Welcome to the melodious world of the Lilac Music Box Bunny. This exquisite project captures the essence of a musical prodigy, featuring a talented rabbit dressed to perform her favorite concerto. With a dress inspired by piano keys, a cozy cable-knit cardigan in a soft lilac hue, and a vintage-style cloche hat, she is ready for the stage. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake for music lovers and collectors alike. To ensure your finished bunny sings with quality, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the softest fibers. For the bunny’s skin, a high-quality merino wool yarn in a soft oatmeal or beige shade provides a warm, natural finish. The clothing benefits from a smooth DK weight yarn; you might want to buy cotton yarn or a wool blend for the dress to provide a crisp canvas for the piano key colorwork. Ensure your knitting supplies are complete with a set of fine bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for assembly, and premium polyester fiberfill. If you are ready to create this symphonic masterpiece, check your knitting bag for stitch markers and let’s cast on.

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

The Lilac Music Box Bunny stands approximately 13 to 14 inches (34 cm) tall. The body is knitted flat and seamed, a method that allows for precise shaping of the curves and ensures the doll stands upright beautifully. The outfit is completely removable, allowing for dress-up play. The dress features a striking “piano key” border using stranded colorwork (Fair Isle). The cardigan showcases a classic cable design on the front panels. The set also includes detailed instructions for a miniature singing mouse, a microphone, a music-themed handbag, and a small blanket.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Sand.
• Yarn B (Clothing Main Color): 80g DK weight yarn in Lilac or Lavender (for Dress Bodice, Cardigan, Hat, Shoes, Bag).
• Yarn C (Piano Keys White): 20g DK weight yarn in White.
• Yarn D (Piano Keys Black & Details): 20g DK weight yarn in Black.
• Yarn E (Mouse & Mic): 20g DK weight yarn in Grey/Silver.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and clothes. US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories to create a tight fabric.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two small beads for mouse eyes, embroidery floss (black for music notes, pink for nose), stitch holders, small buttons for shoes/cardigan.

Gauge

24 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A firm gauge is essential for the toy parts to prevent stuffing from showing through, while a standard gauge allows the clothing to drape nicely.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch (KFB).
• Dec: Decrease (K2tog).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.

Part 1: The Bunny Body

We begin by knitting the legs separately and joining them to form the body. The head is knitted as a continuation of the neck to ensure a sturdy structure that doesn’t wobble.

Legs (Make 2)

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

• Row 1: Purl.
• Row 2 (Inc): Inc in every st. (24 sts)
• Row 3: Purl.
• Row 4 (Inc): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS) starting with a Purl row.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): K12, (K2tog) 6 times, K12. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): K9, (K2tog) 6 times, K9. (24 sts)
• Row 13: Purl.
• Row 14 (Ankle): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Rows 15-40: Work straight in stockinette stitch to create the long leg.

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

Torso

We will now join the legs to form the body.

• Row 41 (Join): With the second leg on the needle, cast on 2 stitches, then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg (from holder). (42 sts total)
• Row 42: Purl all stitches.
• Row 43 (Hip Increase): K10, Inc, K20, Inc, K10. (44 sts)
• Row 44: Purl.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): K11, Inc, K20, Inc, K11. (46 sts)
• Rows 46-65: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the bunny’s tummy.
• Row 66 (Decrease): *K8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 sts, K6. (42 sts)
• Row 67: Purl.
• Row 68 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 69-72: Work straight.
• Row 73 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 74: Purl.
• Row 75 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 76: Purl. This marks the neck.

Head

Continue with Yarn A from the neck stitches.

• Row 77 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 78: Purl.
• Row 79 (Increase): *K2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 80: Purl.
• Row 81 (Increase): *K7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Rows 82-102: Work straight in stockinette stitch to form the height of the face.
• Row 103 (Decrease): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 104: Purl.
• Row 105 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
• Row 106: Purl.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 108: Purl.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 110 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 111 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
• Row 112 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
• Row 113: K2tog across. (6 sts)

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Cut yarn, thread through remaining loops, pull tight, and secure. Sew the back seam of the head and body using mattress stitch, stuffing firmly as you go. Pay extra attention to stuffing the neck so the head doesn’t wobble.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A.

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

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, sew side seam. Stuff lightly.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and soft. Use Yarn A.

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

Part 2: The Piano Key Dress

This dress is a showstopper. The skirt features a colorwork border resembling a piano keyboard.

Skirt

Using Yarn B (Lilac), cast on 60 sts.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch) for the hem edge.

Piano Key Colorwork Section:
Join Yarn C (White) and Yarn D (Black). You will work in Stockinette Stitch using the Fair Isle technique (carrying the unused yarn loosely across the back).

• Row 3 (RS): Using White, Knit across.
• Row 4 (WS): Using White, Purl across.
• Row 5 (Start Black Keys): *K3 White, K2 Black*, repeat from * to * to end.
• Row 6: *P2 Black, P3 White*, repeat from * to * to end.
• Rows 7-12: Repeat Rows 5 and 6. This creates the tall black keys against the white background.
• Row 13: Using White, Knit across.
• Row 14: Using White, Purl across.

