purlJam

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# 🐰 Easter Bunny with Dress & Hat
### Hand Knitting Pattern | DK Weight | Straight Needles | Beginner

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## PATTERN OVERVIEW

**Description:** A sweet seated Easter bunny with upright ears, wearing a simple A-line dress and a tiny hat. All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles, seamed, and stuffed. The dress and hat are removable.

**Finished Size:** Approx 20cm (8in) tall seated, excluding ears. Ears add approx 8cm (3in).

**Difficulty:** Beginner

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## MATERIALS

| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Yarn A (Main – bunny body) | DK weight, approx 100g / 220m (e.g., white, cream, or grey) |
| Yarn B (Dress) | DK weight, approx 50g / 110m (e.g., pastel pink, lilac, or yellow) |
| Yarn C (Hat) | DK weight, approx 25g / 55m (same as Yarn B or contrast) |
| Yarn D (Inner ear, optional) | DK weight, small amount in pink |
| Needles | 4mm (US 6) straight needles |
| Stuffing | Polyester toy stuffing, approx 80–100g |
| Eyes | 2 × 9mm safety eyes (NOT suitable for children under 3 — embroider instead) |
| Notions | Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, pins |
| Optional | Pink embroidery floss for nose and cheeks |

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## GAUGE

**22 sts × 30 rows = 10cm (4in) in Stockinette Stitch (St st) on 4mm needles**

> ⚠️ **CHECK YOUR GAUGE.** Knit a 15cm swatch and measure the centre 10cm. If you have more stitches than stated, go up a needle size. If fewer, go down a needle size. Correct gauge ensures all pieces assemble proportionately.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CO | Cast on |
| BO | Bind off |
| St st | Stockinette stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) |
| G st | Garter stitch (knit every row) |
| k | Knit |
| p | Purl |
| k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| ssk | Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| kfb | Knit into front and back of stitch (increase) |
| RS | Right side |
| WS | Wrong side |
| pm | Place marker |
| rem | Remaining |
| rep | Repeat |
| approx | Approximately |
| [ ] | Work instructions in brackets the number of times stated |

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## CONSTRUCTION NOTES

- All pieces are worked **flat** on straight needles (back and forth).
- Pieces are seamed using **mattress stitch** for side seams and **whip stitch** for joining tops and bottoms.
- Leave a long tail when casting on and binding off — these tails are used for seaming.
- The **dress slips over the bunny's head** and is not seamed to the body, making it removable.
- The **hat sits on top of the head** between the ears and is lightly tacked in place if desired.
- RS = the knit (smooth) side of stockinette unless otherwise stated.

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## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

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### PART 1: BUNNY BODY

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

Using Yarn A and 4mm needles, CO 24 sts.

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit across. *(24 sts)*
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl across. *(24 sts)*

Work in St st (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) for **30 rows total** (ending after a WS row).

*[Inline check: 30 rows × (10cm/30 rows gauge) = 10cm body height ✅]*

**Shape top:**

**Row 31 (RS):** k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(22 sts)*
**Row 32 (WS):** Purl. *(22 sts)*
**Row 33 (RS):** k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(20 sts)*
**Row 34 (WS):** Purl. *(20 sts)*

BO all 20 sts loosely.

> 💡 **Beginner tip:** Mark the RS of your work with a small piece of contrasting yarn tied loosely around a stitch — this helps you keep track of which side is which.

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### PART 2: BUNNY HEAD

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

Using Yarn A and 4mm needles, CO 20 sts.

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit. *(20 sts)*
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl. *(20 sts)*

Work in St st for **18 rows total** (ending after a WS row).

*[Inline check: 18 rows = approx 6cm, plus shaping rows = approx 8cm total head height ✅]*

**Shape top:**

**Row 19 (RS):** k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(18 sts)*
**Row 20 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 21 (RS):** k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(16 sts)*
**Row 22 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 23 (RS):** k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(14 sts)*
**Row 24 (WS):** Purl.

BO all 14 sts loosely.

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### PART 3: BUNNY LEGS

**Make 4 pieces (2 legs × 2 sides each)**

Using Yarn A and 4mm needles, CO 12 sts.

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit. *(12 sts)*
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl. *(12 sts)*

Work in St st for **20 rows total** (ending after a WS row).

*[Inline check: 12 sts = approx 5.5cm wide; 20 rows = approx 6.7cm tall ✅]*

**Shape top:**

**Row 21 (RS):** k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(10 sts)*
**Row 22 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 23 (RS):** k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(8 sts)*
**Row 24 (WS):** Purl.

BO all 8 sts.

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### PART 4: BUNNY ARMS

**Make 4 pieces (2 arms × 2 sides each)**

Using Yarn A and 4mm needles, CO 8 sts.

