Knitting Tutorial: Peony Blossom Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to recreate the soft, heirloom look of a boutique knitted doll, complete with a rose-print skirt, dusty pink top, straw-style hat, tiny shoulder bag, peony blossom, and an adorable hedgehog friend in a tutu holding a teacup. If you love collectible knitted toys, handmade nursery decor, giftable stuffed animals, artisan doll patterns, and keepsake bunny dolls for sale inspiration, this sweet project is a beautiful one to make. The finished set has a refined handmade look, soft proportions, and delicate styling that feels ideal for spring decor, baby shower gifts, or a special handmade toy shelf.

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 is designed to closely match the knitted pieces shown in the image.

The bunny has a large rounded head, a slim neck, a small soft body, long narrow arms, long legs with shaped feet, long floppy ears, a short-sleeved pink top, a two-tier floral skirt, pink Mary Jane shoes, a rounded straw-style hat, a textured crossbody bag, and a large layered peony flower.

The small hedgehog companion is also included, with a rounded face, fuzzy textured body, pale wrap, pink tutu, and tiny teacup.

All pieces are knitted flat unless otherwise stated, then seamed and stuffed. This makes the project more accessible for knitters who prefer straight needle construction.

Finished Size

• Bunny: about 14 inches tall seated, about 17 inches from top of hat to soles if legs are extended.
• Hedgehog: about 4 inches tall.
• Peony blossom: about 3 inches across when fully arranged.
• Bag: about 2 inches tall.

Skill Level

Intermediate. A confident beginner can make it with patience, careful counting, neat seaming, and slow shaping work.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm cream for bunny head, ears, body, arms, legs, and socks
• DK weight yarn in dusty rose for top and shoes
• DK weight yarn in cream with rose-pink, coral, and soft green for embroidered or duplicate-stitched floral skirt motifs
• DK weight yarn in oatmeal or straw beige for hat
• DK weight yarn in natural cream for bag
• DK weight yarn in coral, rose, and muted pink for peony petals
• DK weight yarn in gray, charcoal, and cream for hedgehog
• Fine pink tulle strip for tutu
• Pair of 3.25 mm straight needles
• Set of 3.25 mm double-pointed needles optional for tiny parts
• Tapestry needle
• Small amount of toy stuffing
• Black embroidery floss or black yarn for eyes and nose outline
• Soft brown embroidery yarn for nose detail if preferred
• Thin pink ribbon for shoe ties
• Sewing needle and matching thread for attaching tulle and ribbon

Gauge

26 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using 3.25 mm needles and DK yarn.

Gauge matters because the proportions in this pattern rely on dense fabric so the toy holds its shape cleanly.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• st st = stockinette stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• wyif = with yarn in front
• sl1 = slip 1 stitch purlwise

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General Construction Notes

• The bunny is made from separate pieces: head, body, 2 arms, 2 legs, 2 ears, skirt tiers, top, hat, bag, flower.
• The face is added after stuffing so placement can be adjusted accurately.
• The skirt is worked as separate panels and attached around the body.
• The floral motifs are best added with duplicate stitch after knitting the skirt panels.
• Stuff firmly but not hard. The photographed toy has soft shaping, not rigid shaping.
• Keep seams narrow and neat so the limbs remain slim.

Bunny Head

The head is noticeably large compared with the body. It is softly rounded, slightly wider through the cheek area, with a gentle narrowing at the neck.

Make 2 head pieces

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p all.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
4. Row 3: p all.
5. Row 4: kfb, k18, kfb. 22 sts.
6. Row 5: p all.
7. Row 6: kfb, k20, kfb. 24 sts.
8. Row 7: p all.
9. Row 8: kfb, k22, kfb. 26 sts.
10. Row 9: p all.
11. Row 10: kfb, k24, kfb. 28 sts.
12. Rows 11 to 29: work 19 rows in st st, beginning with a purl row.
13. Row 30 RS: ssk, k24, k2tog. 26 sts.
14. Row 31: p all.
15. Row 32: ssk, k22, k2tog. 24 sts.
16. Row 33: p all.
17. Row 34: ssk, k20, k2tog. 22 sts.
18. Row 35: p all.
19. Row 36: ssk, k18, k2tog. 20 sts.
20. Row 37: p all.
21. Row 38: ssk, k16, k2tog. 18 sts.
22. Rows 39 to 44: work 6 rows in st st.
23. BO loosely.

