Welcome to the gentle and heartwarming world of the Ranunculus Ribbon Bunny. This exquisite project captures the spirit of gift-giving and the soft, pastel hues of early spring. The character is a kind-hearted rabbit preparing for a celebration, dressed in a stunning multi-textured dress featuring shades of apricot, buttercream yellow, and pristine white. Her outfit is adorned with a central embroidered ranunculus flower, echoing the bouquet she gathers. She wears a vintage-style bonnet with a delicate lace brim and textured shoes. To complete the scene, she carries a knitted backpack, a wrapped gift box, and is accompanied by a sweet little lamb friend. This heirloom-quality soft toy is designed to be a treasured keepsake, perfect for nurseries or collectors of fine handmade items. To ensure your finished bunny achieves the soft, 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 lace-hemmed dress and the structured accessories, consider purchasing cotton yarn or a high-quality blend to ensure the stitch definition is crisp. 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 curate this beautiful scene, 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 Ranunculus Ribbon 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, featuring color blocking, lace knitting, and surface embroidery. The dress transitions from a peach scalloped hem to a yellow skirt and a white bodice. The accessories include a textured backpack, a cube gift box, and a small lamb.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Light Beige.
• Yarn B (Dress Hem & Flower): 30g DK weight yarn in Apricot, Peach, or Coral.
• Yarn C (Dress Skirt & Flower): 30g DK weight yarn in Buttercream Yellow or Pale Lemon.
• Yarn D (Bodice, Hat, Lamb): 60g DK weight yarn in White or Cream.
• Yarn E (Shoes, Backpack, Box): 40g DK weight yarn in Beige or Light Tan.
• Yarn F (Leaves): Small amount of Sage 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 lamb eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown for nose, pink/green for floral details), stitch holders, small buttons, ribbon.

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 (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 Ranunculus Dress

This dress is composed of three distinct sections: the peach scalloped hem, the yellow main skirt, and the white embroidered bodice.

Skirt

Section 1: The Peach Hem
Using Yarn B (Apricot/Peach), cast on 72 sts.

• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Stitch).
• Row 3 (Scallop Pattern): *K1, YO, K4, SK2P (Slip 1, K2tog, pass slipped stitch over), K4, YO*, repeat to end.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: Repeat Row 3.
• Row 6: Purl.
• Row 7: Repeat Row 3.
• Row 8: Purl.
• Rows 9-12: Work in stockinette stitch in Peach.

Section 2: The Yellow Skirt
Change to Yarn C (Buttercream Yellow).

• 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)

Section 3: The White Bodice

Change to Yarn D (White).

Lace Waistband:

Row 38: Knit.

Row 39: *K2tog, YO*, repeat to last st, K1. (Creates eyelets for potential ribbon threading).

Row 40: Purl.

• Rows 41-44: Work in stockinette stitch.
• 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.

Embroidery: On the center of the white bodice, use Peach and Pink yarn to embroider a circular ranunculus flower using bullion knots or concentric satin stitches. Add green leaves on either side using the satin stitch. Add a similar vine pattern to the sleeves if desired.

Part 3: The Lace Bonnet

This bonnet matches the dress bodice, knitted in Yarn D (White) with a scalloped brim.

• Brim: Cast on 60 sts.
• Rows 1-6: Work the same Scallop Pattern used for the dress hem (*K1, YO, K4, SK2P, K4, YO*).
• Rows 7-18: Work in stockinette stitch for the crown.
• Row 19 (Decrease): *K4, K2tog*, repeat to end. (50 sts)
• Row 20: Purl.
• Row 21 (Decrease): *K3, K2tog*, repeat to end. (40 sts)
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Decrease): *K2, K2tog*, repeat to end. (30 sts)
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Decrease): *K1, K2tog*, repeat to end. (20 sts)
• Row 26: K2tog across. (10 sts)

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

Decoration: Knit two small apricot rosettes (cast on 4 sts, Inc in every st to 8, bind off, roll up) and sew them to the sides of the bonnet where the ties would attach.

Part 4: Textured Shoes

Using Yarn E (Beige). The shoes have a textured weave pattern.

• Sole: Cast on 10 sts. Knit 8 rows (Garter).
• Upper: Pick up 24 sts around three sides.
• Rows 1-4 (Texture): *K1, P1* across (Seed Stitch).
• Row 5: Seed 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.

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Part 5: Accessories

The Backpack

Using Yarn E (Beige).

• Body: Cast on 15 sts. Work in stockinette for 3 inches.
• Flap: Work 4 rows Garter Stitch. Decrease 1 st at each end of next 2 RS rows to round the flap. Cast off.
• Assembly: Fold the bottom up to form the pouch. Sew sides. Sew a button on the pouch and a loop on the flap.
• Straps: Knit two I-cords and attach to the back.

Gift Box

Using Yarn B (Peach).

• Cube: Cast on 12 sts. Knit a square (approx 12 rows). Cast off. Make 6 squares.
• Assembly: Sew squares together to form a cube, stuffing firmly with fiberfill or a foam block before closing the last side.
• Ribbon: Use Yarn D (White) to crochet or knit a long thin strip. Wrap around the box and tie in a bow on top.

The Lamb

Using Yarn D (White).

• Body: Cast on 10 sts. Inc to 20. Work 10 rows Stockinette. K2tog across. Draw through. Stuff firmly.
• Head: Pick up 10 sts. Work 5 rows. Dec and draw through.
• Legs (Make 4): Cast on 4 sts. Knit 5 rows. Cast off. Sew to body.
• Ears: Cast on 2 sts. Knit 3 rows. Cast off. Sew to head.
• Bow: Tie a small beige ribbon around the neck.

Ranunculus Bouquet

Flowers (Make 3): Using Peach and Yellow yarns. Cast on 20 sts. Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row. *K2tog*, repeat to end. Draw through tight. Roll the strip into a tight spiral to mimic the layers of a ranunculus.

Stems: Use Green yarn to knit 3-inch I-cords. Attach to flower bases. Tie together with a yarn bow.

Part 6: 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 textured shoes on the feet.
   • Put the dress on the bunny.
   • Place the bonnet on the head.
   • Put the backpack on her back.
   • Arrange the gift box, bouquet, and lamb around her feet.

Your Ranunculus Ribbon Bunny is now complete! This project creates a scene of celebration and gentle spring beauty.