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit. *(8 sts)*
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl. *(8 sts)*

Work in St st for **16 rows total** (ending after a WS row).

*[Inline check: 8 sts = approx 3.6cm wide; 16 rows = approx 5.3cm tall ✅]*

**Shape top:**

**Row 17 (RS):** k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. *(6 sts)*
**Row 18 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 19 (RS):** k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. *(4 sts)*
**Row 20 (WS):** Purl.

BO all 4 sts.

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### PART 5: UPRIGHT EARS

**Make 4 pieces (2 ears × 2 sides each)**

> The ears are worked as paired flat pieces then seamed, giving them structure to stand upright.

**Outer ear (Make 2) — Yarn A:**

Using Yarn A and 4mm needles, CO 6 sts.

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit. *(6 sts)*
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl. *(6 sts)*

Work in St st for **22 rows total** (ending after a WS row).

*[Inline check: 22 rows = approx 7.3cm + shaping = approx 8cm ear height ✅]*

**Shape ear tip:**

**Row 23 (RS):** k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. *(4 sts)*
**Row 24 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 25 (RS):** ssk, k2tog. *(2 sts)*
**Row 26 (WS):** p2tog. *(1 st)*

Cut yarn and pull tail through remaining stitch to fasten off.

**Inner ear (Make 2) — Yarn D (pink) or Yarn A:**

Work exactly as outer ear. If using Yarn D, the inner ear will show as a contrasting pink lining once assembled.

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### PART 6: TAIL

**Make 1 — Yarn A:**

Using Yarn A and 4mm needles, CO 10 sts.

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit. *(10 sts)*
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl. *(10 sts)*

Work in St st for **8 rows total.**

**Row 9 (RS):** k1, [k2tog] 4 times, k1. *(6 sts)*
**Row 10 (WS):** [p2tog] 3 times. *(3 sts)*

Cut yarn leaving a 30cm tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle, draw through remaining 3 sts, pull tight. Use tail to seam the short side edges together to form a small puff. Stuff lightly before closing fully.

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### PART 7: DRESS

The dress is knitted in two sections: **Skirt** (worked from hem upward) and **Bodice** (continued from skirt).

#### DRESS SKIRT

Using Yarn B and 4mm needles, CO 60 sts.

**Rows 1–4:** Work in G st (knit every row). *This creates the hem border.*

**Row 5 (RS):** Knit. *(60 sts)*
**Row 6 (WS):** Purl. *(60 sts)*

Continue in St st for **26 rows total** from cast-on (ending after a WS row — Row 26).

*[Inline check: 60 sts = approx 27cm circumference; 26 rows from CO = approx 8.7cm skirt length ✅]*

#### DRESS SKIRT DECREASE

**Row 27 (RS):** [k4, k2tog] 10 times. *(50 sts)*
**Row 28 (WS):** Purl. *(50 sts)*
**Row 29 (RS):** [k3, k2tog] 10 times. *(40 sts)*
**Row 30 (WS):** Purl. *(40 sts)*

*[Inline check: 60 → 50 → 40 sts ✅ Each decrease round removes 10 sts ✅]*

#### DRESS BODICE

Continue on 40 sts.

**Row 31–34:** Work in St st for 4 rows.

**Divide for back opening (Row 35):**

> The dress has a simple centre-back split to allow it to fit over the bunny's head. We work the back as two separate halves.

> **Note:** From here, the dress back is worked as two separate halves (20 sts each) and the dress front continues as one piece (this is a simplified construction — the "back" is the centre-back split, so you work: Right back 20 sts, then rejoin for the front, which wraps around). For a beginner-friendly version, follow the instructions below carefully.

**Simpler bodice method (fully flat, with centre-back seam left open for 6cm):**

Continue working all 40 sts flat in St st.

**Rows 35–46:** Work in St st for 12 more rows (ending after a WS row — Row 46 from skirt start).

*[Total bodice height: rows 31–46 = 16 rows = approx 5.3cm ✅]*

**Shape shoulders:**

**Row 47 (RS):** k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(38 sts)*
**Row 48 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 49 (RS):** k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. *(36 sts)*
**Row 50 (WS):** Purl.

BO all 36 sts.

#### DRESS NECKLINE FINISHING

Using tapestry needle and Yarn B, work a running stitch along the bound-off edge and pull gently to gather slightly, creating a neat neckline opening. Fasten off.

#### DRESS ASSEMBLY

- Fold the dress piece RS together lengthwise (so the 60 CO-edge hem forms the bottom circle).
- Seam the **side edge** from hem to 6cm below the bound-off shoulder edge using mattress stitch.
- Leave the top **6cm open** at centre back — this is the back opening through which the bunny's head passes.
- Turn RS out.

