Lilybell Garland Bunny – Knitting

This knitted bunny set is designed to capture the gentle woodland look of a collectible handmade bunny doll. The finished piece includes the main bunny, a soft green dress, a scalloped bonnet, lilybell garlands, a bouquet, a tiny bucket bag, little bell-trim shoes, a small hedgehog friend, and a tiny bulb-shaped accent. It is ideal for makers who love heirloom nursery decor, spring bunny decor, giftable knitted toys, and artisan stuffed animal patterns. The shapes are sweet, rounded, and practical to knit, with careful finishing creating the polished display look seen in the image.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Design Overview

This pattern makes one standing bunny with long ears and a calm, centered face. The body is slim but softly stuffed. The head is rounded with a slightly tapered muzzle area, and the ears fall straight down from beneath the bonnet.

The outfit is a simple sleeveless dress with a lightly gathered skirt. The bonnet has a close-fitting crown and a softly flared brim finished with a delicate scalloped edging. The shoes are plain and rounded, with three little bells across each toe.

The accessories complete the scene. Two long lilybell strands hang from the bunny’s shoulders to below the hem. One paw holds a wrapped bouquet of white blossoms. The other carries a small bucket-style bag. At the feet sit a small hedgehog and a tiny bulb-like accent.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall from foot sole to top of bonnet
• Hedgehog: about 3 inches tall
• Tiny bulb accent: about 2 inches tall
• Bucket bag: about 1 1/2 inches tall without handle
• Bouquet: about 3 inches long

Yarn and Color Plan

Use lightweight yarn with smooth stitch definition. Fine DK or light sport weight wool, merino, alpaca blend, or cotton-wool blend works best. The toy in the image has neat, fine stitches, so avoid fluffy or hairy yarn for the main surfaces.

• Bunny body color: warm mushroom beige
• Dress color: pale sage green
• Flower color A: soft white
• Flower color B: pale cream
• Leaf and stem color: muted moss green
• Bonnet edging: soft white
• Tiny bulb base: pale cream
• Tiny bulb top: dusty blue-gray
• Hedgehog body: warm taupe beige
• Hedgehog face and belly: pale oatmeal
• Hedgehog tie: warm butter yellow

Materials

• Light sport or fine DK yarn in the shades listed above
• Set of double-pointed needles or magic loop needles suitable for your yarn
• One smaller needle size for firm toy fabric
• Tapestry needle
• Removable stitch markers
• Black embroidery thread for eyes and nose
• Toy stuffing
• Thin floral wire for bouquet stems if desired
• Strong sewing thread matching body color
• Six tiny craft bells for the bunny shoes
• Optional tiny bell for hedgehog neck if desired, though the image shows a small knitted tie instead

Gauge and Fabric

Exact gauge is less important than fabric density, but the knitted fabric must be firm enough that stuffing does not show through. Aim for a smooth, compact fabric with minimal gaps.

For most knitters, this means using a needle smaller than usual for the yarn. Test a small swatch in stockinette. Stretch it lightly. If you can see obvious openings, go down one needle size.

Skill Level

Intermediate. A patient beginner can complete this project if they are comfortable knitting in the round, increasing, decreasing, picking up stitches, making small cords, and sewing knitted pieces neatly.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• yo = yarn over
• ssk = left-leaning decrease
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• sts = stitches

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General Notes Before You Begin

• The bunny body, legs, and torso are worked first, then the head.
• The arms are knitted separately and sewn on after stuffing.
• The ears are long and lightly stuffed only at the base so they drape naturally.
• The dress is a separate garment.
• The bonnet is separate and tied by sewing it in place under the ears or leaving it removable.
• The lilybell garlands are made as two separate strands and attached at the shoulders.

Main Bunny: Legs

Make two. Work in body color. Stuff as you go so the lower legs hold shape but stay slightly soft.

1. CO 12 sts and join to work in the round.
2. K 5 rounds.
3. Round 6: kfb around. You will have 24 sts.
4. K 6 rounds.
5. Round 13: k2, k2tog around. You will have 18 sts.
6. K 10 rounds for the lower leg.
7. Shape upper leg with 2 decrease rounds spaced evenly over the next 8 rounds until you have 14 sts.
8. K 8 more rounds.

