Introduction
Meet the Park Reader Bunny—a cozy, handheld knit bunny posed on a picnic bench with a boater hat, wire-frame round glasses, collared blouse, cream argyle vest, green plaid pleated skirt, ankle socks, caramel bow loafers, an open book, a basket with a tiny croissant, a gingham blanket, and a mini instant camera.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Materials & Tools
- Yarn (DK / light-worsted, smooth, non-fuzzy):
- Cream (A) for bunny + socks + blouse ~ 70 g
- Camel/Caramel (B) for shoes + basket trim + hat band edge ~ 35 g
- Straw/Light Oat (C) for boater hat + basket body ~ 40 g
- Sage/Forest Green (D) for skirt + argyle diamond ~ 30 g
- Mustard/Gold (E) for center argyle diamond and croissant tint ~ small scraps
- Deep Green (F) for skirt plaid stripes ~ small scraps
- Light Tan (G) for instant camera body + book cover ~ small scraps
- Charcoal (H) for facial features + camera lens + glasses yarn wrap ~ small scraps
- White (W) for plaid lines + camera accents + vest background ~ 25 g
- Needles: US 2.5 (3.0 mm) DPNs or long circular for magic loop.
- Gauge (firm for toys): ~28 sts × 38 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette in the round (after stuffing).
- Notions: 8 mm black safety eyes (2), stitch markers, tapestry needle, flexible craft wire Ø 1–1.5 mm for glasses, thin cardboard/plastic for shoe soles (two ovals ~1.6 in/4 cm), small snap (book), small magnets (optional), fiberfill, light pipe cleaners (for ear support, optional), small piece of gingham fabric or knit version for blanket.
Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- inc: increase (kfb unless noted)
- dec: decrease (k2tog unless noted)
- kfb: knit front & back
- k2tog: knit two together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit
- pm / sm: place marker / slip marker
- CO / BO: cast on / bind off
- M1: lifted make one
- dcst: duplicate stitch
- i-cord: 2–3-stitch cord knit on DPNs
- RS / WS: right / wrong side
Form & Proportions Analysis (for an exact match)
- Height: ~9.5 in / 24 cm to ear tips.
- Head: slightly oval with full cheeks; head circumference ~7.7 in / 19.5 cm.
- Ears: upright, each ~2.6–2.8 in / 6.7–7.2 cm, sewn slightly forward.
- Torso: pear-shaped; smaller neck into broader chest; joins seamlessly to head.
- Arms: slim cylinders; attached slightly forward to cradle the open book.
- Legs/Feet: sturdy cylinders; shoe length ~1.6 in / 4 cm; flat sole helps sitting/standing.
- Fabric density: tight stockinette to keep stuffing invisible; light needle-sculpt at chin.
- Angles/joins: legs knit first, joined with a 3-st crotch bridge; head continues from neck; ears worked flat and seamed for stand-up structure.
Color Map
- Bunny: A (cream).
- Blouse: A (cream) with folded collar.
- Vest: W (white/cream) background; argyle diamonds D (sage), E (mustard), D (sage) across chest.
- Skirt: D main with overlaid plaid stripes in F (deep green) and W (white).
- Socks: A.
- Shoes: B (caramel) with bow ties.
- Hat: C straw body; thin black ribbon (felt strip or H yarn band).
- Glasses: craft wire wrapped sparingly with H yarn at nose bridge arms.
- Book: G cover; W pages.
- Basket: C body; B handle rim.
- Croissant: E + a touch of B for shading.
- Instant camera: G body, W top stripe, H lens/buttons.
Bunny: Legs → Body → Head (Seamless)
Legs (make 2; start at feet)
With A CO 10 sts; join.
Rnd 1: kfb around (20)
Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) ×10 (30)
Rnd 3: k around
Rnd 4: (k4, kfb) ×6 (36)
Rnd 5: k around
Rnd 6: (k4, k2tog) ×6 (30)
Rnd 7: k around
Rnd 8: (k3, k2tog) ×6 (24)
Rnd 9–10: k around
Switch to A (remain same color for “socks”).
