Meet the Tulip Carousel Kiss Bunny, a soft heirloom-style knitted bunny dressed for a spring stroll. This set includes the bunny, a tulip dress with scalloped petal hem, a cozy green cardigan, and a sweet cloche hat with a bow. You’ll also knit the tiny fairground companions and props: a tulip tote with a little “ride ticket” card, a mini carousel jar, a bundle of tulip flowers, and a tiny chick friend in a matching dress. If you love shopping for a quality DK cotton yarn set, smooth double-point needles, and a neat stuffing fiberfill, this project is a charming make.
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
Bunny: about 10–11 in (25–28 cm) tall from feet to top of hat, using DK yarn and tight gauge.
Chick: about 3–3.5 in (7.5–9 cm) tall.
Props are sized to match the photo: tote fits the card, carousel jar is palm-sized, tulip bundle sits at bunny’s feet.
Skill Level
- Confident beginner to intermediate
- You’ll use simple shaping, short finishing seams, embroidery, and small color motifs
Yarn & Color Palette (Match the Photo)
- Main Bunny Beige (A): DK cotton or cotton-blend, warm oatmeal/beige
- Cream (B): for dress outer skirt panels and hat
- Soft Pink (C): for underskirt and tulip details
- Leaf Green (D): for cardigan and stems
- Deep Tulip Pink (E): for tulip heads and tote border motifs
- Chick Yellow (F): chick body
- Orange (G): chick beak
- White (H): chick collar and carousel accents
- Optional Tiny Accents: muted red for tote tassel/knob, pale blue for card background, gold/mustard for carousel top
Needles, Notions, and Tools
- Needles: US 2–3 (2.75–3.25 mm) for tight fabric, plus US 1–2 (2.25–2.75 mm) optional for small props
- DPNs or magic loop: for knitting in the round (recommended for smooth toy shaping)
- Stitch markers (at least 2)
- Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Safety eyes optional (photo shows embroidered eyes; you may still use 6 mm safety eyes)
- Thin craft wire optional for tulip stems (or pipe cleaner, or yarn-only stems)
- Cardstock for the small ferris wheel card (or felt panel)
Gauge
Toys look best with a dense fabric. Aim for about 26–30 sts x 34–40 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) in stockinette when worked in the round. Exact gauge is less important than a firm fabric that does not show stuffing.
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 left/right (optional)
- k2tog knit 2 together (decrease 1)
- ssk slip, slip, knit (decrease 1)
- BO bind off
- CO cast on
- pm place marker
- sm slip marker
- rep repeat
General Notes for a Clean, Photo-Like Finish
- Work the bunny pieces in the round for smooth shaping and minimal seams.
- Stuff firmly as you go, using small pinches of fiberfill to avoid lumps.
- For a neat face, embroider with smooth, tightly twisted yarn or embroidery floss.
- Color motifs (tulips) are easiest with duplicate stitch after knitting, keeping the fabric smooth like the image.
- All clothing is removable, but you may tack it lightly in place with a few hidden stitches if you want it to sit exactly like the photo.
Bunny Body (Work in the Round, Bottom-Up)
The bunny in the image has a softly rounded body with a gentle belly and a narrow neck that supports the head. The legs are separate pieces sewn on, so the body begins as a smooth tube with subtle shaping.
Body
With A, CO 36 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beginning of rnd.
Rnd 1–6: k all sts.
Rnd 7 (increase): (k5, kfb) rep 6 times = 42 sts.
Rnd 8–14: k all sts.
Rnd 15 (increase): (k6, kfb) rep 6 times = 48 sts.
Rnd 16–24: k all sts.
Rnd 25 (shaping): (k6, k2tog) rep 6 times = 42 sts.
Rnd 26–30: k all sts.
Rnd 31 (shaping): (k5, k2tog) rep 6 times = 36 sts.
Rnd 32–36: k all sts. Begin stuffing firmly.
Rnd 37 (neck): (k4, k2tog) rep 6 times = 30 sts.
Rnd 38–40: k all sts.
Rnd 41 (neck): (k3, k2tog) rep 6 times = 24 sts.
Rnd 42–44: k all sts. Stuff more; keep neck firm but not overstuffed.
BO leaving a long tail for sewing head to body.
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Head (Work in the Round, Top-Down)
The head is an oval sphere with a flat-ish face area. Keep stuffing dense so the embroidered features sit cleanly and the hat fits nicely.
Head
With A, CO 6 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb in each st = 12 sts.
Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) rep 6 times = 18 sts.
Rnd 3: k all sts.
