Knitting Tutorial: Foxglove Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet woodland bunny is designed as a collectible heirloom knitted doll with a foxglove dress border, leafy bonnet, mossy capelet, crossbody leaf bag, Mary Jane shoes, a tiny hedgehog friend, and a little berry basket. The finished look is perfect for knit toy lovers searching for a handmade bunny doll pattern, knitted nursery gift, artisan stuffed animal, or woodland cottage decor. Every piece below is written to recreate the proportions, styling, and soft garden feel shown in the image while keeping the instructions approachable for careful beginners and enjoyable for experienced toy knitters.

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

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US English and uses standard toy-making methods: knitting in the round for the main pieces, simple shaping, firm stuffing, and hand finishing.

The bunny in the image has a large rounded head, a gently tapered body, short arms, straight legs, long upright ears, a scalloped leafy bonnet, a short green capelet with bead trim, and a cream dress with foxglove flowers worked near the hem.

The overall style is delicate and realistic rather than cartoonish. Keep your fabric dense and your stuffing smooth.

The tiny hedgehog is included at the end, along with the miniature basket and the foxglove stems placed beside the bunny.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: DK weight wool or wool-blend in warm cream, about 80 g
• Capelet and bonnet yarn: DK weight in muted moss green, about 45 g
• Shoe yarn: DK weight in taupe-brown, about 12 g
• Bag yarn: DK weight in leaf green, about 8 g
• Flower embroidery yarn: pink, mauve, lavender, heather purple, and olive green
• Hedgehog body yarn: cream and medium brown, small amounts
• Basket yarn: fingering or light DK in basket brown, small amount
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) double-pointed needles or magic loop for the doll, and US 1.5 (2.5 mm) for tiny accessories if desired
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill
• Eyes: two 4 mm black safety eyes or small black embroidery knots
• Buttons: two tiny brown buttons for the capelet
• Wooden beads: 18 to 22 tiny round beads for the cape edge, optional but recommended for the pictured look
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Thin floral wire, optional for shaping foxglove stems or basket handle

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge: 30 sts and 42 rnds = 4 inches in stockinette worked in the round on US 2 needles after light blocking.

Gauge matters a lot in knitted toys. A loose gauge will change the face, body firmness, and ear stability.

• Finished bunny height: about 10 to 11 inches tall from feet to ear tips
• Head height: about 3 inches
• Body height: about 4 inches from lower torso to neck
• Arm length: about 2.5 inches
• Leg length: about 3 inches including foot
• Hedgehog height: about 2 inches

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• p = purl
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• m1L = make 1 left
• m1R = make 1 right
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• BO = bind off
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• rep = repeat

General Notes Before You Begin

Work all main pieces firmly. The image shows a neat, dense fabric with small stitches and very little visible stuffing texture.

Stuff gradually as you knit. Do not overstuff the face. The head should feel full but still softly rounded.

The bunny in the picture has a narrow neck, a slightly pear-shaped body, and legs placed quite close together under the body. That placement is important for the look.

The arms are short and lightly angled downward. The ears are long, slim, and softly rounded at the tips.

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The face is minimal. Use tiny eyes set wide apart, a stitched Y-shaped nose and mouth, and no blush unless you personally want it.

Bunny Legs Make 2

Each leg begins at the sole and is worked upward in the round. The feet are small, rounded, and slightly flattened so the doll sits naturally.

1. Using cream, CO 8 sts. Divide over 3 needles and join carefully. Mark start of rnd.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1, k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: Knit.
7. Rnd 9: k2, ssk, k4, k2tog, k2, k2, ssk, k2, k2tog, k2. 16 sts.
8. Rnd 10: Knit.
9. Rnd 11: k2, ssk, k2, k2tog, k2, k2, ssk, k0, k2tog, k2. 12 sts.
10. Begin stuffing the foot lightly, shaping the sole flat.
11. Rnds 12-24: Knit 12 sts each rnd.
12. Stuff the lower leg firmly but do not overstuff the ankle.
13. BO leg 1 and leave a 10-inch tail for joining.
14. For leg 2, work the same but do not BO. Leave sts on needles.

