This charming knitted bunny is designed as a collectible soft toy with a calm garden-porch feel. The finished set includes the long-eared bunny, a pale blue dress with morning glory vines, navy shoes, a brimmed hat with floral trim, a small basket, a decorative hand fan, and a tiny woodland companion. It is ideal for makers who love heirloom knit toys, handmade bunny dolls, nursery décor, gift knitting, and boutique-style stuffed animal patterns. The shaping is gentle, the details are sweet, and the finished piece has the polished look of an artisan toy often searched for by shoppers wanting a premium handmade rabbit doll.
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 design is worked as a fully detailed display bunny with clothing and accessories matched closely to the image. The bunny has a softly rounded head, long narrow hanging ears, a simple embroidered nose and mouth, straight tubular limbs, and slightly weighted feet.
The dress is roomy and falls just below the knees, with gentle gathering at the upper front and back. The bodice carries a floral motif, and the lower hem is covered with trailing vines, leaves, and blossom circles that echo morning glories climbing a porch trellis.
The hat is wide-brimmed and softly sloped, sitting low over the forehead. A decorative floral band trims one side. The shoes are deep navy Mary Jane style slippers with a strap look worked into the shaping.
The accessory set is important for the finished look. The bunny carries a rust-colored basket with a blossom tucked inside, holds a pale fan with painted floral details, and sits beside a tiny striped woodland friend wearing a green hat and brown cardigan.
Finished Size
- Bunny: about 16 inches tall from top of head to feet, not including hat
- Hat brim diameter: about 5 1/2 inches
- Dress length from shoulder to hem: about 7 inches
- Basket height: about 2 inches
- Fan height: about 3 inches
- Woodland companion: about 4 1/2 inches tall
Materials
- Sport-weight yarn in cream for bunny body
- Sport-weight yarn in pale sky blue for dress
- Sport-weight yarn in navy for shoes
- Sport-weight yarn in warm beige for hat and fan handle edging
- Small amounts of purple, lavender, periwinkle, teal, leaf green, olive green, rust, tan, medium brown, dark brown, ivory, and moss green
- Set of 2.5 mm and 3 mm double-pointed needles or preferred method for small circumferences
- 3 mm straight or circular needles for flat dress pieces and accessories
- Tapestry needle
- Stuffing
- Lightweight craft pellet pouch or extra stuffing for feet base
- 2 small black beads for eyes, or black embroidery yarn
- Thin cardboard or plastic canvas for the fan support if desired
- 1 tiny decorative button for each shoe strap if desired
Gauge
28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on 3 mm needles after light blocking.
Toy knitting should be firm. If your fabric looks loose or stuffing shows through, go down a needle size.
Abbreviations
- CO = cast on
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- inc = increase 1 stitch
- kfb = knit front and back
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- rep = repeat
- BO = bind off
- sl = slip
Design Notes
- The bunny is worked in separate pieces and seamed.
- The head and body are separate so the neck remains defined, just like the image.
- The dress is removable, but the floral embroidery is worked after knitting.
- The hat is removable.
- The basket, fan, and woodland companion are decorative and lightly stuffed.
- Embroidery placement matters more than exact stitch count for the floral details.
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Bunny Legs Make 2
Using cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Join carefully for working in the round. Knit 1 round.
Round 2: kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
Rounds 3 through 9: knit. This forms the rounded foot.
Round 10: k8, k2tog, k4, ssk, k8. 22 sts.
Round 11: knit.
Round 12: k7, k2tog, k4, ssk, k7. 20 sts.
Rounds 13 through 16: knit. Add a small pad of stuffing into the toe and, if desired, place a tiny pellet pouch into the foot base.
Begin leg tube. Continue in stockinette for 24 more rounds. Stuff lightly as you go. The leg should be straight and softly filled, not chunky.
BO, leaving a long tail. Flatten top edge and seam closed later when attaching to body, keeping the feet pointed forward.
Bunny Body
Using cream yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 18 sts for front lower body. Work flat in stockinette for 6 rows, beginning with a purl row.
Inc 1 st at each end of next RS row. Rep this increase every 4th row 4 more times. 28 sts.
