Chrysanthemum Coatdress Darling Bunny – Knitting

This heirloom-style knitted bunny is designed to look like a boutique collectible, with a softly shaped rabbit body, a leaf-textured beret, a scalloped collar cardigan, a floral coatdress, a crossbody satchel, a tiny teddy companion, a mini notebook, and a small daisy bouquet. If you enjoy searching for a knitted rabbit doll, stuffed bunny decor, nursery gift ideas, handmade toy patterns, or artisan animal dolls for gift shopping, this elegant design fits beautifully into that cozy, storybook look while still being approachable for careful beginners.

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 recreates the exact mood and proportions of the pictured bunny: long floppy ears, a rounded head, slim hanging legs, gentle shoulders, a cream-and-mustard cardigan, and a softly flared skirt with chrysanthemum-style floral detailing near the hem.

The doll is worked mostly flat in separate pieces and then seamed for excellent shape control. This makes it easier to match the image closely, especially in the face, ears, beret, cardigan front edges, and the neat drape of the skirt.

The companion teddy is intentionally small and simple, but it repeats the same color story. Its beret and little cardigan visually connect it to the bunny, which is an important part of the finished styling.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: approximately 15 to 17 inches tall seated, or 19 to 21 inches from top of beret to base of feet if legs are extended.
• Teddy companion: approximately 5 to 6 inches tall seated.
• Satchel: approximately 2 inches wide.
• Mini notebook: approximately 1 inch by 1 1/4 inches.
• Daisy bouquet: approximately 1 1/2 inches long.

Materials

• Sport weight yarn in warm beige for bunny and teddy bodies
• Sport weight yarn in cream
• Sport weight yarn in mustard gold
• Sport weight yarn in moss green
• Small amount of medium brown for satchel and notebook cover
• Small amount of olive green for floral stems and embroidery accents
• Small amount of dark brown or black for facial embroidery
• Small amount of soft rose or mauve for flower centers
• Small amount of white and yellow for daisies
• 2.5 mm knitting needles
• 3.0 mm knitting needles
• Set of double-pointed needles in 2.5 mm for tiny pieces if preferred
• Tapestry needle
• Embroidery needle
• Stuffing
• Lightweight cardboard for notebook insert
• Thin craft felt or extra knitted layers for satchel structure if desired
• Small buttons for cardigan and satchel

Gauge

On 2.5 mm needles in stockinette stitch, 32 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches after light blocking.

Gauge matters most for the head, body, beret, cardigan, and teddy. The bouquet and notebook are forgiving.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• sl = slip
• psso = pass slipped stitch over

Construction Notes

• The bunny is made from separate legs, body, arms, head, muzzle shaping, and ears.
• The shoes are knitted as part of the lower leg area, then finished with a contrasting strap and buckle embroidery.
• The cardigan is separate from the dress so the layered look remains true to the image.
• The floral motifs on the skirt are embroidered after knitting.
• The beret is made with a ribbed band and raised leaf panels to match the rounded textured crown.
• The teddy is a complete small project, not just a flat accessory.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Main Bunny

Legs and Shoes Make 2

Using taupe shoe color and 2.5 mm needles, CO 18 sts. Work 6 rows in stockinette, beginning with a purl row. This forms the sole depth and front shoe area.

Next shape the shoe top. Row 7: k6, k2tog, k2, ssk, k6. Row 8: purl. Row 9: k5, k2tog, k2, ssk, k5. Row 10: purl. You now have 14 sts.

Work 4 rows straight in stockinette. Change to warm beige for stockinged leg. Knit 1 row, increasing evenly to 16 sts.

Work 26 rows in stockinette. Increase 1 st each side on next row, then every 8th row twice more. You will have 22 sts. Continue until leg measures about 6 inches from cast-on edge.

Shape top of leg. BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. Work 2 rows straight. Place remaining 18 sts on holder.

Make the second leg the same. Lightly stuff only the shoe area now. Leave upper leg unstuffed until assembly so the seated drape stays natural and soft like the picture.