Body

The body is joined from both legs and worked upward. The pictured bunny has a narrow lower torso, fuller middle, then a gentle decrease toward the neck.

1. With leg 2 on needles, knit across the 12 sts of leg 2.
2. CO 4 sts using backward loop.
3. Knit across 12 sts of leg 1.
4. CO 4 sts. 32 sts total.
5. Join for body rnd. Place marker at center back.
6. Rnd 1: Knit, picking up loops neatly across the joins.
7. Rnd 2: k12, m1L, k4, m1R, k12, m1L, k4, m1R. 36 sts.
8. Rnd 3: Knit.
9. Rnd 4: k13, m1L, k5, m1R, k13, m1L, k5, m1R. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 5-10: Knit.
11. Rnd 11: k8, m1L, k4, m1R, k16, m1L, k4, m1R, k8. 44 sts.
12. Rnds 12-18: Knit.
13. Stuff body lower half firmly and evenly.
14. Rnd 19: k9, ssk, k10, k2tog, k10, ssk, k9, k2tog. 40 sts.
15. Rnds 20-21: Knit.
16. Rnd 22: k8, ssk, k8, k2tog, k8, ssk, k8, k2tog. 36 sts.
17. Rnds 23-24: Knit.
18. Rnd 25: k7, ssk, k6, k2tog, k7, ssk, k6, k2tog. 32 sts.
19. Rnd 26: Knit.
20. Rnd 27: k6, ssk, k4, k2tog, k6, ssk, k4, k2tog. 28 sts.
21. Rnds 28-30: Knit.
22. Continue stuffing, keeping the front very smooth.
23. Rnd 31: k5, ssk, k3, k2tog, k5, ssk, k3, k2tog. 24 sts.
24. Rnd 32: Knit.
25. Rnd 33: k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, ssk, k2, k2tog. 20 sts.
26. Rnds 34-35: Knit.

Break yarn and place body aside. The head will be worked separately and sewn on for best shaping and correct neck angle.

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim tubes with a lightly rounded paw end. They should reach just below the waistline when sewn on.

1. Using cream, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: k2, ssk, k4, k2tog, k2, ssk, k2, k2tog. 12 sts.
6. Rnds 5-18: Knit.
7. Stuff only the lower half and leave the upper arm soft and flat.
8. Rnd 19: k2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn, thread tail through sts, pull closed.

Head

The head is the most important part of the doll. It is nearly spherical, but slightly taller than wide, with a gentle narrowing at the neck opening. Keep increases and decreases even.

1. Using cream, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: Knit.
7. Rnd 6: k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: Knit.
9. Rnd 8: k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: Knit.
11. Rnd 10: k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnds 11-20: Knit.
13. Rnd 21: k4, ssk around. 40 sts.
14. Rnd 22: Knit.
15. Rnd 23: k3, ssk around. 32 sts.
16. Begin stuffing firmly and smoothly.
17. Rnd 24: Knit.
18. Rnd 25: k2, ssk around. 24 sts.
19. Rnd 26: Knit.
20. Rnd 27: k1, ssk around. 16 sts.
21. Rnd 28: Knit.
22. Rnd 29: k2tog around. 8 sts.
23. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

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Shape the head with your fingers so the cheeks are gently full and the lower face is not pointed.

Ears Make 2

The ears are narrow, softly padded only at the base, and held upright by firm knitting rather than heavy stuffing.

1. Using cream, CO 6 sts. Divide and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: kfb, k1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1. 9 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
6. Rnds 5-24: Knit.
7. Rnd 25: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k2. 10 sts.
8. Rnd 26: Knit.
9. Rnd 27: ssk, k2, k2tog, k2, k2tog. 7 sts.
10. Rnd 28: Knit.
11. Flatten ear so stitches align in 2 layers and BO together with a 12-inch sewing tail.

Do not stuff the ears except for a tiny pinch at the base if needed. Fold the lower edge slightly when attaching so the ears stand with the same forward-facing posture as the image.

