Ranunculus Petal-Tier Bunny – Knitting

This elegant knitted bunny set is designed to look like a soft heirloom toy with boutique details and a gentle spring palette. The main bunny wears a petal-tier dress, tiny Mary Jane shoes, and a rounded beret trimmed with blossoms, while the matching mini bunny and accessories create a charming gift set. If you love searching for a knitted stuffed rabbit, heirloom bunny doll, handmade nursery decor, baby shower gift, or collectible soft toy, this design brings all of those favorite details together in one sweet project.

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

Materials

• Sport or light DK weight yarn in soft beige for the bunny bodies
• Sport weight yarn in blush pink, pale cream, and dusty rose for the dress tiers, flowers, and accessories
• A very small amount of muted green for flower stems and leaves
• Two pairs of straight needles or double-pointed needles in sizes suitable for tight toy knitting
• One smaller needle size for edgings, straps, flowers, and neat trims
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Toy stuffing
• Black embroidery thread or tiny black safety eyes if preferred
• Brown embroidery floss for nose and mouth
• Thin craft wire for the bouquet stems if you want a firmer finish
• Light cardboard circle for the box base and lid support, optional
• Small snap, hidden stitch closure, or secure sewn closure for the round box, optional

Yarn Colors

• Main Body: warm oatmeal beige
• Dress Bodice: pale blush pink
• Top Petal Tier: blush pink
• Middle Petal Tier: pale cream washed with soft pink
• Lower Petal Tier: deeper dusty rose pink
• Beret: beige with blush, cream, and dusty pink flowers
• Shoes: beige
• Round Box: beige, blush, cream, green floral top
• Bouquet: blush, cream, rose, and green
• Loose Bow: cream and blush marl or alternating stripes

Finished Size

The main bunny stands about 11 to 12 inches tall from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head, not including the beret. The mini bunny stands about 5 inches tall. The round floral box is about 2 inches across. The bouquet is small enough to sit in front of the bunny, and the loose bow is scaled to rest beside the set as shown.

Gauge and Fabric Notes

Use a firm toy gauge. The knitted fabric in the image is smooth, dense, and well-filled, with almost no stuffing visible through the stitches. If your fabric looks open, go down a needle size. The body, limbs, head, and accessories should all feel structured but still soft when squeezed.

The dress petals should hold a gentle curved edge. This works best if your increases are even and your bind-off is flexible but not loose. The beret should be round and softly slouched, never floppy. The tiny flowers should be lightly stuffed or layered so they sit proud on the hat.

Construction Overview

• Main bunny is worked in separate pieces and seamed
• Head is shaped to be rounded with a slightly narrower chin
• Long flat ears are attached low at the sides of the head
• Arms and legs are softly tubular with rounded ends
• Dress is made in a fitted bodice with three overlapping petal tiers
• Shoes are separate and very close-fitting
• Beret is knitted separately and decorated with flowers
• Mini bunny mirrors the same silhouette in smaller proportions
• Round box, bouquet, and loose bow complete the scene

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• St = stitch
• Sts = stitches
• Kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• K2tog = knit 2 together
• Ssk = slip, slip, knit
• Inc = increase 1 stitch by preferred method
• Dec = decrease 1 stitch by preferred method
• Rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

📌Thank you for reading the article

Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Each leg should be short, softly rounded, and slightly plump at the foot, tapering very gently as it rises. The legs in the image are not long. They create a sweet childlike proportion under the dress.

1. Cast on 14 sts in beige.
2. Work 4 rows in K1, P1 rib.
3. Increase to 18 sts evenly across next RS row.
4. Work 10 rows in stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
5. Shape the foot by working 1 row K, 1 row P, then on next RS row work K6, Kfb, K4, Kfb, K6. You now have 20 sts.
6. Work 5 rows even.
7. On next RS row, K2tog, K16, ssk. You have 18 sts.
8. Work 6 rows even.
9. Decrease 2 sts evenly across next RS row to return to 16 sts.
10. Work 10 rows even for lower leg.
11. Bind off.

