Meet the Picnic Postcard Bunny: a soft, seated bunny wearing a red-and-white gingham A-line dress with a cream Peter Pan collar, red Mary Jane shoes, and a straw-style boater hat. She carries a tiny camera satchel, a woven-look picnic basket with a scone, and a lace handkerchief.

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

Finished Size & Proportions

• Seated height: ~8.5 in (22 cm) to top of ears tip when slightly curved.
• Standing height (without support): ~9.5 in (24 cm).
• Head height: ~4.3 in (11 cm); Body height (shoulder to seat): ~3.9 in (10 cm). Ratio ≈ 1.1:1.
• Head widest circumference: ~10.6 in (27 cm).
• Arm length: ~3.3 in (8.5 cm).
• Foot length (without shoe): ~1.8 in (4.5 cm).

Gauge

• In the round, stockinette (St st), lightly stuffed sample: 26 sts × 36 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) on 3.25 mm (US 3).
• Work tightly for a firm fabric that won’t show stuffing.

Materials

• DK-weight yarn (100–120 m/50 g) in:
  1. Bunny Fur: 35 g light beige.
  2. Contrast Nose/Mouth: scraps taupe/brown.
  3. Dress Main Red: 25 g.
  4. Dress White (checks & collar): 20 g.
  5. Shoes Red: 10 g (can share with Dress Red).
  6. Boater Hat Straw: 12 g warm straw/ochre.
  7. Boater Hat Band: scraps muted red.
  8. Camera Body: scraps dark gray + light gray lens ring.
  9. Basket Straw: 10 g straw/ochre.
  10. Scone: small scraps golden tan + pale yellow.
  11. Handkerchief: 5 g cream.
  12. Strawberry Patch: scraps red + leaf green.
• Needles:
  1. 3.25 mm (US 3) DPNs or 32–40 cm circular for small circumferences (magic loop or DPNs).
  2. 2.75 mm (US 2) needles for shoes collar, collar edge, and lace hanky.
• Notions: 8 mm black safety eyes (or embroider), tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn, polyester stuffing, optional pipe cleaner for basket handle stability, small buttons (two 6–8 mm) for back dress tab.

Abbreviations (US terms)

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

Pattern Notes

• Unless noted, work in the round.
• Stuff as you go; shape lightly for a rounded, natural look.
• Gingham on the dress is achieved with simple stranded blocks; for the neatest checks, keep floats short and block gently, or work the white squares later using duplicate stitch.
• Safety eyes placement and accessory positions are given by exact rounds and distances.

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BUNNY

Legs (make 2)

With Bunny Fur and US 3, CO 10 sts. Join to work in the round, pm.
1–3) k
4) kfb, k3 ×2 (12)
5) k
6) k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1 (14)
7–10) k
11) k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1 (12)
12–18) k
19) k2tog around (6). Stuff lightly for the foot pad.
20–28) k for lower leg; stuff gently.
Break yarn long, leave on hold. Work second leg the same, do not break.

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Join Legs → Body

With working yarn, k 3 sts of Leg 2, CO 2 sts (crotch), k all 6 sts of Leg 1, CO 2 sts, k remaining 3 sts of Leg 2. (20 sts total around hips.)
Place markers at each CO to track sides.

Body shaping:
1–3) k (20)
4) k4, kfb ×4 (24)
5) k
6) k5, kfb ×4 (28)
7–12) k
13) k6, kfb ×4 (32)
14–18) k; begin stuffing through rounds 14–18, shaping pelvis flat so the bunny can sit.
19) k6, ssk ×4 (28)
20) k5, ssk ×4 (24)
21–22) k
23) k2, k2tog ×6 (18) – narrow to waist/neck base.
24) k
Leave on needles for neck pickup after head is knit from top down, OR continue directly to neck and head bottom-up. For the photographed proportions, continue bottom-up:

Neck

25. k1, ssk ×6 (12) – snug neck.
26. k

Head

Increase to round head:
27) k1, kfb ×6 (18)
28) k
29) k2, kfb ×6 (24)
30) k
31) k3, kfb ×6 (30)
32) k
33) k4, kfb ×6 (36)
34–44) k – smooth head sides. Start firm stuffing; keep neck packed to avoid wobble.
Eye placement: Insert 8 mm safety eyes between Rnds 38–39, 8 sts apart centered front (use crotch marker to find front center).
45) k4, ssk ×6 (30)
46) k3, ssk ×6 (24)
47) k2, ssk ×6 (18)
48) k1, ssk ×6 (12) – final stuffing, add more to cheeks.
49) k2tog around (6). Break yarn, draw through, close.

Ears (make 2)

With Bunny Fur, CO 8 sts, work flat.

