Rose Garden Tea Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted set is designed to create a collectible rabbit doll with a rose-strewn dress, a soft cloche hat, little Mary Jane shoes, a floral shoulder bag, a woodland squirrel friend, a pastel teapot, a cupcake, and a knitted rose. If you love heirloom bunny dolls, cottagecore nursery decor, handmade stuffed animals, and giftable knitted toys, this design brings all of those popular shopping favorites into one coordinated set. Every piece is written to match the photo closely, with gentle shaping, sweet floral accents, and polished finishing details that give the entire display a boutique handmade look.

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

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream, dusty rose, blush pink, sage green, olive green, soft brown, chestnut, white, pale lavender, pale blue, pale yellow, and a tiny amount of cherry red.
• Pair of 2.75 mm needles for most pieces.
• Pair of 3 mm needles if you prefer a slightly softer fabric for clothing and accessories.
• Set of double-pointed needles in matching sizes for very small items, or use magic loop if preferred.
• Toy stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Removable stitch markers.
• Waste yarn.
• Black embroidery thread or very fine black yarn for the eyes.
• Small amount of pink embroidery thread for tiny flower centers if needed.
• Thin cream cord or knitted i-cord for the bag strap.

Yarn Color Plan

• Cream: bunny body, head, ears, legs, arms, main skirt, shoe trim, bag base, and squirrel belly accent.
• Dusty rose: bodice, hat brim edge, shoe bodies, floral motifs, and rose petals.
• Blush pink: secondary floral shading and soft trim details.
• Sage and olive: leaves, stems, lower skirt border, squirrel scarf, and rose leaves.
• Brown tones: squirrel outer body and tail.
• Pastels: teapot body stripes and lid top.
• White and red: cupcake frosting and cherry.

Finished Size

The bunny stands about 11 to 12 inches tall from the bottom of the shoes to the top of the head, not including the hat. With the hat in place, the total height is slightly taller. The squirrel is about 4 inches tall. The teapot, cupcake, and rose are miniature display pieces sized to sit beside the bunny exactly as shown.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for the mini tea-table accessories, but it matters for the bunny and squirrel. Aim for a very firm stockinette fabric so stuffing does not show through. A typical gauge of about 28 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches in stockinette with DK yarn on 2.75 mm needles works well.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• 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
• st st = stockinette stitch
• g st = garter stitch
• rep = repeat

General Notes Before You Begin

This set is made from separate pieces and then assembled carefully for a refined, dressed-doll finish. The body is soft and slightly weighted by stuffing, while the outfit is fitted close to the shape of the rabbit. The head is large and rounded, the ears are long and relaxed, and the limbs are slim rather than chunky.

The photo shows a rabbit with a sweet, calm expression. Keep the face placement low and centered. The nose and mouth are very small. The eyes are tiny black stitches rather than large safety eyes. This scale matters because oversized features will quickly change the mood of the finished doll.

The dress falls just above the ankles and has a wide cream skirt decorated with rose motifs and a green lower floral border. The pink bodice is snug and slightly taller in the center front because of the laced panel. The cloche hat sits low on the forehead and frames the face closely.

For best results, knit all visible body pieces in a smooth, even stockinette. The floral motifs can be worked with duplicate stitch after knitting, which gives you better control over placement and allows you to match the image very closely.

Bunny Legs Make 2

The bunny has straight, softly stuffed legs that descend neatly into the shoes. They are not bent at the knees. The legs should feel slim and even, with only a slight widening at the top so they can be sewn securely under the body.

1. Using cream, CO 16 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Change to st st and work 20 rows.
4. Increase 1 stitch at each end of the next row. Work 2 rows even.
5. Rep the increase row once more. You now have 20 sts.
6. Work 10 rows even.
7. Next row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk.
8. Work 1 row even.
9. Rep the last 2 rows twice more. You now have 14 sts.
10. Work 6 rows even.
11. Leave a long tail and BO.

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Sew the side seam neatly. Stuff the lower two thirds firmly and the upper part more lightly. Flatten the top opening and oversew it closed later only after checking the width against the body base. Make the second leg to match exactly.