> 💡 **Fit note:** Before finishing the back seam, slip the dress over the assembled bunny body to check fit. Adjust the open seam length if needed.

#### OPTIONAL DRESS TRIM

Using Yarn C or a contrast colour, work a single row of slip-stitch crochet (or a hand-sewn running stitch) along the neckline and hem for a decorative border.

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### PART 8: HAT

The hat is worked flat and seamed up the back.

#### HAT BRIM

Using Yarn C (or Yarn B) and 4mm needles, CO 36 sts.

**Rows 1–4:** Work in G st (knit every row) for the brim.

*[Inline check: 36 sts = approx 16.4cm circumference; bunny head = approx 9cm wide × 8cm tall, circumference approx 17cm — hat sits snugly ✅]*

#### HAT BODY

**Row 5 (RS):** Knit. *(36 sts)*
**Row 6 (WS):** Purl. *(36 sts)*

Work in St st for **14 rows total** from cast-on (ending after a WS row — Row 14).

*[Inline check: 14 rows = approx 4.7cm hat height ✅]*

#### HAT CROWN DECREASES

**Row 15 (RS):** [k4, k2tog] 6 times. *(30 sts)*
**Row 16 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 17 (RS):** [k3, k2tog] 6 times. *(24 sts)*
**Row 18 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 19 (RS):** [k2, k2tog] 6 times. *(18 sts)*
**Row 20 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 21 (RS):** [k1, k2tog] 6 times. *(12 sts)*
**Row 22 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 23 (RS):** [k2tog] 6 times. *(6 sts)*

*[Inline check: 36 → 30 → 24 → 18 → 12 → 6 sts. Each RS decrease row reduces by 6 sts. 5 decrease rows × 6 sts = 30 sts reduced. 36 − 30 = 6 sts remaining ✅]*

Cut yarn leaving a 30cm tail. Thread tail onto tapestry needle, draw through remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close crown. Seam the short back edges together using mattress stitch.

#### OPTIONAL HAT TRIM

Using Yarn A or contrast colour, make a small pompom (wrap yarn 30 times around 2 fingers, tie off centre, cut loops) and sew to the crown of the hat.

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## PART 9: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

> Assemble in this order: legs → body → head → arms → ears → tail → dress → hat.

### STEP 1: ASSEMBLE LEGS (Make 2)

1. Take 2 leg pieces (one front, one back).
2. Place RS together, pin edges.
3. Using mattress stitch (or whip stitch on WS), seam around the **sides and bottom**, leaving the **top edge open**.
4. Turn RS out.
5. Stuff firmly with polyester stuffing to approx 2cm from the top.
6. Repeat for second leg.

*[Inline check: Leg = approx 5.5cm wide × 6.7cm tall before shaping ✅]*

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### STEP 2: ASSEMBLE BODY

1. Take the 2 body pieces.
2. Place RS together, pin edges.
3. Seam around the **sides and bottom**, leaving the **top edge open**.
4. Insert the **top (open) edge of each leg** into the bottom of the body opening, approx 3cm apart (centred). Legs face forward.
5. Sew legs firmly to the bottom edge of the body from the inside.
6. Turn body RS out through the top opening.
7. Stuff body firmly.
8. Close the top opening by folding the raw edges inward by approx 1cm and seaming closed with mattress stitch.

*[Inline check: Body = approx 11cm wide × 10cm tall ✅]*

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### STEP 3: ASSEMBLE HEAD

1. Take the 2 head pieces.
2. **Before seaming:** Position and attach safety eyes now (if using).
   - On the **head front** piece, attach eyes approx 4cm from the cast-on edge (bottom) and 2cm in from each side edge.
   - Press the washers on firmly from the WS.
   - > ⚠️ **Safety Warning:** Safety eyes are a choking hazard. For toys intended for children under 3, embroider eyes instead using satin stitch in black or brown yarn.
3. Place head front and back RS together, pin edges.
4. Seam around the **sides and top**, leaving the **bottom edge open**.
5. Turn RS out.
6. Stuff head firmly, shaping it into a rounded form.
7. Close bottom opening by folding raw edges inward 1cm and seaming closed.

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### STEP 4: ATTACH HEAD TO BODY

1. Position the head centred on top of the body.
2. Using Yarn A and tapestry needle, sew the head to the body with a firm whip stitch all the way around the join.
3. Go around twice for security.

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### STEP 5: ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH ARMS (Make 2)

1. Take 2 arm pieces (one front, one back).
2. Place RS together, seam around **sides and bottom**, leaving **top open**.
3. Turn RS out. Stuff lightly (arms should be slightly floppy for a soft look).
4. Close top opening by folding raw edges inward and seaming.
5. Position arms on either side of the body, approx 1cm below the head join.
6. Sew arms firmly to body sides using whip stitch.

