Knitting Tutorial: Daffodil Sunny-Kitchen Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Welcome to the heartwarming and bustling world of the Daffodil Sunny-Kitchen Bunny. This delightful character embodies the spirit of a cozy country kitchen, filled with the aroma of freshly baked pies and the brightness of spring blooms. She is the head pastry chef of the garden, dressed in a stunning pinafore featuring a large, cheerful daffodil motif and a delicate lace hem that mimics the petals of her favorite flower.

To ensure your creation becomes a cherished heirloom that lasts for generations, we highly recommend visiting a specialized yarn shop to select premium materials. You should look to buy merino wool yarn for the bunny’s body to achieve a soft, natural finish that is kind to the skin. For the detailed accessories like the pie crust and the structured bonnet, allow yourself to purchase cotton yarn which offers excellent stitch definition. Check your knitting supplies to ensure you have everything needed before we begin.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Project Overview and Design Philosophy

The Daffodil Sunny-Kitchen Bunny stands approximately 14 inches (35 cm) tall from the soles of her shoes to the tips of her ears. This project is designed for knitters who enjoy constructing shaped softies and adding personality through detailed outfits. The construction involves knitting the body flat and seaming, which allows for precise shaping of the curves and ensures the doll maintains its posture over time.

The wardrobe is the highlight of this piece. The dress features a scalloped lace hem layered over a peach-colored petticoat edge, with a stranded colorwork border of greenery. The bodice showcases a large daffodil flower, which can be knitted using intarsia or applied later using duplicate stitch. The bonnet is a vintage-style mob cap with a lace brim.

The accessories are intricate and plentiful: a woven-texture basket, a delicious-looking meat or apple pie, a wooden spoon prop, and an adorable duckling sous-chef wearing a tiny white hat. Each element contributes to the culinary narrative of the piece.

Materials and Tools Checklist

• Yarn A (Bunny Skin): 100g DK weight yarn in Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Stone.
• Yarn B (Dress Main & Hat): 80g DK weight yarn in Cream or Off-White.
• Yarn C (Daffodil Yellow): 30g DK weight yarn in Bright Yellow.
• Yarn D (Stems & Leaves): 20g DK weight yarn in Grass Green.
• Yarn E (Petticoat & Shoes): 30g DK weight yarn in Peach, Apricot, or Terracotta.
• Yarn F (Basket & Pie Crust): 30g DK weight yarn in Biscuit or Light Brown.
• Yarn G (Duckling): Small amount of Bright Yellow.
• Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) straight needles for the main body and clothing.
• Needles (Detailing): US 2 (2.75mm) for the miniature accessories like the duckling.
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, 9mm safety eyes, embroidery floss (dark brown and orange), stitch holders, small buttons.

Gauge and Tension

The target gauge is 24 stitches and 30 rows equal to 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A firm gauge is essential for the stuffed components. If your fabric is too loose, the stuffing will show through, detracting from the professional finish. If you are a loose knitter, consider sizing down your needles.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sts: Stitches
• Inc: Increase (Knit into the front and back of the stitch – KFB).
• Dec: Decrease (Knit 2 together – K2tog).
• SSK: Slip, Slip, Knit (decrease).
• YO: Yarn Over.
• RS: Right Side
• WS: Wrong Side
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit on the Right Side, Purl on the Wrong Side.

Part 1: Constructing the Bunny Body

We begin the construction by knitting the legs individually. This provides a solid foundation for the doll to stand or sit. We will then join them to form the torso and continue seamlessly into the head.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal) and US 3 needles, cast on 12 stitches. Leave a long tail for seaming later.

• Row 1: Purl all stitches across the row.
• Row 2 (Increase): Knit into the front and back of every stitch. You will now have 24 stitches.
• Row 3: Purl all stitches.
• Row 4 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (36 sts)
• Rows 5-9: Work in stockinette stitch starting with a Purl row. This smooth section forms the base of the foot.
• Row 10 (Shape Foot): Knit 12, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 12. This creates the instep of the foot. (30 sts)
• Row 11: Purl all stitches.
• Row 12 (Shape Foot): Knit 9, (K2tog) 6 times, Knit 9. (24 sts)
• Row 13: Purl all stitches.
• Row 14 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 8, (K2tog) 4 times, Knit 8. (20 sts)
• Rows 15-42: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This long section forms the leg. Ensure your tension remains even here.

