This charming knitted bunny is designed as a dressed heirloom toy with a soft country feel. The finished set includes the large rabbit, her tiny companion, a berry-topped hat, a textured cardigan, floral skirt details, little cupcakes, a picnic basket, and a small flower cluster for display.
It is a lovely choice for knitters who enjoy making collectible bunny dolls, nursery decor, handmade stuffed animals, boutique gift pieces, and seasonal spring display items. The finished set has the polished look people often search for when shopping for an artisan rabbit doll or a knitted keepsake gift.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Materials
- DK weight yarn in soft oatmeal beige for the bunny body, head, ears, arms, and legs
- DK weight yarn in cream for the skirt, collar details, cupcake icing, and tiny floral centers
- DK weight yarn in pale powder blue for the bodice, skirt border, and tiny companion dress
- DK weight yarn in deep plum or berry for the cardigan, hat bobbles, shoe bodies, flower petals, basket trim, and cupcake accents
- A small amount of medium brown for the basket base and handle
- A tiny amount of pale pink or dusty rose for inner trim if desired
- 3 mm double-pointed needles for small pieces worked in the round
- 3.25 mm straight needles or circular needles for flat pieces
- 2.75 mm needles for very small props if you prefer a firmer fabric
- Toy stuffing
- Black embroidery thread for eyes and nose line
- Matching sewing thread
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Waste yarn
- Thin cardboard circle for stabilizing the lower body if desired
- Pipe cleaner or floral wire wrapped in tape for the basket handle if you want extra structure
- Optional small wooden craft spoons for styling, matching the display in the photo
Yarn and Color Placement
- Body, head, ears, hands, and lower legs: oatmeal beige
- Skirt: cream with a pale blue lower band
- Bodice under cardigan: pale blue
- Cardigan: deep plum
- Shoes: deep plum with cream ties
- Hat: cream with a deep plum berry cluster on top
- Tiny bunny: beige body, pale blue skirt, cream upper trim, plum waistband and hat berries
- Cupcakes: cream and plum with touches of pale blue
- Flower cluster: plum outer petals, cream and pale blush centers, muted green stems
Abbreviations
- CO = cast on
- K = knit
- P = purl
- St st = stockinette stitch
- Garter = knit every row
- Kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
- K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
- SSK = slip, slip, knit
- P2tog = purl 2 stitches together
- Inc = increase 1 stitch
- Dec = decrease 1 stitch
- Rnd = round
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- Rep = repeat
- BO = bind off
- Sl = slip
- Yo = yarn over
Finished Size
The large bunny stands about 12 inches tall from the soles to the top of the hat. Without the hat, she is about 10 inches tall. The tiny companion is about 4 inches tall. The basket is about 2 inches wide, and each cupcake is about 1 inch tall.
Gauge
26 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using DK yarn and 3 mm needles. Exact gauge matters less than making a firm fabric. The stuffing must not show through the stitches, especially on the face and body.
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Construction Notes
- The large bunny is made from separate pieces and sewn together.
- The lower body is weighted visually by a wide skirt shape, so stuff the body firmly and evenly.
- The head is slightly oversized and softly rounded, with a gentle tapered muzzle created by shaping and embroidery.
- The ears are long, narrow, and relaxed, falling from under the hat to shoulder level.
- The cardigan is short and ends above the widest part of the skirt.
- The lace collar is important to the look. Keep it light and neat.
- The pale blue skirt band should sit low, near the hem.
- The raised flower circles on the skirt are sewn on after knitting.
- The hat brim rolls outward and must sit low over the forehead.
- The tiny companion mirrors the large bunny in simplified form.
Main Bunny
Legs
Make 2 legs in oatmeal beige, beginning at the upper leg and working down into the shoe section. The legs in the photo are short and sturdy, with only a little visible ankle above the shoes.
- CO 18 stitches and divide across 3 needles. Join to work in the round.
- Rnd 1 to 10: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 11: K1, Kfb, knit to 2 stitches before end, Kfb, K1. You now have 20 stitches.