Work straight until piece measures 4 1/2 inches from cast-on edge. Shape armhole area very gently so the body remains plump and simple.
Next row: BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 24 sts.
Work 6 rows straight. Then shape shoulders lightly.
Next row: k6, k2tog, k8, ssk, k6. 22 sts.
Work 3 rows.
Next row: k5, k2tog, k8, ssk, k5. 20 sts.
Work 3 rows and BO.
Work a matching back piece in the same way.
Seam sides and shoulders, leaving lower edge open. Stuff firmly but keep the lower body slightly wider than the upper body. The image shows a soft pear shape hidden beneath the dress, not a sharply defined waist.
Bunny Arms Make 2
Using cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 10 sts and join for working in the round. Knit 4 rounds.
Round 5: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
Continue in stockinette for 28 rounds total from cast-on. The arm is narrow, smooth, and only slightly wider at the upper arm.
Stuff lightly from wrist to just above elbow. Leave upper arm softer so it can bend inward toward the basket and fan.
BO. Flatten top edge and leave a long tail for sewing.
Head
Using cream yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 12 sts for front head. Work flat in stockinette.
Row 1 RS: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 14 sts.
Row 2: purl.
Rep the last 2 rows until you have 30 sts.
Work straight until piece measures about 4 1/4 inches from cast-on edge. The head in the image is softly oval, with broad cheeks and a gentle forehead.
Shape crown. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Work 1 WS row.
Rep these 2 rows until 14 sts remain. BO.
Make a second matching head piece.
Before seaming, mark eye placement. The eyes sit low and wide, slightly above the midpoint of the face. They are tiny, simple, and calm.
Seam head pieces together, leaving neck edge open. Add stuffing gradually, shaping a broad muzzle area. Do not overstuff the face. The image shows a smooth face, not a protruding snout.
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Ears Make 2
Using cream yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 9 sts. Work flat in stockinette.
Row 1 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 11 sts.
Row 2: purl.
Work 6 rows straight.
Next RS row: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 13 sts.
Work straight until ear measures 5 inches. The ear should be long, slim, and softly rounded at the tip, with just enough width to drape beside the face.
Shape tip. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Work 1 WS row.
Rep these 2 rows until 5 sts remain. Work k1, k3tog, k1. BO.
Make a second matching ear. Fold lower ear edge slightly when sewing so the ears begin upright at the side head seam and then fall downward naturally.
Neck Finishing and Base Assembly
Sew the head to the body using firm stitches. The neck should be stable and slightly visible above the dress neckline.
Attach legs to the lower front and lower back body, keeping them evenly spaced and straight. Attach arms high on the body so the flutter sleeves sit just above them.
Check balance before closing all seams fully. The bunny should sit with feet forward and body centered.
Facial Embroidery
Use medium brown embroidery yarn. Stitch a tiny Y-shaped nose and mouth centered low on the face. The vertical nose line is short. The mouth branches softly to each side in a delicate curve.
Add either tiny black bead eyes or small satin-stitched eyes. Keep them minimal. Oversized eyes will change the gentle expression shown in the image.
Dress Bodice and Skirt
Using pale sky blue yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 72 sts for the skirt. Work flat in garter stitch for 2 rows to create a neat hem edge that does not curl too much.
Continue in stockinette for 18 rows.
On next RS row, create soft gathering: k2tog across. 36 sts.
Work 3 rows straight.
Next RS row: k1, inc, k16, inc, k1, inc, k16, inc, k1. 40 sts. These added stitches allow the upper chest to sit smoothly after embroidery and sleeve attachment.
Work 6 rows straight. Divide for front and back opening if preferred, or continue as two separate bodice pieces for easier finishing.
For a simple version, work the front on 20 sts and back on 20 sts separately.
Front bodice: work 8 rows straight. BO center 6 sts for neck. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 st at neck edge every RS row twice. Work to shoulder height and BO remaining shoulder sts.
Back bodice: work 6 rows straight. BO center 4 sts for neck. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 st at neck edge every RS row once. Work 2 more rows and BO shoulders.
Seam shoulders. Leave back opening partially open if you want the dress removable. Side seams are sewn after sleeve attachment.
