This sweet heirloom bunny set is designed as a charming handmade rabbit doll with a soft dress, flowered apron, leaf-trim beret, tiny shoulder bag, bouquet, little envelope purse, and a matching mini bunny companion. It has the look of a collectible nursery toy, a hand-knit stuffed animal gift, and a keepsake piece for spring décor, baby shower gifting, or cottage-style display. The shapes are gentle, polished, and classic, with delicate details that give the whole set a refined boutique finish while still feeling warm, playful, and approachable for patient knitters.
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 weight wool or wool-blend in warm pale beige for head, torso, legs, arms, ears, shoes, bag, and small purse.
- Dress yarn: soft dusty sky blue in the same weight.
- Apron and collar yarn: cream or warm ivory.
- Flower yarn: soft white, butter yellow, golden yellow, muted orange, and olive green.
- Beret leaf yarn: moss green and olive green.
- Mini bunny vest yarn: oatmeal or golden beige.
- Mini bunny neck tie yarn: pale cream.
- Needles: one set of double-pointed needles in a size suitable for very firm fabric, usually US 1 to US 2, plus a spare needle for three-needle joins if desired.
- Optional straight or circular needles: same size for flat pieces such as apron, pockets, and purse flap.
- Tapestry needle for seaming and duplicate stitch.
- Small sharp scissors.
- Toy stuffing in small amounts, packed firmly and evenly.
- Black embroidery thread or fine black yarn for eyes.
- Brown or taupe embroidery thread for nose and mouth.
- Two tiny sew-on snaps or one small button for the back dress opening if you prefer a functional closure.
- Optional thin cardboard insert for the base of the shoulder bag to help it keep its shape.
- Fine florist wire is not required. The bouquet in this design is soft and knitted.
Yarn Weight, Gauge, and Fabric Goal
The fabric in the image is smooth, dense, and finely scaled. The stitches are small and even, with almost no visible gaps. That matters more than hitting an exact commercial gauge. Choose a needle size that creates a firm stuffed-animal fabric.
A practical target gauge is around 8 to 9 stitches per inch in stockinette after blocking lightly. If your fabric looks loose, go down a needle size. The bunny should hold a rounded sculpted shape without stuffing peeking through.
Finished Measurements
- Main bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall from foot sole to ear tips.
- Body only: about 8 inches tall seated or 9 inches standing.
- Mini bunny companion: about 4 inches tall.
- Shoulder bag: about 2 1/2 inches wide.
- Mini envelope purse: about 1 3/4 inches wide.
- Bouquet: about 3 inches long.
Skill Notes
This design uses small-circumference knitting, shaping, short rows, seaming, duplicate stitch, simple embroidery, and neat finishing. None of the individual techniques are extreme, but the polished look comes from care, symmetry, and patient assembly.
For the closest result, keep your shaping gradual. Stuff in small pieces, not large clumps. Check balance frequently so the bunny stands securely with the dress falling softly around the legs.
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
- m1L = make 1 left
- m1R = make 1 right
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- BO = bind off
- CO = cast on
- sl = slip
Construction Overview
The set is made in separate parts. First knit the two legs and join them into a lower body. Then shape the torso and neck, knit the head, and finish the crown. Arms and ears are worked separately and sewn on.
After the bunny is complete, knit the cream underdress, blue overskirt, cream apron panel with pockets, scalloped collar, beret, shoulder bag, bouquet, envelope purse, and mini bunny. Embroidery and duplicate stitch are added last so placement stays controlled and crisp.
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Main Bunny Legs
Legs Make 2
Using pale beige, CO 12 sts and divide evenly over needles. Join carefully without twisting. Work 6 rounds in k1, p1 rib for the ankle edge.
Change to stockinette and work 8 rounds even. Begin shaping the foot. Round 1: k1, m1R, knit to last 1 st, m1L, k1. Round 2: knit. Rep these 2 rounds 2 more times. You now have 18 sts.
Work 6 rounds even. To form the sole and toe, place the front 8 sts on one needle, back 10 sts on another. Work short-row shaping across the front 8 sts only.
Row 1: k7, wrap, turn. Row 2: p6, wrap, turn. Row 3: k5, wrap, turn. Row 4: p4, wrap, turn. Row 5: k to end, picking up wraps neatly. Row 6: p to end, picking up wraps neatly.
