Snowdrop Winter Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the magical world of winter crafting with the Snowdrop Winter Bunny. This enchanting project captures the cozy essence of the season, featuring a gentle rabbit friend ready for a snowy adventure. Dressed in a powder-blue dress adorned with delicate snowflakes, a fluffy white cardigan, and a whimsical pom-pom bonnet, she is the perfect companion for chilly days. This pattern is designed to be an heirloom-quality creation, ideal for gifting or adding a touch of winter wonder to your home decor. To achieve the best results, we recommend that you take a moment to visit your preferred yarn shop to buy premium merino wool or a soft alpaca blend. High-quality fibers make all the difference in the longevity and feel of soft toys. You may also need to purchase knitting supplies such as a set of reliable bamboo knitting needles, which offer great grip for the detailed colorwork on the dress. If you are ready to begin, ensure you have your knitting bag stocked with polyester fiberfill and that you order craft eyes if you don’t have them on hand. Let’s cast on and bring this snowy friend to life.

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

Project Overview and Materials

The Snowdrop Winter Bunny stands approximately 12 inches tall. The body is knitted flat and seamed, which allows for precise shaping, though it can be adapted for knitting in the round if you are an experienced knitter. The outfit is completely removable. This project includes detailed instructions for the bunny, her complete winter wardrobe, and her adorable accessories: a penguin pal, a glowing lantern, and a mug of hot cocoa.

Supply List

Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Beige, or Light Tan.
Yarn B (Dress & Hat): 50g DK weight yarn in Ice Blue or Powder Blue.
Yarn C (Cardigan): 50g DK weight yarn in White (a fuzzy/mohair blend or brushed acrylic is recommended for the texture seen in the photo).
Yarn D (Snowflakes & Pom-poms): 20g DK weight yarn in Pure White.
Yarn E (Shoes): 20g Metallic or Shimmer DK yarn in Silver or Grey.
Yarn F (Penguin): Small amounts of Black, White, and Orange yarn.
Yarn G (Accessories): Scraps of Yellow (lantern light), Grey (lantern casing), Brown (mug), and Red (penguin scarf).
Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothes. US 2 (2.75mm) for the smaller accessories like the penguin and mug.
Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming, stitch markers, safety eyes (9mm for bunny, 6mm for penguin) or black embroidery thread, polyester stuffing, 3 small white buttons (cardigan), 2 small silver buttons (shoes).

Gauge

24 stitches and 32 rows to 4 inches (10cm) over stockinette stitch. The gauge is not critical for a toy, but a tight tension is necessary to ensure the stuffing does not show through the fabric.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

K: Knit
P: Purl
Sts: Stitches
Inc: Increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch (KFB).
Dec: Decrease by knitting two stitches together (K2tog).
SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease).
M1: Make one stitch (increase).
Stockinette Stitch: Knit on Right Side (RS), Purl on Wrong Side (WS).
Garter Stitch: Knit every row.

Part 1: The Bunny Body

We start by knitting the legs separately and joining them to form the body. The head is knitted as a continuation of the torso to ensure a sturdy neck.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal), cast on 12 sts.

Row 1 (WS): Purl.
Row 2 (Inc): Inc in every st. (24 sts)
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4: *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row.
Row 10 (Shape Ankle): K10, (K2tog) 8 times, K10. (28 sts)
Row 11: Purl.
Row 12 (Shape Ankle): K10, (K2tog) 4 times, K10. (24 sts)
Row 13: Purl.
Rows 14-35: Work straight in stockinette stitch to create the long leg.

Break yarn for the first leg and slip stitches onto a holder. Knit the second leg in the same manner, but do not break the yarn.

Body

Join the legs together to begin the torso.

Row 36 (Join): With the second leg on the needle, cast on 2 sts, then knit across the 24 sts of the first leg (from the holder). You should have 50 sts total.
Row 37: Purl across all stitches.
Row 38 (Inc): K12, Inc, K24, Inc, K12. (52 sts)
Row 39: Purl.
Row 40 (Inc): K13, Inc, K24, Inc, K13. (54 sts)
Rows 41-60: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the bunny’s tummy.
Row 61 (Dec): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
Row 62: Purl.
Row 63: *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
Rows 64-68: Work straight.
Row 69 (Dec): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Rows 70-74: Work straight.
Row 75 (Dec): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
Row 76: Purl.
Row 77 (Dec): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
Row 78: Purl. (Neck Area)

Head

Continuing from the neck stitches with Yarn A.

