Meet a soft, heirloom-style bunny dressed in a mint cardigan and lilac skirt, complete with a slouchy plum hat and a tiny lamb companion. This set is designed for cozy gifting, nursery decor, and collectible soft toys. If you love browsing for a plush knitting kit, worsted yarn bundles, toy stuffing, safety eyes, embroidery floss, and tiny bells for collars, you’ll enjoy gathering supplies for this project. The pieces are worked in classic shapes with tidy finishing, so the outfit layers smoothly and the accessories sit neatly in place.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Skill Level
Confident beginner to intermediate (basic shaping, seaming, simple embroidery).
Finished Measurements
Bunny: about 15–16 in / 38–41 cm tall seated (depending on stuffing and gauge).
Lamb: about 4 in / 10 cm long.
Tote bag: about 4 in / 10 cm wide.
Yarn and Tools
- Worsted / aran weight yarn (or equivalent) in: Beige (bunny), Mint (cardigan and bag), Lilac (skirt), Plum (hat and shoes), Cream (bag stripes), White (pompom and lamb).
- Small amounts of Green (bag leaf + skirt leaves), and a tiny bit of Dark brown or Black for facial embroidery (if not using safety eyes).
- Knitting needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) for toy pieces (tight fabric), and US 4 (3.5 mm) for garments (optional for softer drape).
- Double-pointed needles (DPNs) or magic loop for small rounds (shoes, hat top, i-cords).
- Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors.
- Toy stuffing (polyfill).
- Safety eyes 10–12 mm (optional) OR embroidery thread for eyes.
- 1 small button (about 12–15 mm) for cardigan front.
- Small jingle bell for lamb collar (optional, secure well for decor only).
- Embroidery floss in Lilac and Green for skirt motif and details, plus a small bit of Purple for the bow on the cardigan patch.
Gauge
Toy fabric (US 3 / 3.25 mm): approximately 26 sts and 36 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette, after light blocking.
Garments may be worked at a slightly looser gauge, but keep the bunny body tight to prevent stuffing show-through.
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS/WS = right side / wrong side
- kfb = knit front and back (increase 1)
- k2tog = knit 2 together (decrease 1)
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease 1)
- m1L/m1R = make 1 left/right
- sl = slip stitch purlwise
- rep = repeat
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
- CO = cast on
- BO = bind off
Construction Overview
The bunny body is worked in separate pieces and seamed: head, body, arms, legs, and long floppy ears. The outfit includes a mint cardigan with rib edging and a single button, a lilac skirt with a simple flare and stitched floral motif, a plum slouch hat with a white pompom, and plum shoes with a pale stripe detail.
The accessories include a mint-and-cream striped tote bag with a green leaf accent, plus a small white lamb with a tiny collar and bell. All pieces are sized to match the proportions shown in the image, and the clothing is designed to sit naturally on the bunny when dressed.
Bunny
Head (worked flat, seamed)
CO 24 sts with Beige on US 3 (3.25 mm). Work in stockinette (k on RS, p on WS) for 10 rows.
Increase row (RS): k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1. (26 sts)
Work 3 rows even in stockinette.
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Next RS: k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1. (28 sts)
Work 3 rows even.
Next RS: k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1. (30 sts)
Work 4 rows even.
Shape top: RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (28 sts)
WS: purl.
RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (26 sts)
WS: purl.
RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (24 sts)
WS: purl.
Repeat the last 4 rows (decrease every RS) until 12 sts remain.
Work 1 WS row purl.
Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 12 sts, pull tight to gather. Secure.
Seam the head: Fold piece with RS facing out. Use mattress stitch to seam from the gathered top down to the CO edge, forming a rounded head. Leave a 2 in / 5 cm opening near the bottom for stuffing.
Stuff firmly, shaping a smooth sphere with a slightly flattened base. Close the remaining opening with mattress stitch.
Ears (make 2, long and floppy, worked flat)
CO 14 sts with Beige. Work stockinette for 6 rows.
Increase RS: k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1. (16 sts)
Work 7 rows even.
Increase RS: k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1. (18 sts)
Work 10 rows even.
Decrease RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (16 sts)
Work 5 rows even.
Decrease RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (14 sts)
Work 4 rows even.
Shape tip: RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (12 sts)
WS: purl.
RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (10 sts)
WS: purl.
RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (8 sts)
WS: purl.
BO remaining 8 sts.
Fold each ear lengthwise with RS out and seam along the long edge using mattress stitch, stopping 1 in / 2.5 cm before the base to keep the base soft for attaching. Lightly stuff only the upper half, leaving the base unstuffed so it drapes naturally.
