This sweet bunny is designed as a soft heirloom rabbit doll with a blush wardrobe and delicate display accessories. The finished set feels like a boutique knitted toy, a collectible nursery gift, and a charming handmade bunny plush all in one. With a cozy cardigan, bobble beret, tulle skirt, tiny shoes, and matching mini extras, it has the polished look many shoppers search for in an artisan rabbit doll, baby shower gift, or keepsake stuffed animal. The shaping is gentle, the details are refined, and the finished look stays very close to the photographed piece.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Materials
- Main bunny yarn: sport or light DK weight in warm cream for head, body, arms, legs, and ears
- Cardigan, beret, and shoes yarn: light DK weight in dusty rose
- Mini bunny yarn: blush pink and warm cream
- Purse yarn: cream
- Optional fluffy accessory: brushed mohair, faux fur yarn, or a small tuft of roving in pale pink
- Tulle skirt: soft beige or blush dotted tulle and a narrow strip of lightweight cotton or ribbon for waistband
- Lace trim: narrow ivory lace for cardigan cuffs and body bands
- Embroidery thread: dark brown or black for eyes, medium pink and taupe for nose and mouth, soft pink for cheeks
- Needles: size US 2 to US 3 double-pointed needles or circular needles for small circumference, plus straight needles if you prefer flat pieces
- Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle, pins, scissors, small buttons in blush or shell tone
- Stuffing: fine polyester toy stuffing
- Support materials: a small amount of cotton fabric, interfacing, or felt for purse stability if desired
- Optional prop materials: eyelet fabric square, floral tape, dried pink stems, thin craft wire
Finished Size
The main bunny stands about 10 to 11 inches tall from the soles of the shoes to the top of the beret.
The head is rounded and slightly oversized, but not dramatically large.
The body is narrow and softly pear-shaped.
The mini bunny stands about 3 inches tall.
The purse is about 2 inches wide.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical as long as your knitted fabric is dense enough to hide stuffing.
Aim for a smooth stockinette fabric with very little visible gap between stitches.
If your fabric looks open, go down a needle size.
Abbreviations
- CO = cast on
- K = knit
- P = purl
- St st = stockinette stitch
- Kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
- K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
- SSK = slip, slip, knit
- BO = bind off
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- Rep = repeat
- Cont = continue
- Inc = increase
- Dec = decrease
Design Notes
The photographed bunny has a very clean surface. Keep seams neat, stuffing firm but not hard, and shaping gradual.
The face is quiet and minimal. The eyes are small, set wide apart, and placed low enough to leave room for the beret and forehead.
The ears hang straight down from the sides of the head. They are long, flat, and softly padded only at the base.
The cardigan is cropped and fitted at the waist, with a gentle A-line flare created by the body underneath.
The beret must sit low and rounded, with a relaxed crown and evenly spaced bobbles.
Main Bunny Legs
Make 2
Using cream, CO 12 stitches.
Work 4 rows in St st, beginning with a knit row.
Row 5: K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 stitches, Kfb, K1. You now have 14 stitches.
Work 5 rows even.
Shape the lower leg.
Next row: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, SSK, K1. You now have 12 stitches.
Work 6 rows even.
Next row: K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 stitches, Kfb, K1. You now have 14 stitches again.
Work 12 rows even. This creates the soft straight shin seen in the photo.
Next row: K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, SSK. You now have 12 stitches.
Work 2 rows even.
BO all stitches.
Sew side seam and base seam. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly. Flatten the top opening so the leg sits front-facing rather than sideways.
The feet in the image are short and rounded, not long. Keep the toe compact and slightly oval.
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Main Bunny Body
The body is worked as a front and a back, then seamed. This gives a centered, symmetrical shape and helps the cardigan sit smoothly.
Front Body
Using cream, CO 20 stitches.
Work 4 rows St st.
Increase row: K2, Kfb, knit to last 2 stitches before edge, Kfb, K2. You now have 22 stitches.
Work 4 rows even.
Increase row: K2, Kfb, knit to last 2 stitches before edge, Kfb, K2. You now have 24 stitches.
Work 6 rows even.
Increase row: K2, Kfb, knit to last 2 stitches before edge, Kfb, K2. You now have 26 stitches.
Work 8 rows even.
