This sweet knitted bunny set is designed as a charming heirloom toy with a soft garden palette, detailed clothing, and tiny matching accessories. The finished display has the look of a collectible handmade bunny doll, perfect for nursery decor, seasonal shelf styling, or a thoughtful gift for anyone searching for a knitted rabbit, stuffed animal, or artisan toy with cottage garden appeal.
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 pattern creates the full scene shown in the image: the main bunny, striped shirt, green pinafore dress, brimmed hat with geranium trim, pink-edged shoes, a small backpack, a flower planter, a tiny watering can, a flower bouquet, and a small mouse friend wearing a matching outfit.
The shaping is intentionally gentle and rounded. The bunny has a large oval head, narrow neck, soft pear-shaped torso, long flat ears, slim arms, short sturdy legs, and a calm embroidered face. The clothing is fitted rather than oversized, which helps the finished figure stand neatly and look polished.
The fabric should be smooth stockinette with firm tension so the toy holds its shape. Small accessories need especially tight knitting. Use yarn weights that produce a dense surface, and choose needles one or two sizes smaller than you might normally use for the same yarn.
Finished Size
- Main bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall from foot sole to top of head, not including hat
- Hat adds about 1 inch in height
- Mouse friend: about 4 inches tall
- Backpack: about 2 1/2 inches tall
- Flower planter: about 2 3/4 inches wide
- Watering can: about 1 3/4 inches long
- Bouquet: about 2 inches long
Materials
- Main bunny color: light warm taupe or mushroom beige
- Pinafore: muted leaf green
- Shirt base: soft cream or very pale oatmeal
- Shirt stripes: slate blue-gray
- Geranium flowers: deep red and soft pink
- Leaves: moss green
- Shoe edging: dusty pink
- Mouse body: pale gray-beige and cream
- Watering can: cool light gray
- Planter: medium brown
- Sport or light DK yarn for the main bunny and clothing
- Fingering or light sport yarn for small accessories and surface flowers
- Double-pointed needles or magic loop needles in sizes suitable for firm fabric
- Tapestry needle
- Small amount of toy stuffing
- Black embroidery thread or black yarn for eyes
- Taupe or dark brown embroidery yarn for nose and mouth
- Thin card or plastic canvas scraps for foot soles and bag base if desired
Gauge
Gauge is less important than firmness and proportion. Your knitted fabric must be dense enough that stuffing does not show through. For the main bunny, aim for a smooth stockinette fabric with very little stretch once stuffed. For the accessories, knit even tighter.
Abbreviations
- K = knit
- P = purl
- St(s) = stitch(es)
- Kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
- K2tog = knit 2 together
- Ssk = slip, slip, knit
- Inc = increase 1 stitch in preferred neat method
- Dec = decrease 1 stitch in preferred neat method
- Rnd = round
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- BO = bind off
Construction Notes
The bunny is worked mostly in separate pieces and seamed. This gives the figure the same tidy, sculpted look as the sample image. The head is slightly larger than the body, the ears are long and narrow with rounded ends, and the arms hang straight with only a little shaping.
The striped shirt is a separate garment. The pinafore is also separate and sits over the shirt. The hem of the pinafore has a delicate eyelet-and-leaf look. The pockets are added afterward and decorated with small geranium motifs.
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When stuffing, use very small amounts at a time. A smooth silhouette matters more than firmness alone. The face should stay slightly flat in front so the embroidered nose can sit neatly in the center. Avoid overstuffing the cheeks or the muzzle area.
Main Bunny: Legs
Make 2
Using taupe, cast on 12 sts. Work 2 rows in K1, P1 rib. Change to stockinette and increase 2 stitches evenly across the next RS row. You have 14 sts. Work 12 rows straight to form the foot and lower leg.
Shape the sole and ankle gently so the foot looks rounded rather than blocky. Work 1 RS row, then on the next 2 RS rows decrease 1 stitch at each end. Work 4 rows straight. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row. Work 8 more rows straight.
