Introduction

Meet the Wimbledon Strawberries Bunny—a tennis-season sweetheart dressed in a crisp white pleated skirt, a soft cream cardigan edged with fresh-grass green, classic green Mary Jane shoes, and a jaunty boater hat with a matching stripe. She carries a tiny strawberry purse to complete the look.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Materials Needed

• Yarn (DK, non-fuzzy, smooth twist for stitch clarity):
  1. MC (Bunny fur): warm oat/cream, 50 g
  2. CC1 (Cardigan & boater base): light cream, 30 g
  3. CC2 (Tennis green trim & shoes): leaf green, 25 g
  4. CC3 (Skirt): bright white, 25–30 g
  5. CC4 (Strawberry): true red, 10 g
  6. CC5 (Leaves & purse handle): spring green, 5 g
  7. CC6 (Tiny seed dots): butter yellow scrap
  8. CC7 (Nose/mouth embroidery): light caramel scrap
• Needles: US 2.5 (3.0 mm) circular/DPNS for most pieces; US 1.5 (2.5 mm) for firm shoes/boater brim; optional US 3 (3.25 mm) for cardigan if you knit tightly.
• Notions: Tapestry needle; stitch markers; waste yarn; 4 tiny buttons (6–7 mm, cream); a little cardstock/plastic for boater brim support (optional); polyfill; pipe cleaners or floral wire (optional) for ears; safety eyes 6 mm or embroidered eyes; fabric glue (optional).
• Gauge tool and ruler; pins and clips.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• k – knit
• p – purl
• kfb – knit front and back
• m1L/m1R – make 1 left/right (lifted increase)
• k2tog – knit 2 together
• ssk – slip, slip, knit
• pm/sm – place/remove marker
• rnd(s) – round(s)
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• BO/CO – bind off / cast on
• tbl – through back loop
• inc/dec – increase/decrease
• yo – yarn over
• I-cord – knit cord technique
• beg – beginning
• RS/WS – right side / wrong side

Gauge & Finished Size

• Gauge (stockinette in the round on 3.0 mm): 28 sts × 38 rnds = 10 cm (4″). Shoes/boater brim are on 2.5 mm for extra firmness (~30 sts × 42 rnds = 10 cm).
• Finished size: ~28 cm (11″) standing, ~21 cm (8¼”) seated.
• Proportion target: Head : Body = 1.05 : 1 (head ~10.5–11 cm tall including curved top; body from neck to seat ~10–10.5 cm).
• Knitting at gauge is important to keep the sleek, fine-stitch look in the photo.

Color Map & Yardage Guide

• Fur (MC): head, ears (outer), arms, upper legs, body, tail (~35–40 g)
• Cardigan (CC1 with CC2 edging): ~25 g CC1 + 3–4 g CC2
• Skirt (CC3 white): ~20–25 g
• Shoes (CC2): ~15 g
• Boater (CC1 with CC2 stripe): ~10 g CC1 + 1–2 g CC2
• Strawberry purse (CC4 with CC5, CC6 seeds): ~7 g total

Placement Map (exact assembly cues)

• Eyes: Safety eyes 6 mm placed between rnds 20–21 of head, 10 sts apart (≈18–19 mm) measured straight across the face when flattened; centered vertically.
• Nose: Triangle satin-stitched with CC7 centered 2 rnds below the eye line; width 3 sts, height 2 rnds; simple smiling mouth curving 2 sts each side.
• Ears: Attach at head rnd 29 (near crown curve), 6 sts apart at bases; ear tilt 10–12° outward.
• Arms: Sew at body rnd 7 below neck, spacing 9–10 sts apart across chest.
• Legs: Join to body base; feet toes face forward, shoes’ straps level with skirt hem.
• Skirt waist: Sits exactly at body rnd 9 below neck; hem length to mid-calf.
• Cardigan: Hems level with skirt waistband; green piping visible at cuffs/hem/neckline; 4 buttons equally spaced.
• Boater: Rim plane sits just above eye line when tilted slightly back (≈5–8°).
• Strawberry purse: Handle length so the bunny can hold it down by the side; bag hangs level with knee.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

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Body Parts

Head (worked in the round, MC, 3.0 mm)

CO 8 sts, distribute on DPNs, pm for beg.
Rnd 1: k all.
Inc crown:

