Welcome to the elegant garden party of the Blush Peony Tea Bunny. This sophisticated project brings to life a gentle character who adores hosting afternoon tea among the blooming flowers. Dressed in a blush pink dress featuring delicate lace details and textured bobbles, she is the picture of grace. Her outfit is layered with a classic cream cable-knit cardigan and a structured sun hat with lace panels, perfect for shielding her eyes from the midday sun. She is accompanied by a delightful set of accessories: a knitted teapot, a bouquet of pink roses, and a charming hedgehog friend enjoying a tiny cup of tea. This heirloom-quality doll is a joy to craft and makes a stunning centerpiece for any collection. To ensure your finished bunny captures the softness and detail seen in the photos, we highly recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop. You will want to buy merino wool yarn for the bunny’s skin to create a premium, huggable finish. For the intricate clothing, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality blend to ensure the stitch definition of the lace and cables stands out. Before you begin, check your knitting supplies for a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, a cable needle, and plenty of fiberfill. If you are ready to attend this garden soiree, gather your materials 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 Blush Peony Tea Bunny stands approximately 13 to 14 inches (34 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be sturdy yet soft, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed to allow for careful shaping. The outfit is completely removable, making it a wonderful toy for dress-up play. The dress features a combination of lace stitching at the hem and “popcorn” bobbles scattered across the skirt. The cardigan uses a traditional cable pattern, and the accessories are knitted with fine detail to match the scale of the bunny.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress & Roses): 60g DK weight yarn in Blush Pink or Dusty Rose.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Hat & Teapot): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
• Yarn D (Shoes & Hedgehog Skin): 40g DK weight yarn in Beige or Light Brown.
• Yarn E (Hedgehog Spines): 20g Textured yarn (Eyelash or Mohair) in Brown/Grey mix.
• Yarn F (Leaves & Stems): Small amount of Green DK yarn.
• Yarn G (Tea Cup): Scrap of White yarn.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the bunny and main clothing. 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 5mm safety eyes or beads (hedgehog), embroidery floss (dark brown for nose, pink for details), stitch holders, small buttons.

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.
• YO: Yarn Over.
• SK2P: Slip 1, K2tog, pass slipped stitch over.
• MB (Make Bobble): (K1, yo, K1, yo, K1) into next st, turn, P5, turn, K5, turn, P5, turn, K5, pass 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th sts over 1st st.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side

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.

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 15-42: 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 43 (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 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): K10, Inc, K20, Inc, K10. (44 sts)
• Row 46: Purl.
• Row 47 (Hip Increase): K11, Inc, K20, Inc, K11. (46 sts)
• Rows 48-68: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the bunny’s tummy.
• Row 69 (Decrease): *K8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 sts, K6. (42 sts)
• Row 70: Purl.
• Row 71 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Rows 72-76: Work straight.
• Row 77 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 78: Purl.
• Row 79 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 80: Purl. This marks the neck.

Head

Continue with Yarn A from the neck stitches.

• Row 81 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 82: Purl.
• Row 83 (Increase): *K2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 84: Purl.
• Row 85 (Increase): *K7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch to form the height of the face.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *K7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (48 sts)
• Row 108: Purl.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (42 sts)
• Row 110: Purl.
• Row 111 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (36 sts)
• Row 112: Purl.
• Row 113 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (30 sts)
• Row 114 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (24 sts)
• Row 115 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (18 sts)
• Row 116 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (12 sts)
• Row 117: K2tog across. (6 sts)

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.

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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. Stuff lightly.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and soft. Use Yarn A.

• Row 1: Cast on 14 sts.
• Rows 2-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Decrease): SSK, K10, K2tog. (12 sts)
• Row 44: Purl.
• Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, K8, K2tog. (10 sts)
• Row 46: Purl.
• Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, K6, K2tog. (8 sts)
• Row 48: Purl.
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, K4, K2tog. (6 sts)
• Row 50: Purl.
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, K2, K2tog. (4 sts)
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

Part 2: The Blush Bobble Dress

This beautiful dress is knitted in Blush Pink (Yarn B). It features a lace zig-zag hem and a skirt dotted with texture.

