Mint Hedgegarden Bunny – Knitting

This sweet knitted set is designed to capture the soft, collectible look of a vintage bunny doll styled for a garden tea moment. The finished project includes the bunny, mint dress, layered skirt, bonnet, shoes, small shoulder bag, tiny hedgehog friend, teacup, saucer, and cupcake. It is ideal for makers who love heirloom toys, handmade nursery decor, boutique stuffed animals, and gift-worthy knitted dolls that look beautiful enough for collectors and shoppers searching for artisan soft toys.

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

Project Overview

This pattern creates a seated long-eared bunny with a calm expression, slim arms, straight legs, rounded muzzle shaping, and a soft mint wardrobe. The silhouette is gentle and refined, with a slightly oversized head, narrow shoulders, a full layered skirt, and tiny accessories scaled to match the main doll.

The sample in the image has a classic cream bunny body and long ears that fall behind a bonnet. The dress is mint green with cream lace accents, gathered trim, little bows, and a decorative center front panel. The bag sits crossbody, and the shoes are rounded Mary Jane style.

The small hedgehog companion is also knitted and dressed. It wears a muted olive hat, a textured brown back, a mint scarf, and a little jacket. The tiny teacup and cupcake complete the scene and are worth knitting because they help the final styling look complete and accurate.

Skill Level

Advanced beginner to intermediate. A patient beginner can make this set if they are comfortable with basic shaping, seaming, picking up stitches, simple embroidery, and working very small pieces neatly.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 15 to 16 inches tall from feet to top of bonnet ears when seated styling is relaxed.
• Hedgehog: about 4 inches tall.
• Teacup with saucer: about 1.5 inches across.
• Cupcake: about 1.75 inches tall.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream for bunny body and bonnet base.
• DK weight yarn in soft mint green for dress, shoes, bag, bonnet crown details, and scarf.
• DK weight yarn in warm beige or blush beige for bonnet flowers and cupcake frosting tones if desired.
• DK weight yarn in light brown and dark brown for hedgehog face and textured back.
• Small amount of olive green for hedgehog hat and jacket.
• Small amount of pink for cupcake top.
• Pair of 2.75 mm straight needles or preferred needles for flat toy knitting.
• Set of double-pointed needles in 2.75 mm for tiny circular pieces, or work flat if preferred.
• Tapestry needle.
• Sharp scissors.
• Toy stuffing.
• Black embroidery thread for eyes and mouth.
• Cream sewing thread for invisible finishing.
• Very small buttons for dress panel, bag flap, and shoes.
• Narrow ribbon in mint green for bows and neck tie.
• Soft cream lace trim for skirt and bodice decoration.
• Optional lightweight interfacing scrap for bag flap if you want a crisper shape.

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using 2.75 mm needles and DK yarn.

Gauge matters most for the clothing fit and the overall proportions. The body should feel firm and dense, not loose. If stuffing shows through, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• st st = stockinette stitch
• garter = knit every row
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• dec = decrease 1 stitch
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Helpful Notes Before You Begin

• All main toy pieces may be worked flat and seamed unless you prefer working in the round.
• Leave long tails for sewing up small parts.
• Stuff gradually and firmly, especially the head, muzzle, feet, and hedgehog body.
• Use smaller, tighter stitches than garment knitting. The image shows a very smooth, compact fabric.
• The dress is designed to look layered and decorative. Some trim is attached after knitting to match the photographed finish.

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Main Bunny Body

Legs Make 2

Using cream, CO 18 sts.

1. Work 6 rows in st st, beginning with a knit row.
2. Shape foot: Row 7 k6, inc 6 evenly across next 6 sts, k6. 24 sts.
3. Row 8 p.
4. Rows 9 to 14 work in st st.
5. Row 15 k2, k2tog, k16, ssk, k2. 22 sts.
6. Row 16 p.
7. Row 17 k2, k2tog, k14, ssk, k2. 20 sts.
8. Rows 18 to 34 work even in st st.
9. Row 35 k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
10. Row 36 p.
11. Rows 37 to 46 work even.

Do not BO. Place stitches on hold. Make second leg the same.

Joining for Lower Body

Place both legs on one needle with RS facing and join by knitting across first leg, CO 4 sts for center body, knit across second leg. 40 sts.

1. Work 10 rows in st st.
2. Next RS row: k18, inc, k4, inc, k18. 42 sts.
3. Work 8 rows even.
4. Next RS row: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 40 sts.
5. Work 6 rows even.
6. Repeat last decrease row every 6th row 3 more times. 34 sts.

Stuff legs and lower body before continuing. Keep the tummy softly rounded, not hard. The image shows a plush but elegant figure, so avoid an overstuffed barrel shape.

