Midnight Polka Bunny – Knitting

A charming knitted rabbit in a bold black-and-cream outfit can become a beautiful handmade bunny doll, a memorable heirloom toy, or a sweet nursery decor gift. This design features a soft long-eared bunny, a polka dot dress, a wide-brim hat, a tiny crossbody purse, neat strap shoes, a woodland squirrel friend, a small basket, and two apples. If you enjoy browsing for a knitted rabbit plush, a collectible soft toy, or a handmade baby shower gift, this elegant set captures that same boutique look in a warm, handmade form.

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: sport or light DK weight in warm cream.
• Dress, hat, purse, and shoes yarn: sport or light DK weight in deep black.
• Accent yarn: sport weight in white for dots, hat band, and shoe contrast.
• Squirrel yarn: sport weight in medium walnut brown and a lighter nut-brown.
• Sweater yarn for squirrel: sport weight in rich red.
• Basket yarn: sport weight in honey tan.
• Apple yarn: small amounts of red, apple green, and leaf green.
• Optional lining accent: black and white yarn for a small checked cloth effect.
• Needles: double-pointed needles or magic loop needles suitable for small-circumference knitting. Use a size that gives a dense fabric. For most knitters, US 1.5 to US 3 works well.
• Tapestry needle for seaming and duplicate stitch.
• Stitch markers.
• Stuffing for toys.
• Black safety eyes or embroidered French-knot eyes.
• One tiny white button for one shoe.
• Thin cardboard circle or plastic canvas for the hat brim and basket base if you want extra structure.

Finished Size

The bunny is designed to sit with long legs hanging forward, just like the sample. When made in sport or light DK yarn at a firm gauge, the finished bunny measures about 12 to 14 inches tall while seated, not including the hat brim. From the top of the head to the tips of the feet, the body proportions stay soft, slim, and elegant.

The squirrel should measure around 4 to 5 inches tall. The basket should be small enough to sit behind the bunny without overpowering it, and the apples should look miniature beside the basket.

Gauge

Gauge is less important than density for this set. The fabric must be tight enough that stuffing does not show through. If your stitches look open, move down a needle size. The bunny in the photo has a smooth, fine knitted surface, so firm tension matters.

Abbreviations

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

Design Notes

This set is shaped to match the image closely. The bunny has a rounded head, narrow neck, slim torso, softly weighted legs, simple tubular arms, long drooping ears, and a calm centered face. The dress sits off the shoulders with a wide ruffle and a gently flared skirt.

The white dress dots are large, clean, and placed in even rows. For the neatest result, knit the dress in black first, then work the dots in duplicate stitch. This creates crisp white circles without distorting the skirt.

The hat needs a low rounded crown and a generous downward brim. The purse hangs diagonally across the front. The shoes are simple dark Mary Jane style straps over cream feet. The squirrel is compact and upright, wearing a red sweater and holding a large acorn.

Bunny Head

Head Base

Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts and divide evenly for working in the round. Place marker for start of round.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: K all.
4. Rnd 4: K1, Kfb around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: K all.
6. Rnd 6: K2, Kfb around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 7: K all.
8. Rnd 8: K3, Kfb around. 60 sts.

Knit 16 rounds even in St st. This creates the broadest part of the head. The head in the image is not oversized. It is softly rounded with a gentle muzzle, so keep the shaping clean and controlled instead of making a very large sphere.

Muzzle and Face Contour

Work 2 rounds even. On the next round, place markers to indicate the front center. Add a tiny amount of extra stuffing toward the lower front of the face while you knit the next section. This helps create the subtle rounded muzzle seen in the photo.

1. Rnd 1: Knit to 2 sts before center front marker, Kfb, K2, Kfb, knit to end. 62 sts.
2. Rnd 2: K all.
3. Rnd 3: Repeat the same increase round. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 4: K all.

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Knit 4 more rounds even. The front should now project slightly without looking pronounced. The sample has a delicate face, so the muzzle should be subtle and smooth.