Bunny Shoes Make 2

The shoes are rounded Mary Jane shoes in dusty rose. Each one has a softly domed toe, a cream sole edge, and a narrow strap across the top. Keep the shape tidy and symmetrical because both shoes are highly visible in the finished display.

Sole

1. Using cream, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: knit.
3. Row 2: kfb, knit to last st, kfb. You have 10 sts.
4. Row 3: purl.
5. Row 4: kfb, knit to last st, kfb. You have 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 10: work in st st, ending with a WS row.
7. BO knitwise.

Upper Shoe

1. Using dusty rose, CO 12 sts.
2. Work 8 rows in st st.
3. Next row: k2tog, knit 8, ssk. You have 10 sts.
4. Purl 1 row.
5. Next row: k2tog, knit 6, ssk. You have 8 sts.
6. Purl 1 row.
7. Work 4 rows even.
8. BO.

Sew the upper over the front of the sole, leaving the top back area open to slide onto the foot. Make a tiny strap by knitting an i-cord or narrow strip 8 stitches long. Sew one side permanently and tack the other side across the instep.

Slip the shoes onto the finished feet area and sew in place with small hidden stitches. Position the straps so they sit horizontally across the front ankle, matching the neat look in the image.

Bunny Body

The body is a soft pear shape, wider at the hips and gently narrowing toward the neck. It is not overly round. The dress covers most of it, but the fit underneath determines the graceful silhouette of the finished doll, so take time with the stuffing and seam placement.

1. Using cream, CO 24 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in g st.
3. Begin st st.
4. Increase 1 stitch at each end of every 6th row 5 times. You now have 34 sts.
5. Work 20 rows even.
6. Next row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk.
7. Work 5 rows even.
8. Rep the decrease row 4 more times every 6th row. You now have 24 sts.
9. Work 8 rows even.
10. BO.

Sew the side seam. Stuff the lower body quite firmly so the bunny stands and sits neatly under the dress. Keep the shoulder area lightly stuffed. Close the lower opening after inserting the tops of the legs and checking that both feet point straight forward.

Bunny Arms Make 2

The arms are slim tubes with a soft curve at the lower end. They hang down naturally and do not stick outward. In the image, the paws sit beside the skirt without reaching below the hem, so keep the length controlled and elegant.

1. Using cream, CO 14 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Change to st st and work 18 rows.
4. Next row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk.
5. Work 5 rows even.
6. Next row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk.
7. Work 3 rows even.
8. BO.

Sew the seam. Stuff lightly, keeping the hands softer than the upper arms. Flatten the top edge so it is easy to sew to the body. Make the second arm the same. Do not overstuff, or they will lose the gentle droop seen in the photo.

Bunny Head

The head is the focal point of the design. It is large, smooth, and slightly oval, with a softly narrowed lower face. The cheeks are full but not puffy. The face is simple and sweet, so the shaping must carry most of the expression rather than large embroidered features.

1. Using cream, CO 18 sts.
2. Work 2 rows in st st.
3. Increase 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 8 times. You now have 34 sts.
4. Work 24 rows even.
5. Next row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk.
6. Work 1 row even.
7. Rep the last 2 rows 8 times. You now have 18 sts.
8. BO.

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Sew the back seam and gather the top opening tightly. Stuff very firmly and evenly. Shape the cheeks with your fingers while stuffing so there are no hollow areas. Close the lower opening only after checking that the neck opening on the body matches well.

Bunny Ears Make 2

The ears are long, wide at the base, and softly rounded at the tips. They hang down from under the hat rather than standing upright. They are not heavily stuffed. In the image, each ear frames the face and falls nearly to shoulder level.

1. Using cream, CO 8 sts.
2. Increase 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 5 times. You now have 18 sts.
3. Work 20 rows even.
4. Next row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk.
5. Purl 1 row.
6. Rep the last 2 rows 5 times. You now have 8 sts.
7. Work 2 rows even.
8. BO.

Make a second matching ear. Sew each ear into a flat seam, but do not stuff. Lightly steam or finger-press them so they lie flat. Fold the lower edge very slightly before sewing to the head so the ear angles forward and downward in a natural way.

Dress Skirt

The skirt is a separate piece. It is cream, softly flared, and decorated with flowers concentrated around the lower half. The hem is tidy and slightly firm. The skirt should sit just under the pink bodice and fall to a point slightly above the tops of the shoes.