This lower section forms the gentle skirted base of the stuffed body under the tulle overskirt.
Shape the waist.
Next row: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, SSK, K2. You now have 24 stitches.
Work 3 rows even.
Next row: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, SSK, K2. You now have 22 stitches.
Work 5 rows even.
Shape upper chest.
Increase row: K2, Kfb, knit to last 2 stitches before edge, Kfb, K2. You now have 24 stitches.
Work 6 rows even.
BO all stitches.
Back Body
Work the same as the front.
Sew shoulder area lightly later when attaching the head.
Main Bunny Arms
Make 2
Using cream, CO 10 stitches.
Work 5 rows even in St st.
Increase row: K1, Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. You now have 12 stitches.
Work 10 rows even.
Next row: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, SSK, K1. You now have 10 stitches.
Work 4 rows even.
BO all stitches.
Sew each arm into a slim tube. Stuff only the lower two-thirds.
The arm tops should stay soft and flat so they can curve gently downward beside the cardigan.
Main Bunny Head
The head is the most important part of the set. Keep it smooth, full, and round with a slightly narrower lower face.
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Head Front
Using cream, CO 18 stitches.
Work 2 rows even.
Increase row: K1, Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. You now have 20 stitches.
Work 2 rows even.
Increase row: K1, Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. You now have 22 stitches.
Work 2 rows even.
Increase row: K1, Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. You now have 24 stitches.
Work 2 rows even.
Increase row: K1, Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. You now have 26 stitches.
Work 12 rows even.
Shape upper head.
Row 1: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, SSK, K1. You now have 24 stitches.
Work 1 row even.
Row 3: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, SSK, K1. You now have 22 stitches.
Work 1 row even.
Row 5: Repeat decrease row. You now have 20 stitches.
Work 1 row even.
Row 7: Repeat decrease row. You now have 18 stitches.
BO all stitches.
Head Back
Work the same as the front.
Sew side seams. Leave the lower edge open for joining to the body.
Stuff very firmly so the cheeks stay round. Roll a little extra stuffing into two small side puffs for the lower face.
Before closing, shape the muzzle by running a strand of matching yarn horizontally through the lower center and pulling very gently.
This creates the soft triangular nose area seen in the image.
Ears
Make 2 outer ears in cream and 2 inner ear linings in pale blush if desired
For each outer ear, CO 8 stitches.
Work 4 rows even.
Increase row: K1, Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. You now have 10 stitches.
Work 6 rows even.
Increase row: K1, Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. You now have 12 stitches.
Work 12 rows even.
Decrease row: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, SSK, K1. You now have 10 stitches.
Work 8 rows even.
Decrease row: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, SSK, K1. You now have 8 stitches.
Work 6 rows even.
BO all stitches.
Make matching pieces for the second ear.
If using blush inner linings, make them slightly smaller with 1 fewer increase stage.
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Sew lining to outer ear, leaving the lower edge open. Do not heavily stuff. Add only a trace of stuffing at the base.
Fold the lower edge of each ear inward slightly and stitch to the head so the ears fall straight down along the cheeks.
Head and Face Finishing
Place the eyes 7 to 8 stitches apart, slightly below the head midpoint.
Use very small satin stitches or French-knot style embroidered eyes in dark brown.
The nose is a tiny inverted triangle in dusty pink or taupe.
Bring the mouth straight down from the center point, then split into a very short Y shape.
Add faint blush to the cheeks with soft pink embroidery or fabric-safe blush powder applied sparingly.
The photographed expression is calm, gentle, and almost neutral.
Assembling the Bunny Base
- Sew the body front and back together, leaving the neck open.
- Attach legs evenly to the lower body so the bunny stands with a slight outward stance.
- Attach arms high on the sides, just below the neck opening.
- Join the head to the body with a strong ladder seam.
- Attach ears after the head is fully secured.
Check the silhouette from the front before fastening permanently. The body should look centered and upright.
Dusty Rose Cardigan
This cardigan is short, neat, and slightly rounded at the lower front edges. It is worked flat in pieces and sewn.
Back
Using dusty rose, CO 26 stitches.
Work 4 rows K1, P1 rib.
Change to St st and work 16 rows even.
Shape armholes.
BO 2 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. You now have 22 stitches.
Work 10 rows even.
Shape shoulders and neck.
