Intro: Library Day Bunny wears a moss green cardigan with elbow patches, a pleated cocoa skirt, a moss newsboy beret, Oxford shoes, and round knit glasses. Accessories include a tiny book stack, a cocoa mug with whipped cream, a quill, and a small backpack.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- CO – cast on
- BO – bind off
- K – knit
- P – purl
- St(s) – stitch(es)
- Rnd(s) – round(s)
- Row(s) – row(s)
- KFB – knit front & back (increase 1)
- M1L/M1R – make 1 left/right
- K2tog – knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
- SSK – slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- PM/SM – place/slide marker
- Inc/Dec – increase/decrease
- Tbl – through back loop
- I-cord – knit a small tube: K across sts, slide to other needle end, do not turn, pull yarn across back and K again
- YO – yarn over
- BO i-cord – bind off while working i-cord edge
- Beg/End – beginning/end
Materials
- Yarn (Worsted/Aran, non-superwash wool recommended for structure):
- Bunny fur: oatmeal heather (approx 60 g)
- Cardigan & beret & backpack: moss green (approx 45 g total)
- Skirt & shoes & cocoa mug: cocoa brown (approx 40 g)
- Nose/embroidery: dark brown scrap
- Shirt collar & “paper” and cream topping: cream scraps
- Glasses & quill stem: charcoal scraps
- Needles:
- US 2.5 (3.0 mm) DPNs or 32″ circular for magic loop (tight fabric for toy)
- US 4 (3.5 mm) for clothing pieces that need drape (skirt, cardigan hem)
- Notions: fiberfill, tapestry needle, stitch markers, 8 small “buttons” (knit bobbles or tiny wood beads; use knit bobbles if making child-safe), a tiny piece of thin craft wire optional for glasses shaping (omit for all-knit), fabric glue (optional), blocking pins.
- Finished size: approx 10.5 in (27 cm) tall standing (ears included).
- Gauge: 26 sts × 34 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in stockinette on US 2.5 with oatmeal yarn, worked in the round and lightly stuffed. Clothing gauge on US 4: 24 sts × 32 rows = 4″.
Construction Overview
The bunny is worked mostly in the round with separate limbs joined to the body; head and body are one piece for stability. Ears are knit flat for crisp edges. Clothes are removable: a pleated skirt with sewn-down pleats, a moss green cardigan with elbow patches and tiny bobble “buttons,” a newsboy beret, and soft Oxford shoes. Accessories are quick knits: backpack, cocoa mug with whipped cream cap, round knit glasses, little notebook, and quill.
Bunny: Head & Body (oatmeal, US 2.5)
Head
CO 8 sts, distribute for magic loop.
Rnd 1: KFB around (16).
Rnd 2: K.
Rnd 3: K1, KFB around (24).
Rnd 4: K.
Rnd 5: K2, KFB around (32).
Rnd 6: K.
Rnd 7: K3, KFB around (40).
Rnd 8: K.
Rnd 9: K4, KFB around (48).
Rnd 10–18: K 9 rnds even for cheek depth.
Rnd 19: (K6, KFB) ×6 (54).
Rnd 20–24: K 5 rnds even.
Place markers at each side (ear line).
Head shaping
Rnd 25: (K7, K2tog) ×6 (48).
Rnd 26: K.
Rnd 27: (K6, K2tog) ×6 (42).
Rnd 28: (K5, K2tog) ×6 (36).
Stuff firmly, emphasizing round cheeks.
Rnd 29: (K4, K2tog) ×6 (30).
Rnd 30: (K3, K2tog) ×6 (24).
Rnd 31: (K2, K2tog) ×6 (18).
Rnd 32: (K1, K2tog) ×6 (12).
Do not close. Continue for neck decreases then body increases.
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Neck
Rnd 33: (K2tog) ×6 (6). Work 1 rnd even to cinch. Switch to body shaping:
Body increases
Rnd 35: KFB around (12).
Rnd 36: K1, KFB around (18).
Rnd 37: K2, KFB around (24).