Body

Join the two legs on one needle with RS facing. Knit across first leg, CO 6 sts, knit across second leg. You have 42 sts.

Work 8 rows in stockinette. On next RS row, k to last 2 sts of first leg section, k2tog, k across center bridge, ssk at start of second leg section, knit to end. This softens the inner thigh area.

Work 5 rows straight. Begin body widening very gently: increase 1 st each side on the next RS row, then every 10th row twice more. You now have 48 sts.

Work until body measures 3 inches above leg join. Shape waist slightly by decreasing 1 st each side on next RS row, then every 8th row twice. Return to 42 sts.

Work 10 rows straight. Begin chest. Increase 1 st each side on next RS row, then every 6th row twice. You have 48 sts again.

For armhole shaping, BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. Then decrease 1 st each side every RS row 3 times. You have 36 sts.

Work 10 rows straight for upper chest. Shape shoulders and neck. On next row, k10, BO 16, k10. Work each side separately.

At neck edge, decrease 1 st every RS row twice. Work 2 rows straight. BO shoulder sts. Repeat on other side.

For back, work same through armholes, but when ready for neck, work 14 rows straight after armhole shaping. BO center 12 sts, then shape each side of neck by decreasing 1 st at neck edge on next 2 rows. BO shoulders.

Arms Make 2

Using warm beige, CO 16 sts. Work 6 rows in stockinette. Increase 1 st each side on next row, then every 10th row twice. You have 22 sts.

Work until arm measures 4 inches. Change to mustard and work 12 rows. Change to cream and work 14 rows. This gives the exact two-tone sleeve look seen in the image, with mustard on the lower arm and cream near the shoulder.

Shape top of arm. BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. Then decrease 1 st each side every RS row 4 times. BO remaining sts.

Stuff lightly, keeping the arm soft and flexible. The original look is not bulky in the hands or upper sleeves.

Head Make 2

Using warm beige, CO 18 sts. Work in stockinette and increase 1 st each side every RS row 8 times. You have 34 sts.

Work 20 rows straight. The head in the image is rounded, but slightly longer than a perfect ball, so do not over-lengthen this section.

Now begin upper shaping. Decrease 1 st each side every RS row 8 times until 18 sts remain. BO.

Make the second head piece the same.

Muzzle Shaping Panel

Using warm beige, CO 10 sts. Work 12 rows in stockinette. Increase 1 st each side on rows 3, 5, and 7. You have 16 sts.

Work 4 rows straight. Decrease 1 st each side on rows 1, 3, and 5 of the next shaping section. You return to 10 sts. Work 2 rows and BO.

This piece is lightly padded and attached to the lower center face to create the soft forward muzzle that makes the stitched mouth sit neatly and naturally.

Ears Make 2

Using warm beige, CO 14 sts. Work in stockinette for 10 rows. Increase 1 st each side every 6th row 3 times. You have 20 sts.

Continue straight until ear measures 5 1/2 inches. Begin taper: k2tog at start of RS row, ssk at end of RS row every 4th row 5 times, then every RS row 3 times. BO remaining sts.

Make a second ear. Do not stuff. Fold lower ear edge slightly when attaching so each ear falls close to the head and hangs straight downward as shown.

Dress

Skirt

Using cream and 3.0 mm needles, CO 96 sts. Work 6 rows in garter stitch. This lower edge will later support the scalloped finish.

Change to stockinette and work 10 rows. Begin mild shaping to keep the skirt full but not stiff. Decrease 1 st every 12 sts across one RS row. You have 88 sts.

Work 8 rows. Decrease evenly across next RS row to 80 sts. Work 10 rows.

Decrease evenly across next RS row to 72 sts. Work until skirt piece measures about 4 1/2 inches from cast-on edge.

