Meet the Freckled Orchid Tea-Salon Bunny, a soft heirloom-style knitted doll dressed for an afternoon tea. You’ll knit a tall bunny with long upright ears, a speckled dress with orchid motifs, a cropped cardigan with delicate trim, sweet shoes and socks, and a set of tiny tea-salon props. For easy shopping, look for sport-weight yarn, matching buttons, polyester fiberfill, and a small length of velvet ribbon. This project is built in calm steps with beginner-friendly structure and clear finishing.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Overview
This design matches the pictured set: one main bunny doll, one tiny kitten friend in a floral dress, and accessories placed around them. The main bunny has a cream muzzle, cocoa-speckled body, and a pale dress with purple orchid colorwork. The hem is scalloped with lilac edging.
The cardigan is cropped with vertical purple decorative bands at the front, and three small buttons. Shoes are light tan with a low strap detail and tiny “dot” trim. The set includes a cable hat with a purple ribbon, a clutch with a bow and pearl-like beads, a cupcake, a flower, and a small handheld mirror.
Skill Level
- Adventurous beginner to intermediate
- Comfortable with knitting in the round or seaming flat pieces
- Basic increases/decreases, simple colorwork, and tidy finishing
Finished Measurements
- Main bunny: about 9.5–11 in (24–28 cm) tall, depending on yarn and stuffing firmness
- Tiny kitten friend: about 3.5–4.5 in (9–11 cm) tall
- Hat fits bunny head snugly; clutch, cupcake, flower, and mirror are miniature props
Materials
- Sport or light DK yarn in: speckled cocoa (A), cream (B), lilac (C), orchid purple (D), tan (E), white (F), and small amounts of brown for details
- Needles: US 2–4 (2.75–3.5 mm) straight or circular, plus DPNs for small pieces
- Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
- Polyester fiberfill
- Two small black beads or embroidered eyes for main bunny (about 4–6 mm look)
- Two tiny black beads or embroidery for kitten eyes
- Embroidery floss in brown and pink (nose, mouth, accents)
- Three tiny buttons for cardigan front
- Velvet ribbon in purple for hat (about 10–12 in / 25–30 cm)
- Small pearl beads or seed beads (optional) for clutch trim and shoe dots
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for toys, but stitches should be dense enough to hold stuffing. Aim for a firm fabric where stuffing does not show through. If your fabric feels loose, go down one needle size. If it feels very stiff, go up one size.
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd = round
- RS/WS = right side/wrong side
- kfb = knit front and back (increase 1)
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease 1)
- k2tog = knit 2 together (decrease 1)
- m1L/m1R = make 1 left/right
- BO = bind off
- CO = cast on
- sl = slip stitch purlwise
Construction Notes
The main bunny is knitted mostly in the round from the feet upward, then separated for the head. Arms are knitted separately and sewn on. Ears are worked flat and seamed, then stitched firmly so they stand upright. The dress and cardigan are removable, but fit best when sewn with a few tiny anchor stitches.
Use tight, even stuffing. Keep the body slightly firmer than the head, and shape the muzzle gently with your hands as you add stuffing. When you embroider the face, place features with pins first so the expression matches the photo.
Main Bunny
Legs and Feet (make 2, then join)
The bunny’s feet are cream cuffs with tan shoes layered visually at the bottom. To match the photo, knit the legs in cream (B) and add tan shoe covers later. Work each leg in the round on DPNs or magic loop.
Leg 1: With B, CO 18 sts. Join in the round, place marker for rnd start. Knit 6 rnds for a smooth cuff. Change to A (speckled cocoa). Knit 10 rnds. Stuff lightly at the ankle area as you go.
Shape the top of the leg slightly: Rnd 1: (k7, kfb, k2, kfb, k7) = 20 sts. Rnd 2: knit. Knit 6 more rnds. Place sts on hold. Cut yarn.
Leg 2: Work as Leg 1, but do not cut yarn after the last rnd. You will join both legs to begin the body.