Rnd 4: (k2, kfb) rep 6 times = 24 sts.
Rnd 5: k all sts.
Rnd 6: (k3, kfb) rep 6 times = 30 sts.
Rnd 7: k all sts.
Rnd 8: (k4, kfb) rep 6 times = 36 sts.
Rnd 9–16: k all sts.
Rnd 17 (face flatten): k all sts, but lightly steam the face later to encourage a flatter front (do not press hard).
Rnd 18: (k4, k2tog) rep 6 times = 30 sts.
Rnd 19: k all sts. Start stuffing; shape a slightly flatter face by adding a bit more stuffing toward the cheeks.
Rnd 20: (k3, k2tog) rep 6 times = 24 sts.
Rnd 21: k all sts.
Rnd 22: (k2, k2tog) rep 6 times = 18 sts.
Rnd 23: (k1, k2tog) rep 6 times = 12 sts.
Rnd 24: k2tog around = 6 sts. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.
Attach Head to Body
Use the long tail from the body (or a fresh strand of A). Center the head over the neck opening. Sew with small ladder stitches all around, keeping the seam hidden and the head straight.
Ears (Make 2, Long and Droopy)
The bunny in the image has long, floppy ears that hang beside the face and sit under the hat brim. Knit the ears flat to create a soft edge, then lightly seam.
Ear (worked flat)
With A, CO 14 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k.
Row 2 (WS): p.
Row 3: k2, kfb, k8, kfb, k2 = 16 sts.
Row 4: p.
Row 5: k all.
Row 6: p all.
Row 7: k2tog, k12, ssk = 14 sts.
Row 8: p.
Rep Rows 5–8 three more times (ear narrows gradually) = 8 sts remain after last decrease row.
Work 10 more rows in stockinette (k on RS, p on WS) to lengthen the ear.
Final shaping: Row (RS): k2tog, k4, ssk = 6 sts.
Next WS row: p.
Next RS row: k2tog, k2, ssk = 4 sts.
Next WS row: p.
BO. Fold ear lengthwise with WS facing, seam lightly along the long edge, leaving the bottom 1 in (2.5 cm) unseamed for easier attachment. Turn right side out.
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Attach Ears
Pin ears to the head so they sit slightly forward of the side seams, with the bottoms just above the face midline. Sew securely. Let them drape naturally so the hat brim can sit over them.
Arms (Make 2)
The arms are simple tubes with a gentle hand roundness. In the photo, the sleeves cover most of the arm, so keep the shape smooth and slightly tapered.
Arm
With A, CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
Rnd 1–10: k all sts.
Rnd 11 (taper): (k1, k2tog) rep 6 times = 12 sts.
Rnd 12–18: k all sts. Stuff lightly (hands only), keeping the top unstuffed for easier sewing.
BO leaving a long tail. Flatten the top and close with a few whip stitches. Sew arms to body at the upper sides, just below the neck seam, angled slightly forward like the photo.
Legs (Make 2, Chubby Ankles for Shoes)
The bunny stands with sturdy legs and wears knitted shoes/boots. Knit legs in the round so they are firm and smooth.
Leg
With A, CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
Rnd 1–8: k all sts.
Rnd 9 (shape calf): (k2, k2tog) rep 6 times = 18 sts.
Rnd 10–18: k all sts. Stuff firmly.
Rnd 19 (shape top): (k1, k2tog) rep 6 times = 12 sts.
Rnd 20–22: k all sts.
BO leaving a long tail. Flatten top and close. Sew legs to the bottom of the body, spaced so the bunny stands balanced. The inner edges should be about 1 in (2.5 cm) apart.
Tail (Small)
With A, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb around = 16 sts.
Rnd 2–4: k all sts.
Rnd 5: (k2tog) around = 8 sts. Stuff lightly.
Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight. Sew centered on back, just above dress line.
Face Embroidery (Match the Photo)
The image shows simple embroidered oval eyes and a small “Y” nose/mouth in dark thread. Use dark brown or black embroidery floss for a clean look. Keep stitches short and even so the expression is gentle and sweet.
- Eye placement: About halfway down the head, spaced about 10–12 sts apart. Make each eye a small vertical oval using satin stitches (about 3–4 stitches wide, 5–6 stitches tall).
- Nose: Centered between eyes, about 3–4 rnds below eye line. Stitch a tiny triangle or short “V” shape.
- Mouth: From the nose base, stitch a straight line down 2–3 rnds, then split into a small “Y” with two short diagonal lines.
