Clematis Trellis-Lace Bunny – Knitting

This elegant knitted bunny set is designed to capture the soft, collectible charm of a handmade woodland doll with boutique appeal. The finished set includes a dressed bunny, a tiny squirrel friend, a textured beret with flowers, a leafy cardigan, a trellis-lace dress, a satchel, a teapot, and a small flower bundle. It is a lovely project for knit toy lovers, nursery decor makers, heirloom gift knitters, and anyone searching for a premium handmade bunny doll, knitted animal set, or artisan stuffed rabbit design with delicate floral details.

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 beige for the bunny
• DK weight yarn in olive green for the cardigan
• DK weight yarn in warm ivory for the dress and teapot
• Small amounts of dusty rose, mauve, lavender, sage, and cream for flowers and trim
• DK weight yarn in rusty brown for the squirrel
• Small amount of taupe for the satchel and acorn cap
• Pair of 3 mm straight needles or preferred needles for flat toy knitting
• Set of 3 mm double-pointed needles if you prefer knitting some pieces in the round
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Toy stuffing
• Black embroidery thread or fine black yarn for the eyes
• Dark brown embroidery thread for the nose and mouth
• Thin floral wire optional for flower shaping only if desired
• One very small button or knitted nub for the satchel closure

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall seated, about 14 inches tall to top of ears
• Squirrel friend: about 4 1/2 to 5 inches tall
• Satchel: about 2 inches wide
• Teapot: about 1 3/4 inches long from body to spout
• Flower bundle: about 2 inches long

Gauge

Gauge is less important than firmness for knitted toys. Your fabric should be dense enough that stuffing does not show through.

• 26 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using 3 mm needles and DK yarn

Abbreviations

• K: knit
• P: purl
• Sts: stitches
• Kfb: knit into front and back of same stitch
• Pfb: purl into front and back of same stitch
• K2tog: knit 2 together
• P2tog: purl 2 together
• Ssk: slip, slip, knit
• Yo: yarn over
• M1: make 1 increase
• Skp: slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over
• Psso: pass slipped stitch over
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• St st: stockinette stitch
• Garter: knit every row

Design Notes

The entire set is worked in separate pieces and seamed. That structure helps control shaping, keeps the silhouette faithful to the image, and makes the clothing layers sit neatly on the body.

The bunny has a rounded head, a short muzzle area, upright ears, softly weighted legs, and slim arms. The dress is the visual focus. Its skirt has a trellis effect with flower accents placed at regular diamond intersections.

The cardigan is short, open at the front, and lightly textured. The beret sits low over the forehead and tilts slightly, with three dimensional flowers grouped on one side. The squirrel mirrors the bunny outfit in miniature.

Main Bunny Body

Legs Make 2

Using beige, cast on 18 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Work in garter stitch.
2. Row 7 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
3. Rows 8 to 18: Work in St st, beginning with a purl row.
4. Row 19 RS: K6, k2tog, k4, ssk, k6. 18 sts.
5. Rows 20 to 28: Work even in St st.
6. Shape top of leg: Row 29 RS: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 16 sts.
7. Row 30: Purl.
8. Repeat last 2 rows twice more. 12 sts.
9. Rows 35 to 42: Work even.
10. Bind off.

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Sew side seams. Stuff the foot area firmly, then the ankle and lower leg a little less firmly. Flatten the upper edge of each leg.

Body Front

Using beige, cast on 26 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
2. Row 5 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, k1. 28 sts.
3. Row 6: Purl.
4. Repeat Rows 5 and 6 three more times. 34 sts.
5. Rows 13 to 30: Work even in St st.
6. Row 31 RS: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 32 sts.
7. Row 32: Purl.
8. Repeat last 2 rows twice more. 28 sts.
9. Rows 37 to 44: Work even.
10. Armhole shaping: Bind off 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 22 sts.
11. Row 47 RS: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 20 sts.
12. Row 48: Purl.
13. Row 49: Knit.
14. Row 50: Purl.
15. Neck shaping: Row 51 RS: K7, bind off center 6 sts, knit to end.
16. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge on next 2 RS rows.
17. When 5 shoulder sts remain on each side, work until armhole measures 10 rows from bind off.
18. Bind off shoulders.

