Daisy Meadow Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted set features a softly shaped bunny dressed in a neutral cottage-style outfit with a beret, cardigan, textured dress, apron panel, Mary Jane shoes, and a tiny shoulder bag. It also includes a sweet little lamb companion, a folded mat, and tiny acorn-style extras. If you love heirloom toys, handmade nursery gifts, collectible animal dolls, or boutique knitted softies for sale, this design creates a beautiful finished piece with strong gift appeal and lovely display value.

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 is written to closely match the proportions, styling, and mood of the photographed set. The bunny has a rounded head, long narrow ears, a compact neck, a gently tapered torso, slim arms, sturdy tube legs, and flat-soled shoes that help the piece stand nicely when posed.

The clothing is built in layers so the silhouette stays true to the image. The cream dress sits under a short brown speckled cardigan. A white mock-neck collar peeks above the neckline. The apron panel is knitted directly as part of the dress front appearance during finishing.

The skirt hem has a brown decorative band with small daisy motifs worked by duplicate stitch. The beret is soft, wide, and slightly slouched, with a tiny stem at the center top. The lamb is kept small and simple so it complements the bunny without visually competing.

This version is best suited for knitters who are comfortable with small toy shaping, seaming, and light embroidery. A patient beginner can also make it by working slowly and checking shaping often. The finished result depends heavily on neat stuffing, accurate counting, and gentle finishing.

Finished Size

• Bunny: about 12 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including beret slouch.
• Lamb: about 3 inches tall.
• Bag: about 2 inches wide.
• Folded mat: about 3 inches long when folded.
• Mini acorn pieces: about 1/2 to 3/4 inch each.

Your finished measurements may vary slightly depending on yarn choice, tension, stuffing density, and whether you knit flat or in the round with your preferred method. Keep a firm tension so the stuffing does not show through.

Materials

• Sport or light DK yarn in soft oatmeal for bunny head, ears, hands, and parts of the outfit
• Sport or light DK yarn in warm cream for dress, apron, collar, lamb body, and small accessories
• Sport or light DK yarn in milk white for collar and lamb contrast
• Sport or light DK yarn in medium mushroom brown for cardigan, shoes, bag, hem band, acorns, and lamb accents
• A tiny amount of golden yellow for daisy centers
• A tiny amount of deep taupe for nose shaping if desired
• 2.25 mm and 2.75 mm knitting needles or sizes needed to obtain a dense fabric
• Set of double-point needles if knitting small pieces in the round
• Tapestry needle
• Locking stitch markers
• Toy stuffing
• Thin cardboard or firm felt for shoe soles if a firmer base is desired
• Small buttons for cardigan front, about 1/4 inch wide
• Black embroidery thread or tiny black safety eyes if making for display only

Gauge

Gauge is not critical, but it matters for proportion. Aim for a dense toy fabric.

• Stockinette on 2.75 mm needles: about 32 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches
• Textured dress sections on 2.75 mm needles: about 30 stitches and 42 rows = 4 inches

If your fabric looks open, move down a needle size. If the toy feels stiff and difficult to shape, move up only slightly. The image shows smooth, even knitting with no visible stuffing gaps.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• p = purl
• pm = place marker
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• WS = wrong side

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Construction Notes

The bunny is easiest to make by knitting the head, body, arms, and legs separately, then assembling firmly. The dress can be worked as a separate garment and stitched in place at the shoulders. The cardigan and beret are separate removable pieces if you prefer.

To match the photo, keep the neck short and neat. The head is slightly larger than the body. The body should not be too long. The skirt begins around the natural waist and widens gently, but not dramatically. The cardigan ends just below the bust line.

The ears are attached high on the sides of the head and hang straight down. They are narrow at the tips and fuller at the base. The face is extremely simple, with tiny dark eyes spaced fairly close together and a centered stitched nose-mouth detail.

The lamb is intentionally petite, with a rounded body, slim legs, small ears, and a tiny brown cap. Keep it delicate. It should look like a companion piece, not a second main toy.

Bunny Head

Using oatmeal yarn and smaller needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round, or work flat and seam later. The rounded head in the image is smooth and slightly taller than it is wide, with a softly narrowed chin area made by light shaping during finishing.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: M1R after each stitch around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, M1R around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, M1R around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, M1R around. 60 sts.
9. Rnds 9-26: Knit.

