This sweet knitted bunny set is designed to look like a collectible heirloom doll, complete with a soft blue dress, mint cardigan, lace-style collar, matching beret, crossbody bag, bouquet, blanket, and a tiny bird companion with art supplies. If you love browsing for a knitted bunny doll, handmade rabbit toy, nursery keepsake, spring decor piece, or giftable stuffed animal pattern, this charming design captures that same polished boutique look in a fully handmade form. The silhouette is gentle, classic, and detailed, while the construction stays clear enough for patient beginners and enjoyable for experienced knitters.
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: light fingering or heavy laceweight wool/cotton blend in warm beige.
- Dress yarn: light blue in the same weight.
- Cardigan, beret, shoes, purse yarn: soft mint green.
- Collar and blanket lace edge yarn: ivory or soft cream.
- Embroidery yarn: royal blue, medium blue, green, pink, black, and a little yellow.
- Bird yarn: bright blue, pale blue, soft sage, tan, cream, orange, and yellow.
- Needles: 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm double-pointed needles or your preferred small-circumference method.
- Optional straight needles: 2.5 mm for flat garments and blanket.
- Fiberfill stuffing: fine and firm.
- Safety eyes: 6 mm black for bunny, or embroider them if preferred.
- Beads: 3 mm black beads may be used instead of safety eyes for the bird.
- Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, row counter, and pins.
- Thin floral wire: optional for bouquet stems only, not for the toy body.
- Small snap, hidden stitch, or tiny button closure: for cardigan and bird satchel if desired.
Finished Size
The finished bunny is approximately 11 to 12 inches tall from the top of the head to the base of the feet, not including the ears. The ears add about 3 inches of height. The tiny bird companion measures about 3 inches tall. The blanket is about 5 by 5 1/2 inches.
The proportions are important in this design. The head is large and softly oval, the body is narrower through the chest, the skirt is full and bell-shaped, and the limbs are slim and delicate. Keep your gauge even and firm so the pieces hold their shape cleanly.
Gauge
Gauge is less important than consistency, but it matters for the polished scale of this set. On 2.5 mm needles in stockinette, aim for about 8 to 9 stitches per inch and 11 to 12 rows per inch after light blocking. Knit firmly enough that stuffing does not show through.
Abbreviations
- CO = cast on
- BO = bind off
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- inc = increase 1 stitch
- kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Design Notes
This bunny is built from separate knitted pieces and then assembled carefully to match the photographed look. The body and head are worked in the round for a smooth finish. The ears, arms, and legs are shaped separately and sewn on with attention to angle.
The clothing is not oversized. The cardigan sits close to the body and ends just above the fullest point of the skirt. The dress has a fitted upper section and a wide swing skirt. The collar is broad and decorative, resting over the cardigan like a capelet.
The floral borders on the dress are worked with duplicate stitch after knitting. This approach keeps the knitted fabric smooth and lets the flower spacing match the image more closely. The tiny accessories are essential to the final character, so do not skip them.
Bunny Legs
Make 2 in beige, beginning at the sole. CO 12 sts on 2.0 mm needles. Work 6 rows in garter stitch flat for the sole. Pick up and knit 6 sts along one long side, 12 across the opposite edge, and 6 along the remaining side. Join carefully for 36 sts.
Work 3 rnds in stockinette. On the next rnd, place markers at each side. Decrease 1 st before and after the toe center on 2 alternating rounds, then work 1 plain round between them, until 28 sts remain. This makes the foot rounded but neat, not bulky.
Work 6 rnds even. Begin the ankle and lower leg by knitting 12 rnds even on 28 sts. Stuff the foot firmly, especially the toe. Keep the ankle slightly softer so the shoe later sits naturally. Continue knitting 8 more rnds while decreasing 2 sts evenly to reach 26 sts.
Work 12 rnds even. Decrease evenly on the next rnd to 22 sts. Work 10 rnds even. Stuff gradually and keep the leg long, slim, and gently cylindrical. The lower legs in the image are narrow and refined, not chubby. BO loosely, leaving a long tail for sewing to the body.
