This sweet picnic bunny is dressed for a sunny day outdoors, with a lacy brim hat, a puff-sleeve dress, a flower-painted-style apron, and tiny Mary Jane shoes. The set also includes a small picnic basket with bread, a striped picnic blanket, and a tiny companion doll to make the scene extra charming for display or gifting.
If you enjoy making heirloom toys, this project pairs beautifully with shopping favorites like DK cotton yarn, high-quality fiberfill stuffing, 2.75 mm double-point needles, tapestry needles, and small black bead eyes for a clean, classic look. Everything is knit with simple shaping, so you can build an adorable collectible that feels timeless.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Finished Size
Approx. 12–13 in (30–33 cm) tall from feet to hat brim (depending on yarn, tension, and stuffing). Bunny sits with legs hanging, just like the photo.
Skill Level
- Confident beginner to intermediate
- Small-circumference knitting (DPNs or magic loop)
- Basic increases/decreases, simple seaming
- Duplicate stitch (optional) and embroidery
Materials
- DK weight yarn (main bunny color): warm oatmeal/taupe (A)
- DK yarn (dress): soft cream/ivory (B)
- DK yarn (apron base): very pale sky/soft aqua (C)
- DK yarn (apron borders/straps): lavender (D), pale pink (E), mint (F)
- DK yarn (flowers/leaves): red (R), orange (O), golden yellow (Y), leaf green (G), deep green (DG)
- DK yarn (shoes): tan/caramel (S)
- DK yarn (hat): beige/sand (H) matching the photo’s lacey brim
- DK yarn (basket): straw/tan (K)
- DK yarn (blanket): off-white plus pastel stripes (pink, aqua, lavender)
- 2.75 mm (US 2) DPNs or circular for magic loop (main tight fabric)
- 3.25 mm (US 3) needles (optional for blanket and hat if you want softer drape)
- Fiberfill stuffing
- 2 small black bead eyes (6–7 mm) or safety eyes (use what you prefer)
- Embroidery floss in black and brown (nose/mouth detailing)
- Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
- Thin cardboard circle (optional) to stiffen basket base
- Fine floral wire (optional) to gently shape hat brim
Gauge
Stockinette in the round with 2.75 mm needles: about 30 sts x 40 rounds = 4 in (10 cm). Tight gauge is important so stuffing does not show.
If your gauge is looser, go down a needle size. If it is extremely tight and hard to knit, go up slightly, but keep fabric dense.
Notions and Construction Notes
- Bunny body is worked mostly in the round, from feet upward, with separate arms and ears.
- Dress is worked from the top down with set-in shaping and short puff sleeves.
- Apron is a flat piece with attached straps and decorative surface embroidery.
- Hat is a lacey circular knit with a wide brim and gentle waves.
- Shoes are knit separately and stitched on after the legs are finished.
- Basket, bread, blanket, and tiny companion are separate small knits.
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd = round
- RS/WS = right side/wrong side
- kfb = knit front and back (increase 1)
- m1L/m1R = make 1 increase left/right
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease 1)
- sl = slip stitch
- yo = yarn over
- rep = repeat
- BO = bind off
- CO = cast on
Helpful Techniques
- Invisible increase: use m1L/m1R for smoother shaping on the head and limbs.
- Mattress stitch: for neat seams on ears, apron straps, and blanket edges.
- Duplicate stitch: for the green vine/leaves on the skirt hem if you want a raised knit look.
- Simple embroidery: for nasturtium flowers and leaf veins on the apron.
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Bunny Body (Legs, Torso, Head)
Work in the round using A. Stuff firmly as you go, especially the head and upper body, so the bunny sits nicely and keeps a smooth face.
Leg 1 (make 2)
CO 24 sts. Join in the round, place marker for beginning of round.
Rnds 1–10: k all.
Rnd 11: (k6, k2tog) rep 3 times = 21 sts.
Rnds 12–26: k all.
Shape ankle slightly so the shoe sits well.
Rnd 27: (k5, k2tog) rep 3 times = 18 sts.
Rnds 28–40: k all.
Lightly stuff lower leg. Do not stuff to the top yet.
Break yarn on first leg. Place sts on holder if needed.
Join Legs and Build Torso
With second leg still on needles, knit 18 sts. CO 6 sts using backward loop method (inner thigh bridge).
Place first leg back on needles and knit 18 sts. CO 6 sts again (second bridge) = 48 sts total.
Join and place marker at new beginning of rnd.
Rnds 1–8: k all. Stuff legs evenly so they hang with gentle weight.
Rnd 9 (hip shaping): k1, m1R, k to last 1, m1L, k1 = 50 sts.