Sew the two head pieces together around the outer edge, leaving the lower neck edge open. Stuff firmly through the neck opening. Shape the cheeks with your fingers as you stuff so the face remains rounded and smooth.

Bunny Body

The body is small and slender, much smaller than the head, which creates the cute doll-like proportion seen in the image.

Make 2 body pieces

1. CO 14 sts in cream.
2. Rows 1 to 4: work 4 rows in garter stitch.
3. Row 5 RS: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
4. Row 6: p all.
5. Row 7: knit.
6. Row 8: p all.
7. Row 9: kfb, k14, kfb. 18 sts.
8. Row 10: p all.
9. Rows 11 to 24: work 14 rows in st st.
10. Row 25 RS: ssk, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
11. Row 26: p all.
12. Row 27: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
13. Rows 28 to 34: work 7 rows in st st.
14. BO.

Sew body pieces together, leaving the top edge open. Stuff lightly to medium. The body should remain fairly flat compared with the head.

Bunny Legs

The legs are long and slim, with softly shaped feet. The lower legs are cream with socks visible above the shoes. The feet are covered by pink shoes.

Make 2 legs

Shoe section in dusty rose

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: work 6 rows in garter stitch.
3. Row 7 RS: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 8: p all.
5. Row 9: knit.
6. Row 10: p all.
7. Row 11: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Change to cream.
9. Rows 12 to 34: work 23 rows in st st.
10. BO.

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Make a second identical leg.

Fold and seam each leg. Add a little extra stuffing in the shoe area, then lightly stuff the leg. Keep the calf narrow.

Using pink ribbon, sew two crisscross straps over each shoe front to imitate the ballet-style Mary Jane ties in the image. Anchor the ribbon at each side seam and tie a tiny flat bow if desired.

Bunny Arms

The arms are narrow tubes with very little stuffing and a gentle downward hang. They should look longer than average compared with the torso.

Make 2 arms

1. CO 8 sts in cream.
2. Rows 1 to 20: work 20 rows in st st.
3. Row 21 RS: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
4. Rows 22 to 26: work 5 rows in st st.
5. BO.

Sew side seams. Stuff very lightly. Flatten the top opening and sew closed later when attaching to body.

Bunny Ears

The ears are long, floppy, and lightly curved. They start slightly wider at the base and taper toward rounded tips.

Make 4 ear pieces

1. CO 8 sts in cream.
2. Row 1 WS: p all.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 21: work 17 rows in st st.
7. Row 22 RS: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 23: p all.
9. Row 24: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. Row 25: p all.
11. Row 26: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
12. Row 27: p all.
13. Row 28: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
14. Row 29: p all.
15. Row 30: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
16. BO.

Sew pairs together, leaving the bottom edge open. Do not stuff. Lightly steam if needed, then curve gently with your fingers.

Simple Neck Support

Because the head is large, add a small hidden neck roll.

1. CO 10 sts in cream.
2. Rows 1 to 8: work 8 rows in st st.
3. BO.

Roll into a short cylinder, sew closed, and place inside the neck area between head and body during assembly.

Pink Short-Sleeve Top

The top sits just at the waist and has a simple neckline with tiny cap sleeves. It looks fitted and short, not long like a sweater.

Back

1. CO 18 sts in dusty rose.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p16, k1 on RS rows; k1, k16, k1 on WS rows to create a neat edge. Continue this edge pattern throughout.
3. Rows 5 to 16: continue in st st with edge sts as set.
4. Row 17 RS: BO 2 sts at beg of row, work to end. 16 sts.
5. Row 18 WS: BO 2 sts at beg of row, work to end. 14 sts.
6. Rows 19 to 24: continue straight.
7. Row 25 RS: k4, BO 6, k4.
8. Row 26 WS: work one side, then rejoin yarn and work second side separately.
9. Rows 27 to 28: work both sides straight.
10. BO both shoulders.

