Echinacea Prairie-Princess Bunny – Knitting

This sweet bunny set has the look of a collectible heirloom toy, with a soft neutral body, a creamy beret, a blush dress, green Mary Jane shoes, and a tiny prairie friend in matching country clothes. It is the kind of handmade rabbit plush that fits beautifully into nursery decor, spring display styling, and gift ideas for shoppers looking for knitted stuffed animals, handmade bunny dolls, soft toy patterns, and heirloom knit gifts. The small handbag, flower bouquet, honey jar, lace mat, and mini lamb companion make the whole set feel complete, charming, and ready for a boutique-quality finish.

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 is written to recreate the full scene shown in the image as closely as possible.

The main piece is a seated bunny doll with a large head, long upright ears, a soft oval body, gently tapered arms, straight legs, and rounded feet.

The clothing and accessories are part of the character styling and should be made with care, because the finished look depends on proportion as much as technique.

You will make:

• The main bunny
• Cream beret with knitted flower
• Scalloped collar
• Blush textured dress with bobbles and fringe
• Green Mary Jane shoes
• Small brown satchel
• Flower bouquet
• Tiny lamb doll
• Tiny lamb cardigan and dress
• Tiny lamb hat
• Honey jar cover
• Small lace-style mat

Finished Size

Measurements depend on yarn and gauge, but for the same visual balance, aim for the following proportions.

• Main bunny: about 13 to 15 inches tall seated, not including ear height above the beret
• Ears: about 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches tall
• Body width at dress hem: about 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 inches
• Mini lamb: about 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches tall
• Satchel: about 2 inches wide
• Honey jar cover: sized for a miniature prop jar about 1 1/4 inches across

Materials

Use smooth yarns with clear stitch definition. Avoid fuzzy yarn for the main bunny because the face shaping and clothing texture need to stay crisp.

• Sport or light DK yarn in pale oatmeal for head, hands, feet, and mini lamb face details
• Light cream yarn for sleeves, beret, collar, and lace mat
• Soft blush beige yarn for the main dress
• Muted sage or light moss green yarn for shoes
• Medium brown yarn for satchel and tiny lamb cardigan
• Dusty pink yarn for large flower petals and mini lamb dress
• Yellow-gold yarn for flower center
• Dark plum and pink scraps for bouquet centers
• Dark green yarn for bouquet stems
• Small amount of amber or golden yarn if you prefer a knitted honey jar instead of using a prop jar
• Black thread or black yarn for eyes
• Toy stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small buttons for satchel and mini cardigan
• Optional thin cardboard or felt insert for satchel base

Suggested Needles and Gauge

Use needles smaller than usual for your yarn so the fabric stays dense and neat.

• US 1.5 to US 3 needles for flat or in-the-round knitting, depending on your yarn
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop for small parts

A useful target gauge is:

• 28 to 32 stitches per 4 inches in stockinette for the main bunny
• Tighter is better than looser

The bunny in the photo has a firm fabric with very little visible stuffing strain, so do not knit loosely.

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Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• Garter = knit every row
• kfb = knit front and back
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• m1 = make 1 increase
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• bobble = [k1, p1, k1, p1, k1] into 1 st, turn, p5, turn, k5, turn, p5, turn, ssk, k1, pass slipped st over

Construction Notes

The toy is easiest to make in separate pieces and seam carefully.

The head is large and softly rounded, with a narrower lower face. The nose is placed low and centered. The eyes are small and far apart enough to keep the expression gentle.

The arms are slim tubes with only a mild widening at the upper arm.

The body is softly pear-shaped under the dress, not sharply defined at the waist.

The dress is made separately and slipped onto the bunny before the collar is attached.

The ears are long, slightly inward-leaning, and lightly padded, but not thick.

The beret sits low across the forehead and angles to one side.

Main Bunny Head

Head Piece One

Work flat in St st.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, K1. 20 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you have 34 sts.
6. Work 20 rows even in St st.
7. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1.
8. Next WS row: Purl.
9. Repeat the last 2 rows until 22 sts remain.
10. Work 4 rows even.
11. Continue decreases every RS row until 10 sts remain.
12. BO.

