Welcome to the tranquil and meditative world of the Lotus Pond Serenity Bunny. This exquisite project captures the peaceful essence of a zen garden at twilight, featuring a gentle rabbit character who finds joy in the stillness of nature. Dressed in a soft pink dress adorned with a lotus flower water garden motif at the hem, a textured blue cardigan with lace leaf panels, and a cream hat crowned with a magnificent blooming lotus, she is a vision of calm. She is accompanied by a contemplative frog friend resting on a rippled water rug, a glowing paper-style lantern to light her path, and a lily pad purse. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake, perfect for bringing a sense of mindfulness and beauty to any home. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the polished, professional finish seen in the photos, we highly 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 dress and the structured flower, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality 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 cultivate this beautiful project, 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 Lotus Pond Serenity 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 (or continuous) and seamed to allow for precise shaping of the curves. The outfit is intricate and features advanced techniques such as stranded colorwork (Fair Isle), lace knitting, and 3D flower construction. The dress combines a colorwork hem with a textured bodice. The accessories are numerous: a frog with a hat, a water-ripple rug, a hanging lantern, and a lily pad bag.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Cream, Off-White, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Dress Main): 60g DK weight yarn in Pale Pink or Blush.
• Yarn C (Cardigan & Shoes & Rug): 50g DK weight yarn in Serenity Blue or Cornflower.
• Yarn D (Hat & Lantern): 30g DK weight yarn in Cream or Ivory.
• Yarn E (Lotus Flower & Dress Detail): 20g DK weight yarn in Dark Pink/Rose.
• Yarn F (Leaves, Stems, Frog, Bag): 30g DK weight yarn in Sage Green or Moss Green.
• 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 small beads for frog eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown for nose), stitch holders, small buttons, a small stick or wire for the lantern handle.

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).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• SK2P: Slip 1, K2tog, pass slipped stitch over.
• 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 (Cream), 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 Lotus Dress

This dress features a Fair Isle hem depicting a lotus pond and a textured bodice that mimics ripples on water.

Skirt

Using Yarn B (Pink), cast on 72 sts.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3 (Begin Colorwork): Join Yarn C (Blue) and Yarn F (Green). Work the water and lily pad motif in stockinette stitch.

  Motif Guide: Work 3 rows of alternating Pink/Blue stitches for water ripples. Then work Green ovals for lily pads.

• Row 8 (Lotus Flowers): Join Yarn E (Dark Pink). Knit flower shapes sitting on top of the green pads. The flowers should be approx 5 stitches wide and 4 rows high.
• Row 14: End colorwork. Continue with Yarn B (Pink) only.
• Rows 15-34: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (54 sts)
• Row 36: Purl.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (45 sts)

Bodice

The bodice features a “Wave” or “Ripple” texture.

• Row 38 (WS): Purl.
• Row 39 (RS – Pattern Row): *K2, P2*, repeat to last st, K1.
• Row 40: *P2, K2*, repeat to last st, P1.
• Row 41: Knit across.
• Row 42: Purl across.
• Row 43 (Pattern Row): Shift the pattern: *P2, K2*, repeat to last st, P1.
• Row 44: *K2, P2*, repeat to last st, K1.
• Row 45 (Armholes): K8, cast off 4 sts, K21, cast off 4 sts, K8.
• Row 46: P8, cast on 4 sts, P21, cast on 4 sts, P8. (45 sts)
• Rows 47-50: Work in stockinette stitch.
• 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 Blue Lace Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn C (Blue) and features a leaf lace pattern on the front panels.

Back

Cast on 32 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Armhole): Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows. (26 sts)
• Rows 23-34: Work straight.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 18 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 5 (Leaf Lace): K2, YO, K3, SK2P, K3, YO, K2. (Adjust borders as needed to fit stitch count).
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: K3, YO, K2, SK2P, K2, YO, K3.
• Row 8: Purl.
• Rows 9-20: Continue lace pattern.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 sts at armhole edge.
• Rows 22-28: Continue pattern.
• Row 29 (Neck): Cast off 5 sts at neck edge.
• Row 30: Purl.
• Row 31: Dec 1 st at neck edge.
• Row 35: Cast off.

Right Front

Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Rows 5-20: Stockinette stitch, inc 1 st at each end of Row 8 and 16. (24 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 3 rows of garter stitch for the button band.

Part 4: The Lotus Hat

This hat is knitted in Yarn D (Cream) with a rolled brim.

• Brim: Cast on 52 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Knit (Garter Stitch) to create a rolled brim.
• Rows 7-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to last 4 sts, K4.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: K2tog across.

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

The 3D Lotus Flower

This flower is made of layers.

Large Petals (Pink): Cast on 6 sts. Knit 8 rows. Dec 1 st at each end. K2tog. Make 5.

Medium Petals (Pink/White): Cast on 5 sts. Knit 6 rows. Dec 1 st at each end. K3tog. Make 4.

Center (Yellow): Cast on 10 sts. Knit 2 rows. Cast off. Roll into a tight bud.

Assembly: Sew the medium petals around the center bud. Sew the large petals around the medium ones. Sew the completed flower to the side of the hat. Add a green leaf if desired.

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Part 5: Blue Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn C (Blue).

• 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 back heel seam.

Strap: Crochet a chain or knit a thin strip and sew across the foot.

Decoration: Sew a tiny green felt or knitted lily pad shape to the toe.

Part 6: Pond Accessories

The Frog

Using Yarn F (Green).

• Body: Cast on 12 sts. Inc to 24. Work 10 rows St st. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff firmly into a ball.
• Legs (Make 2): Cast on 4 sts. Work I-cord for 2 inches. Sew to sides, bending them to look like frog legs.
• Eyes: Knit two small bobbles or use beads on top of the head.
• Hat: Tiny beige circle (cast on 10, knit 2 rows, dec) sewn to head.

Water Ripple Rug

Using Yarn C (Blue).

• Cast on 6 sts. Join in round or work flat.
• Row 1: Inc in every st. (12 sts)
• Row 3: *K1, Inc*, repeat. (18 sts)
• Continue increasing 6 stitches every other row until the circle is 5 inches wide.
• Purl 1 round/row every 6 rows to create concentric “ripple” ridges. Cast off.

Lantern

Using Yarn D (Cream) and Pink embroidery.

• Body: Cast on 12 sts. Work in stockinette for 2 inches. Cast off. Sew side seam to make a tube.
• Top/Bottom: Run a gathering thread through the top and bottom edges. Stuff lightly and pull threads to shape into a lantern (barrel shape).
• Decoration: Embroider vertical pink lines. Add a green yarn loop for the handle and pink yarn for a tassel at the bottom.

Lily Pad Bag

Using Yarn F (Green).

• Cast on 10 sts. Increase at start and end of every RS row until 20 sts.
• Work 4 rows straight.
• Decrease at start and end of every RS row until 10 sts remain.
• Notch: Cast off 4 sts at the center of the next row. Work each side separately to create the “V” notch of a lily pad.
• Make two pieces and sew them together (leave top open). Add a strap.

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.
   • Hang the lantern on a branch or prop. Place the frog on the rug and the bag nearby.

Your Lotus Pond Serenity Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of tranquility and natural beauty.