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Bunny Body
Using beige and 2.5 mm needles, CO 16 sts. Divide onto needles and join. Increase evenly every rnd for 4 rnds until you have 32 sts. Work 4 rnds even. Increase evenly on the next 2 increase rnds to 40 sts, then 48 sts. Work 6 rnds even.
This lower section forms the rounded seat. The stuffed body should be softly pear-shaped, widest at the hips. Continue by knitting 10 rnds even. On the next rnd, decrease 4 sts evenly to 44 sts. Work 4 rnds. Decrease 4 sts evenly again to 40 sts.
Work 8 rnds even for the waist and upper body. Stuff the lower body firmly before the opening gets smaller. The chest should remain slightly narrower than the hips. Decrease 2 sts evenly on the next rnd to 38 sts, then work 6 rnds even.
For the neck base, decrease evenly to 30 sts. Work 4 rnds even. The neck is short because the collar and head sit close together in the finished piece. Leave the top open for attaching the head, or continue directly into the head if you prefer a one-piece structure.
Bunny Head
For a separate head, CO 12 sts in beige. Join and increase evenly every rnd to 24 sts, then 32 sts, then 40 sts, then 48 sts. Work 10 rnds even. Increase evenly to 56 sts and work 12 rnds even. This gives the broad, softly rounded cheek shape seen in the image.
Place safety eyes between rnds 15 and 16 of the head section, spacing them about 8 sts apart. The eyes should sit low enough to leave room for the beret and ears above, but high enough to keep the face sweet and centered.
Continue knitting 6 more rnds. Begin shaping the top by decreasing 4 sts evenly every other rnd until 32 sts remain. Stuff the head firmly, especially across the muzzle and cheeks. The face should be smooth and full, with no hollows around the eyes.
Decrease every rnd until 12 sts remain. Thread yarn through the remaining stitches, pull tight, and close. Shape with your hands so the head is slightly taller than wide, but still rounded. Sew the head securely to the body, keeping the face centered and upright.
Muzzle and Facial Shaping
Using matching beige sewing thread or fine yarn, make a tiny horizontal indentation line across the lower center of the face to suggest the muzzle plane. Do not pull deeply. The face in the image is smooth and simple, with only a modest contour.
Embroider the nose in dark brown or black using a small upside-down triangle, only about 3/8 inch wide. From the bottom point of the nose, stitch a short vertical line downward. Add two gently curved mouth lines, one to each side, for a quiet and friendly expression.
Optional shading can be added with a touch of pink embroidery or pastel inside the ears and very lightly at the cheeks, but keep it subtle. The photographed face is clean and understated, not heavily blushed or cartoonish.
Bunny Arms
Make 2 in beige. CO 10 sts and join. Work 6 rnds even for the paw. Increase to 12 sts evenly. Work 20 rnds even for the lower arm. Increase to 14 sts and work 10 more rnds. Stuff lightly only at the paw and lower half.
Flatten the top opening and sew closed. The arms should remain slim and flexible. Attach them just below the neck line, angled slightly downward. In the image, the arms rest naturally along the sides and do not stick outward. The cardigan sleeves cover most of the arms.
Bunny Ears
Make 2 outer ears in beige and 2 inner ears in pale blush or very light pink. Each ear is worked flat. CO 6 sts. Row 1: k. Row 2: p. Increase 1 st at each end of every RS row until 18 sts. Work 10 rows even.
Shape the ear tip by decreasing 1 st at each end of every RS row until 6 sts remain. BO. Make the inner ear pieces the same way but stop when they are 2 stitches narrower at the widest point and 4 rows shorter overall. This keeps the blush lining inset from the edge.
Place one inner ear over one outer ear and stitch together lightly. Fold the base of each ear inward just a little so the ear becomes softly cupped. Sew to the head near the crown, with a slight outward angle. The ears should stand upright but not rigidly straight.