Skirt

Using Yarn B, cast on 60 sts.

Lace Hem Section:

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3 (Lace Row): *K1, YO, K2, SK2P, K2, YO*, repeat from * to * to last 4 sts, K4.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: *K2, YO, K1, SK2P, K1, YO, K1*, repeat to end.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Rows 7-8: Repeat rows 3-4.

Main Skirt (Bobble Pattern):

• Rows 9-12: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 13 (Bobble Row): *K5, MB (Make Bobble), K4*, repeat to end.
• Rows 14-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Bobble Row Offset): *K2, MB, K7*, repeat to end.
• Rows 20-34: Continue pattern, alternating bobble placement every 6th row.
• 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 Cream Cable Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Cream (Yarn C) and features a rope cable 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 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 9-20: Continue pattern, twisting cable every 4th or 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, C4F, 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 Lace Cloche Hat

This hat features a structured shape with lace panels on the sides.

Using Yarn C (Cream).

• Brim/Sides: Cast on 50 sts.
• Rows 1-3: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 4 (Lace Pattern): *K1, YO, K2tog, K2*, repeat to end.
• Row 5: Purl.
• Row 6: *K2, YO, K2tog, K1*, repeat to end.
• Row 7: Purl.
• Rows 8-15: Repeat rows 4-7 twice more.
• Row 16 (Crown Setup): Knit across.
• Row 17 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (40 sts)
• Row 18: Purl.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (30 sts)
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end. (20 sts)
• Row 22: K2tog across. (10 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, and sew back seam.

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Part 5: Mary Jane Shoes with Ruffle

Using Yarn D (Beige).

• Sole: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 8 rows (Garter).
• Upper: Pick up 24 sts around the three sides of the sole.
• Rows 1-4: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 5 (Toe): K8, (K2tog) 4 times, K8. (20 sts)
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: K8, (K2tog) 2 times, K8. (18 sts)
• Row 8 (Ruffle Base): Change to Yarn C (Cream). Knit across.
• Row 9: *Inc in every st*. (36 sts)
• Row 10: Cast off loosely.

Sew the back heel seam.

Strap: Using Beige yarn, make a small loop or chain and sew across the foot. Add a small bow if desired.

Part 6: Accessories

The Teapot

Using Yarn C (Cream).

• Body: Cast on 10 sts. Inc to 20. Work 10 rows St st. Dec to 10. Draw through. Stuff firmly into a ball.
• Lid: Cast on 8 sts. Knit 2 rows. Dec to 4. Draw through. Sew to top.
• Spout: Cast on 6 sts. Knit 4 rows. Cast off. Sew to side.
• Handle: I-cord for 2 inches. Sew to opposite side.

Pink Roses (Make 3)

Using Yarn B (Pink).

• Cast on 30 sts.

  Row 1: Knit.

  Row 2: Purl.

  Row 3: *K1, cast off 4 sts*, repeat to end.

  Roll the remaining strip into a spiral rose shape and stitch the base.

• Leaves: Using Green yarn, cast on 4 sts. Knit 3 rows. Dec to 1. Fasten off. Sew to base of roses.

The Hedgehog and Cup

Hedgehog:

Using Yarn D (Beige), cast on 10 sts (Face/Tummy). Work in stockinette for 1.5 inches. Cast off.

Using Yarn E (Textured Brown), pick up stitches around the edge of the beige rectangle (leaving one short end open for the face). Knit in Garter stitch, decreasing gradually to form a domed back. Stuff and sew closed. Embroider eyes and nose.

Tiny Cup:

Using Yarn G (White), cast on 8 sts. Knit 4 rows. K2tog across. Draw through. Sew side seam. Sew a tiny loop for a handle.

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 dark brown 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 dress on the bunny.
   • Put the cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the hat on the head.
   • Arrange the roses, teapot, and hedgehog for the perfect tea party scene.

Your Blush Peony Tea Bunny is now complete! This project is a celebration of texture and charm, creating a scene of warmth and hospitality.