The finished leg should look like a short tube with a subtly fuller foot section. Stuff the foot firmly, especially at the toe. Keep the upper leg more lightly stuffed so it can be attached neatly under the dress without stiffness.
Bind off all stitches, leaving a long tail. Seam the back of each leg. Flatten the cast-on edge slightly to create the top opening where the leg joins the body. Set aside.
Main Bunny: Body
Using taupe, cast on 24 sts. Work flat in stockinette, beginning with a WS row. Increase 1 stitch at each end every 4th row 4 times. You have 32 sts. Work 8 rows straight.
To form the lower belly and gentle hip curve, increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row, then work 5 rows straight. Repeat once more. You now have 36 sts. Work 10 rows straight.
Shape the waist softly so the pinafore sits naturally. Decrease 1 stitch at each end on every 6th row 3 times. You have 30 sts. Work 6 rows straight. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row. Work 5 rows straight.
Repeat that increase once more for the upper torso. You now have 34 sts. Work 8 rows straight. Bind off 3 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows for the underarms. Continue on 28 sts for 10 rows.
Shape shoulders and neck. Bind off 6 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows. Then bind off remaining 16 stitches. Make a second matching body piece. Seam the sides and shoulders, leaving the lower edge open for stuffing.
Stuff the body firmly at the belly, moderately at the chest, and keep the top shoulder area slightly softer. Close the lower opening after inserting the legs. Position the legs so the bunny can stand with support and the feet sit evenly.
Main Bunny: Arms
Make 2
Using taupe, cast on 10 sts. Work in stockinette for 20 rows. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row. Work 6 rows. Increase 1 stitch at each end again. You have 14 sts.
Work 8 rows straight. Then decrease 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row. Work 3 rows. Repeat decrease once more. Work 4 rows. Bind off. Seam each arm, stuff lightly, and shape into slim soft tubes with a rounded hand end and slightly flatter top edge.
Do not overstuff the arms. They should hang close to the body, matching the image. The hand ends are rounded and simple, with no thumb shaping. When attached, the arms should angle slightly inward toward the apron front.
Main Bunny: Head
Using taupe, cast on 18 sts. Work flat in stockinette. Increase 1 stitch at each end every RS row 6 times. You have 30 sts. Then increase 1 stitch at each end every 4th row 4 times. You have 38 sts.
Work 22 rows straight. This long middle section forms the tall oval face and crown seen in the sample. The front of the head should look smooth and slightly elongated rather than perfectly round.
Begin top shaping. Decrease 1 stitch at each end every 4th row 4 times, then every RS row 6 times. You are back to 18 sts. Work 1 WS row, then thread yarn through live stitches and draw up tightly.
Make a second matching head piece. Seam the sides carefully. Leave the lower neck edge open. Stuff firmly around the sides and top, but keep the front center slightly flatter. This matters for the calm, refined face shape.
Main Bunny: Ears
Make 4
Using taupe, cast on 8 sts. Work in stockinette for 8 rows. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row. Work 10 rows. Increase 1 stitch at each end again. You have 12 sts.
Work 20 rows straight. Begin tapering: decrease 1 stitch at each end every 6th row 3 times, then every 4th row twice. Work 4 rows. On the next RS row, decrease 1 stitch at each end. Work 2 rows, then bind off remaining stitches.
Join two ear pieces together for each ear, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff very lightly or leave unstuffed. The ears in the image are flat, soft, and hang down from beneath the hat, so use very little stuffing if any.
Lightly steam or finger-press the ears so they lie smooth. The lower ear edge should be wide enough to attach securely to the head sides. Position them low enough that the hat brim sits over the top of each ear base.
Face Embroidery
Mark the eye line slightly below the center of the head. The eyes are small black ovals, spaced widely apart. They sit lower than many toy rabbit eyes, which helps create the gentle expression shown in the image.
Embroider or insert the eyes first. Then stitch a narrow triangular nose in dark taupe, centered between the eyes and a little lower. Extend a short straight line downward and split into a tiny soft Y-shaped mouth. Keep the mouth short and delicate.
