Celebrate the season of love with the enchanting Valentine Sweetheart Bunny. This heirloom-quality project is the perfect way to express affection through the art of crafting. Whether you are planning to buy luxury merino wool to create a soft, huggable texture or searching for the best knitting kits for holidays, this design offers a delightful challenge for intermediate knitters. The bunny features a romantic wardrobe, including a heart-patterned Fair Isle dress, a vibrant magenta cardigan adorned with heart buttons, and a chic red beret. The scene is completed with intricate miniatures: a white dove, a love letter, and a box of knitted chocolates. Many crafters who shop for knitting needles online find that working on such detailed accessories is an excellent way to refine their skills in miniature knitting and embroidery. This project makes a spectacular centerpiece for Valentine’s Day decor or a treasured gift for someone special. We recommend you order premium cotton yarn to ensure the colorwork remains crisp and vibrant for years to come.

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 List

To recreate the Valentine Sweetheart Bunny exactly as shown in the photograph, you will need to gather specific materials. The success of the heart motifs relies on high-contrast yarn colors.

• Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 100g of DK weight yarn in Cream or Biscuit. A wool/nylon blend is recommended for durability.
• Dress Main Yarn: 50g of Bright White DK weight yarn.
• Dress Pattern & Shoes/Beret Yarn: 50g of Cherry Red DK weight yarn.
• Cardigan & Dress Accent Yarn: 40g of Deep Pink or Magenta DK weight yarn.
• Accessories Yarn: Small amounts of Chocolate Brown (for chocolates), Orange (for beak), and Grey (for shading, optional).
• Knitting Needles:
  • US 2.5 (3.0mm) straight needles for the bunny parts to ensure a tight fabric where stuffing won’t show through.
  • US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the clothing to allow for drape.
• Notions:
  • High-quality polyester fiberfill stuffing.
  • Two 8mm black safety eyes.
  • Dark brown embroidery floss for the facial features.
  • Four small heart-shaped buttons (approx 10mm).
  • Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery.
  • Stitch holders and markers.
  • Cardboard for stiffening the chocolate box base.

Gauge and Sizing

For the bunny, aim for a tight gauge of approximately 26 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. The finished doll measures approximately 14 inches from the soles of the feet to the top of the ears. For the clothes, the gauge can be slightly looser to ensure they fit comfortably over the stuffed body.

Part 1: The Bunny Body Construction

The bunny is knitted in pieces and seamed. We use the Cream yarn and US 2.5 needles.

Head

The head is knitted from the back of the skull forward to the nose, allowing for precise shaping of the cheeks and muzzle.

1. Cast on 12 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2: Increase in every stitch using Kfb (Knit front and back) (24 sts).
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: [Knit 1, Kfb] repeat to end (36 sts).
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: [Knit 2, Kfb] repeat to end (48 sts).
8. Row 7: Purl.
9. Row 8: [Knit 3, Kfb] repeat to end (60 sts).
10. Rows 9-23: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS) for 15 rows. This establishes the back of the head.
11. Shape Cheeks:

    Row 24: K18, [Kfb] 6 times, K12, [Kfb] 6 times, K18 (72 sts). The increases create the chubby cheek area.

    Row 25-31: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch.

12. Decrease for Muzzle:

    Row 32: K18, [K2tog] 6 times, K12, [K2tog] 6 times, K18 (60 sts).

    Row 33: Purl.

    Row 34: [K8, K2tog] repeat to end (54 sts).

    Row 36: [K7, K2tog] repeat to end (48 sts).

    Row 38: [K6, K2tog] repeat to end (42 sts).

    Row 40: [K5, K2tog] repeat to end (36 sts).

    Note: Insert safety eyes now. Place them between rows 22 and 23 (approx), spaced about 12 stitches apart within the cheek increase section.

    Row 42: [K4, K2tog] repeat to end (30 sts).

    Row 44: [K3, K2tog] repeat to end (24 sts).

    Row 46: [K2, K2tog] repeat to end (18 sts).

    Row 48: [K1, K2tog] repeat to end (12 sts).

13. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. Sew the chin seam and stuff firmly.

Body

1. Cast on 15 stitches.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: Kfb in every stitch (30 sts).
4. Row 4: [K1, Kfb] to end (45 sts).
5. Row 6: [K2, Kfb] to end (60 sts).
6. Rows 7-36: Work in Stockinette Stitch. This forms the main torso.
7. Decrease for Neck:

   Row 37: [K8, K2tog] to end (54 sts).