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Front

1. CO 18 sts in dusty rose.
2. Work as for Back through Row 20.
3. Row 21 RS: BO 4, work to end. 14 sts.
4. Row 22 WS: work to center 6 sts, BO 6, work to end.
5. Complete each side separately for neckline shaping.
6. Row 23: decrease 1 st at neck edge. 3 sts each shoulder.
7. Row 24: work even.
8. BO shoulder sts.

Sleeves

The sleeves in the image are very short and flared. For the pictured look, make two tiny sleeve caps.

1. CO 14 sts in dusty rose.
2. Rows 1 to 3: work in st st.
3. Row 4 RS: k2tog, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
4. Row 5 WS: p all.
5. BO.

Sew shoulders. Add sleeves over arm openings with the wider edge outward to create a soft cap sleeve. Sew side seams.

Skirt Tier 1

The upper skirt tier is cream with large floral motifs placed across the front. It is gently gathered and wraps around the waist under the pink top.

1. CO 56 sts in cream.
2. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
3. Rows 5 to 18: st st.
4. Row 19 RS: k2tog across. 28 sts.
5. Rows 20 to 22: st st.
6. BO.

Sew short ends together to make a ring, leaving a small overlap opening at the back if you want the garment removable. Otherwise sew fully closed and attach permanently.

Add floral motifs with duplicate stitch after the piece is finished. Place three rose blooms across the front, with soft coral petals, pale pink inner petals, and small green leaf accents.

• Center bloom width: about 10 stitches wide and 8 rows tall
• Side blooms: about 8 stitches wide and 7 rows tall
• Keep motifs soft and painterly rather than geometric

Skirt Tier 2

The lower skirt tier is fuller and slightly longer than the upper tier. It sits beneath tier 1 and repeats the rose motif pattern.

1. CO 72 sts in cream.
2. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
3. Rows 5 to 22: st st.
4. Row 23 RS: k2tog across. 36 sts.
5. Rows 24 to 26: st st.
6. BO.

Sew into a ring. Add four floral motifs around the front half and sides. Use the same duplicate stitch style as tier 1, with the front center motif slightly larger.

Sew tier 2 under tier 1 so that about half its depth shows below the upper layer.

Hat

The hat has a rounded dome and a rolled brim, giving it the straw-cloche appearance seen in the image.

Hat Crown

1. CO 12 sts in oatmeal.
2. Row 1 WS: p all.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb in every st. 24 sts.
4. Row 3: p all.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, rep to end. 36 sts.
6. Row 5: p all.
7. Row 6: k2, kfb, rep to end. 48 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 20: work in st st.
9. Row 21 RS: k2tog across. 24 sts.
10. Row 22 WS: p all.
11. Cut yarn long, thread through sts, pull tight, and sew crown seam.

Hat Brim

1. CO 64 sts in oatmeal.
2. Rows 1 to 10: garter stitch.
3. BO loosely.

Sew brim into a ring. Gather one long edge slightly to fit around the lower edge of the crown. Stitch in place. Curl the brim upward very gently. The hat should sit low and soft rather than stiff.

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Crossbody Bag

The bag is small, creamy, and textured with a diagonal woven look. A simple slipped-stitch texture gives a similar effect.

Front and Back

1. CO 12 sts in cream.
2. Row 1 RS: k all.
3. Row 2 WS: p all.
4. Row 3: k1, sl1 wyif, rep to last st, k1.
5. Row 4: p all.
6. Row 5: k2, sl1 wyif, rep to last 2 sts, k2.
7. Row 6: p all.
8. Rep Rows 3 to 6 three more times.
9. BO.

Make 2 pieces. Sew sides and bottom. Add a narrow I-cord or twisted cord strap about 14 inches long. Sew from one upper corner to the opposite upper corner so it hangs crossbody.

Peony Blossom

The flower is full, layered, and soft. It should be large enough to sit against the bunny’s side like a bouquet bloom.

Center Petal Strip

1. CO 8 sts in dark coral.
2. Rows 1 to 24: garter stitch.
3. BO.

Roll tightly and sew base.

Medium Petal Strip

1. CO 12 sts in rose pink.
2. Rows 1 to 20: garter stitch.
3. Row 21: k2tog across. 6 sts.
4. BO.

Stretch the cast-on edge slightly and gather around the center roll.

