purlJam

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# 🐰 Easter Bunny Toy with Dress
### A Beginner Hand-Knitting Pattern in DK Weight Yarn

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## PATTERN OVERVIEW

A sweet Easter bunny soft toy, approximately **20cm (8") tall when seated**, knitted in DK weight yarn. The bunny wears a removable dress with a gathered skirt. All pieces are knitted separately and seamed together. Each piece can be worked either **flat on straight needles** (then seamed along one edge) or **in the round on DPNs** — both methods are given where applicable, making this perfect for beginners.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- **Main Colour (MC):** DK weight yarn in cream, white, or grey — approx **100m (110 yds)**
- **Dress Colour (DC):** DK weight yarn in your chosen colour (pink, lilac, yellow) — approx **80m (87 yds)**
- **Contrast Colour (CC):** Small amount of DK in white or contrasting colour for dress trim — approx **15m (16 yds)**

> 💡 *Suggested yarn: Any standard DK/Light Worsted (approx 225m/100g). Examples: Paintbox Simply DK, Stylecraft Special DK, Drops Lima.*

**Needles:**
- 3.5mm (US 4) straight needles — **primary method for beginners**
- 3.5mm (US 4) double-pointed needles (DPNs), set of 4 or 5 — optional, for working in the round
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle) for seaming and weaving in ends

**Other Supplies:**
- Polyester toy stuffing (fibrefill) — approx 50g (1.75 oz)
- 2 × 10mm safety eyes **OR** black embroidery thread for eyes
- Pink embroidery thread or yarn for nose
- Stitch holders or spare yarn lengths
- Scissors
- Pins for blocking/assembly

> ⚠️ **SAFETY NOTE:** If this toy is intended for a child under 3 years, **do not use safety eyes**. Embroider all facial features instead.

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## GAUGE

**22 stitches × 30 rows = 10cm × 10cm (4" × 4") in Stocking Stitch on 3.5mm needles with DK yarn.**

> 💡 *Tension note for amigurumi: Your gauge should produce a **firm, tight fabric** with no gaps. If you can see stuffing through your knitting, go down a needle size. Gauge is more important for the clothes than the body pieces, but do check before starting.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | Cast on |
| BO | Bind off (cast off) |
| k | Knit |
| p | Purl |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| RS | Right side |
| WS | Wrong side |
| kfb | Knit into front and back of stitch (increase — makes 1 extra stitch) |
| k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (decrease — removes 1 stitch) |
| ssk | Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease — removes 1 stitch) |
| pm | Place marker |
| sm | Slip marker |
| rem | Remaining |
| rep | Repeat |
| approx | Approximately |
| dpns | Double-pointed needles |
| St st | Stocking stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) |
| G st | Garter stitch (knit every row) |
| cont | Continue |
| [ ] | Repeat instructions within brackets the number of times stated |

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## TECHNIQUES USED

**For complete beginners, the following techniques are used:**

- **Cast on:** Long-tail cast on recommended for all pieces (or knitted cast on)
- **Increases (kfb):** Knit into the front loop then the back loop of the same stitch without slipping it off — makes 2 stitches from 1
- **Decreases (k2tog):** Insert needle into 2 stitches at once from left to right, knit them together
- **Mattress stitch seaming:** Used to join all pieces invisibly
- **3-needle bind off:** Optional technique for joining shoulder seams on dress (instructions included)

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## CONSTRUCTION OVERVIEW

The bunny and clothes are worked in this order:

1. **Body** (worked flat, seamed, stuffed)
2. **Head** (worked flat, seamed, stuffed — safety eyes/face added before closing)
3. **Ears** × 2 (worked flat, folded, seamed)
4. **Arms** × 2 (worked flat, seamed, stuffed lightly)
5. **Legs** × 2 (worked flat, seamed, stuffed)
6. **Assembly of bunny**
7. **Dress Skirt** (worked flat, seamed)
8. **Dress Bodice** (worked flat, seamed at sides)
9. **Dress Straps/Finishing**

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## PART ONE: THE BUNNY

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### PIECE 1: BODY

**Finished body:** approx 8cm (3") wide × 9cm (3.5") tall when stuffed

**Flat method (beginner-friendly):**

Using MC and 3.5mm straight needles, CO **12 sts**.