Resume knitting in the round for 4 rounds. Stuff the foot lightly now, especially the toe. Keep the ankle fairly narrow and the foot softly rounded, not blocky.
Work leg straight for 22 more rounds. Increase for upper leg on the final round by working k3, m1, repeated 4 times evenly around. You now have 22 sts.
Knit 12 rounds even. BO 2 sts at the inner thigh edge of each leg for joining. Place each leg on hold.
Joining Legs and Lower Body
Place one leg on needles, CO 4 sts, join second leg, knit across second leg, CO 4 sts, and knit remaining first leg sts. You now have 48 sts total.
Mark one side center as beginning of round. The newly cast-on bridges become the front and back crotch area. Work 4 rounds even, making sure the join stays tidy.
Decrease the body gently for the waist. Round 1: k to 2 sts before side bridge, k2tog, k2, ssk, knit to 2 sts before next bridge, k2tog, k2, ssk. Round 2: knit. Rep these 2 rounds 3 times total. You now have 40 sts.
Work 10 rounds even. Stuff both legs firmly and the hip area moderately. Shape the tummy very slightly by placing a touch more stuffing at the front than the back.
Torso and Neck
Continue in stockinette. Increase once around by knitting into the front and back of 4 evenly spaced stitches. You now have 44 sts. This softens the transition from waist to chest and helps the dress sit properly.
Work 12 rounds even. On the last 4 rounds, add tiny paired increases at the side fronts and side backs if you want a fuller chest under the pinafore. The photographed bunny has a gentle, not exaggerated, upper torso.
For the shoulder slope, work one decrease round as follows: k1, k2tog, knit to 3 sts before side marker, ssk, k1, then repeat for second side. Work 1 round even. Rep once more. You now have 40 sts again.
Work 4 rounds even. Begin neck decrease. Round 1: k2tog around. You now have 20 sts. Work 3 rounds even, stuffing the body firmly but not hard. The neck should feel stable because the head is large and must not flop.
Head
Increase for the head over one round: kfb in every stitch. You now have 40 sts. Knit 6 rounds even.
Next round: k4, m1, repeated around. You now have 48 sts. Knit 8 rounds even.
Next round: k5, m1, repeated around. You now have 56 sts. Knit 12 rounds even. This creates the full rounded head seen in the image. It is taller than it is wide, with softly defined cheeks and a narrow muzzle area.
To shape the face subtly, add stuffing in layers. Put the densest stuffing at the back of the head and crown. Keep the front center slightly softer so the embroidered nose can pull inward cleanly.
For the muzzle wedge, work 2 rounds with very slight front shaping. If your beginning of round is at the back, mark the front center 8 sts. On shaping round, knit to 1 st before front section, k2tog, knit across front center until last 2 sts of section, ssk, knit to end. Work 1 round even.
Now work 4 rounds even. This small reduction refines the lower face without making a snout. The sample image shows a restrained triangular muzzle, not a protruding one.
Head Crown Closing
Decrease round: k6, k2tog around. Work 1 round even. Next decrease round: k5, k2tog around. Work 1 round even. Continue in this manner, reducing the plain knit count by 1 before each k2tog round, until 14 sts remain.
Stuff the head fully and smooth any hollows. Thread yarn through remaining sts, pull closed firmly, and weave the yarn tail across the crown several times. Shape the head with your hands into a smooth oval.
Arms Make 2
Using pale beige, CO 10 sts and join in the round. Work 5 rounds in stockinette. Increase 2 sts evenly on the next round for the hand fullness. You now have 12 sts.
Work 8 rounds even. To soften the hand end, work one round of k2tog evenly to 8 sts, then 1 round knit, then increase back to 12 sts evenly. This creates the rounded paddle-like hand shape visible in the photo.
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Work 18 rounds even for the arm. Lightly stuff the hand and lower arm only. Leave the top third mostly unstuffed so the arm can lie naturally against the dress.
Flatten the upper arm opening. BO using a three-needle bind off or flat bind off. The finished arm should angle gently downward and slightly forward when sewn in place.
Ears Make 2
Using pale beige, CO 6 sts flat. Row 1 and all WS rows: purl. Row 2: k1, m1, knit to last 1 st, m1, k1. Continue increasing in this way on every RS row until you have 18 sts.
Work 18 rows even in stockinette. Begin ear tip shaping. Row 1: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Rep this decrease on every RS row until 6 sts remain.