Outer Petal Strip

1. CO 16 sts in muted blush coral.
2. Rows 1 to 22: garter stitch.
3. Row 23: k2tog across. 8 sts.
4. BO.

Gather around the medium petal layer. Shape petals by pinching and curling edges. Add a few green sepal stitches and a short stem base if desired.

Hedgehog Friend

The hedgehog is tiny and sweet, with a cream face, rounded muzzle, dark textured body, pale shawl, pink tutu, and little cup.

Face Front

1. CO 8 sts in cream.
2. Row 1 WS: p all.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 12: st st.
7. Row 13 RS: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 14: p all.
9. Row 15: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. Row 16: p all.
11. BO.

Back

1. CO 8 sts in textured gray yarn or hold gray and charcoal together.
2. Work exactly as Face Front.

Sew around edges, stuff lightly. Embroider tiny black eyes and a small nose.

Tiny Arms

1. CO 4 sts in gray.
2. Rows 1 to 6: st st.
3. BO.

Make 2, roll, and stitch at sides.

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Wrap

1. CO 16 sts in pale cream.
2. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
3. BO.

Wrap around shoulders and tack in place at front.

Tutu

Cut a strip of soft pink tulle about 10 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. Gather along one edge with sewing thread and stitch around the hedgehog waist. Fluff gently.

Teacup

1. CO 6 sts in cream.
2. Rows 1 to 3: st st.
3. BO.

Roll into a tiny cup shape and sew. Add a curved handle stitch with matching yarn. Sew into hedgehog hands. For the tea surface, add a tiny beige French knot or one small circular stitch.

Facial Embroidery Placement for Bunny

The bunny’s face is minimal and calm, with small black eyes and a simple nose-mouth line.

• Position eyes about 6 rows below the top curve of the head.
• Leave about 7 stitches between the eyes.
• Use one small satin stitch or French knot for each eye.
• The nose is formed with two angled lines meeting in a soft point.
• From the center point, work one short vertical stitch downward.
• Then add two tiny angled stitches for the mouth.

Keep all face embroidery very small. The photographed toy relies on restraint, not bold features.

Main Bunny Assembly

1. Sew and stuff head.
2. Sew and stuff body.
3. Insert the small neck support roll at top of body.
4. Attach head to body with strong stitches all around neck opening.
5. Attach ears to upper sides of head, slightly behind eye line, so they fall downward.
6. Attach arms just below neck seam and angle them downward.
7. Attach legs at lower front of body so they hang freely when seated.
8. Dress bunny in top and skirt.
9. Sew bag strap diagonally from left shoulder to right hip.
10. Tack peony flower into bunny’s hand or against skirt at left side.
11. Place hat tilted slightly forward and slightly to one side, then tack with a few hidden stitches.

Styling Notes for an Accurate Look

• The head should be visually larger than expected. Do not under-stuff it.
• The body should remain slim and secondary.
• The ears should be long enough to fall below the jawline.
• The skirt should flare softly and sit in two visible tiers.
• The flower should be generous in size, almost bouquet-like.
• The hat brim should look rounded and soft, not flat.
• The bag should sit at hip level and slightly overlap the skirt front.
• The hedgehog should be tiny by comparison, around one quarter of bunny body height.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Once all pieces are attached, sit the bunny upright and check balance from the front. Adjust the head tilt, ear fall, and arm placement before securing final stitches. Embroider the eyes evenly, then stitch the small nose and mouth. Add a tiny blush tint if desired, but keep the expression gentle and understated.

Care Notes

Handle the toy as a decorative soft sculpture or a gentle play companion. Avoid rough pulling on the flower, hat brim, bag strap, hedgehog teacup, and ribbon shoe ties. Store away from direct sunlight to preserve the soft colors.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is firmly stuffed and securely attached
• Body remains slim and not overfilled
• Ears are even and softly drooping
• Top sits neatly above skirt tiers
• Floral motifs are balanced across skirt front
• Hat is stitched on at a soft angle
• Bag hangs diagonally and does not twist
• Peony looks layered and full
• Hedgehog stands or sits neatly beside bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a lightly damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak, machine wash, or tumble dry. Reshape stuffed areas while drying flat on a towel. If needed, smooth the knit fabric gently with cool steam held at a distance. Store in a clean dry box with acid-free tissue if keeping as a long-term heirloom display piece.