- Rnd 12 to 18: Knit all stitches.
- Change to deep plum for the shoe.
- Rnd 19: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 20: K1, Kfb, knit to 2 stitches before end, Kfb, K1. You now have 22 stitches.
- Rnd 21 to 26: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 27: K8, K2tog, K2, SSK, K8.
- Rnd 28: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 29: K7, K2tog, K2, SSK, K7.
- Rnd 30: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 31: K6, K2tog, K2, SSK, K6.
- Stuff the foot firmly, especially at the toe.
- Rnd 32: Knit all stitches.
- BO, leaving a long tail for sewing the top closed flat.
Sew a shallow horizontal seam across the top opening so the shoe becomes slightly oval. Add a cream bow later using a short strand tied and sewn securely. Make sure both shoes angle slightly outward, just like the photo.
Body
The body is a seated cone-like shape hidden under the skirt. It should be narrower at the shoulders and fuller at the base. This helps the dress stand open and gives the bunny the same stable silhouette seen in the image.
- CO 24 stitches in oatmeal beige and join in the round.
- Rnd 1 to 4: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 5: K3, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 30 stitches.
- Rnd 6 to 10: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 11: K4, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 36 stitches.
- Rnd 12 to 16: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 17: K5, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 42 stitches.
- Rnd 18 to 24: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 25: K6, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 48 stitches.
- Rnd 26 to 34: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 35: K6, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 42 stitches.
- Rnd 36 to 40: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 41: K5, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 36 stitches.
- Rnd 42 to 45: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 46: K4, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 30 stitches.
- Stuff the body firmly, shaping a flat lower edge and smooth upper torso.
- Rnd 47 to 50: Knit all stitches.
- BO, leaving a long tail for attaching the head.
If you want the bunny to stand more firmly for display, place a thin cardboard circle inside the lower body before the final stuffing. Cover the cardboard with a layer of stuffing so it does not show through the fabric.
Head
The head is large, round, and very smooth. The face is simple and sweet, with small eyes placed wide apart. The muzzle is suggested by shaping lines rather than a separate stuffed snout.
- CO 12 stitches in oatmeal beige and divide across 3 needles. Join in the round.
- Rnd 1: Kfb in every stitch. You now have 24 stitches.
- Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 3: K1, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 36 stitches.
- Rnd 4: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 5: K2, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 48 stitches.
- Rnd 6: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 7: K3, Kfb, repeat around. You now have 60 stitches.
- Rnd 8 to 20: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 21: K3, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 48 stitches.
- Rnd 22: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 23: K2, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 36 stitches.
- Begin stuffing very firmly and evenly.
- Rnd 24: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 25: K1, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 24 stitches.
- Rnd 26: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 27: K2tog around. You now have 12 stitches.
- Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull closed, and secure.
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Using matching beige yarn, create a vertical sculpting line from the lower center of the face upward about 1 inch. Pull gently to suggest the narrow rabbit muzzle. Do not over-tighten. The face in the photo is soft, not sharply pinched.
Embroider the nose as a tiny upside-down Y shape in black or dark brown. Place the top point slightly above the center line. Add two small oval eyes with black thread or tiny safety eyes, positioned low enough to create a calm, childlike expression.
Ears
Make 2 ears flat. They are long, narrow, and slightly folded at the top when attached. The lower edge is tucked under the hat brim, and the tips hang down to about chest level.
- CO 8 stitches in oatmeal beige.
- Rows 1 to 4: Knit.
- Row 5: K1, M1, knit to last stitch, M1, K1. You now have 10 stitches.
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: Knit.
- Row 8: Purl.
- Repeat Rows 7 and 8 until the ear measures about 4 1/2 inches.
- Next row: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, SSK, K1.
- Purl 1 row.
- Repeat the last 2 rows 2 more times. You now have 4 stitches.
- Knit 2 rows.
- BO.
Fold the cast-on edge slightly and sew to the head so each ear emerges from the side of the hat line, not the very top of the head. Angle them downward. The ears should frame the face without sticking outward too much.