Break the yarn for the first leg and place the stitches on a holder. Knit the second leg in the exact same manner, but do not break the yarn. We will use this working yarn to join the two pieces.

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Torso and Head

With the second leg on your needle, cast on 2 stitches (this forms the crotch), then knit across the 20 stitches of the first leg from the holder.

• Row 43: You should now have 42 stitches on your needle.
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Hip Increase): Knit 10, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 10. (44 sts)
• Row 46: Purl all stitches.
• Row 47 (Hip Increase): Knit 11, Inc, Knit 20, Inc, Knit 11. (46 sts)
• Rows 48-68: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This forms the tummy area. Stuffing this area firmly later is key to a good shape.
• Row 69 (Decrease): *Knit 8, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to last 6 stitches, Knit 6. (42 sts)
• Row 70: Purl all stitches.
• Row 71 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Rows 72-76: Work straight in stockinette stitch.
• Row 77 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts)
• Row 78: Purl all stitches.
• Row 79 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts)
• Row 80: Purl all stitches. This row marks the neck.

We will now transition directly into the head. It is important to stuff the neck very firmly during assembly to prevent the head from wobbling.

• Row 81 (Increase): *Knit 1, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Row 82: Purl all stitches.
• Row 83 (Increase): *Knit 2, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts)
• Row 84: Purl all stitches.
• Row 85 (Increase): *Knit 7, Inc*, repeat from * to * to the end. (54 sts)
• Rows 86-106: Work straight in stockinette stitch. This height is necessary to give the bunny its classic round face.
• Row 107 (Decrease): *Knit 7, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (48 sts)
• Row 108: Purl all stitches.
• Row 109 (Decrease): *Knit 6, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (42 sts)
• Row 110: Purl all stitches.
• Row 111 (Decrease): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (36 sts)
• Row 112: Purl all stitches.
• Row 113 (Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (30 sts)
• Row 114 (Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (24 sts)
• Row 115 (Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (18 sts)
• Row 116 (Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (12 sts)
• Row 117: K2tog across the row. (6 sts)

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining loops using a tapestry needle, pull tight to close the top of the head, and secure with a knot.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Yarn A (Oatmeal), cast on 10 stitches.

• Row 1: Purl all stitches.
• Row 2 (Increase): Increase in every stitch. (20 sts)
• Rows 3-26: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 27: *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to the end. (15 sts)
• Row 28: Purl all stitches.
• Row 29: K2tog across to the last stitch, Knit 1. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, draw through stitches, and sew the side seam. Stuff the hand area firmly and the upper arm lightly.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long and floppy, adding to the bunny’s gentle character. Using Yarn A, cast on 14 stitches.

• Rows 1-42: Work in stockinette stitch. You can make these longer or shorter depending on your preference.
• Row 43 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 10, K2tog. (12 sts)
• Row 44: Purl all stitches.
• Row 45 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 8, K2tog. (10 sts)
• Row 46: Purl all stitches.
• Row 47 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 6, K2tog. (8 sts)
• Row 48: Purl all stitches.
• Row 49 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 4, K2tog. (6 sts)
• Row 50: Purl all stitches.
• Row 51 (Decrease): SSK, Knit 2, K2tog. (4 sts)
• Row 52: K2tog twice. Fasten off.

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Part 2: The Sunny Daffodil Pinafore

This dress is a masterpiece of texture and color. It features a layered hem, with a peach petticoat peeking out from under a cream lace skirt. The bodice showcases a bold daffodil.

The Petticoat Hem

Using Yarn E (Peach), cast on 80 stitches.

• Rows 1-6: Knit every row (Garter Stitch). This creates a non-rolling edge.
• Row 7: Change to Yarn B (Cream). Knit across.
• Row 8: Purl across.

The Lace Skirt Border

We will now create the scalloped lace effect in Cream.

