Intro:

Meet the Cottage Botanist Bunny: a soft beige knitted bunny in a cream turtleneck sweater and an olive A-line pinafore, finished with Mary Jane shoes, a tiny leafy beret, and a crossbody “seed envelope” bag. Small extras: a miniature “seed jar” and a tiny knit trowel.

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
• kfb – knit front and back (inc 1)
• m1L/m1R – make 1 left/right
• k2tog – knit 2 together (right-lean dec)
• ssk – slip, slip, knit (left-lean dec)
• pm/rm – place/remove marker
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• rnd(s) – round(s)
• RS/WS – right/wrong side
• dpn(s) – double-pointed needles
• tbl – through back loop
• inc/dec – increase/decrease
• i-cord – knit cord technique
• dup st – duplicate stitch (for embroidery-like details)

Materials

• Yarn (DK weight, non-stretch, wool or wool blend):
  1. A: Warm beige (body) – 50 g
  2. B: Cream (sweater) – 25 g
  3. C: Olive (pinafore, shoes, beret, bag) – 35 g
  4. D: Sage or darker olive (leaf details) – scraps
  5. E: Light tan (sole trim) – scraps
• Needles:
  1. US 2.5 (3.0 mm) dpns or 32″ circular for magic loop (toy pieces, firm fabric)
  2. US 4 (3.5 mm) needles (clothing & accessories)
• Notions: 8 mm black safety eyes or black embroidery thread; tapestry needle; stitch markers; polyester fiberfill; small amount of pipe cleaner or floral wire for trowel (optional, not for children); small glass/plastic craft vial optional—knitted version provided; fabric glue (optional); sewing pins; blocking tools.
• Gauge: Using US 2.5 in stockinette in the round: 8 sts × 11 rnds = 1 in (≈32 sts × 44 rnds = 4″). Firmer is fine—do not exceed 8.5 sts/in. Clothing gauge with US 4: 6.5–7 sts/in.
• Finished Size: Bunny stands 8.75–9 in (22–23 cm) to top of beret.

Construction Overview

The bunny is knit mostly in the round: legs → join for body → head → muzzle shaping → ears added later. Arms are worked separately and sewn on. Tail is a small bobble. Clothing is removable: ribbed turtleneck sweater, olive pinafore with A-line skirt and duplicate-stitched sprigs, Mary Jane shoes that slip on, leafy beret with i-cord “stem”, and a crossbody envelope bag with “SEEDS” duplicate stitch. Two tiny props—seed jar and mini trowel—complete the scene.

The Bunny

Legs (make 2, yarn A, US 2.5)

CO 12 sts. Work in the round.
Rnd 1: k all.
Rnd 2: kfb, k4 × 2 (→ 14 sts).
Rnd 3: k.
Rnd 4: kfb, k5 × 2 (→ 16 sts).
Rnd 5–10: k 6 rnds even for foot length.
Rnd 11: Sole round: (ssk, k6, k2tog) × 2 (→ 14 sts).
Rnd 12: k. Insert a marker for center back on each leg.
Rnd 13–24: k 12 rnds for leg shaft.
Stuff the foot firmly, leg lightly. Leave on hold; cut yarn with 6″ tail.

Join for Body (continuing in the round)

Using yarn A, CO 3 sts onto working needle; knit across Leg 1 (14 sts), CO 3 sts, knit across Leg 2 (14 sts) (→ 44 sts total; the 3-st bridges create inner thigh). Place marker at center back (mid of second CO).
Rnd 1–6: k.
Rnd 7 (inc): k10, kfb × 4, k remaining (→ 48 sts).
Rnd 8–18: k 11 rnds even; stuff as you go—firm at hips, moderate at belly.
Rnd 19 (waist shaping): k6, ssk, k2tog × 4 (→ 40 sts).
Rnd 20–22: k 3 rnds even.
Rnd 23: k8, k2tog × 4 (→ 36 sts).
Rnd 24: k.
Rnd 25: k7, k2tog × 4 (→ 32 sts).
Rnd 26: k.
Rnd 27: k6, k2tog × 4 (→ 28 sts).
Rnd 28: k. Stuff firmly to the neck opening.