Dress Body Cover

The dress seen in the image is close-fitting and appears integrated with the bunny body. To recreate that look neatly, make a removable lower dress tube with embroidered foxglove flowers, then hide the top edge under the capelet.

1. Using cream, CO 72 sts loosely. Join for knitting in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Rnd 1: *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: *k5, k2tog; rep from * to end. 60 sts.
5. Rnds 4-8: Knit.
6. Rnd 9: *k8, k2tog; rep from * to end. 54 sts.
7. Rnds 10-16: Knit.
8. Rnd 17: *k7, k2tog; rep from * to end. 48 sts.
9. Rnds 18-22: Knit.
10. Rnd 23: *k6, k2tog; rep from * to end. 42 sts.
11. Rnds 24-28: Knit.
12. Rnd 29: *k5, k2tog; rep from * to end. 36 sts.
13. Rnds 30-34: Knit.
14. BO loosely.

This tube should fit over the lower body and stop under the arms. If your gauge is slightly different, lightly seam the back opening instead of forcing it.

Foxglove Flower Border Embroidery

The foxgloves in the image are concentrated around the lower hem and rise upward in small floral spikes. Use duplicate stitch, straight stitches, and tiny French knots if desired.

Keep the flowers soft and clustered, not evenly spaced like a geometric border.

• Work 7 to 9 floral groups around the lower dress.
• Each floral group should begin with an olive stem worked upward 8 to 12 rows.
• Add pairs of small green leaves angled out from the lower third of each stem.
• Use pink, mauve, and lavender to form stacked blossoms.
• Place the largest blossoms near the hem and slightly smaller blossoms higher on the stem.
• For each blossom, make a tiny cup shape with 3 to 4 duplicate stitches or satin stitches.
• Cluster colors irregularly to match the natural garden look in the photo.

On the front center, make the floral area slightly fuller than on the back because that is what shows most clearly in the image.

Mary Jane Shoes Make 2

The shoes are small, brown, rounded, and simple. They slip over the cream feet and are stitched on at the sole edges.

1. Using brown, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: Knit.
3. Row 2 WS: Purl.
4. Row 3: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
5. Rows 4-8: Work in stockinette, ending with a WS row.
6. Row 9 RS: k3, ssk, k2, k2tog, k3. 10 sts.
7. Row 10 WS: Purl.
8. Row 11 RS: k2, ssk, k2tog, k2. 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn and gather toe slightly.

Sew the long edges around the foot to form a slipper. Add a narrow strap across the instep with a short length of brown yarn or an i-cord of 10 rows on 2 sts.

Capelet

The capelet is short, rounded across the shoulders, and closes at the front with two tiny buttons. The beaded trim gives the soft weighted drape seen in the image.

1. Using moss green, CO 48 sts.
2. Work flat.
3. Row 1 WS: Purl.
4. Row 2 RS: k2, m1L, knit to last 2 sts, m1R, k2. 50 sts.
5. Row 3: Purl.
6. Row 4: k2, m1L, knit to last 2 sts, m1R, k2. 52 sts.
7. Repeat Rows 3-4 four more times. 60 sts.
8. Rows 13-18: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
9. Row 19 RS: k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 58 sts.
10. Row 20 WS: Purl.
11. Repeat Rows 19-20 three more times. 52 sts.
12. Rows 27-30: Work in garter stitch.
13. Row 31 RS: BO all sts knitwise, not too tightly.

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For the neck band, pick up 34 sts evenly along the top edge.

1. Neck Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Neck Row 2 RS: k3, yo, k2tog, knit to end.
3. Neck Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. Neck Row 4 RS: k5, yo, k2tog, knit to end.
5. Neck Row 5 WS: Purl.
6. Neck Row 6 RS: BO all sts loosely.

Sew two small buttons on the opposite side of the neck band to match the image placement.

Attach tiny beads evenly along the lower cape edge. Space one bead every 2 to 3 sts. The trim should look delicate, not heavy.