Next row: K6, BO 10, K6.
Work each shoulder separately for 2 rows, then BO.
Left Front
CO 14 stitches.
Work 4 rows K1, P1 rib.
Change to St st.
At the front edge, work 3 stitches in garter every row for button band.
Work 10 rows even.
Shape lower front curve by increasing 1 stitch at side edge every 4th row twice. You now have 16 stitches.
Work until piece matches back to armhole.
BO 2 stitches at armhole edge once.
Continue 8 rows.
Shape neckline by decreasing 1 stitch at front edge every other row 4 times.
Work to shoulder height and BO remaining shoulder stitches.
Right Front
Work as mirror image.
Add 3 small buttonholes spaced evenly on the band if desired.
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Sleeves
Make 2.
CO 14 stitches.
Work 4 rows K1, P1 rib.
Change to St st.
Increase 1 stitch at each side every 6th row 3 times. You now have 20 stitches.
Work until sleeve length reaches wrist.
BO 2 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows.
Work 4 rows even, then BO.
Sew sleeves and side seams. Attach sleeves into armholes.
The fit should be close and tidy, not oversized.
Cardigan Trims
Sew narrow ivory lace horizontally around each cuff.
Add two horizontal lace bands across the lower body of the cardigan, matching the photo placement.
Use tiny invisible stitches so the lace appears lightly resting on the knitted surface.
Sew 3 tiny buttons on the front band.
The neckline in the photo sits close and round, so avoid a deep opening.
Beret with Bobbles
The beret is soft, rounded, and set low over the forehead. Bobbles are small and evenly scattered around the crown and outer edge.
Beret Band
Using dusty rose, CO 52 stitches and join carefully if working in the round, or work flat and seam later.
Work 6 rounds or rows of K1, P1 rib.
Increase evenly to 72 stitches.
Beret Crown
Work 6 rounds even in St st.
On the next round, place small bobbles every 8 to 10 stitches. If you prefer, sew the bobbles on later for easier control.
For a tiny bobble, knit into front, back, and front of one stitch, turn, purl 3, turn, knit 3, pass 2 stitches over 1, then continue.
Work 4 rounds even.
Add a second offset round of bobbles.
Work 4 rounds even.
Begin crown decreases.
Round 1: K6, K2tog all around.
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: K5, K2tog all around.
Round 4: Knit.
Continue in this way, reducing the plain knit section by 1 each decrease round, until about 12 stitches remain.
Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull closed.
Add a tiny center nub or stem at the top.
If working flat, mirror the same shaping and seam invisibly.
The finished beret should puff gently, not sit flat.
Tulle Skirt
The skirt in the image is not knitted. It is a soft gathered overskirt in sheer dotted tulle.
Cut one strip of dotted tulle about 3 times the bunny waist measurement and long enough to reach from the waist to just above the ankles.
Fold the upper edge over a narrow cotton or ribbon waistband and stitch.
Gather evenly until the skirt fits around the body.
Fasten at the back with small stitches or a tiny snap.
The skirt should remain airy and translucent. Do not over-gather until it becomes stiff.
Mary Jane Shoes
Make 2
Using dusty rose, CO 14 stitches.
Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
Change to St st for 6 rows.
Next row: K4, K2tog, K2, SSK, K4. You now have 12 stitches.
Work 3 rows even.
BO all stitches.
Sew into a tiny slipper shape around the foot. Leave an opening on top.
For the strap, pick up 4 stitches at one side of the opening and knit 6 rows in garter.
Bind off and tack the strap across the instep with a decorative stitch or tiny bead-like knot.
The toe should stay rounded and soft, closely matching the short foot shape.
Mini Bunny Companion
This small companion mirrors the main bunny in the simplest possible way. It has a blush body, cream ears, and tiny cream feet.
Body
Using blush, CO 10 stitches.
Work 2 rows even.
Increase row: K1, Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. You now have 12 stitches.
Work 4 rows even.
Increase row: K1, Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. You now have 14 stitches.
Work 6 rows even.
Decrease row: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, SSK, K1. You now have 12 stitches.
Work 2 rows even.
Decrease row: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, SSK, K1. You now have 10 stitches.
Work 2 rows even and BO.
Make front and back, seam, and stuff lightly.
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Arms
CO 4 stitches in blush for each arm.