1. Using cream, CO 80 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in g st for the hem.
3. Change to st st and work 10 rows even.
4. Begin shaping: k2tog across the row at evenly spaced intervals to reduce 8 sts. You now have 72 sts.
5. Work 8 rows even.
6. Decrease 8 sts evenly across the next RS row. You now have 64 sts.
7. Work 8 rows even.
8. Decrease 8 sts evenly across the next RS row. You now have 56 sts.
9. Work 6 rows even.
10. Decrease 8 sts evenly across the next RS row. You now have 48 sts.
11. Work 4 rows even.
12. BO loosely.

Sew into a ring, leaving a neat seam at the back. The upper edge will be attached to the bodice and lightly gathered if needed. Before joining it to the bunny, add the floral decoration so the stitching is easier to control on a flat or lightly shaped surface.

Dress Floral Motif Placement

The image shows several small rosebud motifs higher on the skirt and a denser floral border near the hem. Work these in duplicate stitch using dusty rose, blush pink, sage, and olive. Keep the motifs delicate. They should look like tiny scattered garden flowers rather than bold graphic shapes.

• Place 3 small rosebuds around the upper half of the skirt front.
• Place 1 smaller rosebud on each side panel.
• Create a denser border of clustered pink roses along the lower front hem.
• Add a low line of olive and sage stitches under the border to suggest stems and leaves.
• Keep the back less crowded than the front, but add a few matching motifs so the dress looks complete from every angle.

Each tiny rosebud can be made from 3 to 5 duplicate stitches in dusty rose, with 1 or 2 blush stitches near the center. Add 2 small green leaf stitches under each bud. For the lower border, cluster several blossoms together in soft uneven groups so it feels organic and garden-like.

Dress Bodice

The bodice is dusty rose and fits high on the chest. It has shoulder straps and a central lace-up panel. The neckline allows a tiny cream chest area to show, including a small rose motif. The bodice should feel snug but not stiff.

Main Bodice Band

1. Using dusty rose, CO 34 sts.
2. Work 14 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. BO.

Wrap this band around the bunny’s upper body over the top of the skirt. Sew at the back. The ribbing gives the vertical texture seen in the image and helps the bodice hug the body smoothly.

Shoulder Straps Make 2

1. Using dusty rose, CO 4 sts.
2. Knit 16 rows in g st.
3. BO.

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Sew one strap to the front upper bodice edge, pass it over the shoulder, and attach it at the back. Repeat for the second strap. The straps should sit slightly inward, framing the chest area.

Center Front Lacing Panel

Embroider or couch a crisscross lace pattern in a slightly darker rose yarn over the center front of the bodice. Make vertical side edges first, then cross the laces from side to side in 4 or 5 neat X shapes. This feature is important for matching the photo.

Chest Rose Motif

On the visible cream chest area above the bodice, add one tiny centered rosebud motif using duplicate stitch. Keep it very small, just enough to echo the floral skirt. This single detail helps tie the whole outfit together and should not be omitted.

Cloche Hat

The hat is cream with dusty rose accents. It sits low and rounded, with a gentle downward brim and small floral motifs around the crown. The brim is soft rather than stiff, and it frames the rabbit face closely without covering the eyes.

Hat Crown

1. Using cream, CO 60 sts and join carefully if working in the round, or work flat and seam later.
2. Work 6 rows in g st.
3. Change to st st and work 16 rows even.
4. Decrease 6 sts evenly across the next round or row.
5. Work 3 rows even.
6. Decrease 6 sts evenly again.
7. Work 2 rows even.
8. Continue decreasing 6 sts every other row until 18 sts remain.
9. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight.

Hat Brim

Pick up stitches around the lower edge of the crown, about 60 sts. Work 4 rows in cream, increasing 1 stitch every 10 stitches on the first brim row. Then work 4 more rows even. Change to dusty rose and work 4 rows in g st. BO loosely.

Hat Floral Motifs

Add small dusty rose flower motifs around the upper crown using duplicate stitch. Space them evenly across the front and sides. Keep the flowers petite and simple. In the photo, they read as scattered blossoms rather than a full patterned fabric.