Rnd 11: (k2, k2tog) ×6 (18)
Rnd 12–20: k around (18). Break yarn on Leg 1; hold sts. Work Leg 2 identically, do not break yarn.
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Join for body
With Leg 2 working yarn: CO 3 sts, k18 from Leg 1, CO 3 sts, k18 from Leg 2 = 42 sts. Side markers at center of the bridges.
Hips and waist shaping (A):
Rnds 1–6: k around; stuff both legs firmly.
Rnd 7: (k5, k2tog) ×6 (36)
Rnd 8: k around
Rnd 9: (k4, k2tog) ×6 (30)
Rnd 10: k around
Rnd 11: (k3, k2tog) ×6 (24)
Neck taper (A):
Rnd 12: (k3, kfb) ×6 (30)
Rnds 13–16: k around
Rnd 17: (k3, k2tog) ×6 (24)
Rnd 18: (k2, k2tog) ×6 (18)
Rnd 19: k around
Rnd 20: (k1, k2tog) ×6 (12). Stuff torso to a gentle pear; leave opening for head.
Head (continue in A)
Rnd 1: (k1, kfb) ×6 (18)
Rnd 2: (k2, kfb) ×6 (24)
Rnd 3: (k3, kfb) ×6 (30)
Rnd 4: (k4, kfb) ×6 (36)
Rnds 5–8: k around
Insert safety eyes 7 sts apart, ~2 rnds above widest head point.
Rnd 9: (k4, k2tog) ×6 (30)
Rnd10: k around
Rnd11: (k3, k2tog) ×6 (24)
Rnd12: (k2, k2tog) ×6 (18) — begin firm stuffing, accent cheeks.
Rnd13: (k1, k2tog) ×6 (12)
Rnd14: k2tog around (6). Break long tail; cinch closed.
Face: With H, tiny vertical satin-stitch nose and soft smile.
Ears (make 2; worked flat in A)
CO 8 sts.
Row 1 (RS) k; Row 2 p.
Row 3: kfb, k to last st, kfb (10).
Row 4: p.
Repeat Rows 3–4 3 more times to 16 sts.
Work 10 rows even.
Shape tip on RS over 8 rows: (k2tog, k to last 2, ssk) ×4 → 8 sts.
BO. Fold lengthwise, seam; add trimmed pipe cleaner if desired. Sew slightly forward on crown for alert look.
Arms (make 2 in A)
CO 8 sts; join.
Rnd 1: kfb around (16)
Rnds 2–14: k around
Rnd 15: (k2, k2tog) ×4 (12)
Lightly stuff; BO, flatten palm end. Sew at shoulder line angled forward so paws meet around the book.
Tail
Make a 1 in / 2.5 cm pom in A and stitch to lower back.
Socks (A)
Pick up 24 sts around each leg at ankle line.
Rnds 1–6: k1, p1 rib. BO stretchy. Fold slightly to create a cuff ridge.
Bow Loafers (B) – make 2
Sole base: CO 20 sts flat in B; knit 2 garter rows.
Pick up around bumper in B to work in the round (~36 sts).
Rnds 1–3: k around.
Rnd 4: (k4, k2tog) ×6 (30)
Rnd 5: k around.
Rnd 6: (k3, k2tog) ×6 (24)
Insert oval sole piece; a dot of glue optional.
Rnds 7–8: k around.
Collar: Switch to k1, p1 rib 2 rnds; BO.
Bows: Knit an i-cord (CO 3 sts, knit 3 in / 7.5 cm); tie bow; stitch to vamp.
Slip shoes on after dressing.
Collared Blouse (A)
Worked flat; minimal bulk.
Back: CO 36 sts.
Rows 1–3: k1, k1, p1 to last st, k1.