Rnd 38: K3, KFB around (30).
Rnd 39: K4, KFB around (36).
Rnd 40: K5, KFB around (42).
Rnd 41–52: K 12 rnds even for torso.
Hip shaping
Rnd 53: (K6, KFB) ×6 (48).
Rnd 54–58: K 5 rnds even.
Rnd 59: (K6, SSK, K6, K2tog) ×2 (44).
Rnd 60: K.
Rnd 61: (K4, SSK, K4, K2tog) ×3 + rem even to end (40).
Begin stuffing torso firmly.
Rnd 62: (K3, K2tog) ×8 (32).
Rnd 63: (K2, K2tog) ×8 (24).
Rnd 64: (K1, K2tog) ×8 (16).
Rnd 65: K2tog around (8).
Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, weave in.
Ears (make 2, oatmeal, knit flat on US 2.5)
CO 10 sts.
Rows 1–4: K all rows (garter base).
Row 5 (RS): KFB, K to last 1, KFB (12).
Rows 6–18: Work stockinette, inc 1 st each edge every RS row 3 times total (to 16 sts), then knit even to row 18.
Row 19: Eyelet ridge (for subtle fold): K1, YO, K2tog across, end K1.
Rows 20–30: Stockinette even.
Shape tip:
Row 31 (RS): SSK, K to last 2, K2tog.
Repeat row 31 4 more times (6 sts).
Row 36: K2tog, K2, K2tog (4).
Row 37: K2tog twice (2). Cut long tail, tie tips together to make a neat point.
Block lightly, then whipstitch ear bases to head along the side markers with a natural inward tilt.
Arms (make 2, oatmeal, US 2.5; worked in the round)
CO 6 sts.
Rnd 1: KFB around (12).
Rnd 2–8: K.
Rnd 9: (K2, KFB) ×4 (16).
Rnd 10–16: K.
Rnd 17: (K2, K2tog) ×4 (12).
Stuff lightly (forearm soft, hand round).
Rnd 18–24: K even (wrist/slim upper arm).
BO leaving long tail. Flatten last rnd; stitch closed horizontally to form a subtle shoulder.
Legs & Feet (make 2, oatmeal + cocoa soles, US 2.5)
Foot sole (cocoa, flat): CO 6 sts; knit 1 row.
Inc rows (RS): KFB, K to last 1, KFB. Repeat every RS until 12 sts.
K even 3 rows.
Dec rows (RS): SSK, K to last 2, K2tog. Repeat every RS until 8 sts. BO; keep tail.
Upper foot & leg (oatmeal, in the round):
Pick up around sole edge 30 sts evenly; join.
Rnd 1–6: K (shape a rounded shoe vamp later with cocoa overlay; for now this is foot).
Rnd 7: (K3, K2tog) ×6 (24).
Rnd 8–10: K; stuff foot firmly.
Rnd 11: (K2, K2tog) ×6 (18).
Rnd 12–20: K even for leg cylinder; stuff moderately.
Join to body later with ladder stitch.
Tail (oatmeal)
CO 6 sts, KFB around (12), K 3 rnds, (K2tog) ×6 (6). Bind off; stuff and attach at lower back centerline.
Face & Features
- Nose/mouth: With dark brown, embroider an inverted triangle nose centered 5 rnds above neck taper; add short vertical line and small V mouth.
- Eyes: Embroider tiny horizontal ovals with charcoal 7 sts apart.
- Glasses (charcoal): Work I-cord 2 sts: knit 5″, BO. Form two circles and bridge with a few wraps; add tiny 0.5″ side arms. For a firmer look, thread slender wire through the i-cord before shaping (omit for all-knit). Place on face; tack lightly behind ears.
Pleated Skirt (cocoa, US 4)
CO 120 sts loosely (fits high waist). Join in the round, PM.
Rnd 1–6: K1, P1 rib for waistband.
Rnd 7 (fold line): K tbl around.
Rnd 8–9: K.
Establish pleats (multiple of 12):
- Rnd 10: (K8, P4) around.
- Rnd 11: (K8, P4).