Body (worked flat, seamed)
CO 28 sts with Beige. Work stockinette for 8 rows.
Shape hips (RS): k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1. (30 sts)
Work 5 rows even.
RS: k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1. (32 sts)
Work 6 rows even.
Shape waist: RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (30 sts)
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Work 3 rows even.
RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (28 sts)
Work 3 rows even.
Shape chest: RS: k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1. (30 sts)
Work 4 rows even.
RS: k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1. (32 sts)
Work 4 rows even.
Neck shaping: RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (30 sts)
Work 1 WS row purl.
RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (28 sts)
Work 1 WS row purl.
BO loosely.
Seam body: Fold with RS out. Mattress stitch down one side from BO edge to CO edge. Leave an opening at the top (neck) and a small opening near the bottom for stuffing if needed.
Stuff firmly, shaping a rounded belly and stable seated base. Close openings neatly.
Arms (make 2, worked in the round for smooth shape)
Using Beige and DPNs, CO 18 sts. Join in the round, pm for beginning of round.
Rounds 1–6: knit all sts.
Round 7: k2tog around. (9 sts)
Rounds 8–20: knit all sts, creating a slim forearm.
Stuff lightly up to the forearm, leaving the top unstuffed for easy shaping at the shoulder.
Flatten the opening and use kitchener stitch or seam closed. Leave a long tail for sewing to body.
Legs (make 2, worked in the round; foot is covered by shoe)
Using Beige and DPNs, CO 24 sts. Join in the round, pm.
Rounds 1–8: knit all sts.
Round 9: k2tog around. (12 sts)
Rounds 10–26: knit all sts.
Stuff firmly, shaping a plump leg that sits forward as shown. Flatten top and seam closed. Leave tail for attaching.
Attach Head, Arms, Legs, and Ears
Sew the head to the body at the neck opening using a strong whip stitch, aligning the head so it faces forward. Add extra stitches at the front and back for stability.
Sew legs low on the body front, angled slightly outward. This creates a seated posture with the feet forward.
Sew arms at the sides, slightly forward so the bunny can “hold” the bag naturally.
Attach ears high on the head sides, letting them drape down. Place them so they frame the face and extend past the shoulders.
Facial Features (simple stitched style)
Eyes: If using safety eyes, place them centered and evenly spaced, about 12–14 rows down from the top gather line, and about 8–9 sts apart. Install before fully closing the head if you prefer.
If embroidering: Use dark brown thread. Make small vertical satin stitches for each eye, keeping them tiny and calm.
Nose and mouth: Use a slightly darker beige or light brown thread. Stitch a small inverted “Y” centered below the eyes, with a short vertical line and two gentle angled mouth lines.
Outfit
Mint Cardigan (worked flat, with rib edges)
This cardigan is designed to sit open at the front with one button near the upper chest, matching the image.
Using Mint and US 4 (3.5 mm) if desired, CO 46 sts.
Hem (garter edge): Knit 6 rows.
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Body setup (RS): k4, place marker, k38, place marker, k4. The outer 4 sts on each side form the front bands.
Work in stockinette between markers, and garter stitch on the 4-st front bands as follows:
Row 1 (RS): k4, knit to marker, sm, knit to next marker, sm, k4.
Row 2 (WS): k4, purl to marker, sm, purl to next marker, sm, k4.
Repeat Rows 1–2 for 18 rows, keeping the bands in garter and the body in stockinette.
Divide for sleeves: Next RS: k4, knit 9, place 10 sts on holder for right sleeve, cast on 4 sts, knit 16, place 10 sts on holder for left sleeve, cast on 4 sts, knit 9, k4.
You should now have the body sts plus cast-on underarm sts, with bands intact.
Work even for 10 rows, maintaining garter bands and stockinette body.
Neck shaping: Next RS: k4, k2tog, knit to last 6, ssk, k4.
Work 3 rows even.
Repeat neck shaping one more time. Work 3 rows even.
Finish hem: Knit 6 rows in garter across all sts for a tidy bottom edge.
BO.
Sleeves (make 2): Place 10 sleeve sts from holder onto needles. Pick up and knit 4 sts at underarm cast-on. (14 sts)
Work in stockinette in the round for 10 rounds.
Cuff: Work 4 rounds in garter (knit each round). BO.
Buttonhole: On the right front band, create a small buttonhole about 6 rows below the neckline. On a RS band section: k2, BO 2, k to end. Next WS: k2, CO 2, k to end. Continue as established.