Leaf Bonnet

The bonnet frames the face like a ruffled leaf. It is one of the key features of the photo. The inner cap fits the head, and the outer edge is worked in shaped leaf scallops.

Bonnet Cap

1. Using moss green, CO 48 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-6: *k1, p1; rep from * around.
3. Rnds 7-14: Knit.
4. Rnd 15: k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
5. Rnd 16: Knit.
6. Rnd 17: k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
7. Rnd 18: Knit.
8. Rnd 19: k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
9. Rnd 20: Knit.
10. Rnd 21: k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
11. Rnd 22: Knit.
12. Rnd 23: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
13. Rnd 24: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
14. Cut yarn, draw through sts, and close.

Do not put this on the doll yet. The leaf frill is added around the face opening edge.

Leaf Frill Pick-Up

With RS facing, pick up 54 sts evenly around the front face opening, from one lower side to the other lower side.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: *k1, yo, k2, yo, k1, turn; rep from * across. You now have 9 leaf sections of 6 sts each.

Work each leaf section separately across the row using short rows or markers. The easiest neat method is to knit across all sections with the same shaping sequence.

1. Leaf Row 1 WS: Purl all sts.
2. Leaf Row 2 RS: In each 6-st leaf section, k1, m1L, k2, m1R, k1. 8 sts per leaf.
3. Leaf Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. Leaf Row 4 RS: In each leaf, k1, m1L, k4, m1R, k1. 10 sts per leaf.
5. Leaf Row 5 WS: Purl.
6. Leaf Row 6 RS: In each leaf, k1, m1L, k6, m1R, k1. 12 sts per leaf.
7. Leaf Row 7 WS: Purl.
8. Leaf Row 8 RS: In each leaf, k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts of leaf, k2tog, k1. 10 sts per leaf.
9. Leaf Row 9 WS: Purl.
10. Leaf Row 10 RS: Repeat decrease row. 8 sts per leaf.
11. Leaf Row 11 WS: Purl.
12. Leaf Row 12 RS: Repeat decrease row. 6 sts per leaf.
13. Leaf Row 13 WS: Purl.
14. Leaf Row 14 RS: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1 in each leaf. 4 sts per leaf.
15. Leaf Row 15 WS: Purl.
16. Leaf Row 16 RS: k2tog twice in each leaf. 2 sts per leaf.
17. Leaf Row 17 WS: Purl.
18. Leaf Row 18 RS: k2tog in each leaf. Fasten off each point neatly.

This creates the soft leafy crown effect shown around the bunny’s face.

Bonnet Ties

1. Pick up 3 sts at one lower edge of bonnet.
2. Work 3-st i-cord for 10 inches.
3. BO.
4. Repeat on other side.

Leaf Bag

The small crossbody bag is shaped like a leaf with a narrow i-cord strap.

1. Using green, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: k1, m1L, knit to last st, m1R, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 3 WS: Purl.
5. Row 4 RS: k1, m1L, knit to last st, m1R, k1. 14 sts.
6. Rows 5-10: Work in stockinette.
7. Row 11 RS: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
8. Row 12 WS: Purl.
9. Repeat Rows 11-12 twice more. 8 sts.
10. Row 17 RS: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
11. Row 18 WS: Purl.
12. Row 19 RS: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
13. Fasten off.

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Make 2 identical pieces. Sew together around edges, leaving top open. Add a center leaf vein with backstitch.

For the strap, make a 2-st i-cord about 11 inches long. Sew one end to each upper side of the bag. Position it diagonally across the bunny body as shown.

Mini Basket

The basket beside the bunny is tiny and shallow with a curved handle.

1. Using basket brown, CO 12 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Purl.
5. Rnds 4-7: Knit.
6. Rnd 8: *k2tog; rep around. 12 sts.
7. BO loosely.

Flatten the base slightly and stuff with a tiny scrap if needed to hold shape. For the handle, make a 2-st i-cord 5 inches long and sew to opposite sides.

Add a few small berry knots in mauve and pink yarn inside the basket for the photographed finish.