Row 79 (Inc): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Row 80: Purl.
Row 81 (Inc): *K2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
Row 82: Purl.
Row 83 (Inc): *K7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
Row 84: Purl.
Rows 85-105: Work straight in stockinette stitch to form the face.
Row 106 (Dec): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
Row 107: Purl.
Row 108 (Dec): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
Row 109: Purl.
Row 110 (Dec): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
Row 111: Purl.
Row 112 (Dec): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
Row 113 (Dec): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
Row 114 (Dec): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
Row 115 (Dec): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
Row 116: K2tog across. (6 sts)

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close the top of the head, and secure.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy. Use Yarn A.

Row 1: Cast on 14 sts.
Rows 2-40: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 41 (Dec): SSK, K10, K2tog. (12 sts)
Row 42: Purl.
Row 43 (Dec): SSK, K8, K2tog. (10 sts)
Row 44: Purl.
Row 45 (Dec): SSK, K6, K2tog. (8 sts)
Row 46: Purl.
Row 47 (Dec): SSK, K4, K2tog. (6 sts)
Row 48: Purl.
Row 49 (Dec): SSK, K2, K2tog. (4 sts)
Row 50: K2tog twice. (2 sts)
Row 51: K2tog. Fasten off.

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Arms (Make 2)

Use Yarn A.

Row 1: Cast on 10 sts.
Row 2 (Inc): Inc in every st. (20 sts)
Rows 3-25: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 26 (Dec): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (15 sts)
Row 27: Purl.
Row 28 (Dec): K1, (K2tog) 7 times. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and sew the side seam.

Part 2: The Snowflake Dress

This dress is the centerpiece of the bunny’s outfit. It features a stranded colorwork pattern (Fair Isle) near the hem. When working with two colors, carry the yarn not in use loosely across the back of the work to ensure the fabric remains elastic.

Skirt

Using Yarn B (Ice Blue), cast on 66 sts.

Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches (Garter Stitch) to create a non-rolling hem.
Row 5: Knit.
Row 6: Purl.

Snowflake Colorwork Section: Join Yarn D (White). Follow the instructions below, repeating the bracketed section across the row.

Row 7 (RS): K1 Blue, *K1 Blue, K1 White, K4 Blue*, repeat from * to * to last 5 sts, K5 Blue.
Row 8 (WS): P1 Blue, *P3 Blue, P3 White, P3 Blue*, repeat from * to * to last 2 sts, P2 Blue.
Row 9: K1 Blue, *K2 Blue, K5 White, K2 Blue*, repeat from * to * to last 5 sts, K5 Blue.
Row 10: P1 Blue, *P1 Blue, P2 White, P1 Blue, P2 White, P3 Blue*, repeat from * to * to last 5 sts, P5 Blue.
Row 11: K1 Blue, *K3 Blue, K1 White, K1 Blue, K1 White, K3 Blue*, repeat from * to * to last 5 sts, K5 Blue.
Row 12: P1 Blue, *P4 Blue, P1 White, P4 Blue*, repeat from * to * to last 5 sts, P5 Blue.

Cut Yarn D (White) and continue with Yarn B (Ice Blue) only.

Rows 13-30: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 31 (Dec – Waist): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (55 sts)
Row 32: Purl.
Row 33 (Dec – Waist): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (44 sts)
Row 34: Purl.
Row 35 (Dec – Waist): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (33 sts)

Bodice

Rows 36-40: Work straight in stockinette stitch.
Row 41 (Armholes): K7, cast off 4 sts, K11, cast off 4 sts, K7.
Row 42: P7, cast on 4 sts, P11, cast on 4 sts, P7. (33 sts)
Rows 43-46: Work straight.
Row 47: Knit (Garter ridge).
Row 48: Cast off all stitches loosely.

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist, leaving the bodice open. Attach a small snap fastener or button to close the back of the dress.

Part 3: The Fluffy Cardigan

This cardigan is knitted in one piece to the armholes and then separated. Use Yarn C (White Fuzzy/Mohair type).

Row 1: Cast on 40 sts.
Rows 2-5: K1, P1 Ribbing.
Rows 6-16: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 17 (Divide): K10 (Right Front), Cast off 4 sts, K12 (Back), Cast off 4 sts, K10 (Left Front).

Right Front: Work 10 rows on the first 10 sts. Cast off.
Back: Rejoin yarn to the middle 12 sts. Work 10 rows. Cast off.
Left Front: Rejoin yarn to the last 10 sts. Work 10 rows. Cast off.