Sew on one small button to align with the buttonhole. Keep it slightly toward the band edge so the cardigan closes neatly without puckering.
Cardigan Sheep Patch (small applique) and Bow
The cardigan shows a small sheep motif patch with a purple bow on the lower right side. Make a simple patch that reads clearly at small scale.
Patch base (Cream or White): CO 10 sts. Knit 2 rows.
Work stockinette for 6 rows. Knit 2 rows. BO.
Sheep shape: Using White yarn, make 6–8 tiny French-knot style puffs with embroidery floss, or stitch small loops along the top edge to suggest fleece texture. Add a tiny beige face oval with duplicate stitch or a small satin stitch patch.
Bow: Using Purple embroidery floss, form a small bow with two loops and short tails. Stitch it to the sheep patch center. Sew the completed patch onto the cardigan near the lower right front, as shown.
Lilac Skirt (worked flat, gentle flare)
The skirt sits high under the cardigan and flares softly with a garter hem. It is designed as a simple tube with a back seam.
Using Lilac and US 4 (3.5 mm), CO 64 sts.
Waistband: Work k1, p1 rib for 8 rows.
Skirt body: Work stockinette for 22 rows.
Increase row (RS): k2, kfb, k to next increase point, kfb, repeat evenly 6 times total across the row. (70 sts)
Work 10 rows even.
Second increase row (RS): increase 6 sts evenly again. (76 sts)
Work 8 rows even.
Hem: Knit 8 rows (garter) for a sturdy border like the image.
BO.
Seam the skirt into a tube with mattress stitch. Leave a small opening at the waistband seam if you want extra ease, but a full seam usually fits well.
Optional waistband tie: With lilac yarn, make an i-cord about 18 in / 46 cm. Thread it through the rib waistband using a tapestry needle. This helps the skirt sit snugly.
Skirt Floral Motif (embroidered lilac sprigs)
The skirt shows a lilac flower motif near the lower right side, with two purple sprigs and green leaves.
Place the motif about 1.5 in / 4 cm above the garter hem, slightly to the bunny’s right (viewer’s left when facing the bunny).
Using Lilac embroidery floss, stitch two upward sprigs: make small clustered knots or short satin stitches to mimic lilac blossoms.
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Using Green floss, stitch a slim stem line and two leaves near the base. Keep the leaves pointed and slightly curved.
Secure all ends on the inside with small knots and extra anchoring stitches. Trim ends short so they do not show through.
Plum Slouch Hat (worked in the round) with White Pompom
The hat in the image is long and slouchy, with a textured band at the brim and a large white pompom.
Using Plum and DPNs, CO 48 sts. Join in the round, pm.
Brim texture: Rounds 1–4: k1, p1 rib.
Rounds 5–8: knit all sts.
Round 9: purl all sts (this creates a subtle ridge).
Rounds 10–12: knit all sts.
Hat body: Work stockinette in the round (knit every round) for 34–38 rounds, until the hat length is long enough to slouch to one side.
Crown decreases: Round 1: (k6, k2tog) repeat around. (42 sts)
Round 2: knit.
Round 3: (k5, k2tog) repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 4: knit.
Round 5: (k4, k2tog) repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 6: knit.
Round 7: (k3, k2tog) repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 8: knit.
Round 9: (k2, k2tog) repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 10: knit.
Round 11: (k1, k2tog) repeat around. (12 sts)
Round 12: k2tog around. (6 sts)
Cut yarn, thread through remaining 6 sts, pull tight, and secure. Weave in ends.
Pompom: Make a full, fluffy pompom in White (about 3 in / 7.5 cm). Tie it very firmly and sew it to the tip of the hat with multiple passes so it stays round and secure.
Plum Shoes (make 2, worked in the round) with Pale Stripe
The shoes are rounded slippers. A thin pale stripe sits above the toe area as shown.
Using Plum and DPNs, CO 24 sts. Join in the round, pm.
Rounds 1–6: knit.
Round 7 (shape toe): (k2tog, k2) repeat around. (18 sts)
Rounds 8–10: knit.
Add stripe: Switch to Cream or White for 1 round knit. Switch back to Plum.
Rounds 12–16: knit.
Heel shaping: Round 17: (k2tog, k1) repeat around. (12 sts)
Round 18: knit.
Round 19: k2tog around. (6 sts)
Cut yarn, thread through 6 sts, pull tight, secure. Lightly stuff the shoe toe. Slip the shoe onto the bunny leg so the gathered end sits at the heel. Tack in place with a few hidden stitches if desired.