Join Legs and Knit Body
With Leg 2 on needles and yarn attached, knit across Leg 2 sts. Then knit across Leg 1 sts from hold, placing a marker between legs for the new rnd start. Total 40 sts. Knit 2 rnds even, checking legs face forward evenly.
To create a gentle tummy, increase slightly: Rnd 1: k10, kfb, k18, kfb, k10 = 42 sts. Knit 7 rnds even. Begin stuffing firmly through the leg openings, smoothing the join.
Shape waist: Rnd 1: k10, ssk, k18, k2tog, k10 = 40 sts. Knit 4 rnds even. The body should be rounded, not pinched, so keep decreases modest. Add more stuffing and keep the base flat.
Upper Body and Neck
Work the upper body a bit narrower, then taper into the neck. Knit 10 rnds even. Place the marker at the center back of the doll. This helps you align the cardigan buttons and dress front later.
Neck shaping: Rnd 1: (k8, ssk) 4 times = 36 sts. Rnd 2: knit. Rnd 3: (k7, ssk) 4 times = 32 sts. Knit 3 rnds even. Stuff firmly, keeping shoulders rounded and stable.
Head and Muzzle Base
Increase for a full head: Rnd 1: (k3, kfb) 8 times = 40 sts. Rnd 2: knit. Rnd 3: (k4, kfb) 8 times = 48 sts. Rnd 4: knit. Rnd 5: (k5, kfb) 8 times = 56 sts. Knit 8 rnds even.
Switch to cream (B) for the muzzle panel as seen in the photo. Work the muzzle as a soft oval “mask” centered on the front. Keep the back of the head in A. For a simple approach, use duplicate stitch later for a clean cream oval.
If you prefer built-in colorwork, use this guide for the next 10 rnds: On each rnd, knit 18 sts in A, 20 sts in B, 18 sts in A. Keep the 20-st B section centered at the front. Knit 10 rnds following that split.
Stuff the head firmly now, shaping the muzzle outward. Add a little extra stuffing behind the B section to push the face forward. Smooth any lumps with your fingers before closing.
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Head Decreases and Closure
Rnd 1: (k5, k2tog) 8 times = 48 sts. Rnd 2: knit. Rnd 3: (k4, k2tog) 8 times = 40 sts. Rnd 4: knit. Rnd 5: (k3, k2tog) 8 times = 32 sts.
Rnd 6: (k2, k2tog) 8 times = 24 sts. Add final stuffing, making the crown smooth and rounded. Rnd 7: (k1, k2tog) 8 times = 16 sts. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure firmly inside the head.
Arms (make 2)
Arms are slim with a cream cuff at the wrist, matching the photo where the paw area is lighter. Knit in the round for the cleanest look. With B, CO 14 sts, join in the round. Knit 5 rnds for the cuff.
Change to A. Knit 14 rnds. Increase slightly for the upper arm: Rnd 1: (k6, kfb, k7) = 15 sts. Knit 6 rnds. Stuff lightly, keeping the arm soft so it can hang naturally.
Close the top: Rnd 1: (k3, k2tog) 3 times, k0–1 as needed = 12 sts. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight. Do not overstuff near the top so sewing is easier.
Ears (make 2)
The ears are tall, upright, and slightly rounded at the tip. Knit them flat for a tidy edge. With A, CO 16 sts. Work in stockinette (k on RS, p on WS) for 26 rows.
Shape the tip: Row 27 (RS): k2, ssk, k10, k2tog, k2. Row 28: purl. Row 29: k2, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2. Row 30: purl. Row 31: k2, ssk, k6, k2tog, k2. Row 32: purl.
Row 33: k2, ssk, k4, k2tog, k2. Row 34: purl. Row 35: k2, ssk, k2, k2tog, k2. Row 36: purl. Row 37: k2tog, k2, k2tog, k2 = 6 sts. Row 38: purl.
Row 39: (k2tog) 3 times = 3 sts. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight. Fold ear lengthwise, seam the long edge, leaving the base open. Lightly stuff only the lower third so the ear stands but still looks soft.
