purlJam

---

# EASTER RABBIT IN CASHMERE
### A Dressed Heirloom Knitted Toy

**Finished Size:** Approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall, standing, including ears
**Difficulty:** Intermediate
**Knitting Method:** Two straight needles throughout — all pieces knitted flat and seamed

---

## MATERIALS

### Yarn
| Yarn | Weight | Amount | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Yarn A** — Light brown cashmere or cashmere-blend, sport weight | Sport | 200 yds (183 m) | Rabbit body, head, ears, limbs |
| **Yarn B** — Pink cotton, sport weight | Sport | 50 yds (46 m) | Ear linings |
| **Yarn C** — Dress main color (suggested: soft lilac, rose, or ivory), sport weight | Sport | 250 yds (229 m) | Dress, bib pinafore |
| **Yarn D** — Cream or ecru, sport weight | Sport | 150 yds (137 m) | Lace petticoat, collar, shawl |
| **Yarn E** — Green, sport weight | Sport | 20 yds (18 m) | Leaf brooch, shawl fringe accent (optional) |
| **Yarn F** — Pink or rose, sport weight | Sport | 20 yds (18 m) | Flower brooch |

### Needles
- US 2 / 2.75 mm straight needles (two needles throughout — NO DPNs required)

### Notions
- Polyester toy stuffing
- 2 × 10 mm black safety eyes (or embroider with black yarn if making for a child under 3)
- Pink embroidery floss or yarn (for nose and mouth)
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- 5 × small buttons (approx ⅜ inch / 1 cm) for dress back
- 2 × small buttons or ribbon ties (approx ¼ inch) for bib pinafore
- Sewing needle and thread to match button color
- Approximately 18 inches (46 cm) of ¼-inch satin ribbon (optional: waistband tie on petticoat)
- Row counter (recommended)

---

## GAUGE

**7 stitches × 9 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm)** in stockinette stitch (St st) on US 2 / 2.75 mm needles with sport-weight yarn.

*Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size. Please swatch before beginning.*

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| St st | stockinette stitch (k RS rows, p WS rows) |
| g st | garter stitch (k every row) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| CO | cast on |
| BO | bind off |
| k2tog | knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| kfb | knit into front and back of stitch (increase) |
| yo | yarn over |
| rep | repeat |
| pm | place marker |
| sm | slip marker |
| rem | remaining |
| approx | approximately |
| beg | beginning |
| inc | increase |
| dec | decrease |
| LH | left-hand |
| RH | right-hand |
| WY | waste yarn |

---

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**I-cord (used for bib pinafore ties):**
Cast on 3 sts. *Without turning, slide sts to opposite end of needle, pull yarn firmly across back, k3; rep from * until cord is desired length. BO.

**Yarn-over buttonhole (1-row method):**
On a button band row: work to buttonhole position, yo, k2tog. Continue across row.

**Simple fringe:**
Cut yarn in lengths twice the desired fringe depth plus 1 inch (2.5 cm). Fold each length in half, insert folded loop through edge stitch with tapestry needle or crochet hook, draw ends through loop, and tighten.

---

## NOTES

- All pieces are knitted flat on two straight needles and seamed or gathered as described.
- The rabbit's body is worked in stockinette stitch with garter stitch details.
- Clothing items are knitted separately and dressed onto the finished rabbit.
- When working increases or decreases at the edges, keep the first and last stitch of every row as a selvedge (knit on both RS and WS) for cleaner seaming.
- Seam all body pieces using mattress stitch for an invisible join.
- Leave a stuffing gap in each seam as noted; stuff firmly before closing.

---

---

# PART ONE: THE RABBIT

---

## BODY

**Yarn A (light brown cashmere)**

The body is worked from the bottom upward.

**CO 28 sts.**

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

Work in St st until piece measures **3 inches (7.5 cm)** from CO edge, ending with a WS row.