Rows 4–22: stockinette; BO shoulders by binding off 3 sts at start of next 2 rows, then 2 sts at start of next 2 rows; BO rem center stitches (leave ~14).
Front: Work as Back to Row 16. Neck: BO center 8 sts, then at each neck edge BO 1 st on next 2 RS rows. Finish shoulders same as back.
Collar (picked up): With RS facing, pick up ~44 sts around neckline;
Row 1 (WS): p.
Rows 2–5: [kfb, k] repeats to create gentle flare; keep increases near the front.
Row 6: BO loosely. Fold collar outward.
Sleeves: Pick up 28 sts around each armhole;
Rnds 1–6: stockinette;
Cuffs: k1, p1 rib 3 rnds; BO.
Seam sides; blouse hem hits the hip.
Argyle Sweater Vest (W background; diamonds D–E–D)
Back (flat): CO 36 sts in W.
Rows 1–3: k1, k1, p1 to last st, k1.
Rows 4–22: stockinette.
Shoulders: BO 3 sts at start of next 2 rows, then 2 sts at start of next 2 rows; BO remaining neck sts.
Front: Work as Back to Row 10.
Rows 11–18: continue in W but place a centered three-diamond argyle across chest using dcst after knitting (keeps inside neat). Diamonds sit touching tip-to-tip: green (D) left, gold (E) center, green (D) right. Add thin crisscross argyle lines with H if desired (subtle).
Complete to Row 22 and shape shoulders same as back.
Neckband & Armbands:
- Neck: pick up ~44 sts; k1, p1 rib 3 rnds; BO.
- Armholes: pick up ~30 sts each; k1, p1 rib 3 rnds; BO.
Vest fits boxy and sits slightly above skirt waist.
Pleated Plaid Skirt (D with F + W stripes)
Skirt is knit flat as a long strip and seamed; pleats are formed by purl columns and steam-set fold lines.
CO 72 sts in D (multiple of 12).
Rows 1–4: k2, p2 rib (waistband).
Rows 5–36 (body): establish pleat repeat over 12 sts:
- RS: k8, p4
- WS: p8, k4
Repeat the 12-st sequence across each row. Work rows 5–36 repeating this structure to build fold memory.
Plaid stripes: On RS rows 10, 20, 30, work F as two-st knit bands centered within the k8 sections; on RS rows 12, 24, 32 add W single-st lines (use dcst after blocking if you prefer).
Row 37: BO loosely.
Assembly: Seam short ends into a loop. Turn waistband to inside; thread a thin elastic or tie-cord. Steam along the purl columns to lock pleats. Skirt length should hit mid-calf to show socks.
Boater Hat (C straw with black ribbon)
A flat-topped, straight-sided hat to match the photo; knit in the round with increase rings to mimic straw coils.
Crown Disc (C): CO 8 sts on DPNs; join.
Rnd 1: kfb around (16)
Rnd 2: k1, kfb around (24)
Rnd 3: k2, kfb around (32)
Rnd 4: k3, kfb around (40)
Rnd 5: k4, kfb around (48)
Rnd 6: k around (flat top ~1.7 in / 4.3 cm).
Side Walls:
Rnds 7–12: k through back loop (tightens), p1 repeat around to create a faux straw ridge; keep count at 48. This forms straight sides.
Brim:
Rnd 13: k5, kfb ×8 (56)
Rnd 14: k around
Rnd 15: k6, kfb ×8 (64)
Rnd 16: k around
Rnd 17: k7, kfb ×8 (72)
Rnd 18: k around
Rnd 19: BO loosely.
Ribbon: Sew a slim black felt strip or knit an i-cord in H around the base of the crown, overlapping neatly at side. Hat sits just above ears; tack at two points so it stays flat.
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Round Glasses (wire)
Bend a 1–1.5 mm craft wire into two 0.8 in / 2 cm rings joined by a tiny bridge; shape two arms to hook behind ears. Wrap the bridge and ends lightly with H yarn and glue the tails. Sit the glasses low on the nose; a hidden stitch at one arm keeps them aligned.