Rnds 10–16: k all.
Rnd 17 (belly): k2, m1R, k to last 2, m1L, k2 = 52 sts.
Rnds 18–28: k all.
Make a slightly rounded tummy like the photo.
Rnd 29: (k12, kfb) rep 4 times + k4 = 56 sts.
Rnds 30–36: k all.
Waist and Chest
Rnd 37: (k12, k2tog) rep 4 times + k4 = 52 sts.
Rnds 38–42: k all.
Rnd 43: (k11, k2tog) rep 4 times + k4 = 48 sts.
Rnds 44–52: k all.
At this point, the torso should look like a soft cylinder with a gentle belly. Stuff firmly, shaping a flat-ish back so the doll sits neatly.
Neck
Rnd 53: (k6, k2tog) rep 6 times = 42 sts.
Rnds 54–56: k all.
Rnd 57: (k5, k2tog) rep 6 times = 36 sts.
Rnds 58–60: k all.
Stuff the neck area well. A firm neck supports the heavier head and hat brim.
Head
Increase smoothly to create a rounded head with a softly pointed muzzle area.
Rnd 61: (k5, m1R) rep 6 times = 42 sts.
Rnd 62: k all.
Rnd 63: (k6, m1R) rep 6 times = 48 sts.
Rnd 64: k all.
Rnd 65: (k7, m1R) rep 6 times = 54 sts.
Rnd 66: k all.
Rnd 67: (k8, m1R) rep 6 times = 60 sts.
Rnds 68–78: k all.
Begin stuffing head firmly. Push stuffing into the cheeks so the face stays smooth. The photo shows a calm, rounded face rather than a long snout.
Shape the upper head slightly narrower.
Rnd 79: (k8, k2tog) rep 6 times = 54 sts.
Rnd 80: k all.
Rnd 81: (k7, k2tog) rep 6 times = 48 sts.
Rnd 82: k all.
Rnd 83: (k6, k2tog) rep 6 times = 42 sts.
Rnd 84: k all.
Rnd 85: (k5, k2tog) rep 6 times = 36 sts.
Rnd 86: k all.
Rnd 87: (k4, k2tog) rep 6 times = 30 sts.
Finish stuffing very firmly, shaping a gentle oval. Make sure the front is smooth where the eyes and nose will be placed.
Rnd 88: (k3, k2tog) rep 6 times = 24 sts.
Rnd 89: (k2, k2tog) rep 6 times = 18 sts.
Rnd 90: (k1, k2tog) rep 6 times = 12 sts.
Rnd 91: k2tog rep 6 times = 6 sts.
Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.
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Arms (make 2)
Use A. Arms are simple tubes with soft rounding. They hang straight down in the photo.
CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
Rnds 1–22: k all.
Stuff lightly, leaving the top unstuffed for easier stitching.
Rnd 23: (k1, k2tog) rep 6 times = 12 sts.
Rnd 24: k all.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through sts and pull closed.
Set aside. Do not attach yet.
Ears (make 2)
Use A. The ears in the photo are long and floppy, coming down beside the face under the hat.
Work flat to keep ears soft and slightly wider.
CO 16 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k all.
Row 2 (WS): p all.
Rows 3–40: rep Rows 1–2.
Shape the tip slightly rounded.
Row 41 (RS): k2tog, k12, k2tog = 14 sts.
Row 42 (WS): p all.
Row 43 (RS): k2tog, k10, k2tog = 12 sts.
Row 44 (WS): p all.
Row 45 (RS): k2tog, k8, k2tog = 10 sts.
Row 46 (WS): p all.
Row 47 (RS): k2tog, k6, k2tog = 8 sts.
Row 48 (WS): p all.
Row 49 (RS): k2tog, k4, k2tog = 6 sts.
Row 50 (WS): p all.
Row 51 (RS): k2tog, k2, k2tog = 4 sts.
Row 52 (WS): p all.
Row 53 (RS): k2tog, k2tog = 2 sts.
Row 54 (WS): p2tog = 1 st.
Cut yarn and fasten off.
Optional: light steam block so the ears lay smoothly. Do not stretch too much.
Dress (Cream Puff-Sleeve Dress with Floral Sleeve Bands)
The dress in the photo is cream with short puff sleeves and little color accents around the sleeve area. The hem shows a green vine/leaf decoration near the bottom of the skirt. You can do this as duplicate stitch later for a raised knit look.
Dress Bodice (Top-Down)
Use B. Work in the round from the neckline down.
CO 48 sts. Join in the round, place marker.
Rnds 1–4: k1, p1 rib all around.