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl to end.
**Row 2 (RS) — Increase Round:** [kfb] 12 times. **24 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 24 sts.*

**Row 3 (WS):** Purl to end.
**Row 4 (RS) — Increase Row:** [k1, kfb] 12 times. **36 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 36 sts.*

**Rows 5–7:** Work 3 rows in St st (p WS, k RS), ending with a WS row.
**Row 8 (RS) — Increase Row:** [k2, kfb] 12 times. **48 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 48 sts. This is the widest point of the body.*

**Rows 9–22:** Work 14 rows in St st, ending with a WS row.

> 💡 *These 14 rows form the main body tube — approx 4.5cm (1¾") of straight knitting.*

**Row 23 (RS) — Decrease Row:** [k2, k2tog] 12 times. **36 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 36 sts.*

**Row 24 (WS):** Purl to end.
**Row 25 (RS) — Decrease Row:** [k1, k2tog] 12 times. **24 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 24 sts.*

**Row 26 (WS):** Purl to end.
**Row 27 (RS) — Decrease Row:** [k2tog] 12 times. **12 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 12 sts.*

**Row 28 (WS):** Purl to end.

Cut yarn, leaving a **30cm (12") tail**. Thread tail onto tapestry needle. Draw through all 12 sts on needle, pulling firmly to close. This forms the **bottom of the body**.

**Seaming the body:**
Using mattress stitch and MC yarn, seam the body along the long vertical edge, leaving the cast-on edge open. Stuff firmly with polyester filling. Seam the cast-on edge closed. Set aside.

> 💡 *Alternatively, CO 12 sts across 3 DPNs (4 sts per needle) and work all increase/decrease rows as written but join to work in the round, eliminating the seam.*

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### PIECE 2: HEAD

**Finished head:** approx 10cm (4") circumference when stuffed

Using MC and 3.5mm straight needles, CO **12 sts**.

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 2 (RS):** [kfb] 12 times. **24 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 24 sts.*

**Row 3 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 4 (RS):** [k1, kfb] 12 times. **36 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 36 sts.*

**Row 5 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 6 (RS):** [k2, kfb] 12 times. **48 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 48 sts.*

**Row 7 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 8 (RS):** [k3, kfb] 12 times. **60 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 60 sts. This is the widest point of the head.*

**Rows 9–20:** Work 12 rows in St st, ending with a WS row.

> 💡 *Approximately 4cm (1½") of straight knitting for the head.*

**Row 21 (RS) — Decrease Row:** [k3, k2tog] 12 times. **48 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 48 sts.*

**Row 22 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 23 (RS) — Decrease Row:** [k2, k2tog] 12 times. **36 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 36 sts.*

**Row 24 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 25 (RS) — Decrease Row:** [k1, k2tog] 12 times. **24 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 24 sts.*

**Row 26 (WS):** Purl.

> ⚠️ **STOP HERE — ATTACH SAFETY EYES BEFORE CONTINUING.**

**Attaching safety eyes:**
With RS facing, position safety eyes approximately on **Row 14** (midway through the straight section), spacing them **12 sts apart** (approx 5.5cm / 2.2" apart). Push stems through fabric and secure backing washers on WS. Once secured, eyes cannot be removed.

> 🧵 *If embroidering eyes, complete the head fully, stuff, close, then embroider.*

**Row 27 (RS):** [k2tog] 12 times. **12 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 12 sts.*

**Row 28 (WS):** Purl.

Cut yarn, leaving a **30cm (12") tail**. Thread through remaining 12 sts, draw up firmly. This is the **top of the head**.

**Seaming the head:**
Seam along the long vertical edge using mattress stitch, leaving the cast-on edge open. Stuff head firmly — it should feel very full and hold its round shape. Seam the cast-on edge closed.

**Embroidering the nose:**
Using pink embroidery thread or a strand of pink DK yarn, work a small **inverted triangle** nose below and between the eyes (approximately Row 16–17, centred). Work 3–4 straight stitches to fill. For a mouth, work two short straight stitches downward from the base of the nose in a "Y" shape.

