Cherry Ribbon Bunny – Knitting

A sweet heirloom-style knitted bunny dressed in cherry red makes a beautiful handmade bunny doll, nursery decor piece, collectible soft toy, and giftable stuffed rabbit for spring and holiday displays. This design includes the main bunny, her bonnet, dress, little purse, shoes, and the tiny woodland friend with its own hooded top and basket. The finished look feels polished enough for shoppers searching for a knitted rabbit doll, artisan plush bunny, or handmade nursery gift, yet it remains approachable for careful beginners who enjoy detailed step-by-step shaping and finishing.

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: DK weight in soft cream.
• Bonnet, dress, bow, purse, shoes yarn: DK weight in deep cherry red.
• Blouse and underskirt yarn: DK weight in white.
• Small badger yarn: DK weight in pale blue, white, charcoal, black, and a small amount of gray-brown.
• Basket yarn: DK or light worsted in warm tan.
• Strawberry yarn: red, green, and a trace of white for seed stitches.
• Acorn yarn: olive green and brown.
• Flower yarn: pale pink, cream, and yellow.
• Needles: US 2 and US 3 double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference method.
• Optional straight needles: same sizes if you prefer flat knitting for selected garments.
• Stuffing: firm polyester fiberfill.
• Safety eyes or black beads: 6 mm for the bunny, 4 mm for the badger.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, row counter, pins, small scissors.
• Thin black or dark brown embroidery yarn: for the bunny mouth and nose detail.
• Very small snap, hook, or hidden stitched closure: optional for the purse flap.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• 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
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• rep = repeat
• sl = slip

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge is less important than firmness, but your knitted fabric should be dense enough that stuffing does not show through. Aim for about 7 to 8 stitches per inch in stockinette with the larger of your chosen needles. For clothing and tiny accessories, a neat even tension matters more than exact count.

The main bunny sits at approximately 11 to 12 inches tall from the bottom of the feet to the top of the bonnet. The small badger sits around 4 inches tall. The purse, strawberry, acorn, flower, and basket are all scaled to match the photo and should look miniature beside the bunny.

Design Notes

This bunny has a rounded head, long softly hanging ears, a compact body, slightly tapered arms, broad seated legs, and oversized soft shoes. Her clothing layers are important to the finished character, so do not skip the white blouse, the red dress, the neck bow, or the bonnet bow.

The red bonnet sits low and frames the face closely. The bow on top is large but not floppy, with two thick loops and a small center wrap. The white blouse sleeves are short and gently puffed, finished with little red tie bows at the cuffs.

The dress has a fitted upper bodice and a fuller skirt. A white underskirt peeks out below the hem. The purse is worn crossbody from the bunny’s left shoulder down to the right side of the skirt in the image, with a narrow strap and a rounded flap.

The tiny badger is just as important to the overall look. It has a striped face, black ears, blue hooded sweater, gray lower body, black feet, and one small tan basket. Keep the badger sturdy but petite, with short limbs and a slightly oversized head.

Main Bunny Body

Leg 1 and Leg 2

Make 2 in cream. Knit from the feet upward. Stuff as you go, keeping the lower foot rounded and firm, while the upper leg stays a little softer so the bunny can sit naturally.

1. CO 12 sts. Join for working in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: K1, inc, repeat around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5 to 10: Knit.
7. Rnd 11: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
8. Rnd 12: Knit.
9. Rnd 13: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
10. Rnd 14 to 20: Knit.
11. Begin shaping the narrower ankle and lower leg. Rnd 21: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
12. Rnd 22 to 34: Knit.
13. Stuff the foot well, then lightly stuff the leg.
14. BO leg 1 only if you prefer separate assembly later, or leave stitches live. Make leg 2 the same, but do not bind off if joining directly into the body.

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The feet in the image look broad, rounded, and slightly forward-facing. Before moving on, gently squeeze each foot so it becomes more oval than circular. This small step helps the seated pose look more accurate when the shoes are added later.

Joining Legs and Lower Body

Place both legs side by side with the feet pointing forward. Join them with a few extra stitches between the inner thighs if desired, or simply work across one leg and then the other, picking up 2 to 4 stitches between them at each junction for a smoother body.

1. Work across leg 1, CO 3 sts, work across leg 2, CO 3 sts to join. Total about 42 sts.
2. Rnd 1 to 4: Knit.
3. Rnd 5: Increase evenly to 48 sts.
4. Rnd 6 to 16: Knit.
5. Rnd 17: K6, inc, repeat around to 56 sts.
6. Rnd 18 to 26: Knit.

The lower body should feel plump but still smaller than the head. Stuff the seat firmly, especially at the back. The bunny in the image sits upright, so a solid base is helpful. Keep the front belly smoothly rounded without overstuffing.