Sew the leg seam neatly. Stuff the foot firmly and the upper leg a little more lightly. Flatten the top edge when closing later so the legs sit naturally under the body.

Body

The body is pear-shaped but subtle, not overly wide. It supports the dress without creating bulk. Begin at the lower torso and work upward to the neck.

1. Cast on 28 sts in beige.
2. Work 2 rows in stockinette.
3. Increase 4 sts evenly across next RS row. You have 32 sts.
4. Work 8 rows even.
5. Increase 4 sts evenly across next RS row. You have 36 sts.
6. Work 10 rows even.
7. On next RS row, decrease 4 sts evenly across. You have 32 sts.
8. Work 6 rows even.
9. Decrease 4 sts evenly across next RS row. You have 28 sts.
10. Work 4 rows even.
11. Decrease 4 sts evenly across next RS row. You have 24 sts.
12. Work 4 rows even.
13. Decrease 4 sts evenly across next RS row. You have 20 sts.
14. Work 4 rows even for upper chest and shoulder area.
15. Bind off.

Make a second identical body piece. Seam sides and lower edge, leaving neck edge open. Stuff firmly at the base and more lightly toward the top so the neck can be shaped cleanly.

Head

The head is the visual focus of the piece. It is almost round, but the lower face narrows slightly to create a gentle muzzle area. The cheeks are softly full, not exaggerated.

1. Cast on 18 sts in beige.
2. Work 2 rows in stockinette.
3. Increase 1 st at each end of next RS row. Repeat this increase every other row 6 more times. You have 32 sts.
4. Work 12 rows even.
5. Increase 1 st at each end of next RS row twice more, every other row. You have 36 sts.
6. Work 8 rows even.
7. Shape upper head by decreasing 1 st at each end of next RS row, then every other row 6 times. You have 22 sts.
8. Work 2 rows even.
9. Decrease 1 st at each end of every RS row 4 times. You have 14 sts.
10. Bind off.

Make a second identical head piece. Before fully closing, use extra stuffing in the forehead and cheeks. Keep the muzzle area smooth rather than overstuffed. After seaming, use small ladder stitches to indent the lower center of the face very gently so the embroidered nose and mouth sit correctly.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, flat, and softly drooping. They are not pointed sharply. Each ear widens slightly below the tip, then narrows toward the base.

1. Cast on 8 sts in beige.
2. Work 2 rows in stockinette.
3. Increase 1 st at each end of next RS row. You have 10 sts.
4. Work 4 rows even.
5. Increase 1 st at each end of next RS row. You have 12 sts.
6. Work 10 rows even.
7. Increase 1 st at each end of next RS row. You have 14 sts.
8. Work 12 rows even.
9. Decrease 1 st at each end of next RS row.
10. Work 3 rows even.
11. Repeat the last 4 rows twice more until 8 sts remain.
12. Work 6 rows even for the base.
13. Bind off.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Make two pieces for each ear if you prefer a fully finished double-layer ear, or fold one ear lengthwise and seam. Use only a whisper of stuffing at the base if desired. The ears in the image hang close to the head and are not thick.

Arms Make 2

The arms are simple cylinders with a rounded hand end. They are medium length, ending just below the bodice line. They hang straight with a slight forward curve.

1. Cast on 10 sts in beige.
2. Work 2 rows in stockinette.
3. Increase 2 sts evenly across next RS row. You have 12 sts.
4. Work 18 rows even.
5. Decrease 2 sts evenly across next RS row. You have 10 sts.
6. Work 4 rows even.
7. Bind off.

Sew and stuff lightly. Flatten the top edge before attaching. Keep the hands rounded and smooth.

Facial Features

Place the eyes low enough to preserve the childlike expression. They sit well apart, roughly centered across the face and slightly above the midpoint of the muzzle. Use tiny black knots or very small safety eyes.