Rnd 5: k all.
Set up raglan markers: k12, pm, k12, pm, k12, pm, k12, pm (4 sections of 12 sts).
Raglan increase rnd: k to 1 st before marker, m1R, k1, slip marker, k1, m1L. Repeat at each marker.
Work 10 raglan increase rounds total, with 1 plain knit round between each increase round.
After raglan shaping, you should have a roomy yoke that fits over the bunny’s shoulders with a gentle puff sleeve look.
Try on the bunny: yoke should sit just below the neck seam, not tight.
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Separate Sleeves
Place the first 26 sleeve sts onto waste yarn (each sleeve section will be about 26 sts now, depending on your increases).
Do the same for the second sleeve.
Join body sts, CO 6 sts under each arm for comfort.
Dress Body and Skirt
Work in the round on the body sts using B.
Rnds 1–10: k all.
Create a gentle flare into a skirt like the photo.
Increase rnd: (k10, kfb) rep around.
Work 4 rnds plain.
Repeat the increase rnd + 4 plain rnds two more times.
The skirt should start to widen and drape softly over the bunny’s lap.
Continue knitting plain until skirt reaches the knees, about 26–30 rnds from underarm, adjusting for your bunny.
Hem edging: work a subtle scallop feel with a simple picot-like effect.
Rnd 1: (k2, yo, k2tog) rep around.
Rnd 2: k all.
Rnd 3: p all.
BO loosely in knit on next rnd.
Duplicate Stitch Vine and Leaves (Skirt Decoration)
The photo shows a green vine motif around the skirt near the hem.
Using G and DG, add a meandering vine line about 6–8 rnds above the hem.
- Work short leaf shapes every 6–8 stitches.
- Add tiny angled stitches for stems.
- Keep it soft and organic, not perfectly symmetrical.
If you prefer embroidery instead, use a tapestry needle and satin stitch leaves over the stockinette.
Puff Sleeves (make 2)
Return sleeve sts to needles. Join B at underarm.
Pick up and knit 6 sts across underarm CO = sleeve total.
Rnds 1–6: k all.
Create a small puff by decreasing gently after a few rounds.
Rnd 7: (k4, k2tog) rep around.
Rnds 8–10: k all.
Add the sleeve color band like the photo’s warm floral accents.
Switch to O and knit 2 rnds.
Switch to G and knit 1 rnd.
Switch to O and knit 1 rnd.
Return to B for a soft cuff edge.
Rnds 1–2: k1, p1 rib.
BO loosely.
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Apron (Pastel Straps, Floral Front Panel)
The apron sits over the cream dress and has pastel borders and straps. The center shows nasturtium flowers in red, orange, and yellow with green leaves, including round leaf shapes like the photo.
Apron Panel
Work flat with C.
CO 30 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k all.
Row 2 (WS): p all.
Repeat Rows 1–2 for 34 rows total, or until apron covers the bunny’s front from chest to just above skirt hem.
Create a rounded bottom edge like the photo.
Next RS row: k2, k2tog, k to last 4, ssk, k2.
WS row: p all.
Repeat these 2 rows 4 times = narrower by 8 sts.
Knit 6 more rows in stockinette.
BO on RS.
Apron Border (Pastel Frame)
With RS facing, pick up sts evenly around apron edge using F.
Knit 1 round/row of garter (if working flat: k every row while picking around, turning at corners).
Switch to D and work 1 round/row garter.
Switch to E and work 1 round/row garter.
Switch back to F and work 1 final garter round/row. BO loosely.
This layered pastel edging recreates the soft striped trim seen in the photo.
Apron Straps
Make 2 long straps with D.
CO 6 sts.
Work 70 rows in garter stitch (k every row), or until the strap comfortably goes from apron top, over shoulder, to back waist.
BO. Make second strap.
For the waist ties, make 2 shorter straps with E.
CO 5 sts.
Work 46 rows garter. BO. Make second waist tie.
Attach Straps
- Sew the top ends of the two long straps to the top corners of the apron front.
- Sew the lower ends of these straps to the upper back edge of the apron area (they should look like overalls).
- Sew waist ties at the side edges of the apron, about mid-height.
Nasturtium Flowers and Leaves (Apron Front Design)
Use simple embroidery and/or small knit appliqués to match the photo’s layered floral look.
Placement guide (match the photo):
- One large red flower near center-left.
- One orange flower slightly above center.
- One yellow flower near lower-right.
- Two to three round green leaves scattered around flowers.
- Small green stems connecting upward.