The legs in the image are straight, slim, and modestly stuffed. Do not overfill. They should support the dress shape without looking bulky.

Main Bunny: Joining Legs and Torso

1. Place the two legs side by side with toes facing forward.
2. Using a few extra stitches cast on between them, join into one round. You should have about 34 to 36 sts total.
3. K 4 rounds plain.
4. Increase evenly to 40 sts.
5. K 12 rounds for the hip and lower torso.
6. Work one gentle increase round to 44 sts for the widest body point.
7. K 8 rounds.

The torso should remain narrow and slightly pear-shaped, not round. The dress will add much of the visual volume, so keep the stuffed body modest.

1. Begin shaping the chest with 2 decrease rounds spaced 4 rounds apart until 36 sts remain.
2. K 6 rounds.
3. Work one more decrease round to 32 sts.
4. K 3 rounds for the neck base.

Main Bunny: Head

The head is round with a gentle muzzle taper. Increase from the neck into a broad cheek line, then shape inward at the muzzle and crown.

1. From 32 sts at neck, increase evenly to 40 sts.
2. K 2 rounds.
3. Increase evenly to 48 sts.
4. K 4 rounds.
5. Increase evenly to 56 sts.
6. K 10 rounds.

At this stage, begin stuffing the head firmly. The face in the image is smooth and symmetrical, so add stuffing in small pieces and rotate the work often.

1. For muzzle taper, work one decrease round to 50 sts.
2. K 3 rounds.
3. Work one decrease round to 44 sts.
4. K 2 rounds.
5. Work one decrease round to 38 sts.
6. K 2 rounds.

The muzzle is not protruding strongly. It is formed mostly by firm stuffing and later needle sculpting, rather than a separate snout piece.

1. For crown shaping, decrease evenly to 28 sts.
2. K 1 round.
3. Decrease evenly to 14 sts.
4. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and close.

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Main Bunny: Arms

Make two in body color. The arms are cylindrical and slightly tapered, ending in rounded paws. They hang straight down and are attached low enough that the dress shoulder line remains visible.

1. CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. K 4 rounds.
3. Increase evenly to 14 sts.
4. K 5 rounds.
5. Work one decrease round to 12 sts.
6. K 16 rounds for the arm length.
7. Stuff lightly, especially near the paw.
8. Flatten opening and close with mattress stitch, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Main Bunny: Ears

Make two in body color. These ears are long, flat, and softly rounded at the end. They hang from beneath the bonnet to shoulder level.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work flat in St st.
3. Row 1: K.
4. Row 2: P.
5. Increase 1 st at each end of every 4th row until you have 16 sts.
6. Work even until ear measures about 5 1/2 inches.

1. Shape tip: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 on every RS row.
2. Purl all WS rows.
3. When 6 sts remain, knit 2 rows plain, then bind off.

Do not stuff the ears except for a tiny pinch at the base if needed. Press them flat with your fingers and seam only the lower base if you want extra structure.

Face Shaping and Embroidery Placement

The face is simple and calm. The eyes are tiny vertical black embroidered dots, placed well apart and slightly above the midpoint of the muzzle. The nose and mouth form a soft brown or dark taupe stitched Y-shape.

• Place eyes about 8 to 10 rows below crown center
• Space them so the face looks open and gentle
• Use one or two satin stitches for each eye
• Shape the nose with a small horizontal wedge
• Bring a short vertical line down from the center and split into two tiny mouth stitches

Very light sculpting helps the muzzle sit inward slightly at the nose point. Use matching sewing thread and make only one or two passes.

Dress

The dress is pale sage green, sleeveless, with a simple bodice and softly gathered skirt. It falls just below the knees and flares naturally. The hem is plain and slightly curled, matching the image.

You may work the dress top-down or bottom-up. The version below is worked top-down for easy fitting.

1. CO 36 sts.
2. Work flat for the back opening if you want a removable dress, or join in the round if you prefer a permanent dress.
3. Work 6 rows in St st for upper bodice.
4. On the next row, shape shallow armholes by binding off 2 sts at each side if working flat, or by decreasing at side markers if working in the round.

The neckline is wide and simple. Keep it high enough to sit close to the bunny neck, just as in the image.