• Row 9: *Knit 2, YO, K2tog*, repeat to the end.
• Row 10: Purl all stitches.
• Row 11: *K2tog, YO, Knit 2*, repeat to the end.
• Row 12: Purl all stitches.
• Row 13: *Knit 1, YO, K2tog, Knit 1*, repeat to the end.
• Row 14: Purl all stitches.

The Garden Border (Colorwork)

Now we add the row of small flowers and greenery using the Fair Isle technique. Join Yarn D (Green) and Yarn C (Yellow).

• Row 15: *Knit 3 Cream, Knit 1 Green, Knit 3 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 16: *Purl 2 Cream, Purl 3 Green, Purl 2 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 17: *Knit 1 Cream, Knit 1 Green, Knit 1 Yellow, Knit 1 Green, Knit 3 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 18: *Purl 2 Cream, Purl 1 Green, Purl 1 Yellow, Purl 1 Green, Purl 2 Cream*, repeat to end.
• Row 19: Break contrast colors. Resume with Yarn B (Cream). Knit across.
• Row 20: Purl across.

Upper Skirt and Waist

• Rows 21-34: Work in stockinette stitch using Yarn B (Cream).
• Row 35 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (60 sts)
• Row 36: Purl all stitches.
• Row 37 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat from * to * to the end. (50 sts)
• Rows 38-40: Work in stockinette stitch.

The Daffodil Bodice

The bodice features a large daffodil flower. You can knit this using the Intarsia method (using separate bobbins of yellow yarn) or stitch it on later using Duplicate Stitch.

• Row 41 (Armhole Shaping): Cast off 4 stitches, Knit 42, Cast off remaining 4 stitches. (You will work the front and back separately or work the bib in the center).
• Working on Center 20 Stitches (Bib):
• Rows 42-52: Work in stockinette stitch. At this stage, incorporate the daffodil chart: A central cluster of 6 stitches in Dark Yellow/Orange for the trumpet, surrounded by 6 petals in Bright Yellow.
• Row 53: Knit across.
• Row 54: Knit across (Garter ridge).
• Row 55: Cast off.

Straps: Pick up 4 stitches at the back waist edge. Knit two straps long enough to cross over the shoulders and button onto the front bib.

Part 3: The Vintage Lace Bonnet

This bonnet mimics a traditional mob cap with a wide, lacy brim and a gathered crown.

• Brim: Using Yarn B (Cream), cast on 70 stitches.
• Rows 1-6: Work the same Lace Pattern used for the skirt hem (*K2, YO, K2tog* etc.) to create a scalloped edge.
• Row 7 (Decrease for Shape): *Knit 5, K2tog*, repeat to end. (60 sts)
• Rows 8-20: Work in stockinette stitch. This deep section allows the hat to sit over the ears.
• Row 21 (Crown Decrease): *Knit 4, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 22: Purl.
• Row 23 (Crown Decrease): *Knit 3, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 24: Purl.
• Row 25 (Crown Decrease): *Knit 2, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 26: Purl.
• Row 27 (Crown Decrease): *Knit 1, K2tog*, repeat to end.
• Row 28: K2tog across.

Draw yarn through remaining stitches. Sew the back seam.

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The 3D Daffodil Attachment

This flower is knitted separately and sewn to the side of the bonnet.

• Petals (Make 6): Using Yellow yarn, cast on 4 sts. Knit 6 rows. Decrease 1 st at each end. Cast off.
• Trumpet: Using Darker Yellow/Orange, cast on 10 sts. Knit 4 rows. K2tog across. Draw through. Sew side seam to form a small cup.
• Assembly: Arrange petals in a circle. Sew the trumpet in the center. Stitch the entire flower to the hat brim.

Part 4: Mary Jane Shoes

Using Yarn E (Peach/Terracotta), cast on 12 stitches.

• Sole: Knit 10 rows in Garter Stitch.
• Upper: Pick up 30 stitches around three sides of the sole rectangle.
• Rows 1-5: Work in stockinette stitch.
• Row 6 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 5 times, Knit 10. (25 sts)
• Row 7: Purl all stitches.
• Row 8 (Toe Shaping): Knit 10, (K2tog) 3 times, Knit 9. (22 sts)
• Row 9: Cast off.