Embroidered flower method (recommended for accuracy):
- Outline each 5-petal flower in a slightly darker shade (R for red, O for orange, Y for yellow).
- Fill petals with satin stitch, radiating from center outward.
- Add a tiny center in contrasting yellow/orange with French knots or tight seed stitches.
- Embroider stems in G using backstitch.
Round leaf method:
- With DG, embroider a circle about the size of a quarter using chain stitch or backstitch outline.
- Fill with short satin stitches in DG and add a lighter star vein in G.
- Keep the leaf edges rounded, like nasturtium leaves.
If you prefer knit appliqués, you can knit small circles and stitch them down, then add the lighter vein on top.
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Lace Brim Hat (Wide Sun Hat)
The hat in the photo is a wide-brim lace style in a beige color. It sits low and frames the bunny’s face, with an airy decorative pattern on the brim.
Hat Crown
Use H. Work in the round.
CO 60 sts. Join in the round.
Rnds 1–6: k1, p1 rib.
Rnds 7–14: k all.
Increase slightly to transition into brim.
Rnd 15: (k9, m1R) rep around = 66 sts.
Rnd 16: k all.
Lace Brim Pattern
Work the following 8-rnd lace sequence 3 times (24 rnds). Keep tension even so the brim has neat eyelets.
Rnd 1: (k6, yo, k2tog, k3) rep around.
Rnd 2: k all.
Rnd 3: (k5, yo, k2tog, k4) rep around.
Rnd 4: k all.
Rnd 5: (k4, yo, k2tog, k5) rep around.
Rnd 6: k all.
Rnd 7: (k3, yo, k2tog, k6) rep around.
Rnd 8: k all.
Now widen the brim more dramatically so it becomes floppy and wide like the photo.
Increase rnd: (k10, kfb) rep around.
Knit 2 rnds plain.
Repeat the increase rnd + 2 plain rnds 2 more times.
Finish with a firm edge so the brim holds shape.
Work 6 rnds in garter-in-the-round style: alternate 1 rnd knit, 1 rnd purl.
BO loosely.
Optional: thread a thin wire through the final garter ridges and tack invisibly to help the brim keep a gentle wave.
Mary Jane Shoes (Tan)
The shoes in the photo are caramel/tan and sit over the bunny’s feet, with a strap across the top.
Shoe Base (make 2)
Use S. Work in the round from toe.
CO 18 sts. Join.
Rnd 1: k all.
Rnd 2: (k2, kfb) rep around = 24 sts.
Rnd 3: k all.
Rnd 4: (k3, kfb) rep around = 30 sts.
Rnds 5–8: k all.
Shape the foot top by short rows to create a slight dome.
Work back and forth on 16 sts across top of foot for 10 rows in stockinette.
Rejoin in the round, picking up 5 sts on each side of the dome = approx 40 sts total.
Rnds 1–3: k all.
Rnd 4: (k6, k2tog) rep around.
Rnds 5–6: k all.
BO leaving a long tail for sewing. Stitch shoe around the bunny foot, shaping snugly. Repeat for second shoe.
Shoe Strap (make 2)
With S, CO 5 sts.
Work 18 rows garter. BO.
Sew strap across shoe top. Add a tiny stitched “button” with a few wraps of yarn on one side.
Picnic Basket (Small Basket with Handle)
The basket in the photo is a small tan basket with a handle, holding bread loaves. This is knit in the round and lightly stiffened by tight gauge.
Basket Base
Use K with 2.75 mm needles for firmness.
CO 24 sts. Join.
Rnd 1: k all.
Rnd 2: (k2, kfb) rep around = 32 sts.
Rnd 3: k all.
Rnd 4: (k3, kfb) rep around = 40 sts.
Rnds 5–7: k all.
Create a crisp “turn” for the basket wall.
Rnd 8: p all.
Rnds 9–18: k all.
Optional: insert a thin cardboard circle at the bottom before closing off the inside. This helps the basket sit flat.
Top rim:
Rnds 19–20: k1, p1 rib.
BO loosely.
Basket Handle
CO 6 sts with K. Work 70 rows in i-cord style (or narrow garter strap).
If making i-cord: slide sts to other end of DPN, knit across, repeat until length fits basket.
Sew handle ends securely to inner sides of the basket.
Bread Loaves (for Basket)
Make 2–3 small loaves in light tan or beige. These are simple stuffed tubes.
Mini Baguette (make 2)
Use a light tan yarn (you may use S or a lighter K shade).
CO 8 sts, work i-cord for 30 rows.
Stuff lightly as you go, keeping it firm but not lumpy.
BO and stitch ends closed.
Add “slashes” with a few embroidered lines in a slightly darker brown.
