Welcome to the refined and elegant world of the Anemone Afternoon-Tea Bunny. This exquisite project captures the grace of a high-society rabbit enjoying a peaceful moment in the garden, surrounded by the finest pastries and blooming flora. This heirloom-quality soft toy features a gentle character dressed in a stunning deep burgundy and white ensemble, perfectly suited for a sophisticated garden party. Her dress showcases a spectacular band of Anemone flowers using stranded colorwork, while her cozy cardigan features classic cable details on the sleeves to ward off the evening chill. To complete the look, she wears a matching cloche hat adorned with a large statement flower. She is accompanied by a delightful spread of afternoon tea essentials: a knitted teacup and saucer, a lace napkin, a selection of colorful macarons, a beige handbag, and a tiny bumblebee friend. 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 accessories, 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 Anemone Afternoon-Tea 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 skirt border and cabling for the cardigan sleeves. The dress combines a white textured eyelet bodice with a dramatic burgundy hemline and floral motif. The accessories are numerous and detailed, requiring patience and fine motor skills to create the miniature tea set and macarons.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Cream, Off-White, or Biscuit.
• Yarn B (Cardigan, Hat, Dress Hem): 80g DK weight yarn in Deep Burgundy or Wine.
• Yarn C (Dress Bodice & Flower Petals): 50g DK weight yarn in Bright White.
• Yarn D (Shoes, Flower Centers, Dress Leaves): 30g DK weight yarn in Black.
• Yarn E (Flower Centers – Anemone): Small scrap of Red or Deep Pink.
• Yarn F (Accessories – Bag, Cup, Macarons): Scraps of Beige, Pink, Pistachio Green, and Yellow.
• 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), stitch holders, small buttons, cardboard for shoe soles (optional).

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.
• 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.

• 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 Anemone Dress

This dress is the showstopper of the outfit. It features a bold colorwork hem depicting stylized anemone flowers in red and black against white, with a solid black trim.

Skirt with Colorwork Hem

Using Yarn D (Black), cast on 72 sts.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch) in Black.
• Row 3: Change to Yarn C (White). Knit across.
• Row 4: Purl across.

Floral Colorwork Chart Instructions:

Join Yarn E (Red/Deep Pink for petals) and Yarn D (Black for centers and leaves). Carry yarns loosely across the back (Fair Isle).

• Row 5 (Stems/Leaves): *K3 White, K1 Black, K2 White*, repeat to end.
• Row 6: *P2 White, P1 Black, P1 White, P1 Black, P1 White*, repeat to end.
• Row 7 (Flower Base): *K1 White, K1 Black, K3 Red, K1 Black, K1 White*, repeat to end. (The black here outlines the flower).
• Row 8 (Flower Center): *P1 White, P1 Red, P1 Black (Center), P1 Red, P1 White*, repeat to end.
• Row 9 (Flower Top): *K2 White, K3 Red, K2 White*, repeat to end.
• Row 10: *P3 White, P1 Red, P3 White*, repeat to end.
• Row 11: Break contrast yarns. Continue with Yarn C (White) only. Knit across.

Upper Skirt:

• Rows 12-34: Work in stockinette stitch using White.
• 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)

Eyelet Bodice

The bodice features a delicate eyelet pattern.

• Row 38: Purl.
• Row 39 (Eyelet Row): K2, *YO, K2tog, K2*, repeat to last 3 sts, K3.
• Row 40: Purl.
• Rows 41-42: 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 Burgundy Cable Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted in Yarn B (Burgundy) and features a cable pattern on the sleeves to mimic the texture seen in the image.

Back

Cast on 32 sts using Yarn B.

• 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.
• Rows 5-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• 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.

Cabled Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 20 sts.

• Rows 1-4: K1, P1 Ribbing.
• Row 5 (Inc & Set Cable): K7, Inc, K4 (Cable panel), Inc, K7. (22 sts).
• Row 6: P8, K4, P8.
• Row 7: K8, C4F, K8.
• Row 8: P8, K4, P8.
• Rows 9-20: Continue in stockinette with central cable twist every 4th or 6th row. Inc 1 st at each end of Row 14. (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 Cloche Hat with Anemone

This hat is knitted in Yarn B (Burgundy) with a textured brim.

• Brim: Cast on 54 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Rows 7-20: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to last 6 sts, K6.
• 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.

Large Anemone Flower

Petals (White): Using Yarn C (White), cast on 5 sts.

Row 1: *Inc in next st, K1*, repeat.

Work 4 rows st st.

Dec 1 st at each end of next rows until 3 sts remain. Cast off. Make 5 petals.

Center (Black): Using Yarn D (Black), cast on 8 sts. Knit 2 rows. Draw yarn through to make a tight bobble.

Assembly: Sew petals in a circle overlapping slightly. Sew black center in middle. Attach to the side of the hat.

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Part 5: Black Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn D (Black).

• 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 the back heel seam.

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

Part 6: Afternoon Tea Accessories

Handbag

Using Yarn E (Beige).

• Body: Cast on 14 sts. Work in stockinette for 3.5 inches.
• Flap: Dec 1 st at each end of next 2 rows (creates point). Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold bottom up to create pouch. Sew side seams. Fold flap over. Add a small button.
• Handle: Knit an I-cord and attach to top.

Teacup and Saucer

Using Yarn E (Beige).

• Cup: Cast on 20 sts. Work 8 rows St st. K2tog across. Draw through. Sew side seam. Sew a tiny I-cord loop for handle.
• Saucer: Cast on 4 sts. Inc to 12. Inc to 24. Knit 1 round. Bind off.

Macarons (Make 3)

Using Pink, Green, and Beige scraps.

• Shells: Cast on 6 sts. Inc to 12. Knit 2 rows. K2tog across. Draw through. Make 2 shells per macaron.
• Filling: Using Cream yarn, knit a small strip or crochet a chain to place between the shells. Sew together like a sandwich.

Lace Napkin

Using Yarn C (White). Cast on 20 sts. Knit a square in Stockinette. Crochet a lace border around the edge using a simple shell stitch (*sc, skip 1, 5dc in next, skip 1*).

Bumblebee

Using Yellow and Black yarn.

• Cast on 6 sts (Yellow). Inc to 12. Knit 2 rows. Change to Black. Knit 2 rows. Repeat stripes. Dec to 6. Draw through. Stuff.
• Wings: Use White yarn to loop small wings on the back.

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 black shoes on the feet.
   • Put the anemone dress on the bunny.
   • Put the cardigan over the dress.
   • Place the hat on the head.
   • Arrange the teacup, macarons, napkin, bag, and bee around the bunny for a perfect tea party scene.

Your Anemone Afternoon-Tea Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of sophisticated relaxation and joy.