Make 2 identical pieces.

The upper section forms the rounded crown, while the lower narrowed section creates the soft muzzle line seen in the photo.

Head Gusset

This helps create depth and keeps the face from looking flat.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. Increase 1 st at each end of every RS row until 18 sts.
4. Work 16 rows even in St st.
5. Decrease 1 st at each end of every RS row until 8 sts.
6. Work 2 rows garter.
7. BO.

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Head Assembly

Sew the side head pieces to the gusset, matching the wider end at the crown.

Before fully closing, stuff firmly but not hard. The head should look plump and smooth, with only a gentle flattening at the front face.

Pull the lower face area slightly inward with a short horizontal shaping stitch if needed. This gives the little muzzle a neat, compact look.

Main Bunny Ears

Each ear is made from two layers so it holds its upright shape while staying thin.

Outer Ear

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work 1 row purl.
3. Increase 1 st at each end of every RS row until 18 sts.
4. Work 18 rows even in St st.
5. On every RS row, decrease 1 st at each end until 6 sts remain.
6. K2tog three times. 3 sts.
7. Purl 1 row.
8. K3tog. Fasten off.

Make 4 pieces in total, 2 for each ear, or make the inner layer in a slightly lighter beige if you want subtle contrast.

Ear Assembly

Place two ear pieces together with RS facing out. Sew around edges, leaving base open.

Add only a whisper of stuffing, or no stuffing at all. A thin felt insert may be added if you want stronger lift.

Close the base flat. The ears in the image are not floppy. They stand tall with a slight inward tilt.

Main Bunny Arms

1. CO 14 sts with pale oatmeal.
2. Work 10 rows in St st for hand and lower arm.
3. Change to cream for sleeve.
4. Work 18 rows even.
5. Increase 1 st at each end once. 16 sts.
6. Work 6 rows even.
7. BO.

Make 2.

Fold each arm lengthwise and seam. Stuff lightly. The hands should remain slim and soft, not bulbous.

The sleeve edge in the photo is plain and neat, without heavy ribbing. A slightly rolled stockinette edge is acceptable and visually accurate.

Main Bunny Legs and Feet

The bunny is seated, so the legs can be made as straight stuffed tubes with rounded feet attached or shaped directly.

Foot and Leg

1. CO 16 sts in pale oatmeal.
2. Work 6 rows St st.
3. Increase 1 st at each end on next RS row. 18 sts.
4. Work 8 rows even to form the foot depth.
5. Change to same yarn and begin simple sole shaping by decreasing 1 st at each end of every 4th row twice. 14 sts.
6. Work 20 rows even for lower leg.
7. BO.

Make 2.

Seam and stuff firmly at the foot and moderately at the leg. Flatten the foot slightly so the shoes sit naturally.

Main Bunny Body

The body is a softly rounded trunk that supports the dress but does not dominate the silhouette. Keep the shoulders modest and the lower body fuller.

1. CO 28 sts.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Begin St st and increase 1 st at each end every 6th row, 4 times. 36 sts.
4. Work 18 rows even.
5. Decrease 1 st at each end every 6th row, 3 times. 30 sts.
6. Work 10 rows even.
7. Decrease 1 st at each end every RS row, 3 times. 24 sts.
8. BO.

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Make 2 body pieces.

Sew body seams, leaving top open. Stuff well at the lower body and more lightly near upper chest so the neck seam sits smoothly.

Scalloped Collar

This little collar is important because it creates the sweet dressed-up prairie look.

1. CO 42 sts in cream.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. Row 3 RS: *K2tog, yo, K2, yo, ssk, K1; rep to end.
4. Row 4 WS: Knit.
5. Row 5 RS: *K1, yo, K2tog, K1, ssk, yo, K1; rep to end.
6. Row 6 WS: Knit.
7. BO loosely knitwise.

Steam lightly or pin out the scallops.

Sew around the neckline after the dress is in place.

Textured Prairie Dress

The dress is a major visual element. It has a simple shape, long sleeves underneath from the bunny body, a bobble-textured bib area, and a fringe line at the waist.