Next RS row: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. Final WS row purl. BO. Make a second ear the same way.
Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly and seam the side edges with mattress stitch, leaving the lower 1/2 inch open. Do not stuff. The ears should be thin, refined, and upright with a tiny inward curve.
Scalloped Collar
Using cream, CO 36 sts flat. Work 2 rows garter stitch. Begin scallop and eyelet detail.
Row 1 RS: k2, yo, k2tog, k4, rep across to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 2 WS: knit.
Row 3 RS: k3, k2tog, yo, k4, rep across to last 3 sts, k3.
Work 2 rows garter. Divide into two mirrored collar leaves of 18 sts each and work separately. For each half, shape with small edge decreases every other row until the outer edge rounds softly. The photographed collar is petal-like, with shallow lobes rather than sharp points.
Finish each half with a neat BO. Steam lightly so the collar curves flat. Set aside.
Cream Underdress Base
This layer gives the dress fullness and creates the cream skirt visible between the blue side panels and the apron. Using cream, CO 72 sts and join in the round. Work 4 rounds in k1, p1 rib.
Switch to stockinette and work 10 rounds even. Increase 8 sts evenly. You now have 80 sts. Work 10 more rounds even.
Decrease evenly back to 72 sts and work 6 rounds. On the final round, purl all stitches to create a fold line between skirt and bodice if desired.
Continue in stockinette for the bodice, decreasing evenly to 48 sts. Work 10 rounds even. BO center back 4 sts to create a back opening, then work flat for 8 rows, shaping armholes slightly by binding off 2 sts at each side once.
Work short shoulder straps by continuing the front and back upper sections separately. Join at shoulders. The dress underlayer should sit close to the bunny but still allow the apron and blue outer skirt to lie over it.
Blue Overskirt and Side Panels
Using dusty sky blue, CO 84 sts and join in the round. Work 3 rounds garter stitch for a softly weighted hem.
Work 14 rounds stockinette. On the next round, decrease evenly to 72 sts. Work 8 rounds even. The skirt should look slightly gathered but not puffy. The image shows a controlled A-line shape.
For the upper blue yoke, continue only across the center front 28 sts and the side panels, leaving the apron area open to be covered later. One simple method is to work the whole piece as a skirt, then add a separate blue bib panel.
For the bib panel, CO 24 sts flat and work 14 rows stockinette. On each side, pick up 12 sts for the underarm edges if you want a sewn-in pinafore look, or keep the bib as a stitched-on panel over the cream bodice. The visual effect should be a soft square front yoke.
Sew the blue skirt layer over the cream underdress at the waist so a little cream still shows at the front center beneath the apron and collar arrangement.
Apron Front
Using cream, CO 34 sts flat. Work 4 rows garter stitch. Change to stockinette for 24 rows, keeping 2 garter sts at each edge for stability.
The apron in the photo has a gentle flare and ends just above the blue hem. Increase 1 st at each side every 8th row 3 times. You now have 40 sts.
Work until the apron reaches from upper chest to lower skirt. Finish with 4 rows garter. BO loosely.
For the top edge, gather the apron very slightly when attaching it to the bib area so it sits softly rather than flat and stiff. This small fullness helps match the elegant drape seen in the image.
Apron Pockets Make 2
Using blue, CO 12 sts. Work 10 rows stockinette with 1 garter stitch at each side edge. BO. The pockets should be small squares with slightly rounded lower corners after seaming.
Position one pocket on each lower side of the apron, equally spaced from center. Sew the sides and bottom only, leaving the top open. Angle them very slightly outward to match the reference.
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Hem Border Detail
Using olive, butter yellow, and cream, add a line of tiny flower-bud accents near the lower apron edge using duplicate stitch. Space them evenly. Each motif is just a few stitches tall and should read as miniature buds rather than full flowers.
Keep the border delicate. Too much embroidery will overpower the soft look. In the image, this detail forms a refined row that supports the larger floral pocket motifs without competing with them.
Daisy Motifs for Bib and Pockets
The flower on the chest is centered on the blue bib. Each pocket carries one matching daisy. Make the petals with duplicate stitch or tiny applied knitted petals.