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Head (cont. from body)

Rnd 29 (neck increase): kfb, k6 × 4 (→ 32 sts).
Rnd 30: kfb, k7 × 4 (→ 36 sts).
Rnd 31: kfb, k8 × 4 (→ 40 sts).
Rnd 32–40: k 9 rnds even for head depth.
Rnd 41 (nose shaping): k18, kfb, k2, kfb, k to end (→ 42 sts).
Rnd 42–44: k 3 rnds.
Place safety eyes 8 sts apart, centered across rnd 42–43.
Rnd 45 (taper): k5, ssk, k2tog × 3, k2 (→ 36 sts).
Rnd 46: k4, ssk, k2tog × 3, k3 (→ 30 sts).
Rnd 47: k3, ssk, k2tog × 3, k3 (→ 24 sts).
Begin firm stuffing of head; sculpt cheeks by concentrating fiber at sides.
Rnd 48: k2, ssk, k2tog × 3, k3 (→ 18 sts).
Rnd 49: k1, ssk, k2tog × 3, k3 (→ 12 sts).
Rnd 50: ssk, k2tog × 3 (→ 6 sts).
Cut yarn, thread through rem sts, draw tight, secure.

Ears (make 2, yarn A, worked flat then seamed)

CO 10 sts.
Rows 1–4: stockinette (RS k, WS p).
Row 5 (inc): kfb, k to last st, kfb (→ 12 sts).
Row 7 inc again (→ 14 sts).
Rows 9–16: work even.
Row 17 (dec): ssk, k to last 2, k2tog (→ 12 sts).
Row 19 dec (→ 10 sts).
Row 21 dec (→ 8 sts).
Row 22: purl.
Row 23: BO loosely in k.
Lightly steam; fold base into gentle curve and sew to head between rnds 35–38, spacing ears ~1.4″ apart so they frame the beret.

Arms (make 2, yarn A, in the round)

CO 10 sts.
Rnd 1: k.
Rnd 2: kfb, k4 × 2 (→ 12 sts).
Rnd 3–6: k (hand).
Rnd 7: (ssk, k2, k2tog) × 2 (→ 10 sts).
Rnd 8–20: k 13 rnds (arm). Stuff lightly, leaving top 3 rnds unstuffed.
Flatten and BO, leaving long tail. Ladder stitch arms to body at rnd 23 (just below neckline), slightly angled down.

Tail (yarn A)

CO 6 sts, knit i-cord 4 rows; on next row: kfb each st (→ 12 sts), slide sts to other end and knit 1 row; next row: k2tog × 6 (→ 6 sts). Break yarn, draw tight into bobble. Stitch to back at rnd 18.

Face

Using black thread, embroider a short V nose centered on the increase bump (rnd 41) and a small smiling mouth. Add a tiny cream stitch above each eye for sparkle if desired.

Clothing & Accessories

Cream Turtleneck Sweater (yarn B, US 4)

Body:
CO 64 sts; join rnd, pm. Work k2, p2 rib for 6 rnds (hem).
Switch to stockinette, knit 10 rnds.
Armhole split: BO 3 sts, k to 3 before marker, BO 6 sts across marker, k to end (front/back separated). Work flat:

Back:
Row 1 (WS): p even.
Row 2: k, dec 1 st each side (ssk/k2tog) (→ 26 sts).
Work 5 more rows even. BO.

Front:
Work as back to 26 sts. BO 4 center sts for neck; work each side separately, dec at neck edge 2× every RS row. When straps measure same as back armhole depth, BO.
Seam shoulders (3 sts per side). Pick up sleeves later.

Collar:
With US 4, pick up 48 sts around neckline. Work k2, p2 rib for 12 rnds (cozy fold-over). BO in rib.