1. Continue bodice until it reaches the natural waist under the arms.
2. On the waist round, increase every 2nd or 3rd stitch evenly until stitch count grows by about half.
3. Knit the skirt straight for several rounds.
4. Add one more gentle increase round to improve swing.
5. Continue until the hem reaches just below the bunny knees.
6. Bind off loosely.

The skirt should not be ruffled. It should hang in a soft A-line, with only a subtle gathered transition at the waist seam.

Bonnet

The bonnet has a rounded fitted crown and a downward brim with a white lace-like edging. It sits low over the forehead and covers the ear bases.

1. Using body color, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Increase evenly every other round until you have 48 sts.
3. Knit even until the crown depth fits from top center to upper forehead.

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Try the bonnet on the bunny as you go. The crown should fit smoothly, not loosely. The front brim begins after the crown is deep enough to cup the head.

1. To form brim, increase evenly to 60 sts.
2. Knit 4 rounds.
3. Increase evenly to 72 sts.
4. Knit 3 rounds.
5. Switch to white.

For the edging, use a simple scallop pattern.

1. Round 1 in white: k1, yo, k2tog around.
2. Round 2: knit.
3. Round 3: rep k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk around.
4. Round 4: knit.
5. Bind off loosely.

Sew the bonnet lightly to the head behind the ears, or secure it with hidden stitches at the sides so it stays in the photographed position.

Booties with Bells

The bunny wears small taupe booties with rounded fronts and three bells on each shoe. The bells sit across the toe line and create the charming old-fashioned look.

Make two in body color or a matching taupe shade.

1. CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Increase to 18 sts over the first few rounds for the sole and toe box.
3. Knit 5 rounds.
4. Work short decrease shaping at front only to round the toe.
5. Knit ankle section straight for 5 to 6 rounds.
6. Bind off loosely.

Sew each shoe onto the foot with tiny hidden stitches. Attach three tiny bells across the front of each shoe using strong thread. Keep spacing even and low on the toe.

Bucket Bag

The bag is a tiny cylinder with a narrow handle. It hangs from the bunny’s left paw and should be small enough to look decorative, not oversized.

1. Using body color, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Increase to 12 sts.
3. Knit 8 rounds.
4. Bind off.

Gather the lower edge closed or sew a tiny circular base. For the handle, make a narrow i-cord about 3 inches long and sew one end to each side near the top opening.

Lilybell Garland Strands

Make two strands. Each strand is built on a narrow green cord with alternating cream and white bell flowers. The finished strands should begin at shoulder level and fall below the dress hem.

Stem Cord

1. Using green, make an i-cord about 7 to 8 inches long.
2. Leave long tails at both ends for sewing and arranging.

Bell Flowers

Make about 10 to 12 flowers per strand, mixing white and cream. Each flower is tiny, cup-shaped, and slightly flared.

1. CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Knit 2 rounds.
3. Round 3: k2tog around. You will have 6 sts.
4. Knit 1 round.
5. Increase back to 12 sts by kfb around.
6. Knit 2 rounds.

To flare the bell edge, work a light picot-like finish.

1. Round 7: rep yo, k2tog around.
2. Round 8: knit.
3. Bind off loosely.

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Gather the top opening slightly so each flower hangs downward like a tiny bell. Sew flowers to the stem cord at short intervals, alternating sides for a natural drape.

Bouquet of White Blossoms

The bouquet is smaller and more upright than the shoulder garlands. It is tied together at the base and held in the bunny’s right paw.

• Make 7 to 9 tiny flower heads in white
• Make several small green leaves
• Wrap stems tightly with green yarn
• Trim to an even handle length

Bouquet Flower Heads

1. CO 10 sts in white and join.
2. Knit 2 rounds.
3. Decrease to 5 sts.
4. Work 1 round.
5. Increase back to 10 sts.
6. Knit 1 round and bind off loosely.

These blooms should stay small and closed, almost like lily-of-the-valley bells. Sew each to a fine green stem.

Leaves

1. CO 3 sts in green.
2. K1, kfb, k1 on RS rows until 7 sts.
3. Purl WS rows.
4. Decrease at each end on RS rows until 3 sts.
5. Bind off.

Make 5 to 7 leaves. Arrange them behind the white blooms, then bind the bouquet base with green yarn.

