Introduction

Meet Botanist Bunny—a cozy, garden-loving knit rabbit dressed in a sage pleated skirt, a cream lace-leaf cardigan, a straw-style boater hat with blush ribbon, brown Mary-Jane shoes, and a tiny crossbody watering-can bag. This pattern is written to match the photo exactly: soft beige bunny, vertical-rib skirt, open-leaf lace cardigan with wood buttons, boater brim, and the gray watering-can accessory. Work neatly for crisp stitch definition and clean seams.

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

Materials Needed

• Yarn (DK/Light Worsted, non-fuzzy, wool or wool-blend)
  1. Bunny: 50 g beige
  2. Inner ears/tail: small amount light beige/cream (optional)
  3. Skirt: 35 g sage green
  4. Cardigan: 30 g cream
  5. Shoes: 20 g nut brown
  6. Hat: 20 g straw yellow + scrap blush pink (ribbon)
  7. Bag: 15 g soft gray + scrap tan (strap)
• Needles
  1. 3.25 mm (US 3) DPNs or 80 cm circular for magic loop (all pieces worked mainly in the round)
  2. 2.75 mm (US 2) for shoes/hat brim for firmness
• Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle, scrap yarn, 6 mm black safety eyes (2), 7–8 mm wood buttons (3), a touch of blush thread for nose/mouth, light card for hat brim (optional), pipe cleaner or floral wire for bag handle (optional), polyester fiberfill, elastic or i-cord tie for skirt waistband.
• Blocking tools and steam/iron with care (for garments only).

Abbreviations (US Terms)

st(s) = stitch(es); k = knit; p = purl; rnd(s) = round(s); rep = repeat; inc = kfb; dec = k2tog; ssk = slip, slip, knit; m1 = make 1; pm = place marker; sm = slip marker; CO = cast on; BO = bind off; tbl = through back loop; yo = yarn over; k2tog tbl = knit 2 together through back loop; RS/WS = right/wrong side (used on cardigan worked flat); [ ] brackets indicate a repeat.

Gauge & Finished Size

• Gauge (in the round, stockinette, washed & dried): 24 sts × 32 rnds = 10 cm / 4″ on 3.25 mm.
• Finished size: ~27 cm (10.6″) standing; sitting height ~20–21 cm.
• Proportions: head height ≈ 9.5 cm; body height ≈ 9.0 cm (head:body ≈ 1.05:1). Ear length 8.5–9 cm; foot length 4.2 cm. Maintain gauge for photo-match.

Color Map & Yardage (approx.)

• Bunny beige 50 g; sage 35 g; cream 30 g; brown 20 g; straw 20 g; gray 15 g; pink/tan scraps. Yards: bunny 120 yds; clothing total ~170 yds; accessories ~45 yds.

Pattern Notes

• Unless stated, work in the round.
• Use invisible decrease (k2tog/ssk) where specified to avoid bumps.
• Stuff firmly but not hard; shape as you go.
• Place safety eyes only after confirming the placement map below.
• We work bottom-up: shoes/legs → join for body → head; arms, ears, tail separate; garments/accessories last.

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Bunny

Legs & Shoes (make 2)

Shoes (2.75 mm, brown):
CO 10 sts. Work flat.
Row 1 (WS) k.
Row 2 (RS) kfb, k to last st, kfb (12).
Row 3 k.
Row 4 kfb, k to last st, kfb (14).
Row 5 k.
Row 6 kfb, k to last st, kfb (16).
Row 7 k.
Row 8 kfb, k to last st, kfb (18).
Row 9 k.
Row 10: kfb, k to last st, kfb (20).
Row 11: k.
Join in the round by picking up 10 sts along the cast-on edge → 30 sts total. Pm for start.

Rnd 1: k all.
Rnd 2: [k3, k2tog] ×6 → 24.
Rnd 3: k.
Rnd 4: [k2, k2tog] ×6 → 18.
Rnd 5: k.
Switch to beige and 3.25 mm.