Dress
Dress Skirt (top-down, removable)
The dress is a pale speckled base with orchid motifs and a scalloped lilac hem. Work the skirt in the round, starting at the waist. Use a soft elastic CO so it slides on. With A (lighter speckled if you have it), CO 56 sts, join in the round.
Work 4 rnds in 1×1 rib (k1, p1). Then knit 2 rnds. Increase for gentle flare: Rnd 1: (k6, kfb) 8 times = 64 sts. Knit 6 rnds. Rnd 2: (k7, kfb) 8 times = 72 sts. Knit 10 rnds.
For the orchid band, place 4 motifs evenly around the front half, like the photo shows blossoms across the skirt front. Use D (orchid purple) for the petals and tiny B or F stitches for the dot centers.
Motif area (approx 8 rnds): Keep background in A. For each flower, work a simple 5-st petal shape using small color blocks. Example for one flower centered on 9 sts: Rnd A: k2A, k1D, k3A, k1D, k2A. Next rnd: shift D inward to form petals, then widen, then narrow. Repeat to make 4 flowers spaced apart.
If you prefer simpler colorwork, knit the skirt plain in A and duplicate stitch 4 orchid flowers afterward. Duplicate stitch gives the crisp floral look in the image, and you can place each blossom exactly where you want it.
Scalloped Hem with Lilac Edge
To match the rounded scallops, switch to C (lilac) for the last section. Knit 2 rnds in C. Then work a scallop bind-off: *BO 3 sts loosely, slip the next st back to left needle, CO 3 sts (cable cast on), repeat from * around.
This creates small waves along the edge. Adjust by binding off 2 and casting on 2 if your scallops look too large. Weave in ends neatly on the inside so the skirt hangs smoothly.
Dress Bodice (simple tube)
The bodice sits under the cardigan and is mostly hidden, but it helps the dress stay up. With A, CO 52 sts, join in the round. Work 6 rnds in 1×1 rib (k1, p1). Knit 6 rnds.
For arm openings, BO 6 sts, knit 20, BO 6, knit 20. Next rnd: CO 6 over each gap using cable cast on. Knit 4 rnds. BO loosely. Add two tiny tacking stitches at the shoulders to keep the bodice aligned under the cardigan.
Cardigan
Body (worked flat)
The cardigan is cropped with a gentle fit and three buttons down the center front. It includes two vertical purple decorative bands at the front that resemble lace trim. Work flat so the button band lies clean.
With A, CO 44 sts. Work 6 rows of 1×1 rib for the hem. Next, work stockinette for 14 rows. Mark the center 10 sts as the back neck zone. You will shape armholes lightly, but keep the silhouette simple.
Armhole shaping: Next RS row: BO 2 sts, knit to end. Next WS: BO 2 sts, purl to end. Repeat once more (you have decreased 4 sts total). Continue in stockinette for 10 rows.
Neck shaping: On RS, knit 14 sts, BO 16 sts, knit remaining sts. Work each side separately for 6 rows, decreasing 1 st at the neck edge every other row. BO remaining shoulder sts.
Sleeves (worked flat, then seamed)
With A, CO 20 sts. Work 6 rows 1×1 rib. Work stockinette for 18 rows. Shape the sleeve cap lightly: BO 2 sts at start of next 2 rows, then BO 1 st at start of next 2 rows. BO remaining sts.
Seam sleeves to cardigan body, matching underarm points. Then seam sleeve side edges. Keep seams flat and tidy because the cardigan fits close to the doll.
Front Decorative Bands and Button Band
Along each front edge, you’ll add a narrow trim in orchid purple (D). With RS facing, pick up 32 sts evenly along one front edge. Work 3 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). BO loosely.
For the decorative inner bands (the vertical purple lace look), pick up a column of sts about 3 sts in from each front edge. Work a narrow strip in D for 3 rows garter, then BO. This creates two visible purple panels like the photo.
Add 3 buttonholes on the right front band: before BO on the band, work (k2, YO, k2tog) at three evenly spaced spots. Sew buttons on the left band to match. Keep them small so the scale stays delicate.
