Hellebore Winter-Lace Bunny – Knitting

This sweet knitted bunny set is designed to match the woodland heirloom look in the photo, with a soft blush face, long ears, a rolled bonnet, delicate wings, a lace-textured rose sweater, a cream skirt, a mossy green shoulder bag, and warm brown shoes. It also includes the flower, the tied scarf, and the tiny mouse companion. This kind of knitted bunny doll pattern appeals to readers searching for a handmade stuffed rabbit, collectible nursery doll, artisan toy, and thoughtful gift for baby showers or seasonal decor.

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 lace wool, soft matte finish, pale blush beige for head, arms, legs, and ears.
• Bonnet yarn: pale cream, same weight as main bunny yarn.
• Sweater yarn: dusty rose pink, same weight.
• Skirt yarn: warm ivory or cream, same weight.
• Bag yarn: leaf green, same weight.
• Shoes yarn: caramel brown, same weight.
• Wing yarn: very pale blush-cream, same weight.
• Flower yarn: deep plum, moss green, pale green, and ivory.
• Mouse yarn: soft gray, charcoal blue-gray, pale blush, cream, and caramel.
• Needles: US 1.5 / 2.5 mm double-pointed needles or magic loop for small circumferences.
• Optional straight needles: US 1.5 / 2.5 mm for flat pieces if preferred.
• Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery.
• Stitch markers for round starts and shaping points.
• Black safety eyes 5 mm for bunny, or embroidered French-knot eyes if making for a very young child.
• Black beads or tiny knots for mouse eyes.
• Toy stuffing in small amounts, packed firmly but evenly.
• Fine floral wire optional for wings only if this is decorative and not intended for babies.
• Small snap, hook, or stitched loop closure for the bag flap if desired.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 10 to 11 inches tall from top of bonnet ear to sole, or about 8 inches tall without the bonnet ears.
• Tiny mouse: about 3 inches tall.
• Flower: about 2 inches wide.
• Tied scarf: about 3 inches long when laid flat before tying.
• Bag: about 2 inches tall from flap edge to base.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical, but tight knitting matters. The fabric must be dense enough that stuffing does not show through. Aim for a firm stockinette fabric rather than a drapey one.

A useful working gauge is about 9 to 10 stitches and 12 to 14 rounds per inch in stockinette on US 1.5 / 2.5 mm needles using fine wool. Adjust needle size as needed for a neat toy finish.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• yo = yarn over
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• sl = slip

Design Notes

This set is built around a softly proportioned bunny with a large rounded head, a compact upper body, straight narrow limbs, and a slightly bell-shaped skirt. The head is the visual focus, so keep the stuffing smooth and even with no hard corners.

The sweater is short and fitted, ending right at the waistline where the cream skirt begins. The lace panel sits only on the front and sleeves remain plain. The bonnet is simple, rounded, and gently rolled at the edge, with two ear openings placed close to the crown.

The wings are small and sit behind the shoulders, not too wide. The bag hangs diagonally from the left shoulder to the right hip in the photo. The flower and tied scarf are separate styling pieces. The tiny mouse is also a complete knitted figure.

Color Placement Summary

• Bunny body, face, arms, legs, ears: pale blush beige.
• Bonnet and skirt: soft cream.
• Sweater: dusty rose pink.
• Wings: pale blush-cream.
• Bag: moss or leaf green.
• Shoes: warm caramel brown.
• Floral skirt embroidery: plum petals, moss stems, pale yellow or cream flower centers.
• Mouse body: pale gray.
• Mouse coat: dark blue-gray.
• Mouse dress: cream with blush and caramel hem stripes.

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Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using pale blush beige, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round. Join carefully without twisting. Work 2 rnds in k1, p1 rib.

From here, work in stockinette for 18 rnds. Stuff lightly as you go. The legs in the photo are slim, straight, and gently rounded at the foot, so avoid heavy shaping.

