Backpacking Bunny & White Rabbit

Backpacking Bunny & White Rabbit by Rian Anderson

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern by Rian Anderson offers two charming toy designs: a short Backpacking Bunny standing 22 cm (8.5 inches) tall, and a tall White Rabbit reaching 26 cm (10 inches) in height—both measurements excluding the 8 cm (3 inch) ears. The Backpacking Bunny features a functional backpack perfect for holding Easter eggs or small gifts, while the White Rabbit is dressed in a waistcoat and carries a watch. The pattern encourages creative flexibility, allowing knitters to swap accessories between the two sizes or customize their creations.

Craft and Techniques

This is an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for crafters with foundational knitting skills. The pattern uses fundamental knitting techniques including stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which forms the smooth fabric base of both toys. Stocking stitch is created by knitting all right-side rows and purling all wrong-side rows, producing the classic smooth texture ideal for toy construction. The pattern incorporates increases using the M1 (make one) technique, which involves picking up the strand from the row below between stitches and working into the back of it to add stitches with a subtle twist at the base. This method creates seamless shaping for the bunny and rabbit bodies, ears, and limbs.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st st) – The primary stitch throughout, created by knitting right-side rows and purling wrong-side rows for a smooth, finished appearance
• M1 (make one) – An increase stitch that picks up the strand between stitches and works into the back of it, creating a twisted increase ideal for shaping toy pieces
• Knitwise (kw) – A directional technique for working stitches in the knit direction

Materials Required

This pattern calls for DK weight yarn (8 ply), a medium-weight yarn ideal for creating defined toy shapes with good stitch definition. The main color yarn requirement is 80–100 grams, with the exact amount depending on which size toy you choose to knit. Additional yarn colors include pale pink (5–10 grams) for cheeks and the front of ears, black (small amount) for the nose, claws, and whiskers, and white (small amount) for teeth details. Knitters will also need appropriate knitting needles sized for DK yarn, though specific needle sizes are referenced in the full pattern documentation.

Design Features

Both toys showcase thoughtful design details that enhance their appeal. The Backpacking Bunny includes a wearable backpack, making it both a toy and a functional accessory holder—particularly charming for Easter celebrations. The White Rabbit features a waistcoat and watch, adding sophisticated character to the taller design. The pattern's flexibility allows crafters to interchange accessories between the short and tall versions, encouraging creative customization and extending the pattern's versatility for different preferences and gift-giving occasions.