Top of Head Shaping

1. Rnd 1: K6, K2tog around. 56 sts.
2. Rnd 2: K all.
3. Rnd 3: K5, K2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 4: K all.
5. Rnd 5: K4, K2tog around. 40 sts.
6. Rnd 6: K all.
7. Rnd 7: K3, K2tog around. 32 sts.

Begin stuffing firmly but gently. Do not overstuff. The head should stay rounded, not hard. Continue shaping:

1. Rnd 8: K2, K2tog around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 9: K all.
3. Rnd 10: K1, K2tog around. 16 sts.

Leave the remaining stitches on the needle for now if you prefer an open-neck join. If you want a fully closed head, reduce once more and draw closed, then sew to a separate neck opening. The image shows a soft neck transition, so an open-neck join often gives the nicest result.

Face Details

Place the eyes low and fairly wide apart, with plenty of forehead above them. They should look like tiny dark dots, not large toy eyes. Use black eyes or embroider tiny satin or French-knot eyes.

Embroider the nose in brown or taupe. Make a small Y-shaped nose and mouth. The vertical line should be short. The mouth should be soft and centered, with a calm expression. Lightly sculpt the eye area with thread if needed, but keep the face minimal.

Bunny Body

The body is a simple pear-like shape, slightly fuller at the bottom and narrower at the shoulders. It must fit under the dress without bulk. Use cream yarn.

CO 12 sts and join for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: K all.
4. Rnd 4: K1, Kfb around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: K all.
6. Rnd 6: K2, Kfb around. 48 sts.

Knit 10 rounds even. The lower body should feel gently rounded. Add stuffing gradually. The bunny in the image sits well on the bench, so place a little extra stuffing low in the body to help it balance.

1. Rnd 17: K6, K2tog around. 42 sts.
2. Rnd 18: K all.
3. Rnd 19: K5, K2tog around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 20: K all.
5. Rnd 21: K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.

Knit 6 rounds even for the upper torso. Then shape shoulders lightly.

1. Rnd 28: K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 29: K all.
3. Rnd 30: K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.

Stuff the top lightly. Leave a long tail for sewing the head to the body, or keep the opening live and graft to the head neck opening. The neck should look narrow but stable.

Legs

The legs are long, straight, and softly stuffed. They hang down from the seated bunny, with slightly fuller feet. Make 2 in cream.

Foot Base

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K.
3. Row 2: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.

Distribute stitches for working in the round, or seam later if you prefer flat knitting. Increase to shape a gentle oval foot.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3-6: K all.

On the next round, work 2 decrease points at the top of the foot if needed to taper slightly. Stuff the toe area well, but keep the ankle soft. The feet in the image are rounded and modest, not oversized.

Leg Tube

Reduce to 16 sts evenly over one round. Knit straight for 28 to 34 rounds depending on your gauge. The finished leg should be long enough to extend below the skirt and dangle naturally from the bench edge.

Stuff lightly through most of the leg, leaving the top inch softer so the leg bends forward when attached. Bind off with a long tail. Make the second leg the same length.

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Arms

The arms are plain, gently tapered tubes with a rounded hand end. They hang straight and are slightly shorter than the legs. Make 2 in cream.

1. CO 8 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2-4: K all.

Reduce 2 stitches evenly to 14 sts if your yarn is thick. Knit 20 to 24 rounds even. Stuff lightly, especially at the hand end, but keep the upper arm flexible. Bind off and leave a long tail for sewing.

Ears

The ears are long, flat, and softly drooping. They are not wired. Make 2 in cream and work flat.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K.
3. Row 2: P.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K to last st, Kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P.
6. Row 5: K.
7. Row 6: P.
8. Row 7: Kfb, K to last st, Kfb. 12 sts.

Continue in St st for 28 to 34 rows. The ears should look long and narrow with a softly rounded lower width. Then taper gently.