The color should be a dusty blush beige, not pink and not brown.

Dress Skirt and Bodice

Work flat as one piece from hem upward. Make front and back separately.

1. CO 42 sts.
2. Work 6 rows garter for hem band.
3. Change to St st and work 20 rows even.
4. Next RS row: K5, purl to last 5 sts, K5 if you want firmer edges for seaming. Otherwise continue plain St st.
5. Work 8 more rows.
6. Decrease evenly across next RS row by 6 sts. 36 sts.
7. Work 6 rows even.
8. Begin bobble panel on center 16 sts. Keep side sts plain.
9. Set-up RS row: K10, work 16 sts of panel, K10.

For the bobble panel, arrange bobbles in offset rows so they look hand-scattered but balanced, like the image.

Use this layout over 12 rows:

• Panel Row 1 RS: K2, bobble, K3, bobble, K3, bobble, K2
• Panel Row 2 WS: Purl
• Panel Row 3 RS: K4, bobble, K3, bobble, K4
• Panel Row 4 WS: Purl
• Panel Row 5 RS: K2, bobble, K3, bobble, K3, bobble, K2
• Panel Row 6 WS: Purl
• Panel Row 7 RS: K5, bobble, K5, bobble, K4
• Panel Row 8 WS: Purl
• Panel Row 9 RS: K3, bobble, K3, bobble, K3, bobble, K2
• Panel Row 10 WS: Purl
• Panel Row 11 RS: K4, bobble, K4, bobble, K4
• Panel Row 12 WS: Purl

After the panel, work 4 rows even.

Shape armholes gently:

1. BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
2. Decrease 1 st at each armhole edge on next RS row. 28 sts.
3. Work 8 rows even.
4. For neckline, BO center 10 sts and work each side separately.
5. At neck edge, decrease 1 st every RS row twice.
6. Work until bodice height matches the image, then BO shoulders.

Make a second piece for the back, but keep the back mostly plain without bobbles.

You may add a short back opening if preferred, though the dress can also be sewn on after dressing the bunny.

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Dress Fringe

The waist fringe is not random yarn. It is a neatly placed decorative layer.

Cut many equal strands of dress yarn, each about 3 inches long.

Using a crochet hook or tapestry needle, attach the strands across the waist seam line of the front dress panel.

Fold each strand in half and lark’s-head it through one stitch, or sew doubled loops into place.

Trim evenly so the fringe reaches about one-third of the bodice length. In the photo it hangs straight and dense.

Dress Assembly

Sew shoulder seams and side seams.

Slip dress onto bunny before attaching final collar if your neck opening is snug.

The dress should skim the body without tight pulling. It is not fitted at the waist. It falls in a gentle A-line over the lap.

Green Mary Jane Shoes

The shoes are soft knitted slippers worked separately and stitched onto the feet.

Shoe Base

1. CO 14 sts in sage green.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Change to St st and work 6 rows.
4. Decrease 1 st at each end on next RS row.
5. Work 4 rows.
6. BO.

Make 2 pieces for uppers and 2 matching sole pieces if desired.

Shoe Strap

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Knit 2 rows.
3. BO.

Sew each shoe around the foot, shaping a rounded toe and a slightly open top.

Attach the strap across the instep. The shoe in the image has a delicate Mary Jane feeling rather than a full boot.

Embroider or stitch a small raised edge around the opening if needed.

Cream Beret

The beret is soft, slightly slouched, and sits low over the forehead, with the ears emerging above it.

1. CO 56 sts in cream and join if working in the round, or work flat and seam later.
2. Work 6 rounds or rows in K1, P1 rib.
3. Increase evenly by 12 sts. 68 sts.
4. Work 10 rounds or rows in St st.
5. Decrease evenly by 8 sts.
6. Work 2 rounds even.
7. Decrease evenly by 8 sts every other round until 20 sts remain.
8. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight.

If working flat, seam invisibly.

To make it sit like the image, steam lightly and shape so one side dips lower. Cut two ear slits only if needed. Otherwise place the beret behind the ears and tack in place.

