Queen Anne’s Lace Apricot-Parcel Bunny – Knitting

This sweet bunny set is designed to look like a collectible heirloom rabbit doll with a soft apricot dress, a cream bonnet, tiny shoes, a crossbody satchel, a wrapped parcel, a small matching bunny, and a little bundle of Queen Anne’s lace. It has the charm of a handmade stuffed animal, a nursery keepsake, and a boutique bunny doll all in one design. If you love searching for terms like knitted bunny doll, heirloom rabbit toy, nursery bunny gift, and handmade rabbit decor, this design brings that same cozy look into a fully handmade project.

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 knitted display set.

The main piece is a standing bunny with a rounded head, long drooping ears, slim arms, sturdy legs, and a softly weighted lower body hidden under a dress.

The outfit includes a warm apricot puff-sleeve underdress, a pale apron-style overdress with embroidered Queen Anne’s lace motifs, a cream bonnet tied at the neck, Mary Jane style shoes, and a tiny flap satchel worn across the front.

The set also includes three small extras placed beside the large bunny.

• A wrapped knitted parcel tied with cream yarn
• A small bouquet of white Queen Anne’s lace stems
• A miniature bunny dressed to match the larger one

The proportions matter a great deal in this design. The head is large and calm, the torso is hidden beneath the dress, the arms are narrow, and the legs are short but stable. The clothing is not oversized. It sits neatly and softly, with gentle fullness rather than bulk.

Skill Level

Advanced beginner to intermediate.

A confident beginner can make this set if working slowly and checking shaping often. The pieces are small, but the construction is straightforward when followed in order.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream for head, ears, arms, legs, bonnet ties, and dress trim
• DK weight yarn in soft apricot for sleeves, shoe soles, underlayer accents, parcel details, and the miniature bunny clothing
• DK weight yarn in pale peach-beige for the overdress body
• Small amount of olive green for floral stems
• Small amount of white for floral heads
• Very small amount of dark brown or black for eyes
• 2.75 mm or 3 mm knitting needles for flat knitting
• Double-pointed needles in matching size if you prefer knitting small tubes in the round
• Tapestry needle
• Sharp embroidery needle
• Polyfill stuffing
• A little cotton or wool roving if you like especially smooth stuffing in the face
• Thin floral wire for the bouquet stems if a posed bouquet is desired
• Cardboard scrap for parcel shaping, optional
• Stitch markers
• Scissors

Finished Size

The main bunny is approximately 11 to 13 inches tall from foot base to bonnet top, depending on yarn and stuffing density.

The miniature bunny is approximately 3 to 4 inches tall.

The parcel is about 1.5 inches wide.

The bouquet is about 2.5 to 3 inches long.

Gauge

Gauge is less important than producing a firm fabric with no visible stuffing gaps.

Knit tightly enough that the fabric looks smooth and compact. For this bunny, a dense stockinette fabric is essential because the face must hold a sculpted, clean shape.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• G st = garter stitch
• Kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• SSK = slip, slip, knit
• BO = bind off
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• Rep = repeat

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Color Placement Notes

The overall palette is soft and muted.

• The bunny body is mainly cream
• The short sleeves are warm apricot
• The overdress is pale peach-beige
• The lower peeking layer and shoe accents are apricot
• The bonnet is cream
• The satchel is a slightly darker oatmeal beige if available, though cream also works

Main Bunny Construction Order

1. Knit legs
2. Knit body core
3. Knit head
4. Knit ears
5. Knit arms
6. Knit sleeves
7. Knit underdress and overdress
8. Knit bonnet
9. Knit shoes
10. Knit satchel
11. Embroider floral motifs
12. Assemble main bunny
13. Make parcel, bouquet, and miniature bunny

Legs Make 2

The legs are short, straight, and lightly stuffed. They must support the dress and create a stable standing silhouette.

Using cream, CO 16 stitches.

Work 4 rows in G st.

Begin leg tube shaping:

1. Row 1 RS: K all
2. Row 2 WS: P all
3. Rows 3 to 18: Continue in St st

This creates a clean, narrow cylinder once seamed.

Shape upper leg slightly:

• Next RS: K2, K2tog, K8, SSK, K2
• WS: P all
• Next 4 rows: Work even in St st

BO loosely, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Seam each leg into a tube. Stuff firmly at the lower half and lightly at the top. Keep the top inch soft so the legs can angle naturally into the body.

Body Core

The body core is simple because the dress does most of the visual shaping. Keep this section compact and slightly pear-shaped.

Using cream, CO 24 stitches.