1. Next RS row: SSK, K to last 2 sts, K2tog.
2. Next WS row: P.

Repeat these 2 rows until 6 sts remain. Work 2 rows even. Then decrease again on the RS until 2 sts remain. BO. Make a second ear.

Lightly steam or block flat. Do not stuff. Fold the base slightly before attaching so each ear drapes beside the face. In the sample, both ears hang downward from beneath the hat brim.

Optional Tail

The tail is mostly hidden by the dress, but you may add a small cream pom-pom tail. Make a tiny stuffed ball and sew it low on the back of the body before dressing the bunny.

Dress

The dress is one of the key features. It is black, softly flared, with a wide off-shoulder ruffle and large white dots. The neckline sits low and wide. The skirt reaches below the knees of the seated bunny.

Dress Skirt and Bodice

Using black, CO enough stitches to fit over the hips of the bunny. For the sample proportions, start with 72 sts joined in the round.

1. Rnd 1-6: K all for a smooth lower border.
2. Rnd 7: K8, Kfb around. 80 sts.
3. Rnd 8-20: K all.

This lower section forms the flared skirt. If you want slightly more fullness, increase again by 8 stitches on the next even-spaced increase round. The skirt should fall outward softly, not stick straight out.

Now begin narrowing toward the waist.

1. Rnd 21: K8, K2tog around. 72 sts.
2. Rnd 22-24: K all.
3. Rnd 25: K7, K2tog around. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 26-28: K all.

This brings in the waist gently. For the bodice, knit 8 to 10 rounds even. The upper body of the bunny is slim, so the bodice should sit close without looking tight.

Arm Openings and Wide Neckline

You may finish the upper dress in one of two ways. Either split for front and back and shape shallow arm openings, or leave the body tube and add separate shoulder straps hidden beneath the ruffle. The sample looks like a soft off-shoulder top with dark shoulder support. The second method matches the image very well.

For the strap method, bind off the tube neatly after the bodice height is complete. Then pick up and knit 2 narrow black straps, each about 4 to 5 stitches wide and long enough to pass over the shoulders. Sew them to the front and back bodice edges.

Keep the straps close to the neck, because the wide ruffle will sit over them and hide most of their join. In the image, a small amount of black strap is visible at the shoulders and near the neckline.

Neck Ruffle

The ruffle is broad and dramatic, circling the upper dress like a cape collar. Using black, pick up stitches all around the neckline edge of the bodice, including over the strap attachment points.

1. Rnd 1: Pick up 64 sts and K.
2. Rnd 2: K1, Kfb around. 96 sts.
3. Rnd 3: K all.
4. Rnd 4: K2, Kfb around. 128 sts.
5. Rnd 5-8: K all.

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Bind off loosely. The ruffle should curve outward and downward over the upper arms. Light steam blocking helps it spread evenly. In the sample, the ruffle is broad but not stiff.

White Polka Dots

Using white yarn and duplicate stitch, add large round dots across the ruffle, bodice, and skirt. Keep them evenly spaced but not mathematically rigid. The photo shows dots in offset rows, with a balanced boutique look.

• Place 4 to 5 dots across the visible front skirt width.
• Use slightly fewer dots on the bodice than on the skirt.
• Add several dots to the ruffle, spaced so they remain visible from the front.
• Keep dots round, bold, and clearly white.

Each dot can cover about 4 to 6 stitches wide depending on your gauge. Make them consistent in size. The dress looks striking because of the strong contrast between the black ground and the bright dots.

Crossbody Purse

The purse is a small black pouch with one white dot on the front and a long thin strap worn diagonally across the body. It should land near the bunny’s waist and skirt front.

Purse Body

1. Using black, CO 12 sts.
2. Work 16 rows in St st.
3. BO.

Fold in half and seam the sides to make a small flat pouch. Add one white duplicate-stitch dot on the center front. Stuff very lightly, or leave flat.

Purse Strap

Using black, make an i-cord or narrow knitted cord long enough to pass from one side of the purse, over one shoulder, across the chest, and down to the other side. Sew securely. Position the purse slightly off center, matching the photo.