*(You now have 28 sts and a piece measuring 3 inches / 7.5 cm — this forms the lower body.)*

### Increase for Tummy

**Row 1 (RS):** K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. [30 sts]
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 3:** K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. [32 sts]
**Row 4:** Purl.

Work even in St st for **6 rows** more, ending with a WS row.

*(You now have 32 sts. Piece measures approx 4 inches / 10 cm.)*

### Shape Shoulders

**Row 1 (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [30 sts]
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 3:** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [28 sts]
**Row 4:** Purl.
**Row 5:** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [26 sts]
**Row 6:** Purl.
**Row 7:** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [24 sts]
**Row 8:** Purl.

**BO all 24 sts** loosely.

Fold body piece in half lengthwise (RS together). Seam the side seam using mattress stitch, leaving the cast-on edge open for the base and a small gap at the top for the neck. Seam the bottom edge closed. Stuff body firmly. Close neck edge, leaving a small opening for attaching the head.

*(Finished body approx 4.5 inches / 11.5 cm tall, 4 inches / 10 cm wide at widest point.)*

---

## HEAD

**Yarn A**

The head is worked from the base of the neck upward.

**CO 24 sts.**

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

### Shape Lower Head

**Row 3 (RS):** K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. [26 sts]
**Row 4:** Purl.
**Row 5:** K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. [28 sts]
**Row 6:** Purl.
**Row 7:** K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. [30 sts]
**Row 8:** Purl.

Work even in St st for **8 rows**, ending with a WS row.

*(You now have 30 sts. Piece measures approx 2 inches / 5 cm.)*

### Shape Top of Head

**Row 1 (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [28 sts]
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 3:** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [26 sts]
**Row 4:** Purl.
**Row 5:** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [24 sts]
**Row 6:** Purl.
**Row 7:** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [22 sts]
**Row 8:** Purl.
**Row 9:** *K2tog; rep from * to end. [11 sts]
**Row 10:** Purl.
**Row 11:** *K2tog; rep from * to last st, k1. [6 sts]

Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch (30.5 cm) tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts on needle, pull gently to close top. Seam head (RS together, mattress stitch), leaving a small opening at cast-on edge. Stuff head firmly. Close opening and attach to top of body securely, stitching all the way around the neck for stability.

*(Finished head approx 2.75 inches / 7 cm tall, 2.5 inches / 6.5 cm wide.)*

---

## EARS — Make 2 (each ear has one outer piece and one lining)

### Outer Ear — Yarn A

**CO 8 sts.**

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

Rep Rows 1–2 (St st) until ear measures **2.5 inches (6.5 cm)** from CO edge, ending with a WS row.

### Shape Ear Tip

**Row 1 (RS):** K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. [6 sts]
**Row 2:** Purl.
**Row 3:** K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. [4 sts]
**Row 4:** Purl.
**Row 5:** Ssk, k2tog. [2 sts]
**Row 6:** P2tog. [1 st]

Cut yarn and pull through last stitch.

### Ear Lining — Yarn B (Pink Cotton)

Work exactly as Outer Ear above, using pink cotton yarn.

### Assembling the Ears

Place one outer ear and one lining piece together with WS facing each other (pink lining faces inward). Using Yarn A, whip stitch around the outer edges, leaving the cast-on (bottom) edge open. Turn under the cast-on edges slightly and stitch the ears firmly to the top of the head, slightly angled outward. The pink lining should face forward.

*(Each finished ear approx 3 inches / 7.5 cm tall including shaped tip.)*

---

## LEGS — Make 2

**Yarn A**

**CO 14 sts.**

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

Rep Rows 1–2 until piece measures **2.5 inches (6.5 cm)**, ending with a WS row.

### Shape Foot

**Row 1 (RS):** K1, kfb, k4, kfb, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. [18 sts]
**Row 2:** Purl.
**Row 3:** Knit.
**Row 4:** Purl.
**Row 5 (RS):** K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. [14 sts]
**Row 6:** Purl.
**Row 7:** K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. [10 sts]

**BO all 10 sts.**

Fold leg lengthwise, RS together. Seam the long side and around the foot, leaving the top edge open. Stuff firmly. Attach legs to base of body, pointing forward.