Arms
The arms are medium length, gently tapered, and soft. They reach just below the cardigan hem. The hands are plain and rounded, with no separate fingers.
- CO 10 stitches in oatmeal beige and join in the round.
- Rnd 1 to 12: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 13: K2, Kfb, K4, Kfb, K2. You now have 12 stitches.
- Rnd 14 to 22: Knit all stitches.
- Stuff lightly from the hand to midway up the arm.
- Rnd 23: K2tog around. You now have 6 stitches.
- Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull closed, and secure.
Flatten the upper arm slightly before sewing. Position the arms low enough that the cardigan sleeve line sits naturally. One arm may angle inward to hold the tiny bunny. The other can rest straight down.
Dress
Bodice
The visible bodice is pale blue and simple because much of it sits under the cardigan. Keep it neat and close fitting so the sweater layers smoothly over it.
- CO 30 stitches in pale blue.
- Rows 1 to 8: Work in St st, beginning with a knit row on RS.
- Row 9: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, SSK, K2.
- Row 10: Purl.
- Row 11: Knit.
- Row 12: Purl.
- BO all stitches.
Wrap this around the upper body and sew at the back. The top edge should sit just below the neck seam. The lower edge should be hidden by the skirt overlap. Stretch lightly, but do not distort the stitches.
Skirt
The skirt is wide and bell-shaped. Most of it is cream, with a pale blue lower section and a garter-finished hem. The shape matters more than a very exact stitch count, so keep the fabric airy enough to drape but firm enough to hold form.
- CO 96 stitches in cream.
- Rows 1 to 14: Work in St st.
- Change to pale blue.
- Rows 15 to 28: Work in St st.
- Rows 29 to 32: Work in garter stitch.
- BO knitwise on RS.
Gather the top edge evenly to fit around the lower body. Sew in place with the pale blue band near the hem. The skirt should stand outward and leave the shoes visible beneath the center front.
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Raised Floral Medallions on Skirt
The photo shows three larger flower circles and scattered cream bobbles. These details bring the skirt to life and should not be skipped.
Make 3 large medallions. In deep plum, CO 24 stitches and join in the round. Knit 3 rounds. Change to cream and work 1 round. Change back to deep plum and work 2 rounds. BO. Pull the center slightly closed and flatten into a circle.
For the cream center star on each medallion, embroider small straight stitches radiating from the middle. Sew one medallion at center front and one on each lower side of the skirt band, matching the spacing visible in the photo.
For the small cream bobbles, make tiny French-knot style wraps with yarn or sew on tiny stuffed knitted nubs. Scatter them between the medallions in uneven spacing so the skirt looks decorative but not crowded.
Cardigan
The cardigan is short, textured, and deep plum. It has a soft vertical ribbed look and slightly full sleeves. It closes loosely at the front and sits open enough to show the pale blue bodice.
- CO 40 stitches in deep plum.
- Row 1 RS: K2, P2 across.
- Row 2 WS: P2, K2 across.
- Repeat these 2 rows for 16 rows total.
- Row 17: Work 8 stitches in pattern, BO 4, work 16 stitches in pattern, BO 4, work last 8 stitches in pattern.
- Row 18: Continue each section separately for fronts and back.
For the left front, work 8 stitches in rib for 8 more rows. BO. For the back, work 16 stitches in rib for 10 rows. Shape shoulders by binding off 4 stitches at each side, then BO remaining 8 stitches. For the right front, match the left.
For each sleeve, CO 18 stitches. Work in K2, P2 rib for 18 rows. Increase 1 stitch at each side every 6th row twice if needed for a gentle sleeve fullness. BO. Sew sleeves into arm openings and seam underarm and side edges.
The cardigan should finish just above the skirt fullness. If it looks too long, fold the lower edge up on the inside before sewing. The photo shows a snug little jacket, not a long coat.
Lace Collar
The collar is cream and scalloped. It softens the neckline and creates the sweet vintage mood seen in the image.
- CO 42 stitches in cream.
- Row 1: Knit.
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: K1, yo, K2tog across, ending K1.
