 3: Knit.

   Row 4: Purl.

3. Work in Stockinette Stitch for 2.5 inches.
4. Back Shaping: *K8, K2tog* across. Purl back. *K7, K2tog* across. Purl back. Continue decreasing in this manner until 10 stitches remain.
5. Cut yarn and pull through to close the back circle.
6. Sew a small ribbon or knit a thin I-cord to attach to the corners for tying under the chin.

Part 5: Accessories

Dusty Pink Mary Janes

1. Cast on 20 stitches in Pink.
2. Knit 2 rows (Garter sole).
3. Work 4 rows Stockinette.
4. Shape Toe: K7, [K2tog] 3 times, K7.
5. Next Row: Purl.
6. Strap: Cast on 8 stitches at the end of the row. Knit back across all stitches. Bind off.
7. Sew sole and back seam. Attach a tiny button.

The Rose Bag

1. Bag Body: Cast on 15 stitches in Pink. Knit a rectangle about 3 inches long in Garter Stitch. Fold in half and sew sides. Add a small handle.
2. Large Rose: Cast on 40 stitches. Work 4 rows Stockinette. Bind off loosely. Roll the strip into a spiral, stitching the base to secure it. Sew this large rose to the front of the bag. Add two small green leaves (cast on 4, knit 2 rows, decrease, bind off).

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The Little White Cat

1. Body: Cast on 10 stitches in White. Knit 12 rows. Gather both ends to form a puffy oval. Stuff.
2. Head: Cast on 8 stitches. Knit 8 rows. Gather ends to form a ball. Stuff. Sew to body.
3. Ears: Pick up 2 stitches on head, knit 2 rows, bind off. Tint inside with pink marker or embroidery.
4. Tail: Knit a short I-cord.
5. Place a small ball of pink yarn next to the cat.

Rose Bouquet

1. Knit 3 green I-cords for stems.
2. Make 3 small rolled roses (similar to bag rose but smaller, starting with 15 stitches) in Pink and Dark Pink.
3. Sew roses to stems and tie together with a piece of yarn.

Assembly and Finishing Touches

Detailed assembly ensures your bunny has character and charm.

1. Face: Using pink embroidery floss, satin stitch a small triangular nose and a straight line for the mouth. Add a tiny blush to the cheeks using a fabric marker or real blush if desired.
2. Ears: Attach the ears to the top of the head. They should be spaced close together and angled slightly backward so they lop down over the shoulders.
3. Dressing: Put the dress on first. It should fit smoothly over the body. Put on the shoes.
4. Cardigan: Slip the cardigan over the dress and tie the bow at the neck.
5. Bonnet: Place the bonnet on the head, ensuring the lace brim frames the face without covering the eyes. Tie loosely.
6. Accessories: Hang the bag on one arm. Position the cat and bouquet at the bunny’s feet for the complete “garden” scene.

Your Vintage Rose Garden Bunny is now complete! This project is a true labor of love, resulting in a timeless piece that evokes the beauty of an English country garden. We hope you enjoy every stitch of this journey. For more inspiration, please explore our other pages to buy knitting pattern books or find the best deals to order premium yarn packs.