Upper Body and Neck

1. Rnd 27: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 49 sts or close equivalent.
2. Rnd 28: Knit.
3. Rnd 29: Decrease evenly to 42 sts.
4. Rnd 30 to 36: Knit.
5. Rnd 37: K5, k2tog, repeat around to about 36 sts.
6. Rnd 38 to 42: Knit.
7. Rnd 43: K2, k2tog, repeat around to 27 sts.
8. Rnd 44 to 48: Knit for neck.

The neck should be narrower than the head and body, but not fragile. Add a little extra stuffing at the top of the chest and shoulder line so the bunny does not collapse once the head is attached. Set the body aside with a long tail for sewing if needed.

Main Bunny Head

Make 1 in cream. The head is the dominant shape in the photo, large and softly rounded, with a gentle chin area and no sharp muzzle projection. The face is flat enough to frame the embroidered mouth neatly.

1. CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: K1, inc, repeat around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 4: Knit.
6. Rnd 5: K2, inc, repeat around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 6: Knit.
8. Rnd 7: K3, inc, repeat around. 60 sts.
9. Rnd 8 to 24: Knit.

Insert the eyes between rounds that sit slightly below center height. Space them fairly wide apart. In the image, the eyes are tiny, glossy, and simple. They should look quiet and gentle, not oversized or cartoonish.

1. Rnd 25: K8, k2tog, repeat around. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 26: Knit.
3. Rnd 27: K7, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 28: Knit.
5. Rnd 29: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 30: Knit.
7. Rnd 31: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
8. Begin stuffing firmly and evenly.
9. Rnd 32: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
10. Rnd 33: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
11. Rnd 34: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
12. Rnd 35: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
13. Thread tail through remaining stitches and close.

Embroider the nose and mouth after assembly, but lightly mark the face center now. The bunny’s mouth forms a delicate Y-shape with a short vertical line and softly angled sides. Keep this fine and centered for the calm expression seen in the image.

Ears

Make 2 in cream. These ears are long, narrow, and softly drooping. They begin slightly wider at the base and taper toward rounded ends. They are not wired. Their natural fall helps the bonnet sit correctly.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Continue in stockinette for 8 rows.
5. Row 9: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
6. Row 10: Purl.
7. Repeat these 2 rows until 4 sts remain.
8. Knit 2 rows even.
9. Row next: Ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
10. Cut yarn and pull through.

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Make a second matching ear. Fold the base edge slightly when attaching so each ear narrows where it joins the head. Sew them low and slightly behind the face line, allowing them to fall straight down beneath the bonnet opening.

Arms

Make 2 in cream. The arms are slim cylinders with soft tapering and slightly rounded hands. They rest angled outward and downward. Do not overstuff, or the sleeves will look bulky.

1. CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st around. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 2 to 8: Knit.
4. Rnd 9: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 10 to 24: Knit.
6. Stuff the lower half lightly.
7. Flatten top and close with three-needle bind off or sew shut later.

Before sewing to the body, shape the wrist area slightly thinner with a few hidden stitches if needed. The image shows neat straight arms with a soft curve, not strongly bent elbows. Position both arms evenly at shoulder level.

Body Assembly

1. Sew the head securely to the neck, keeping the face centered above the legs.
2. Attach the arms at the upper sides of the body.
3. Sew the ears to the head before adding the bonnet, checking that both hang evenly.
4. Adjust stuffing through any remaining openings and close all seams.

At this stage the bunny should already sit with a gentle forward-facing posture. If the body leans, add a few anchoring stitches through the hips or lower back to stabilize the seated pose. Small corrections here make the finished display much more polished.

White Blouse

Make 1 in white. This is a separate garment with a soft gathered lower edge visible beneath the red dress. The sleeves are short and ruffled, ending in red tied bows. The neckline is hidden under the bow and bonnet frame, so keep it simple and neat.

Blouse Bodice

1. CO enough stitches to fit snugly around the upper torso, about 40 to 44 sts.
2. Work 2 rows in k1, p1 rib.
3. Continue in stockinette for 10 rows.
4. Decrease slightly at the waist if needed for a smooth fit.
5. Leave side or back opening for dressing if preferred.

Puffed Sleeves

1. For each sleeve, pick up about 18 sts around armhole.
2. Knit 3 rounds.
3. Increase lightly on the next round to create a subtle puff.
4. Knit 2 more rounds.
5. Work 1 round of eyelet-style spacing if desired for inserting the tie, or simply keep plain.
6. BO loosely.

Thread a short red cord through the lower sleeve edge or tie it neatly around the cuff area. Finish each with a tiny bow. In the photo these red sleeve bows are small but visible, adding balance to the larger head bow.