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### PIECE 3: EARS (Make 2)

**Finished ear:** approx 2.5cm (1") wide × 7cm (2¾") tall

Using MC and 3.5mm straight needles, CO **10 sts**.

**Rows 1–24:** Work in St st for 24 rows (ending with a WS row). Approx 8cm (3") tall.

**Row 25 (RS) — Decrease Row:** ssk, k6, k2tog. **8 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 8 sts.*

**Row 26 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 27 (RS) — Decrease Row:** ssk, k4, k2tog. **6 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 6 sts.*

**Row 28 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 29 (RS) — Decrease Row:** ssk, k2, k2tog. **4 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 4 sts.*

**Row 30 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 31 (RS):** [k2tog] twice. **2 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 2 sts.*

**Row 32 (WS):** p2tog. **1 st.** Fasten off.

**Finishing ears:**
Fold each ear in half lengthwise (RS together). Seam along the two long edges using mattress stitch, leaving the cast-on edge open. Turn RS out — the ear will be a narrow flat tube. Pinch the cast-on edge together at the base to create a slight fold (this gives the ear a natural bunny shape). Do not stuff. Set aside.

> 💡 *Optional: Work the ear inner lining. Cast on 10 sts in CC (pink), work 20 rows St st, decrease as rows 25–32. Sew to front of ear before seaming the two sides together.*

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### PIECE 4: ARMS (Make 2)

**Finished arm:** approx 3cm (1.2") wide × 6cm (2.4") long

Using MC and 3.5mm straight needles, CO **8 sts**.

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 2 (RS) — Increase Row:** [kfb] 8 times. **16 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 16 sts.*

**Rows 3–18:** Work 16 rows in St st (ending with a WS row). Approx 5.5cm (2.2") of length.

**Row 19 (RS) — Decrease Row:** [k2tog] 8 times. **8 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 8 sts.*

**Row 20 (WS):** Purl.

Cut yarn, leaving a **25cm (10") tail**. Thread through all 8 sts and draw up firmly to close the hand end.

**Seaming the arms:**
Seam along the long edge. Stuff lightly — arms should be soft and flexible, not rock-hard. Flatten the cast-on edge and oversew closed (do not gather — keep flat for attaching to body). Set aside.

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### PIECE 5: LEGS (Make 2)

**Finished leg:** approx 3.5cm (1.4") wide × 7cm (2.8") long (plus paw)

**Working the foot/paw first:**

Using MC and 3.5mm straight needles, CO **20 sts**.

**Rows 1–4:** Work 4 rows in G st (knit every row). This creates the paw pad.

**Row 5 (RS) — Shape Foot:** ssk, k6, [k2tog] twice, k6, k2tog. **16 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 16 sts.*

**Row 6 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 7 (RS):** ssk, k4, [k2tog] twice, k4, k2tog. **12 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 12 sts.*

**Row 8 (WS):** Purl.

**Working the leg:**
**Rows 9–26:** Work 18 rows in St st, ending with a WS row. This is the leg tube.

**Row 27 (RS):** [k2tog] 6 times. **6 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 6 sts.*

Cut yarn, leaving a **20cm (8") tail**. Thread through 6 sts, draw up to close the top of the leg.

**Seaming the legs:**
Seam along the long edge using mattress stitch. Stuff firmly — legs should hold their shape and support the bunny when seated. The G st rows at the cast-on edge naturally curl to form the paw. Seam the paw end closed. Set aside.

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### TAIL

Using MC and 3.5mm needles, CO **12 sts**.

**Row 1:** [kfb] 12 times. **24 sts.**
**Rows 2–4:** Work 3 rows in G st.
**Row 5:** [k2tog] 12 times. **12 sts.**
**Row 6:** [k2tog] 6 times. **6 sts.**

Cut yarn, thread through 6 sts, draw up firmly. Seam the small round pom-pom closed, stuff lightly with a tiny amount of filling. Set aside.