- Cheeks (optional): With a whisper of pink pastel or very light pink yarn, add a tiny blush dot, but keep subtle.
Dress Set (Tulip Petal Overskirt + Pink Underskirt)
The bunny’s dress has a cream top with a centered tulip, a thin pink waistband, and a cream overskirt with scalloped “petals.” Each petal panel has a tulip motif. Underneath sits a soft pink skirt that peeks out, giving the layered look seen in the photo.
Dress Bodice (Cream Top)
Work flat, then seam the back. This makes dressing the bunny easier and keeps the fit tidy.
With B, CO 36 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k.
Row 2 (WS): p.
Row 3–18: work stockinette (k on RS, p on WS).
Shape armholes:
Row 19 (RS): BO 3, k to end = 33 sts.
Row 20 (WS): BO 3, p to end = 30 sts.
Row 21 (RS): k.
Row 22 (WS): p.
Neck shaping:
Row 23 (RS): k10, BO 10, k10.
Work each side separately for 4 rows in stockinette, then BO remaining shoulder sts on each side.
Seam shoulders. Pick up and knit around neck opening with B: pick up 32–36 sts evenly. Knit 3 rnds, then BO loosely.
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Tulip on bodice: Duplicate stitch a tulip centered on the front: stem in D, tulip head in E or C (photo shows pink tulip), add two small leaves in D.
Pink Waistband
With C, pick up sts along the lower edge of bodice (about 36 sts). Knit 4 rnds in the round if you prefer, or knit flat if you made the bodice fully flat. BO neatly.
Pink Underskirt (Full Skirt)
With C, pick up 48 sts evenly around the bodice lower edge (just under the waistband). Join in the round.
Rnd 1: k.
Rnd 2 (increase): (k7, kfb) rep 6 times = 54 sts.
Rnd 3–6: k.
Rnd 7 (increase): (k8, kfb) rep 6 times = 60 sts.
Rnd 8–14: k.
Hem: Rnd 15: p all sts.
Rnd 16: k all sts.
BO loosely. Lightly steam so skirt flares gently like the photo.
Cream Petal Overskirt (Scalloped Panels)
This layer creates the flower-petal silhouette. You’ll knit 6 petal panels and attach them around the waist so they overlap slightly. Each panel carries a tulip motif near the lower center, matching the image.
Petal Panel (Make 6)
With B, CO 20 sts. Work flat.
Row 1 (RS): k.
Row 2 (WS): p.
Row 3: k1, kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1 = 22 sts.
Row 4: p.
Row 5–14: stockinette.
Begin rounding the bottom edge (scallop):
Row 15 (RS): k2tog, k to last 2, ssk = 20 sts.
Row 16 (WS): p.
Row 17: k2tog, k to last 2, ssk = 18 sts.
Row 18: p.
Row 19: k2tog, k to last 2, ssk = 16 sts.
Row 20: p.
Row 21 (RS): k all.
Row 22 (WS): p all.
Row 23 (RS): k2tog, k to last 2, ssk = 14 sts.
Row 24 (WS): p.
Row 25 (RS): k all.
Row 26 (WS): p all.
BO.
Tulip motif on each panel: Duplicate stitch one tulip centered about 6–8 rows above the bottom edge. Use D for stem/leaves and E for the flower head. Keep them consistent so the skirt looks like the photo.
Attach Petals to Waist
Evenly space 6 petals around the waistband, overlapping slightly so the edges create a soft scalloped hem. Sew only along the top edges of petals to the waistband area. Let the bottoms swing freely.
Cardigan (Green, Open Front with Pocket Tulips)
The cardigan in the photo is a soft green with a simple edge band and two small pocket areas, each decorated with a tiny tulip bud. It sits just above the dress waistband and stays open in front.
Cardigan Body (Worked Flat)
With D, CO 46 sts.
Rows 1–4: (k1, p1) rib.
Rows 5–18: stockinette, ending with a WS row.
Divide for fronts and back (set up open cardigan):
Row 19 (RS): k12 (left front), place next 22 sts on holder (back), k12 (right front).
Work left front (12 sts):
Rows 20–30: stockinette. BO 3 sts at armhole edge once, then work straight to Row 30. BO remaining sts.
Work right front (12 sts) to match, mirroring armhole BO at the opposite edge.
Work back (22 sts):
Rejoin yarn at back holder sts. BO 3 sts at each side once for armholes = 16 sts. Work stockinette 10 rows. BO.
Seam shoulders and side seams, leaving armholes open.
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Sleeves (Make 2, Worked in the Round)
Pick up 20 sts evenly around each armhole with D. Join in the round.