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### STEP 6: ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH EARS (Make 2)

1. Take 1 outer ear piece (Yarn A) and 1 inner ear piece (Yarn D/pink or Yarn A).
2. Place **WS together** (so both RS face outward — this is different from other pieces).
3. Using matching yarn, whip stitch around the **sides and tip**, leaving the **cast-on edge (base) open**.
4. Do **not** stuff ears — they should remain flat.
5. Pinch the base of the ear lightly to create a small gather (approx 3–4mm pleat), which helps the ear stand upright.
6. Position ears on top of the head, approx 2cm apart and 1cm in from each side of the head top.
7. Sew each ear base firmly to the head using whip stitch, going around the base twice.
8. > 💡 **Ears up tip:** Add a small tack stitch from the base of each ear to the head at the front and back of the ear base. This prevents flopping and keeps ears upright.

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### STEP 7: ATTACH TAIL

1. Position the stuffed tail puff at the centre back of the body, approx 1cm from the base.
2. Sew firmly in place using whip stitch all around.

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### STEP 8: EMBROIDER FACE

Using pink or black embroidery floss or a small length of DK yarn:

- **Nose:** Work a small triangle of satin stitch approx 1cm below the eye line at the centre front of the head.
- **Mouth:** From the base of the nose, work 2 short straight stitches downward and outward at a slight angle to form a "V" smile.
- **Optional blush cheeks:** Using pink floss, work a small circle of satin stitch on each cheek.

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### STEP 9: DRESS THE BUNNY

1. Slip the completed **dress** over the bunny's head.
2. Arrange the skirt over the legs.
3. The centre-back opening allows the dress to sit neatly. Pin the back opening edges together and either:
   - **Leave open** (easy removal), or
   - **Tack closed** with 2–3 small stitches.

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### STEP 10: HAT

1. Place the hat on the bunny's head, positioned between the ears, tilted slightly to one side if desired for a jaunty look.
2. Tack the hat to the head at 2 points (front and back) with small stitches in Yarn C to prevent it falling off.

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## FINISHING

- Weave in all yarn ends securely using a tapestry needle. Run ends back through at least 3cm of stitches before trimming.
- Trim any excess yarn tails flush with the fabric surface.
- If the bunny is for display only (not for a child), you may lightly steam-block the dress and hat using a steam iron held 2cm above the surface to remove any curling edges.
- For a toy that will be handled frequently, avoid steam-blocking the stuffed body sections.

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## PATTERN SCHEMATIC

```
         ___
        /   \      ← Ear (8cm tall, upright)
       |     |
  _____|_____|_____
 |                 |
 |      HEAD       |  ← approx 9cm wide × 8cm tall
 |_________________|
       |   |
  _____|   |_____
 |                |
 |      BODY      |  ← approx 11cm wide × 10cm tall
 |________________|
      |       |
   [LEG]   [LEG]       ← each approx 5.5cm wide × 6.7cm tall

[ARM]           [ARM]  ← each approx 3.6cm wide × 5.3cm tall
                       (positioned at sides of body)
           [●]         ← Tail (centre back)
```

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## YARN QUANTITIES SUMMARY

| Yarn | Amount Needed |
|---|---|
| Yarn A (bunny body, white/cream) | ~100g / ~220m |
| Yarn B (dress) | ~50g / ~110m |
| Yarn C (hat) | ~25g / ~55m |
| Yarn D (inner ear, optional pink) | ~5g / ~11m |

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## QUICK REFERENCE: PIECE COUNT

| Piece | Number of Pieces |
|---|---|
| Body | 2 |
| Head | 2 |
| Leg | 4 (2 per leg) |
| Arm | 4 (2 per arm) |
| Outer ear | 2 |
| Inner ear | 2 |
| Tail | 1 |
| Dress | 1 |
| Hat | 1 |
| **TOTAL** | **19 pieces** |

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## PATTERN NOTES FOR BEGINNERS

> **Mattress stitch:** Worked on RS facing, insert needle between the first and second stitch of each edge, alternating sides to create an almost invisible seam. Pull snugly but not tightly after every few passes.

> **Whip stitch:** Worked from the outside or inside, pass needle through both fabric layers, bringing yarn over the edge at a consistent angle. Best for closing openings and attaching flat pieces.

> **Reading your knitting:** On stockinette, the RS shows "V" shaped stitches (knit side). The WS shows bumpy purl stitches. Identify your RS early and mark it.

> **Tension as you stuff:** Add stuffing in small amounts, checking shape as you go. A well-stuffed toy should feel firm but yield slightly when squeezed — not rock-hard or floppy.

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*Pattern designed for personal use. Please do not reproduce or sell this pattern. Handmade items from this pattern may be sold at craft fairs or gifted.*

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