Cut White and Black yarns. Change to Yarn B (Lilac).

• Rows 15-34: Work in stockinette stitch in Lilac.
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (50 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (40 sts)
• Row 38: Purl.
• Row 39 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)

Bodice

• Rows 40-44: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 45 (Armholes): K5, cast off 4 sts, K12, cast off 4 sts, K5.
• Row 46: P5, cast on 4 sts, P12, cast on 4 sts, P5. (30 sts)
• Rows 47-50: Work straight.
• Row 51: Knit (Garter ridge).
• Row 52: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back seam of the skirt up to the waist. Leave the bodice open and attach a small snap fastener.

Part 3: The Cable Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn B (Lilac) and features a cable panel on the front.

Back

Cast on 28 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows. (24 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 16 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 5 (Cable Set Up): K2, P1, K4 (cable), P1, K8.
• Row 6: P8, K1, P4, K1, P2.
• Row 7 (Cable Twist): K2, P1, C4F, P1, K8.
• Row 8: Repeat Row 6.
• Rows 9-20: Continue pattern, twisting cable every 6th row.
• Row 21: Cast off 2 sts (armhole), work pattern to end.
• Row 30: Cast off 5 sts (neck).
• Row 31: Dec 1 st at neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping and cable placement (K8, P1, K4, P1, K2).

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 18 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 16. (22 sts)
• Row 21: Cast off.

Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams. Pick up stitches along the front edges and knit 2 rows of garter stitch for the button band.

Part 4: The Cloche Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn B (Lilac) with a garter stitch brim.

• Brim: Cast on 46 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a rolled brim.
• Rows 7-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 4 sts, K4. (39 sts)
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (32 sts)
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (25 sts)
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (17 sts)
• Row 28: K2tog across. (9 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, and sew back seam.
Bow: Cast on 6 sts. Knit 3 inches in Garter Stitch. Cast off. Wrap yarn around the center to pinch it into a bow shape and sew to the side of the hat.

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Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn B (Lilac).

• Sole: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 8 rows (Garter).
• Upper: Pick up 24 sts around the three sides of the sole.
• Rows 1-5: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Row 7: Purl.
• Row 8 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 2 times, K8. (18 sts)
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam.

Strap: Pick up 3 sts on one side of the shoe opening. Knit a strip long enough to reach the other side. Cast off and sew in place. Sew a small button or bead on the strap.

Part 6: Accessories

The Singing Mouse

Using Yarn E (Grey), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 10 sts. Work 10 rows St st. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Ears (Make 2): Cast on 4 sts. Knit 3 rows. Cast off. Sew to head.
• Tail: Cast on 2 sts. Work I-cord for 2 inches.
• Note: Cut a small music note shape from black felt or embroider one on the mouse’s tummy.

The Music Bag

Using Yarn B (Lilac).

• Front/Back: Cast on 12 sts. Work in stockinette for 6 inches. Cast off.
• Sides: Cast on 4 sts. Work for 6 inches. Cast off.
• Assembly: Sew the strip around the rectangle to create a boxy bag shape. Stuff lightly to hold shape.
• Embroidery: Using Black yarn, embroider 5 horizontal lines (music staff) and a treble clef or notes on the front.
• Handle: Knit an I-cord and attach to top.

The Microphone

Using Yarn B (Lilac) for handle and Yarn E (Grey) for top.

• Handle: Cast on 5 sts. Work in stockinette for 2 inches.
• Head: Change to Grey. Inc in every st (10 sts). Knit 4 rows. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff the head firmly and handle lightly.
• Cord: Add a small twisted cord at the base if desired.

Blanket

Using Yarn B (Lilac).

• Cast on 20 sts. Knit in Garter Stitch until square.
• Picot Edge (Optional): Crochet a border or bind off using a picot bind off (*Cast on 2, bind off 4*, repeat).

Part 7: Assembly and Finishing

1. Stuffing: Stuff the bunny’s legs, body, and head firmly. Ensure the neck is very stiff so the head doesn’t droop.
2. Seaming: Use mattress stitch for the back of the legs, body, and head. This creates an invisible seam which is professional and neat.
3. Face Details:
   • Eyes: Insert safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spaced about 9 stitches apart.
   • Nose: Using pink embroidery thread, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth.
4. Attaching Parts:
   • Ears: Fold the cast-on edge of the ear slightly in half and sew to the side of the head, level with the eyes, so they drape downwards.
   • Arms: Sew the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam.
5. Dressing:
   • Put the shoes on the feet.
   • Put the piano dress on the bunny.
   • Put the cable cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the hat on the head.
   • Arrange the mouse, mic, and bag around her to set the stage.

Your Lilac Music Box Bunny is now complete! This project is a symphony of knitting techniques that results in a truly harmonious display piece.