White Lower Ruffle or Underskirt

This section peeks out beneath the red dress hem. It should be full enough to show clearly, but not so heavy that it pushes the dress outward too far.

1. Pick up stitches along the lower blouse edge or make as a separate waistband strip.
2. Increase every 3rd or 4th stitch across.
3. Knit 8 to 12 rows in stockinette.
4. Work 2 rows in garter stitch for a soft curved edge.
5. BO loosely.

Red Dress

Make 1 in cherry red. The dress has a fitted sleeveless bodice and a gathered skirt. It sits over the white blouse and ends above the white ruffle, allowing the white layer to show at the bottom.

Bodice

1. CO enough stitches to fit around the torso over the blouse, about 42 to 46 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in k1, p1 rib or plain stockinette depending on preferred finish.
3. Continue in stockinette for 12 rows.
4. Shape small arm openings by binding off a few stitches at each side if knitting flat.
5. Shape front and back neckline gently. Keep neckline fairly high because the bow sits just below it.
6. Sew shoulder seams or fasten neatly at the back.

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Skirt

1. Pick up or continue from bodice with a strong increase round, expanding stitch count by about one third to one half.
2. Knit 18 to 24 rows in stockinette for a softly full skirt.
3. Work 3 rows in garter stitch at hem.
4. BO loosely.

The skirt in the image falls smoothly without extreme frill. Steam lightly if needed so it hangs in an even bell shape. The waist seam may be emphasized with a narrow knitted tie or waistband strip in the same cherry red.

Neck Bow

Make 1 in cherry red. This bow is centered at the neckline and is smaller than the bonnet bow.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Knit 10 rows in garter stitch or stockinette with edge stitches neat.
3. BO.
4. Wrap center with matching yarn several times.
5. Sew to the front neckline of the dress.

Bonnet

Make 1 in cherry red. The bonnet is close-fitting, slightly flared at the face, and tied visually by the large top bow. It covers the crown and sides of the head but leaves the face fully open.

1. Using smaller needles, CO enough stitches to frame the face opening, about 56 to 64 sts depending on your gauge.
2. Work 6 rows in garter stitch for a firm front brim.
3. Continue in stockinette, shaping backward over the crown with short rows or gradual decreases.
4. Decrease evenly near the back head so the bonnet cups the head snugly.
5. Sew back seam.
6. Add a small lower side extension if needed so the bonnet sits just above the ears while still covering their upper attachment points.

The front brim should gently curve outward, not stand stiffly. Test fit before sewing permanently. The bonnet must sit low enough to create the cozy framed face seen in the image.

Large Bonnet Bow

1. CO 20 sts in cherry red.
2. Knit 16 rows in garter stitch or a firm textured stitch.
3. BO.
4. Fold inward at the center and wrap with yarn to form two plump loops.
5. Sew to the top front of the bonnet.

The bow should look substantial, with rounded loops that sit horizontally. Do not make it thin or flat. The bow is one of the strongest visual details in the design and should be centered carefully.

Purse and Strap

Make 1 in cherry red. The purse is tiny, rounded, and worn crossbody. It rests on the bunny’s left-front side in the photo, with the strap crossing diagonally from shoulder to opposite side.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Knit 10 rows in stockinette or seed stitch for the front.
3. Make a matching back piece.
4. For the flap, CO 12 sts and knit 5 rows, then decrease at both ends for a rounded finish.
5. Sew front and back together around sides and base.
6. Attach flap to back top edge.
7. Add a tiny knot, French knot, or miniature button-like stitch to mimic the closure.

Strap

1. Make an i-cord or narrow knitted strip long enough to cross from shoulder to purse comfortably.
2. Sew one end to the top of the purse and the other to the opposite upper corner.
3. Place on the bunny diagonally and tack in place with a few hidden stitches.

Shoes

Make 2 in cherry red with a white contrast strap detail. These soft shoes are rounded and roomy, covering the broad knitted feet. They resemble little Mary Jane slippers.

1. CO 12 sts in red and increase as needed to fit the foot width.
2. Knit a flat or circular sole to match the oval foot base.
3. Pick up stitches around the edge and knit upward for 6 to 8 rounds.
4. Decrease across the toe gradually to create a domed front.
5. Leave an opening over the instep.
6. Add a narrow white strap across the front upper edge.
7. Sew shoe onto foot or leave removable if preferred.

Make sure the shoes angle slightly outward when the bunny sits. This matches the relaxed seated stance in the image and keeps the feet from appearing too stiffly parallel.

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Strawberry

Make 1 in red with a green leafy top. This strawberry is small, plump, and slightly heart-shaped.

1. CO 6 sts in red and work in the round, increasing to about 18 or 24 sts.
2. Knit several rounds even.
3. Decrease gradually to create a rounded cone shape.
4. Stuff lightly and close.
5. Embroider tiny white seed stitches.
6. For the top, knit a small green star-shaped cap and sew on.