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Socks and Shoes
Socks (make 2)
Socks are cream and peek above the shoes. With B, CO 18 sts, join in the round. Knit 10 rnds. BO loosely. Slide onto the legs so the cuff is even all around.
Shoe Covers (make 2)
Shoes are tan with a rounded toe and a simple strap line. Work each shoe as a small cover you stitch over the foot area. With E, CO 18 sts, join. Knit 4 rnds. Increase for toe: Rnd: (k8, kfb) twice = 20 sts. Knit 3 rnds.
Flatten for sole shaping: Place 10 sts on one needle (top), 10 on another (bottom). Work back and forth on the bottom 10 sts for 6 rows stockinette to make a slight sole extension, then rejoin in the round by picking up 1 st at each side. Knit 2 rnds, then BO.
Stitch shoe over the cream cuff/foot. Add a small “strap” with embroidery in E across the top. For dot trim like the photo, stitch tiny beads along the front edge, or use French knots in a pale yarn.
Tiny Kitten Friend
Body (in the round)
The tiny friend is a small kitten dressed in a matching lilac floral outfit and a big flower headpiece. Use the same yarn palette to keep the set cohesive. With A, CO 18 sts, join. Knit 8 rnds.
Increase for round belly: Rnd: (k2, kfb) 6 times = 24 sts. Knit 6 rnds. Decrease slightly: Rnd: (k2, k2tog) 6 times = 18 sts. Stuff lightly. Knit 3 rnds.
Head: Increase: (k2, kfb) 6 times = 24 sts. Knit 5 rnds. Switch to B for the muzzle area if desired by knitting the front 10 sts in B for 4 rnds. Stuff, then decrease: (k2, k2tog) 6 times = 18 sts. Next: (k1, k2tog) 6 times = 12 sts. Pull closed.
Arms (make 2) and Ears (make 2)
Arms: With A, CO 8 sts, join. Knit 6 rnds. Stuff a touch, then pull closed. Ears: With A, CO 6 sts, knit flat 8 rows stockinette, then decrease at both edges for 4 rows to form a point. Seam and attach.
Kitten Dress
With A, CO 20 sts, join. Work 4 rnds 1×1 rib. Knit 4 rnds. Switch to C for a lilac yoke stripe: knit 2 rnds in C, then back to A. Increase for skirt: (k2, kfb) around = 30 sts. Knit 6 rnds.
For a tiny scallop, switch to C and BO with a loose wavy edge by alternating BO 2 and CO 2. Add a small embroidered line in D at the waist to echo the main bunny dress. If you want freckles, add tiny D duplicate stitches scattered lightly.
Flower Headpiece for Kitten
Create a large soft flower in C and D, then stitch it to the kitten head near one ear. Make 5 petals: CO 6 sts in C, knit 2 rows, increase at both edges on next RS row, knit 1 WS row, then decrease at both edges on next RS row. BO. Repeat 5 times.
Sew petals in a circle. Add a small center knot in D, and one tiny bead if desired. Stitch firmly to the kitten so it stays upright like the photo.
Tea-Salon Accessories
Cabled Hat with Ribbon
The hat is cream with a textured cable crown and a smooth brim, finished with a purple ribbon tied at the side. With F or B (cream), CO 60 sts, join. Work 10 rnds of 1×1 rib for a snug brim.
Switch to a cable panel: *k4, p2, repeat from * around for 2 rnds. Then work a simple 6-st cable every 6 rnds: on a cable rnd, slip 3 sts to cable needle, hold in front, k3, then k3 from cable needle. Keep p2 columns between cables.
Work 7 cable repeats (about 42 rnds total from brim) or until it matches the photo’s dome. Decrease crown: on a plain rnd, (k2tog, k3) around to reduce evenly. Then knit 1 rnd, repeat decreases until 12 sts remain. Pull closed.
Wrap velvet ribbon around the brim line and stitch in place at the back so it does not slip. Tie a small bow and secure with a few stitches. Keep the bow slightly off-center to match the pictured styling.