*(Each finished leg approx 3 inches / 7.5 cm long.)*

---

## ARMS — Make 2

**Yarn A**

**CO 10 sts.**

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

Rep Rows 1–2 until piece measures **2 inches (5 cm)**, ending with a WS row.

### Shape Paw

**Row 1 (RS):** K1, kfb, k3, kfb, kfb, k3, kfb, k1. [14 sts]

*(Note: if you prefer a simpler rounded paw, simply work 2 more rows even and then decrease as follows instead:)*

**Row 2:** Purl.
**Row 3:** K1, ssk, k3, k2tog, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1. [10 sts]
**Row 4:** Purl.
**Row 5:** K1, ssk, k1, k2tog, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. [6 sts]

**BO all 6 sts.**

Fold arm lengthwise, RS together. Seam along the long side and around paw end, leaving top open. Stuff lightly. Attach arms to sides of body at shoulder level.

*(Each finished arm approx 2.5 inches / 6.5 cm long.)*

---

## TAIL

**Yarn A**

**CO 10 sts.**

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 3:** K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. [12 sts]
**Row 4:** Purl.
**Row 5:** K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. [14 sts]
**Row 6:** Purl.
**Row 7:** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [12 sts]
**Row 8:** Purl.
**Row 9:** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [10 sts]
**Row 10:** *P2tog; rep from * to end. [5 sts]

Cut yarn, pull through remaining 5 sts, seam into a ball, stuff very lightly, and stitch to back of body at lower center.

---

## FACE EMBROIDERY

Using a blunt tapestry needle:

- **Eyes:** Attach safety eyes at approximately Row 6 from the top of the head shaping, spaced 10 sts apart (approx 1.5 inches / 4 cm). *If this rabbit is for a child under 3 years old, embroider eyes instead using black yarn and a satin stitch oval.*
- **Nose:** Using pink embroidery floss or a small length of pink yarn, embroider a small triangle at the center of the face, approximately 3 rows below the eyes.
- **Mouth:** Using pink floss, embroider a small curved smile below the nose in a "V" or gentle curve, approximately 2–3 rows below the nose.
- **Cheeks (optional):** Using a tiny amount of pink yarn, make 2–3 small parallel straight stitches on each cheek for a rosy look.

---

### RABBIT ASSEMBLY CHECK

At this point your rabbit should measure approximately:
- **Total height (legs to ear tips):** 12 inches (30.5 cm) ✓
  - Legs: 3 in (7.5 cm)
  - Body: 4.5 in (11.5 cm)
  - Head: 2.75 in (7 cm)
  - Ears: 3 in (7.5 cm) — overlapping slightly at base with head
  - *Total standing height with slight leg bend: approx 12 inches*

Set rabbit aside and knit all clothing pieces.

---

---

# PART TWO: THE CLOTHING

---

## GARMENT 1: THE DRESS

*The dress is worked in two pieces: Bodice and Skirt. The back has two button bands and 5 buttons. The collar is knitted separately (see Garment 5).*

**Yarn C (dress main color)**

---

### DRESS — FRONT BODICE

**CO 22 sts.**

**Row 1 (RS):** K2 (selvedge), p1, k1, rep from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1. *(Moss/seed stitch for decorative bodice — adjust if you prefer plain St st.)*

Actually, work the bodice as follows for a neat fabric:

**Row 1 (RS):** K2 (selvedge), k18, k2 (selvedge). [22 sts]
**Row 2 (WS):** K2, p18, k2.

Rep Rows 1–2 (St st with 2-st garter selvedge on each edge) until front bodice measures **2.25 inches (5.5 cm)**, ending with a WS row.

