Hollyhock Cottage Bunny – Knitting

A soft garden bunny with a rounded face, long floppy ears, a wide-brim hat, a short cardigan, a flowered dress, neat Mary Jane shoes, and sweet little companions makes a charming handmade gift for nursery decor, cottagecore collectors, spring display styling, or anyone searching for a knitted bunny doll, heirloom rabbit toy, or handmade stuffed animal for sale inspiration. This design focuses on gentle shaping, tidy finishing, and layered details so the finished set looks polished, cozy, and beautifully giftable while still staying approachable for patient beginners.

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

Design Overview

This knitted set includes the main bunny doll, removable hat, simple cardigan, dress with raised floral motifs, underskirt edge, legs, shoes, bouquet bag, small watering can, flower basket, and a tiny hedgehog companion with a leafy cap.

The bunny in the image has a calm, balanced shape. The head is large and gently oval, the body is shorter and lightly tapered, the ears are long and soft, and the limbs are slim but not fragile. The overall style is gentle, neat, and slightly old-fashioned.

The finished bunny measures about 15 to 16 inches tall from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet when seated with the legs extended. The hat adds a little extra height. The hedgehog companion measures about 4 inches tall.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: DK weight yarn in warm ivory or cream
• Dress yarn: very pale blush pink DK
• Underskirt yarn: pale mint green DK
• Flower yarns: soft pink, rose pink, mauve, and dusty berry
• Leaf yarn: soft sage or pale green
• Bag yarn: oatmeal, beige, or light tan
• Watering can yarn: light gray
• Basket yarn: warm brown plus small flower colors
• Hedgehog yarn: beige for face and body, medium brown for spines, green for leafy cap
• Needles: 2.5 mm and 3 mm double-pointed or circular needles for small circumferences
• Optional straight needles: same sizes if preferred for flat pieces
• Toy stuffing: small handfuls added gradually for even firmness
• Black embroidery thread or 6 mm black safety eyes
• Pink-brown embroidery floss: for nose and mouth
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Small buttons: 2 tiny cream buttons for cardigan, 2 tiny side buttons for shoes if desired
• Small piece of cotton fabric: for the hedgehog dress, because the companion in the image wears a tiny printed dress

Gauge and Construction Notes

Gauge is not highly strict for toys, but consistent tension matters. Aim for a firm fabric so stuffing does not show through. On 3 mm needles in stockinette stitch, 28 stitches and 36 rounds should measure about 4 inches.

The bunny is worked mostly in the round. The head is shaped from the top downward. The body is knitted separately from the neck downward. Arms, legs, ears, hat, and dress pieces are made separately and sewn in place.

The floral decoration on the dress is created with small knitted flowers and leaves sewn onto the finished dress. This gives the same raised, dimensional look seen in the image.

The cardigan is short, open at the front, and ends above the floral clusters. The hat has a softly rounded crown with a broad rolled brim. The shoes are built directly over the feet so they sit smooth and rounded.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• m1 = make 1 increase
• sm = slip marker
• pm = place marker

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Main Bunny Head

Using cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Divide evenly across needles and join carefully.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 9: Knit.
10. Rnd 10: K4, kfb around. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 11: Knit.
12. Rnd 12: K5, kfb around. 56 sts.
13. Rnd 13: Knit.
14. Rnd 14: K6, kfb around. 64 sts.

Work 22 rnds even in stockinette. The head should now look round and full, with slightly more depth than width. This helps create the soft oval face seen in the image rather than a perfect ball.

Place markers at the side points of the head. The face is centered between them. Add stuffing gradually as you work, but keep the lower face slightly softer so the embroidered nose can settle naturally.

Muzzle Shaping

To create the subtle forward muzzle, work 4 short rows over the center 20 sts of the face area. This shaping is light. It should not create a protruding snout, only a gentle lift.

1. Row 1: Knit 42, turn.
2. Row 2: Purl 20, turn.
3. Row 3: Knit 16, turn.
4. Row 4: Purl 16, turn.
5. Resume knitting in the round, closing any gaps neatly.

Work 6 more rnds even. The face should look smooth and rounded with a soft central muzzle area. This is important for matching the image, where the nose is delicate and not sharply raised.