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## PART TWO: BUNNY ASSEMBLY

> 💡 *Pin all pieces in position before sewing to check placement. Use photos of your knitted bunny from different angles.*

**Step 1: Attach head to body.**
Place head on top of body. The neck join should be approximately 1–2 rows below the top of the body. Using MC yarn and a tapestry needle, sew head to body using small overcast stitches worked all the way around the base of the head. Pull stitches firmly so head sits securely and does not wobble.

**Step 2: Attach ears.**
Position ears on the top of the head, approximately 5 sts either side of centre. The cast-on (open) edges should face downward. Pin in place. Sew each ear securely to the head using overcast stitch, sewing through both layers of the ear base to keep it upright.

**Step 3: Attach arms.**
Position arms on either side of the body, approximately 3 rows below the neck join. The flat seamed end of the arm should sit flush against the body. Sew each arm on securely using overcast stitch.

**Step 4: Attach legs.**
Position legs at the bottom front of the body, pointing forward so the bunny can sit. Space evenly. Sew each leg on securely, sewing through the flat top end of the leg to the base of the body.

**Step 5: Attach tail.**
Attach the small round tail to the back of the body, approximately 3–4 rows up from the base, at the centre back.

**Step 6: Final facial embroidery (if not using safety eyes).**
Using black thread, work a small **French knot** or **satin stitch** circle for each eye. Add nose and mouth as described in the Head section.

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## PART THREE: THE DRESS

The dress is worked in two pieces: a **gathered skirt** and a **fitted bodice**, joined at the waist. The bodice has simple shoulder straps. The dress is a pull-on/slip-over garment for the bunny.

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### PIECE 6: DRESS SKIRT

**Finished skirt:** approx 18cm (7") wide × 6cm (2.4") tall before gathering

Using DC and 3.5mm straight needles, CO **80 sts**.

> 💡 *The skirt is worked flat and will be seamed at one side to form a tube.*

**Row 1 (WS):** Knit (this creates a G st hem ridge on the RS).
**Rows 2–4:** Work 3 rows in G st (knit every row). This forms a **4-row garter hem**.

**Row 5 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 6 (WS):** Purl.

Continue in St st until skirt measures **5cm (2")** from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

> 💡 *Approximate row count: 15 rows of St st after the hem = approximately 5cm.*

**Waist Decrease Row (RS):** [k2tog] across. **40 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 80 ÷ 2 = 40 sts. This halving of stitches creates the gathers at the waist.*

**Knit 1 WS row (purl).**

Leave sts on needle or place on a stitch holder. Do not cast off. Set skirt aside.

**Seaming the skirt:**
Fold skirt in half, RS together. Using mattress stitch or backstitch, seam the two short side edges together to form a tube. Turn RS out.

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### PIECE 7: DRESS BODICE

**Finished bodice:** approx 9cm (3.5") wide × 5cm (2") tall (front and back identical)

**Make 2 pieces (Front and Back).**

Using DC and 3.5mm straight needles, CO **20 sts**.

**Row 1 (WS):** Purl.
**Rows 2–14:** Work in St st for 14 rows total (ending with a WS row). Approx 4.5cm (1¾") of length.

**Armhole shaping:**
**Row 15 (RS):** BO 3 sts, knit to end. **17 sts.**
**Row 16 (WS):** BO 3 sts, purl to end. **14 sts.**

> ✅ *Stitch count check: 14 sts remaining after armhole shaping.*

**Rows 17–20:** Work 4 rows in St st.

**Strap divide (RS — Row 21):** k4, BO 6 sts, k4. **2 sets of 4 sts.** (You will have 4 sts on needle and 4 sts on a holder/spare yarn.)

**Working first strap (left strap):**
Work on the first 4 sts only.
**Rows 22–30:** Work 9 rows in St st on these 4 sts.
BO all 4 sts. Cut yarn.

**Rejoining for second strap (right strap):**
Rejoin DC yarn to the 4 remaining sts with RS facing.
**Rows 22–30:** Work 9 rows in St st on these 4 sts.
BO all 4 sts. Cut yarn.