Upper Body

1. Work 8 rows even.
2. Next RS row: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 32 sts.
3. Work 4 rows even.
4. Next RS row: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 30 sts.
5. Work 8 rows even.

BO 4 sts at beginning of next 2 rows for armholes. 22 sts.

1. Work 10 rows even.
2. Next RS row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 20 sts.
3. Work 1 WS row.
4. Next RS row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 18 sts.
5. Work 5 rows even.

BO. Seam center back and inner legs. Stuff body fully and close remaining opening neatly.

Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 14 sts.

1. Work 24 rows in st st.
2. Row 25 k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 12 sts.
3. Rows 26 to 30 work even.
4. Row 31 repeat decrease row. 10 sts.
5. Rows 32 to 40 work even.

BO. Seam each arm. Stuff lightly, keeping wrists slimmer than upper arms. Sew to body at a downward angle so the hands rest near the skirt rather than sticking outward.

Head

The head is large, smooth, and softly oval with a forward muzzle area. To match the image, keep the forehead broad, the cheeks rounded, and the chin subtle.

Using cream, CO 20 sts.

1. Row 1 p.
2. Row 2 k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 22 sts.
3. Row 3 p.
4. Row 4 k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 24 sts.
5. Continue increasing in this manner on every RS row until 34 sts.
6. Work 20 rows even in st st.
7. Next RS row: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 32 sts.
8. Work 1 WS row.
9. Repeat decrease row every RS row until 20 sts remain.
10. Work 1 WS row.

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Cut yarn, thread through live sts, and draw up. Seam the head. Stuff very firmly. Shape the muzzle by adding extra stuffing in the lower center front.

Muzzle Contour

Using cream yarn or strong matching thread, make a small horizontal sculpting stitch about one-third up from the lower face. Pull gently to create the soft wedge-shaped muzzle seen in the image. Do not over-pinch the nose area.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, flat, and softly tapered, hanging down from beneath the bonnet.

Using cream, CO 12 sts.

1. Work 10 rows in st st.
2. Next RS row: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 14 sts.
3. Work 20 rows even.
4. Next RS row: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 12 sts.
5. Work 6 rows even.
6. Repeat decrease row. 10 sts.
7. Work 4 rows even.
8. Repeat decrease row. 8 sts.
9. Work 2 rows even.
10. Repeat decrease row. 6 sts.
11. Work 2 rows even.
12. Repeat decrease row. 4 sts.

BO. Seam ears along side edges, leaving them flat rather than stuffed. Press lightly with fingers. Sew to head slightly behind the crown so they fall down the sides and back.

Head Attachment

Sew the head to the top of the body with the face angled only slightly forward. The bunny in the image sits upright with a composed posture, not with a drooping head. Add a little extra stuffing at the neck if needed before fully closing.

Facial Features

• Eyes are small black embroidered ovals, placed wide apart.
• The nose area is not a separate nose piece. It is shaped by embroidery and contour.
• The mouth is a simple downward split line with a small central meeting point.
• The expression should remain calm, gentle, and slightly wistful.

Place eyes about halfway down the head, slightly above the widest point of the muzzle. Keep the spacing broad to preserve the doll-like look. Use tiny satin stitches or French-knot style embroidery if that is your preference.

Dress

The dress is mint green with short sleeves, a lightly gathered body, cream trims, and a layered lower edge. It should look full but still soft enough to sit naturally around the bunny.

Dress Skirt and Bodice Joined

Using mint green, CO 96 sts.

1. Work 4 rows garter.
2. Change to st st and work 14 rows.
3. Decrease row: k2tog across row. 48 sts.
4. Work 8 rows even.
5. Next RS row: k2, inc every 6th st across to last 2 sts, k2. 56 sts.
6. Work 10 rows even.

This creates a softly gathered waist with enough volume for the tiered look. To imitate the image, the skirt should not be stiff. The gathered fullness should fall gently around the seated bunny.

For armholes, BO 4 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 48 sts.

1. Work 8 rows even.
2. BO center 10 sts for neckline on next RS row, work to end.
3. Complete each side separately, decreasing 1 st at neck edge every RS row 3 times.
4. Work until armhole depth matches the image, about 12 rows total from armhole start.
5. BO shoulder sts.

Rejoin yarn to other side and match.

Back Opening

You may split the back from the waist upward instead of working front and back together if you prefer a buttoned opening. The photographed dress sits smoothly under the bonnet and bag, so a neat back opening is practical.

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Sleeves Make 2

Using mint green, CO 24 sts.

1. Work 4 rows in st st.
2. Increase row: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 26 sts.
3. Work 10 rows even.
4. BO 4 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 18 sts.
5. Decrease 1 st each end of every RS row 4 times. 10 sts.
6. BO.