1. RS: k
2. WS: p
3. kfb, k6, kfb (10)
4. p
5. kfb, k8, kfb (12)
   6–18) st st straight (ear length ~8.5 cm).
6. k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1 (10)
7. p
8. k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1 (8)
9. p
10. ssk, k4, k2tog (6)
11. p
12. ssk, k2, k2tog (4)
    BO leaving long tail. Fold ear base into a gentle U and stitch the two inner edges 0.5 cm for a cupped ear. Sew to head centered Rnds 46–48, spacing ~6 sts apart.

Arms (make 2)

With Bunny Fur, CO 8 sts, join.
1–4) k
5) k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1 (10)
6–14) k
15) k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1 (8)
16–24) k. Lightly stuff only the paw; leave upper arm soft for a natural hang.
Break yarn, thread through sts and pull closed flat. Sew to body at Rnds 20–21 (counting from hips), 6 sts back from center front on each side.

Face Embroidery

• With taupe/brown, embroider a small triangle nose centered between eye line and Rnd 37, width ~3 sts.
• Work a short vertical stitch down 1 rnd and split into a soft “Y” mouth with two 2-st curves.

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SHOES – Red Mary Janes (make 2)

Using US 2 for a crisp edge, with Red, CO 8 sts, work flat back-and-forth for sole.

1. kfb, k6, kfb (10)
2. p
3. k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1 (12)
4. p
5. kfb, k10, kfb (14)
6. p
7. k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1 (12)
8. p
   Switch to working in the round; pick up and knit 10 sts around the oval sole = 22 sts total.
   9–11) k
9. k3, k2tog ×4 + k2 (18)
10. k
11. For strap opening: k5, BO 3, k4, BO 3, k3 (12 live).
12. k5, CO 3, k4, CO 3, k3 (18)
13. k
14. Toe shaping: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1 ×2 (14)
15. k
16. BO loosely.
    Work a 1-st i-cord strap of 6 rows; sew across opening to form Mary Jane. Stitch shoes to feet after final dressing (strap aligned across instep).

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DRESS WITH GINGHAM & PETER PAN COLLAR

Skirt (worked bottom-up in the round)

With Red and US 3, CO 96 sts, join, pm.
1–3) k for clean hem.
4) (Optional folded hem) p 1 rnd.
5–12) k straight.
Gingham pattern (8-st repeats):

• Rnd A (Red): k4 Red, k4 White; repeat.
• Rnd B (White): k4 White, k4 Red; repeat.
  Work Rnd A & B alternated for 16 rnds to mid-skirt. Keep floats tidy.
  Decrease for waist:
• Next rnd: k10, ssk ×8 (88)
• 2 rnds even.
• Next rnd: k9, ssk ×8 (80)
• 2 rnds even.
• Next rnd: k8, ssk ×8 (72)
• 2 rnds even.
  Switch to Red only for waistband.
• Next rnd: k7, ssk ×6 (66)
• Next rnd: k
• Next rnd: k9, k2tog ×6 (60)
• Work 3 rnds k.
  Create small back opening: work flat for last 3 rows; keep 3-st garter bands at each edge for stability. BO.

Bodice (worked flat)

With Red, pick up and knit 60 sts along the top of the skirt (30 front, 30 back), maintaining the back slit.
Row 1 (WS): purl.
Row 2 (RS): k, dec 4 evenly across front and back (56).
Rows 3–12: st st straight.
Armhole shaping: divide 28/28 for front/back.
Back pieces (work each separately for straps):

• Row 13 (RS): k, dec 2 evenly (26 each side).
• Rows 14–18: st st.
• BO both back pieces.

Front piece:

• Reattach yarn to front 28 sts.
• Row 13 (RS): k, dec 2 evenly (26).
• Rows 14–18: st st.
• Shape gentle scoop neckline over next 6 rows by k2tog/ssk at each neck edge every RS row ×3 (20). BO.

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Peter Pan Collar (worked flat, 2 pieces)

With Cream and US 2, CO 24 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k.
Row 2 (WS): p.
Row 3: kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1 (26).
Row 4: p.
Row 5: k1, yo, k2tog repeat to last 2, k2 – creates delicate picot edge.
Row 6: p.
Row 7: kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1 (28).
Rows 8–12: st st even.
Row 13: ssk, k to last 3, k2tog, k1 (26).
Row 14: p.
Row 15: ssk, k to last 3, k2tog, k1 (24).
BO. Make two, mirror them at neckline.
Sew collars to the bodice neckline so tips meet at center front; add two tiny cream buttons on the back slit bands to close.

Strawberry Patch Appliqué

With Red, knit a tiny heart:

• CO 3 sts,
• Row 1: kfb all (6)
• Row 2: p
• Row 3: (k1, kfb) ×3 (9)
• Row 4: p
• Row 5: k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1 (7)
• Row 6: p
• Row 7: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1 (5)
• Row 8: p
• Row 9: ssk, k1, k2tog (3)
• Row 10: p3tog.
  With green, embroider a small calyx and a short stem at the top; add a few white duplicate stitches as “seeds.” Stitch patch to front right skirt about 2 cm above hem.