Lower Head and Neck Opening

1. Rnd 1: K6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Rnd 5: K4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
6. Rnd 6: Knit.
7. Rnd 7: K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.

BO loosely or leave live stitches if you prefer to graft the head to the neck tube. Stuff the head firmly but not hard. Shape the cheeks with your fingers as you fill so the face stays soft and broad.

Ears

Make 2 in cream. The ears in the image are long, flat, and lightly tapered, hanging from beneath the hat brim to about shoulder level.

CO 10 sts. Work flat.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: Knit.
3. Increase 1 st at each end of every RS row 5 times. 20 sts.
4. Work 28 rows even in stockinette, keeping edges tidy.
5. Begin taper: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 on every RS row 5 times. 10 sts.
6. Work 8 rows even.
7. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
8. Work 2 rows.
9. Repeat the decrease row twice more. 4 sts.
10. K2tog twice. 2 sts.
11. K2tog. Fasten off.

Do not stuff the ears. Steam lightly if needed. Fold the cast-on edge slightly so each ear curves inward near the top. Sew to the sides of the head, a little below the crown and slightly behind the eye line.

The ears should fall straight down with a very soft inward bend. They must not stand out sideways. Their gentle drape is one of the details that gives the bunny its calm expression.

Body

Using cream, CO 32 sts and join in the round. Work 6 rnds of 1×1 rib for the neck. Change to stockinette.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: K7, m1 around. 36 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K8, m1 around. 40 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K9, m1 around. 44 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K10, m1 around. 48 sts.

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Work 24 rnds even. Stuff lightly as you go. The body in the image is softly filled and not round like a ball. It is slightly flattened by the dress and cardigan, so keep the shape gentle and oval.

1. Next rnd: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
2. Knit 3 rnds.
3. Next rnd: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
4. Knit 2 rnds.

BO, leaving a long tail. Finish stuffing. The body should sit neatly under the dress without bulging. Sew securely to the head, keeping the neck straight and centered.

Arms

Make 2 in cream. These arms are slim cylinders with a slight bend. They hang at the sides, with one arm positioned to hold the bouquet bag.

CO 10 sts and join.

1. Work 4 rnds in 1×1 rib.
2. Switch to stockinette and work 20 rnds even.
3. Inc 2 sts evenly on next rnd. 12 sts.
4. Work 10 rnds even.
5. Decrease 2 sts evenly on next rnd. 10 sts.
6. Work 4 rnds even.

Stuff the lower half only. Flatten the top edge and sew closed. Bend each arm slightly before stitching to the body. Sew just below the neck line, tucked partly under the cardigan edge.

Legs

Make 2 in cream. The legs are long, straight, and lightly stuffed, with a clean transition into the feet and shoes.

CO 12 sts and join. Work 6 rnds in 1×1 rib for the ankle edge. Continue in stockinette for 30 rnds.

Stuff lightly, keeping the legs narrow. Do not overstuff or they will look heavy. The bunny in the image has delicate, straight lower legs.

Leave live stitches for joining to the feet, or BO if you prefer to sew the legs into the feet after making them. Set aside.

Feet and Mary Jane Shoes

Make 2, beginning with cream sole and upper foot. The feet in the image are rounded at the toe and fairly broad, giving the seated bunny a stable, charming look.

CO 8 sts. Work flat to shape the sole.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. 10 sts.
3. Row 3: Knit.
4. Row 4: Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. 12 sts.
5. Row 5: Knit.
6. Row 6: Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. 14 sts.
7. Work 10 rows even in garter stitch.

Pick up stitches around the sole edge to form the foot. Aim for about 32 sts total. Join in the round and knit 6 rnds. Begin toe shaping.

1. Rnd 1: K1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before halfway point, k2tog, k1, repeat for second half. 28 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: Repeat decrease rnd. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.

Stuff the foot firmly at the toe but lightly near the ankle. Join leg stitches to the top opening or sew the leg into place neatly. The foot should sit at a right angle to the leg so the seated pose looks natural.

Shoe Layer

Using cream again so the shoes blend softly, pick up 24 sts around the front and sides of the foot, leaving the instep opening visible. Work 4 rnds in stockinette.

For the strap, work 6 sts back and forth for 10 rows in garter stitch. Sew to opposite side of shoe and add a tiny button if desired. Repeat for second shoe.