Sleeves (Make 2): Cast on 14 sts. Work 2 rows ribbing. Work stockinette for 12 rows. Cast off.
Assembly: Sew the shoulder seams. Sew the sleeves into the armhole spaces. Sew the sleeve seams. Sew three small white buttons to the left front band (decorative, as the cardigan can be worn open or closed with a hidden snap).

Part 4: The Double Pom-Pom Bonnet

This adorable hat features ear flaps and two fluffy pom-poms on top.

Using Yarn B (Ice Blue), cast on 44 sts.

Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for the brim.
Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 21 (Shape Back): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to last 2 sts, K2. (37 sts)
Row 22: Purl.
Row 23: *K3, K2tog*, repeat to last 2 sts, K2. (30 sts)
Row 24: Purl.
Row 25: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to last 2 sts, K2. (23 sts)
Row 26: *P2, P2tog*, repeat to last 3 sts, P3. (18 sts)
Row 27: K2tog across. (9 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and sew the short back seam (about 1 inch down).
Ear Flaps/Ties: Pick up 4 stitches at one corner of the cast-on edge. Knit an I-cord for 6 inches. Repeat on the other corner.
Pom-Poms: Using Yarn D (White), make two small pom-poms (approx. 1 inch diameter). Sew them to the top of the hat, spaced about 2 inches apart, resembling bear ears.

Part 5: Silver Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)

Using Yarn E (Silver Metallic).

Row 1: Cast on 10 sts.
Rows 2-8: Knit every row (Garter Stitch sole).
Row 9: Pick up 20 stitches around the three sides of the rectangle sole. (30 sts total on needle)
Rows 10-14: Work in stockinette stitch.
Row 15 (Toe Shaping): K10, (K2tog) 5 times, K10. (25 sts)
Row 16: Purl.
Row 17: K10, (K2tog) 3 times, K9. (22 sts)
Row 18: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam. Make a small chain or thread loop for the strap across the top of the foot and sew a small silver button to secure it.

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Part 6: Winter Accessories

The Little Penguin

Using Yarn F (Black).

Body: Cast on 10 sts. Inc to 20 sts. Work St st for 12 rows. K2tog across to 10 sts. Cut yarn, draw through.
Tummy: Using White yarn, cast on 4 sts. Inc to 8 sts. Knit 6 rows. Dec to 4 sts. Cast off. Sew onto the black body.
Wings (Make 2): Using Black, cast on 4 sts. Knit 5 rows. Dec to 1 st. Fasten off. Sew to sides.
Scarf: Using Red yarn, cast on 3 sts. Knit until piece measures 4 inches. Cast off. Wrap around penguin’s neck.
Finishing: Embroider beak and feet with orange yarn. Embroider eyes with white/black.

The Glowing Lantern

Base: Using Grey yarn, cast on 20 sts. Knit 4 rows.
Light: Change to Yellow. Work 8 rows in stockinette.
Top: Change to Grey. *K2tog* across row. (10 sts). Knit 2 rows. K2tog across. (5 sts).
Handle: Work an I-cord on the remaining 5 sts for 2 inches. Fasten off and sew loop to top.
Sew the side seam and stuff lightly to keep the cylindrical shape.

Hot Cocoa Mug

Cup: Using Brown yarn, cast on 16 sts. Work in stockinette for 1 inch.
Foam: Change to Cream/White. Knit 2 rows. *K2tog* across. Draw tight.
Assembly: Sew side seam. Stuff. Sew a small brown I-cord loop to the side for the handle.

Part 7: Assembly and Finishing

Stuffing: Stuff the legs, body, and head firmly. The neck area should be stuffed very well to prevent the head from flopping.
Seaming: Use the mattress stitch for the back seam of the bunny to make it invisible.
Face Embroidery: Using dark brown thread, satin stitch a small nose in a “Y” shape. Insert safety eyes between rows 95 and 96, spaced about 9 stitches apart.
Ears: Sew the cast-on edge of the ears to the sides of the head, roughly in line with the eyes but slightly further back.
Arms: Attach the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck.
Dressing: Put the silver shoes on first. Slip the blue dress onto the bunny. Put on the white cardigan. Tie the bonnet securely under the chin.
Scene Setting: Place the penguin, lantern, and mug around the bunny to complete the winter scene.

Your Snowdrop Winter Bunny is now complete! We hope you enjoyed this detailed knitting journey. This set is perfect for winter displays or as a special gift for a loved one.