The head should now look like a smooth rounded pouch. Keep the fabric even. Do not overwork increases or the surface will show points. The photographed doll has a calm, refined finish, so a uniform stockinette texture is important here.

1. Rnd 27: K8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 28: Knit.
3. Rnd 29: K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 30: Knit.
5. Rnd 31: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 32: Knit.

Stuff the head firmly, shaping it round at the crown and only slightly narrower near the lower face. Add extra stuffing at the cheeks. Do not make a pointed chin. The lower portion must stay soft enough to take a neck opening cleanly.

1. Rnd 33: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 34: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
3. Rnd 35: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.

Leave the remaining 24 sts live if joining directly to the neck, or break yarn and thread through the stitches later. Set aside.

Facial Sculpting Base

Before adding features, lightly shape the muzzle area. Thread matching yarn through the lower front third of the head and pull very gently to create a subtle vertical center line. The image shows a soft nose ridge, not a protruding snout.

Place the eyes about 7 to 8 rows below the widest crown area. Space them roughly 6 to 8 stitches apart. They should be very small and dark. Embroider with two short satin stitches for each eye, angled very slightly inward.

Bunny Ears

Make 2 in oatmeal yarn. The ears are long, smooth, and unlined in the photo. They hang from high side placement and extend to about shoulder level. Work flat for a soft folded finish.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: Knit.
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
8. Rows 7-28: Work in stockinette, slipping first stitch of each row for a tidy edge.

Begin gentle tapering so the ear stays narrow and elegant rather than wide and floppy.

1. Row 29 RS: Ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
2. Row 30: Purl.
3. Rows 31-34: Continue in stockinette.
4. Row 35 RS: Ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
5. Row 36: Purl.
6. Rows 37-40: Continue in stockinette.
7. Row 41 RS: Ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
8. Row 42: Purl.
9. Row 43 RS: Ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
10. Row 44 WS: Purl.
11. Row 45 RS: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
12. Row 46 WS: P2tog. Fasten off.

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Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly and steam with care if needed. Do not flatten fully. The ear should hold a soft central fold and look natural when stitched at the head sides.

Neck and Upper Body

If the head stitches were left live, continue from the 24 remaining stitches. Otherwise pick up 24 sts around the lower head opening. Knit 4 rounds plain to create a short neck. The image shows almost no visible neck length once assembled.

Change to cream yarn for the body if you want the torso hidden under clothing to coordinate with the dress. Oatmeal is also fine. The body is smaller than the head and slightly tapered with a flat lower edge once attached to the legs.

1. Rnd 1: K3, M1R around. 30 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K4, M1R around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 4-12: Knit.

The chest should stay compact. Avoid making the body long. Add stuffing gradually as you work. The toy in the image has a neat seated-body proportion even when standing, so fullness belongs more in the upper hips than in the waist.

1. Rnd 13: K5, M1R around. 42 sts.
2. Rnds 14-18: Knit.
3. Rnd 19: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 20: Knit.
5. Rnd 21: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 22: Knit.

Stuff firmly but not rock-hard. Flatten the lower opening slightly from front to back so the torso sits naturally above the legs. Close the body after legs are prepared or leave an opening for joining.

Legs

Make 2. The bunny has straight, slim legs that continue into knit shoes. The visible leg portion under the skirt is cream, matching stockings. The shoes are brown with a strap across the top like classic Mary Janes.

Start with shoe soles in brown yarn. Work flat.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5-10: Work in stockinette.

Pick up stitches around sole edge and work in the round, or knit a matching upper and seam. To best match the clean small scale in the image, the round method gives a smoother finish.

1. Pick up 28 sts around sole. Work 4 rnds in brown.
2. Next rnd: K12, k2tog 2 times, k12. 26 sts.
3. Next rnd: Knit.
4. Next rnd: K10, k2tog 3 times, k10. 23 sts.

Stuff the toe lightly only. Add a small felt insert if you want a flat base. Continue upper shoe for 2 more rounds. Then work the instep opening by binding off a center section on the next round, leaving side and heel stitches active.

For a simple version that matches the look, work 6 stitches back and forth over the center front for 4 rows to create the top opening. Rejoin yarn and knit one full round over all stitches, casting on 4 stitches where needed for the shoe opening edge.