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The nose is not bulky. Avoid satin stitching that is too wide. A narrow stitched wedge gives the most accurate result. Once the face is complete, attach the head to the body with a firm ladder stitch, slightly tucking the neck inside.
Striped Shirt
The shirt is a short-sleeved separate garment with a cream base, narrow blue-gray stripes, and tiny red floral accents on the upper sleeves. It fits close to the body and stops under the pinafore.
Front
Using cream, cast on 26 sts. Work 4 rows in K1, P1 rib. Begin stockinette and shape sides by increasing 1 stitch at each end every 8th row twice. You have 30 sts. Work 8 rows straight.
Begin stripes: work 2 rows blue-gray, 4 rows cream, 2 rows blue-gray, 4 rows cream. Continue in cream until piece measures to waist length on the bunny. Bind off 3 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows for underarms.
Work 8 rows straight. For neckline, bind off center 10 sts. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge twice. Work until shoulder depth matches back, then bind off.
Back
Make as front through armholes. For the back neckline, work 12 rows after armholes, then bind off center 8 sts. Finish each side separately, decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge once. Bind off shoulders.
Sleeves
Using cream, cast on 18 sts. Work 3 rows rib. Work 4 rows cream, 2 rows blue-gray, 4 rows cream, 2 rows blue-gray, 4 rows cream. Increase 1 stitch at each end once during this section if needed for fit.
Work 2 rows more in cream. Bind off. Make 2. Seam shoulders first, then add sleeves, then seam sides and sleeve undersides. The sleeves should sit short and slightly rounded, ending mid upper arm.
Floral Sleeve Detail
Using duplicate stitch or tiny embroidered stitches, add one small red flower cluster near the outer top of each sleeve. Use five tiny red stitches arranged like petals and a few green stitches below for a stem or leaf suggestion.
This sleeve detail should be small and placed toward the shoulder, not centered on the sleeve. The image shows just a simple decorative accent, so keep it neat and restrained.
Green Pinafore Dress
The pinafore is the main visual feature after the hat. It has a smooth bib front, narrow straps, a softly flared skirt, deep pocket placement, and a decorative eyelet hem. The green should be muted and natural, not bright.
Skirt Front
Using green, cast on 40 sts. Work 4 rows in garter stitch to stabilize the hem. On the next RS row begin the eyelet border: K2, yarn-over, K2tog, K4, yarn-over, K2tog, K4, yarn-over, K2tog, K4, yarn-over, K2tog, K4, yarn-over, K2tog, K2.
Work 3 rows stockinette. Repeat this 4-row sequence three times total to create a light openwork hem. After that, work stockinette, decreasing 1 stitch at each end every 10th row 3 times. Then decrease 1 stitch at each end every 8th row twice.
You now have 30 sts. Work 8 rows straight to the waist. On the next RS row, purl 1 row across the entire piece on the right side to create a subtle waist fold line. Continue in stockinette for 8 more rows.
For the bib, work center 16 sts only and leave side stitches on holders or bind them off. Continue on those 16 sts for 14 rows. Decrease 1 stitch at each end once. Work 4 rows straight.
Straps
From the top corners of the bib, pick up 4 stitches for each strap. Work 16 rows in stockinette with a slipped first stitch for a neat edge. Bind off. The straps should be narrow and flat, reaching over the shoulders to the back waist.
Skirt Back
Cast on 40 sts and work to match the front skirt, including the hem detail and waist shaping. After the waistline, continue for 12 rows straight. Bind off all stitches. This back panel stays plain so the pinafore lies flat behind the bunny.
Assembly of Pinafore
Seam the side edges of the skirt front and back. The skirt should flare gently, not widely. Attach the bib straps to the upper back edge. If desired, cross the straps very slightly inward before sewing, but keep the fit close and tidy.
Pockets
Make 2
Using cream, cast on 10 sts. Work 12 rows in stockinette. Work 2 rows garter at the top edge. Bind off. Using green, embroider or duplicate-stitch a tiny geranium bouquet on each pocket.