Flutter Sleeves Make 2
Using pale sky blue yarn, CO 24 sts. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
Row 3 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog through back loop. 22 sts.
Work 2 rows stockinette.
Rep these 4 rows twice more until 18 sts remain. BO loosely.
Gather inner straight edge slightly and sew over the armhole opening. The sleeve should sit like a small winged flutter cap, exactly as shown in the image.
Dress Embroidery and Applied Floral Details
This step gives the dress its signature look. Use duplicate stitch, chain stitch, lazy daisy, and small knitted appliqué circles if you enjoy dimensional detail. Work all motifs after the dress is assembled and lightly blocked.
Upper Chest Motif
- Create a trailing green vine running gently across the upper chest
- Add 2 small leaves in olive and green
- Work 2 round blossom medallions near the right chest area, one teal-blue and one purple
- Inside each medallion, embroider a white star or petal-cross detail
- Add 2 ribbon tails under the right medallion in lavender and green
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Lower Hem Vine Layout
Begin the main vine about 1 inch above the hem. Let it travel from left side across the front and around to the right, making soft loops rather than straight lines. The image shows curved climbing growth, not rigid placement.
- Use medium green for the main vine stems
- Add leaf pairs at intervals, using olive for one side and brighter green for the other to create depth
- Place blossom circles inside some loops and at some outer points
- Use periwinkle, lavender, teal-blue, and soft purple for the flowers
- Add white star centers inside the larger blooms
The bottom border should feel richly decorated but still airy. Leave areas of blue visible between motifs so the design stays elegant.
Knitted Blossom Medallions Optional Make 5 to 7
Using small scraps, CO 4 sts and join in the round. Round 1: kfb around. 8 sts. Round 2: knit. Round 3: kfb around. 16 sts. BO. Flatten into a neat circle and sew to dress. Add center embroidery afterward.
Mix flat embroidery with a few appliqué circles so the dress has a boutique handcrafted look without becoming bulky.
Shoes Make 2
Using navy yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 sts and work in the round.
Round 1: kfb around. 24 sts.
Rounds 2 through 7: knit.
Round 8: k8, k2tog, k4, ssk, k8. 22 sts.
Round 9: knit.
Round 10: k7, k2tog, k4, ssk, k7. 20 sts.
Round 11: knit.
To shape the opening, work the next 6 rows flat over center 8 sts only, turning at each end. This creates the Mary Jane top line.
Rejoin yarn around full opening and work 3 rounds knit. BO loosely.
For strap effect, pick up 5 sts at one side opening edge and knit 8 rows in garter stitch. Sew free end to opposite side and add a tiny decorative button if desired. Slip shoes onto feet and tack in place with a few hidden stitches.
Porch-Trellis Hat
Using warm beige yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
Round 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
Round 2: knit.
Continue increasing evenly by 8 sts every other round until you have 56 sts. This creates the crown top.
Work 10 rounds straight for the crown depth. The hat should be low and rounded, fitting close over the bunny head but not tight.
For brim shaping, increase 8 sts evenly on next round. Work 3 rounds knit.
Increase 8 sts evenly again. Work 3 rounds knit.
Increase 8 sts evenly again. Work 4 rounds knit, then 2 rounds garter stitch for a softly rolled brim edge. BO loosely.
Steam lightly over a bowl or shape by hand so the brim slopes downward. The brim in the image is generous and relaxed, not stiff and flat.
Hat Floral Band
Work 4 small flower shapes in periwinkle, blue, and purple. These can be embroidered directly or made as small knitted petals sewn onto one side of the crown above the brim.
Add a narrow green leaf base behind the flowers so the trim sweeps along one side rather than circling the whole hat.
Basket
Using rust yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
Round 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
Round 2: knit.
Round 3: kfb around. 24 sts.
Rounds 4 through 10: knit.
Round 11: purl to create a fold line if you want a slightly defined rim.
Rounds 12 and 13: knit. BO.
Stuff very lightly or insert a little rolled felt to help the basket keep shape. It should still look soft and knitted.