Hat

The hat is black with a rounded crown, a medium-deep shape, a broad floppy brim, and a crisp white horizontal band around the base of the crown. It sits low enough to frame the ears.

Crown

Using black, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
2. Rnd 2: K all.
3. Rnd 3: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 4: K all.
5. Rnd 5: K2, Kfb around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 6: K all.
7. Rnd 7: K3, Kfb around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 8: K all.
9. Rnd 9: K4, Kfb around. 48 sts.

Knit 10 to 12 rounds even. This creates the low dome. Try it on the bunny head as you go. It should fit over the crown of the head comfortably without looking tall.

White Band

Work 2 rounds in white. Return to black and knit 1 more round. This creates the clean contrast stripe seen in the image.

Brim

1. Next round: K5, Kfb around. 56 sts.
2. Knit 2 rounds even.
3. Next round: K6, Kfb around. 64 sts.
4. Knit 2 rounds even.
5. Next round: K7, Kfb around. 72 sts.
6. Knit 4 to 6 rounds even.

Bind off loosely. The brim should dip slightly downward at the sides and front. For more structure, sew a hidden ring of plastic canvas or millinery wire inside the brim edge. For a softer finish, simply steam the brim and shape it by hand.

Shoes

The bunny wears black strap shoes over cream feet. The style is simple and sweet, with a white accent band and one visible tiny white button on the outer side. Make 2.

Sole

Using black, pick up around the edge of each knitted foot or knit a separate oval sole matching the base size of the foot. Sew the sole neatly to the underside if worked separately.

Upper Strap

Pick up stitches across the front third of the foot and knit a small band in black for 4 to 5 rows. Bind off. Then create a separate narrow strap and sew it across the top of the foot at an angle or straight across, depending on your preferred fit.

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Add a thin white horizontal accent band on each shoe either by duplicate stitch or by knitting one short row section in white. Sew one tiny white button on the outer side of one strap to match the visible detail in the image. If you prefer symmetry, add a button to both shoes.

Squirrel Friend

The squirrel is compact, upright, and slightly shorter than the bunny’s seated torso. It has a rounded head, small muzzle, tiny ears, a plump body, short feet, little forepaws, and a very large curved tail rising behind it. The red sweater covers the upper body.

Head

Using brown, CO 8 sts, join, and shape a small rounded head just as you would for the bunny, but much smaller.

• Increase to about 28 or 32 sts total.
• Knit 8 to 10 rounds even.
• Add a slight muzzle with 2 front increases if desired.
• Decrease to close.

Add tiny black eyes and a small brown embroidered nose. The squirrel face should look alert but gentle.

Body

Using brown, knit a small oval body that is fuller at the lower half and narrower near the neck. Stuff firmly enough that it stands or leans upright when posed against the bunny.

Tail

The tail is one of the most important squirrel features. Work it flat in brown as a tall curved leaf shape, then seam lightly along one side if you want a padded tail. It should rise above the squirrel’s back and curl slightly forward.

To make the tail:

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work in St st, increasing 1 st at each end every 4th row until 18 sts.
3. Work 12 rows even.
4. Then decrease 1 st at each end every 4th row until 8 sts remain.
5. BO.

Lightly stuff or leave flat with firm blocking. Sew the lower end securely to the squirrel’s back.

Arms, Legs, and Ears

Knit 2 tiny tube arms and 2 tiny tube legs in brown. Make 2 very small triangle ears and sew to the head top. Keep proportions modest. The paws should look delicate beside the acorn.

Red Sweater

Using red yarn, knit a tiny sleeveless or short-sleeved pullover to cover the squirrel body. It should fit snugly. The image shows a simple red top with no extra decoration.

• CO enough stitches to fit the squirrel torso.
• Work a short rib or plain hem.
• Knit straight for body height.
• Add shallow arm openings if desired.
• Finish with a neat neck edge.