Each pocket motif should include three or four small red flower heads with green stems and leaf clusters. Stitch the pockets to the lower front skirt, one on each side, slightly angled outward at the top corners.
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The pockets are prominent in the image, so place them low enough to sit on the skirt rather than the bib. They should be roomy-looking but flat against the dress.
Hat
The hat is a soft bucket style with a textured crown, smooth lower section, and slightly flared brim. It sits low over the forehead and frames the face. The attached red flowers and green leaves are grouped on one side.
Hat Crown
Using taupe, cast on 48 sts and join for working in the round, or work flat and seam later. Work 6 rounds stockinette. Then begin the simple texture pattern over 12 rounds: rounds 1 to 2 knit all, rounds 3 to 4 repeat K2, P2, rounds 5 to 6 knit all.
Repeat this texture sequence twice more. The result should resemble little raised blocks or basket-like squares. After the textured section, knit 8 rounds plain. Increase 6 stitches evenly around the next round for the brim transition.
Hat Brim
Work 10 rounds stockinette, increasing 6 stitches evenly every 3rd round twice more. Finish with 3 rounds garter stitch to help the brim curve down and outward. Bind off loosely.
If worked flat, seam invisibly. Lightly steam and shape the brim so it rolls down around the head. The hat should cover the top of the ears and sit just above the eyes.
Hat Flower Trim
Make 5 small red bobble flowers. For each, cast on 6 stitches in red, work 3 short rows, draw up tightly, and roll into a tiny rosette or knot-like bobble. Make 2 small green leaves by casting on 5 stitches and shaping to pointed ovals.
Arrange the flowers in a clustered spray on the right side of the hat brim area, with the leaves tucked under. Stitch firmly. The trim should look like a compact geranium cluster rather than separate spaced flowers.
Shoes
Make 2
Using taupe, cast on 14 sts. Work 4 rows garter. Continue in stockinette for 8 rows. Shape the toe by decreasing 1 stitch at each end every RS row 3 times. Work 2 rows straight, then bind off.
Seam into simple slipper shapes and fit over the feet. Add dusty pink edging around the opening with duplicate stitch, blanket-style embroidery, or a narrow applied knitted cord. The shoes should look like soft Mary Jane slippers without straps across the foot.
The pink detail is delicate and only outlines the opening. Keep the shoe shape rounded and low, leaving the top of the foot visible.
Backpack
The backpack is taupe like the hat and bunny, with a flap, front pocket, and a tiny red button-like closure. It sits beside the bunny as a separate accessory.
Cast on 16 sts in taupe. Work 18 rows stockinette for the body front. Work another 18 rows for the body back. Fold so the lower half forms the bag and the upper half becomes the flap. Round the top flap corners by decreasing at each end over 4 rows.
For the gusset, cast on 6 sts and work a strip long enough to sew around the bag sides and bottom. Make a small front pocket by casting on 8 sts and working 8 rows. Sew it to the center front.
Add two narrow shoulder straps worked as i-cords or tiny knitted strips. Stitch them to the back. Add a small red French knot or embroidered dot on the flap to echo the flower color in the rest of the set.
Flower Planter
The planter is a low rectangular basket filled with clustered red blossoms and dark green leaves. It should look compact and full rather than airy.
For the basket base, cast on 18 sts in brown. Work 8 rows garter for the base. Pick up stitches around all four edges and work 6 rounds in stockinette or seed stitch for the sides. Bind off. Lightly stuff or line with felt.
Make 10 to 12 tiny red flower puffs and 10 to 12 small green leaves. Stitch the leaves in first, angled upward. Then attach the red blossoms on top so they form a dense flowering mound.
The flowers should sit close together with just enough green visible underneath. This makes the planter match the richly clustered hat flowers and pocket motifs.
Watering Can
Using light gray, cast on 12 sts. Work 10 rows stockinette for the body. Seam into a small cylinder and lightly stuff. Close the lower end flat and gather the upper opening slightly but leave enough shape for a can opening.
For the spout, cast on 4 sts and work 10 rows, increasing once near the body end. Fold and seam into a narrow cone, then attach at an upward angle. For the handle, make a small cord or narrow strip and stitch from upper back to side.