The finished shoe should resemble a gentle Mary Jane shape with a rounded toe and a narrow strap across the instep. Keep the opening centered and tidy.

Dress

The dress is one of the most recognizable parts of the design. It has a soft pale pink bodice and skirt, a lightly flared shape, and dimensional flower clusters arranged across the lower front and upper chest.

The dress is worked from the top down in one piece, then decorated with knitted motifs.

Using pale blush pink, CO 40 sts. Work flat to create an opening at the back for dressing the doll.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work 1×1 rib.
2. Row 5 RS: K6, m1, k8, m1, k12, m1, k8, m1, k6. 44 sts.
3. Row 6 WS: Purl.
4. Repeat the increase row every RS row 3 more times, always increasing beside the same section lines. 60 sts.

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This creates a simple yoke. Work 6 rows even. Then separate sleeves from body.

1. Next RS row: K9, place next 12 sts on waste yarn, CO 2, k16, place next 12 sts on waste yarn, CO 2, k9. 38 sts for body.

Work the body flat in stockinette for 10 rows. Then begin skirt flare.

1. Increase row RS: K3, m1 across to last 2 sts, k2. Add about 9 sts. 47 sts.
2. WS row: Purl.
3. Work 4 rows even.
4. Increase row RS: K4, m1 across to last 3 sts, k3. Add about 8 sts. 55 sts.
5. Work 6 rows even.
6. Increase row RS: K5, m1 across to last 5 sts, k5. Add about 8 sts. 63 sts.

Work 18 rows even. End with 4 rows of seed stitch or garter stitch for a stable hem. BO loosely.

Dress Sleeves

Return the held sleeve stitches to needles. Pick up 2 sts underarm. Work each sleeve flat or in the round for 10 rows. End with 4 rows of 1×1 rib. BO loosely.

The sleeves in the image are short and simple. They sit softly beneath the cardigan and do not puff out. Keep them close-fitting and neat.

Mint Underskirt Edge

This pale mint section peeks out below the dress hem. It looks like a soft underskirt or petticoat edge.

Using mint green, pick up stitches evenly along the lower inside of the dress hem or knit a separate strip.

If knitting separately, CO 70 sts. Work 10 rows in stockinette, then 4 rows in garter stitch. BO loosely. Sew behind the pink dress hem so about 1 inch shows below the dress.

Keep the mint layer smooth and only slightly flared. It should extend below the pink dress without dominating it.

Dimensional Flowers and Leaves for the Dress

The floral arrangement is essential to the finished look. The image shows clusters of pink and berry flowers with pale green leaves sewn across the lower front of the dress and a few blossoms at the upper chest.

Make a mix of small and medium flowers. Use soft pink, rose pink, mauve, and dusty berry shades. Make enough to distribute naturally rather than in rigid rows.

Small Five-Petal Flower

Using any flower color, CO 20 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, yo, k2tog across.
3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. BO knitwise.

Roll the strip into a spiral flower and stitch through the base. Flatten slightly so it looks like a rounded blossom rather than a rosebud. Add a tiny French knot or stitched center in pale cream if desired.

Tiny Bud

CO 8 sts. Work 4 rows stockinette. Gather tightly and stitch into a tiny rounded bud. Make several in pink and mauve.

Leaf

Using sage green, CO 3 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. 7 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 5 sts.
7. Row 7: Purl.
8. Row 8: Ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
9. Row 9: Purl.
10. Row 10: K3tog. Fasten off.

Make 14 to 18 leaves in mixed sizes. You may reduce or increase the length by adding a pair of rows before the first decrease section.

Flower Placement

Sew 3 small blossoms high on the bodice, slightly right of center, near the neckline. Under those, attach a short trail of leaves. This matches the image where a tiny cluster sits at the chest.

Across the skirt front, arrange two large lower clusters, one on each side, plus a central smaller group. Fill between them with buds and leaves. Keep the flowers mostly below the waistline, with a few climbing slightly upward.

Let some leaves point outward and some upward. Overlapping flowers are helpful here. The image has a softly layered floral surface, not flat or sparse decoration.

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Cardigan

The cardigan is short, cream, and open-fronted. It ends around the waist and frames the bodice flowers without hiding the lower floral skirt section.

Using cream, CO 44 sts. Work flat.