Work in St st for 8 rows.

Increase for lower body fullness:

• Row 9 RS: K3, Kfb, repeat across to end = 30 stitches
• WS: P all
• Work 6 rows even

Shape waist:

• Next RS: K4, K2tog, repeat across to end = 25 stitches
• WS: P all
• Work 4 rows even

Shape chest:

• Next RS: K5, Kfb, repeat across = 30 stitches
• WS: P all
• Work 6 rows even

BO, leaving a sewing tail.

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Seam into a tube, close lower edge, and stuff firmly but not hard. The body should feel stable and slightly plump, not round like a ball.

Head

The head is the most important part of the entire design. It must be full, smooth, rounded, and slightly wider than it is tall. The face is calm and simple, with very small eyes and a centered split nose.

Using cream, CO 18 stitches.

Work in St st for 4 rows.

Increase rows:

• Row 5 RS: K1, Kfb across = 27 stitches
• WS: P all
• Row 7 RS: K2, Kfb across = 36 stitches
• WS: P all
• Row 9 RS: K3, Kfb across = 45 stitches

Work 12 rows even in St st.

Begin crown shaping:

• Next RS: K3, K2tog across = 36 stitches
• WS: P all
• Next RS: K2, K2tog across = 27 stitches
• WS: P all
• Next RS: K1, K2tog across = 18 stitches

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and pull tight after stuffing.

Seam the side neatly. Stuff very firmly and smooth with your fingers as you go. Concentrate extra stuffing in the cheeks and forehead. Do not overstuff the chin. The face should feel dense and smooth, not lumpy.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, soft, and droop down under the bonnet. They are narrower at the tip and wider at the base, but not exaggerated.

Using cream, CO 8 stitches.

Work 2 rows G st.

Begin ear length:

• Row 3 RS: K1, Kfb, K4, Kfb, K1 = 10 stitches
• WS: P all
• Work 10 rows even in St st

Widen ear base slightly:

• Next RS: K1, Kfb, knit to last 2, Kfb, K1 = 12 stitches
• WS: P all
• Work 8 rows even

Shape tip very softly by sewing rather than heavy decreases. BO.

Fold each ear lengthwise very slightly at the top and stitch the tip edge closed into a gentle rounded point. Leave the lower half flat. Do not stuff.

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim tubes with just a little softness. They hang straight and slightly forward.

Using cream, CO 12 stitches.

Work 4 rows G st.

Continue in St st for 18 rows.

Shape upper arm:

• Next RS: K2, K2tog, K4, SSK, K2 = 10 stitches
• WS: P all
• Work 4 rows even

BO. Seam each arm. Stuff lightly, especially near the lower hand area. Leave the top soft for sewing.

Puff Sleeves Make 2

The sleeves are separate little caps in apricot, sewn over the top part of the cream arms. They create the rounded shoulder look seen in the image.

Using apricot, CO 18 stitches.

Work 2 rows G st.

Work 6 rows St st.

Shape sleeve cap:

• Next RS: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3, SSK, K1
• WS: P all
• Rep these 2 rows 3 more times

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BO remaining stitches.

Seam lightly into a tiny curved sleeve. Slide over upper arm and tack in place so the sleeve sits puffed at the shoulder and narrow near the lower edge.

Underdress Skirt

This lower apricot layer peeks out beneath the main overdress. It should be visible at the hem only, giving a warm border under the pale top layer.

Using apricot, CO 80 stitches.

Work 6 rows G st for a tidy lower edge.

Switch to St st and work 10 rows.

Decrease for waist over 4 RS rows, evenly spaced, until 48 stitches remain.

Work 4 rows even.

BO.

Seam into a skirt ring and gather lightly at the upper edge. Attach around the lower body so only a modest band shows below the pale overdress.

Overdress Bodice and Skirt

This is the defining garment in the design. The upper section is apron-like with narrow straps and a high bib shape. The lower skirt is softly flared and embroidered with upright Queen Anne’s lace stems.

Bodice Front

Using pale peach-beige, CO 20 stitches.

Work 4 rows G st.

Continue in St st for 8 rows.

Shape arm openings gently:

• Next 2 rows: BO 2 stitches at each side once = 16 stitches
• Work 4 rows even

Shape bib top:

• RS: K6, BO 4, K6
• Next row WS: Work first side only for strap, P6
• Work 12 rows St st on these 6 stitches
• BO

Join yarn to second side and repeat for second strap.

Bodice Back

CO 20 stitches in pale peach-beige.

Work same as front up to arm opening shaping.