### Shape Front Neckline

**Row 1 (RS):** K2, k6, BO center 6 sts, k6, k2. [Two sections of 8 sts each]

Work each shoulder separately:

**Right Front Shoulder (8 sts):**
**Row 1 (WS):** K2, p4, p2tog. [7 sts]
**Row 2 (RS):** Ssk, k3, k2. [6 sts]
**BO 6 sts.**

**Left Front Shoulder (8 sts):**
Rejoin yarn at neck edge.
**Row 1 (WS):** P2tog, p4, k2. [7 sts]
**Row 2 (RS):** K2, k3, k2tog. [6 sts]
**BO 6 sts.**

---

### DRESS — BACK BODICE (Make 2 halves)

Each back half is worked separately to create the button-band opening.

**CO 13 sts** for each back half.

**Left Back Half:**
**Row 1 (RS):** Knit to last 3 sts, k3 (button band). [13 sts]
**Row 2 (WS):** K3 (button band), purl to end.

Rep Rows 1–2 until piece measures **1.5 inches (4 cm)** from CO edge, ending with a WS row.

**Button Band Rows (Right side back — 3 buttonholes spaced evenly):**
Make buttonholes on the left back button band as follows:

**Buttonhole Row (RS):** K1, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k1. 

*(This places 3 buttonholes along the 13-st back half for the upper portion of the dress. Two additional buttonholes are worked in the skirt extension — see below.)*

Continue working even until back half measures **2.25 inches (5.5 cm)**, ending with a WS row.

**Shape Back Neckline:**
**Row 1 (RS):** Work to last 5 sts, BO 5 sts (neck edge), k0. [8 sts for shoulder]
Purl 1 row.
**Row 1 (RS):** Ssk, knit to end. [7 sts]
**BO 7 sts.**

Work **Right Back Half** identically, reversing all shaping and placing button loops (the right back band is plain; buttonholes are placed on the LEFT back band only).

**Seam shoulder seams** of front and back bodice pieces together (3 seam points on each side).

*(Bodice measures approx 2.25 inches / 5.5 cm in length with a neck opening and armhole openings on each side. Armholes are left open as the rabbit's arms slip through.)*

---

### DRESS — SKIRT

The skirt is worked in one piece, beginning at the waist, and is gathered onto the bodice waist edge.

**CO 90 sts.**

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit (turning ridge for waistband).
**Row 2 (WS):** Knit (g st waistband).
**Row 3 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 4:** Purl.

Work even in St st until skirt measures **4 inches (10 cm)** from waistband turning ridge, ending with a WS row.

### Add Decorative Hem Border

Work **6 rows** of g st (knit every row) for a neat hem border.

**BO all 90 sts** loosely.

*(Finished skirt measures approx 4.75 inches / 12 cm long including waistband and hem border.)*

**Back Opening of Skirt:**
The skirt is worked as a flat piece. The back center opening is formed by the two ends of the skirt meeting at center back, with button band extensions as follows:

On the RIGHT end of the skirt piece (RS facing):
Pick up and knit 3 sts along the short side edge of the skirt. Work 4 rows of g st. BO. This is the plain band.

On the LEFT end of the skirt piece:
Pick up and knit 3 sts along the short side edge. Work 2 rows of g st.
**Row 3 (RS):** K1, yo, k2tog (2 buttonholes spaced along this edge).
Work 1 more row of g st. BO.

*(Total buttons on dress: 3 at bodice + 2 at skirt back = 5 buttons total ✓)*

**Attaching Skirt to Bodice:**
With RS facing, gather the 90-st waist edge of the skirt evenly to fit the 22-st waist of the bodice (approx 4:1 gathering ratio — standard for full skirts on soft toys). Pin and stitch in place using a backstitch or mattress stitch, distributing gathers evenly.

Attach buttons to the RIGHT back band corresponding to the buttonhole positions.

---

## GARMENT 2: THE LACE PETTICOAT

*Worn under the dress, the lace hem peeks out from beneath the dress hem.*

**Yarn D (cream/ecru sport weight)**

The petticoat is knitted from the hem upward. The lace hem border is worked first, then the skirt body is worked in plain St st up to a simple waistband.

