Welcome to the enchanting world of the Peony Tea Garden Bunny. This delightful project captures the essence of a serene spring afternoon spent in a blooming garden. This heirloom-quality soft toy features a gentle rabbit character prepared for an elegant tea party, complete with a beautifully detailed outfit and a collection of miniature accessories. 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 dress and the textured bonnet, 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 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 Peony Tea Garden 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 intricate and features advanced techniques such as stranded colorwork (Fair Isle) for the floral border and cabling for the cardigan.

The accessories are numerous: a ruffled bonnet, a structured tea cup with a saucer, a plate of cookies, a folded napkin, a handbag, and a tiny bumblebee companion. Each piece is designed to tell a story of a relaxing afternoon tea.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Cream, Off-White, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Dress Main): 50g DK weight yarn in Sage Green or Pale Olive.
• Yarn C (Dress Flowers & Hat): 40g DK weight yarn in Soft Pink or Peony Pink.
• Yarn D (Cardigan): 50g DK weight yarn in Cream or Ivory (slightly different shade than skin if desired, or same).
• Yarn E (Shoes): 20g DK weight yarn in Cream.
• Yarn F (Bee): Scraps of Yellow, Black, and White.
• Yarn G (Tea Set): 20g DK weight yarn in Beige or Light Mocha.
• 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 (dark brown for nose, pink for shoe flowers), 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.
• 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. Ensure both legs are the exact same length before joining.

Torso

We will now join the legs to form the body. This creates the base for the bunny’s clothes to fit perfectly.

• 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. The head needs to be firm to hold the hat.

• 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 Peony Garden Dress

This dress is the centerpiece of the outfit. It is knitted in Sage Green (Yarn B) with a beautiful band of pink peony flowers near the hem using stranded colorwork.

Skirt

Using Yarn B (Sage Green), cast on 72 sts.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Rows 3-6: Work in stockinette stitch.

Floral Colorwork Band:

Join Yarn C (Pink) and Yarn A (Cream/White) for highlights. Carry yarns loosely across the back (Fair Isle).

• Row 7: *K3 Green, K1 Pink, K2 Green*, repeat to end.
• Row 8: *P1 Green, P3 Pink, P2 Green*, repeat to end.
• Row 9: *K1 Green, K5 Pink, K1 Green*, repeat to end. (Widest part of flower).
• Row 10: *P2 Green, P3 Pink, P1 Green*, repeat to end.
• Row 11: *K3 Green, K1 Pink, K2 Green*, repeat to end.
• Row 12: Purl using Green only.
• Stem Detail: You can embroider green stems later, or knit simple vertical lines in green if you used a contrast background. Here we assume green background so stems are implied or embroidered.

Continue with Yarn B (Sage Green) only.

• Rows 13-34: 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

• Rows 38-42: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 43 (Armholes): K8, cast off 4 sts, K21, cast off 4 sts, K8.
• Row 44: P8, cast on 4 sts, P21, cast on 4 sts, P8. (45 sts)
• Rows 45-48: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 49: Knit (Garter ridge).
• Row 50: 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 D) and features a braided cable on the front panels to add texture.

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 (Cable Row): K2, P1, C4F, P1, K10.
• Row 6: P10, K1, P4, K1, P2.
• Row 7: K2, P1, K4, P1, K10.
• Row 8: Repeat Row 6.
• Rows 9-20: Continue pattern, twisting cable every 4th or 6th row.
• Row 21: Cast off 3 sts at armhole edge.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Rows 23-28: Work straight.
• 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 and cable placement.

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. Sew small buttons.

Part 4: The Ruffled Bonnet

This hat is knitted in Pink (Yarn C) and features a lovely ruffled brim.

• Brim: Cast on 100 sts.
• Rows 1-4: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 5 (Decrease Ruffle): *K2tog*, repeat to end. (50 sts)
• Row 6: Purl.
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch for the crown.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (40 sts)
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (30 sts)
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end. (20 sts)
• Row 24: K2tog across. (10 sts)

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

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Part 5: Shoes and Bag

Cream Shoes

Using Yarn E (Cream).

• 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 small chain or knit a thin strip and sew across the foot.

Flower: Embroider or knit a tiny pink rose and attach to the toe.

Handbag

Using Yarn G (Beige).

• Cast on 12 sts. Work in stockinette for 3 inches.
• Fold the bottom up to create a pouch. Sew sides.
• Strap: Knit an I-cord approx 8 inches long. Attach to sides.
• Add a small tag or button for detail.

Part 6: Tea Party Accessories

The Tea Cup

Using Yarn G (Beige).

• Cup: Cast on 20 sts. Work 10 rows stockinette. K2tog across. Draw through. Sew side seam.
• Rim: Pick up stitches at the top, knit 1 row purl (turning ridge), knit 2 rows, cast off. Fold down.
• Handle: I-cord loop sewn to side.

Cookies

Using Yarn G (Beige) and Dark Brown scraps.

• Cast on 4 sts. Inc to 8. Knit 2 rows. K2tog across. Draw through.
• Embroider small “chips” with dark brown yarn. Make 3.
• Plate: Knit a small white circle (cast on 4, inc to 12, bind off) and outline with blue embroidery.

The Bumblebee

Using Yarn F (Yellow, Black, White).

• Body: Cast on 6 sts in Yellow. Inc to 12. Knit 2 rows.

  Change to Black. Knit 2 rows.

  Change to Yellow. Knit 2 rows.

  Change to Black. Knit 2 rows.

  Dec to 6. Draw through. Stuff.

• Wings: Use White yarn to loop two wings on the back.

Napkin

Using Yarn A (Cream). Cast on 20 sts. Knit in Stockinette for a square.

Lace Edge: Either crochet a scalloped edge or sew a piece of floral fabric to the back and let it peek over the edges.

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 bonnet on the head.
   • Arrange the tea cup, cookies, napkin, bag, and bee around the bunny.

Your Peony Tea Garden Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of relaxation and spring beauty.