Mini Hedgehog

The hedgehog is a separate little knitted friend with a beige body, pale face and belly, tiny dark eyes, a pointed snout, a small bonnet, and a warm yellow neck tie.

Hedgehog Body

1. Using pale oatmeal, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Increase evenly to 20 sts.
3. Knit 6 rounds.
4. Switch to taupe for the back and continue in the round, keeping the front third pale if desired by color blocking.
5. Knit 8 rounds.

Stuff firmly. The body should be pear-shaped, broader at the lower half and narrow at the top.

1. Decrease evenly to 14 sts.
2. Knit 2 rounds.
3. Decrease to 8 sts and close.

Hedgehog Snout and Face

Use dark embroidery for two tiny eyes and a small nose at the tip of the pale face. Add two short side stitches if you want a subtle mouth.

Hedgehog Arms

1. Make two tiny tubes from 5 or 6 sts.
2. Knit 6 rounds.
3. Stuff lightly and sew to sides.

Hedgehog Feet

1. Make two tiny oval nubs from 5 sts.
2. Knit 3 rounds, stuff lightly, and attach under the body front.

Hedgehog Bonnet

Knit a miniature rounded cap in taupe, increasing from the top just like the bunny bonnet but without the wide brim. Add a very tiny rolled edge or plain edge only.

Hedgehog Tie

1. Make a short yellow cord.
2. Tie loosely at the neck.
3. Sew in place.

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Tiny Bulb Accent

This little accessory resembles a tiny bulb or turnip with a cream body, a blue-gray top, and one small leaf or side nub. It sits by the bunny’s foot and adds balance to the scene.

1. Using cream, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Increase evenly to 18 sts.
3. Knit 8 rounds.
4. Decrease gradually to create a soft bulb shape.
5. Stuff lightly.
6. Switch to blue-gray and knit a small rounded top cap for 4 rounds.
7. Decrease and close.

For the small side leaf or nub, knit a tiny 3-stitch tab in pale green or cream and sew to one side near the upper body.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the head opening closed securely and smooth stuffing.
2. Shape the face lightly.
3. Embroider eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Sew ears to the sides of the head.
5. Sew arms to the upper torso.
6. Dress the bunny and close the back if needed.
7. Sew shoes in place and attach bells.
8. Add bonnet.
9. Attach lilybell garlands at the shoulder line.
10. Sew the bucket bag to one paw and bouquet to the other.
11. Finish the hedgehog and tiny bulb accent.

Styling Notes for an Accurate Look

• Keep the bunny slim under the dress
• Let the ears fall straight, not angled outward
• Position the bonnet low over the forehead
• Place garlands symmetrically but not rigidly
• Keep bouquet stems compact and upright
• Use only a small amount of stuffing in arms and ears
• Choose muted, dusty shades rather than bright tones

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head sits straight above the torso before closing any final seams. The eyes should be tiny and evenly placed. The nose should sit low enough to create a sweet, thoughtful expression. Pull the mouth stitches gently so they do not look harsh.

Arrange the garlands so they frame the dress front without covering too much of the bodice. Tilt the bouquet slightly inward toward the chest. Let the bucket bag hang low from the opposite paw.

Care Notes

Display pieces like this are best kept away from rough handling. If the item is meant for gentle play, secure all embellishments extra firmly, especially the shoe bells and bouquet stems.

Store away from direct sun to protect the soft sage and cream tones. Avoid hanging the bunny by the ears or bonnet.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both ears attached at the same height
• Face centered and balanced
• Dress hem even all around
• Bonnet brim sitting low and smooth
• Six bells secured on the shoes
• Garlands matching in length
• Bouquet tied neatly
• Bag handle reinforced
• Hedgehog stable and well stuffed
• Tiny bulb accent closed neatly

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only whenever possible. Use a barely damp cloth and blot gently. Do not soak the toy if it contains metal bells, wire stems, or mixed materials.

If a deeper clean is necessary, remove loose dust with a soft dry brush first. Then hand wash very carefully in cool water with a mild wool-safe cleanser, keeping agitation to a minimum.

Press out moisture with a towel and reshape every piece by hand. Dry flat on a clean towel away from heat. Restuff small sections gently if needed after drying.