### Lace Stitch Pattern (6-stitch repeat + 0 edge sts)

**Row 1 (RS):** *K1, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog; rep from * to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 3 (RS):** *Yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, k1; rep from * to end.
**Row 4 (WS):** Purl.

These 4 rows form the lace pattern repeat.

### Working the Petticoat

**CO 90 sts.** *(90 ÷ 6 = 15 repeats ✓)*

Work **Rows 1–4 of Lace Pattern** a total of **4 times** (= 16 rows of lace hem).

*(Lace section measures approx 1.75 inches / 4.5 cm.)*

**Change to St st (k RS, p WS):**
Work even until piece measures **4.5 inches (11.5 cm)** from CO edge, ending with a WS row.

### Waistband

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit (turning ridge).
**Row 2 (WS):** Knit.
**Row 3:** Knit.
**Row 4:** Purl.
**Row 5:** Knit.
**Row 6:** Purl.

**BO all 90 sts** loosely.

Fold waistband along turning ridge (Row 1) to WS and slip stitch down, leaving a small opening to thread ribbon through. Thread satin ribbon through waistband as drawstring tie.

Seam center back of petticoat, leaving a 1.5-inch (4 cm) gap at the top for easy dressing. Slip petticoat onto rabbit under the dress so that the lace edge peeks out approx ½ inch (1.5 cm) below the dress hem.

*(Finished petticoat approx 5 inches / 12.5 cm long — slightly longer than dress to allow lace hem to show.)*

---

## GARMENT 3: THE SHAWL WITH FRINGE

*A triangular shawl in a simple eyelet pattern, worked from the top point downward, with knotted fringe along the lower two edges.*

**Yarn D (cream/ecru)**

The shawl is worked as a triangle: begin with 3 stitches and increase every RS row.

### Shawl Stitch Pattern

**Set-up Row (RS):** CO 3 sts. K3.
**Row 1 (WS):** K1, p1, k1.
**Row 2 (RS — increase row):** K1, kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. [+2 sts every RS row]
**Row 3 (WS):** K1, p to last st, k1.

Rep Rows 2–3 until you have **61 sts** (29 increase rows from the original 3 sts).

*(At 61 sts, shawl wingspan approx 8.5 inches / 21.5 cm; depth approx 4 inches / 10 cm — proportionate to a 12-inch rabbit.)*

### Eyelet Row (Decorative Edge)

When 61 sts are on needle, work one eyelet row:

**Eyelet Row (RS):** K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, yo, k2. [Stitch count remains 61 sts — note: the final yo creates an extra st, adjust: work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Total remains 61 sts ✓]*

*(More precisely: K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. [61 sts — each yo replaces the consumed stitch, net count remains 61 ✓])*

**Next Row (WS):** K1, p to last st, k1.
**Next Row (RS):** Knit.
**Next Row (WS):** Knit (g st turning ridge for border).
Work 2 more rows of g st.
**BO all 61 sts** loosely.

### Add Fringe

Cut Yarn D into lengths of **5 inches (12.5 cm)**. Attach fringe to every other stitch along both slanted side edges of the shawl (the two increase edges) and along the bound-off bottom edge, using the simple fringe method described above. Each fringe knot uses 2 strands of yarn folded in half. Trim fringe evenly to approximately **1.5 inches (4 cm)** after attaching.

Dress shawl around rabbit's shoulders. The shawl is held at center front with the knitted flower brooch (see Garment 6).

---

## GARMENT 4: THE BIB PINAFORE

*A sweet knitted bib pinafore worn over the dress, with a bib at the front and a gathered skirt section, tied at the back with I-cord ties.*

**Yarn C (dress main color) — or use a contrast color for the pinafore if desired**

### Bib Section

**CO 18 sts.**

**Row 1 (RS):** K2, *p1, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. *(Moss/seed center with garter borders)*
**Row 2 (WS):** K2, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

Rep Rows 1–2 until bib measures **1.75 inches (4.5 cm)**, ending with a WS row.