Blue Dress Bodice
Using light blue and 2.5 mm needles, CO 36 sts and join. Work 8 rnds in k1, p1 rib for the upper bodice. Switch to stockinette and work 8 rnds even. Decrease 4 sts evenly if needed to shape the waist, then work 6 rnds even.
The bodice should fit closely under the cardigan without strain. If your bunny body is slightly larger, keep the stitch count at 36 and check the fit. The photographed bodice looks smooth and tailored, with no gathers above the waist seam.
Blue Swing Skirt
From the bodice lower edge, increase evenly across the next rnd to 56 sts. Work 4 rnds even. Increase evenly to 68 sts. Work 4 rnds even. Increase evenly to 82 sts. Work 6 rnds even. Increase evenly to 96 sts and work 8 rnds even.
Increase evenly to 108 sts and work until the skirt reaches just below the knees when the dress is on the bunny. The skirt should bell outward in a smooth swing shape, not form sharp gathers. Lightly steam or block the skirt so it falls evenly all around.
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For the hem edging, work 2 rnds in ivory. On the next rnd create a soft scallop effect by repeating: k2tog, yo around. Work 1 rnd plain, then BO loosely. The edge should ripple gently, matching the soft decorative border seen near the hem.
Ivory Rickrack-Style Bands
The dress shows two wavy ivory lines: one above the floral border and one lower on the skirt. These are easiest to add using surface embroidery after knitting. Use ivory yarn and a loose stem or chain-style line to create soft repeating waves around the skirt.
Place the upper line about 1 1/4 inches below the waist. Place the lower line about 3/4 inch above the hem embroidery band. Keep the waves rounded and even. These lines frame the cornflower motifs and give the skirt its signature vintage charm.
Cornflower Embroidery on the Dress
Using duplicate stitch and simple embroidery, add seven small blue flower clusters around the skirt front and sides. Each flower is worked with a dark blue center, medium blue petals, and green stem with two leaves. Keep the flowers evenly spaced and similar in height.
For each flower, embroider a slim green vertical stem about 5 knitted rows high. Add one leaf on each side using angled satin stitches or duplicate stitch. At the top, make five or six pointed petals around a tiny dark center. Alternate medium and bright blue for depth.
The photographed dress has the flowers concentrated around the visible front half. If you want the back to stay simpler under the seated display pose, continue only partially around the dress. This keeps the most detailed embroidery facing forward.
Mint Cardigan Body
Work the cardigan flat in mint on 2.5 mm needles. CO 42 sts. Work 4 rows in garter stitch. On the next RS row set the fronts and back as follows: 9 sts left front, 24 sts back, 9 sts right front. Place markers between sections.
Work 6 rows even in stockinette with a 3-st garter border at each front edge. Shape the front opening by decreasing 1 st at each neck edge every other row 3 times. At the same time, increase 1 st at each side seam once to give the body a slight flare.
When the cardigan reaches just under the bunny underarm, separate for sleeves. The photographed cardigan is short, with the lower edge ending above the widest part of the skirt. The fronts curve open slightly and do not meet in the center.
Continue the back straight for 10 more rows. Work each front separately for the same length. Join shoulder seams neatly. Pick up stitches around the entire opening and lower edge with ivory and work 1 row knit, 1 row purl, then BO to create the contrast trim.
Cardigan Sleeves
Pick up 16 sts around each armhole in mint. Work 16 rnds or rows depending on your preferred method, narrowing gradually by decreasing 2 sts once halfway down the sleeve. Finish with 2 rows in ivory and BO. The sleeves should end at the wrist and show a small ivory cuff.
Add a tiny embroidered pink flower bud on one cardigan front. Use green for the stem and two leaves, then a rounded pink bud at the top. This small accent appears near the lower right side in the image and helps balance the crossbody strap visually.
Large Ivory Cape-Collar
This collar is one of the most important visual features. It should be broad, soft, and lace-like, spreading across the shoulders in a rounded cape shape. Work it flat in ivory on 2.0 mm needles. CO 72 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
Row 1 RS: k3, yo, k2tog across in a repeating lace rhythm, ending with k3. Row 2 WS: knit all stitches. On every RS row, add one extra yo and decrease pair within each repeat so the texture opens up but the stitch count remains balanced.