Body Back

Work as front through Row 50.

1. Row 51 RS: Knit.
2. Row 52: Purl.
3. Row 53: K6, bind off center 8 sts, knit to end.
4. Work both sides separately.
5. Decrease 1 stitch at neck edge once. 5 shoulder sts each side.
6. Work until same height as front.
7. Bind off shoulders.

Join Legs and Body

Before sewing the body side seams, position the two stuffed legs at the lower edge so they angle slightly forward, matching the seated look in the image. Sew the flattened leg tops inside the lower body edge, leaving a tiny gap between them.

Sew body shoulders and sides. Stuff body firmly at the lower half and a little less at the upper chest so the head can sit naturally without forcing the neckline outward.

Main Bunny Head

Head Front

Using beige, cast on 24 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in St st, starting with a purl row.
2. Row 5 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, k1. 26 sts.
3. Row 6: Purl.
4. Repeat Rows 5 and 6 four more times. 34 sts.
5. Rows 15 to 30: Work even in St st.
6. Row 31 RS: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 32 sts.
7. Row 32: Purl.
8. Repeat last 2 rows three more times. 26 sts.
9. Rows 39 to 42: Work even.
10. Row 43 RS: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 24 sts.
11. Row 44: Purl.
12. Row 45: Knit.
13. Bind off purlwise on WS.

Head Back

Work exactly as head front.

Muzzle Shaping

The face in the image is simple, smooth, and softly rounded rather than sharply protruding. After seaming the head pieces, use horizontal tension stitches to create a gentle muzzle panel.

Sew side seams and top seam, leaving lower edge open. Stuff firmly but evenly. Do not overstuff the lower face. With matching yarn, make a few short sculpting stitches across the lower front center to create a subtle muzzle width of about 1 1/4 inches.

Close the lower edge around the neck opening later when attaching to the body.

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Main Bunny Ears Make 4

Each ear is narrow at the base and softly pointed, standing upright from the beret.

Using beige, cast on 8 stitches.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: Knit.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
8. Rows 8 to 18: Work even in St st.
9. Row 19 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
10. Row 20: Purl.
11. Row 21: Repeat decrease row. 8 sts.
12. Row 22: Purl.
13. Row 23: Repeat decrease row. 6 sts.
14. Row 24: Purl.
15. Row 25: K1, k2tog, k1, ssk, k1. 4 sts.
16. Row 26: Purl.
17. Row 27: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
18. Cut yarn and draw through.

Sew pairs together, leaving bases open. Stuff only lightly or not at all. Fold a tiny pleat at the lower edge of each ear before attaching so they cup inward naturally.

Main Bunny Arms Make 2

Using beige, cast on 10 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
2. Row 5 RS: Kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb. 12 sts.
3. Rows 6 to 22: Work in St st.
4. Row 23 RS: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 10 sts.
5. Rows 24 to 30: Work even.
6. Bind off.

Sew seams and stuff lightly. Keep the top of each arm flat. Angle them slightly downward when attaching so the bunny appears relaxed and seated.

Dress

The dress in the image has a cream upper bodice and a full skirt with a trellis motif decorated by small pink and lavender flower knots. The hem is softly rounded and slightly flared.

Dress Bodice Front

Using ivory, cast on 24 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 6: K1, p2 rib, ending k1.
2. Rows 7 to 14: Work in St st.
3. On Row 15 RS begin subtle lace texture: K3, yo, k2tog, knit to last 5 sts, ssk, yo, k3.
4. Row 16: Purl.
5. Rows 17 to 22: Work even in St st.
6. Bind off 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows for armholes. 18 sts.
7. Rows 25 to 30: Work even.
8. Row 31 RS: K5, bind off center 8 sts, knit to end.
9. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge once.
10. When 4 shoulder sts remain, bind off.

Dress Bodice Back

Work as front to armholes. After armhole shaping, work 4 rows even.