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Foot & Ankle (beige):
Rnd 6: k.
Rnd 7: [k2, kfb] ×6 → 24.
Rnd 8–12: k 5 rnds.
Rnd 13: [k2, k2tog] ×6 → 18. Stuff shoe front firmly.
Rnd 14: k.
Rnd 15: [k1, k2tog] ×6 → 12.
Rnd 16: k.
Rnd 17: [kfb] ×12 → 24.
Rnd 18–24: k 7 rnds (straight ankle).
Rnd 25: [k3, kfb] ×6 → 30.
Rnd 26–32: k 7 rnds (calf).
Cut yarn on first leg, hold live sts. Work second leg to same point; do not cut.

Join Legs & Work Body

With second leg working yarn, CO 4 sts (front crotch), k all 30 sts of Leg 1, CO 4 sts (back crotch), k remaining 30 sts of Leg 2 → 68 sts. Arrange so crotch CO forms between legs; pm at center back.

Rnd 1: k around.
Rnd 2: [k16, k2tog] ×4 → 64.
Rnd 3–9: k 7 rnds.
Rnd 10: [k14, k2tog] ×4 → 60.
Rnd 11–15: k 5 rnds.
Rnd 16: [k13, k2tog] ×4 → 56.
Rnd 17–21: k 5 rnds.
Rnd 22 (waist shaping): [k12, k2tog] ×4 → 52.
Rnd 23: k.
Rnd 24: [k11, k2tog] ×4 → 48.
Rnd 25–27: k 3 rnds; stuff lower body.
Rnd 28 (shoulders begin): [k10, k2tog] ×4 → 44.
Rnd 29: k.
Rnd 30: [k9, k2tog] ×4 → 40.
Rnd 31: k.
Rnd 32: [k8, k2tog] ×4 → 36 sts. Work 1 rnd even. Hold to pick up arms later.

Head (continuous from body)

Rnd 34: [k5, kfb] ×6 → 42.
Rnd 35: k.
Rnd 36: [k6, kfb] ×6 → 48.
Rnd 37: k.
Rnd 38: [k7, kfb] ×6 → 54.
Rnd 39–44: k 6 rnds.
Eye placement preview: you’ll insert eyes between Rnds 8–9 of the head section (counting from Rnd 34 as head Rnd 1), centered, 12 sts apart (~3.2 cm).
Rnd 45: [k7, k2tog] ×6 → 48. Begin stuffing.
Rnd 46: k.
Rnd 47: [k6, k2tog] ×6 → 42. Insert 6 mm eyes now; lock backs.
Rnd 48: k.
Rnd 49: [k5, k2tog] ×6 → 36.
Rnd 50: [k4, k2tog] ×6 → 30.
Rnd 51: [k3, k2tog] ×6 → 24.
Rnd 52: [k2, k2tog] ×6 → 18.
Rnd 53: [k1, k2tog] ×6 → 12.
Rnd 54: [k2tog] ×6 → 6. Break yarn, draw through, cinch tight. Shape chin by pulling one securing stitch under the mouth later.

Arms (make 2)

Using 3.25 mm and beige, CO 9 sts, join in the round → 9.
Rnd 1: k.
Rnd 2: [k2, kfb] ×3 → 12.
Rnd 3–10: k 8 rnds.
Rnd 11: [k3, kfb] ×3 → 15.
Rnd 12–20: k 9 rnds. Stuff lightly from paw to mid-arm.
Rnd 21: [k3, k2tog] ×3 → 12.
Rnd 22: k.
Rnd 23: [k2, k2tog] ×3 → 9.
BO leaving long tail for sewing. Flatten top; no stuffing at shoulder for drape.

Ears (make 2)

CO 12 sts. Work in the round.
Rnd 1–4: k.
Rnd 5: [k3, kfb] ×3 → 15.
Rnd 6–10: k.
Rnd 11: [k4, kfb] ×3 → 18.
Rnd 12–16: k.
Rnd 17: [k4, k2tog] ×3 → 15.
Rnd 18–22: k.
Rnd 23: [k3, k2tog] ×3 → 12.
Rnd 24: k.
Rnd 25: [k2, k2tog] ×3 → 9.
Rnd 26: k.
Rnd 27: [k1, k2tog] ×3 → 6.
BO, flatten; do not stuff. Lightly pinch base when sewing to create upright ears.

Tail

CO 6 sts, knit i-cord for 5 cm. Break yarn, coil into a small pom-tail; stitch to secure at back just below the skirt line.