- Rnd 12: Within each K8 panel, cross pleat by working K4, slip next 4 sts to cn and hold in back, K4 from LH needle, then K4 from cn (creates knife pleat face). Keep P4 valleys.
Rnd 13–26: Maintain (K8, P4) to depth ~2.25″.
Rnd 27 (hem motif): [K2, P2] ×2, P4 repeated around to give a subtle woven band like the photo’s textured gimp.
Rnd 28: K.
Rnd 29: BO loosely in pattern.
Steam lightly; tack the inside fold of each pleat with 1–2 hidden stitches 0.5″ below waistband so pleats hold crisp.
Cardigan with Elbow Patches (moss, US 4 body; US 2.5 bands)
Worked flat, seamless shoulders, set-in sleeves picked up.
Back
CO 42 sts.
Rows 1–8: K1, P1 rib.
Work stockinette to 3.75″.
Armhole shaping: BO 3 sts at beg next 2 rows; then dec 1 each side every RS row 2× → 32 sts.
Work even to 6″ total.
Shoulders: BO 8 sts at beg next 2 rows.
Neck back: BO rem 16 sts.
Left Front
CO 22 sts.
Rows 1–8: K1, P1 rib.
Work stockinette, AT SAME TIME when length matches back to armhole, shape: BO 3 sts at armhole edge once, then dec 1 at armhole 2× → 17 sts.
V-neck: At neck edge, dec 1 every RS row 7× → 10 sts.
When length equals back to shoulder, BO 10 sts.
Right Front
Work as Left, reversing shaping.
Shoulder join: mattress stitch shoulders. Seam sides.
Sleeves (pick up)
PU 38 sts around each armhole on US 4.
Rows 1–4: K flat to establish; then work in the round with magic loop or continue flat and seam.
Dec 1 each side every 6th row 4× → 30 sts.
Work to 3.5″ length.
Cuff rib (US 2.5): K1, P1 for 6 rows, BO in pattern.
Button bands & collar (US 2.5):
PU along right front edge 60 sts; work K1, P1 rib 8 rows, BO.
Left front band: work same but on Row 3 make 4 button loops (or bobble buttons): (K3, YO, K2tog) spaced evenly.
Neckband: PU around back neck and down V ~66 sts; K1, P1 rib 6 rows, BO.
Elbow patches: With cocoa, CO 10 sts, work stockinette 12 rows, BO; sew centered at sleeve midline.
Buttons: Make bobble buttons in moss: CO 1, (KFB, turn, P2, turn, K2) twice, pass 2nd st over 1st repeatedly to close; sew opposite buttonholes.
Newsboy Beret (moss, US 4)
CO 72 sts; join, PM.
Brim band: K1, P1 rib 6 rnds.
Crown increase: K6, KFB around (84). K 2 rnds. K7, KFB around (96).
Work even 8 rnds for soft fullness (beret style).
Crown decrease: (K10, K2tog) around (88). K 1 rnd. (K9, K2tog) around (80). Continue every rnd, reducing spacing by 1 until K2tog around (8).
Pull tight; add a tiny i-cord nub (cast on 3 sts, knit 4 rows, BO) and sew to top.
Oxford Shoes (cocoa, US 2.5)
Sole: CO 6 sts, work like foot sole above to 12 sts, knit 2 rows, dec back to 8 sts, BO.
Upper: PU 28 sts around sole; work garter 3 rnds (edge), then stockinette 6 rnds.
Shape throat: Split work at center front; on each half, dec 1 at throat edge every row 3×, BO.
Tongue: CO 8 sts, K 8 rows, BO; stitch into throat.
Add lace eyelets by sewing small wraps; thread a cord (twisted yarn).
Slide over feet; tack at heel so they stay on.
Backpack (moss, US 4)
Body (flat): CO 18 sts; K 24 rows stockinette with garter 2-row borders each side (K first/last 2 sts every row).
Fold to form a pouch; seam sides.
Flap: PU 14 sts along top back; work garter 6 rows, BO.
