Welcome to a project that celebrates the vibrant beauty of a spring garden in full bloom. The Pansy Patchwork Bunny is a sophisticated and charming character, dressed in an ensemble that pays homage to the intricate art of quilting and floral design. This heirloom-quality soft toy features a gentle rabbit prepared for a garden stroll, wearing a stunning patchwork-style skirt, a sweater with a floral yoke, and a classic beret adorned with a dimensional flower. Whether you are crafting this for a seasonal display or as a cherished gift for a loved one, the process is as delightful as the finished result. To ensure your bunny achieves the professional, soft finish seen in the photos, we recommend visiting your favorite local yarn shop to select the best materials. You will want to buy merino wool yarn for the bunny’s skin to create a warm, natural texture that is durable yet soft to the touch. For the intricate clothing, such as the colorwork skirt and the pansy motifs, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-twist wool blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp and the colors remain vibrant. Before you begin, take a moment to check your knitting supplies; ensure you have a set of smooth bamboo knitting needles, a tapestry needle for assembly, and plenty of premium fiberfill. If you are ready to embark on this lovely crafting journey, 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 Pansy Patchwork Bunny stands approximately 13 to 14 inches (34 cm) tall. The construction is designed to be sturdy, with the body and head knitted in pieces and seamed to allow for precise shaping of the curves. The outfit is the highlight of this design. The skirt mimics a patchwork quilt using stranded colorwork techniques to create alternating blocks of pansies. The sweater features a round yoke with a coordinating floral motif. The accessories include a textured beret, textured shoes, a messenger bag, a tiny ladybug on a leaf, and a “hello” swatch.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Cream, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Sweater & Hat Main): 60g DK weight yarn in Medium Purple or Lavender.
• Yarn C (Skirt Dark Blocks & Pansy Petals): 40g DK weight yarn in Deep Plum or Dark Violet.
• Yarn D (Skirt Light Blocks): 40g DK weight yarn in Cream or Pale Yellow.
• Yarn E (Pansy Centers & Accents): 20g DK weight yarn in Bright Yellow or Gold.
• Yarn F (Shoes & Bag): 30g DK weight yarn in Beige or Sand.
• Yarn G (Leaf & Stems): Small amount of Leaf Green.
• Yarn H (Ladybug): Scrap of Red and Black.
• 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), embroidery floss (black for face details, white for shoe dots), 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).
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS, Purl on WS.
• Fair Isle: Stranded colorwork technique carrying yarn across the back.

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 15-42: 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 floppy. 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 Pansy Patchwork Skirt

This skirt creates the illusion of patchwork squares using stranded knitting (Fair Isle). You will alternate between two types of blocks: Dark Blocks (Purple background with Yellow/Cream pansy) and Light Blocks (Cream background with Purple/Yellow pansy).

Waistband

Using Yarn C (Deep Plum), cast on 64 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 5: Purl.
• Row 6 (Increase): *K3, Inc*, repeat to end. (80 sts)

Colorwork Chart Instructions

The skirt is worked in 8-stitch repeats.

Block Type A (Dark): Background is Yarn C (Plum). Flower is Yarn D (Cream) and Yarn E (Yellow).

Block Type B (Light): Background is Yarn D (Cream). Flower is Yarn C (Plum) and Yarn E (Yellow).

• Rows 7-16 (Tier 1): Work alternating blocks across the row (Block A, Block B, Block A, Block B…).

  To create the flower motif within each block: Center a 3×3 stitch area for the pansy. Bottom 2 stitches are dark petals, middle stitch is yellow center, top 2 stitches are lighter petals.

• Row 17: Knit across in Yarn C (Plum) to create a dividing line (sashing).
• Row 18: Purl in Yarn C.
• Rows 19-28 (Tier 2): Switch the order to create a checkerboard effect. (Block B, Block A, Block B, Block A…).
• Row 29: Knit across in Yarn C.
• Row 30: Purl in Yarn C.
• Rows 31-40 (Tier 3): Repeat Tier 1 order.
• Rows 41-44: Work in Garter Stitch using Yarn C for the hem.
• Row 45: Cast off.