Sleeves (pick up each side):
Using dpns, pick up 30 sts evenly around armhole. Rnd 1–10: stockinette.
Rnd 11–16: k2, p2 rib cuffs. BO in rib.
Weave ends; the sweater should be snug to slide over ears/head thanks to stretch rib collar.

Olive Pinafore (yarn C, US 4)

Skirt (worked bottom up, A-line):
CO 96 sts, join. Rnd 1–6: garter trim in the round (alternating k/p rnds) to mimic a firm hem.
Rnd 7: knit.
Rnd 8 (dec rnd): k14, k2tog × 6 (→ 90 sts).
Rnd 14: k13, k2tog × 6 (→ 84 sts).
Rnd 20: k12, k2tog × 6 (→ 78 sts).
Rnd 26: k11, k2tog × 6 (→ 72 sts).
Rnd 32–38: knit even until skirt measures 3.5 in from hem.

Bodice (flat):
Split for front/back: place 36 sts to each needle.
Back – Row 1 (WS): p. Row 2: k, dec 1 each side (→ 34 sts).
Row 3–10: work even. BO.
Front – Work as back but on final RS row BO 8 center sts for neck and k to end; work each strap on 13 sts.
Straps: Work 1 in in stockinette; BO each.
Finishing: Seam sides at bodice edges only (skirt remains seamless). With yarn D, dup st two delicate plant sprigs on the right hem panel and one near left hip. With yarn C, pick up sts along top edge of skirt and work i-cord bind-off for a neat waistline if desired. Add two embroidered “buttons” where straps meet front waist; stitch straps to back waist at comfortable length.

Mary Jane Shoes (yarn C with E trim, US 4)

Soles (make 2):
With E, CO 8 sts.
Row 1: kfb, k6, kfb (→ 10).
Row 2: p.
Row 3: kfb, k8, kfb (→ 12).
Row 4: p.
Row 5: kfb, k10, kfb (→ 14).
Row 6: BO knitwise.
Pick up around the oval sole 34 sts with yarn C; join in the round.
Rnd 1: k.
Rnd 2: k7, k2tog × 4 (→ 30 sts).
Rnd 3–5: k.
Rnd 6: Instep: k10, k2tog × 5, k10 (→ 25 sts).
Rnd 7: k.
Rnd 8: Cuff: k1, p1 rib 3 rnds. BO in rib.

Strap & Leaf Tab:
CO 3 sts with C; work i-cord 16 rows for strap. BO; tack one end to inner shoe.
For leaf tab (yarn D, flat): CO 3 sts; Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb (5); Row 2: p; Row 3: k1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1 (7); Row 4: p; Row 5: ssk, k3, k2tog (5); Row 6: p; Row 7: ssk, k1, k2tog (3); Row 8: p; Row 9: k3tog. Fasten off. Sew leaf to free end of strap as the “button.” Add a tiny loop on opposite shoe side to hook over leaf tip if you like.

Leafy Beret (yarn C with D for stem, US 4)

CO 72 sts, join.
Rnd 1–6: k1, p1 rib.
Rnd 7: k5, kfb × 12 (→ 84 sts).
Rnd 9: k6, kfb × 12 (→ 96 sts).
Rnd 11–18: knit even for crown.
Rnd 19: k6, k2tog × 12 (→ 84).
Rnd 21: k5, k2tog × 12 (→ 72).
Rnd 23: k4, k2tog × 12 (→ 60).
Rnd 25: k3, k2tog × 12 (→ 48).
Rnd 27: k2, k2tog × 12 (→ 36).
Rnd 29: k1, k2tog × 12 (→ 24).
Rnd 31: k2tog × 12 (→ 12).
Switch to yarn D: work i-cord on 3 sts for 6 rows, BO for a tidy little “stem.” Weave ends. Beret should sit slightly tilted between the ears.