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Clothing & Accessories

Pleated Rib Skirt (sage)

Worked in the round from hem up; creates crisp “pleats.”
With 3.25 mm, CO 132 sts. Join, pm.
Rnd 1–6: [k2, p2] around (hem).
Rnd 7 (decrease to flare → waist): [k2, p2tog] around → 99 sts.
Rnd 8–24: work in pattern [k2, p1] around (keep columns aligned).
Rnd 25: [k2tog, p1] around → 66.
Rnd 26–30: [k1, p1] rib.
Rnd 31 (waist casing): k around.
Rnd 32: p around (fold line).
Rnd 33: k around.
BO loosely. Fold along purl ridge to inside; sew down leaving a gap to insert elastic or an i-cord tie. Hem should hit just below knee as in photo. Slip onto bunny from feet up.

Lace-Leaf Cardigan (cream)

Worked flat, three wood buttons, short body to waist.

Leaf Panel (multiple of 8 + 1; used as decorative columns on fronts):
Row 1 (RS): k1, [yo, k2tog, k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2] rep to end minus last st; k1.
Row 2 (WS): purl all.
Row 3: k1, [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, ssk, k3] rep; k1.
Row 4: purl all.
(Repeat Rows 1–4 for pattern; aligns small open leaves like the photo.)

Back
CO 42 sts on 3.25 mm. Work k1, p1 rib 4 rows.
Switch to stockinette; knit 14 rows.
Armhole shaping: BO 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows (38). Then ssk, knit to last 2, k2tog on RS once (36).
Work even until piece measures 8.5 cm.
Shoulders: BO 6 sts at beg of next 2 rows; BO center 24 for neck. Fasten off.

Left Front (with 1 Leaf Panel at edge + button band)
CO 22 sts. Work k1, p1 rib 4 rows.
Row A (RS setup): k5 (button band), Leaf Panel over next 9, k to end (stockinette).
Maintain: keep first 5 sts in garter (knit every row) for band; work Leaf Panel next 9; remainder stockinette.
Shape armhole as for back when length matches.
Neck: when total length 8.5 cm, at neck edge k2tog every RS row 3×. BO 6 sts for shoulder.

Right Front (mirror)
As Left Front but Leaf Panel sits after shoulder sts: work stockinette first, then Leaf Panel 9 sts, then 5 garter sts at end for band. Work neck decreases mirrored (ssk at neck).

Sleeves (short, slightly puffed)
CO 26 sts, work k1, p1 rib 4 rows.
Increase row (RS): k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1 → 28.
Work 12 rows stockinette.
Cap: BO 2 at beg next 2 rows (24). Then ssk, …, k2tog each RS 4× → 16.
BO remaining; sew in.

Finishing Cardigan
Block pieces; sew shoulder seams; set sleeves; sew side seams. Attach 3 wood buttons on Left Front band; open buttonholes between garter bumps on Right Front. The hem should sit at bunny waist, revealing skirt’s rib pleats.

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Boater Hat with Ribbon (straw + blush)

Firm brim, shallow crown, blush ribbon.

Brim (2.75 mm, straw)
CO 8 sts, join.
Rnd 1: [kfb] ×8 → 16.
Rnd 2: k.
Rnd 3: [k1, kfb] ×8 → 24.
Rnd 4: k.
Rnd 5: [k2, kfb] ×8 → 32.
Rnd 6: k.
Rnd 7: [k3, kfb] ×8 → 40.
Rnd 8: k.
Rnd 9: [k4, kfb] ×8 → 48.
Rnd 10: k.
Rnd 11: [k5, kfb] ×8 → 56.
Rnd 12: k.
Switch to 3.25 mm for a bit of flexibility.
Rnd 13: [k6, kfb] ×8 → 64.
Rnd 14: k.
Rnd 15: [k7, kfb] ×8 → 72. (Brim diameter ≈ 10–10.5 cm)

Side Band & Crown
Rnd 16: p around (turning ridge).
Rnd 17–20: k around (side band).
Rnd 21: [k7, k2tog] ×8 → 64.
Rnd 22: k.
Rnd 23: [k6, k2tog] ×8 → 56.
Rnd 24: k.
Rnd 25: [k5, k2tog] ×8 → 48.
Rnd 26: [k4, k2tog] ×8 → 40.
Rnd 27: [k3, k2tog] ×8 → 32.
Rnd 28: [k2, k2tog] ×8 → 24.
Rnd 29: [k1, k2tog] ×8 → 16.
Rnd 30: [k2tog] ×8 → 8. Cinch closed.