• Rnd 2: k1, kfb rep ×4 = 12
• Rnd 3: k
• Rnd 4: k2, kfb rep ×4 = 16
• Rnd 5: k
• Rnd 6: k3, kfb rep ×4 = 20
• Rnd 7: k
• Rnd 8: k4, kfb rep ×4 = 24
• Rnd 9: k
• Rnd 10: k5, kfb rep ×4 = 28
• Rnd 11: k
• Rnd 12: k6, kfb rep ×4 = 32
• Rnd 13: k
• Rnd 14: k7, kfb rep ×4 = 36
• Rnd 15: k
• Rnd 16: k8, kfb rep ×4 = 40
• Rnd 17: k
• Rnd 18: k9, kfb rep ×4 = 44 sts

Work even rnds 19–26 (8 rnds).
Face shaping plateau:

• Rnd 27: k10, kfb rep ×4 = 48
• Rnd 28–32: k 5 rnds even.

Eye placement: After Rnd 32, insert safety eyes between rnds 20–21, 10 sts apart. Lightly stuff snout area.

Decrease to neck:

• Rnd 33: k10, k2tog rep ×4 = 44
• Rnd 34: k
• Rnd 35: k9, k2tog rep ×4 = 40
• Rnd 36: k
• Rnd 37: k8, k2tog rep ×4 = 36
• Rnd 38: k7, k2tog rep ×4 = 32
• Rnd 39: k6, k2tog rep ×4 = 28
• Rnd 40: k5, k2tog rep ×4 = 24 sts

Stuff firmly, sculpt with a little extra filling at cheeks.
Neck stem: k 4 rnds even on 24 sts; place on holder.

Ears (make 2, MC, 3.0 mm; optional wire)

CO 10 sts; work I-cord for 2 rows to form a tidy base edge (or simply knit flat in the round from start).
Increase length shaping (in the round):

• Rnd 1: k4, kfb, k4, kfb = 12
• Rnd 2–6: k
• Rnd 7: k5, kfb ×2 = 14
• Rnd 8–24: k (17 rnds)
• Rnd 25: k5, k2tog ×2 = 12
• Rnd 26–28: k
• Rnd 29: k4, k2tog ×2 = 10
• Rnd 30: k
• Rnd 31: k3, k2tog ×2 = 8
  Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight. Insert soft wire if using; stuff very lightly only at base to keep ears flexible. Block/steam to slight oval.

Body (MC, 3.0 mm)

From the head’s neck holder, pick up 24 sts around and kfb every 3rd st on first rnd to expand:

• Rnd 1: (k2, kfb) ×8 = 32
• Rnd 2: k
• Rnd 3: (k3, kfb) ×8 = 40
• Rnd 4: k
• Rnd 5: (k4, kfb) ×8 = 48 sts

Torso: k even 10 rnds (waist to chest length).
Hip shaping:

• Rnd 16: (k5, kfb) ×8 = 56
• Rnd 17–20: k 4 rnds
• Rnd 21: (k5, k2tog) ×8 = 48
• Rnd 22: k
• Rnd 23: (k4, k2tog) ×8 = 40
  Begin stuffing torso as you go.
  Base close:
• Rnd 24: (k3, k2tog) ×8 = 32
• Rnd 25: (k2, k2tog) ×8 = 24
• Rnd 26: (k1, k2tog) ×8 = 16
• Rnd 27: (k2tog) ×8 = 8
  Cut yarn, pull tight.
  Tail: With MC pick up 6 sts at back, rnd-work kfb each st (12), k 2 rnds, k2tog ×6 (6), close.

Arms (make 2, MC, 3.0 mm)

CO 6 sts, distribute in the round.

• Rnd 1: k
• Rnd 2: kfb ×6 = 12
• Rnd 3–20: k 18 rnds straight (lightly stuff palm; leave upper arm unstuffed for poseability)
• Rnd 21: k2tog ×6 = 6
  Close; leave a long tail for sewing. Work a simple wrist ridge on Rnd 6 by knitting tbl around if you like a cuff line.

Legs & Feet with Mary Jane Shoes (make 2)

Shoes (CC2, 2.5 mm):
CO 10 sts, join.

• Rnd 1: kfb ×10 = 20
• Rnd 2: k
• Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) ×10 = 30
• Rnd 4–6: k 3 rnds
• Rnd 7 toe shape: k10, k2tog ×5, k10 = 25
• Rnd 8: k
• Rnd 9: k8, k2tog ×4, k9 = 21
  Switch to MC for foot top.
• Rnd 10 (pickup for instep): k 21
• Rnd 11: k
• Rnd 12: k5, k2tog ×3 = 18
• Rnd 13–16: k 4 rnds (stuff shoe front firmly)
  Ankle & leg (MC, 3.0 mm):
• Rnd 17: k2, kfb ×6 = 24
• Rnd 18–30: k 13 rnds
• Rnd 31: k2tog ×12 = 12
• Rnd 32–38: k 7 rnds (thigh); stuff as you go, firmer at calf, softer at knee.
  Close with k2tog ×6 = 6; pull tight.