Acorn

Make 1 with an olive lower nut and brown cap.

1. Knit a small oval lower section in olive green.
2. Stuff lightly.
3. Knit a shallow brown cap separately.
4. Sew cap onto the top.
5. Add a small stem nub if desired.

Flower

Make 1 tiny blossom in pale pink or cream with a yellow center.

1. Create 5 small petals using tiny knitted loops or miniature flat petal shapes.
2. Sew around a yellow center knot.
3. Flatten gently so the flower sits on the table beside the bunny.

Small Badger

Make 1. This character has a rounded white face with black stripe markings, black ears, black feet, a small blue hood, blue upper body, and gray-brown lower section. Keep proportions compact and charming.

Badger Head

1. In white, CO 8 sts and work in the round.
2. Increase gradually to 24 or 28 sts.
3. Knit even for several rounds.
4. Insert tiny eyes.
5. Shape with decreases and stuff firmly.

Use black yarn to add the face stripes, nose patch, and small muzzle accents. The stripes should run from the top of the head downward beside the eyes, leaving the center face mostly white.

Badger Ears

1. Make 2 tiny black semicircles.
2. Sew high on the head.

Badger Body

1. In gray-brown, CO 10 sts and increase to 20 or 24 sts.
2. Knit even for a short section.
3. Stuff lightly.
4. Close top.

Badger Arms and Feet

1. Make 2 short blue or dark arms.
2. Make 2 black feet, slightly flattened.
3. Attach close to the body for a squat standing pose.

Blue Hooded Top

1. CO enough stitches to fit the upper body snugly.
2. Knit 10 to 12 rows in stockinette.
3. Sew into a tiny sweater shape.
4. For the hood, pick up stitches around the neckline and knit upward, then decrease toward the crown.
5. Finish with a face opening wide enough to show the badger markings clearly.

The hood should sit loosely, not tightly stretched. In the image it frames the face softly and reads as a cozy little hooded garment rather than a pointed cap.

Badger Basket

Make 1 in tan. This is a very small basket with a rounded body and thin handle.

1. CO 6 sts and increase in the round to create a shallow oval base.
2. Knit upward for several rounds without increasing.
3. BO loosely.
4. Make a narrow handle as i-cord or twisted yarn and sew to both sides.

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Dressing and Placement

1. Dress the bunny in the white blouse first.
2. Add the red dress over the blouse.
3. Sew or tie on the neck bow.
4. Put on the shoes.
5. Place the purse crossbody and secure discreetly.
6. Fit the bonnet over the head and ears, then sew lightly in place if desired.
7. Set the badger beside the bunny’s right side.
8. Arrange the strawberry, acorn, flower, and basket around them for the same storybook display feel.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew all remaining openings closed and check the silhouette from the front. The bunny should have a large calm face, straight-hanging ears, a centered bonnet bow, and a dress that falls neatly over the lap.

Embroider the nose and mouth last. Use a few tiny stitches to form a soft central nose and a delicate Y-shaped mouth. Keep the expression minimal and gentle. Do not overwork the face, because the image shows very restrained detailing.

Tack the purse strap, bonnet edges, and dress layers where needed so everything stays in place. If the bunny leans, add a hidden anchoring stitch through the hips or lower back. Position the badger close enough to touch the bunny lightly, matching the cozy scale of the image.

Care Notes

• Display use is best: this design includes many small details and is ideal for gentle handling.
• Keep away from rough play: the bow, purse, and tiny accessories are decorative.
• Store flat or seated: avoid crushing the bonnet bow and ears.
• Protect from direct moisture: especially the stuffed body and layered garments.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both ears hang evenly beneath the bonnet.
• The bonnet frames the face and the top bow is centered.
• The white blouse shows at the sleeves and lower hem.
• The red neck bow is attached at the center front.
• The purse sits diagonally across the body.
• The shoes are rounded and aligned with the seated feet.
• The badger has clear face stripes, blue hood, and tan basket.
• The strawberry, acorn, and flower are all scaled small and neat.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only whenever possible. Use a barely damp cloth and blot gently instead of rubbing. Let all pieces air dry fully away from direct heat or strong sun. Do not machine wash, because shaping, stuffing balance, and miniature details may shift.

For long-term storage, wrap the bunny and badger in clean tissue and place them in a breathable box. Keep accessories together in a small fabric pouch so nothing is lost. Avoid hanging the purse or bonnet under strain for extended periods.

If the knitted fabric relaxes over time, reshape the head, feet, bow loops, and skirt gently by hand. Light steaming from a distance can refresh garment edges, but do not soak the pieces. With careful storage and gentle cleaning, the set will keep its storybook look beautifully.