Shoulder Bag

The tiny bag is cream with a rounded rectangular shape, a flap, and an embroidered pink rose with green leaves on the front. It hangs from a long cream strap across the bunny’s body, resting near the right side of the skirt in the image.

Bag Body

1. Using cream, CO 12 sts.
2. Work 18 rows in st st.
3. Next 6 rows: work in g st for the flap section.
4. BO.

Fold the lower portion upward to form the pouch, leaving the garter flap free. Sew side seams. Round the lower corners slightly with your sewing rather than leaving them too square. This helps mimic the soft miniature satchel shape shown in the photo.

Bag Strap

1. Using cream, make an i-cord about 11 inches long, or knit a narrow strip 2 stitches wide and 60 rows long.
2. Attach each end to the upper bag corners.

Bag Floral Detail

Embroider one pink rose on the lower front of the bag flap area, or duplicate stitch it if preferred. Add 2 tiny green leaves. Keep this motif larger than the dress rosebuds so it remains visible even though the bag is small.

Assembly of Bunny Base

Sew the legs evenly to the lower body, making sure the feet point straight forward and the bunny can balance when propped. Sew the head to the body with a strong ladder stitch. Add extra stuffing at the neck first if needed so the head does not wobble.

Attach the arms just below the neckline. Angle them slightly forward so they rest naturally beside the skirt. Sew the ears to the upper sides of the head, set a little behind the face centerline. Let them hang straight down with a soft outward curve at the lower ends.

Dress the bunny with the skirt first, then fit the bodice over it. Sew the skirt waistband to the lower edge of the bodice band. After that, attach the shoulder straps. Slip on the shoes and sew them in place. Add the bag last so you can adjust the drape of the strap.

Squirrel Friend

The squirrel is a small companion with a chestnut body, cream belly, pointed ears, black eyes, tiny front paws, and a mossy green scarf. The tail is large and rises behind the body. Even though it is small, it adds a storybook woodland feel and should be finished carefully.

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Squirrel Body Front

1. Using cream, CO 10 sts.
2. Work 2 rows st st.
3. Increase 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 4 times. You now have 18 sts.
4. Work 10 rows even.
5. Decrease 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 4 times. You now have 10 sts.
6. BO.

Squirrel Body Back

1. Using chestnut, work the same as the front.

Side Gusset

1. Using chestnut, CO 6 sts.
2. Work 26 rows in st st.
3. BO.

Sew the front, gusset, and back together to form the body. Stuff firmly, especially through the lower back so the squirrel can stand with support. Shape the neck slightly narrower than the belly.

Head

1. Using chestnut, CO 12 sts.
2. Increase 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 4 times. You now have 20 sts.
3. Work 10 rows even.
4. Decrease 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 4 times. You now have 12 sts.
5. BO.

Sew and stuff firmly. Attach to the body with the face angled slightly upward.

Ears Make 2

1. Using chestnut, CO 4 sts.
2. Increase at each end of the next RS row. You have 6 sts.
3. Purl 1 row.
4. Increase at each end of next RS row. You have 8 sts.
5. Work 2 rows even.
6. Next row: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk.
7. Work 1 row even.
8. BO.

Fold slightly and sew to the top of the head so they point upward.

Arms Make 2

1. Using chestnut, CO 6 sts.
2. Work 10 rows in st st.
3. BO.

Sew, stuff lightly, and attach to the front sides of the body.

Tail

1. Using chestnut, CO 10 sts.
2. Increase 1 stitch at each end every 4th row 4 times. You now have 18 sts.
3. Work 12 rows even.
4. Decrease 1 stitch at each end every 4th row 4 times. You now have 10 sts.
5. Work 4 rows even.
6. BO.

Sew and stuff lightly. Curve the tail upward and attach it firmly at the lower back so it rises behind the squirrel, echoing the high tail in the image. Add a green scarf by knitting a small strip 4 stitches wide and 20 rows long, then wrapping it around the neck.

Teapot

The teapot is pastel striped with a rounded body, small lid, curved spout, handle, and a little top knob. It is tiny, but the color shifts make it eye-catching. Keep the stripes soft and narrow so the finished piece feels delicate rather than bold.