Accessories
Striped Tote Bag (Mint and Cream, worked flat and seamed)
The bag is a small soft tote with horizontal stripes and a green leaf detail near the top edge.
Using Mint, CO 28 sts. Work garter stitch (knit every row) for 4 rows.
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Begin stripes in stockinette with a garter edge:
Rows 1–4: stockinette in Mint (k RS, p WS).
Rows 5–8: stockinette in Cream.
Repeat these 8 rows sequence 5 times total, ending with Mint.
Top edge: Knit 6 rows in garter for structure. BO.
Seam sides with mattress stitch, leaving the top open. Flatten the bottom and seam across to create a base. If you prefer a boxed bottom, pinch corners and stitch a small triangle seam on each side.
Handle: Using Mint, make an i-cord about 12–13 in / 30–33 cm. Sew ends to the inside top corners of the bag so it hangs naturally from the bunny arm.
Bag Leaf Accent (Green)
Using Green, CO 6 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k1, kfb, k to last 1, k1. (7 sts)
Row 2: purl.
Row 3: k1, kfb, k to last 1, k1. (8 sts)
Row 4: purl.
Row 5: knit.
Row 6: purl.
Row 7: k1, k2tog, k to last 2, k2tog. (6 sts)
Row 8: purl.
Row 9: k1, k2tog, k to last 2, k2tog. (4 sts)
BO.
Sew the leaf near the upper left side of the bag (as shown), letting it overlap one stripe. Add one short stitch line down the center to suggest a vein.
Mini Lamb Companion
Lamb Body (worked flat, seamed)
Using White and US 3 (3.25 mm), CO 18 sts.
Work stockinette for 10 rows.
Shape: RS: k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1. (20 sts)
Work 6 rows even.
RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (18 sts)
Work 6 rows even.
BO.
Fold with RS out and seam along sides, leaving a small opening for stuffing. Stuff firmly into an oval. Close opening neatly.
Lamb Head (small, worked flat)
Using White, CO 12 sts.
Work stockinette for 6 rows.
RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (10 sts)
WS: purl.
RS: k1, k2tog, k to last 3, ssk, k1. (8 sts)
WS: purl.
BO.
Seam into a small rounded shape, stuff lightly, and sew to the front of the body.
Lamb Legs (make 4)
Using White, CO 6 sts. Work i-cord for 1.25 in / 3 cm. BO and leave tails.
Sew two legs under the front and two under the back. Keep the stance low and stable like the image.
Lamb Ears (make 2)
Using White, CO 5 sts. Work stockinette for 4 rows. BO.
Fold slightly and stitch to each side of the head.
Lamb Face and Collar
Embroider tiny eyes with dark thread using two short stitches. Add a small nose with a single stitch.
Collar: Using a small strand of Beige or Light brown yarn, wrap around the lamb’s neck and tie at the side. Stitch it down invisibly so it does not slip.
Attach a tiny bell at the collar front. Secure with several passes and knot well. For decor items, keep the bell firmly fastened.
Dressing Notes
Put the skirt on first, then the cardigan. Button the cardigan once near the top so the skirt shows below. Slip the shoes onto the feet and adjust the pale stripe to sit above the toe area.
Place the hat on the head and angle it so it slouches to one side. Position the ears so they drape down along the cardigan edges.
Hang the tote bag from the bunny’s left arm so it rests against the skirt. Set the lamb by the bunny’s right side.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Before final stitches, check symmetry: ears even, eyes level, and head centered. Tighten any loose seams and add a few anchoring stitches at stress points (neck, shoulders, bag handle). Re-shape with gentle squeezing so the bunny sits steadily and the outfit lies flat.
Care Notes
This knitted set is best treated as a collectible soft item. Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking, twisting, or machine washing, especially with the button and bell. Allow to air dry completely, reshaping the fabric while it dries.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- All seams closed and secure, no stuffing showing.
- Head firmly attached and centered.
- Ears placed evenly and draping smoothly.
- Cardigan button aligns cleanly with the buttonhole.
- Skirt motif secured with ends hidden inside.
- Hat pompom attached with multiple strong passes.
- Bag handle firmly stitched and leaf accent attached.
- Lamb collar and bell secured for decor use.
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
For long-term storage, keep the bunny and accessories in a breathable cotton bag away from direct sunlight. If dust collects, use a soft brush or lint roller gently. Store flat to avoid stretching the cardigan and skirt. Keep away from humidity to protect yarn fibers and embroidery details.