   Rows 38-40: Work straight.

   Row 41: [K7, K2tog] to end (48 sts).

   Rows 42-44: Work straight.

   Row 45: [K6, K2tog] to end (42 sts).

   Row 46: Purl.

   Row 47: [K5, K2tog] to end (36 sts).

   Row 49: [K4, K2tog] to end (30 sts).

   Row 51: [K3, K2tog] to end (24 sts).

8. Bind off. Sew the back seam and stuff firmly. Attach the head securely to the neck opening.

Legs and Feet (Make 2)

The legs are cylindrical with a shaped foot. The shoes are knitted separately, so the feet remain cream.

1. Cast on 12 stitches.
2. Increase row: Kfb in every stitch (24 sts).
3. Purl row.
4. Increase row: [K1, Kfb] around (36 sts).
5. Work 6 rows in Stockinette.
6. Shape Top of Foot: K12, [K2tog] 6 times, K12 (30 sts).
7. Purl row.
8. Next row: K12, [K2tog] 3 times, K12 (27 sts).
9. Next row: Purl.
10. Next row: K10, [K2tog] 3 times, K11 (24 sts).
11. Work 30 rows stockinette for the leg shaft.
12. Bind off. Sew the back seam. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly to allow for sitting.

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Arms (Make 2)

1. Cast on 10 stitches.
2. Increase to 20 stitches in the first 2 rows.
3. Work 28 rows in Stockinette.
4. Decrease: [K2tog] across the row.
5. Cut yarn, pull through, sew seam, and stuff. Attach to the shoulders.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears have a pink inner shading which is achieved by knitting a separate inner piece or using duplicate stitch. We will knit a single piece with intarsia or sew two pieces together for structure.

1. Cast on 14 stitches.
2. Work 40 rows in Stockinette.
3. Decrease row: [K2tog, K4] twice. Purl back.
4. Decrease row: [K2tog, K3] twice. Purl back.
5. Continue decreasing until 4 stitches remain. Bind off.
6. Assembly: If you want the pink inner ear shown in the photo, duplicate stitch the center 6 stitches with Pink yarn or knit a separate pink piece and sew it to the cream piece. Fold the base in half and sew to the head.

Part 2: The Heart Fair Isle Dress

This charming dress features a band of hearts around the skirt and a simpler motif on the bodice. Use US 3 needles.

Skirt

1. Using White yarn, cast on 56 stitches.
2. Knit 4 rows in Garter Stitch for the hem.
3. Switch to Stockinette Stitch. Work 4 rows in White.
4. Heart Border (Fair Isle):

   Note: Carry floats loosely on the WS.

   Row 1: *K3 White, K1 Red, K3 White* repeat to end.

   Row 2: *P2 White, P3 Red, P2 White* repeat to end.

   Row 3: *K1 White, K5 Red, K1 White* repeat to end.

   Row 4: *P1 White, P2 Red, P1 White, P2 Red, P1 White* repeat to end.

   Row 5: Work in White.

   Row 6: Work in White.

   Row 7: Repeat the heart pattern but use Pink yarn instead of Red, and offset the hearts so they sit between the red ones below.

5. Work 10 rows in White Stockinette.
6. Waist Reduction: [K2, K2tog] across the row (42 sts).
7. Work 4 rows of K1, P1 ribbing for the waistband.

Bodice

1. Switch to Stockinette.

   Row 1: *K5 White, K1 Red* repeat across (Simple “lice” pattern or single stitch hearts).

   Row 2: Purl White.

   Row 3: Knit White.

   Row 4: Purl White.

   Row 5: *K2 White, K1 Red, K3 White* repeat (staggered hearts).

2. Work until bodice measures 1.5 inches from waist.
3. Armholes: K8, Bind off 4, K18 (Front), Bind off 4, K8.
4. Work the Backs and Front separately for 1 inch.
5. Bind off. Sew shoulder seams. Leave the back open for easy dressing and add a small button or snap.

Part 3: The Magenta Cardigan

This vibrant cardigan adds a pop of color and features heart-shaped buttons.