Embroider the nose with brown floss in a small upside-down triangle. From the center lower point, work a short vertical line and split it into a soft Y-shaped mouth. The mouth is tiny in the image, so keep the embroidery delicate.

Dress

The dress is the statement detail of the whole design. It has a close ribbed bodice and three overlapping petal tiers that resemble ranunculus petals. Each petal layer should curve outward slightly, creating a full floral silhouette without looking stiff.

Bodice

1. Cast on 44 sts in blush pink.
2. Work 6 rows in K1, P1 rib.
3. Work 8 rows in stockinette.
4. On next RS row, increase 8 sts evenly across. You have 52 sts.
5. Work 2 rows even.
6. Purl 1 row on RS to create a gentle turning ridge beneath the bodice.
7. Work 2 rows even.

This upper section should fit the bunny closely. Adjust by a few stitches if needed so it closes neatly at the back. The neckline in the image sits high and softly rounded.

Top Petal Tier

This tier is the shortest and lightest in color after the bodice. The petals are individually shaped but attached as one continuous skirt round or strip. Working them flat as repeated petal segments gives the most control.

1. With RS facing, pick up 52 sts along the lower bodice edge.
2. Work 1 row P on WS.
3. On RS, divide into 8 petal sections of 6 sts each, with 4 spacer sts distributed between sections as you prefer.
4. For each petal, work short rows over 6 sts:
   • Row 1: K6
   • Row 2: P6
   • Row 3: K1, inc, K2, inc, K1
   • Row 4: P8
   • Row 5: K8
   • Row 6: P8
   • Row 7: K2tog, K4, ssk
   • Row 8: P6
   • Bind off 6 sts loosely
5. Repeat around to form a full row of rounded petals.

If you prefer, work the whole tier as separate petals and sew them under the bodice one by one. This gives excellent definition and closely matches the image where each petal edge reads clearly.

Middle Petal Tier

This is the cream-blush layer peeking beneath the top petals. It should extend slightly farther and be set lower so the edges remain visible all around.

1. Pick up 56 sts from a row just below the top tier join or sew a separate petal strip to the inside waist area.
2. Work 1 row P.
3. Create 8 petals, slightly wider than the top tier, using 7 or 8 sts per petal.
4. Work each petal for 10 rows, increasing in the middle third, then decreasing toward the edge.
5. Bind off loosely and shape each petal with steam only if needed.

📌Thank you for reading the article

This layer should sit between the upper and lower tiers, with the pale cream color softening the overall dress. Keep the petal points rounded, not sharp.

Lower Petal Tier

The bottom layer is the deepest dusty rose shade. It is the fullest and longest tier, creating the flower-like silhouette seen in the image.

1. Pick up 60 sts lower on the skirt base or sew a separate petal strip beneath the middle tier.
2. Work 1 row P.
3. Create 8 broad petals using 8 sts per petal, with gentle increases on early rows.
4. Work each petal for 12 rows total.
5. Decrease near the final rows so the lower edge curves softly.
6. Bind off loosely.

When complete, overlap the top of this tier slightly under the middle layer. The dress should now show three scalloped petal bands, each clearly visible from the front.

Back Closure

Sew the back seam of the dress from the lower skirt upward, leaving the upper bodice open enough to dress the bunny. Close with tiny snaps, hidden loops, or neat sewn tacking stitches. Keep the closure discreet.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes resemble tiny Mary Jane flats in beige with a slim strap. They sit closely on the feet and have a neat rounded toe.

1. Cast on 12 sts in beige.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch for sole.
3. Pick up 12 sts around if making a 3-dimensional shoe, or continue flat for a seamed version.
4. Work 6 rows in stockinette, shaping 2 decreases at the center front on rows 3 and 5.
5. Bind off side and back stitches, leaving the front 4 to 5 sts for a small top edge.
6. Make a narrow strap by casting on 8 sts and working 2 rows garter.
7. Sew strap across the top side of the shoe.