Straps: I-cord 2 sts, work two pieces 3.5″ each; sew from upper corners to lower back corners.
Add a small bobble button to flap; loop with a strand.
Cocoa Mug with Whipped Cream (cocoa + cream, US 2.5)
Mug body (cocoa): CO 24 sts, join. K 8 rnds.
Rnd 9: P around (ridge).
Rnd 10–13: K. BO and seam base with a small oatmeal circle (CO 6, inc to 12, inc to 24, BO).
Handle: I-cord 3 sts, length 2″; sew to side.
Whipped cream cap (cream): CO 6 sts in the round.
Rnd 1: KFB around (12).
Rnd 2: (K1, YO, K1) around to make ruffled swirls.
Rnd 3: K all through back loops to close YOs (12).
Rnd 4: (K2tog) ×6 (6).
Stuff lightly; pull closed; drop into mug so it slightly domes.
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Little Notebook & Quill (cream + charcoal, US 2.5)
Notebook: CO 10 sts in cream; stockinette 12 rows; BO. Fold in half; embroider a tiny leaf motif on cover; add a short cocoa strap if desired.
Quill:
- Stem: I-cord 2 sts with charcoal, 1.5″.
- Feather vane: With cream, CO 6 sts; work K, YO, K2tog across for airy holes; dec 1 at each side every RS row 3× to point; BO. Sew vane to stem; tack into bunny’s hand.
Shirt Collar (cream, US 2.5)
CO 28 sts.
Row 1: K1, P1 rib.
Row 2: K across.
Row 3: (KFB, K5) ×4 (32).
Row 4: K.
Row 5: (K2tog, K6) ×4 (28).
BO; wrap around neck seam under cardigan; whipstitch ends together creating a neat rounded point at each front.
Assembly
- Attach legs to body bottom with strong ladder stitches, feet pointing slightly outward for stability.
- Position arms so the right hand can “hold” the mug and the left can support the notebook/quill; stitch securely.
- Sew ears along the head curve with a subtle inward tilt; pinch bases slightly as you sew to create that natural bend.
- Dress bunny: pull on skirt (waistband sits high), then cardigan; add bobble buttons; tie Oxford laces.
- Beret: sit it slightly forward, favoring the right ear for that newsboy look; tack with one hidden stitch if gifting.
- Accessories: sling backpack straps; place mug in right hand and notebook/quill in left; couch a few tiny stitches through the palms to anchor.
- Final grooming: roll the cheeks between fingers to round; tease fabric to smooth any laddering.
Finishing & Styling Notes
- Stitch definition: The photo look comes from tight gauge on the toy (US 2.5) and slightly looser garments (US 4). If your fabric shows gaps when stuffed, go down a needle size.
- Color palette: Oatmeal fur; moss green cardigan/beret/backpack; cocoa skirt/shoes/mug; cream collar and whipped cream; charcoal glasses.
- Elbow patches: Cocoa ovals centered mid-sleeve add the dark-academia vibe.
- Pleats: Light steam and a tiny tack inside each pleat keep them crisp without starch.
- Glasses: For a perfect round, block the i-cord circles around a 1″ bottle cap; remove once dry.
- Safety-first: Replace beads with knit bobble buttons for children; omit the optional wire inside glasses.
Troubleshooting & Sizing
- Too tall/short: Add or remove two torso rounds before hip shaping; keep limb stitch counts unchanged.
- Hat fit: If beret slips, pick up 4 fewer stitches in the rib band or add a tiny elastic thread when knitting the band.
- Skirt riding up: Increase CO to 132 sts for a fuller skirt on looser knitters; keep pleat ratio (K8, P4).
Recap
You’ve created the Library Day Bunny: an oatmeal-furred rabbit with a moss cardigan and elbow patches, pleated cocoa skirt, moss newsboy beret, soft Oxford shoes, glasses, a little backpack, plus a cocoa mug, notebook, and quill—exactly matching the photographed look in cozy dark-academia tones. Enjoy styling it on a wood table or bookshelf with warm lamp light for that authentic handmade vibe.