1. Row 29 RS: K4, bind off center 10 sts, knit to end.
2. Work each side separately with no further shaping.
3. Bind off shoulder stitches when same height as front.

Dress Skirt

Using ivory, cast on 78 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
2. Row 5 RS: Knit.
3. Row 6 WS: Purl.
4. Begin trellis repeat over 6 stitch panels. Work the following 8-row pattern across.

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Trellis Repeat

1. Row 1 RS: K2, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, repeat to end.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl all stitches.
3. Row 3 RS: K1, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1, repeat to end.
4. Row 4 WS: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 5 RS: K2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, repeat to end.
6. Row 6 WS: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 7 RS: K1, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, k1, repeat to end.
8. Row 8 WS: Purl all stitches.

Work the trellis repeat 6 times in total. This creates the open diamond lattice that matches the skirt surface in the image.

To make the skirt fuller without losing the lattice look, increase 1 stitch at each side on Row 17 and again on Row 33. Keep the new stitches in stockinette edge stitches.

After all trellis repeats are complete, work 4 rows in St st. Then decrease evenly across the next RS row to 42 stitches. Work 2 rows even.

Sew the skirt side seam. Gather the top edge slightly if needed and attach to the lower edge of the bodice, keeping the center front diamond aligned with the center of the bodice.

Flower Accents on Dress

The image shows small blossom points where the trellis lines intersect. These are raised, soft, and neatly spaced.

Using dusty rose and lavender, embroider tiny wrapped knot flowers at major lattice intersections. Place them in staggered rows. Add about 14 to 18 blossoms across the skirt, keeping the center line balanced. Each flower should be small, about the size of a pea.

For each flower, make five tiny detached loop petals or simple grouped straight stitches, then add a small center knot in pale cream or mauve. Keep the effect delicate rather than crowded.

Cardigan

The cardigan is olive green, short, slightly cropped, and worn open. It has gentle texture panels running beside the front opening.

Back

Using olive green, cast on 28 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, p2 rib, ending k1.
2. Rows 5 to 24: Work in St st.
3. Shape armholes: Bind off 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 22 sts.
4. Rows 27 to 36: Work even.
5. Bind off center 8 sts for neck.
6. Work each side separately for 2 rows, then bind off 7 shoulder sts each side.

Left Front

Cast on 16 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Rib as for back.
2. Rows 5 to 24: Work as follows on RS rows: K2, p1, k1, p1, k1, then knit remaining stitches. On WS rows, work stitches as they appear over the first 6 stitches, purl remaining stitches.
3. This forms the airy textured column seen near the front edge.
4. At armhole edge bind off 3 sts once.
5. Continue until front matches back armhole height.
6. Shape neck by decreasing 1 stitch at front edge every other RS row 5 times.
7. When 7 shoulder sts remain, bind off.

Right Front

Work to match left front, reversing shaping and texture placement.

Sleeves Make 2

Cast on 18 stitches using olive green.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Rib as for body.
2. Rows 5 to 10: Work in St st.
3. Increase 1 stitch at each side on next RS row, then every 6th row twice more. 24 sts.
4. Work until sleeve measures about 3 1/4 inches.
5. Cap shaping: Bind off 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
6. Then decrease 1 stitch each side on next 4 RS rows.
7. Bind off remaining stitches.

Sew shoulder seams, set in sleeves, and sew side and sleeve seams. The cardigan should stop above the widest point of the skirt so the trellis work remains visible.

Beret

The hat is a soft cream beret with a ribbed lower band and a slightly slouchy crown. It sits low and frames the face while the ears emerge through or from behind the top edge.

Using cream, cast on 60 stitches. Join if working in the round, or work flat and seam later.

1. Rounds or Rows 1 to 6: K2, p2 rib.
2. Round or Row 7: Increase evenly to 78 stitches.
3. Work 16 rounds or rows in St st.
4. Decrease round 1: K11, k2tog around. 72 sts.
5. Work 2 rounds even.
6. Decrease round 2: K10, k2tog around. 66 sts.
7. Work 2 rounds even.
8. Continue decreasing in this manner every 3rd round until 24 stitches remain.
9. K2tog around. 12 sts.
10. Cut yarn and draw through all stitches.