Seam sleeves and set into armholes. Add a narrow gathered cream lace trim or knitted frill at the lower sleeve edge. Small mint ribbon bows can be sewn at the outer sleeve edge to match the image.

Lower Layered Frill

Using cream, CO 120 sts.

1. Work 6 rows in garter.
2. Next row k2tog across. 60 sts.
3. Work 4 more rows garter.
4. BO loosely.

Sew this frill behind the lower dress edge so it peeks out below the mint skirt. Add cream lace trim along the visible edge for the photographed layered finish.

Upper Decorative Overskirt Frill

Using cream, CO 90 sts.

1. Work 4 rows garter.
2. Decrease row k2tog across. 45 sts.
3. Work 3 rows garter.
4. BO loosely.

Sew this frill around the dress about 1 inch above the lower hem. This creates the soft double-tier effect visible in the image. Add lace above or below it, depending on your trim width.

Front Decorative Panel

Using cream, CO 12 sts.

1. Work 18 rows in seed stitch or garter for texture.
2. BO.

Sew the panel to the center front bodice. Attach two tiny buttons vertically. Add two small mint ribbon bows, one near the neckline and one lower on the panel. A narrow piece of cream lace can frame the panel edges.

Bonnet

The bonnet is essential for accuracy. It has a cream base, a mint crown section, gentle side shaping, decorative stitched lines on top, and little knitted flowers near the ear line.

Bonnet Main Piece

Using cream, CO 60 sts.

1. Work 8 rows in garter for the face framing band.
2. Change to st st and work 10 rows.
3. Change to mint green and work 14 rows.
4. On next RS row, place markers 18 sts in from each side.
5. Decrease 1 st before first marker and 1 st after second marker on every RS row 4 times. 52 sts.
6. Work 6 rows even.
7. Return to cream and work 6 rows.
8. BO loosely.

Fold the bonnet around the head to check fit. Seam the back lightly so it cups the crown without flattening it. The front band should sit forward enough to frame the face in a rounded oval.

Top Decorative Running Stitches

Using mint or beige yarn, embroider a line of evenly spaced horizontal stitches across the upper front of the bonnet crown. These stitches are subtle but help match the styling in the image.

Bonnet Ties

Using cream or mint, make two narrow i-cords or braided ties about 8 inches long each. Sew one at each lower bonnet edge so they can tie softly under the chin.

Bonnet Flowers Make 4 to 6 Small Flowers

Using blush beige, CO 18 sts.

1. Work 1 row k.
2. Next row p.
3. Repeat these 2 rows once more.
4. BO.

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Roll into a tiny rosette and sew the base closed. Make small green leaves by knitting tiny pointed ovals in mint or olive tones. Cluster the flowers and leaves at both sides of the bonnet near where the ears fall.

Neck Tie

Cut a length of narrow mint ribbon and tie it in a soft bow at the neck. For a fully knitted version, work a thin i-cord and shape it into a bow with two loops and two tails, then tack it in place.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is a small mint shoulder bag with a flap, one visible button, and a long strap worn diagonally across the body.

Bag Body

Using mint green, CO 18 sts.

1. Work 20 rows in st st.
2. Work 4 rows garter for flap extension.
3. BO loosely.

Fold lower half upward to form the pouch. Sew side seams. Add a tiny button to the front. The flap may sit slightly rounded rather than sharp.

Bag Strap

Using mint green, CO 3 sts and work i-cord for 12 inches, or knit a narrow garter strip 3 sts wide until it reaches comfortably from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Sew strap ends securely to back upper corners of the bag.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are mint Mary Janes with rounded fronts, cream socks showing, and one side button detail.

Shoe Sole

Using mint green, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1 k.
2. Row 2 inc, knit to last 1 st, inc. 12 sts.
3. Rows 3 to 8 work in st st.
4. Row 9 inc, knit to last 1 st, inc. 14 sts.
5. Rows 10 to 14 work even.
6. BO.

Shoe Upper

Pick up 14 sts around one long edge section or sew a separate upper piece.

1. Work 8 rows in st st, shaping front by decreasing 1 st each side every other row twice.
2. BO.

Seam shoe to form rounded toe. Add a small strap across the instep and secure with a tiny side button. Sew shoes to the feet lightly or leave removable if desired. Cream legs should remain visible above the shoe opening to resemble socks.

Mini Hedgehog Companion

This tiny friend sits beside the bunny and adds charm to the entire scene. It has a pale face, dark nose, small ears, a textured back, and a woodland outfit in muted earthy shades.

Hedgehog Front Body

Using light brown, CO 14 sts.

1. Increase at each end of every RS row until 22 sts.
2. Work 10 rows even.
3. Decrease at each end of every RS row until 12 sts.
4. BO.

Hedgehog Back

Using darker brown, CO 14 sts.