Picnic Basket & Croissant
Basket Body (C): Work a tight, woven-look rectangle: CO 12 sts; knit 26 rows in seed stitch (k1, p1 / p1, k1). Seam into an oval tube and gather the base shut.
Rim (B): Pick up 28 sts around the top; k1, p1 rib 3 rnds; BO.
Handle (B): I-cord CO 3 sts; knit 3.5 in / 9 cm; sew to opposite sides, arching over.
Croissant (E + a little B): CO 6 sts; knit stockinette flat increasing 1 st each side every RS row for 8 rows (22 sts). Work 4 rows even; dec 1 each side every RS row ×6 (10 sts). BO. Roll from one long edge to form a crescent; stitch; add a few B surface stitches for “baked” shading. Place inside basket.
Open Book
Pages (W): CO 16 sts; knit 10 rows garter; BO. Fold in half as a signature.
Cover (G): CO 18 sts; knit 12 rows stockinette; BO. Block flat.
Insert pages into cover; whipstitch along fold. Add a tiny snap or magnet between paws and pages so the book stays open. Optional: embroider two miniature lines to mimic text.
Instant Camera Prop (G, W, H)
Body: CO 18 sts in G; knit 10 rows stockinette; sew into a soft rectangle and stuff lightly.
Lens: CO 6 sts in H; knit 4 rows; roll into a tube and stitch to front center.
Flash/Stripe: Duplicate stitch a tiny white square at corner and a thin tricolor stripe if desired.
Film slot: Embroider a black line near base. Place next to the bunny on the blanket.
Assembly & Dressing Order
- Shape head with a light needle-sculpt stitch from back of head to under nose and back again.
- Sew ears slightly forward; add tail pom.
- Put on socks and loafers.
- Dress in blouse, then vest.
- Slide on skirt, secure waistband inside (elastic or tie).
- Place glasses, tack one arm discreetly.
- Seat the bunny on a folded gingham blanket; arrange book, basket with croissant, and instant camera.
- Set the boater hat level; anchor with two hidden stitches.
Exact Measurements (for the photo look)
- Head circumference: ~7.7 in / 19.5 cm
- Ear length: 2.7 in / 7 cm
- Torso height (waist to neck): 2.8 in / 7.2 cm
- Arm length: 2.8–3.0 in / 7–7.5 cm
- Leg length (ankle to top thigh): 2.6 in / 6.5 cm
- Shoe sole: 1.6 in / 4 cm × 0.9 in / 2.3 cm
- Vest length: ~2.2 in / 5.6 cm; width at hem ~3.1 in / 8 cm
- Skirt length: ~2.0 in / 5 cm; waistband circumference ~6.7–7.1 in / 17–18 cm (with elastic)
- Hat brim diameter: ~3.3 in / 8.5 cm; crown height ~0.8–0.9 in / 2–2.3 cm
- Book (open): ~2.2 in / 5.5 cm wide
- Basket height (without handle): ~1.6 in / 4 cm
These dimensions assume the listed gauge; minor variations are fine if proportions are kept.
Blocking, Care & Safety
- Steam-block flat pieces (vest, skirt strip, hat disc) before assembly; do not steam the stuffed bunny directly.
- Hand-wash cold; reshape and air-dry flat.
- For young children, replace wire glasses, buttons, magnets, and safety eyes with embroidered/sewn alternatives.
Troubleshooting & Fit Tweaks
- Skirt too puffy: Reduce repeat rows 5–36 to rows 5–32, or press pleats more firmly with steam.
- Vest riding up: Add two hidden tacks at side seams to blouse.
- Hat loose: Thread a short elastic inside the brim and tack behind an ear.
- Bunny won’t sit square: Add a small pouch of poly-pellets inside each shoe (securely sealed) or adjust stuffing in hips.