Large Flower for Beret

The flower has dusty pink petals and a golden textured center.

Petals

Make 8 narrow petals.

1. CO 3 sts in dusty pink.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: K1, m1, K1, m1, K1. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, K1. 7 sts.
6. Work 4 rows even.
7. Decrease 1 st at each end every RS row until 3 sts remain.
8. K3tog. Fasten off.

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Sew petals into a daisy shape with slight overlap.

Center

Use yellow-gold yarn.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 8 rows St st.
3. Thread yarn through live sts and gather into a tight dome.
4. Stuff with a tiny pinch of filling and stitch closed.

Sew center over the petals.

Attach flower to the beret on the bunny’s right side, low and forward, just above the eye line.

Face Embroidery

The face is simple, clean, and essential to the sweet expression.

• Eyes: two small black French knots or satin-stitched ovals
• Nose: small vertical triangle or filled Y-shape in matching beige-brown thread
• Mouth: short split line downward with two tiny angled stitches

Place the eyes evenly with a wide, calm spacing. The nose sits low between them. The mouth is delicate and does not extend too far.

A slight inward shaping stitch under each eye can help create softness, but keep it minimal.

Small Brown Satchel

The satchel is a charming prop and should look tiny but structured.

1. CO 14 sts in brown.
2. Work 20 rows in garter.
3. BO.

Fold into a rectangle with front, base, and back. Leave extra length for flap if you prefer a longer piece.

For the flap, either use the last 6 rows as a fold-over section or knit a separate flap:

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 6 rows garter.
3. Decrease 1 st at each end once.
4. Work 2 rows.
5. BO.

Sew side seams. Add a thin strap as an i-cord or narrow knitted strip.

Sew on a tiny button at the flap center.

The satchel should rest at the bunny’s left side in the final display.

Flower Bouquet

The bouquet includes several daisy-like flowers in mauve, pink, and lavender tones, tied with a pale band.

Make 5 small flowers.

Small Petal Flower

1. CO 15 sts in chosen petal color.
2. Work 1 row purl.
3. Next RS row: *K1, yo; rep across to create a frilled edge.
4. Work 1 row purl.
5. BO.

Roll the strip into a flower or stitch into a flat radial bloom.

For a more defined daisy, make 6 tiny petals individually using the same petal method from the beret flower, but smaller.

Centers and Stems

Make tight wrapped knots or tiny knitted domes for centers in plum, rose, or berry shades.

Use dark green i-cords or twisted yarn cords for stems.

Gather all flowers and tie with a cream band.

Tiny Lamb Companion

This little figure should echo the main bunny styling. The lamb has a white head and ears, a pale face, a pink dress, a brown cardigan, and a tiny pink hat.

Mini Lamb Head

1. CO 10 sts in off-white.
2. Increase at both ends every RS row until 18 sts.
3. Work 10 rows even.
4. Decrease at both ends every RS row until 8 sts.
5. BO.

Make 2 side pieces and one narrow gusset, using the same method as the bunny head but scaled down.

Stuff lightly.

Mini Lamb Ears

1. CO 4 sts in cream.
2. Increase to 8 sts over a few RS rows.
3. Work 4 rows even.
4. Decrease back to 3 sts.
5. Fasten off.

Make 2 and sew to the head sides.

Mini Lamb Body

1. CO 12 sts in cream.
2. Increase to 18 sts gradually.
3. Work 12 rows even.
4. Decrease to 10 sts.
5. BO.

Make front and back. Seam and stuff.

Mini Lamb Arms and Legs

Use tiny tubes or flat pieces seamed into narrow limbs.

• Arms: CO 5 sts, work 10 rows, BO
• Legs: CO 5 sts, work 12 rows, BO

Make 2 of each and stuff lightly if desired.

Mini Lamb Pink Dress

1. CO 16 sts in pink.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Work 10 rows St st.
4. Decrease evenly to 12 sts.
5. Work 6 rows.
6. BO for shoulders and neck as needed.

Make front and back, then seam.