Clutch with Bow and Bead Trim
The clutch is a small rectangular purse in cream with a centered bow and a dotted bead trim along the flap edge. With F, CO 22 sts. Work garter stitch for 26 rows for a firm fabric. Fold in thirds to form a flap. Seam sides.
Bow: CO 10 sts, knit 10 rows stockinette, BO. Pinch center and wrap with a short strand to cinch. Sew to clutch front. Add bead trim along the flap edge with small pearls, or embroider small dots evenly.
Cupcake
The cupcake has a brown base and pale icing with a purple dot on top. Base: With brown yarn, CO 18 sts, join. Knit 8 rnds. Decrease: (k1, k2tog) around = 12. Stuff lightly, pull closed.
Icing: With cream, CO 18, join. Knit 4 rnds, then decrease evenly to 12 sts. Stuff a touch, pull closed. Sew icing to base. Add a small top “berry” by making a tiny bobble in D and stitching it to the crown.
Flower (separate prop)
Make one extra flower prop like the photo’s loose blossom. Use the same method as the kitten head flower, but slightly larger: CO 8 sts per petal, work 3 rows, increase, then decrease to a point. Make 5 petals in C and add a D center.
Stitch a tiny bead in the middle for sparkle. Keep the flower soft so it sits naturally on the wooden surface when photographed. Weave ends to the back and knot securely.
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Handheld Mirror
The mirror is a small oval with a handle, mostly in tan, with a pale reflective center. Knit two ovals and seam them together. Oval front: With B, CO 8 sts, knit 1 row, increase 1 st at each end every RS row until 14 sts.
Knit 6 rows even, then decrease 1 st at each end every RS row until 8 sts remain. BO. Back oval in E, same shape. Handle: CO 6 sts in E, knit i-cord for 20 rows, BO. Stitch handle between ovals and seam all around.
For the reflective look, use a slightly shiny yarn for the front center, or embroider a soft highlight curve. Keep seams neat so the mirror edge looks smooth and finished.
Color Placement and Photo-Matching Tips
To match the photo closely, keep the bunny face mostly cream, with the speckled color fading softly around the cheeks. Place the eyes slightly wide and low for a gentle expression. The cardigan purple bands should be visible on the front, framing the buttons.
On the skirt, concentrate the orchid blossoms on the front half, spaced evenly. Add tiny scattered “freckle” dots in purple with duplicate stitch to echo the speckled look. The scalloped hem should show lilac curves with small rounded dips.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew arms to the body at the shoulder line, angled slightly forward. Stitch ears firmly at the top of the head, close together, and add a few hidden stitches down the base so they stand upright. If needed, add a tiny felt-free support stitch between ear bases.
Place eyes on the cream muzzle area, about 10–12 sts apart, and slightly above the midpoint of the muzzle. Embroider a small brown triangle nose, then stitch a short vertical line and a gentle “Y” smile. Add a tiny pink blush stitch if desired.
Care Notes
Spot clean with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Press with a towel to remove moisture, then air dry away from direct heat. Avoid aggressive rubbing on embroidered flowers and bead details. If the doll is handled often, consider securing accessories with hidden stitches.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- All ends woven in securely, especially on colorwork and trims
- Head firmly stuffed and smooth, muzzle shaped evenly
- Ears attached upright and symmetrical
- Cardigan buttons aligned with buttonholes
- Dress sits level and scalloped hem looks even
- Shoes centered and dot trim consistent on both feet
- Kitten friend stands balanced, flower headpiece secured
- Accessories photographed and stored together
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
For long-term keeping, store the doll in a breathable cotton bag to prevent dust while allowing airflow. Keep away from direct sunlight to reduce fading of lilac and orchid shades. If the hat ribbon creases, steam lightly from a distance and reshape with your fingers.
If you used beads, check them occasionally and tighten stitches if needed. For reshaping, gently squeeze and roll the stuffed areas back into form. Avoid hanging the doll by the ears or arms; lay flat or stand supported to maintain the silhouette.