Mary Jane strap (CC2, worked flat): Pick up 5 sts at shoe sides over instep line. Work I-cord 6 rows; BO leaving a tail. Sew to opposite side to form a neat strap. Optional purl ridge on shoe cuff: on Rnd 4 in CC2, work purl round for fold-line before switching to MC.

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Clothing & Accessories

Pleated Tennis Skirt (CC3, 3.0 mm, worked in the round)

Notes: The skirt sits at the body waist and falls to mid-calf with firm pleats.
With CC3, CO 78 sts, join, pm.

• Rnd 1: k1, p1 around (waistband).
• Rnds 2–8: repeat k1, p1 rib (7 rnds total for a tidy elastic waist).
  Pleat setup: switch to k2, p2 rib.
• Rnds 9–18: k2, p2 rib 10 rnds.
  Flare shaping for pleat depth:
• Rnd 19: [k2, yo, k2], p2 repeat around = adds eyelets hidden in pleat troughs (do not treat as lace; they live under folds).
• Rnds 20–28: maintain k2, p2 by knitting yos twisted (ktbl) to close holes—this creates internal ease.
• Rnd 29: k2, p2 once more, then BO in pattern neatly.
  Steam-press gently to encourage vertical pleats.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Cream Cardigan with Green Piping (CC1 with CC2 trims; knit flat)

Back: CO 34 sts on 3.0 mm.

• Rows 1–4: k1, p1, k1 rib.
• Rows 5–30: stockinette (RS k, WS p).
• Armhole shaping Rows 31–34: BO 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows, then 1 st each side once → 30 sts remain.
• Rows 35–44: st st even.
• Shoulders: BO 6 sts, work 8 center sts for back neck (hold), BO final 6 sts.

Left Front: CO 18 sts.

• Rows 1–4: k1, p1, k1 rib (include 2-st front edge for button band).
• Rows 5–26: st st; begin a gentle V-neck: on RS every 4th row, k2tog at neck edge 5× → 13 sts.
• Armhole on Row 27: BO 2 sts at side; work even to Row 38.
• Shoulder: BO 6 sts; leave 3 sts at neck for pickup later.

Right Front: mirror shaping using ssk for neck decreases.

Sleeves (make 2): CO 16 sts.

• Rows 1–4: k1, p1, k1 rib.
• Rows 5–24: st st; inc 1 each side every 6th row 3× → 22 sts.
• Cap: BO 2 sts once each side; then dec 1 each side every RS row 5×; BO remaining.

Finishing & green piping:

• Seam shoulders; set sleeves; seam sides and underarms.
• With CC2, pick up around lower hem and work I-cord bind-off or a single k row then BO to create a clean green edge (match photo).
• Do the same for cuffs and neckline (pick up along fronts and back neck; work 2 rows CC2 and BO).
• Button band: On Right Front edge with CC1, pick up evenly and work 4 rows k1, p1; sew 4 buttons equally spaced. On Left Front, work matching band with yo, k2tog at button positions Row 2.

Boater Hat (CC1 with CC2 stripe; 2.5 mm for brim, 3.0 mm for crown)

Brim (firm, in the round, 2.5 mm):
CO 64 sts, join.

• Rnd 1: k
• Rnd 2: k7, kfb ×8 = 72
• Rnd 3: k
• Rnd 4: k8, kfb ×8 = 80
• Rnd 5–6: k 2 rnds (optional slip a thin cardstock ring between Rnds 5–6 later for extra crispness).
  Switch to 3.0 mm for crown pick-up.

Crown: Pick up 60 sts just inside brim on Rnd 6.

• Rnds 1–6: k even (straight sides).
• Rnd 7: k8, k2tog ×6 = 54
• Rnd 8: k
• Rnd 9: k7, k2tog ×6 = 48
• Rnd 10: k
• Rnd 11: k6, k2tog ×6 = 42
• Rnd 12: k5, k2tog ×6 = 36
• Rnd 13: k4, k2tog ×6 = 30
• Rnd 14: k3, k2tog ×6 = 24
• Rnd 15: k2, k2tog ×6 = 18
• Rnd 16: k1, k2tog ×6 = 12; close.
  Green band: With CC2, pick up 60 sts around crown/brim junction; k 2 rnds; BO smoothly.

