Nasturtium Porch-Peplum Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted set captures the feeling of a cottage garden afternoon, with a soft bunny dressed in a peplum frock, puff sleeves, floral trim, a beret with leaf and blossom details, tiny shoes, a crossbody leaf bag, and sweet little companions. It is a lovely choice for knit doll collectors, handmade gift shoppers, nursery decor lovers, and anyone searching for an heirloom stuffed animal, artisan toy, collectible bunny doll, or boutique knitted gift with rich seasonal detail.

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 recreates the full scene shown in the image as a coordinated knitted set.

You will make:

• a standing bunny with long ears and a softly rounded face
• a cream beret decorated with leaves, vines, and a mustard-orange flower
• a cream dress with puff sleeves, a raised peplum, and a warm peach hem
• three-dimensional leaf and flower decorations across the bodice and skirt
• a small green leaf-shaped crossbody satchel
• tan Mary Jane shoes
• a tiny clasp purse
• a flowering stem bouquet held in the bunny’s hand
• a very small dog companion in a floral dress and brown beret

The proportions matter in this design. The head is slightly larger than the torso, the ears are long but not narrow, the body is compact, and the skirt sits wide and bell-shaped at the bottom. The embellishments are placed with intention, so take time while arranging the leaves and flowers before sewing them permanently.

Skill Level

Advanced beginner to intermediate.

The shaping is straightforward, but the finish depends on neat seaming, careful stuffing, and patient placement of small decorative pieces.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in light taupe for bunny body
• DK weight yarn in soft cream for hat and dress upper sections
• DK weight yarn in warm peach for skirt hem, shoes, and purse
• DK weight yarn in leaf green
• DK weight yarn in mustard yellow
• DK weight yarn in orange
• DK weight yarn in rust red
• DK weight yarn in dark brown for dog ears, dog beret, and facial stitching accents
• a tiny amount of black yarn or black embroidery thread for eyes if preferred
• toy stuffing
• 2.75 mm needles for most pieces
• 2.5 mm needles for very small accessories
• set of double-pointed needles or magic loop supplies for small circumference knitting
• tapestry needle
• stitch markers
• waste yarn
• small piece of thin card or felt for shoe soles if you want firmer feet
• optional 6 mm safety eyes, though stitched eyes match the image better
• small metal clasp frame for the purse, around 3 cm wide, optional

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on 2.75 mm needles after light blocking.

Gauge is important because this bunny should look compact and finely worked. The fabric needs to be dense so the stuffing does not show through.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 10 to 11 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including ears
• Ears add about 2 inches above the hat
• Dog companion: about 3 inches tall seated
• Leaf satchel: about 1.5 inches tall
• Purse: about 1 inch wide

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• K = knit
• P = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• rep = repeat
• sl = slip
• pm = place marker

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General Notes

• Most pieces are knitted flat and seamed unless noted otherwise.
• Leave long tails for sewing whenever a piece will be attached later.
• Stuff firmly but gently. Overstuffing will distort the neck and face.
• For the cleanest look, mattress stitch all visible seams.
• The floral decorations are separate knitted appliqués sewn on after the clothing is finished.
• Read through the full dress and assembly sections before attaching any leaves or flowers.

Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using body color, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Begin with a WS row and work in stockinette.
2. Row 7: K1, M1L, knit to last stitch, M1R, K1. 16 sts.
3. Rows 8 to 18: Work in stockinette.
4. Row 19: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 14 sts.
5. Rows 20 to 28: Work in stockinette.

Do not bind off the second leg.

Bind off the first leg and set aside. Work the second leg to match, ending with a WS row. On the next RS row, knit across second leg, CO 4 sts, then knit across first leg. You now have 32 sts for the joined lower body.

Body

1. Work 6 rows in stockinette.
2. Next RS row: K7, k2tog, K14, ssk, K7. 30 sts.
3. Work 5 rows even.
4. Next RS row: K6, k2tog, K14, ssk, K6. 28 sts.
5. Work 5 rows even.
6. Next RS row: K5, k2tog, K14, ssk, K5. 26 sts.
7. Work 4 rows even.

The torso in the image is short and rounded. Do not lengthen it, or the peplum waistline will sit too low.

