Welcome to the quiet, dusty corners of a charming country bookstore, where the Bluebell Bookshop Bunny spends her days organizing shelves and reading tales to her woodland friends. This intricate knitting project brings to life a studious and sweet character, perfectly dressed for a day of literary adventure. She wears a cream dress featuring a delicate central leaf lace panel, a cropped cornflower blue cardigan with classic cabling, and a slouchy taupe beret to keep warm. Her accessories are essential for her trade: a sturdy green satchel for carrying heavy tomes, a tiny wise owl companion reading a book of his own, and a sprig of fresh bluebells. This heirloom-quality doll is a delight to craft and makes a sophisticated gift for book lovers.

To begin this project, we recommend you visit your local yarn shop to browse their selection. You will want to buy merino wool yarn for the bunny’s skin to ensure a soft, premium finish that will stand the test of time. For the intricate clothing, you might choose to purchase cotton yarn or a high-twist wool blend to give the lace and cables excellent stitch definition. Before casting on, check your knitting supplies to ensure you have a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, a cable needle, and plenty of toy stuffing. If you are ready to start this storybook project, gather your materials and let’s begin.

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 Bluebell Bookshop Bunny stands approximately 13-14 inches (34cm) tall. The construction involves knitting the legs, joining them to form the body, and working up to the head in one piece to minimize sewing and ensure a sturdy neck. The dress, cardigan, and beret are removable. The dress features a “stacked leaf” lace panel running down the center front. The accessories—the satchel, owl, and bluebells—are knitted separately with fine attention to detail.

Supply List

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress & Shawl): 60g DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
• Yarn C (Cardigan): 40g DK weight yarn in Cornflower Blue or Light Denim.
• Yarn D (Beret & Shoes): 40g DK weight yarn in Taupe or Mocha Brown (Shoes) and Mushroom/Taupe (Hat).
• Yarn E (Satchel): 20g DK weight yarn in Forest Green.
• Yarn F (Owl & Prop Details): Small amounts of Dark Brown, Rust, White (for owl tummy/book), and Periwinkle Blue/Green (for bluebells).
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and clothes. US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories to create a dense fabric.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, stitch holders, polyester fiberfill, two 9mm safety eyes (bunny), two 5mm safety eyes or beads (owl), embroidery floss (dark brown for bunny nose, black/orange for owl face), small buttons (shoes, bag).

Gauge

24 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A tight gauge is crucial for the toy parts so the stuffing does not show through. The clothing can be worked at a slightly looser tension for better drape.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase (Knit into front and back of stitch – KFB).
• Dec: Decrease (Knit 2 together – K2tog).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• SK2P: Slip 1, K2tog, pass slipped stitch over.
• C4F: Slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle.
• RS: Right Side.
• WS: Wrong Side.

Part 1: The Bunny Structure

We start with the feet and legs, working upwards to join at the hips for the body, and finally the head.

Legs (Make 2)

Start with Yarn D (Taupe/Mocha) for the shoes.

• Row 1: Cast on 11 sts.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3 (Inc): Inc in every st. (22 sts)
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5 (Inc): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (33 sts)
• Rows 6-12: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS), starting with a Purl row.
• Row 13 (Shape Shoe Toe): K10, (K2tog) 6 times, K11. (27 sts)
• Row 14: Purl.
• Row 15 (Shape Shoe Toe): K10, (K2tog) 3 times, K11. (24 sts)
• Row 16: Purl.
• Row 17 (Strap Placement): K8, Cast off 8 sts (for strap opening), K8.
• Row 18: P8, Cast on 8 sts using backward loop method, P8. (24 sts)
• Change to Yarn A (Oatmeal) for the socks/skin.
• Row 19: Knit.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Ankle Dec): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end. (20 sts)
• Rows 22-45: Work straight in stockinette stitch to form the leg.

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

Body

Joining the legs to form the torso.

