Hollyhock Cottage Bunny – Knitting

This sweet cottage bunny set is designed to look like a collectible knitted rabbit doll with a soft bonnet, lace-look cardigan, gathered skirt, little shoes, market bag, and a tiny duck friend dressed to match. The finished set has the charm of an heirloom nursery toy, a handmade bunny doll, and a boutique baby shower gift all in one. Its muted oatmeal, cream, blush, and berry tones give it the look of a luxury knitted stuffed animal often searched for as a handmade rabbit doll, nursery decor bunny, or keepsake toy for gifting.

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: a standing-seated bunny with long floppy ears, a ruffled bonnet, a cream cardigan with eyelet-style sleeve panels, a soft taupe overskirt, a cream floral border skirt panel, matching shoes, a tiny carry bag, a small dressed duck, and two optional small props.

The proportions matter in this design. The bunny has a large rounded head, a compact pear-shaped body, slim tube legs, gently tapered arms, flattened oval feet, and long ears that hang to shoulder level. The clothing is close-fitting, neat, and slightly old-fashioned, with a cottage garden finish.

The pattern is written for knitters who want a polished result without rushing any detail. Most pieces are worked flat and seamed, with a few small items worked in the round if preferred. Mattress stitch is recommended throughout for the cleanest finish.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 13 to 14 inches tall seated, or about 16 inches from toes to bonnet top when legs are fully extended.
• Duck companion: about 4 1/2 to 5 inches tall.
• Mini bag: about 2 inches tall.
• Optional tiny bouquet: about 1 3/4 inches tall.
• Optional flower token: about 1 inch across.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in soft beige, cream, taupe, blush pink, berry rose, sage green, pale yellow, light orange, and a tiny amount of black.
• Sport weight yarn may be substituted for smaller results, but keep the fabric dense.
• Straight needles: US 2 and US 3.
• Double-pointed needles: US 2 for small cords and optional in-the-round pieces.
• Tapestry needle.
• Removable stitch markers.
• Toy stuffing, packed firmly but smoothly.
• Thin cardboard for shoe soles if desired.
• Black embroidery thread for the face.
• Small cream buttons or knitted button knots for the cardigan front.

Color Placement

• Beige: head, body, arms, ears, upper legs, shoe bodies.
• Cream: bonnet, cardigan, lower skirt panel, socks, shoe straps, duck bonnet trim.
• Taupe: overskirt, duck dress, some trim, duck wings shading if desired.
• Berry rose and blush: floral motifs on skirt and tiny bouquet.
• Sage green: leaves and stems.
• Pale yellow: duck head and body.
• Orange: duck beak and feet.

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on US 3 needles after light blocking. For toys, exact row gauge matters less than getting a firm, non-see-through fabric. If your stitches look loose, use a smaller needle.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• yo = yarn over
• rep = repeat
• BO = bind off

Construction Notes

• The bunny is made in separate pieces and sewn together.
• The head is large and softly oval, not spherical.
• The ears are long, narrow at the tips, and attached slightly behind the side face line.
• The cardigan is short and rounded at the lower front edges.
• The skirt is layered to create the soft two-part silhouette in the image.
• The floral band is added with duplicate stitch after knitting.

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Main Bunny Head

Head Front

Using beige and US 3 needles, cast on 18 stitches.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: Kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb. 20 stitches.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb. 22 stitches.
5. Rows 5 to 16: Work in stockinette.
6. Row 17: Kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb. 24 stitches.
7. Rows 18 to 30: Work in stockinette.
8. Row 31: Ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. 22 stitches.
9. Row 32: Purl.
10. Row 33: Ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. 20 stitches.
11. Rows 34 to 38: Continue in stockinette.
12. Row 39: Ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. 18 stitches.
13. Row 40: Purl.
14. Row 41: Ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. 16 stitches.
15. Row 42: Purl.
16. BO purlwise.

Head Back

Work the same as Head Front.

Muzzle Shaping

The face in the image is smooth and only slightly projected. Do not add a large snout. Join head front and back with mattress stitch, leaving the lower neck area open. Stuff firmly, keeping the cheeks round and the forehead smooth. Use a strong thread to make a very light horizontal shaping line from side to side, passing through the lower face to create a subtle muzzle shelf.