Teapot Body

1. Using pale lavender, CO 10 sts.
2. Work 2 rows.
3. Change to pale blue for 2 rows.
4. Change to pale yellow for 2 rows.
5. Change to cream for 2 rows.
6. Repeat this stripe order twice more, increasing 1 stitch at each end on the first row of every second color change until you reach 18 sts.
7. Work 6 rows even.
8. Then begin decreasing 1 stitch at each end every other row until 10 sts remain.
9. BO.

Sew into a small rounded shape and stuff lightly. Pull the top and bottom slightly inward while closing so the body becomes pot-shaped rather than cylindrical.

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Spout

1. Using cream, CO 4 sts.
2. Work 8 rows in st st.
3. Increase 1 stitch at one end on the next RS row.
4. Work 4 rows even.
5. BO.

Sew into a narrow tube, stuff very lightly, and curve before attaching to the front.

Handle

1. Using pale lavender, make an i-cord 14 rows long.
2. Shape into a loop and sew to the back side.

Lid and Knob

1. Using pale blue, CO 8 sts. Work 4 rows, then decrease to 6 sts and work 2 rows. BO.
2. Using pink, make a tiny 4-stitch bobble or small wrapped knot and attach to the lid center.

Cupcake

The cupcake has a beige cake base, white frosting, tiny pink sprinkle stitches, and a red cherry on top. It sits low and small, so avoid overstuffing. The frosting should be slightly wider than the cake base.

Cake Base

1. Using beige, CO 8 sts.
2. Work 8 rows in st st.
3. BO and sew into a small cup shape.

Frosting

1. Using white, CO 10 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in st st.
3. Decrease 2 sts evenly across the next row.
4. Work 2 rows.
5. Thread yarn through remaining sts and gather.

Sew the frosting over the cake base. Add 3 or 4 tiny pink sprinkle stitches and a tiny cherry made from a wrapped red yarn bead with a short dark stem.

Knitted Rose

The rose lying beside the squirrel is a rolled knitted flower in dusty rose with 2 small green leaves. It is small but important because it repeats the garden theme from the bunny’s dress and bag.

Rose Strip

1. Using dusty rose, CO 26 sts.
2. Row 1: knit.
3. Row 2: purl.
4. Row 3: k1, kfb across to end to create a slight frill.
5. Row 4: purl.
6. BO loosely.

Roll the strip from one end into a spiral and sew the base securely. Make 2 tiny leaves in olive green by knitting small pointed ovals, or use duplicate stitches on a tiny green base. Attach the leaves under the flower.

Detailed Placement Notes for Accuracy

• The bunny’s face sits low on the head, leaving a broad forehead under the hat brim.
• The eyes are tiny and spaced moderately wide, not close together.
• The mouth is a small Y-shaped embroidered line, very short and gentle.
• The ears begin under the hat line and fall straight down.
• The dress hem stops above the shoes so the ribbed ankles remain visible.
• The bag sits on the bunny’s right side from the viewer’s perspective.
• The squirrel stands to the bunny’s left from the bunny’s perspective, right side for the viewer.
• The teapot and cupcake sit together on the opposite side.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the head firmly to the body and add the ears before placing the hat. Embroider the eyes with tiny vertical black stitches. Add a small nose and short split mouth in matching brown or deep taupe. Position the hat low, then sew it lightly so it stays in place while still looking soft and natural.

Care Notes

Handle the bunny and accessories gently, especially the floral duplicate stitching and miniature straps. Spot clean when possible. Avoid soaking pieces with embroidered details unless absolutely necessary. Reshape while damp and dry flat away from direct sunlight.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both shoes aligned evenly.
• Dress centered with floral border facing front.
• Bodice lacing visible and balanced.
• Chest rose motif added.
• Hat motifs completed.
• Bag rose added and strap draped correctly.
• Squirrel tail curved upward.
• Teapot lid secured.
• Cupcake cherry attached.
• Rose leaves in place.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished set in a clean, dry place. Use tissue support inside the hat and skirt if displaying for a long time. Keep away from dust, humidity, and rough handling. For long-term preservation, place the accessories in a lined box and avoid hanging the bag strap under tension.