Strawberry Purse (CC4 body, CC5 leaves/handle, CC6 seeds)

Pouch: With CC4 on 3.0 mm, CO 8 sts, join.

• Rnd 1: kfb ×8 = 16
• Rnd 2: k
• Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) ×8 = 24
• Rnds 4–10: k even.
• Rnd 11: (k2, k2tog) ×6 = 18
• Rnd 12: k
• Rnd 13: (k1, k2tog) ×6 = 12
• Rnd 14: k; BO loosely.
  Leaves/calyx: With CC5, pick up 12 sts around top; (k1, yo, k1, turn, p3, sl1, k2tog, psso) repeat to form 5 little points.
  Handle: CO 3 sts, work I-cord 18 rows, attach ends opposite each other.
  Seeds: Duplicate stitch tiny dots in CC6 evenly around. Lightly stuff so it holds shape but remains “purse-like.”

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Assembly & Finishing

Face Embroidery & Ear Set

• With CC7, embroider a small triangular nose centered 2 rnds below eye line, width 3 sts, then a gentle U-smile curving 2 sts to each side.
• Sew ears at head rnd 29, bases 6 sts apart, tilting outward 10–12°. If wired, anchor ends securely inside head and tack the first 2 cm of each ear to hold the curve.

Join Body, Legs, and Arms

• Legs: Ladder stitch each leg to the body base symmetrically; toes forward and shoe straps horizontal when the bunny is standing.
• Arms: Attach at body rnd 7 below neck, angle 15° downward so the hands naturally sit at skirt hem; leave the right hand free to slip the strawberry purse handle.

Dress the Bunny

1. Skirt: Slide on from feet upward. Waistband should sit at body rnd 9 below neck; the pleats should fall straight and end mid-calf.
2. Cardigan: Put on like a real cardigan. Sew on 4 buttons (cream) along Right Front; open buttonholes on the Left Front band with tapestry needle if needed.
3. Boater: Perch slightly back so the brim plane sits just above the eyes; a single invisible tack stitch at one ear keeps the tilt.
4. Purse: Place handle over the right hand so the bag hangs to knee level.

Final Shaping, Steam & QC

• Steam lightly (no direct iron on acrylic blends) to set the skirt pleats and cardigan hems.
• Stuffing check: Head reads as near-oval with subtle cheek fullness; torso smooth without lumps; feet firm so the shoes hold shape.
• Symmetry audit:
  1. Eye line horizontal; eyes exactly 10 sts apart.
  2. Ear bases aligned; tilt matching.
  3. Skirt waistband level around; cardigan buttons evenly spaced.
  4. Shoe straps centered across insteps.
• Photography tip: Seat the bunny on a wooden table with soft window light and a small bowl of strawberries to echo the theme.

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Pattern Notes & Adjustments (keep look identical)

• If your gauge is looser and the bunny grows beyond 28 cm, drop to US 2.25–2.5 mm for clothing only so garments still fit snugly.
• For a softer cardigan drape without changing appearance, work CC1 on US 3 (3.25 mm) but keep hems/neckline edgings in CC2 on US 2.5 (2.5 mm) for crisp piping.
• To ensure the pleated skirt matches the photo’s vertical rib look, avoid blocking the hem outward; just steam-press vertically so k2, p2 columns remain sharp.

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Troubleshooting & Exact-Match Checklist

• Head too round / babyish: Add one extra even rnd before Rnd 27, and stuff cheeks slightly; keep eye placement unchanged.
• Skirt flares too much: Replace the YO ease round with m1L every 6th knit column instead; block more vertically.
• Cardigan edges curl: Wet-block fronts flat; ensure CC2 edge rows are not knit too tightly during the pickup.
• Hat brim wavy: Tighten to 2.25 mm or insert a thin cardstock ring between brim layers on Rnds 5–6.

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Safety & Care

• If gifting to a child under three, embroider eyes instead of safety eyes.
• Hand-wash gently, reshape, and dry flat away from direct heat. Avoid ironing the brim band.

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Summary of Exact Visual Cues Reproduced

• White pleated skirt to mid-calf with vertical rib look.
• Cream cardigan with green piping at hem, cuffs, neckline; four small buttons.
• Green Mary Jane shoes with single strap across instep.
• Boater hat in cream with a single green band; sits slightly tilted back.
• Strawberry purse red with yellow seed dots and green calyx; hangs at knee when held.
• Natural fur tone bunny with friendly embroidered smile, proportion head:body ≈ 1.05:1.