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If working flat, seam neatly. Lightly steam the beret over a bowl or rounded surface so it holds a gentle dome. Place the closing point slightly off center toward the back.

Beret Flowers

The flower cluster is essential to the look. The image shows layered blossoms in mauve, plum, and pale sage cream tones, grouped on the bunny’s right side.

Large Flower Make 2

Using mauve or dusty plum, cast on 30 stitches.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, yo into every stitch across. 60 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Bind off knitwise very loosely.

Roll the strip into a flower spiral, tacking the base as you go. Flatten the petals outward.

Small Flower Make 2 or 3

Using pale sage cream or lavender, cast on 24 stitches and work the same method. Make smaller spirals.

Flower Centers

Using pale green or cream, embroider French knot style centers or wrap a tiny yarn nub into the middle of each blossom.

Arrange one large plum flower, one medium mauve flower, and two or three smaller pale flowers in a cluster. Sew them to the beret so they overlap slightly and sit just above the right eye line.

Shoes

The bunny appears to wear simple knitted slippers or Mary Jane style shoes in beige with textured fronts.

Make 2. Cast on 14 stitches with beige.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Garter stitch.
2. Rows 7 to 14: Work in seed stitch for toe texture.
3. Rows 15 to 20: Work in St st.
4. Bind off.

Sew into little slipper shapes and stitch over the feet. Add a small horizontal tension stitch across the instep to round the front.

Satchel

The satchel in the image is soft taupe, boxy, and worn as a separate accessory. It has a front flap, a tiny closure, and a narrow strap.

Bag Body

Using taupe, cast on 16 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 20: Work in St st, slipping first stitch of every row for neat edges.
2. Rows 21 to 26: Garter stitch for flap.
3. Bind off.

Fold the lower 12 rows upward to form the bag. Sew side seams. For the strap, cast on 3 stitches and work i-cord or narrow garter strip for about 12 inches. Attach to side edges.

Add a tiny knitted nub, bead, or embroidered button to the front center. Keep the satchel soft rather than rigid.

Teapot

The tiny teapot is knitted in ivory and sits beside the bunny. It has a rounded body, short spout, handle, and lid nub.

Body

Cast on 12 stitches with ivory.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: Kfb in each stitch. 24 sts.
4. Rows 4 to 10: Work in St st.
5. Row 11: K2tog across. 12 sts.
6. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and draw up.

Sew side seam and stuff lightly.

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Spout

Cast on 4 stitches. Work 6 rows in St st. On next RS row, k2tog, knit 2. Work 2 more rows. Bind off. Fold and seam into a tapered tube. Attach to the front lower side.

Handle

Cast on 3 stitches and work 8 rows in garter. Bind off. Curve into a handle and sew to opposite side.

Lid and Knob

Cast on 6 stitches. Work 3 rows in St st, then k2tog across. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight. Sew to top. Add a tiny embroidered knot or 2 stitch nub as the lid handle.

Mini Flower Bundle

The small bundle on the table echoes the beret blossoms. Make 3 to 5 small flowers using the spiral flower method or simple five petal embroidered blossoms. Tie the stems together with sage yarn.

For stems, twist green yarn tightly and fold in half so it cords itself. Sew one flower to the top of each stem. Bind the group with a short wrap of cream or green yarn.

Squirrel Friend

The miniature squirrel stands beside the bunny and repeats the color story with a rust body, cream dress, green cardigan, and tiny cap. It should look companion sized, not oversized.

Squirrel Legs and Body

Using rust brown, cast on 10 stitches for each leg.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter.
2. Rows 5 to 12: St st.
3. Bind off.

Make 2. Sew and stuff lightly.

For body front and back, cast on 16 stitches each.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter.
2. Rows 5 to 18: St st.
3. Shape armholes by binding off 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
4. Work 6 rows even.
5. Bind off center 4 stitches for neck, finish shoulders separately.

Sew together as for bunny and attach legs.