Sew the back heel seam. Crochet a small chain or knit a thin I-cord for the strap and sew it across the instep.

Part 5: Kitchen Accessories

The Woven Basket

Using Yarn F (Biscuit/Tan).

• Base: Cast on 10 stitches. Knit in Garter Stitch for a square base. Pick up stitches around the perimeter.
• Sides: Work in a textured stitch to mimic weaving:
  • Row 1: *Knit 2, Purl 2*, repeat.
  • Row 2: *Knit 2, Purl 2*, repeat.
  • Row 3: *Purl 2, Knit 2*, repeat.
  • Row 4: *Purl 2, Knit 2*, repeat.
• Height: Repeat these 4 rows until the basket is 2 inches tall. Cast off.
• Handle: Knit a strip of Garter stitch (4 sts wide) and attach to opposite sides.

The Meat/Apple Pie

Using Yarn F (Crust) and Dark Brown (Filling).

• Base: Cast on 20 sts. Knit a circle (increase every other row).
• Sides: Work 4 rows straight.
• Filling: Change to Dark Brown. Decrease every other row to close the top. Stuff firmly before closing.
• Lid/Crust: Knit a separate circle in Yarn F. Sew it on top of the brown filling. Use a tapestry needle to stitch “vents” or a lattice pattern on top.

The Chef Duckling

Using Yarn G (Bright Yellow), US 2 needles.

• Body: Cast on 8 sts. Increase to 16. Work 6 rows stockinette. Decrease to 8. Draw through. Stuff to make a round ball.
• Head: Pick up 8 sts. Work 4 rows. Decrease and draw through.
• Wings: Make two small loops of yarn on the sides.
• Beak: Embroider a small orange triangle.
• Chef Hat: Using White yarn, cast on 10 sts. Knit 4 rows. Decrease 1 st every stitch (K2tog). Draw through. This creates a tiny “poof” shape. Sew to the duck’s head.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The assembly process is where your bunny truly comes to life. Take your time with these steps to ensure a professional finish.

1. Body Assembly: Using the mattress stitch, sew the back seam of the legs and the center back of the body. Stuff the legs firmly to ensure the bunny can stand (if propped) or sit nicely. Leave the very top of the legs slightly softer to allow for bending at the hips. Stuff the body firmly.
2. Head Assembly: Sew the back seam of the head. Stuff the head into a round shape, ensuring the cheeks are plump and symmetrical. Ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly to support the head; you may want to insert a small roll of felt or extra stuffing into the neck column for stability.
3. Face:
   • Eyes: Insert the safety eyes between rows 90 and 91, spacing them about 9 stitches apart. If the head is already closed, you can use black embroidery thread to satin stitch the eyes.
   • Nose: Using dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a “Y” shape in the center of the face. Satin stitch a small triangle at the top of the “Y” for the nose to give it dimension.
4. Limbs: Sew the ears to the sides of the head, curving them slightly forward to frame the face. Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck seam.

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Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Because this is a handmade item, likely containing wool, it requires specific care to last for generations.

• Dusting: Regularly dust the bunny with a soft brush or a lint roller to prevent dirt buildup on the textured knits.
• Washing: Never machine wash this bunny if you used wool. Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild wool detergent. If a full wash is absolutely necessary, submerge gently in cool water with wool wash, press out excess water (do not wring), and reshape on a towel to dry.
• Storage: Store out of direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading. If storing for a long period, place in a breathable cotton bag with a lavender sachet to repel moths.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Have all loose ends been woven in securely?
• Are the safety eyes secured properly (if used)?
• Is the stuffing distributed evenly, without lumps?
• Is the neck sturdy enough? (If not, you may need to open a seam and add more stuffing).
• Are all accessories (like the duckling’s hat) securely stitched if the toy is intended for a child?

Your Daffodil Sunny-Kitchen Bunny is now complete. This project is a celebration of domestic joy, the beauty of spring, and the art of knitting. Whether it sits on a kitchen shelf or is given as a gift, it is sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it.