Every 4th row, increase 1 stitch at each end inside the edge border to widen the collar. Work until the piece measures long enough to wrap around the entire neckline with generous pointed ends. BO loosely. Block carefully so the lace opens and the edge forms soft scallops.
Fold the collar around the neckline and tack in place only at the center back and shoulder points. Let the front edges lie freely over the cardigan. The collar should look airy and layered, almost like a small shawl, not stiff like a shirt collar.
Mint Beret
Using mint and 2.5 mm needles, CO 56 sts and join. Work 8 rnds in k1, p1 rib. Increase evenly on the next rnd to 72 sts. Work 10 rnds even. Increase evenly again to 84 sts and work 6 rnds even. This creates the soft slouch of the beret crown.
Begin decreasing by working 7 sts, k2tog around. Work 1 plain rnd. Then 6 sts, k2tog around. Work 1 plain rnd. Continue in this manner until 14 sts remain. Thread the yarn through remaining sts and pull closed. Shape the beret so the fullness leans gently to one side.
The ribbed band should sit low on the forehead, just above the eyes, with enough room for the ears to emerge behind it. Sew the beret lightly to the head in a few hidden stitches so it stays in place but keeps its soft shape.
Beret Flower and Leaf
For the blue flower, CO 24 sts in medium blue and BO all stitches on the next row, leaving a long tail. Gather the strip into a rosette. Add a few darker blue stitches in the center for depth. The flower should be about 3/4 inch across.
Knit a tiny leaf in pale green. CO 3 sts. Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb. Row 2: p. Row 3: ssk, k1, k2tog. BO. Make 2 if desired, though one visible leaf is enough to match the image. Sew flower and leaf to the side of the beret near one ear.
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Mint Shoes
Each shoe is worked separately and stitched over the finished feet. CO 12 sts in mint and work a sole exactly like the foot sole: 6 rows garter. Pick up around and work 2 rnds on 34 to 36 sts depending on your foot size. Decrease at the toe to contour the front.
Work 5 rnds even, then BO the upper edge with a snug but not tight finish. Sew the shoe around the foot. Add long mint ties by making two i-cords about 10 inches each. Cross them ballet-style over the front of the ankle and wrap around once before tying at the side.
The shoes should look soft and square at the toe rather than sharply pointed. Make sure both shoes sit level when the bunny is seated. The crisscross ties are delicate and very visible, so place them neatly.
Crossbody Purse
Using mint and 2.5 mm needles, CO 14 sts. Work 18 rows stockinette with a garter border. Fold in half to form the pouch. Sew side seams. For the flap, pick up 14 sts across the back top edge and knit 6 rows, decreasing 1 stitch at each end on the final 2 RS rows.
BO and sew a small blue embroidered circle or tiny knitted button on the flap. Make a narrow i-cord strap about 12 inches long and sew to the upper side corners. Position the bag so it hangs at the bunny’s right hip, with the strap crossing from the left shoulder.
Bouquet of Blue Flowers
Knit or crochet tiny flowers in several shades of blue. The bouquet in the image looks full and soft, with clustered blossoms rather than single stiff flowers. For each blossom, make a small gathered strip or tiny petaled rosette. Add green knitted or embroidered sepals underneath.
Create three to five stems from green i-cords or wrapped floral wire. Attach the blossoms in a small bunch and wrap the stems together with green yarn. The bouquet should be slightly oversized compared to the bunny hand so it reads clearly in the display.
Place the bouquet beside the bunny rather than permanently sewing it to the hand unless you want a fixed arrangement. The flowers should echo the dress motifs in color and mood.
Blue Blanket with Ivory Lace Edge
Using light blue and 2.5 mm needles, CO 34 sts. Work in garter stitch for about 52 rows, or until the rectangle looks proportional beside the bunny. BO. Lightly block into a neat rectangle. The blanket in the image is simple and smooth, with no central motif.