The skirt in the image is softly flared with fullness concentrated near the hem, not at the waist. This gradual shaping keeps the same graceful line.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Scalloped Hem Finish

With RS facing, pick up along cast-on edge if needed or work directly into the established lower edge. Create a decorative scallop by working this 4-row edging:

1. Row 1: purl.
2. Row 2: k2tog, yo across.
3. Row 3: purl.
4. Row 4: *k1, BO 3 loosely, return last stitch to left needle; rep from * across.

Once steamed, this creates a pretty undulating edge similar to the image. If you prefer a cleaner control, sew a separate scalloped knitted strip instead.

Bodice

Using cream, CO 44 sts. Work 6 rows in 1×1 rib. Change to stockinette and work 10 rows.

Shape armholes by BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows, then decrease 1 st each side on next 3 RS rows. You have 32 sts.

Work 8 rows straight. Shape neckline by knitting 10, BO 12, knit 10. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 st at neck edge twice. Work 2 rows. BO shoulders.

Work back to match, but with a shallower neck: after armhole shaping, work 12 rows straight, BO center 10 sts, then decrease 1 st at each neck edge twice. BO shoulders.

Dress Assembly

Sew shoulder seams. Attach skirt top edge evenly to bodice lower edge, distributing fullness carefully. Sew side seams, leaving armholes open. The dress should fit close through the upper body and widen below the cardigan.

Skirt Floral Embroidery

The lower skirt shows three main chrysanthemum-inspired floral groupings spaced along the front hem. The center flower is the largest. Two smaller matching flowers sit left and right.

Mark the front center of the skirt. Place the large flower about 1 1/4 inches above the hem. Place the side flowers the same height, about 1 1/2 inches from the center motif.

Large Center Flower

• Using mustard, work 8 long detached chain petals in a ring.
• Using olive, add short straight stitches between petals.
• Using cream, fill the center with satin stitches.
• Using olive, work tiny seed-like dots around the motif.

Side Flowers

• Work each with 6 mustard petals.
• Add a cream center.
• Surround with olive leaf-like stitches and little French-knot style dots if desired, or use simple wrapped knots.

Extend olive stems and dotted sprays outward in a shallow arc so the embellishment reads like a garland across the front hem. Keep the embroidery low and balanced, exactly as in the image.

Cardigan

Back

Using mustard and 2.5 mm needles, CO 34 sts. Work 8 rows in 1×1 rib. Continue in stockinette for 16 rows.

Change to cream and work 16 rows. Shape armholes by BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows, then decrease 1 st each side on next 3 RS rows. Work 12 rows straight.

Shape back neck by BO center 12 sts. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 st at neck edge once. BO shoulders.

Left Front

Using mustard, CO 18 sts. Work 8 rows in 1×1 rib. Continue in stockinette for 16 rows. Change to cream and work 8 rows.

Begin front neckline shaping while also making the deep opening seen in the image. At front edge, decrease 1 st every 4th row 6 times. At the same time, when piece matches back to armhole, shape armhole as for back.

Work until front length matches back shoulder. BO shoulder stitches.

Right Front

Work to match left front. Add 3 buttonholes along the cream portion and upper mustard section if you want a functional closure, though the pictured cardigan appears lightly closed with one visible button and a gently open lower edge.

Sleeves Make 2

Using mustard, CO 18 sts. Work 8 rows in 1×1 rib. Continue in stockinette, increasing 1 st each side every 10th row 3 times. Work 16 rows in mustard, then change to cream and work 16 rows.

Shape sleeve cap by BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows, then decrease 1 st each side every RS row 5 times. BO remaining sts.

Scalloped Collar

Sew shoulder seams first. With cream and RS facing, pick up stitches evenly around the full neckline and front opening, starting at lower right front edge, continuing around neck, and ending at lower left front edge.

Work 2 rows in garter stitch. Then create a soft ruffled scallop:

1. Row 1: k1, *yo, k1; rep across to nearly double the stitches.
2. Row 2: purl.
3. Row 3: *k2tog, yo; rep across.
4. Row 4: purl.
5. Row 5: BO loosely knitwise.