Sew the back seam. Thread elastic through the waistband or knit a drawstring.

Part 3: The Pansy Yoke Sweater

This sweater is knitted in Yarn B (Medium Purple) and features a floral yoke.

Body

Cast on 40 sts using Yarn B.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole Divide): K8 (Back), cast off 4 sts, K16 (Front), cast off 4 sts, K8 (Back). Place front and back sections on holders.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 14 sts.

• Rows 1-4: Ribbing.
• Rows 5-18: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 12. (18 sts)
• Row 19: Cast off 2 sts at each end. (14 sts)

Yoke

Put all pieces onto one needle: Right Back, Sleeve, Front, Sleeve, Left Back. (approx 66 sts).

• Row 1: Knit across in Purple.
• Row 2: Purl.
• Begin Colorwork Yoke: Join Yarn D (Cream) and Yarn E (Yellow). Work a band of pansy flowers (similar to the skirt but smaller scale) around the shoulders.

  Example: *K1 Purple, K1 Cream, K1 Yellow, K1 Cream*, repeat.

• Decrease Round: Using Purple only, *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Neckband: Work 4 rows of K1, P1 ribbing. Cast off loosely.

Sew sleeve and side seams. Add buttons to the back opening.

Part 4: The Pansy Beret

Using Yarn B (Medium Purple).

• Brim: Cast on 48 sts.
• Rows 1-5: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 6 (Increase): *K1, Inc*, repeat to end. (72 sts)
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K6, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K5, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 27: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through and sew back seam.

The Pansy Flower (Applique):

Using Yarn E (Yellow), cast on 5 sts. Knit 1 row.

Change to Yarn C (Dark Violet). *Inc in every st* (10 sts). Knit 2 rows. Cast off. This forms the center.

Using Yarn B (Purple), pick up stitches around the center to make 3 larger petals. Work in garter stitch, increasing at the edges to round them, then cast off. Sew to the side of the hat.

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Part 5: Textured Shoes

Using Yarn F (Beige/Sand).

• Sole: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 8 rows (Garter).
• Upper: Pick up 24 sts around three sides.
• Rows 1-5: 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 heel seam. Add a strap and button.

Detail: Using White embroidery floss, stitch small French Knots in a pattern on the toe of the shoe to create the texture seen in the photo.

Part 6: Accessories

Messenger Bag

Using Yarn F (Beige).

• Cast on 12 sts. Work stockinette for 4 inches.
• Fold the bottom up to create a pouch. Sew sides.
• Fold the remaining flap down. Sew a button.
• Strap: Crochet a chain or knit a thin I-cord and attach to sides.

Hello Swatch

Using Yarn D (Cream).

• Cast on 10 sts. Knit in stockinette for 10 rows. Cast off.
• Back with a second square of fabric or knitting to hide threads.
• Embroider “hello” in purple script and a small pansy flower in the corner.

Ladybug on a Leaf

Leaf: Using Yarn G (Green), cast on 3 sts. Inc to 9 sts. Knit 4 rows. Dec to 3 sts. K3tog.

Ladybug: Using Yarn H (Red), cast on 4 sts. Inc to 8. Knit 4 rows. Dec to 4. Draw through. Sew to leaf. Embroider black head and spots.

Loose Pansies

Make 2-3 extra pansy flowers following the instructions for the hat appliqué, but varying colors (Yellow petals with purple centers, etc.).

Part 7: Assembly and Finishing

1. Stuffing: Stuff the bunny’s legs, body, and head firmly. The neck must be very firm to support the head.
2. Seaming: Use mattress stitch for the back of the legs, body, and head for a seamless finish.
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 textured shoes on the feet.
   • Put the patchwork skirt on the bunny.
   • Put the sweater on over the skirt.
   • Place the beret on the head, tilting it to show the flower.
   • Hang the bag over her shoulder.
   • Arrange the swatch, loose flowers, and ladybug near her feet.

Your Pansy Patchwork Bunny is now complete! This project is a vibrant celebration of color and pattern, resulting in a truly unique heirloom.