For handle, CO 20 sts flat and work 3 rows garter stitch. BO and sew each end inside the basket. Curve the handle upward.
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Basket Flower
Make one small blossom in lavender with a pale center and green base. Tuck it into the basket so it leans outward, visible from the front.
Decorative Fan
Using beige yarn, CO 3 sts. Work flat.
Row 1 RS: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
Row 2: purl.
Row 3: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 7 sts.
Continue increasing in this way on every RS row until 19 sts are reached. Work 2 rows straight.
Then decrease 1 st each side on every RS row until 7 sts remain. BO.
Lightly steam and fan out the shape. Embroider radiating lines in tan from the lower handle corner upward. Add tiny floral dots and petal marks in purple, blue, and green. Back the piece with felt or a second knitted layer if you want more structure.
Make a thin handle strip in beige or tan and sew to the lower edge. Tack the fan to the bunny hand at an angle, with painted side facing forward.
Woodland Companion
This tiny friend resembles a chipmunk or striped squirrel with a rounded head, cream belly, brown cardigan, striped tail, and a little green hat. Work it small and simple, because it serves as a supporting detail beside the bunny.
Body
Using tan yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round. Increase evenly to 20 sts over 2 rounds. Knit 14 rounds. Switch to ivory for center front belly only if using intarsia in the round, or add the belly later with duplicate stitch.
Decrease evenly to 14 sts near the neck and stuff firmly. Finish with a gathered top.
Head
Work a small rounded head in tan, starting with 8 sts and increasing to 24 sts. Knit several rounds, then decrease back to 10 sts. Stuff and close. Add tiny ears in brown or tan triangles.
Arms and Legs
Make tiny tubes in tan. The front paws should come together to hold a little acorn in warm brown.
Tail
Work a curved tail in medium brown with cream and dark brown stripe embroidery. Sew upright behind the body.
Cardigan
Knit a very small open-front brown jacket using a simple rectangle for the back and two narrow fronts. Seam over shoulders and under arms. Keep it short.
Hat
Use moss green for a tiny round cap with a narrow brim. Add a darker green band if desired. Stitch the hat in place.
Face
Add black eyes, a tiny nose, and pale stripe accents if you want a more chipmunk-like appearance.
Assembly Order
- Sew and stuff legs, body, arms, head, and ears
- Attach head to body, then arms and legs
- Embroider bunny face
- Sew dress and add sleeves
- Embroider chest and hem vines on dress
- Make and attach shoes
- Knit hat and attach floral trim
- Make basket and blossom
- Make decorative fan
- Knit woodland companion and dress it
- Style all accessories into final pose
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Styling the Finished Set
Dress the bunny first, then place the hat low enough that the ears fall from beneath the brim. Slide on the shoes and tack them in place if the doll is intended for display.
Stitch the basket to one hand or forearm so it hangs naturally. Position the fan against the other hand. Seat the woodland companion close to the bunny leg so the scale relationship matches the image.
The overall impression should be soft, tidy, and richly finished, with the pale blue dress as the visual center.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Check the face before securing the hat permanently. The eyes should be even, small, and calm. The nose should sit low, with a neat centered mouth.
Sew the ears so they begin near the side crown and then fall straight down. Place the dress so the neckline rests just below the cream neck. Smooth the skirt so the vine embroidery remains visible across the front.
Care Notes
- Display use is recommended because of the small accessories
- Keep away from rough play if bead eyes are used
- Store flat or seated to avoid bending the hat brim
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to protect the pale blue dress and purple embroidery
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head centered on body
- Ears even in length and angle
- Dress hem falls below knees
- Vines and blossoms balanced across bodice and skirt
- Hat brim shaped softly downward
- Basket, fan, and woodland friend scaled to the bunny
- Face expression gentle and symmetrical
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak if the toy contains pellets, cardboard support, or glued details.
For deeper cleaning, remove loose accessories first if possible. Pat excess moisture away with a towel and reshape while drying. Dry flat in open air.
Wrap the set in acid-free tissue for storage. Keep it in a breathable box rather than sealed plastic, especially in humid conditions. This helps preserve the knitted texture, embroidery, and hat shape for long-term display.