Lightly steam and finger-shape the collar into rounded waves. It should sit open and soft over the shoulders instead of standing upright.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Cuff Edging

Using cream, work a tiny picot-style trim or a narrow scallop around the sleeve ends if you want the delicate cream edging visible at the wrists. Keep it subtle.

Beret

The beret is a major styling feature. It has a deep ribbed band and raised leaf panels around the crown, then a softly rounded top. The overall color is dark moss green.

Band

Using moss green and 2.5 mm needles, CO 64 sts. Work 14 rows in 2×2 rib. Join the short ends to form a band, or work flat and seam later.

Leaf Panel Setup

On the next row, place markers to divide into 8 sections of 8 sts each. Each section will hold one leaf panel.

For each leaf panel, use this 8-stitch texture over 10 rows:

1. Row 1 RS: p2, k4, p2
2. Row 2 WS: k2, p4, k2
3. Row 3: p2, k1, m1, k2, m1, k1, p2
4. Row 4: work as sts appear
5. Row 5: p2, k2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k2, p2
6. Row 6: work as sts appear
7. Row 7: p2, k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1, p2
8. Row 8: work as sts appear
9. Row 9: p2, sl1, k2tog, psso, p2
10. Row 10: work as sts appear

Between panels, maintain 2 purl stitches to keep each leaf distinct. Repeat these panels around the hat, adjusting stitch counts so each leaf sits centered and slightly raised.

Crown Shaping

After the leaf section measures about 2 1/2 inches above the rib, begin decreasing evenly around the crown every other row until 12 sts remain. Draw yarn through remaining stitches and fasten securely.

Lightly pad the inside with tissue while steaming so the beret holds its rounded shape. The pictured hat is plump and domed, not flat.

Shoes and Strap Details

Use cream yarn to embroider or knit a narrow instep strap across each shoe. Add a tiny rectangular buckle in taupe or soft beige thread at the outer side of each foot.

The shoe toes are rounded and modest. Avoid sharply pointed shaping. The shoes should look like classic Mary Jane flats.

Satchel

Bag Body

Using medium brown, CO 14 sts. Work 18 rows in garter stitch. Fold into thirds so the lower section forms the bag front and back, and the upper section becomes the flap.

Sew the side seams neatly. Add a small button at center front. Embroider a tiny button loop on the flap, or sew the flap in place if you prefer a fixed bag.

Strap

CO 3 sts and work an i-cord long enough to pass from one side of the bag, diagonally across the bunny body, and up over the shoulder. Sew in place so the satchel rests at the bunny’s left hip as shown.

Tiny Notebook

Using brown, CO 8 sts. Work 12 rows in garter stitch. BO. Fold around a tiny rectangle of lightweight cardboard wrapped in cream or off-white yarn or paper-like fabric to suggest pages.

Tie or stitch the fold securely. The notebook sits beside the bunny on the bench and adds to the quiet garden-story styling of the scene.

Daisy Bouquet

• For each daisy, make a tiny 5-petal flower using white stitches or wrapped loops.
• Use yellow knots or satin stitches for centers.
• Wrap stems with olive or green yarn.
• Bind 3 small daisies together and tack lightly so the bouquet stays neat.

Place the bouquet beside the notebook during styling, or tack it into the bunny’s hand if you prefer a fixed display piece.

Teddy Companion

Body Front and Back

Using warm beige and 2.5 mm needles, CO 16 sts. Work 8 rows in stockinette. Increase 1 st each side every 4th row 3 times. You have 22 sts.

Work 10 rows straight. Decrease 1 st each side every 4th row twice. Work 4 rows. BO.

Make front and back the same. Stuff lightly so the teddy stays compact and rounded.

Head Front and Back

CO 14 sts. Increase 1 st each side every RS row 5 times. You have 24 sts. Work 10 rows straight. Decrease 1 st each side every RS row 5 times. BO.