• Row 46 (Join): With second leg on needle, cast on 2 sts, knit across 20 sts of first leg. (42 sts total)
• Row 47: Purl all stitches.
• Row 48 (Hip Inc): K10, Inc, K20, Inc, K10. (44 sts)
• Row 49: Purl.
• Row 50 (Hip Inc): K11, Inc, K20, Inc, K11. (46 sts)
• Rows 51-70: Work straight in stockinette stitch.
• Row 71 (Decrease): *K8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 sts, K6. (42 sts)
• Row 72: Purl.
• Row 73 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 74-78: Work straight.
• Row 79 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 80: Purl.
• Row 81 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 82: Purl. (Neck)

Head

Continuing with Yarn A.

• Row 83 (Head Inc): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 84: Purl.
• Row 85 (Head Inc): *K2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 86: Purl.
• Row 87 (Head Inc): *K7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Rows 88-108: Work straight in stockinette stitch to create the round bunny face.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 110: Purl.
• Row 111 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
• Row 112: Purl.
• Row 113 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 114: Purl.
• Row 115 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 116 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 117 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
• Row 118 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
• Row 119: K2tog across. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining loops, pull tight, and secure.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A.

• Row 1: Cast on 10 sts.
• Row 2: Inc in every st. (20 sts)
• Rows 3-26: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 27: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (15 sts)
• Row 28: Purl.
• Row 29: K2tog across to last st, K1. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, sew side seam.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Ears (Make 2)

Using Yarn A.

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

Part 2: The Leaf Lace Dress

The dress is knitted in Cream (Yarn B) and features a beautiful central panel of stacked leaves. The hem is scalloped.

Skirt

Cast on 63 sts using Yarn B.

• Rows 1-2: Knit.
• Row 3 (Scallop Setup): *K1, yo, K3, SK2P, K3, yo*, repeat from * to * to last 3 sts, K3.
• Row 4 and all WS rows: Purl.
• Rows 5-8: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 twice more to establish the wavy hem.

Begin Leaf Panel:
We will place the leaf panel in the center 11 stitches. The rest of the skirt is stockinette.

• Row 9: K26, P2, K1, yo, K1, yo, K1, SK2P, K2, P2, K26.
• Row 10: Purl.
• Row 11: K26, P2, K1, yo, K3, yo, K1, SK2P, P2, K26.
• Row 12: Purl.
• Row 13: K26, P2, K1, yo, K5, yo, K1, SK2P (Wait, standard leaf is: K1, yo, k2, sk2p, k2, yo, k1). Let’s use a simpler 9-stitch panel for clarity.

Revised Leaf Panel (Center 9 sts):

• Row 1: K4, yo, K1, yo, K4. (11 sts)
• Row 2: Purl.
• Row 3: K2tog, K3, yo, K1, yo, K3, SSK. (11 sts)
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: K2tog, K2, yo, K3, yo, K2, SSK. (11 sts)
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: K2tog, K1, yo, K5, yo, K1, SSK. (11 sts)
• Row 8: Purl.
• Row 9: K2tog, yo, K7, yo, SSK. (11 sts)
• Row 10: Purl.

Work stockinette on the side stitches and repeat the Leaf Panel rows in the center. Continue until piece measures 5 inches.

Waist Decrease:

• Next Row: *K4, K2tog*, repeat across. (approx 52 sts)
• Next Row: Purl.
• Next Row: *K3, K2tog*, repeat across. (approx 42 sts)
• Next Row: Purl.
• Next Row: *K2, K2tog*, repeat across. (approx 32 sts)

Bodice

• Next Rows: Work straight in stockinette stitch for 1 inch.
• Armhole Shaping: K6, cast off 3 sts, K14, cast off 3 sts, K6.
• Next Row: P6, cast on 3 sts, P14, cast on 3 sts, P6.
• Next Rows: Work 4 rows straight.
• Neckline: Knit 2 rows (Garter ridge). Cast off.

Sew back seam to waist. Add a button.

Part 3: The Cabled Cardigan

Using Yarn C (Cornflower Blue).