The dress should flare softly and end above the feet, like the image.

Mini Lamb Brown Cardigan

1. CO 14 sts in brown.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. Work 8 rows St st.
4. BO 2 sts at each side for armholes if desired, or keep it simple and wrap-style.
5. Work 4 more rows.
6. BO.

Make as a tiny open jacket or as two fronts and one back.

Add one tiny button near the chest.

Mini Lamb Hat

1. CO 18 sts in pink.
2. Work 3 rows garter.
3. Work 6 rows St st.
4. Decrease evenly to 10 sts.
5. Pull thread through remaining sts and close.

Add a cream brim or trim if desired.

Place the hat slightly tilted.

Mini Lamb Face

Embroider two tiny black eyes and a simple nose-mouth shape in dark thread.

The expression should be even simpler than the bunny face.

Honey Jar Cover

The image shows a small amber jar with a knitted or crocheted-looking top cover in beige. For a fully knitted display, make a tiny lid cover.

1. CO 24 sts in beige and join in the round.
2. Work 4 rounds St st.
3. Decrease evenly to 18 sts.
4. Work 2 rounds.
5. Thread yarn through sts and gather slightly so it cups over the lid.

Add a wrapped cord around the neck of the jar.

If making the full jar as a soft prop, knit a tiny amber cylinder and stuff it firmly.

Lace-Style Mat

This mat sits under the mini lamb and honey jar area. It can be made as a simple knitted eyelet rectangle.

1. CO 18 sts in cream.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: K2, *yo, k2tog; rep to last 2 sts, K2.
4. Row 3: Knit.
5. Row 4: K1, *yo, k2tog; rep to last st, K1.
6. Repeat Rows 1 to 4 until desired length.
7. Work 4 rows garter.
8. BO loosely.

Block gently to open the lace.

Assembly Order

Following a clean order will make the result much closer to the image.

1. Sew and stuff head
2. Sew ears and attach to head
3. Embroider face
4. Sew and stuff body
5. Make arms and legs
6. Attach legs low on body in seated position
7. Attach arms slightly below shoulder line
8. Sew head to body securely
9. Dress bunny in main dress
10. Add collar
11. Attach shoes
12. Place beret and sew in position
13. Add large flower to beret
14. Make satchel, bouquet, tiny lamb, jar cover, and mat

Positioning Details for Accuracy

To match the image, the bunny should sit upright with a calm, centered posture.

• The head is large but not oversized to a cartoon level
• The ears rise high above the beret and lean inward slightly
• The beret sits low across the forehead
• The flower covers part of the right beret side
• The sleeves are cream and show beneath the sleeveless dress
• The dress texture is concentrated on the upper chest
• The fringe falls straight across the waistline
• The shoes are green and rounded
• The satchel sits on the bunny’s left
• The mini lamb stands or leans on the bunny’s right
• The bouquet lies at the lower left front

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After full assembly, check the expression from straight on. If the face looks too wide, add one small tightening stitch across the muzzle area from side to side inside the head.

Anchor the ears deeply so they stand upright. Tack the beret in three places so it does not shift. Stitch the flower firmly through the beret and into the head.

Add the tiniest touch of cream or beige thread around the nose if needed, but keep the face minimal. The sweetness comes from restraint.

Care Notes

• Display use is best for this project because of the small accessories
• Dust gently with a soft dry brush
• Spot clean with a barely damp cloth
• Do not soak if the face is embroidered and the toy is firmly stuffed
• Store flat or upright away from direct sunlight

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Main bunny sits evenly
• Ears match in height and angle
• Eyes are level
• Beret sits low and soft
• Flower is on the right side
• Collar scallops are visible
• Bobbles are centered on bodice
• Fringe is trimmed evenly
• Shoes match in size
• Mini accessories are balanced around the bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term preservation, keep the finished set in a dry indoor space with stable temperature. Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture.

If deeper cleaning is needed, remove loose props first. Test a hidden area with mild soap and cool water on a cloth. Press, never rub.

Reshape the beret, ears, dress fringe, and mini garments while damp. Let everything air dry fully before storing or displaying again.