Squirrel Head

Cast on 14 stitches for front and back pieces.

1. Increase 1 stitch each side on every RS row 3 times. 20 sts.
2. Work 10 rows even.
3. Decrease 1 stitch each side on every RS row 3 times. 14 sts.
4. Work 2 rows even and bind off.

Sew and stuff. Embroider tiny black eyes and a small brown nose.

Squirrel Arms Make 2

Cast on 6 stitches. Work 12 rows in St st. Bind off. Sew and stuff lightly.

Squirrel Tail

The image suggests a compact upright squirrel tail behind the figure.

Cast on 8 stitches with rust brown.

1. Rows 1 to 18: Work in St st.
2. Decrease 1 stitch each side on next RS row, then every 4th row twice. 2 sts fewer each time.
3. When 2 stitches remain, draw yarn through.

Sew the long seam, stuff lightly, and curve upward behind the body.

Squirrel Dress

Using ivory, make a miniature version of the bunny dress. Cast on 36 stitches for the skirt. Work 2 repeats of the trellis pattern, then decrease to 18 stitches and attach to a tiny bodice worked over 18 stitches. Embroider 6 to 8 blossoms at lattice intersections.

Squirrel Cardigan

Using olive green, cast on 12 stitches for the back and 8 stitches for each front. Work a short cardigan exactly like the bunny version but simplified. Make tiny sleeves over 10 stitches each.

Squirrel Cap

Using taupe, cast on 28 stitches. Work 4 rows rib, increase to 36 stitches, work 8 rows St st, then decrease gradually to close. Sew on the head at a slight tilt.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff both bunny legs, body, head, arms, and ears.
2. Attach legs inside lower body.
3. Sew body closed and stuff.
4. Attach head securely to neck opening.
5. Add ears to top sides of head.
6. Embroider face before adding hat if you want full access.
7. Dress the bunny in the finished dress and stitch it closed at back.
8. Add cardigan and tack lightly at shoulders if needed.
9. Attach arms after clothing is in place so they sit over the dress properly.
10. Place beret low on the forehead and sew in place.
11. Add flower cluster to beret.
12. Slip shoes over feet and stitch down.
13. Make and finish the squirrel and all small accessories.

Facial Placement Guide

The bunny face is minimal and sweet. Place the eyes wide apart, about 7 to 8 stitches apart, and slightly below the midpoint of the head. Use tiny vertical black satin stitches or very small French knot style eyes.

For the nose, make a small inverted triangle in dark brown. Extend a short straight line downward, then split into a soft shallow smile. Keep the expression calm and gentle.

Styling Notes for Accuracy

• The bunny should be clearly larger than the squirrel, roughly double the height.
• The skirt should look full but not stiff.
• The trellis pattern needs open diamonds, not dense lace.
• The flowers on the skirt must be soft pink and lavender, placed evenly.
• The cardigan stays open and slightly rounded at the lower front edges.
• The beret sits low and slightly slouched, never tall or pointed.
• The flower cluster must be grouped tightly on one side, not spread all around the hat.
• The accessories should be petite and delicate so the scene remains balanced.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head sits straight and the ears angle slightly outward. Keep the eyes small and evenly placed. The nose and mouth should be centered and short. Tack the cardigan gently at the shoulders if it shifts. Sew the beret securely after confirming the flower side faces forward.

Care Notes

Display this set away from direct sunlight and strong moisture. Gentle handling will keep the flowers, satchel strap, and miniature accessories neat. For collectible display, avoid frequent pulling on the clothing layers.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both legs attached evenly
• Head centered on neck
• Eyes level and symmetrical
• Dress trellis aligned at center front
• Skirt flowers balanced across the front
• Cardigan edges smooth and open
• Beret tilted softly with flower cluster on one side
• Squirrel scaled smaller than bunny
• Satchel, teapot, and flower bundle completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak, twist, or machine wash, especially with stuffed sections and floral embellishment. Dry flat on a towel and reshape gently. Store in a breathable cotton bag or on a shelf away from dust, humidity, and sharp sunlight.