Rnd 1–8: k all sts.
Rnd 9 (taper): (k3, k2tog) rep 4 times = 16 sts.
Rnd 10–14: k all sts.
Cuff: Rnd 15–17: (k1, p1) rib.
BO loosely.
Front Band and Neck Edge
With D, pick up sts along the left front edge, around neck, and down the right front edge (about 60–70 sts total). Work 5 rows of (k1, p1) rib flat. BO.
Pocket Marks and Tulip Buds
The photo shows small tulip accents near the lower front. Instead of bulky pockets, make simple “pocket impressions” with embroidery, then add a bud.
- Pocket outline: Using D, backstitch a small rectangle on each front, about 1 in (2.5 cm) tall.
- Tulip bud: Duplicate stitch or embroider a tiny bud in E with a short green stem in D, centered on each pocket.
Cloche Hat (Cream with Tulip Embroidery and Side Bow)
The hat is a rounded cloche with a slightly rolled brim. A large bow sits on the left side (as viewed in the photo), and small tulip motifs appear on the crown.
Hat Crown (In the Round)
With B, CO 6 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb around = 12 sts.
Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) rep 6 = 18 sts.
Rnd 3: k.
Rnd 4: (k2, kfb) rep 6 = 24 sts.
Rnd 5: k.
Rnd 6: (k3, kfb) rep 6 = 30 sts.
Rnd 7: k.
Rnd 8: (k4, kfb) rep 6 = 36 sts.
Rnd 9–14: k all sts.
Start brim shaping: Rnd 15 (increase): (k5, kfb) rep 6 = 42 sts.
Rnd 16–18: k.
Rnd 19 (increase): (k6, kfb) rep 6 = 48 sts.
Rnd 20–22: k.
Brim edge: Rnd 23: p all sts.
Rnd 24: k all sts.
BO loosely. Lightly steam the brim so it curves down like a cloche.
Tulip Embroidery on Hat
Duplicate stitch 3–5 small tulips around the crown, spaced evenly. Use D for stems/leaves and E for tulip heads. Keep them delicate so the bow remains the main feature.
Big Side Bow (Cream)
With B, CO 22 sts. Knit 18 rows in garter stitch (k every row) for a firm bow shape. BO.
Pinch the rectangle at the center to form a bow. Wrap the center tightly with a 12 in (30 cm) strand of B, then knot securely. Sew the bow to the left side of the hat, slightly above brim line.
Shoes / Boots (Make 2, Beige with Simple Strap Detail)
The bunny’s footwear is a soft ankle boot look. Keep them snug so the bunny stands well.
Boot (worked in the round)
With A, CO 24 sts and join in the round.
Sole edge: Rnd 1: p all sts.
Rnd 2–6: k all sts.
Ankle: Rnd 7 (taper): (k2, k2tog) rep 6 = 18 sts.
Rnd 8–12: k all sts.
Cuff detail: Rnd 13: (k1, p1) around.
Rnd 14: (k1, p1) around.
BO.
Optional strap: With A, crochet a simple chain or knit an i-cord strip and tack across the front. Add a tiny stitch “button” with B.
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Accessory 1: Tulip Tote Bag + Ferris Wheel Card
The tote in the image is a small knitted pouch with tulip border motifs and a handle. A tiny illustrated card sticks out, like a ticket or postcard.
Bag (worked flat, then seamed)
With B, CO 26 sts.
Rows 1–3: garter (k all rows).
Rows 4–24: stockinette.
Row 25–27: garter.
BO. Fold in half, seam sides, leaving top open.
Bag Border Motifs
With E, duplicate stitch a simple tulip border near the bottom: small repeating tulip heads with tiny green leaves (D). Keep it narrow so it looks like the photo’s decorative band.
Handle
With B, CO 4 sts. Work i-cord for 10–12 in (25–30 cm), or knit a thin strap flat (4 sts garter) for 40 rows. Sew ends to bag interior.
Ferris Wheel Card
Cut a small rectangle of cardstock (about 1 x 1.5 in / 2.5 x 4 cm). Draw or print a simple ferris wheel icon. For a “knitted” look, cover the card with pale blue felt, then stitch the wheel lines with red and navy thread. Slip card into bag.
Accessory 2: Mini Carousel Jar
This prop is a tiny cylinder with a striped top and a little horse detail. Keep it lightweight so it sits nicely in front of the bunny.
Carousel Base (cylinder)
With B, CO 24 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1–16: k all sts.
Switch to C for a thin stripe: Rnd 17–18: k.