For the upper leg taper, work:

1. Rnd 1: k1, k2tog, knit to 3 sts before end, ssk, k1.
2. Rnd 2: knit.
3. Rep these 2 rnds once more.

You now have 8 sts. Work 8 more rnds straight. Stuff firmly but softly. Break yarn on first leg and leave live stitches. Make the second leg the same, but do not break yarn.

Joining the Legs and Lower Body

On the second leg, knit across 8 sts. CO 4 sts for the center bridge. Knit across the 8 sts of the first leg. CO 4 sts again to close the round. You now have 24 sts.

Place markers at both side edges if helpful. Knit 6 rnds even. Stuff the upper legs and bridge area gently so the bunny stands with a soft, relaxed shape instead of a stiff cylinder.

Increase for the tummy shape:

1. Rnd 1: k3, inc, repeat around to end. 30 sts.
2. Rnd 2: knit.
3. Rnd 3: k4, inc, repeat around to end. 36 sts.

Work 10 rnds even. The lower body should now be a rounded oval, not very long, because the visible skirt will cover most of it. Stuff moderately.

Upper Body

To shape from tummy to chest, work:

1. Rnd 1: k4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
2. Rnd 2: knit.
3. Rnd 3: k3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.

Work 8 rnds even. The body under the sweater should be narrow and childlike. Do not make the torso too broad. Add a little more stuffing at the front chest so the head sits nicely above the sweater.

Neck

Work 3 rnds in stockinette on 24 sts. On the next rnd, k2tog around to 12 sts. Knit 2 rnds even. This gives a slim neck that supports the head while still looking delicate.

Head

Increase gradually so the head becomes full and round:

1. Rnd 1: kfb in every st. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 2: knit.
3. Rnd 3: k1, inc, repeat around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 4: knit.
5. Rnd 5: k2, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
6. Rnd 6: knit.
7. Rnd 7: k3, inc, repeat around. 60 sts.

Work 18 rnds even. Stuff the head very firmly and smoothly. The face in the image is a full circle with a tiny lower muzzle area, so spend time evening the stuffing with the back end of a needle or chopstick.

Place eyes between rnds 11 and 12 of the head section, about 10 sts apart. The eyes are small, oval-black, and set low enough to create a gentle, childlike expression.

For the muzzle contour, use matching yarn and make a few horizontal tension stitches across the lower face to bring in the center slightly. This creates the soft nose pad seen in the photo without adding a separate protruding snout.

Once the face placement is set, continue shaping the head top:

1. Rnd 1: k8, k2tog, repeat around. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 2: knit.
3. Rnd 3: k7, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 4: knit.
5. Rnd 5: k6, k2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 6: knit.
7. Rnd 7: k5, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
8. Rnd 8: k4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
9. Rnd 9: k3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
10. Rnd 10: k2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.

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Stuff any remaining space. Thread yarn through the final stitches and pull closed. Fasten securely.

Arms Make 2

Using pale blush beige, CO 14 sts. Join in the round. Work 2 rnds in k1, p1 rib. Then work 20 rnds in stockinette.

Shape the upper arm with one decrease round: k1, k2tog, knit to 3 sts before end, ssk, k1. Work 6 more rnds even. Stuff lightly only in the lower two-thirds so the top can flatten for sewing.

Flatten the opening and graft or BO together neatly. The arms in the image angle down and outward slightly. They are not bent. Make them soft, narrow, and relaxed.

Ears Make 2 Outer and 2 Inner

The bunny ears are short to medium in length with a rounded tip and wide lower base. They stand through the bonnet rather than flopping far outward.

Outer ear: using pale blush beige, CO 6 sts. Work flat.

1. Row 1 WS: purl.
2. Row 2 RS: k1, inc, knit to last st, inc, k1. 8 sts.
3. Row 3: purl.
4. Row 4: k1, inc, knit to last st, inc, k1. 10 sts.
5. Row 5: purl.
6. Row 6: k1, inc, knit to last st, inc, k1. 12 sts.

Work 12 rows even in stockinette, keeping first and last stitch tidy. Then shape the tip:

1. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
2. Next WS row: purl.
3. Rep these 2 rows until 6 sts remain.
4. Next RS row: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
5. Next WS row: purl.
6. Next RS row: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.