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Crossbody “Seed Envelope” Bag (yarn C; letters in D, US 4)

Envelope Body (worked flat):
CO 16 sts.
Rows 1–20: stockinette with 1-st garter selvedge each side (sl1 wyif on WS). Work until piece measures 2.25 in.
Fold lower 2/3 upward; whipstitch sides to form pocket, leaving triangular flap free.
Flap Point: Pick up 16 sts along upper raw edge; Row 1: k. Row 2: p. Row 3: ssk, k to last 2, k2tog (dec 2). Repeat Row 3 every RS until 4 sts rem; Row 4 p; Row 5 k2tog twice; BO.
Strap: Make i-cord with yarn C, 60 rows (~10–11 in). Sew to back corners so bag hangs crossbody.
Details: Duplicate stitch a tiny leaf on flap and the word “SEEDS” on the front. Add a small snap or a hidden loop if desired.

Mini “Seed Jar” (knitted version)

Using yarn C and US 4:

• Jar: CO 10 sts; join rnd, knit 6 rnds; next rnd k2tog, k3 × 2 (→ 8 sts); knit 1 rnd; cinch closed for base.
• Cork: With tan scrap, pick up 8 sts around jar top; knit 2 rnds; next rnd k2tog × 4 (→ 4 sts); BO.
  Stuff lightly with cream scrap “seeds.” A dab of glue can fix cork in place.

Mini Knit Trowel (optional display prop; not a toy)

• Blade (yarn E, flat): CO 5 sts; Row 1 k. Row 2 ssk, k1, k2tog (3). Row 3 k3. Row 4 sl1, k2tog, psso (1). Fasten off; block to a soft triangular scoop.
• Handle (yarn C): CO 3 sts, knit i-cord 10 rows; thread a trimmed pipe cleaner through, securing ends. Stitch blade to handle with tight overcast. (Omit wire if making for children; stuff lightly instead.)

Assembly

1. Close and Sculpt: Ensure head/neck join is snug. Use ladder stitches at the top closure if there’s a gap. Add a few anchoring stitches from back of head to upper body to prevent wobble.
2. Attach Ears: Curve the ear bases and stitch so ears sit slightly forward-tilted, matching the photo’s friendly posture.
3. Arms: Position just below the sweater’s shoulder line; angle slightly downward.
4. Dress: Put on the sweater first (collar stretches over ears), then the pinafore, crossing straps at the back if needed for fit.
5. Shoes: Slip on; secure straps with a tiny hidden snap or tack stitch so they stay clasped under the leaf.
6. Beret & Bag: Perch beret off-center; sling the bag across the torso so the flap rests near the left hip.
7. Final Touches: Duplicate stitch the subtle sprigs on the pinafore hem: work short, staggered lines with yarn D to mimic rosemary shoots. Straighten the “seed jar” and trowel for display.

Finishing & Styling Tips

• Fabric Firmness: For the most realistic stitch definition (as seen in the photo), aim for 8 sts/in on the bunny and 6.75 sts/in on clothing. If your fabric is looser, drop needle size.
• Stuffing: Firm feet and head are crucial; moderate belly; very light in arms. Roll tiny fiber “pearls” to place in cheeks before you close the head for cute roundness.
• Blocking: Light steam block clothing only; avoid heavy steam on the bunny to keep stitches crisp.
• Eye Placement: If embroidering instead of safety eyes, work small satin-stitch ovals with a single white highlight stitch at the upper right.
• Color Notes: Beige body + cream sweater keeps the palette pastel and natural; olive and sage variations still read true to the look.
• Photo-Ready: Seat the bunny on a light wooden surface with soft daylight from one side. Keep props close to feet to echo the original realistic, handmade vibe.

Recap

You’ve created the Cottage Botanist Bunny—a snug beige bunny in a ribbed cream turtleneck, an olive A-line pinafore with stitched botanical sprigs, matching Mary Janes, a tiny beret with a leaf-stem, and the cutest seed-envelope bag, plus tiny garden props. Everything here is drafted specifically for this design to match the final image while staying fully original and copyright-safe. Enjoy your knit, and share your finished bunny with fellow makers!