For the lace edge, pick up stitches along one short side and one long side in ivory, or sew on a separate knitted edging. A simple edging can be made by repeating small yarn-over scallops over 6 rows. Attach only along two adjacent sides to match the draped appearance shown.
Tiny Bird Body
Using pale blue for the lower body, CO 12 sts and join. Increase to 24 sts, then 30 sts. Work 8 rnds even. Change to brighter blue and work 8 rnds more. Decrease 2 sts at the sides to shape the upper body, then work 4 rnds even.
Stuff firmly. Continue decreasing gradually toward the head top until 10 sts remain. Pull closed. The bird is small, plump, and upright, with a rounded belly and slightly narrower head. The lower body is lighter blue, creating a subtle two-tone look.
Bird Wings, Beak, and Feet
For each wing, CO 6 sts in bright blue. Work short rows or simple decreases to form a narrow teardrop. Sew one wing to each side angled slightly downward. The wings are small and flat, not spread wide.
Embroider or knit a tiny yellow beak centered low on the face. For eyes, use small black beads or knots. Add orange stitched feet underneath so the bird can sit stably. The feet should be tiny and mostly hidden by the body.
Bird Hat and Vest
For the hat, CO 20 sts in pale sage and work 4 rnds rib, then 3 rnds stockinette. Change to cream for 1 narrow stripe, then return to pale sage. Decrease quickly to close the top. Add a tiny blue knot or bud at one side of the brim.
For the vest, work a tiny flat piece in pale sage: CO 18 sts, work 10 rows, then divide for arm openings and shape the front edges slightly. Sew around the bird body so the vest fits snugly. The look should be neat and tailored, not bulky.
Bird Satchel
Make a miniature tan satchel by knitting a rectangle from 8 sts over 10 rows. Fold and seam as for the bunny purse. Add a long brown strap and position it diagonally across the bird body. A tiny embroidered button detail on the flap will finish the look.
Paint Palette and Brush
The palette can be made from a tiny rectangle of cream felted knitting or a firm garter swatch. Work 10 sts for 6 rows in cream. Embroider small color dots in pale blue, yellow, mint, and tan. Add a thin brown strap or edge if you want the palette more defined.
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For the brush, make a very thin brown i-cord or wrapped thread stem and add a tiny cream tip. Lay both items beside the bird. These details are small, but they complete the storytelling aspect of the set and closely match the display scene.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew the legs to the lower body so they hang straight and close together. Attach the arms slightly lower than a human shoulder line for a soft toy proportion. Add the head securely, then the ears, checking symmetry from the front and side before final stitches.
Dress the bunny in the blue dress first, then cardigan, collar, beret, shoes, and purse. Adjust the skirt so the flower embroidery faces front. Check that the collar spreads evenly. Finally, refine the nose and mouth stitches so the expression stays calm and centered.
Care Notes
Display the bunny away from direct sunlight and strong humidity. If the toy will be handled often, choose embroidered eyes instead of safety eyes. Store the bouquet, bird accessories, and blanket together so the full set stays complete and visually balanced.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head firmly stuffed with smooth cheeks
- Ears matched in height and angle
- Dress skirt evenly blocked and centered
- Ivory wavy bands placed at two clear levels
- Cornflower motifs spaced neatly across the front
- Cardigan ends above the widest part of the skirt
- Collar spread wide over the shoulders
- Beret tilted softly with flower at the side
- Shoes crossed neatly at the ankles
- Purse hanging at the right hip
- Bird, palette, brush, bouquet, and blanket completed
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Spot clean only with cool water, a mild wool-safe cleanser, and a soft cloth. Do not soak the stuffed bunny unless absolutely necessary. If washing becomes unavoidable, remove loose accessories first and dry the toy flat on a towel, reshaping the head, skirt, and beret carefully.
For long-term preservation, wrap the bunny in acid-free tissue and store in a breathable cotton bag or box. Avoid plastic containers in damp environments. Keep dark embroidery threads from resting against pale fabric during storage so no color transfer develops over time.