Cut yarn and pull through.

Inner ear: using pale shell pink or very light blush, work the same shape but stop after the first 10 even rows so it ends slightly smaller. Sew inner ear onto outer ear with tiny edge stitches. Do not stuff.

Fold the lower base of each ear inward by 2 or 3 stitches and sew to create the upright cupped shape shown in the image.

Clothing for the Bunny

Rose Sweater

The sweater is short-sleeved, fitted, and slightly cropped. The center front has a delicate vertical lace texture, while the sides and sleeves stay plain. This contrast is important for matching the photo.

Using dusty rose, CO 48 sts. Join in the round. Work 4 rnds in k1, p1 rib. Place markers so 18 front sts form the lace panel, 15 sts each for back and remaining body balance.

Work the front 18 sts in this 6-round lace repeat. Work all other sts knit on every round.

Lace panel, 18 sts:

1. Rnd 1: k2, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, ssk, k4, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, ssk, k2.
2. Rnd 2: knit all panel sts.
3. Rnd 3: k1, yo, k2tog, k3, yo, ssk, k2, yo, k2tog, k3, yo, ssk, k1.
4. Rnd 4: knit all panel sts.
5. Rnd 5: k2, yo, ssk, k2, yo, k2tog, k4, yo, ssk, k2, yo, k2tog, k2.
6. Rnd 6: knit all panel sts.

Repeat these 6 rounds for 14 rnds total, or until the sweater reaches the bunny waist. The sweater should end just above the start of the skirt and should not cover the hips deeply.

Now divide for sleeves and body. BO 4 sts for first underarm, knit 20 sts for front and side, BO 4 sts for second underarm, knit remaining 20 sts. Work front and back separately for 4 rows flat to create a short upper bodice opening if needed for dressing.

Sew or graft the underarm edges neatly. Pick up about 14 sts around each armhole and work 5 rnds in stockinette for tiny sleeves. BO loosely. The sleeves should sit softly above the arm midpoint and look slightly puffed only because of the body underneath, not because of gathered increases.

Cream Skirt

The skirt is soft, full, and lightly flared. It ends in a scalloped lower edge. The surface is plain stockinette so the two embroidered floral motifs stand out clearly.

Using cream, CO 72 sts. Join in the round. Work 20 rnds in stockinette.

To create the gentle flare, increase 8 sts evenly on rnd 6 and again on rnd 12. You will have 88 sts. Work straight to desired length.

For the scalloped hem, work this 4-round repeat:

1. Rnd 1: purl.
2. Rnd 2: k2tog, yo, repeat around.
3. Rnd 3: knit.
4. Rnd 4: purl.

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BO knitwise very loosely. Turn the hem so the eyelet ridge sits above the soft scallop. Lightly steam only if your yarn allows it.

At the waist, thread matching yarn through the top row and gather slightly to fit the bunny waist. Sew the skirt permanently under the sweater, or leave removable if preferred. In the photo the sweater and skirt meet cleanly with no visible waistband.

Skirt Floral Motifs

There are two small floral sprays placed near the lower left and lower right front skirt area. Each cluster includes plum flowers, tiny light centers, and green leaves or stems.

Using plum yarn, embroider one five-petal flower on each side of the skirt, each flower about 5 to 6 stitches wide. Add a second smaller blossom near each main bloom. Use satin stitch, duplicate stitch, or tiny detached chain-style knit embroidery.

Using pale yellow or cream, add two or three French-knot style centers. Using moss green, stitch a short stem with two leaves under or beside each flower group. Keep the motifs low on the skirt, leaving plenty of plain cream fabric above.

Bonnet

The bonnet is rounded and simple with a thick rolled lower edge that frames the face. Two openings allow the bunny ears to emerge through the top. The bonnet should sit low on the forehead, nearly touching the eyes but not covering them.

Using cream, CO 60 sts. Join in the round. Work 10 rnds in stockinette. These rounds will roll naturally to form the brim.