Embroider the eyes as tiny vertical satin stitches in black. Place them wide apart, a little above the muzzle line. Embroider the nose as a small inverted Y shape with a short center stem and two lower mouth lines. The expression should remain simple and calm.

Main Bunny Body

Body Front

Using beige and US 3 needles, cast on 16 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
2. Row 5: Kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb. 18 stitches.
3. Row 6: Purl.
4. Row 7: Kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb. 20 stitches.
5. Rows 8 to 16: Stockinette.
6. Row 17: Kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb. 22 stitches.
7. Rows 18 to 24: Stockinette.
8. Row 25: K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk. 20 stitches.
9. Rows 26 to 28: Stockinette.
10. Row 29: K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk. 18 stitches.
11. Rows 30 to 32: Stockinette.
12. Row 33: K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk. 16 stitches.
13. Rows 34 to 36: Stockinette.
14. BO.

Body Back

Work the same as Body Front.

Sew body pieces together, leaving neck and lower edge open. Stuff firmly, shaping the torso into a gentle pear with a slightly flatter lower front so the bunny can sit. Close the lower edge after inserting the legs. Attach the head with a strong ladder stitch and a few extra passes at the back neck.

Legs

The legs are long, slim, and softly stuffed. The feet are rounded with a slightly flattened sole.

Make 2 Legs

Using cream, cast on 10 stitches for the sock top.

1. Rows 1 to 8: Rib 1×1.
2. Change to beige.
3. Rows 9 to 24: Stockinette for lower leg.
4. Increase 1 stitch at each end on next row. 12 stitches.
5. Rows 26 to 30: Stockinette.
6. Row 31: Kfb at each end and 2 evenly spaced in center. 16 stitches.
7. Rows 32 to 36: Stockinette.
8. Shape toe: K2tog, knit across to last 2 stitches, ssk.
9. Purl 1 row.
10. Repeat the last 2 rows twice more. 10 stitches.
11. BO.

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Sew side seam and foot seam, stuffing lightly through the leg and more firmly at the foot. Flatten the sole with your fingers while closing. Make sure both legs angle slightly forward when attached.

Arms

The arms are shorter than the legs and end in simple mitten-like paws.

Using beige, cast on 10 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 18: Stockinette.
2. Row 19: K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk. 8 stitches.
3. Rows 20 to 22: Stockinette.
4. BO.

Make 2. Sew and stuff lightly. The lower arm should remain flexible, not stiff. Attach at the shoulder line so the paws rest near the skirt top.

Ears

The ears are long and droop straight down beside the bonnet. Each ear is worked in two layers for a neat edge and soft thickness.

Ear Outer, Make 4

Using beige, cast on 8 stitches.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: Kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb. 10 stitches.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb. 12 stitches.
5. Rows 5 to 20: Stockinette.
6. Row 21: Ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. 10 stitches.
7. Row 22: Purl.
8. Row 23: Ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. 8 stitches.
9. Row 24: Purl.
10. BO.

Sew two pieces together for each ear, wrong sides facing inward, leaving the top open. Do not overstuff. A tiny whisper of stuffing near the lower half is enough. Attach the ears slightly behind the side center of the head so they fall under the bonnet and frame the face.

Bonnet

The bonnet is cream with a close crown, soft vertical texture, a frilled edge framing the face, and narrow tie cords under the chin.

Bonnet Crown

Using cream, cast on 44 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 22: Continue in rib.
3. Row 23: K2tog across. 22 stitches.
4. Row 24: Purl.
5. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull closed.

Sew back seam to form a hood shape. Place on the bunny head and check fit before adding the ruffle.

Face Ruffle

Pick up 36 stitches evenly around the face opening.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: Kfb in every stitch. 72 stitches.
4. Rows 4 to 6: Stockinette.
5. BO loosely.

Ties

Make two i-cords, each about 7 inches long. Sew to the lower front corners. Tie into a soft bow with slightly long tails, matching the image.

Cardigan

The cardigan is cropped, cream, and rounded at the lower front, with delicate eyelet-style panels running up the sleeves. The front edges meet but do not fully overlap.