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BOATER HAT

Crown & Brim

With Straw color and US 3, CO 6 sts, work in the round.

1. kfb around (12)
2. k1, kfb ×6 (18)
3. k2, kfb ×6 (24)
4. k3, kfb ×6 (30)
5. k4, kfb ×6 (36)
   6–9) k (flat top).
6. k5, kfb ×6 (42)
   11–12) k
   Brim increases for a flat ring:
7. k6, kfb ×6 (48)
8. k
9. k7, kfb ×6 (54)
10. k
11. k8, kfb ×6 (60)
12. k
13. k9, kfb ×6 (66)
14. k
    BO loosely.
    Work a 2-rnd i-cord band in muted red: CO 3 sts, knit i-cord for 10–11 in (26–28 cm), sew around base of crown. Optionally add a tiny bow at one side.

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CAMERA SATCHEL (Cross-body)

Body

With dark gray and US 3, CO 12 sts, knit flat in garter 8 rows. Pick up 12 sts along each of the three other edges and join to work in the round (total 48 sts around “box”).
Rnd 1–4: k to form a shallow pouch.
BO top using 3-needle BO over 12 sts to form a slim rectangle.

Lens & Details

With light gray, CO 12 sts, knit 2 rows, BO; roll into a ring and stitch to center front. With black, embroider a small viewfinder square in upper left.
Strap: i-cord 2 sts for 13–14 in (33–36 cm); sew to satchel sides. Position to hang across the body from right shoulder to left hip.

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PICNIC BASKET & SCONE

Basket

With Straw/ochre and US 3, CO 18 sts, knit flat garter 6 rows; pick up around edges to create a shallow oval (as for shoes sole) and k 6 rnds for sides.
Rim: p 1 rnd, then k 1 rnd to create a crisp edge. BO.
Handle: i-cord 3 sts for 3 in (7.5 cm); thread a thin wire or pipe cleaner inside if desired; stitch to basket rim.

Scone

With golden tan and US 3, CO 6 sts, work in the round:

1. kfb around (12)
2. k
3. k1, kfb ×6 (18)
   4–5) k
4. k1, k2tog ×6 (12)
   Stuff lightly.
5. k2tog around (6). Draw closed.
   Add “clotted cream” with a few surface chain stitches in pale yellow.

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LACE HANDKERCHIEF

With Cream and US 2, CO 17 sts, work garter 2 rows.
Then repeat 2-row lace:

• RS: k2tog, yo to last st, k1.
• WS: purl.
  Work until square measures ~2.2 in (5.5 cm). BO; block to crisp corners.

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ASSEMBLY & PLACEMENT MAP

1. Close openings & shape: Verify the head is firmly stuffed and neck snug.
2. Sew ears along curve so their bases span Rnds 46–48 of the head; front edge tilts slightly forward by ~10°.
3. Attach arms centered at body Rnds 20–21, measured from leg join (should sit just below neckline).
4. Dress the bunny: Slip the skirt up from feet; fasten back slit with two tiny cream buttons. Sew Peter Pan collar tips to meet neatly at center front.
5. Shoes: Place each foot into a Mary Jane, whipstitch sole edge invisibly to foot for security; strap should cross over Rnds 12–13 of the leg.
6. Accessories placement:
   • Camera strap from right shoulder to left hip, satchel resting on left thigh, bottom edge ~1 cm above hem.
   • Basket handle in right paw; tack with a few stitches so it hangs naturally.
   • Handkerchief caught under left paw or tucked into dress pocket if you add one.
7. Face map:
   • Eyes: between Rnds 38–39, 8 sts apart.
   • Nose top centered on Rnd 36 with triangle 3 sts wide × 2 rnds high; mouth split on Rnd 35.
8. Hat: Seat boater slightly back on head; tack in three points so ears peek naturally through the brim gap (don’t pierce the ear tips—stitch to crown only).

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FINISHING & STYLING

Blocking & Tidying

• Lightly steam the dress (avoid over-blocking stranded gingham) to settle floats.
• Smooth the hat brim under gentle steam; keep it flat and crisp.
• Trim all ends securely on accessories.

Optional Gingham via Duplicate Stitch

If you prefer to knit the skirt solid red, chart a 4×4 square grid and duplicate stitch white checks after blocking: work 4-st squares alternating every other row, keeping blocks stacked like a chessboard.

Safety & Care

• If gifting to a child under three, embroider the eyes and secure all accessories.
• Spot clean; avoid heavy washing that might distort the gingham floats or felt the hat.

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QUICK REFERENCE COUNTS

• Head: CO via body; max 36 sts; decrease to 6.
• Body: Hip 20 → waist 18 → neck 12.
• Leg: 10 → 14 → 6 (foot tip).
• Arm: 8 → 10 → 8, closed flat.
• Dress skirt hem: CO 96; waist tops at 60 (then 60 picked up).
• Hat brim: up to 66 sts for a neat, flat brim.