Add a tiny knob or rolled nub for the top opening edge if desired. The watering can should look simple and soft, with a slightly whimsical proportion matching the toy set.
Bouquet
Make 6 flower heads in mixed deep red and soft pink. Each flower can be a tiny knitted bobble, rolled rosette, or wrapped puff. Add 2 or 3 green leaves and a narrow wrapped green stem bundle.
Arrange the bouquet so the blossoms face forward in a rounded cluster. Stitch the stems together tightly. This accessory sits on the table and adds color balance to the right side of the composition.
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Mouse Friend
The small mouse echoes the main bunny styling. It has a pale narrow body, pointed face, rounded ears, small dark eyes, and a tiny green pinafore with pocket flowers. The hat is taupe and very small with a soft brim.
Mouse Body
Using pale gray-beige, cast on 10 sts. Work in stockinette, increasing at each end every 4th row 3 times. Work 10 rows straight. Decrease at each end every 4th row 3 times. Work 6 rows for the neck and head transition.
Increase again at each end every RS row 3 times for the head. Work 8 rows straight. Decrease at each end every RS row until 6 sts remain. Draw up tightly. Make a second matching piece, seam, and stuff lightly.
Shape the muzzle by pulling stuffing toward the nose end. Embroider a tiny pink nose and small black eyes. Add a faint mouth line if desired. Keep the expression minimal.
Mouse Arms and Legs
Make four tiny tubes in pale gray-beige by casting on 5 or 6 stitches each and working 8 to 10 rows. Seam and stuff lightly. The limbs should be slim and understated. Attach with the legs slightly spread for balance.
Mouse Ears
Make 4 small circles or ovals using pale pink and gray-beige together or use gray-beige with pink embroidered centers. Stitch two layers together for each ear and attach high on the head.
Mouse Dress
Using green, cast on 14 sts. Work a tiny flared skirt with 8 rows straight, then reduce to 8 center stitches for the bib. Add two narrow straps. Make 2 miniature cream pockets and embroider one red flower on each.
Sew the dress to the mouse body or keep it removable if preferred. The small scale means it can be attached permanently for a cleaner finish.
Mouse Hat
Use taupe to make a tiny dome and brim, shaped like a very small bucket hat. Attach one small brim edge flower detail or keep the hat plain. In the image, the mouse hat appears simple and coordinated with the main hat color.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
- Attach legs to the body evenly and check standing balance.
- Sew the body opening closed, then attach arms at shoulder level.
- Join head to body with the face centered and slightly forward.
- Attach ears low on the head sides so they fall beneath the hat.
- Dress the bunny in the striped shirt, then add the pinafore and shoes.
- Place the hat low on the forehead and secure it with a few hidden stitches.
- Check the face once more and refine the mouth line if needed.
The finished expression should be calm and sweet. Keep the eyes small, the nose narrow, and the mouth short. A tiny shift of only one or two stitches can change the entire character, so compare both sides carefully before tying off embroidery.
Care Notes
- Display indoors and keep away from strong sunlight to protect color.
- Spot clean whenever possible.
- Avoid soaking pieces with stuffed flower details or tightly packed accessories.
- Reshape the hat brim, ears, and skirt gently after cleaning.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head larger than body for the same charming proportion as the sample
- Ears flat and long, hanging below the hat brim
- Shirt fitted with neat cream and blue-gray stripes
- Pinafore soft green with two cream floral pockets
- Hat decorated with a compact red geranium cluster
- Shoes finished with subtle pink edging
- Accessories included for the full garden set look
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Use a soft dry cloth first to remove dust. For marks, dab gently with cool water and a very small amount of mild soap. Never rub the embroidered face harshly. Press moisture out with a towel and let the piece dry flat in a well-ventilated room.
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Store the set in a clean dry box with acid-free tissue if it is not being displayed. Keep heavy objects off the hat brim, ears, and tiny accessories. For long-term preservation, separate the watering can, bouquet, planter, and mouse so delicate stitched details stay crisp.