For a neat knitted approach, make each petal as a tiny leaf shape. CO 2 sts in cream. Row 1: kfb, k1. Row 2: p. Row 3: k1, kfb, k1. Row 4: p. Row 5: ssk, k1, k2tog. BO. Make 6 petals for each daisy.
For each flower center, using golden yellow or muted orange, CO 6 sts, join, and work 3 rounds stockinette. Thread yarn through live sts and pull closed into a tiny puff circle. Stitch the center over the petal bases.
For the leaves, make 2 small pointed leaves under each flower. CO 2 sts in olive. Increase to 4 sts, work 2 rows, then decrease back to 2 sts and BO. Attach one leaf to each side.
Arrange the chest daisy first, then match the pocket daisies in scale. The bib flower should be a little larger than the pocket flowers. Keep petals slightly lifted at the edges for a dimensional garden feel.
Beret
Using pale beige, CO 64 sts and join in the round. Work 6 rounds in k1, p1 rib. Increase evenly to 80 sts on the next round.
Work 12 rounds stockinette. Increase evenly to 96 sts. Work 8 rounds even. This gives the soft beret fullness that sits gently over the head rather than hugging it tightly.
Begin crown decrease. Place 8 markers, evenly spaced. On decrease round, knit to 2 sts before each marker, k2tog, slip marker, ssk. Work 1 round even. Repeat these 2 rounds until 32 sts remain.
Work one plain round, then k2tog around to 16 sts. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close. Lightly block into a soft round cap with a slightly slouched crown.
The ribbed band should fit low over the forehead. When placed on the bunny, it sits just above the eyes and leaves room for the embroidered nose and cheeks to remain visible.
Beret Leaf Garland
Make 5 small leaves in two shades of green. For each leaf, CO 2 sts. Row 1: kfb in both sts. Row 2: p. Row 3: k1, m1, k2, m1, k1. Row 4: p. Row 5: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. Row 6: p. Row 7: ssk, k2tog. BO.
Stitch the leaves in a slightly curved line across the front right side of the beret. Overlap them gently so they look like an embroidered leafy spray rather than separate scattered pieces.
Add a faint stem line under the leaves using olive duplicate stitch or backstitch. Keep it subtle and light.
Shoes
The bunny’s feet are knitted as part of the legs, but the shoe look is enhanced with shaping and embroidery. Using matching beige, embroider a small strap line across each instep and a subtle sole seam around the lower edge.
If you want more definition, add a second line of backstitch for the strap opening. The finished look should resemble simple soft Mary Jane shoes in the same yarn color as the bunny body.
Shoulder Bag
Using pale beige, CO 18 sts flat. Work 20 rows in stockinette with 1 garter stitch at each side edge. This rectangle becomes the body.
Fold so the lower portion forms front and back, leaving the top section for the flap. Sew side seams. For the flap, continue on one side only for 6 rows, then decrease 1 st at each end every RS row 3 times to round the corners. Work 2 rows even and BO.
Knit a narrow i-cord about 14 inches long for the strap. Sew each end securely inside the upper bag sides. Add one tiny knitted circle or a small covered button at the front center under the flap. Sew the flap so it closes visually over the button.
The bag in the image is softly rectangular, not bulky. A light insert of felt or cardboard in the base may help it hold shape, but keep the overall finish gentle and fabric-like.
Mini Envelope Purse
Using pale beige, CO 14 sts. Work 8 rows stockinette. Fold upward for the purse body. Continue on the top section for 4 rows, then shape the flap by working k2tog at each end on every RS row until 6 sts remain. BO.
Sew the side seams. Add a tiny decorative stitch or seed-stitch nub at the flap point to imitate a clasp. This piece sits on the table in front of the bunny and should look scaled to fit a miniature note.
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Bouquet
Make 3 cream daisies and 2 golden flowers. Use the same tiny petal construction as the apron flowers, but make the petals slightly longer by adding 2 extra plain rows before the decrease.
For each stem, knit a slender i-cord 2 to 2 1/2 inches long in cream or pale yellow. Join the flowers together at the base and wrap with matching yarn several times to create a tied bouquet handle.
Trim ends neatly and stitch securely so the bouquet stays together. The bouquet should look soft and plush, not stiff. Spread the flower heads in a slightly fan-shaped cluster.
Mini Bunny Companion
Body and Legs
Using pale beige, CO 10 sts for each leg and knit two tiny legs in the round for 10 rounds each. Join with 2 bridge sts at front and back for a total of 24 sts.