After arm shaping, continue straight for 12 more rows rather than creating a front gap. This gives a simple back panel hidden beneath the bonnet and ears.

BO.

Overdress Skirt

Using pale peach-beige, CO 96 stitches.

Work 6 rows G st.

Then work 22 rows in St st.

Decrease gradually toward waist over 5 RS rows until 52 stitches remain.

Work 4 rows even.

BO.

Seam the skirt into a ring. Join to bodice lower edge. Attach bodice shoulder straps to back. Dress the bunny and sew the garment closed neatly at the back.

The overdress should fall in a smooth bell shape. It should not cling closely. Light fullness at the hem is important.

Hem Layering and Edge Finish

The image shows a soft, rounded hem with the apricot underlayer peeking beneath the pale overdress.

To match this effect, position the apricot skirt first, then attach the pale overdress over it so the apricot lower band shows by about 1/4 inch.

Finish the outer hem with a firm garter border. Do not add lace edging. The clean knitted edge is part of the look.

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Bonnet

The bonnet is cream, softly fitted, and tied under the chin with long cords. It frames the face and covers the head crown while allowing the ears to hang beneath it.

Using cream, CO 54 stitches.

Work 8 rows G st.

This section forms the face-framing brim.

Continue in St st for 12 rows.

Shape back of bonnet:

• Next RS: K6, K2tog across, K end = 42 stitches approximately
• WS: P all
• Next RS: K5, K2tog across = 36 stitches approximately
• WS: P all
• Next RS: K4, K2tog across = 30 stitches approximately

Work 2 rows even.

BO.

Seam back bonnet curve. The front edge should remain broad and gently rolled outward. Do not make it stiff.

For ties, make two twisted cords about 7 inches long. Attach one at each lower front corner. Tie in a soft bow at the neck.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are tiny knitted Mary Jane style slippers in apricot. They sit neatly over the feet with an open top strap appearance.

Using apricot, CO 14 stitches.

Work 4 rows G st.

Work 8 rows St st.

Shape toe:

• RS: K1, K2tog, K8, SSK, K1
• WS: P all
• Rep these 2 rows twice more

BO.

Seam the sole and heel. Leave a top opening.

For the Mary Jane strap, pick up 4 stitches at one side of the opening, knit 6 rows in G st, then sew across the instep on the opposite side.

Slide each shoe onto the foot and stitch invisibly in place.

Satchel

The small satchel hangs diagonally across the front of the dress. It is textured, rounded at the flap, and tiny compared with the body.

Using oatmeal beige or cream, CO 12 stitches.

Work 14 rows G st.

Fold lower half upward to form the pouch.

For flap extension, continue 6 more rows on remaining top portion only, then decrease at each side every RS row twice for a rounded flap.

BO.

Seam pouch sides.

Create a narrow i-cord or twisted strap about 8 inches long. Sew to both upper pouch corners.

Add one tiny embroidered dot or French-knot style stitch to suggest the button seen on the flap.

Place the satchel so it rests at the bunny’s right side, with the strap crossing from left shoulder to right hip.

Floral Embroidery on Overdress

The Queen Anne’s lace motifs are essential. They are embroidered onto the lower half of the pale overdress and spaced in upright little clusters around the skirt front.

Use olive green for stems and white for flower heads.

Each motif is worked after the dress is sewn and attached.

• Make straight vertical stems of varied heights
• Add two or three fine side branches near the top
• Work tiny clustered white knots or short detached stitches at each branch tip

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The image shows several stems across the front, not just one central spray.

A good layout is:

• One small motif near lower left hem
• One medium motif left front
• One tall central motif
• One medium motif right front
• One smaller motif near right hem

Keep the white flower clusters airy and delicate. They should not become dense blobs. The charm comes from fine scattered detail.

Miniature Bunny

This tiny matching bunny echoes the larger design. It has upright ears rather than drooping ears, a simple cream head and body, apricot sleeves, and a pale dress.

Mini Bunny Body and Head

Using cream, CO 10 stitches.

Work 10 rows in St st for body.

Increase to 16 stitches across next RS row.

Work 8 rows even for head.

Decrease evenly back to 10 stitches over 2 RS rows.

BO, leaving a long tail.

Seam into a tiny tube with a rounded head section. Stuff lightly but enough to keep shape.

Mini Bunny Ears Make 2

Using cream, CO 4 stitches.

Work 8 rows St st.

Decrease once at center if desired, then BO.

Sew to top of head standing upright and slightly apart.

Mini Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 4 stitches.