Make the strap by picking up 5 stitches on one side of the shoe opening. Knit 8 rows in garter. Sew the strap across the instep to the opposite side, adding a tiny stitched nub to resemble a buckle tab. The photo shows a delicate strap, not a bulky one.

Switch to cream yarn for the stocking leg.

1. Work even for 18 rounds.
2. Stuff from foot upward, keeping the ankle narrow.
3. BO leaving a long tail for sewing to the body.

Arms

Make 2 in oatmeal yarn for hands and lower arms. The arms are slim and slightly angled outward when attached. They end around the waistline. There are no visible paws or fingers, so keep the shaping simple and smooth.

1. CO 8 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1-3: Knit.
3. Rnd 4: K1, M1R around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 5-18: Knit.

For a slightly tapered upper arm:

1. Rnd 19: K4, k2tog twice. 10 sts.
2. Rnd 20-24: Knit.

Stuff lightly. The arms in the image are soft, not stiff. BO, leaving a long tail. Flatten the top opening and stitch closed before attaching, or sew open ends directly to the body at the shoulder seam line under the cardigan.

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Dress

The dress is cream with a textured center apron panel and a brown floral band around the lower skirt. The bodice is plain and fitted. The skirt widens gently and falls to just above the ankle, leaving the shoes fully visible.

Work the dress from the hem upward in cream and brown. This piece may be made flat and seamed at the back for easiest dressing, or in the round with a back split. The instructions below use a flat method for cleaner finishing.

Skirt Hem and Floral Band

1. Using brown yarn, CO 56 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K1, p1 rib.
3. Change to cream yarn.
4. Rows 5-12: Work in stockinette, with first and last 3 sts in garter for back edging.

Now mark the lower decorative band area. The photo shows a narrow brown stripe with evenly spaced small white daisies and tiny yellow centers. The cleanest way to recreate this is duplicate stitch after the dress is complete.

Continue skirt shaping.

1. Row 13 RS: K3, k12, k2tog 4 times, k1, ssk, k12 4 times, k3. Decrease evenly to 48 sts.
2. Rows 14-24: Stockinette with garter edges.
3. Row 25 RS: Decrease evenly to 42 sts.
4. Rows 26-34: Work even.

Apron Texture Panel

The front apron sits over the skirt and bodice visually, but it can be added as a sewn-on panel or built into the dress front surface. To match the raised diamond look in the image, make a separate textured rectangle and stitch it neatly to the front center.

For the apron panel, using cream yarn, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1-2: Knit.
2. Rows 3-22: Work a small diamond texture by alternating knit and purl blocks:
   • Row 3 RS: K1, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k1
   • Row 4 WS: P1, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p1
   • Row 5: K2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2
   • Row 6: P2, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p2
   • Repeat these four rows 5 times total
3. Rows 23-24: Knit.
4. BO knitwise.

Steam lightly. Do not flatten the texture too much. The apron panel should sit centered on the lower front skirt and rise into the waist area, just like the image.

Bodice

Continue the main dress from the skirt top.

1. Row 35 RS: Decrease evenly to 34 sts.
2. Rows 36-42: Work even.
3. Row 43 RS: K3, k2tog, knit to last 5 sts, ssk, k3. 32 sts.
4. Rows 44-46: Work even.
5. Row 47 RS: K3, k2tog, knit to last 5 sts, ssk, k3. 30 sts.

Separate for armholes.

1. Next row RS: K3, BO 3, knit 18, BO 3, k3.
2. Work each front shoulder and back separately, decreasing 1 stitch at each armhole edge every RS row twice.
3. Form a modest scoop neck in front. Keep the back high.
4. BO shoulders and seam.

Sew the textured apron panel to the dress front. Stitch only the outer edge so the center stays raised. Duplicate-stitch the brown floral hem band now. Place small white petal shapes every 6 to 7 stitches, with a yellow center knot on each. Keep them tiny.

White Collar Insert

The image shows a slim white mock-neck under the cardigan and dress. This can be a separate collar ring stitched around the neckline. Using white yarn, CO enough stitches to fit snugly around the neck, about 24 to 28 stitches.