Foxglove Stems Accessory

The loose foxglove stems lying beside the bunny help complete the scene. These are optional, but they make the styling much closer to the image.

1. Using olive yarn, make 3 i-cords, each 5 to 6 inches long on 2 sts.
2. Leave long tails at both ends.
3. Embroider small leaves with detached chain stitches along the lower half.
4. Using pink and mauve yarn, add clustered blossoms along the top half with tiny loops and wrapped stitches.
5. Tie the lower ends together in a soft bundle or tack them invisibly with sewing thread.

Tiny Hedgehog

The hedgehog is a charming miniature companion wearing its own tiny green cape. It should look round, palm-sized, and slightly squat.

Hedgehog Belly

1. Using cream, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
5. Rnds 4-7: Knit.

Hedgehog Back

1. Change to brown.
2. Rnds 8-11: Knit.
3. Rnd 12: k1, ssk around. 12 sts.
4. Stuff firmly.
5. Rnd 13: Knit.
6. Rnd 14: k2tog around. 6 sts.
7. Close top.

Shape the snout by pulling a thread lightly through the front center. Add two tiny black eyes or knots. Embroider a small nose.

Hedgehog Cape

1. Using green, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: Garter stitch.
3. Row 3 RS: k2, m1L, knit to last 2 sts, m1R, k2. 20 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: Knit.
5. Row 5 RS: Knit.
6. Row 6 WS: Knit.
7. BO loosely.

Sew around the neck and add a tied strand as a tiny bonnet-style cord.

Assembly of Bunny Body

Sew the leg gap closed at the inner upper thighs if needed. Shape both feet so they angle slightly forward.

Pull the body stuffing upward and make sure the waist remains softly tapered.

Sew the head to the body using mattress-style whip stitches around the neck opening. The head should sit upright with only a tiny forward tilt.

Attach the arms 1 row below the neckline, one on each side. Angle them slightly downward and forward. The paws should rest near the lower edge of the capelet.

Sew the ears to the top of the head, leaving a narrow gap between them. Place them slightly behind the center line so they rise from the bonnet naturally.

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Face Placement

Insert eyes between head Rnds 12 and 13 if using safety eyes. Space them 8 stitches apart. For embroidered eyes, place tiny vertical satin stitches in the same positions.

Using brown embroidery thread, stitch a small triangular nose centered 5 to 6 rows below the eyes.

From the base of the nose, make a short vertical stitch downward, then divide into two tiny angled mouth stitches to form a soft Y-shape.

Do not add eyelashes. The photographed expression is simple, calm, and neutral.

Dressing the Bunny

Slide the dress tube onto the lower body. Sew in place with tiny stitches at the back and under the cape line.

Sew the shoes onto the feet.

Put the bonnet on and tie softly below the head, but mostly hidden by the capelet.

Add the capelet over the dress top and close it with the two buttons at center front.

Place the leaf bag diagonally from the left shoulder to the right side of the body as pictured. Tack the strap invisibly at the shoulder and side so it stays in position.

Set the basket beside the bunny and place the tiny hedgehog on the other side for styling.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head is centered and the ears match in height. Smooth the face with your fingers before tightening any final stitches.

Keep the eyes very small and the nose delicate. The beauty of this design comes from restraint.

If needed, add tiny hidden stitches at the bonnet sides so the leafy ruffle frames the face evenly.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible
• Handle bead trim gently
• Do not machine wash
• Keep away from pets and very young children if using small buttons or beads
• Store out of direct sunlight to protect the flower embroidery colors

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and smooth
• Ears symmetrical and upright
• Dress hem embroidered all around
• Capelet buttoned neatly
• Bonnet leaf frill framing face evenly
• Bag strap sitting diagonally
• Shoes matched and centered
• Hedgehog and basket scaled small beside the bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a barely damp cloth with mild wool-safe soap for surface marks. Blot, never rub hard.

Let the doll dry flat on a towel and reshape the bonnet, capelet, and ears while damp.

For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and keep in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags, humidity, and sharp folding at the ears or leaf bonnet.