1. Rows 1 to 6: 1×1 rib.
2. Row 7 RS: K6, m1, k8, m1, k12, m1, k8, m1, k6. 48 sts.
3. Row 8 WS: Purl.
4. Repeat the shaping row twice more. 56 sts.
5. Work 4 rows even.
6. Separate sleeves as for the dress, leaving front bands slightly wider.

Continue each body section together, working 16 rows even. End with 6 rows of 1×1 rib. BO loosely. Knit sleeves from held stitches for 18 rows, ending with rib cuffs.

Front bands may be picked up and worked for 4 more rows in seed stitch if needed. Sew two small buttons on one side, or leave open to match the image’s relaxed look.

The cardigan should sit close to the shoulders, with the fronts falling straight. It should not overlap too far at the center.

Hat

The hat has a softly rounded crown and a broad brim that dips slightly over the ears. This shape is a major part of the image and should be made with care.

Using cream and 2.5 mm needles, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 9: Knit.
10. Rnd 10: K4, kfb around. 48 sts.

Work 18 rnds even for the crown depth. Then begin the lower hat section.

1. Next rnd: K7, m1 around. 54 sts.
2. Knit 4 rnds.
3. Next rnd: K8, m1 around. 60 sts.
4. Knit 4 rnds.
5. Next rnd: K9, m1 around. 66 sts.
6. Knit 6 rnds.

For the brim, switch to garter-in-the-round by alternating 1 rnd knit and 1 rnd purl for 12 rnds. BO loosely on a knit rnd.

Steam lightly and roll the brim edge with your hands. The brim should curve outward and slightly downward. It must look soft, not stiff.

Bouquet Bag

The bag hangs crossbody and holds a cluster of flowers. It is narrow, soft, and beige. The strap sits diagonally across the dress.

Using beige, CO 14 sts. Work flat in stockinette for 20 rows. Add 4 rows of garter at top and bottom if desired. Fold in half and sew sides.

For the strap, make an i-cord about 14 inches long or knit a narrow strip of 3 sts for the same length. Sew securely to top corners.

Fill the bag lightly with a tiny scrap of stuffing so it keeps a rounded shape when flowers are added.

Bag Flowers

Make 5 to 7 blossoms in mauve, pink, and berry tones. Use the same flower method as for the dress, but include 2 slightly larger blooms. Add small green leaves around the base. Stitch the bouquet so it rises from the bag opening.

Flower Basket

The basket sits beside the bunny and contains many small pastel flowers. It is small, low, and rounded, with a curved handle.

Using brown, CO 8 sts and work a small oval base exactly like a tiny sole, increasing to 14 sts and knitting 8 rows in garter. Pick up around the edge to about 28 sts and knit 8 rnds. End with 2 rnds of purl texture to suggest woven structure. BO.

For the handle, CO 3 sts and knit an i-cord about 6 inches long. Sew to opposite sides of the basket rim in an arc.

Make 12 to 16 tiny flowers in pastel pink, lavender, cream, pale yellow, and baby blue. Stitch them into the basket opening over a little stuffing.

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Watering Can

The watering can is small, soft gray, and simple. It should be decorative and slightly squat.

Using gray, CO 12 sts and join. Work 8 rnds. Increase to 16 sts and work 6 rnds. Decrease back to 12 sts and work 3 rnds. Stuff lightly. Draw closed.

For the base, close the cast-on hole neatly. For the spout, CO 3 sts and knit an i-cord about 3 inches. Sew angled upward to the front side. For the handle, make another shorter i-cord and attach from upper back to upper side.

To suggest the watering head, flatten the spout tip slightly and tack it. Keep the can soft and simple rather than sharply realistic.

Hedgehog Companion

This tiny side character adds charm and scale. The body is beige, the back is textured brown, and the face is very small with black eyes and nose.

Head and Body

Using beige, CO 6 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K1, kfb around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Rnd 5: K2, kfb around. 24 sts.

Work 10 rnds even. Stuff lightly. Shape the nose by making one small gathering stitch at the front after stuffing. Embroider tiny black eyes and a small black nose.

Spiny Back

Using brown, pick up stitches across the back half of the hedgehog from forehead to lower back, about 18 sts. Work short rows or a small separate cap piece in seed stitch for texture.