1. Work the same shaping as front, but use seed stitch, loop stitch, or a rough slip-stitch texture to imitate spines.
2. BO.

Sew front and back together, leaving a gap. Stuff firmly. Close. Add a small pointed nose with black embroidery. Stitch tiny black eyes close to the snout. Add tiny beige ears at upper sides.

Hedgehog Arms and Legs

Using light brown, make four tiny tubes or flat strips about 6 rows tall and 4 sts wide. Sew two as arms and two as feet. Keep them very small and close to the body.

Hedgehog Jacket

Using olive green, CO 16 sts.

1. Work 10 rows in st st.
2. BO.

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Wrap around the body like a tiny open-front coat and tack into place. Add sleeve hints with two short strips if desired. The image suggests a rustic fitted little jacket rather than a long coat.

Hedgehog Scarf

Using mint green, CO 3 sts and work 18 rows garter. BO and wrap once around neck. Knot or tack in place.

Hedgehog Hat

Using olive green, CO 20 sts.

1. Work 4 rows in rib or garter.
2. Work 6 rows in st st.
3. Decrease evenly to 10 sts.
4. Work 1 row.
5. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull closed.

Sew into a small domed cap. Add a tiny contrasting nub on top if desired. Sew the hat slightly tilted for character.

Teacup and Saucer

Saucer

Using mint green, CO 6 sts onto double-pointed needles or work flat as a small circle. Increase evenly every round until 18 sts, work 2 rounds, then BO. If working flat, make a tiny oval and seam invisibly. Embroider a cream ring around the edge.

Teacup

Using cream, CO 12 sts.

1. Work 8 rows in st st.
2. Seam into a cylinder.
3. Gather one end closed for the base.
4. Add a tiny mint band at the top edge.

Make a miniature handle from a twisted yarn loop and sew to the side. Add a small flat brown circle inside to suggest tea or coffee. Place cup on saucer and tack lightly if displaying.

Cupcake

Base

Using brown, CO 14 sts.

1. Work 8 rows in rib or st st.
2. Seam into a short cylinder and stuff lightly.

Frosting

Using pink, CO 16 sts.

1. Work 6 rows in st st.
2. Decrease evenly to 8 sts.
3. Work 1 row.
4. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

Shape into a rounded swirl cap and sew on top of cupcake base. Add a tiny berry-colored knot or embroidered dot on top to imitate the small garnish in the image.

Dressing the Bunny

1. Put the dress on first and close the back neatly.
2. Sew or tie the neck bow.
3. Attach the bonnet and position the ears underneath so they fall naturally.
4. Add the shoes and make sure the feet angle slightly outward when seated.
5. Place the bag crossbody from shoulder to opposite hip.
6. Arrange trims and bows so the front looks balanced.

The mint tones should stay soft and cohesive. Cream sections provide contrast and keep the set elegant. The overall mood should feel vintage, tidy, and garden-inspired rather than bright or playful in an overly modern way.

Styling Details That Make It Match the Image

• Keep the head slightly larger than the body.
• The arms should be slim and hang down quietly.
• The ears must be long and unstuffed.
• The skirt needs two visible cream layers.
• Add lace and bows sparingly but intentionally.
• The bonnet must frame the face in a rounded window shape.
• The bag should rest low at the hip, not high at the waist.
• The shoes should be rounded and neat, not pointed.
• The hedgehog should be compact and slightly rustic beside the more refined bunny.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the head securely to the body and check that it sits straight before knotting off. Add the ears behind the crown line. Embroider the eyes first, then the nose split and mouth. Keep the face minimal. The beauty of this bunny comes from restraint, smooth shaping, and balanced placement.

Once the dress, bonnet, bag, and shoes are attached, place the hedgehog, teacup, and cupcake beside the bunny. Adjust all ribbons and trims before taking final photos or gifting the set.

Care Notes

• Display indoors away from strong sunlight.
• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Avoid soaking pieces with ribbons, buttons, or trims.
• Reshape the bonnet, skirt, and ears gently after cleaning.
• Store the accessories together so the set stays complete.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Body stuffed firmly but still soft.
• Head centered and secure.
• Eyes evenly placed.
• Mouth embroidery centered.
• Dress layers balanced front and back.
• Bonnet snug but not flattening the face.
• Bag strap sewn strongly.
• Shoes matched in size.
• Hedgehog face neat and visible.
• Teacup and cupcake scaled small enough beside the bunny.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a dry soft brush to remove dust from the bonnet flowers, lace edges, and hedgehog texture. For light marks, dab gently with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then blot with a towel. Never scrub embroidered facial features.

If the dress frills become flattened, lightly steam the air around them without touching the knitting directly. Let all pieces dry naturally on a towel. For long-term storage, wrap the bunny in acid-free tissue and keep it in a breathable box, away from moisture and heavy pressure.