Add a tiny knot or wrapped stitch at the side of each strap to echo the sweet detail seen in the image. Slip the finished shoes onto the feet and tack in place invisibly.

Beret

The beret is softly rounded, slightly oversized, and sits low enough to frame the forehead and cover the ear bases. Its brim is snug, and the upper disk relaxes gently outward.

1. Cast on 56 sts in beige using the smaller needle.
2. Work 8 rows in K1, P1 rib.
3. Switch to larger needle and increase 16 sts evenly across. You have 72 sts.
4. Work 10 rows even in stockinette.
5. Increase 8 sts evenly across next RS row. You have 80 sts.
6. Work 8 rows even.
7. Begin crown shaping by decreasing 8 sts evenly across every other row until 24 sts remain.
8. Thread yarn through remaining sts and draw closed.

Sew the beret seam if worked flat. Shape it so it domes softly rather than standing tall. The front brim should sit just above the eyes.

Beret Flowers

The hat in the image carries a cluster of soft knitted flowers in blush, cream, and pink. They are small and delicate, arranged on one side.

• Make 1 small round rose in dusty pink
• Make 1 small folded blossom in pale blush
• Make 1 cream flower with a softly ruffled edge
• Optional tiny beige leaf or base tab under the cluster

For each spiral rose, cast on 20 sts, work 1 row P, then on RS work Kfb into every stitch. Bind off on next row. Roll the strip from one end into a rose and sew the base firmly. Stitch the flowers to the beret so they angle toward the front side exactly as shown.

Assembly of Main Bunny

1. Sew and stuff legs, arms, body, head, and ears.
2. Attach legs evenly at the base of the body so the bunny can sit supported.
3. Attach arms at shoulder level, angled slightly downward.
4. Sew head to body with a firm circular seam.
5. Attach ears low at the sides of the head so they fall beside the face.
6. Dress the bunny in the petal dress.
7. Add shoes.
8. Place beret slightly tilted.
9. Embroider face last if you want to confirm final expression after hat placement.

Use tiny sculpting stitches if needed at the neck and cheek area. The face should remain calm and symmetrical.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Mini Bunny

The mini bunny is not a different character shape. It is a scaled-down echo of the main bunny, with the same dress style, same soft beige body, and a tiny matching beret. The proportions should stay very similar, just simpler and slightly firmer.

Mini Bunny Body and Head

• Reduce all main bunny stitch counts to about half or slightly over half
• Keep the head proportionally large compared with the body
• Use the same ear length ratio and the same soft droop
• Use tiny embroidered eyes and nose

A practical way to make the mini bunny is to work the main bunny pieces at around 60 percent scale. Keep limbs short and rounded. The mini dress should still show three petal tiers, but each tier can use fewer petals.

Mini Dress

1. Cast on enough sts to fit snugly around the mini torso.
2. Work a short ribbed bodice.
3. Add 3 petal tiers in blush, cream, and dusty pink.
4. Use 5 or 6 petals per tier rather than 8.

Mini Beret

Work a tiny ribbed brim, increase for the body of the beret, then shape down to the crown. Add one miniature flower cluster at the side. The mini hat should sit close to the head and mirror the main bunny hat.

Round Floral Box

The little round box at the left side of the image has a softly structured shape, a flat lid, a narrow carrying cord, and a floral arrangement on the top. It reads like a tiny bonnet box or keepsake case.

Base

1. Cast on 12 sts in beige.
2. Work a small circle or oval base using your preferred method.
3. Increase outward until the base measures about 2 inches across.
4. Work the side wall straight for 8 to 10 rows.
5. Bind off.

Lid

1. Work another flat circle slightly wider than the base opening.
2. Add 2 or 3 rows around the edge to create a shallow lid lip.
3. Optional: place light card between knitted layers for structure.