Continue in stockinette for 12 more rnds. On the next round, create two ear openings:

1. K14, BO 6, k14, BO 6, knit to end.
2. Next rnd: cast on 6 over each bound-off section.

Work 8 more rnds even. Begin crown shaping:

1. Rnd 1: k8, k2tog, repeat around. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 2: knit.
3. Rnd 3: k7, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 4: knit.
5. Rnd 5: k6, k2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 6: knit.
7. Rnd 7: k5, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
8. Rnd 8: k4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
9. Rnd 9: k3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
10. Rnd 10: k2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.

Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight. Fit the bonnet on the head, pulling the ears through the openings. Tack lightly behind the ears if you want the bonnet to stay in the exact position shown.

Wings Make 2

The wings are small, soft, and leaf-like with a subtle center vein. They sit behind the shoulders and peek out on both sides. They should not look like large fairy wings.

Using pale blush-cream, CO 3 sts. Work flat.

1. Row 1: knit.
2. Row 2: k1, inc, k1, inc, k1. 5 sts.
3. Row 3: purl.
4. Row 4: k1, inc, knit to last st, inc, k1. 7 sts.
5. Row 5: purl.
6. Row 6: k1, inc, knit to last st, inc, k1. 9 sts.

Work 6 rows even. On the RS rows, knit the center stitch through the back loop to suggest a soft ridge. Then shape the taper:

1. RS: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
2. WS: purl.
3. Rep until 3 sts remain.
4. K3tog.

Make a second wing. Sew side by side at the inner lower edges only, letting the outer tops flare apart slightly. Attach to the bunny back just below the bonnet line.

Green Shoulder Bag

The bag is a teardrop pocket with a pointed flap and long strap. It rests on the bunny’s right hip with the strap crossing from left shoulder to right side.

Using leaf green, CO 18 sts. Work flat in garter stitch for 2 rows. Then work stockinette for 16 rows.

Shape the lower bag:

1. RS: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
2. WS: purl.
3. Rep these 2 rows until 8 sts remain.
4. Work 4 rows even.

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For the flap, increase back to 12 sts by working k1, inc, knit to last st, inc, k1 on one RS row. Work 4 rows even, then decrease every RS row once again to a neat point. BO.

Make a second identical body piece without the flap if desired, or fold the same piece so the upper section becomes the flap. Sew side seams, leaving top open under the flap. Add a tiny cream stitch or button knot for closure detail.

For the strap, make an i-cord about 8 inches long. Sew to the upper back corners of the bag. Place it diagonally on the bunny body and tack lightly in two places so it stays in the exact draped position from the image.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are warm brown Mary Jane style with a rounded toe and single strap opening at the top. They fit over the lower legs and should look snug, not bulky.

Using caramel brown, CO 14 sts. Join in the round. Knit 4 rnds.

Increase for the foot base: k1, inc, knit to last st, inc, k1. 16 sts. Knit 4 rnds.

Shape the toe by working k2tog at each side marker on every other round 3 times. Continue until the front narrows but the heel remains softly rounded.

For the opening, BO 4 center top stitches on one round, then continue working remaining sts back and forth for 4 rows to create the instep opening. Rejoin yarn, pick up 4 sts over opening, and work 2 more rnds.

For the strap look, embroider or sew a narrow horizontal band across the upper opening. Slip the finished shoes onto the legs and sew invisibly in place.

Woodland Flower Accessory

This flower sits to the left of the bunny in the photo. It has deep plum petals, a green center cup, pale stamens, and two knit leaves on a stem.

Petals Make 5

Using deep plum, CO 3 sts. Work flat.

1. Row 1: knit.
2. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
3. Row 3: purl.
4. Row 4: k1, inc, k1, inc, k1. 7 sts.
5. Rows 5 to 8: work in stockinette.
6. Next RS: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. 5 sts.
7. WS: purl.
8. Next RS: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
9. WS: purl.
10. Next RS: k3tog.

Make 5 petals and sew them into a flower ring.