Back

Using cream, cast on 26 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
2. Rows 5 to 22: Stockinette.
3. Shape armholes: BO 2 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows. 22 stitches.
4. Rows 25 to 34: Stockinette.
5. BO.

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Left Front

Cast on 14 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
2. Rows 5 to 18: Work in stockinette, keeping 3 front edge stitches in garter.
3. Begin lower rounding: On every RS row, decrease 1 stitch at side edge 3 times over next 6 rows. 11 stitches.
4. Continue straight until piece matches back to armhole.
5. BO 2 stitches at armhole edge once. 9 stitches.
6. Work to shoulder height and BO.

Right Front

Work to match Left Front.

Sleeves, Make 2

Cast on 18 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
2. Rows 5 to 24: Work in stockinette with the following 6-stitch eyelet panel centered on the sleeve: Row A RS: k2, yo, ssk, k2. Row B WS: purl. Row C RS: k1, k2tog, yo, k3. Repeat Rows A to C inside the center panel while knitting the side stitches normally.
3. Increase 1 stitch each end every 8th row twice. 22 stitches.
4. BO.

Sew shoulder seams, set in sleeves, and sew side and sleeve seams. Add a narrow picked-up garter edging around the neckline if desired. Sew two tiny cream buttons or make French-knot style knitted nubs at center front. The cardigan in the image closes softly and can remain slightly open below the neckline bow.

Skirt

The skirt is layered in appearance. The upper overskirt is taupe and plain. The lower visible band is cream with a floral border and a neat textured hem.

Upper Skirt

Using taupe, cast on 72 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 18: Stockinette.
3. Row 19: K2tog across. 36 stitches.
4. Rows 20 to 22: Rib 1×1.
5. BO loosely.

Sew into a ring and gather gently if needed. This piece sits high under the cardigan and falls only partway over the floral panel.

Lower Floral Panel

Using cream, cast on 84 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Garter stitch.
2. Rows 7 to 18: Stockinette.
3. Rows 19 to 20: Purl 1 row, knit 1 row for a soft dividing ridge.
4. Rows 21 to 24: Stockinette.
5. Row 25: K2tog evenly across 12 times. 72 stitches.
6. Rows 26 to 28: K1, p1 rib.
7. BO loosely.

Sew into a ring. Place under the taupe overskirt so about half of the cream panel remains visible.

Floral Border Embroidery

Use duplicate stitch on the cream panel. Make small upright berry clusters with sage stems and leaves. Each motif is about 7 stitches wide and 6 rows tall. Space evenly around the skirt.

• Work a central vertical sage stem.
• Add two short angled stems left and right.
• Place two or three berry roses on each side branch.
• Add narrow sage leaves below the blossoms.
• Keep the motifs delicate and low, not oversized.

This detail gives the skirt the hollyhock-garden mood seen in the image. Use blush mixed with berry for a soft antique finish rather than a bright floral band.

Shoes

The shoes are rounded Mary Jane-style slippers in beige with pale straps and a stitched sole line.

Make 2

Using beige, cast on 14 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 8: Stockinette.
2. Row 9: K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk. 12 stitches.
3. Rows 10 to 12: Stockinette.
4. BO.

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Sew into a slipper shape over each foot. Add a cream strap as a 6-stitch i-cord or narrow knitted band. Stitch the strap over the instep. Embroider a sole line in matching yarn around the foot edge. Insert a small cardboard oval inside the sole before final closing if you want extra structure.

Mini Carry Bag

The little bag is soft cream with tiny flecks. You can add the flecks with sparse duplicate stitches in pale taupe after finishing.

Using cream, cast on 12 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 16: Stockinette.
2. BO.

Fold in half and sew side seams to form a pouch. For the handle, pick up 10 stitches across the top of one side, work 8 rows in garter, then attach to the other side. Lightly stuff the bottom or leave empty for a softer drape.

Duck Companion

The duck is tiny, plump, and dressed in a bonneted taupe outfit that echoes the bunny’s clothing. Keep the duck compact and slightly front-heavy so it stands beside the bunny.