Shape chest and shoulder area:

1. Next RS row: K4, M1L, K8, M1R, K2, M1L, K8, M1R, K4. 30 sts.
2. Work 3 rows even.
3. Next RS row: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, K2. 28 sts.
4. Work 1 WS row.
5. Next RS row: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, K2. 26 sts.

Next row divide for neck opening if knitting flat, or continue straight if you prefer to seam later and close with a gathered neck.

The simplest method for this design is to keep the body as one piece and seam up the back. Bind off all 26 sts loosely.

Arms Make 2

Using body color, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 14: Work in stockinette.
2. Row 15: K1, M1L, knit to last stitch, M1R, K1. 14 sts.
3. Rows 16 to 24: Work in stockinette.
4. Rows 25 to 28: Work in garter stitch.

Bind off. Seam each arm, lightly stuff the lower two-thirds only, and keep the upper section flatter so it tucks neatly into the puff sleeve.

Head

The head is softly oval with a flatter lower face and a gentle forehead curve. It should not be perfectly round.

Using body color, CO 18 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, K1. 20 sts.
3. Row 4 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, K1. 22 sts.
4. Row 6 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, K1. 24 sts.
5. Row 8 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, K1. 26 sts.
6. Row 10 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, K1. 28 sts.
7. Rows 11 to 28: Work even in stockinette.
8. Row 29 RS: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 26 sts.
9. Row 31 RS: Repeat decrease row. 24 sts.
10. Row 33 RS: Repeat decrease row. 22 sts.
11. Row 35 RS: Repeat decrease row. 20 sts
12. Row 37 RS: Repeat decrease row. 18 sts.

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Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and close top.

Sew back seam. Stuff firmly, but shape the muzzle area with your fingers so the lower face stays broad and gentle.

Ears Make 2

Using body color, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, K1. 10 sts.
3. Row 4 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, K1. 12 sts.
4. Row 6 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, K1. 14 sts.
5. Rows 7 to 24: Work even in stockinette.
6. Row 25 RS: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 12 sts.
7. Row 27 RS: Repeat decrease row. 10 sts.
8. Row 29 RS: Repeat decrease row. 8 sts.
9. Row 31 RS: K1, k2tog, K2, ssk, K1. 6 sts.
10. Row 33 RS: K1, k2tog, ssk, K1. 4 sts.

Bind off. Make a second matching ear.

Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly and seam. Do not stuff. Shape with a shallow curve at the base so the ears stand upright.

Face Shaping

Before joining the head to the body, mark the face.

• Eyes sit low on the face, wide apart, and slightly above the nose line.
• The nose is a small upside-down triangle built from short stitches.
• The mouth forms a neat Y shape, but the lower split is short.

Use matching body yarn to make two subtle indentations from the lower eye area toward the side seams. This creates the soft cheek contour visible in the image.

Embroider the eyes with black yarn using small satin stitches or very tiny French-knot style stitches. Each eye is narrow, vertical, and understated.

For the nose, use dark brown or black. Work a tiny horizontal base, then bring stitches upward to form a plump triangular point. Continue with one line downward and split it into two short curved mouth lines.

Joining Head and Body

Sew the body seam. Stuff the legs and torso firmly, keeping the waist narrow enough to fit beneath the dress.

Ladder stitch the head to the top of the body. Add extra stuffing into the neck area just before closing so the head does not tilt forward.

Attach the arms slightly below the neck line and angle them downward.

Sew the ears on top of the head, spaced so they rise through the beret opening area and remain visible above the hat.

Beret

The hat is a soft cream beret that sits low on the forehead and wraps around the base of the ears. It has a small rolled or turned band and a rounded crown.

Using cream yarn and working in the round, CO 56 sts. Join carefully.

1. Rounds 1 to 5: K1, P1 rib.
2. Round 6: Knit all sts.
3. Round 7: K7, M1R around. 64 sts.
4. Rounds 8 to 15: Knit.
5. Round 16: K8, k2tog around. 57 sts.
6. Round 17: Knit.
7. Round 18: K7, k2tog around. 50 sts.
8. Round 19: Knit.
9. Round 20: K6, k2tog around. 43 sts.
10. Round 21: Knit.
11. Round 22: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
12. Round 23: Knit.
13. Round 24: K4, k2tog around. 29 sts.
14. Round 25: K3, k2tog around. 22 sts.
15. Round 26: K2, k2tog around. 15 sts.

Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, and close.

Try the beret on the bunny before sewing decorations. The ears should rise above it, not pass through holes. The hat sits below the ear bases, framing the forehead.

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Beret Leaf Appliqué Make 2 Small and 1 Large

Using green, CO 3 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb, K1, kfb. 5 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, kfb, K1, kfb, K1. 7 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, K1. 9 sts.
7. Rows 7 to 9: Work in stockinette.
8. Row 10: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 7 sts.
9. Row 11: Purl.
10. Row 12: K1, k2tog, K1, ssk, K1. 5 sts.
11. Row 13: Purl.
12. Row 14: K2tog, K1, ssk. 3 sts.
13. Row 15: P3tog.

Embroider radiating veins from the center outward using surface stitches.

For the larger leaf on the hat, add two extra increase rows before the straight section.

Beret Flower

Make one five-petal flower in mustard with a rust-orange center.

Petal method:

• CO 7 sts for each petal.
• Work 2 rows stockinette.
• Row 3: K1, k2tog, K1, ssk, K1. 5 sts.
• Row 4: Purl.
• Row 5: K1, sl1-k2tog-pass slipped stitch, K1. 3 sts.
• Row 6: P3tog.

Make 5 petals. Sew in a ring. Add a dense orange center using wrapped stitches.

Work a tiny trailing vine with green yarn by making a narrow i-cord about 1.5 inches long. Couch it onto the hat in a loose curl.

Dress

The dress has three main visual zones:

• a cream yoke and bodice
• short puff sleeves
• a skirt with a pale peach lower band and rich floral decoration concentrated near the hem

The peplum sits over the skirt and ends around upper hip level. It is soft, not stiff, and lightly flared.

Bodice Front

Using cream, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in K1, P1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 10: Stockinette.
3. Row 11 RS: K2, M1L, K8, M1R, K4, M1L, K8, M1R, K2. 28 sts.
4. Rows 12 to 18: Stockinette.
5. Row 19 RS: K2tog, knit to end. 27 sts if worked asymmetrically, or keep 28 and gather later. For best symmetry, keep 28 and shape neck after seaming.

Bind off loosely.

Bodice Back Make 2

Using cream, CO 14 sts for each back half.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 18: Stockinette.

Bind off. These two pieces create a back opening for dressing the bunny more easily.

Puff Sleeves Make 2

Using cream, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 3: Stockinette.
2. Row 4 RS: K2tog across. 12 sts.
3. Rows 5 to 10: Stockinette.
4. Row 11: Kfb across. 24 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 14: Stockinette.

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Bind off. Sew short seam to form a sleeve cap tube. Gather top and bottom edges very lightly so the sleeve becomes rounded and plump.

Peplum

Using cream, CO 48 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 2: Garter stitch.
2. Row 3 RS: K1, M1L every 6 sts across. 55 sts.
3. Rows 4 to 14: Stockinette.
4. Rows 15 to 16: Garter stitch.

Bind off loosely.

This piece wraps around the waist seam. It should flare gently, not become a full overskirt.

Skirt

Using cream, CO 72 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 14: Stockinette.
2. Row 15 RS: K3, M1R across. Increase evenly to 84 sts.
3. Rows 16 to 24: Stockinette.
4. Change to warm peach.
5. Rows 25 to 34: Stockinette.
6. Rows 35 to 38: Garter stitch.

Bind off loosely.

Gather the top edge to fit beneath the peplum and attach to the bodice waist seam.

The skirt in the image widens smoothly and sits just above the ankles. It is not floor length.

Dress Floral Embellishments

This section defines the look of the entire design. Place the flowers densely around the lower skirt, lightly across the bodice, and in a diagonal trail leading toward the satchel strap.

Round Nasturtium Leaves

The leaves are nearly circular with a central stem point and radiating veins.

Make 10 to 14 leaves in mixed sizes.