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: K2tog, yo, K1 across to last stitch, K1.
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: *K1, yo, K2tog, K1*, repeat across.
- Row 8: Purl.
- BO loosely.
Curve the strip into two short collar halves and sew around the neck opening, one on each side of the front opening. Let the scalloped edge sit flat over the cardigan. Add tiny eyelet-like embroidery if you want a more lace-like finish.
Hat
Hat Base
The cream hat has a rounded crown and a soft rolled brim. It sits low on the forehead and covers the tops of the ears. This balance is essential to the character of the bunny.
- CO 48 stitches in cream and join in the round.
- Rnd 1 to 6: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 7: Purl all stitches once to create a rolling brim edge.
- Rnd 8 to 18: Knit all stitches.
- Rnd 19: K6, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 42 stitches.
- Rnd 20: Knit.
- Rnd 21: K5, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 36 stitches.
- Rnd 22: Knit.
- Rnd 23: K4, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 30 stitches.
- Rnd 24: Knit.
- Rnd 25: K3, K2tog, repeat around. You now have 24 stitches.
- Rnd 26: K2tog around. You now have 12 stitches.
- Cut yarn, gather, and close.
Berry Cluster Topper
The topper is made from many tiny deep plum bobbles gathered into a dome. This part gives the hat its cupcake-like finish.
Make 18 to 22 small bobbles. For each bobble, CO 4 stitches in deep plum. Work I-cord for 3 rounds. On the next round, Kfb in each stitch. You now have 8 stitches. Work 2 rounds knit, then K2tog around. Gather closed.
Sew the bobbles close together over the top center of the hat, building a rounded cluster. The final shape should look full and textured, not flat. Place the hat on the head before final stitching so the topper stays centered.
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Shoes and Ties
Use a cream strand to embroider a neat tied bow on each shoe front. Add one horizontal stitch across the opening to suggest the instep band. The shoes in the image are simple ballet-style slippers with rounded toes.
Tiny Companion Bunny
The little bunny mirrors the main bunny in a very compact form. Keep the features minimal but clear. The head is slightly large, the body is tiny, and the outfit repeats the pale blue, cream, and plum palette.
Head and Body
- For the head, CO 8 stitches in beige, join in the round, and increase evenly to 24 stitches over the first 3 rounds.
- Knit 8 rounds even.
- Decrease evenly to 8 stitches over the next 3 rounds.
- Stuff and close.
- For the body, CO 12 stitches and increase to 20 stitches.
- Knit 8 rounds in beige, then switch to pale blue for 4 rounds.
- Change to cream for 2 rounds at the waistline if desired.
- Decrease slightly at the neck, stuff, and close.
Ears, Arms, and Legs
- Ears: Make 2 tiny flat ears with 4 stitches, length about 1 1/4 inches
- Arms: Make 2 short tubes of 6 stitches
- Legs: Make 2 short tubes of 6 stitches
- Attach the ears low and soft so they fall outward slightly
Mini Dress and Hat
For the tiny dress skirt, knit a strip of 24 stitches in pale blue for 6 rows, add a cream upper row, and gather around the body. Add a plum waistband with simple embroidery. Make a tiny cream hat with 20 stitches and add 5 or 6 tiny plum bobbles.
Embroider the face with two small dark eye stitches and a short nose line. The tiny bunny should be sweet and understated. Sew it into the large bunny’s right arm area so it looks gently held rather than tightly fixed.
Basket
The basket is small, round, and soft-sided with a cream top rim and a little plum bobble on the lid. In the photo it reads as a knitted picnic basket with a fitted cap.
Basket Base
- CO 8 stitches in brown and join in the round.
- Increase evenly to 24 stitches over 4 rounds.
- Knit 8 rounds even.
- Change to cream and knit 2 rounds.
- BO loosely.
Stuff lightly or place a tiny felt core inside so the shape holds. Flatten the base slightly so it sits level beside the bunny.
Basket Lid
- CO 8 stitches in cream and join in the round.
- Increase evenly to 20 stitches.
- Knit 3 rounds.