Duck Body Front and Back

Using pale yellow, cast on 10 stitches. Make 2.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Stockinette.
2. Row 5: Kfb at each end. 12 stitches.
3. Rows 6 to 10: Stockinette.
4. Row 11: Kfb at each end. 14 stitches.
5. Rows 12 to 16: Stockinette.
6. Row 17: Ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. 12 stitches.
7. Row 18: Purl.
8. Row 19: Ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. 10 stitches.
9. Row 20: Purl.
10. BO.

Sew together, stuff firmly, and shape the head and body as one piece.

Beak

Using orange, cast on 8 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 3: Stockinette.
2. Row 4: K2tog across. 4 stitches.
3. BO.

Fold and stitch to form a soft beak. Sew low on the face.

Feet

Make 2 tiny orange triangles or fan shapes and sew flat at the base so the duck can stand.

Wings

Make 2 small yellow ovals with 6 stitches cast on, increasing to 8 stitches, then decreasing back to 6. Sew at the sides.

Duck Dress

Using taupe, cast on 28 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 3: K1, p1 rib.
2. Row 4: Increase evenly to 36 stitches.
3. Rows 5 to 10: Stockinette.
4. Rows 11 to 12: Garter stitch.
5. BO loosely.

Sew into a ring and gather at top to fit the duck body. Add a cream ruffle at the lower edge by picking up stitches and working one increase row followed by 2 stockinette rows.

Duck Bonnet

Using cream, cast on 20 stitches.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 10: Continue rib.
3. Row 11: K2tog across. 10 stitches.
4. Thread yarn through stitches and close.

Add a tiny face ruffle and two short tie cords. Sew the bonnet onto the duck or leave removable.

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Optional Tiny Bouquet

The small flat bouquet prop near the bunny can be made as a knitted applique. Make three tiny berry buds, one longer sage stem, and wrap the base with taupe yarn.

• Knit three miniature bobbles in berry rose.
• Make narrow leaves in sage using 3 to 4 stitches each.
• Join on a single stem and stitch flat to a cream square if desired.

Optional Flower Token

The little flower token can be made by knitting a 5-petal blossom in cream or blush. Sew a small center knot in a lighter shade. This can be attached to a clip, stitched to a tag, or placed beside the bunny.

Dressing the Bunny

Put the lower floral panel on first, then the taupe overskirt. The ribbed waist edge should sit at the natural waist, slightly hidden under the cardigan. Pull the cardigan on and close gently at the top front. Add the bonnet after the ears are positioned correctly.

The visual balance depends on the skirt volume staying soft rather than stiff. Do not overgather. The cardigan should skim the body and end just above the widest part of the skirt. The bonnet ruffle should frame the face without covering the eyes.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Attach the legs first, checking that both feet point slightly outward. Add the arms low enough for a relaxed pose. Sew the head securely, then attach the ears so they hang under the bonnet edge. Embroider the face last.

For the best likeness, keep the eyes small, vertical, and widely spaced. The nose should be tiny and centered. Avoid adding cheeks, lashes, or extra mouth shaping. The calm, simple face is a key part of the cottage look.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Use cool water and mild soap for deeper cleaning.
• Do not wring the toy or the duck outfit.
• Reshape while damp and dry flat on a towel.
• Keep stored away from direct sunlight to protect the soft floral colors.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is round and smooth, not overstuffed.
• Ears hang to shoulder level.
• Bonnet ruffle frames the face evenly.
• Cardigan ends in rounded lower fronts.
• Sleeve panels show the eyelet detail clearly.
• Skirt shows both taupe and cream layers.
• Floral motifs are delicate and evenly spaced.
• Shoes are rounded with pale straps.
• Bag is small and soft.
• Duck matches the cottage style of the bunny.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the bunny and duck in a dry room with stable temperature. Avoid hanging them by the bonnet ties or bag handle. Dust lightly with a soft brush. If the pieces are displayed in a nursery or gift room, rotate their position now and then so one side does not fade more than the other.

If you ever wash the set, place each piece in a mesh bag first and support the shape with your hands. After cleaning, roll gently in a towel to remove excess moisture, then reshape the head, skirt, bonnet ruffle, and duck dress before drying flat. Store the set with acid-free tissue if keeping it boxed between seasons.