1. Work 6 rows in 1×1 rib.
2. BO loosely.
3. Sew into a small ring and stitch at the dress neckline from the inside.

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Only a narrow amount should show above the dress. This detail is important because it creates the layered outfit seen in the photograph.

Cardigan

The cardigan is short, brown, and lightly speckled with tiny cream stitched dots. It has long sleeves, a soft crew neckline, and a buttoned front. The fit is slightly cropped so the dress remains visible below.

Work flat from the lower edge upward.

1. Using brown yarn, CO 34 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5-18: Stockinette with a 3-stitch garter button band at each front edge.

Place 3 or 4 buttonholes evenly on one front band. A simple yarn-over, k2tog buttonhole is enough. The cardigan in the image has tiny closely spaced buttons, so keep them petite and neat.

1. At armhole row: K3, BO 3, knit to last 6 sts, BO 3, k3.
2. Work fronts and back separately to shoulder height.
3. Shape a shallow neckline.
4. BO shoulders.

Sleeves, make 2:

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5-22: Stockinette, increasing 1 stitch each side every 6th row 3 times. 18 sts.
4. Rows 23-26: Work even.
5. BO.

Seam sleeves and set into armholes. Sew side seams. Add tiny cream speckles with single duplicate stitches or French-knot style yarn stitches scattered lightly across the cardigan and sleeves. Keep spacing irregular but balanced, just as in the photo.

Beret

The beret is cream, soft, and slightly oversized for the bunny head. It sits low and relaxed, with a tiny top stem and a subtle eyelet texture around the crown area. This softness gives the doll its gentle meadow look.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 48 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1-4: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rnd 5: K3, M1R around. 60 sts.
4. Rnd 6: Knit.
5. Rnd 7: K4, M1R around. 72 sts.
6. Rnds 8-10: Knit.

To create the subtle eyelet ring seen near the top, work one decorative round.

1. Rnd 11: Yo, k2tog around.
2. Rnds 12-18: Knit.

Begin crown shaping.

1. Rnd 19: K10, k2tog around. 66 sts.
2. Rnd 20: Knit.
3. Rnd 21: K9, k2tog around. 60 sts.
4. Rnd 22: Knit.
5. Continue in this manner, reducing by 6 sts every other round until 12 sts remain.
6. Knit 4 rounds on the remaining 12 sts for the top nub.
7. Cut yarn, thread through stitches, and close.

Block gently over a bowl or rounded shape if needed. The beret should sit with a soft slouch, not a flat disk. Position it slightly tilted to match the photographed styling.

Shoulder Bag

The tiny bag is brown, rectangular, and softly structured with a fold-over flap and long narrow strap. It sits beside the bunny in the photo and should look like a practical miniature woodland satchel.

1. Using brown yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1-16: Work in garter stitch.
3. Rows 17-22: Continue for flap only over 10 sts.
4. BO.

Fold lower section into a pouch and seam side edges. Add a tiny stitched button nub on the flap and a matching loop stitch on the bag body. For the strap, make an I-cord about 10 inches long and stitch securely to both sides.

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Folded Mat

The folded cream-and-brown piece beside the bag can be made as a mini mat, shawl, or picnic blanket accessory. In the image it appears folded with a cream body and brown edge section.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-18: Garter stitch.
3. Change to brown and work 4 rows garter.
4. BO.

Fold into thirds for display. If desired, embroider two tiny white daisy marks on the brown section to echo the skirt hem.

Mini Acorn Pieces

The tiny woodland extras at the front are best represented as miniature acorns. Make 3 brown cap sections and 2 lighter nut sections for the grouped display seen in the image. These are decorative and can be omitted for very young children.

For each acorn cap:

1. CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: K1, M1R around. 9 sts.
4. Rnd 3-4: Knit.
5. BO.

For each light nut base:

1. CO 5 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 10 sts.
4. Rnd 3-4: Knit.
5. Rnd 5: K2tog around until nearly closed.
6. Stuff lightly if desired and close.

Stitch cap to base, or leave a few as separate little pieces exactly like the styled arrangement in the image.

Lamb Companion

The lamb is worked in cream with brown accents. It has a simple rounded body, narrow legs, a small head with tiny ears, a cream sweater, and a miniature brown beret. Keep the expression sweet and minimal.