Make 2. Add tiny ears by making two small gathered circles or tiny 6-stitch tabs and attaching them high on the head sides.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Arms and Legs

For arms, CO 8 sts and work 12 rows. For legs, CO 10 sts and work 14 rows. Shape with one decrease each side near the top if needed. Sew and stuff lightly.

Teddy Cardigan

Using mustard, make a very small back with CO 14 sts and two fronts with CO 8 sts each. Add a cream upper yoke by changing colors halfway through, matching the bunny cardigan.

Use short sleeves or omit separate sleeves and embroider armhole seams if preferred. Add 2 tiny cream buttons to the front.

Teddy Beret

Using moss green, CO 24 sts. Work 6 rows in rib, then increase evenly to 36 sts. Work 8 rows in stockinette. Decrease evenly every other row to 8 sts, draw closed, and seam. Sit the hat slightly to one side.

Teddy Face

Embroider tiny black eyes, a dark brown nose, and a short vertical mouth line with a very small split at the base. Keep the expression simple and calm.

Main Assembly

1. Sew the bunny head pieces together, leaving a lower opening.
2. Insert the muzzle panel at the lower center front before full stuffing.
3. Stuff the head firmly but not hard.
4. Sew body front and back together and stuff evenly.
5. Attach head to body with a secure ladder stitch.
6. Sew arms in place slightly below shoulder level.
7. Sew legs closed and attach so they hang forward naturally in a seated pose.
8. Attach ears symmetrically, slightly behind the side face line.
9. Dress the bunny in the cream dress, then cardigan, then beret, then satchel.

Take time while positioning the limbs. The doll in the image has a centered, composed seated posture. The legs hang straight, the feet face forward, and the arms rest gently at the sides.

Facial Embroidery Placement

Place the eyes about halfway down the head, spaced fairly wide apart. They are tiny, vertical almond-like embroidered dots rather than large toy eyes. This detail is essential to the gentle expression.

The nose is worked as a small inverted triangle or short satin-stitch wedge in dark brown. From the center base of the nose, stitch one straight line downward and divide into a soft Y-shaped mouth.

The muzzle shaping should create a tiny forward point between nose and mouth. Do not over-stuff the muzzle, or the face will lose the refined, quiet expression shown in the image.

Styling Notes for Accuracy

• The bunny body color should stay a warm natural beige, never pink or gray.
• The cardigan must be cream on top and mustard on the lower half and sleeve lower sections.
• The dress should remain mostly cream, with floral detail concentrated near the hem.
• The beret should be deep moss green with clear raised leaf texture.
• The satchel should sit diagonally across the body.
• The teddy must repeat the bunny’s mustard, cream, and moss palette.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all parts are attached, sit the bunny upright and check the balance from the front. Adjust the ears so they fall evenly. Tug the beret slightly down over the forehead. Position the satchel so it rests naturally at the side.

Embroider the face last. This prevents the expression from shifting during stuffing and seaming. Keep the eyes tiny and calm, the nose centered, and the mouth short and delicate.

Care Notes

Display indoors and away from prolonged direct sunlight. Because the doll includes textured shaping, embroidery, and tiny accessories, it is best treated as a decorative keepsake rather than a rough-play toy.

If gifting to a child, secure all small parts firmly and consider skipping removable accessories such as the notebook, bouquet, and bag button.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both ears attached at equal height
• Head centered on body
• Legs aligned and hanging evenly
• Cardigan collar lying flat in soft scallops
• Three floral motifs balanced on skirt front
• Beret rounded, not flattened
• Satchel strap placed diagonally
• Teddy scaled small beside bunny
• Face embroidered neatly and symmetrically

📌Thank you for reading the article

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean first with a barely damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap. Do not soak unless absolutely necessary. If washing becomes needed, remove any cardboard insert from the notebook and hand wash the knitted pieces gently in cool water.

Press out moisture in a towel without twisting. Reshape the bunny, teddy, berets, and cardigan collar while damp. Dry flat. Once dry, store in a breathable cotton bag or on a shelf away from dust, humidity, and strong sun.