Switch back to B: Rnd 19–22: k.
BO. Stuff lightly and close the bottom with a gathered seam (or knit a small circle and sew on).
Carousel Top (little roof)
With mustard/gold yarn (optional) or B, CO 6 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb around = 12.
Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) rep 6 = 18.
Rnd 3: k.
Rnd 4: (k2tog) around = 9.
Cut yarn, gather and secure. Sew centered on top of cylinder.
Mini Horse (very small applique)
With H, CO 6 sts. Knit 4 rows garter. BO. Fold and stitch into a tiny horse-like silhouette (simple is fine). Stitch onto the front of the carousel base. Add a tiny blue stitch for saddle if desired.
Accessory 3: Tulip Bundle (3 Tulips)
The photo shows a small cluster of tulips resting on the table. Knit three tulip heads in different colors (pink, yellow, red) and attach to green stems. The stems are bundled together at the base.
Tulip Head (Make 3, vary colors)
Use E for pink/red tulip, and yellow for one head if desired.
CO 18 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1–5: k all sts.
Rnd 6: (k1, k2tog) rep 6 = 12 sts.
Stuff lightly so it holds shape but remains tulip-like.
Rnd 7: k all sts.
Rnd 8: (k2tog) around = 6 sts.
Cut yarn, gather and secure.
Stem + Leaves
With D, make an i-cord with 3 sts for 4–5 in (10–13 cm). If using wire, slide wire inside the i-cord before closing the last inch. Sew tulip head to stem top.
Leaf (make 1–2 per stem): With D, CO 6 sts. Work short rows to form a pointed leaf: k across, then on next rows decrease 1 st at each end until 2 sts remain. BO. Sew leaf to stem midsection.
Bundle: Tie stems together with a small strand of D. Add a tiny wrap stitch to look like a bound bouquet.
Mini Friend: Chick in Tulip Dress
The tiny chick has a round body, a small orange beak, a little bow on the head, and a matching dress with a soft scalloped look. Keep it firm and smooth so it stands on its own beside the bunny.
Chick Body (in the round)
With F, CO 6 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb around = 12.
Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) rep 6 = 18.
Rnd 3: (k2, kfb) rep 6 = 24.
Rnd 4–10: k all sts.
Rnd 11: (k2, k2tog) rep 6 = 18.
Start stuffing.
Rnd 12: (k1, k2tog) rep 6 = 12.
Rnd 13: k2tog around = 6. Gather and secure.
Wings (Make 2)
With F, CO 6 sts. Knit 6 rows garter. BO. Sew to sides.
Beak
With G, CO 4 sts. Knit 2 rows. BO. Fold into a tiny triangle and sew centered on face. Add 2 small embroidered eyes above.
Chick Collar
With H, CO 18 sts, join in the round. Work (k1, p1) rib for 3 rnds. BO. Slip over chick neck and tack in place.
Chick Dress
With B, CO 24 sts, join in the round. Knit 4 rnds.
Switch to C for skirt: knit 6 rnds, then one purl rnd for hem, then BO loosely. Add tiny tulip dots with duplicate stitch (E) if desired.
Chick Bow
With C or B, CO 10 sts. Knit 8 rows garter. BO, pinch center, wrap, and sew to head.
Outfit Fit Check (So It Sits Like the Photo)
- Dress bodice should hug the bunny’s torso without stretching the stitches.
- Pink waistband sits at natural waist, with petals attached over it.
- Cardigan should end right at the waistband line and remain open.
- Hat brim should rest low, just above eyes, with ears tucked underneath.
- Bow placement: left side of hat, slightly forward.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew head firmly to the neck, then attach ears so they drape down the cheeks. Add embroidered eyes first, then the nose and mouth for a balanced expression. Dress the bunny, then place the cardigan, smoothing the fronts. Set the hat over the ears and tack it with one hidden stitch if needed.
Care Notes
Handle gently and avoid rough pulling on embroidered motifs. If gifting to a child, skip wire in stems and stitch everything securely. Store away from direct sunlight to keep the soft pinks and greens looking fresh.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- All seams tight and hidden
- Head centered and stable
- Ears even and drooping naturally
- Tulip motifs aligned on dress panels
- Hat brim shaped and bow secured
- Props scaled and sitting neatly
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Spot-clean with cool water and a mild soap. Press gently with a towel to remove moisture, then reshape and air-dry flat. For long-term storage, place in a breathable cotton bag with tissue support under the hat brim and skirt to preserve the silhouette. Avoid hanging, which can stretch the knit fabric over time.