Work 8 rounds even. Stuff lightly. Decrease to 20 sts for the waist and work 4 rounds. Increase back to 24 sts for the chest and work 4 rounds.
Head
Decrease to 12 sts for the neck and work 2 rounds. Increase to 24 sts for the head. Work 8 rounds even. Stuff firmly but lightly enough to keep the scale soft. Decrease gradually until closed.
Arms and Ears
Arms: CO 6 sts each and knit 10 rounds. Stuff the hand end only. Flatten and sew to sides.
Ears: CO 4 sts flat. Increase to 10 sts, work 8 rows even, then decrease to 2 sts and BO. Sew on close together so they stand upright with a slight inward tilt.
Mini Bunny Clothing
Knit a tiny vest front in oatmeal or golden beige. CO 14 sts, work 10 rows stockinette, then BO center 4 sts for the neckline and finish each shoulder separately for 2 rows. Make a matching back or stitch the front onto the body as a vest panel.
Embroider two small cream buttons down the center front. Add a simple cream neck tie by threading a fine strand around the neck and knotting it softly at the front side.
The mini bunny is seated in the image. When finishing, shape the lower body so it balances naturally in a sitting pose.
Assembly Order
- Sew the inner leg openings closed neatly and finish stuffing the lower body.
- Attach arms at the shoulder line, angled slightly downward.
- Sew ears to the head crown, with the bases close enough to look alert but not crowded.
- Add the collar around the neck.
- Dress the bunny in the cream underdress and blue overskirt structure.
- Attach the apron front and pockets.
- Place and sew floral embellishments.
- Set the beret on the head and tack invisibly in a few places.
- Finish the bag, purse, bouquet, and mini bunny.
Facial Embroidery Placement
Use black thread for the eyes. Place them low on the face, well below the midpoint of the head and fairly wide apart. In the image, the eyes are tiny vertical almond-like marks, not large round dots.
For the nose, stitch a small inverted triangle in taupe or brown at the lower center face. Pull gently to create a slight indent. Extend a short vertical line downward, then add two tiny curved mouth lines.
Do not add blush unless you want a softer toy look than the reference. The photographed face is minimal, calm, and classic.
Dress Proportion Notes
The cream collar is broad and rounded. The blue bib is soft and square. The cream apron covers the center front and carries the floral storytelling detail. The blue side skirt remains visible on both sides, framing the apron.
Keep the skirt full enough to swing outward slightly, but not so full that it hides the legs entirely. The hem should sit high enough to reveal the shoes.
Finishing Tips for Accurate Styling
- Head shape: smooth, slightly oval, with a tapered muzzle.
- Ears: tall, slim, upright, and close in scale to the head.
- Arms: narrow and softly weighted, ending below the apron top.
- Feet: rounded with a neat shoe impression.
- Beret: low on the forehead with leaf detail to one side.
- Apron flowers: centered, tidy, and slightly dimensional.
- Accessories: soft, coordinated, and understated.
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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Check the bunny from the front before securing everything permanently. The ears should match in angle, the arms should hang evenly, and the beret should sit low but not cover the eyes. Center the apron and bib flower carefully.
Once all clothing is fixed, embroider the face last. This helps you place the features in balance with the hat, collar, and shoulder line. A tiny change in eye spacing can dramatically affect the expression, so test the placement first with pins or thread marks.
Care Notes
Because this piece includes embroidery, layered clothing, and small applied details, gentle care is best. Dust lightly and handle with clean hands. Avoid rough play if you want to preserve the refined look of the flowers, leaves, and miniature accessories.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Both legs are equal in length and stuffed evenly.
- Head is firmly filled and sits straight on the neck.
- Ears match in height and angle.
- Collar lies flat and even.
- Apron is centered and pockets are symmetrical.
- All daisy motifs are securely attached.
- Bag strap length looks balanced against the bunny’s height.
- Mini bunny, bouquet, and purse are scaled neatly to the main figure.
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Spot clean only with a barely damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Do not soak, machine wash, or twist dry. Press moisture out with a towel and reshape while drying flat away from direct heat or sun.
Store in a dry place with tissue support under the beret and skirt if displaying long-term. Keep away from heavy humidity, rough friction, and dark dye transfer. If packed seasonally, wrap accessories separately so embroidery and small pieces stay crisp and protected.