Ribbon
With blush, knit an i-cord 2 sts × 26 cm. Tie around side band; tack in place slightly off-center like the photo. Optional: insert a ring of thin card inside the brim fold (between Rnds 15–17) for extra stiffness.

Mary-Jane Shoes (brown, worked as toppers)

For the visible strap, pick up along shoe opening from the foot you already knitted:

• Pick up 18 sts evenly around opening.
  Row 1 (strap row, RS): k8, k2tog, turn; CO 6 sts button loop with backward loop; continue k to end.
  Row 2: p all.
  Row 3: BO. Stitch a tiny knot of yarn as “button” opposite the loop.

Crossbody Watering-Can Bag (gray + tan)

Can Body (gray)
CO 24 sts, join → 24.
Rnd 1–16: k.
Rnd 17: p (turning ridge).
Rnd 18–24: k. BO, fold at ridge to make a lip; sew inside.

Base
CO 8 sts. Rnd inc: [kfb] ×8 → 16; next rnd [k1, kfb] ×8 → 24. Knit 1 rnd even. BO, sew to body.

Spout
CO 6 sts, knit i-cord 5 cm; splay into a small funnel by kfb on first row to 8 sts for 1 cm; BO. Stitch to body at ~1/3 height.

Handle
CO 3 sts tan; i-cord 18–20 cm (crossbody strap). Attach opposite spout to form bag top loops; secure so bag hangs diagonally at hip.

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Face & Placement Map

Exact Placements (measured after stuffing)

• Eyes: insert 6 mm safety eyes 12 sts apart (~3.2 cm), horizontally centered, between Head Rnds 8–9 (counting Head Rnd 1 as where increases began after neck).
• Nose: embroider an inverted soft triangle with blush/brown thread, centered 2 rnds below the eyes, width ~6 sts.
• Mouth: simple “Y” one rnd below the nose; lightly pull a shaping stitch under the chin to create a gentle smile.
• Ears: sew at top of head with 2–3 sts gap between bases; angle 5–10° outward.
• Arms: sew at Body Rnd 28 (just below neckline), aligned with side markers.
• Tail: back center, 3 rnds above leg join; ensure skirt sits over tail base.
• Skirt waist: sits exactly on Body Rnd 24–25 transition.

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Assembly & Finishing

Assemble the Bunny

1. Close any remaining openings. Shape shoes neatly, keeping toes rounded.
2. Sew arms with a slight forward tilt so hands hang beside skirt.
3. Attach ears pinched at base; add a stitch at inner fold for realistic cupping.
4. Add tail.
5. Dress: pull skirt up from feet; tie or insert elastic. Put on cardigan; fasten 3 wood buttons.
6. Place hat; a hidden stitch at one ear base keeps it secure.
7. Hang watering-can bag across body; tack at one shoulder and hip for the exact pose.

Blocking & Shaping

• Light steam block garments only (not the stuffed body). Smooth cardigan leaf holes and skirt rib pleats so they hang vertically. Shape hat crown gently; keep brim flat.

Care & Safety Notes

• For children under 3, replace safety eyes with embroidered eyes.
• Hand wash cold, reshape while damp, dry flat.
• Keep accessories stitched on for display models; for play, secure all small parts firmly.

Quick QC Checklist (to match the photo)

• Beige body; ears upright with slight outward angle.
• Skirt: sage, crisp vertical ribs, hem just below knees.
• Cardigan: cream, short body to waist, leaf-lace panels on fronts, 3 small wood buttons.
• Shoes: brown Mary-Janes with visible strap loop.
• Hat: straw yellow boater with blush ribbon; flat brim.
• Bag: gray watering can with spout facing forward; tan crossbody strap.

Conclusion

Your Botanist Bunny is ready for an afternoon of gentle watering and windowsill gardening. Keep your stitches even, block the garments lightly, and follow the placements above to reproduce the exact look. Enjoy your knitting—and if you’d like, I can generate a printable version or adapt sizes for other yarn weights.