Handle Cord

Work an i-cord or narrow knitted tube long enough to drape from the box to the bunny’s side. Sew securely to opposite points near the upper edge.

Top Decoration

Embroider or knit tiny rosettes in blush, cream, and soft pink. Add a few green leaf stitches. Arrange the motif flat over the lid rather than building a tall bouquet. In the image, the floral decoration is low, tidy, and sweet.

Rolled Flower Bouquet

The bouquet resting in front of the bunny is made from tightly rolled spiral flowers in soft shades with little green leaves around the outside. It is compact and rounded.

1. Make 5 to 7 spiral flowers in blush, cream, pale pink, and slightly deeper rose.
2. For each flower, cast on 18 to 24 sts.
3. Work 1 purl row.
4. On next row, increase generously across to make the strip curl.
5. Bind off loosely.
6. Roll into spirals and stitch bases firmly.
7. Add 6 small leaves in muted green.
8. Sew flowers together into a rounded cluster.

If you want a handle, wrap floral wire or a narrow knitted stem and cover the join with yarn. The bouquet should still look soft and toy-like, not realistic.

Loose Bow

The bow in front of the set is knitted separately and not attached to the main bunny in the photo. It has two soft pointed loops and a center wrap.

1. Cast on 8 sts in cream-blush marl or alternate cream and blush rows.
2. Work 20 rows in stockinette.
3. Decrease 1 st at each end every 4th row twice to taper slightly.
4. Bind off.
5. Make a second identical piece.
6. Sew the two pieces at the center so they form bow loops with pointed ends.
7. Wrap center with a narrow strip and sew at the back.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Shape the loops so they sit gently open. Keep the bow soft and lightly padded only if needed.

Styling Notes for Accuracy

• The main bunny body is slim and upright, not round and chunky
• The head is larger than the body width, creating a tender baby-animal look
• The ears hang beside the face and do not stand up
• The dress bodice is plain and fitted, with the beauty concentrated in the petal tiers
• The petal tiers must overlap clearly, with the darkest layer at the bottom
• The shoes should remain very small and delicate
• The beret should be soft, rounded, and decorated only on one side
• The mini bunny should feel like a true companion piece, not a different toy

Tips for New Knitters

If you are newer to toy knitting, work one piece at a time and compare it to the full silhouette often. The most important details are the head shape, the low ear placement, and the layered petal skirt. Even simple stitches look elegant when the shaping is careful and the seams are tidy.

Stuff in small amounts and smooth with your fingers as you go. This helps avoid lumps. When sewing pieces together, pin first and step back to check the angles. Tiny adjustments make a big difference in soft toy faces and posture.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Assemble the main bunny fully before placing the beret permanently. Check that the head sits centered and the ears drape evenly. Add the eyes first, then the nose, then the short mouth stitch. If needed, make one tiny stitch beside each eye to settle the gaze and create a gentle expression.

Dress the bunny, add the shoes, and position the beret at a slight angle. Place the mini bunny, round box, bouquet, and loose bow around the main figure so the whole set feels balanced and coordinated.

Care Notes

Keep this knitted set for display or gentle play. Spot clean whenever possible. If washing is needed, use cool water, mild soap, and very light handling. Reshape the petals, ears, beret, and flowers while damp, then dry flat away from strong heat or direct sun.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Face centered and expression soft
• Ears attached low and evenly
• Dress tiers clearly layered in three colors
• Shoes snug and symmetrical
• Beret rounded, not flat
• Flower cluster balanced on one side of hat
• Mini bunny matches the main bunny style
• Round box, bouquet, and bow complete the set

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the set in a clean, dry place. To prevent stretching, keep the bunny standing or lying flat with accessories nearby rather than hanging by the box cord. For long-term preservation, wrap each piece loosely in acid-free tissue and avoid damp rooms, pressure from heavy objects, and frequent rubbing on delicate flower details.