Knit 8 rows in i-cord or narrow garter strip.
Attach to sides.
Legs
CO 4 stitches in cream for each foot and work 3 rows garter.
Change to blush and work 5 more rows.
BO and sew to body base.
Ears
CO 4 stitches in cream.
Work 2 rows.
Increase row: K1, Kfb, K1, Kfb. You now have 6 stitches.
Work 6 rows even.
Decrease row: K1, K2tog, K2, K2tog. You now have 4 stitches.
Work 2 rows and BO.
Make 2 and attach upright with a slight inward tilt.
Embroider tiny eyes and a small nose.
Mini Purse with Face
The purse is cream, softly rounded, and decorated with a sweet sleepy face.
Front and Back
Using cream, CO 8 stitches.
Increase at each end every other row 3 times until you have 14 stitches.
Work 6 rows even.
Decrease at each end every other row 3 times until 8 stitches remain.
BO.
Make 2 pieces and sew together, leaving the top slightly open if you want it functional.
Handle
Work a short i-cord of 18 to 20 rows.
Attach to upper corners so it arches upward as in the image.
Face
Embroider two curved eyes and a tiny smile in dark thread.
Add blush stitches at the cheeks.
If desired, place a thin layer of felt inside to hold shape.
Soft Pink Fluffy Accessory
The image shows a small pale wand-like accessory with a fluffy pink top and a light handle.
For the handle, make a short cream i-cord about 2 inches long.
For the top, wrap brushed mohair, faux fur yarn, or pale pink roving into a tiny puff.
Tie securely and stitch to one end of the handle.
Trim lightly into a rounded cloud shape.
Folded Eyelet Cloth
This styled extra is not knitted, but it completes the photographed arrangement.
Cut a square of white eyelet or embroidered cotton.
Hem the edges with very small stitches.
Fold into a neat rectangle with the scalloped edge visible.
Place it beside the bunny as shown.
Pink Muhly-Style Bouquet
This decorative bunch is also a styling extra rather than a knitted item.
Gather several tiny dried pink stems or soft faux floral sprigs.
Trim evenly and bind with fine beige thread.
Wrap the binding area with floral tape or matching yarn.
Keep the bunch short so it stays in scale with the bunny.
Dressing and Styling Order
- Place the tulle skirt around the waist first.
- Dress the bunny in the cardigan and close the front neatly.
- Put on the shoes and tack them lightly if needed.
- Set the beret low over the forehead and ears.
- Arrange the mini purse and mini bunny beside the main figure.
If you want the display to stay exactly arranged, use a few hidden stitches to secure the cardigan, beret, and shoes.
Shaping Tips for a Closer Match
- Head: keep the widest point through the cheeks, not the forehead
- Body: stuff the lower body a bit more than the waist
- Arms: angle slightly forward so the hands rest near the skirt
- Legs: keep the feet short and turned only slightly outward
- Ears: attach low enough to emerge from beneath the beret edge
- Beret: soften the crown with steam only if your yarn allows it
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
After all pieces are attached, sit the bunny upright and check the balance from the front and both sides.
Adjust the head tilt very slightly forward. This helps the face look gentle and keeps the beret from appearing too high.
Refine the nose with a few extra embroidery passes if needed.
Keep the mouth tiny. A larger mouth will change the expression too much.
Add the faintest cheek tint only after all stitching is complete.
Care Notes
Display use is best for this bunny because of the lace, tulle, and tiny accessories.
If handled gently, the toy remains soft and stable for a long time.
Keep it away from heavy moisture and direct prolonged sunlight.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Is the head centered on the body?
- Do both ears hang at the same height?
- Are the eyes evenly spaced?
- Does the cardigan close neatly at center front?
- Does the beret sit low and rounded?
- Is the tulle skirt gathered evenly?
- Are the shoes matched in height and shape?
- Do the mini accessories look balanced beside the bunny?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Dust the bunny gently with clean dry hands or a very soft brush.
For small marks, spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then blot with a towel.
Do not soak the beret, cardigan, or tulle while attached.
If long-term storage is needed, wrap the bunny in acid-free tissue and place it in a breathable box.
Store the bouquet and fluffy accessory separately so they do not crush the knitted surface.
Keep dark fabrics away from the cream areas to prevent color transfer.