1. Back: Using Magenta yarn, cast on 28 stitches. Work 4 rows in K1, P1 rib. Work 16 rows in Stockinette. Bind off 3 stitches at start of next 2 rows. Work 14 more rows. Bind off.
2. Left Front: Cast on 16 stitches. Work 4 rows rib. Work 16 rows Stockinette. Bind off 3 stitches at armhole edge. Work 10 rows. Decrease 1 stitch at neck edge every row for 4 rows. Bind off.
3. Right Front: Work same as Left Front, reversing shaping. Make 4 small buttonholes (yo, k2tog) along the button band border if you are knitting the band integrally. Alternatively, pick up stitches along the front edge later for the button band.
4. Sleeves: Cast on 20 stitches. Work 4 rows rib. Work 12 rows Stockinette. Decrease 1 st at each end of next 4 rows. Bind off.
5. Assembly: Sew shoulders, set in sleeves, sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up stitches along the front opening to knit a button band. Sew on the heart buttons.

Part 4: Accessories

Red Beret

A classic French style hat.

1. Using Red yarn, cast on 44 stitches.
2. Work 6 rows in K1, P1 rib.
3. Increase Row: *K2, Kfb* around (approx 58 sts).
4. Work 12 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
5. Decrease Row 1: *K4, K2tog* around.
6. Purl next row.
7. Decrease Row 2: *K3, K2tog* around.
8. Purl next row.
9. Decrease Row 3: *K2, K2tog* around.
10. Decrease Row 4: *K1, K2tog* around.
11. Decrease Row 5: K2tog around.
12. Stalk: Work an I-cord on the remaining 4 stitches for 3 rows. Bind off.

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Red Mary Jane Shoes

1. Using Red yarn, cast on 20 stitches.
2. Knit 2 rows (Garter Stitch) for the sole.
3. Work 4 rows Stockinette.
4. Toe Shaping: K7, [K2tog] 3 times, K7 (17 sts).
5. Purl back.
6. Strap: Cast on 10 stitches at the end of the next row. Knit back across strap and shoe rim. Bind off.
7. Sew back seam and sole. Attach the strap with a small stitch or fake button.

Heart-Shaped Chocolate Box

A unique accessory for the Sweetheart Bunny.

1. Base: Using Red yarn, cast on 4 stitches. Increase at start/end of rows until 16 stitches. Divide work in half to work the two “humps” of the heart separately. Bind off. Make 2 pieces (Top and Bottom).
2. Sides: Cast on 4 stitches. Knit a long strip (Garter stitch) long enough to go around the perimeter of the heart base.
3. Sew the strip to the bottom heart piece. Insert a piece of cardboard cut to shape for stability.
4. Chocolates: Using Brown yarn, make tiny bobbles or cast on 3 sts, knit 3 rows, bind off and roll into balls. Make 5-6. Sew them inside the box.
5. Sew the lid (Top heart) partially open or leave loose.

The Love Letter

1. Using White yarn, cast on 12 stitches.
2. Knit a rectangle approx 2 inches long.
3. Fold the bottom third up (envelope pocket) and the top triangle down (envelope flap).
4. Sew the sides.
5. Using Red yarn, embroider a small heart on the seal of the envelope.

The White Dove

A symbol of peace and love.

1. Body: Using White yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Work 6 rows. Decrease at one end for the tail and increase at the other for the chest/head. Shape head by working 4 rows on the chest stitches, then decrease to close. Stuff lightly.
2. Wings: Cast on 6 stitches. Knit 6 rows. Decrease K2tog at start of every row until gone. Make 2. Sew to sides of body.
3. Beak: Embroider with Orange yarn.
4. Message: Knit a tiny white square (4 sts x 4 rows) and sew a red heart on it. Stitch this to the dove’s beak or wing.

Final Assembly and Finishing

Bringing the Valentine Sweetheart Bunny to life requires patience in the finishing touches.

1. Facial Features: Using the dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth. Ensure it is centered.
2. Dressing: Put the dress on the bunny first. Button the back.
3. Cardigan: Slip the magenta cardigan over the dress. Fasten the heart buttons (or leave open to show the dress pattern).
4. Shoes: Put the red shoes on the feet.
5. Hat: Place the beret on the bunny’s head, tilting it slightly to one side for a stylish look.
6. Staging: Arrange the chocolate box, the love letter, and the dove around the bunny to complete the romantic scene.

Your Valentine Sweetheart Bunny is now complete! This project captures the essence of romance and handmade care. We hope you enjoyed the colorwork and the detailed accessories. If you are inspired to create more, be sure to browse our site to buy pattern books or check out our recommendations to order premium yarn packs for your next knitting adventure.