For a textured cap piece, CO 18 sts and work 12 rows in seed stitch, decreasing 1 st at each end every 4th row until 14 sts remain. Sew over the back of the head and body.

Brush gently with a clean toothbrush if the yarn allows, to soften the spiky look. Do not overdo it.

Arms and Feet

Make 2 tiny arms and 2 tiny feet in beige.

• Arms: CO 5 sts, work 8 rnds, stuff barely, sew flat.
• Feet: CO 6 sts, work 6 rnds, add a little stuffing, sew under body.

Leafy Cap

The hedgehog wears a green leafy cap in the image. Make 4 pointed leaves and join them at the base.

For each leaf, CO 3 sts and work the same leaf pattern used on the dress, but stop when the leaf is smaller. Sew all 4 around a tiny central ring and attach to the top of the hedgehog head.

Hedgehog Dress

The companion in the image wears a tiny printed dress. Cut a small rectangle of lightweight cotton fabric about 4 by 1.5 inches. Gather one long edge and stitch around the hedgehog body. Add tiny shoulder seams if desired.

If you prefer an all-knit version, make a simple skirt tube in pale green with tiny seed-stitch dots. However, fabric gives the closest visual match to the image.

Facial Placement for the Bunny

Place the eyes low on the face, with wide spacing and a calm expression. If using safety eyes, insert them before final stuffing. Position them about 10 to 12 rows below the crown and about 10 stitches apart.

For embroidered eyes, use satin stitches or small French knots in black. Keep them tiny. The expression in the image is soft and gentle, not cartoon-like.

Embroider the nose with pink-brown thread using a small inverted triangle shape. From the bottom point, work a short vertical stitch downward, then form a tiny split mouth with one short slant stitch to each side.

Do not overwork the muzzle. The face should remain minimal and refined.

Assembly Order

1. Sew ears to head.
2. Finish head stuffing and close.
3. Sew head to body.
4. Attach legs evenly at lower body so they hang straight when seated.
5. Attach arms slightly below shoulder level.
6. Dress the bunny in the pink dress and mint underskirt.
7. Sew floral motifs to the dress after trying the dress on the doll for exact placement.
8. Add cardigan.
9. Place hat over ears and tack lightly if you want it fixed.
10. Add bouquet bag strap across the body and tack at shoulder and hip.
11. Place basket, watering can, and hedgehog as display accessories.

Styling Notes for an Accurate Finish

The bunny should sit with the legs extended forward and the feet slightly angled outward. The arms should rest naturally, not stick straight out. One arm may be stitched a little closer to the body to support the bag.

The dress should flare gently over the lap. The cardigan should stop above the densest flower clusters. The hat brim should frame the face and cover the top of the ears slightly.

The bouquet should be fuller near the top than the bottom. The flower basket should look abundant and cheerful. The watering can should stay small so it does not distract from the bunny.

The hedgehog should reach roughly to the bunny’s hand level when placed beside it on the bench or shelf. Keeping this scale correct makes the whole arrangement look balanced.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all parts are attached, check the head angle from the front and side. A tiny forward tilt gives the sweetest expression. Re-shape the cheeks, smooth the dress, and adjust the hat brim before securing anything permanently.

When embroidering the face, keep every line short and delicate. The nose should sit centered on the muzzle, with the mouth stitched lightly below it. If the eyes look too large, remove and redo them smaller for a gentler result.

Care Notes

• Display pieces are best kept away from prolonged direct sunlight.
• Use gentle spot cleaning for the bunny and accessories.
• Avoid soaking stuffed items unless absolutely necessary.
• Keep tiny accessories away from very young children.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both ears attached at the same height?
• Does the head sit centered on the body?
• Do the legs hang evenly?
• Are the dress flowers balanced from left to right?
• Does the hat brim sit low and soft around the face?
• Is the bouquet strap secure?
• Are the bunny eyes small, even, and calm-looking?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For routine care, dust gently with clean dry hands or a very soft brush. If needed, blot marks with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry fully. Do not wring, twist, or hang while wet.

Store the set flat in a breathable cotton bag or a clean box lined with tissue. Avoid plastic storage for long periods in humid spaces. Keep away from moth exposure, sharp bends, and heavy objects that could flatten the hat brim or flowers.