Work 6 rows St st. BO. Roll or seam into tiny tubes and attach at sides.

Mini Dress

Using pale peach-beige, CO 20 stitches.

Work 4 rows G st, then 6 rows St st.

Decrease evenly to 12 stitches.

BO and seam around the mini bunny body.

Add a narrow apricot line at sleeve level or create tiny apricot sleeve caps with wrapped yarn stitched at each shoulder.

Embroider tiny dark eyes and a tiny nose. Keep the face extremely simple.

Wrapped Parcel

The parcel is a small soft cube wrapped with cream yarn tied in a bow.

Using beige or oatmeal, CO 14 stitches.

Work 16 rows G st.

BO.

Fold into a rectangular pouch and seam sides, or wrap around a tiny stuffed cube made from scrap filling. Insert a small piece of cardboard if you want sharper edges.

Wind cream yarn around the parcel both vertically and horizontally. Tie at top into a simple bow with loose loops.

Queen Anne’s Lace Bouquet

This accessory adds storybook detail to the setting and should look delicate.

Make 5 to 7 thin stems using green yarn wrapped around fine floral wire, or use doubled green yarn alone for a softer bouquet.

At the top of each stem, attach tiny white tuft clusters.

You can create the flower heads by:

• Making tiny white yarn knots and trimming them neatly
• Sewing several miniature detached loops together
• Wrapping white yarn around two fingers, tying at center, and trimming into very small blossom puffs

Gather the stems together and tie with a small strand of beige yarn near the lower portion of the bundle.

Assembly of Main Bunny

1. Sew the legs to the lower body, spacing them slightly apart for stability
2. Sew the body to the lower center of the head
3. Attach arms at shoulder level, angled down and slightly forward
4. Sew ears to the upper side areas of the head so they fall straight down
5. Dress the bunny in the apricot underlayer first
6. Add the pale overdress and close neatly at back
7. Sew puff sleeves over the upper arms aligned to the dress openings
8. Attach shoes firmly to feet
9. Place bonnet over head and sew a few hidden stitches at sides and back
10. Tie bonnet cords into a bow beneath the chin
11. Add satchel across the front

Check the silhouette from all sides while assembling.

The bunny should have a peaceful upright posture, a broad rounded head, a full dress with gentle drape, and neat accessories that do not overpower the figure.

Facial Embroidery Placement

The face is minimal and refined.

• Eyes are tiny, dark, and placed wide apart
• The nose is stitched in a soft Y shape at the center lower half of the face
• A very slight vertical split line extends below the nose

Place the eyes first, about halfway down the head front and slightly outward toward the side curves.

The nose should sit lower than many toy rabbit faces. This helps create the calm, natural expression seen in the image.

Shaping Tips for Accuracy

Head: keep it very round and smooth. Avoid a pointed muzzle.

Ears: the main bunny ears should droop, not stand up.

Arms: keep them slender. Thick arms will change the whole look.

Dress: the overdress should flare gently and fall almost like a small bell.

Sleeves: they must look softly puffed at the top, not long and fitted.

Bonnet: it should frame the face closely and sit low enough to soften the forehead line.

Satchel: keep it tiny. It should look like a little side pouch, not a large bag.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Once everything is attached, hold the bunny upright and adjust the ears, bonnet, and skirt fullness with your fingers.

Recheck the facial balance from the front. If one eye sits even slightly higher, correct it before knotting off permanently.

Smooth the cheeks with light finger pressure so the stuffing settles evenly. Tie the bonnet bow softly rather than tightly. The finished expression should feel gentle, tidy, and calm.

Care Notes

This bunny is best treated as a decorative handmade toy or shelf companion.

• Handle gently around the bouquet and satchel strap
• Keep away from rough play if made with fine embroidery details
• Store flat or upright in a dry place out of direct sunlight

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is firmly stuffed and smooth
• Ears hang evenly
• Eyes are symmetrical
• Nose is centered
• Dress hem shows apricot underlayer
• Flower embroidery is balanced across the skirt
• Bonnet sits neatly around the face
• Shoes are aligned evenly
• Satchel strap crosses the body at the correct angle
• Mini bunny, parcel, and bouquet match the main color story

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a barely damp cloth and mild soap if needed.

Do not soak, twist, or machine wash, especially because the stuffed head, embroidered flowers, and small accessories may lose shape.

Allow to air dry fully on a towel, reshaping the bonnet, ears, and dress hem while drying.

For long-term preservation, wrap in clean tissue and store in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags, excess heat, and damp storage areas.