Round Roll (make 1)
CO 18 sts, join in the round. Knit 10 rnds.
Stuff. Decrease: (k1, k2tog) rep around.
Knit 1 rnd. Repeat decreases until closed. Secure.
Striped Picnic Blanket
The blanket in the photo is a soft rectangle with pastel stripes. Knit it slightly looser so it drapes.
With 3.25 mm needles and off-white yarn, CO 44 sts.
Work in garter stitch (k every row) for 10 rows.
Add stripes in pastel colors, changing every 6 rows:
- 6 rows aqua
- 6 rows lavender
- 6 rows pale pink
- 6 rows off-white
Repeat the stripe set once more, then finish with 10 rows off-white.
BO loosely. Weave in ends neatly so the blanket lies flat.
Loose Nasturtium Flowers (Small Display Pieces)
The photo includes a small cluster of extra flowers and leaves near the basket. These can be tiny knit appliqués.
Small Flower (make 3–5)
Use R, O, and Y for variety.
CO 20 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1: (k1, yo) rep around = 40 sts.
Rnd 2: (k2tog) rep around = 20 sts.
BO, leaving a tail. Pull slightly to cup the flower.
Embroider a tiny center with contrasting floss.
Leaf (make 3–5)
Use G. Work flat.
CO 10 sts.
Row 1: k all.
Row 2: p all.
Row 3: k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1.
Row 4: p all.
Repeat Rows 3–4 two more times.
Work 6 rows stockinette.
Decrease with k2tog at each end every RS row until 10 sts remain.
BO. Add a vein line with DG.
Tiny Companion Doll (Mini Friend with Hat and Dress)
The small companion in the photo looks like a tiny animal friend with a little hat and dress. This mini is knit in simple shapes so it reads clearly at a small scale.
Mini Body and Head (one piece)
Use A or a slightly lighter beige for the mini body.
CO 12 sts, join in the round.
Rnds 1–8: k all.
Rnd 9: (k2, m1R) rep around = 16 sts.
Rnds 10–16: k all.
Rnd 17: (k2, k2tog) rep around = 12 sts.
Rnds 18–20: k all.
Head shaping:
Rnd 21: (k2, m1R) rep around = 16 sts.
Rnds 22–28: k all.
Stuff lightly.
Rnd 29: (k2, k2tog) rep around = 12 sts.
Rnd 30: (k1, k2tog) rep around = 8 sts.
Rnd 31: k2tog rep around = 4 sts.
Cut yarn, pull closed, secure.
Mini Arms (make 2)
CO 6 sts, work i-cord for 10 rows. BO and stitch to sides.
Mini Dress
Use B (cream) with a small accent in O or R.
CO 18 sts, join. Knit 6 rnds.
Increase rnd: (k2, kfb) rep around.
Knit 6 rnds. BO.
Add a tiny embroidered flower on the front.
Mini Hat
Use a yellow/tan yarn.
CO 18 sts, join. Knit 4 rnds.
Increase rnd: (k2, kfb) rep around.
Knit 2 rnds. BO.
Stitch to mini head so it sits slightly tilted like the photo.
Dressing the Bunny
Put the cream dress on first. Slide it up from the feet and position the neckline neatly around the neck.
Next, place the apron panel centered on the front. Tie the waist ties at the back in a small bow.
Bring the longer straps over the shoulders and stitch or tie them so the apron sits high like overalls.
Slip the hat over the ears. Arrange the ears to drape down the sides of the face under the brim.
Finally, position the shoes and stitch them securely so they align evenly and point forward.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Attach arms at the sides of the torso, just below the dress yoke. Stitch them so they hang straight down, matching the photo’s calm pose.
Attach ears near the top sides of the head, slightly behind the face. Let them fall forward under the hat brim.
Add eyes centered and evenly spaced. Then embroider a small triangle nose and a simple “Y” mouth line in black, keeping it minimal and sweet.
Care Notes
For best results, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Keep the hat brim and apron embroidery from snagging by storing the doll in a soft bag or box.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head is firmly stuffed and smooth on the face
- Eyes are even and secure
- Ears drape neatly under the hat
- Dress hem sits evenly and vine detail is centered
- Apron straps and ties sit like overalls
- Shoes are aligned and stitched down
- Basket handle is strong and bread fits inside
- Blanket edges are neat and ends are woven in
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Hand wash accessories only if needed, using cool water and gentle detergent. Roll items in a towel to remove moisture, then reshape and air dry flat. Avoid heat and direct sunlight for long periods to keep pastel colors bright and prevent the lace brim from warping.