Small leaf:

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K2, kfb. 6 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: Kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb. 8 sts.
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: Kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb. 10 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 10: Stockinette.
9. Row 11: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 8 sts.
10. Row 12: Purl.
11. Row 13: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 6 sts.
12. Row 14: Purl.
13. Row 15: K2tog, K2, ssk. 4 sts.
14. Row 16: P4tog.

Add embroidered veins in lighter or darker green. Pull the center slightly with a stitch from back to front to create the shallow dish shape seen in the image.

For medium and large leaves, add one or two more increase rows and two more straight rows.

Nasturtium Flowers

Make at least 9 flowers in varying sizes using orange, rust, mustard, and a small amount of red-orange.

Each flower has five soft petals with a full center.

Petal method for skirt flowers:

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, kfb, K4, kfb, K1. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: K1, k2tog, K4, ssk, K1. 8 sts.
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: K1, k2tog, K2, ssk, K1. 6 sts.
8. Row 7: Purl.
9. Row 8: K1, sl1-k2tog-pass slipped stitch, K1. 4 sts.
10. Row 9: P4tog.

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Make 5 petals and sew into a circle.

For the center, wrap yarn repeatedly through the middle until slightly raised. Add a few tiny straight stitches in mustard or orange to mimic the clustered center.

Use the biggest flowers on the lower front skirt. Use medium flowers on the bodice and on the bouquet. Use the smallest flower on the hat and the dog dress.

Vines and Tendrils

Make several narrow green i-cords in lengths from 1 inch to 4 inches. Couch them to the dress as flowing vines.

For curled tendrils, knit a narrow strip:

• CO 2 sts
• Knit 8 to 14 rows
• Bind off

Steam lightly so the strip curves naturally, then sew in place with tiny stitches.

Crossbody Leaf Satchel

This bag sits on the bunny’s right side and is shaped like a large leaf.

Using green, make 2 large leaf pieces.

1. CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, K1. 7 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, K1. 9 sts.
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, K1. 11 sts.
8. Row 7: Purl.
9. Row 8: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, K1. 13 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 15: Stockinette.
11. Row 16: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 11 sts.
12. Row 17: Purl.
13. Row 18: Repeat decrease row. 9 sts.
14. Row 19: Purl.
15. Row 20: Repeat decrease row. 7 sts.
16. Row 21: Purl.
17. Row 22: K1, k2tog, K1, ssk, K1. 5 sts.
18. Row 23: Purl.
19. Row 24: P5tog.

Embroider a central vein and side veins.

Sew the two leaves together around the edges, leaving the top open. Add a very short flap if desired, but in the image the bag reads more like a flat pouch. Make a long narrow i-cord strap and sew it diagonally from the left shoulder to the right hip.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are tan-peach Mary Jane style with open top straps.

Using warm peach, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: Stockinette.
2. Row 9: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, K1. 14 sts.
3. Rows 10 to 12: Stockinette.
4. Row 13 RS: K4, k2tog, k2tog, K4. 12 sts.
5. Row 14 WS: Purl.
6. Row 15 RS: K3, k2tog, k2tog, K3. 10 sts.
7. Rows 16 to 18: Garter stitch.

Bind off. Seam heel and sole, lightly stuff toe or insert a small felt sole. Add a narrow strap across the instep with a short knitted strip sewn to each side.

Tiny Clasp Purse

Using warm peach and small needles, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Stockinette.
2. Row 7: K1, kfb, K4, kfb, K1. 10 sts.
3. Rows 8 to 12: Stockinette.
4. Row 13: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 8 sts.
5. Rows 14 to 16: Stockinette.

Bind off. Make a second piece. Sew together along sides and bottom. Add a dark stitched clasp at the top center, or fit the opening into a tiny metal purse frame if available.

Flowering Stem Bouquet

The bunny holds a thin branch-like bouquet with blossoms and leaves.

• Make one dark green or brown i-cord stem about 3 inches long.
• Add two shorter side stems.
• Knit 3 small round leaves and 3 small flowers.
• Sew the flowers and leaves along the branching stem so the bouquet angles downward from the bunny’s left hand.

The bouquet should not be thick. It looks delicate and airy in the image.

Mini Dog Companion

This tiny seated dog adds storybook charm. Keep the shape simple but expressive.