Lamb Body

1. Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: K1, M1R around. 15 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: K2, M1R around. 20 sts.
6. Rnds 5-12: Knit.

Shape the rear and belly lightly with stuffing. The lamb body should be a little longer than it is tall.

1. Rnd 13: K3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
2. Rnd 14: Knit.
3. Rnd 15: K2, k2tog around. 12 sts.

Leave opening for neck placement and leg stitching.

Lamb Legs

Make 4. Use cream for upper portions and brown for hoof tips.

1. With brown yarn, CO 4 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1-2: Knit.
3. Change to cream.
4. Rnd 3-8: Knit.
5. BO leaving a sewing tail.

Stuff very lightly or leave unstuffed for a slender look. Sew four legs evenly to the underside of the body so the lamb stands in a stable square stance.

Lamb Head

1. Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-8: Knit.
5. Rnd 9: K2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Rnd 10: Knit.

Stuff lightly. Add tiny black embroidered eyes and a short stitched nose. The lamb face in the image is delicate and slightly angled upward.

Lamb Ears

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. BO.

Fold and stitch to the sides of the head.

Lamb Sweater

Using cream yarn, pick up stitches around the lamb chest or make a tiny tube.

1. CO 14 sts, join, and work 6 rounds in stockinette.
2. BO loosely.

Slide onto the body. The sweater should fit close without covering the whole lamb.

Lamb Beret

1. With brown yarn, CO 12 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1-2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K1, M1R around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4-5: Knit.
5. Rnd 6: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Rnd 7: Knit.
7. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and close.

Place the beret slightly off-center on the lamb head to echo the bunny styling.

Assembly

Sew the bunny legs to the lower body, keeping them parallel and evenly spaced. The feet should point straight forward. Check that the bunny can balance in a posed standing position with support from the skirt and shoes.

Attach the arms high on the torso just below the neckline. Angle them slightly downward. Sew the ears to the head sides, beginning near the top side curve rather than the crown. Let them fall close to the cardigan shoulders.

Dress the bunny in the cream dress first. Add the white collar insert so it peeks above the neckline. Stitch the dress closed neatly at the back. Add the cardigan over the top and button it. Finally place the beret low on the head.

Sew the apron panel onto the dress front, making sure it sits centered. Add the floral hem details last so placement can be adjusted once the skirt is on the body. Put the shoes on firmly if made separately, or shape them if knitted onto the feet.

Color Placement Notes

• Head, ears, hands: oatmeal
• Dress: cream with brown floral hem band
• Collar: white
• Cardigan: brown with tiny cream speckles
• Shoes: brown
• Bag: brown
• Beret: cream
• Lamb body: cream with brown hoofs and brown beret

Finishing Details That Make the Look Accurate

The beauty of this set comes from restraint. Keep all embroidery tiny. Keep stuffing smooth. Avoid oversized eyes, wide ears, or thick clothing layers. The original look is gentle, tidy, and balanced, with soft natural colors and understated detail.

The daisy hem should be narrow and evenly spaced. The cardigan should appear slightly cropped. The beret should not cover the full forehead. The lamb should remain noticeably smaller than the bunny, almost like a pocket friend standing at her side.

The accessory arrangement also matters. Place the bag to one side, the folded mat near it, and the acorn pieces loosely in front. Keep the lamb close to the bunny’s right side for the same storybook composition.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Embroider the eyes first, then the small vertical nose and tiny split mouth. Use very little tension so the face stays soft. Add faint cheek shaping only if needed. Stitch the ears after the beret is test-fitted so the proportions remain balanced from every angle.

Care Notes

Handle the finished set gently, especially the tiny accessories. Display pieces should be kept away from rough play, moisture, and direct sunlight. If making this for a child, embroider features securely and consider omitting the smallest loose decorative extras.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head slightly larger than body
• Ears long and narrow, attached high
• Dress length above ankles
• Apron panel centered and textured
• Daisy hem added neatly
• Cardigan cropped and buttoned
• Beret softly slouched
• Lamb smaller and balanced
• Bag, mat, and acorn pieces completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak, wring, or machine wash. Reshape while drying flat on a towel. Store in a dust-free box or on a shelf away from humidity. For long-term preservation, support the bunny upright and keep accessories together in a small fabric pouch.