*(You now have 18 sts and a bib approx 1.75 inches / 4.5 cm tall.)*

### Bib Neck Shaping

**Row 1 (RS):** K2, p1, k1, BO center 8 sts in pattern, k1, p1, k2. [Two shoulder straps of 5 sts each]

**Shoulder Strap (work each separately):**
Each strap: 5 sts.
Work in established moss/seed pattern for **1.5 inches (4 cm)** more (these straps go over the rabbit's shoulders to the back).
**BO all 5 sts** in pattern.

### Pinafore Skirt

**CO 54 sts.**

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

Work even in St st for **1.75 inches (4.5 cm)**, ending with a WS row.

*(The pinafore skirt is shorter than the dress, sitting at approximately knee level on the rabbit.)*

### Pinafore Skirt Hem

Work 4 rows of g st. **BO all 54 sts** loosely.

### Waistband of Pinafore

**CO 54 sts** for skirt waistband. Gather top edge of skirt to fit bib waist, then work as follows:

On the **54-st** cast-on row of skirt (the waist edge), pick up and knit along the top edge after gathering, OR simply seam the gathered skirt to the bottom edge of the bib.

*Alternatively:* Pick up and knit 18 sts evenly across the top gathered edge of the 54-st skirt. Work 4 rows of g st. BO. Seam this gathered waistband edge to the bottom of the bib.

### Back Ties (I-cord method)

Make 2 I-cords as follows:

**CO 3 sts.** Work I-cord (see Special Techniques) for **5 inches (12.5 cm)**. BO.

Attach one I-cord to each back side edge of the pinafore skirt waist. Tie in a bow at center back.

*(Alternatively, use a 10-inch / 25.5 cm length of ribbon for each tie.)*

### Pinafore Assembly

- Seam center back of skirt (leaving a 1-inch / 2.5 cm gap at top for ease).
- Attach bib to front of skirt, centered.
- Shoulder straps cross at back and attach to back waistband of skirt, one on each side.
- Dress pinafore over the rabbit's dress, tying I-cords at back.

---

## GARMENT 5: THE COLLAR

*A sweet lace-edged collar knitted flat and seamed at center back, lying over the neckline of the dress.*

**Yarn D (cream/ecru)**

**CO 72 sts.**

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 3 (RS):** K1, *yo, k2tog, k4; rep from * to last 5 sts, yo, k2tog, k3. [72 sts — yarnover increases balanced by k2tog decreases; stitch count remains 72 ✓]*
**Row 4 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 5 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 6 (WS):** Knit (turning ridge for scalloped border).

### Scalloped Lower Edge

**Row 7 (RS):** *K6, turn, p6, turn, BO 6 sts; rep from * to end.

*(This creates a pretty scalloped picot effect along the lower edge of the collar.)*

### Collar Neckband

Return to cast-on edge. With RS facing, pick up and knit 1 st for every cast-on stitch (72 sts). Work 3 rows of g st. BO loosely.

The two short ends of the collar meet at center back. Overlap the neckband edges slightly and use a single small button to fasten, OR simply stitch together with a few stitches.

Place collar around the rabbit's neck, over the dress neckline.

*(Finished collar: approx 10 inches / 25.5 cm around the neckline edge, with a lace lower edge approx 0.75 inches / 2 cm deep.)*

---

## GARMENT 6: THE FLOWER AND LEAF BROOCH

*A small knitted flower with one leaf, used to hold the shawl closed at the front.*

### Flower Petals — Yarn F (Pink/Rose)

**CO 40 sts.**

**Row 1 (RS):** *K1, BO 6 sts (by knitting each st and passing prev st over); rep from * to end.

*(You will have approximately 6 petal loops remaining as you work each section of 6 sts off the needle — this creates a ruffle of petal loops. If this method feels complex, use the following simpler version:)*

**Simple Flower Method:**

**CO 6 sts.**

**Row 1 (RS):** *K1, turn. P1, turn.* Work this tiny single-stitch tab 6 rows, then k6 across all sts (this forms one petal). Repeat from * for each petal, casting on 6 sts freshly each time, for a total of 5 petals.