Dog Head

Using cream, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 2: Stockinette.
2. Row 3 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, K1. 12 sts.
3. Rows 4 to 10: Stockinette.
4. Row 11 RS: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 10 sts.
5. Row 13 RS: Repeat decrease row. 8 sts.

Thread yarn through remaining sts and close. Seam and stuff.

Dog Body

Using cream, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 10: Stockinette.
2. Row 11 RS: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 10 sts.
3. Rows 12 to 14: Stockinette.

Bind off. Seam and stuff lightly.

Dog Ears Make 2

Using dark brown, CO 4 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb, K2, kfb. 6 sts.
3. Rows 3 to 7: Stockinette.
4. Row 8: K1, k2tog, ssk, K1. 4 sts.
5. Row 9: Purl.
6. Row 10: P4tog.

Sew to the sides of the head, drooping downward.

Dog Arms and Legs

Make 4 tiny tubes in cream.

• CO 4 sts
• Work 6 to 8 rows i-cord
• Bind off

Sew two as arms and two as seated legs. The dog in the image sits with feet forward.

Dog Dress

Using cream, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Stockinette.
2. Row 7 RS: Increase evenly to 24 sts.
3. Rows 8 to 13: Stockinette.
4. Rows 14 to 15: Garter stitch.

Bind off. Wrap around body and seam at back.

Add one vine and one orange flower to the front center.

Dog Beret

Using brown, CO 20 sts and work in the round.

1. Rounds 1 to 3: K1, P1 rib.
2. Round 4: Knit, increasing evenly to 24 sts.
3. Rounds 5 to 7: Knit.
4. Round 8: K2tog around. 12 sts.

Thread yarn through remaining sts and close. Place the beret slightly tilted.

Dog Face

Embroider two black eyes, a small black nose, and a short mouth. Keep the expression simple and gentle.

Assembling the Dress on the Bunny

1. Sew shoulder seams of bodice front and back pieces.
2. Set the puff sleeves into the arm openings.
3. Sew side seams.
4. Gather the skirt top edge and attach to the bodice waist.
5. Wrap the peplum around the waist seam and stitch neatly over the join.
6. Fit the dress onto the bunny and close at the back with a neat seam or tiny hidden snaps if preferred.

Once the dress is on the bunny, place all leaves first. After that, add flowers. Finish by sewing the vine strands so they weave naturally among the leaves.

On the bodice, place one medium orange flower low on the right side, one smaller flower near the center, and several leaves and tendrils around them.

On the skirt, cluster the leaves and flowers heavily around the lower half, especially across the front hem. Leave a little more open space near the side seam so the composition does not become too crowded.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the shoes onto the feet if you want them fixed in place, or leave them removable.

Place the beret low across the forehead and tack it at the sides and back. Attach the flower, two small leaves, one larger leaf, and the curled vine on the right side of the hat.

Sew the satchel strap from left shoulder to right hip and anchor the leaf pouch so it rests against the skirt.

Tack the bouquet into the left hand with a few hidden stitches.

Place the tiny purse near the bunny or attach a short loop if you want it to hang from the wrist.

Check the face one final time. The eyes should be even, the nose centered, and the mouth very small. A large smile would change the look too much.

Care Notes

• Display pieces are best kept away from direct sunlight.
• Do not hang the bunny by the ears or satchel strap.
• For collectible presentation, keep the bouquet and purse lightly secured so they do not shift.
• If gifting to a child, replace tiny attachments with firmly sewn alternatives.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head larger than torso and softly oval
• Ears upright and evenly placed
• Beret sitting below ear bases
• Puff sleeves rounded, not flat
• Peplum resting over upper skirt
• Peach hem visible at skirt bottom
• Leaf satchel hanging diagonally
• Flowers concentrated mostly on lower skirt front
• Dog companion dressed and seated
• Purse and bouquet included

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only when possible using a barely damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap.

If a deeper clean is needed, remove detachable accessories first. Wash gently by hand in cool water without twisting. Press in a towel and reshape while drying flat.

Do not machine wash, do not tumble dry, and do not soak the embroidered facial features for long periods.

Store flat in a breathable cotton bag with tissue around the ears, hat decorations, and flowered skirt to protect the shaping.