Back

Cast on 28 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Armhole): Cast off 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows. (24 sts)
• Rows 21-30: Work straight.
• Row 31: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 16 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 5 (Cable Row): K2, P1, C4F, P1, K8.
• Row 6: P8, K1, P4, K1, P2.
• Row 7: K2, P1, K4, P1, K8.
• Row 8: Repeat Row 6.
• Rows 9-18: Repeat rows 5-8.
• Row 19: Cast off 2 sts (armhole), work to end.
• Row 20: Work pattern.
• Row 28: Cast off 5 sts (neck).
• Row 29: Dec 1 st at neck edge.
• Row 32: Cast off.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping and cable placement (K8, P1, C4F, P1, K2).

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 18 sts.

• Rows 1-3: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 4-18: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of row 8 and 14. (22 sts)
• Row 19: Cast off.

Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves in. Sew side seams. Pick up stitches on front edges for button band and knit 2 rows garter stitch.

Part 4: The Slouchy Beret

Using Yarn D (Taupe/Mushroom). This hat features a textured brim.

• Brim: Cast on 48 sts.

  Row 1: *K2, P2*, repeat to end.

  Row 2: *K2, P2*, repeat to end.

  Row 3 (Cable): *C4F (using the K2, P2, K2 stitches? No, simplified twist)*. Let’s use a Twisted Rib for the scale.

  Simplified Brim: Work 6 rows of K1tbl, P1 ribbing.

• Crown: Switch to Stockinette Stitch.

  Row 7 (Inc): *K3, Inc*, repeat to end. (60 sts)

  Row 8: Purl.

  Row 9: *K4, Inc*, repeat to end. (72 sts)

  Rows 10-18: Work straight.

  Row 19 (Dec): *K6, K2tog*, repeat to end.

  Row 20: Purl.

  Row 21: *K5, K2tog*, repeat to end.

  Row 22: Purl.

  Row 23: *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end.

  Row 24: *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end.

  Row 25: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end.

  Row 26: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through and sew back seam.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Part 5: Accessories

The Book Satchel

Using Yarn E (Green).

• Main Body: Cast on 14 sts. Work in Stockinette for 5 inches. Cast off.
• Sides (Make 2): Cast on 4 sts. Work in Garter stitch for 1.5 inches. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the main piece: Bottom 1.5 inches is front, middle 1.5 inches is back, remaining 2 inches is the flap. Sew side gussets in.
• Straps: Knit two I-cords. One long one for the shoulder strap, two tiny ones to sew vertically on the front flap for the “buckle” look.

The Wise Owl

Using Yarn F (Brown, Rust, White).

• Body: With Brown, cast on 10 sts. Inc to 20. Work 10 rows St st. Change to Rust for head. Work 6 rows. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff.
• Tummy: With White, cast on 4 sts. Inc to 8. Knit 6 rows. Dec to 4. Sew to front.
• Wings: Cast on 4 sts. Knit 6 rows. Bind off. Sew to sides.
• Book: With White, cast on 8 sts. Knit 6 rows. Bind off. Fold in half and sew to owl’s wings.
• Face: Embroider large circles for eyes and a beak.

Bluebells

Using Blue yarn.

• Flower: Cast on 6 sts. *K1, yo, K1* in each st. (9 sts). Knit 2 rows. K2tog across. Draw tight. Make 3.
• Stem: Green I-cord. Sew flowers to tip.

Shawl

Using Yarn B (Cream). Cast on 30 sts. Knit in Garter stitch with a yarn-over border (*K2, yo, K2tog…*) for 30 rows. Cast off.

Part 6: Assembly and Finishing

1. Stuffing: Stuff the feet firmly to create a flat sole for standing. Stuff legs, body, and head. The neck must be very firm.
2. Seaming: Mattress stitch the back seam of the bunny.
3. Face: Insert safety eyes at row 95, spaced 9 stitches apart. Embroider a Y-shaped nose with dark brown floss.
4. Ears: Sew ears to the sides of the head, level with the eyes.
5. Arms: Attach arms to the shoulders.
6. Shoes: The shoes are integrated. You can embroider a strap across the ankle with brown yarn and a small button.
7. Dressing: Put on the dress, then the cardigan. Place the beret on the head. Hang the satchel across the body. Position the owl and bluebells on the bench next to her.

Your Bluebell Bookshop Bunny is now complete! This literary companion is perfect for watching over your bookshelves or joining you for a quiet afternoon of reading.