**Make second bodice piece identically.**

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### PIECE 8: BODICE TRIM (Optional but recommended)

Using CC and 3.5mm needles, pick up and knit along the **cast-on edge** of each bodice piece (approx 20 sts). Knit 2 rows G st. BO. This creates a neat contrast trim at the waist join.

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### DRESS ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Join bodice front and back at sides.**
With RS together, sew bodice front to bodice back along the side edges from the underarm BO down to the waist. Leave the armhole openings and strap tops open.

**Step 2: Join skirt to bodice.**
With RS of skirt facing RS of bodice, align the top of the skirt (the 40-st waist edge, now reduced from 80 sts) with the cast-on edge of the bodice. The bodice (front + back combined) has **40 sts total at the waist** (20 front + 20 back). Pin and sew skirt to bodice using backstitch or mattress stitch, distributing gathers evenly all the way around.

> 💡 *The skirt tube has been seamed on one side, giving it 80 sts around, gathered down to 40 sts to match the 40-st bodice circumference. ✅ Maths checks out.*

**Step 3: Join shoulder straps.**
Cross the straps over the back (or leave straight for a traditional pinafore look) and sew the strap ends of the back bodice to the front bodice straps, overlapping by 2 rows. Or sew straps straight up — front strap to back strap on each side.

**Step 4: Trim the neckline/armholes (optional).**
Using CC and a 3.5mm needle, pick up approx 30 sts around each armhole or the neckline and work 2 rows G st. BO loosely. This tidies the raw edges and adds a decorative touch.

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### DRESS FINISHING

**Weave in all ends** on the dress before placing it on the bunny.

Block the dress lightly by **dampening** with cool water, shaping to measurements, and pinning flat until dry. Do not iron — gentle steam only if needed.

**To dress the bunny:** Slip the dress over the bunny's head and arrange the skirt. The dress is a permanent feature (not designed to be repeatedly removed) but can be taken off over the head carefully.

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### OPTIONAL ACCESSORY: BUNNY BOW TIE (Easter accent)

Using CC, CO **20 sts**. Work 4 rows G st. BO. Fold in half, pinch centre and wrap a small length of yarn around the middle 4–5 times, tie off tightly to form a bow. Sew to bunny's neck/chest.

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## FINISHING DETAILS & BLOCKING

**Bunny body:** Lightly **steam block** the finished bunny by holding a steam iron 3–5cm (1–2") above the surface. Do NOT press down. Fluff the bunny's fur texture back up after blocking.

**Clothes:** **Wet block** — dampen, pin to measurements, allow to dry flat.

**Weaving in ends:** Always weave in ends by threading the yarn tail through several stitches in different directions, then snip close to the fabric. On the toy body, weave ends into the stuffed interior wherever possible.

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

| Piece | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Body height | approx 9cm (3.5") |
| Head circumference | approx 13cm (5") |
| Ear length | approx 7cm (2.75") |
| Arm length | approx 6cm (2.4") |
| Leg length (inc. paw) | approx 7cm (2.8") |
| **Total bunny height (seated)** | **approx 20cm (8")** |
| Dress skirt circumference | approx 36cm (14") |
| Dress bodice width | approx 9cm (3.5") |

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## PATTERN NOTES FOR BEGINNERS

> **On tension:** Your knitting should feel firm and even. Loose tension creates gaps through which stuffing shows. If in doubt, go down half a needle size.

> **On stuffing:** Stuff gradually and firmly. Under-stuffed toys look floppy and shapeless. The head especially should feel quite hard and hold a perfect round shape.

> **On seaming:** Mattress stitch is invisible when done correctly — it is worth practising on a swatch. Always seam with the RS facing you on both pieces.

> **On sizing:** Your finished toy may be slightly larger or smaller than stated depending on your tension. This is fine for a toy — exact sizing is not critical.

> **On the flat vs. round method:** All pieces can be worked flat (on straight needles) by following the pattern exactly as written. If you wish to work in the round on DPNs, all rows become rounds and all purl rows become knit rounds. Seaming is eliminated.

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*Happy Knitting! 🐣 Wishing you a wonderful Easter with your hand-knitted bunny.*

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