**OR** — Easiest method:

**CO 30 sts.** 
**Row 1 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 3:** K1, *k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1. [16 sts]
**Row 4:** Purl.
**Row 5:** K1, *k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1. [9 sts]

Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch (30.5 cm) tail. Thread tail through 9 remaining sts, draw up tightly to form a circle, and seam the two short ends together. The gathered circle forms a ruffled flower. Pull center tighter if needed and secure with a few sts. Add a French knot in yellow yarn at center of flower if desired.

### Leaf — Yarn E (Green)

**CO 3 sts.**

**Row 1 (RS):** K1, kfb, k1. [4 sts]
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 3:** K1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1. [6 sts]

*(Note: k1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1 = 5 original sts... let's be precise:)*

**CO 3 sts.**
**Row 1 (RS):** Kfb, k1, kfb. [5 sts]
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 3 (RS):** Kfb, k3, kfb. [7 sts]
**Row 4 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 5 (RS):** Knit.
**Row 6 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 7 (RS):** Ssk, k3, k2tog. [5 sts]
**Row 8 (WS):** Purl.
**Row 9 (RS):** Ssk, k1, k2tog. [3 sts]
**Row 10 (WS):** P3tog. [1 st]

Cut yarn and pull through last st. Leaf is complete.

### Brooch Assembly

Stitch the leaf slightly behind and beneath the flower. Using a length of matching yarn or a small safety pin hidden on the back, attach the flower-and-leaf brooch to the center front of the shawl where the two front edges meet, holding the shawl closed.

---

---

# PART THREE: FINISHING

---

## BLOCKING

- Lightly steam block or wet block all clothing pieces before dressing the rabbit. This is especially important for the lace petticoat and collar.
- Do not steam the cashmere rabbit body directly; instead, gently smooth pieces with damp hands and allow to air dry.
- The shawl may be pinned out to open up the lace/eyelet rows while blocking.

## DRESSING THE RABBIT

1. Slide the **petticoat** onto the rabbit first. Tie the ribbon drawstring in a bow at center back.
2. Dress the **back bodice** onto the rabbit, slipping arms through armholes.
3. Button the **back opening** of the dress from the top down, using the button band.
4. Settle the **collar** around the neckline and fasten at back.
5. Place the **shawl** around the shoulders and fasten with the **flower brooch** at center front.
6. Dress the **bib pinafore** over the top, tying the I-cord bows at center back.
7. Adjust all layers so that the lace petticoat hem peeks out prettily below the dress hem.

---

## MEASUREMENTS SUMMARY

| Piece | Finished Measurement |
|---|---|
| Body | 4.5 in (11.5 cm) tall |
| Head | 2.75 in (7 cm) tall |
| Ears | 3 in (7.5 cm) tall |
| Legs | 3 in (7.5 cm) long |
| Arms | 2.5 in (6.5 cm) long |
| **Total rabbit height** | **~12 in (30.5 cm)** |
| Dress length (bodice + skirt) | ~7 in (17.75 cm) |
| Petticoat length | ~5 in (12.5 cm) |
| Shawl wingspan | ~8.5 in (21.5 cm) |
| Collar circumference | ~10 in (25.5 cm) |
| Bib pinafore (bib + skirt) | ~3.5 in (9 cm) |

---

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash gently in cool water using a wool/cashmere-safe soap. Reshape and lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry. The pink cotton ear linings may be hand washed in the same manner.

---

## DESIGNER'S NOTES

*This pattern is designed as a display piece or gift for older children and adults. If making for a child under 36 months, please embroider all facial features rather than using safety eyes, and ensure all buttons are very firmly sewn and checked regularly. For very young children, consider replacing the small flower brooch with an embroidered flower sewn directly to the shawl.*

---

*Pattern designed for intermediate knitters. All pieces are worked flat on two straight needles — no circular needles or double-pointed needles are required. Happy knitting! 🐰*

---