Acorn

Knit a tiny acorn in two colors. Use warm tan for the nut body and darker brown for the cap. Shape it as a small oval with a slightly textured top. Add a short stem. Sew into the squirrel’s paws so it appears to hold the acorn securely.

Basket

The basket behind the bunny is tan, rounded, and softly structured with a fitted lid and one upright handle. It also shows a black-and-white checked cloth peeking out on one side.

Basket Base and Sides

Using tan yarn, knit a flat oval or round base. Then pick up stitches around the edge and knit upward in the round for the sides. Keep the wall height low and the shape slightly tapered inward near the top.

If you want the basket to hold its shape, insert a cardboard piece in the base and line the inside with fabric or felt.

Lid

Knit a second matching top piece slightly larger than the opening so it sits like a lid. Sew it at the back edge or leave it separate. In the image, the lid looks closed but angled slightly by the handle and cloth.

Handle

Make a firm tan i-cord or narrow knitted strip and sew each end to opposite sides of the basket. The handle should arch upward in a clean oval.

Checked Cloth Accent

For the checked piece, knit a small square in black and white using tiny blocks or duplicate stitch to suggest gingham. Fold it diagonally and tuck it under the lid edge so a small triangle shows, matching the image.

Apples

Make 2 miniature apples, one red and one green. Each apple is a tiny stuffed sphere with a slightly indented top and bottom, a brown stem, and a tiny green leaf.

1. CO 6 sts in chosen apple color and join.
2. Increase evenly to 18 or 20 sts.
3. Knit a few rounds even.
4. Decrease evenly to close.

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Stuff before closing. Pull a thread from top to bottom to create the characteristic apple indent. Add a short stem and a simple leaf. Keep both apples very small so they read as charming accessories instead of focal points.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the bunny head to the body.
2. Attach the legs low on the body so they hang forward when seated.
3. Attach the arms just below the neckline area.
4. Sew the ears to the head and angle them downward.
5. Dress the bunny in the black polka dot dress.
6. Add the shoes.
7. Sew and position the crossbody purse.
8. Place the hat on the head after the ears are arranged.
9. Assemble the squirrel and sew on the sweater and acorn.
10. Finish the basket, checked cloth, and apples.

Styling Notes for an Accurate Look

• The bunny should sit tall but relaxed, with legs hanging straight down.
• The dress must cover the body fully and flare softly over the seated legs.
• The ruffle should spread wide across the shoulders.
• The purse should cross the front diagonally, not hang straight down from the neck.
• The hat brim should frame the face and slightly shadow the ears.
• The squirrel should sit close to one side of the bunny.
• The basket and apples should remain small background accents.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the bunny face before tying off all threads. The eyes should be level, small, and widely spaced. The nose should sit low and centered, with a short vertical stitch below it. Gently shape the muzzle with tiny hidden stitches if needed.

Sew the ears so they fall naturally beneath the hat. Adjust the hat brim after placing it on the head. Position the purse so the strap crosses the chest neatly. Give the skirt a final smooth shaping so the dots face forward evenly.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. Avoid rough twisting or wringing, especially around the hat brim, dress ruffle, and squirrel tail. If the toy is mainly decorative, keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight to help the black yarn stay rich and deep.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both ears attached at the same height?
• Does the head sit centered on the neck?
• Do the legs hang evenly when the bunny sits?
• Are the white dots balanced across the dress and purse?
• Does the hat brim curve evenly?
• Is the squirrel tail secure and well shaped?
• Are the basket, apples, and acorn scaled small enough beside the bunny?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For a deeper clean, place the finished pieces in a mesh bag and hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool-safe cleanser. Press out moisture in a towel, reshape every part, and dry flat. Do not hang dry, because the limbs and dress may stretch.

Store the set in a clean, dry space. Acid-free tissue can be tucked inside the hat and basket to help them keep their shape. If displaying for long periods, dust gently with a soft dry brush and reposition the accessories occasionally to avoid pressure marks.