Center Cup

Using pale green, CO 18 sts and join. Work 4 rnds stockinette, then decrease evenly to 10 sts. Stuff with a tiny bit of wool and close. Sew to flower center.

Stamens

Using ivory, make 6 short straight stitches radiating from the center. Knot lightly at the tips with tiny pale green wraps if desired.

Leaves Make 2 and Stem

Using moss green, make two small pointed leaves in the same manner as miniature wings, about 1 inch long each. For the stem, make a narrow i-cord 2 to 3 inches long. Sew leaves near the flower base and attach the flower top to the stem.

Tied Scarf

The tied accessory on the left side of the image looks like a folded kerchief with a knot in the center and two ends. It is soft cream with narrow plum edge lines.

Using cream, CO 18 sts. Work flat in garter stitch for 18 rows, decreasing 1 stitch at each side every 4th row twice to make a slight waist. BO loosely.

Using plum, embroider one running stitch line near each long edge. Pinch the center and wrap with matching cream yarn several times to form the tied middle. The finished shape should resemble a soft bow or kerchief.

Tiny Mouse Companion

Mouse Body and Head

Using pale gray, CO 10 sts for each leg and work 8 rnds in stockinette. Make 2 legs. Join them with 2 cast-on stitches between for a total of 22 sts. Work 8 rnds for the body.

Decrease to 18 sts for the upper body and work 4 rnds. Then increase for the head to 30 sts over 2 increase rounds. Work 10 rnds even. Stuff firmly. Decrease gradually to close, matching the same smooth toy method used for the bunny.

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Mouse Arms Make 2

CO 8 sts and work 10 rnds in stockinette. Stuff very lightly. Flatten and sew closed.

Mouse Ears Make 2

CO 8 sts in pale gray. Work a tiny circular ear by knitting one small stockinette round piece or by using two simple semicircles sewn together. Attach at the top sides of the head.

Mouse Tail

Make a narrow pale pink i-cord about 2 inches long and sew to the lower back.

Mouse Dress

Using cream, CO 28 sts and work 10 rnds in stockinette. Add 2 rnds blush and 2 rnds caramel near the hem. Gather the upper edge to the mouse waist and sew in place.

Mouse Coat

Using dark blue-gray, CO 24 sts and work flat in garter stitch for 4 rows, then stockinette for 10 rows. Divide for two fronts and back so the center remains open. Make tiny short sleeves by picking up 8 sts around each arm opening and knitting 3 rnds.

Sew a small pale button detail at the neck. The coat should end above the lower dress stripes and sit slightly open at the front, matching the image.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the arms to the bunny body just below the sweater shoulder line. Attach the ears to the head first, then pull them through the bonnet openings and position the bonnet low and snug. Sew the wings behind the shoulders.

Embroider the bunny nose with muted brown or taupe yarn using a tiny inverted triangle and a short vertical line. Add a small split mouth stitch. Keep the face minimal and gentle. The expression should stay calm, sweet, and neutral.

Dress the bunny with the skirt and sweater. Stitch the shoes in place, then add the bag strap diagonally. Position the flower, scarf, and mouse as separate display pieces.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Handle the floral embroidery and wing edges gently.
• If the bonnet shifts, retack with a few hidden stitches.
• Store flat or seated to protect the skirt shape.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are the bunny eyes low and evenly spaced?
• Does the bonnet sit low with ears coming through the top?
• Is the sweater shorter than the skirt and centered at the waist?
• Are both floral skirt motifs placed low and balanced?
• Do the wings stay small and soft behind the shoulders?
• Does the green bag cross from left shoulder to right hip?
• Are the brown shoes neat and snug?
• Does the tiny mouse have a cream striped dress and dark coat?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use cool water and a gentle wool wash only when needed. Do not twist or wring. Press out moisture in a towel and reshape every part by hand. Dry flat away from direct sun or heat.

For long-term storage, wrap the doll and accessories in clean acid-free tissue and keep them in a dry box. Avoid hanging the bag or wings under tension. Add lavender sachets only if they will not touch the yarn directly.