- BO.
Sew the lid lightly to the top edge or leave it loose. Add one tiny deep plum bobble at the center. For the handle, make a short I-cord in cream or wrap yarn over a thin wired arc, then sew securely to both sides.
Cupcakes
The cupcakes are tiny but important. They echo the hat topper and color story. Make at least three, using slightly different frosting placement so they look like a handmade set.
Cupcake Base
- CO 12 stitches in brown or plum and join in the round.
- Knit 4 rounds.
- Decrease to 8 stitches, stuff lightly, and close.
Frosting Top
- CO 8 stitches in cream or pale blue and join in the round.
- Increase to 12 stitches.
- Knit 2 rounds.
- Decrease back to 8 stitches.
- Lightly stuff and sew to base.
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Add a tiny plum bobble or cream nub on top of each cupcake. Arrange one cupcake with cream frosting, one with plum frosting, and one with pale blue plus cream to match the scene closely.
Flower Cluster
The flower bundle at the lower right of the photo is made from small layered blossoms. It is a lovely finishing prop and also ties together the berry and cream color palette.
- For each flower, CO 5 stitches in plum.
- Work short petal shapes by knitting 2 rows, then decreasing back to the starting edge.
- Make 5 petals and sew into a ring.
- Add a smaller cream center flower or embroidered knot cluster.
- Make 5 to 7 flowers total.
- Attach to short muted green stems made from I-cord or wrapped yarn strands.
Group the flowers tightly and stitch them together at the stem base. Let some blossoms face upward and some tilt sideways. This uneven arrangement matches the relaxed display in the image.
Optional Display Spoons
The small spoons shown beside the cupcakes are best added as purchased miniature wooden craft spoons. If you want the scene to match the photo closely, place three tiny spoons beside the basket and cupcakes after the knitted pieces are complete.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew the legs to the lower front of the body so the feet point slightly outward. Attach the body to the center of the skirted form. Sew the head firmly to the top of the body, checking that it sits upright and centered from every angle.
Attach the ears before fixing the hat permanently. Test the hat position, then sew it low on the head. Add the cardigan and tack it neatly at the shoulders and underarms. Sew the collar last so it covers all neckline joins.
Place the eyes evenly and keep them small. The face in the photo is delicate, with a short nose line and a calm expression. Avoid large eyes or heavy brows. A tiny amount of blush thread at the cheeks can be added very lightly.
Sew the raised skirt medallions on after the dress is attached. Add the scattered cream bobbles around them. Stitch the shoes to the legs if needed so they stay flat. Tuck the tiny bunny under one arm and secure with a few hidden stitches.
Care Notes
- Display use is best for this piece because of the many small details
- If giving to a child, securely embroider features and avoid loose decorations
- Keep away from rough handling, moisture, and direct sunlight for long periods
- Store props together in a fabric bag or box so tiny items are not lost
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head centered and firmly attached
- Ears placed low and draping evenly
- Hat brim rolled outward and sitting low on the forehead
- Berry topper full and rounded
- Cardigan ending above skirt fullness
- Cream collar sitting flat
- Three main skirt medallions attached evenly
- Shoes matched and bows centered
- Tiny bunny secure in the arm
- Basket, cupcakes, flowers, and spoons arranged neatly for display
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Dust the bunny gently with a clean, dry makeup brush or a very soft cloth. Do not scrub the knitted surface. For small spots, dab lightly with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then blot with a dry towel.
Do not machine wash, soak, or twist the toy. The hat topper, collar, medallions, and tiny props can lose their shape if saturated. If deeper cleaning is necessary, remove surface dust first and clean only the affected area.
Allow the piece to dry flat on a towel, away from heaters and direct sun. Reshape the head, ears, cardigan, and skirt while damp. Once dry, smooth the fabric gently with your fingers and return all props to their original positions.
For long-term storage, wrap the bunny in acid-free tissue and place it in a breathable box. Keep it in a cool, dry area. Avoid plastic bags for long storage, especially in humid conditions, because trapped moisture can damage the yarn over time.
