Knitting Tutorial: Fern Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Fern Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Fern Bunny is a charming woodland knit with a soft heirloom look, a tailored outfit, and a sweet little forest friend. This design is ideal for makers searching for a knitted bunny doll, a handmade nursery gift, a stuffed rabbit toy pattern, or a collectible woodland animal to make or gift. The finished set includes the bunny, her hat, cardigan, skirt, shoes, satchel, mini badger companion, and the tiny mushroom accent, giving you a beautiful handmade piece with the look of a boutique keepsake.

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 follows the proportions shown in the photo as closely as possible. The bunny has a tall oval head, a narrow neck, a softly rounded torso, long slim arms, long hanging ears, straight seated legs, and small Mary Jane style shoes.

The clothing is an important part of the look. The hat is deep and rounded with a short brim and a knitted bow. The cardigan is short, fitted, and slightly cropped. The skirt is full and textured with a darker speckled effect worked as stranded colorwork.

The satchel is small, curved at the flap, and worn crossbody. The mini badger is short, rounded, and simple, with a tiny beret and plain dress. The mushroom is a very small prop, but it adds a strong visual detail and should not be skipped.

Finished Size

  • Fern Bunny: about 16 inches tall from top of hat to sole when seated, about 13 inches from top of head to sole without hat
  • Mini Badger: about 6 inches tall
  • Mushroom: about 1.5 inches tall
  • Satchel: about 2.25 inches across

Materials

  • DK weight yarn in cream, deep moss green, warm brown, dark chocolate, taupe, beige, black, red, and a tiny amount of off-white
  • US 2.5 / 3 mm double-pointed needles or preferred method for small circumference knitting
  • US 3 / 3.25 mm needles for garments if desired
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Small buttons: 3 for cardigan, 2 to 3 tiny decorative beads or knots for satchel if desired
  • Toy stuffing
  • Optional pellets for weight in body and lower legs

Yarn Color Guide

  • C1: cream for bunny head, ears, hands, and collar
  • C2: moss green for hat and cardigan
  • C3: medium brown for shoes and satchel strap
  • C4: dark brown for skirt pattern and tights
  • C5: taupe for mini badger clothing and hat
  • C6: black for mini badger limbs and face patches
  • C7: red for mushroom cap
  • C8: off-white for mushroom spots and tiny satchel flowers

Gauge

Gauge is not critical, but tight fabric is essential. Aim for a firm knitted fabric that does not show stuffing through the stitches.

  • 28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette worked in the round

Abbreviations

  • CO = cast on
  • k = knit
  • p = purl
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • rnd = round
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • k2tog = knit 2 together
  • p2tog = purl 2 together
  • inc = increase 1 stitch by kfb unless noted
  • dec = decrease 1 stitch using ssk or k2tog as directed
  • BO = bind off

Design Notes

Most toy pieces are worked in the round. Clothing is worked separately and sewn on or fastened after assembly. The bunny is designed to sit like the sample in the photo, with straight forward legs and gently angled arms.

Stuff gradually and firmly. Pay attention to shaping points. The face is very simple, so the success of the finished bunny depends heavily on proportions, careful stuffing, and neat placement of eyes, nose, and ears.

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Fern Bunny Legs

Shoes and Lower Legs Make 2

With C3, CO 12 sts. Join carefully for working in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts
  2. Rnd 2: kfb, k5, kfb, k5 = 14 sts
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts
  4. Rnd 4: kfb, k6, kfb, k6 = 16 sts
  5. Rnd 5: k all sts
  6. Rnd 6: p all sts
  7. Rnd 7: k all sts
  8. Rnd 8: k5, ssk, k2, k2tog, k5 = 14 sts
  9. Rnd 9: k all sts
  10. Rnd 10: k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4 = 12 sts

Stuff toe area lightly. This creates the rounded Mary Jane front seen in the image.

To create the strap line, keep working in C3.

  1. Rnd 11: k3, p6, k3
  2. Rnd 12: k all sts
  3. Rnd 13: k all sts

Change to C4 for tights.

  1. Rnd 14 to Rnd 34: k all sts for 21 rounds

Stuff lower leg firmly, but leave top inch softer so the leg can bend slightly where it meets the body.

BO, leaving a long tail. Make a second leg. Set aside.

Fern Bunny Body

With C4 and using one leg, knit across 12 sts. Knit across 12 sts of second leg. Join into one round = 24 sts. Place beginning of round marker at center back.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts
  2. Rnd 2: kfb, k10, kfb, kfb, k10, kfb = 28 sts
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts
  4. Rnd 4: k all sts
  5. Rnd 5: kfb, k12, kfb, kfb, k12, kfb = 32 sts
  6. Rnd 6 to Rnd 10: k all sts

Switch to C1 at neck line later, but keep C4 for the under-body section because the skirt will cover this area.

  1. Rnd 11: k all sts
  2. Rnd 12: kfb, k14, kfb, kfb, k14, kfb = 36 sts
  3. Rnd 13 to Rnd 18: k all sts

Add weighted pellets in a small pouch if desired. Stuff body firmly at the base, then medium-firm through the upper body.

  1. Rnd 19: k4, k2tog, k10, ssk, k4, k4, k2tog, k10, ssk, k4 = 32 sts
  2. Rnd 20: k all sts
  3. Rnd 21: k3, k2tog, k10, ssk, k3, k3, k2tog, k10, ssk, k3 = 28 sts
  4. Rnd 22: k all sts
  5. Rnd 23: k2, k2tog, k10, ssk, k2, k2, k2tog, k10, ssk, k2 = 24 sts

Change to C1 for neck.

  1. Rnd 24 to Rnd 27: k all sts

Stuff firmly up to neck. The neck should be narrow and stable. Add extra stuffing here if needed.

Fern Bunny Head

Continue with C1 from body.

  1. Rnd 1: kfb in each st around = 48 sts
  2. Rnd 2: k all sts
  3. Rnd 3: k6, kfb, repeat around = 56 sts
  4. Rnd 4 to Rnd 16: k all sts

The head in the photo is tall, slightly longer than wide, and softly rectangular rather than perfectly round. Keep stuffing smooth. Avoid overstuffing the sides.

  1. Rnd 17: k6, k2tog, repeat around = 49 sts
  2. Rnd 18: k all sts
  3. Rnd 19: k5, k2tog, repeat around = 42 sts
  4. Rnd 20: k all sts
  5. Rnd 21: k4, k2tog, repeat around = 35 sts
  6. Rnd 22: k all sts

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Begin stuffing head firmly. Shape with your fingers as you go. The muzzle area should be slightly fuller than the forehead, but only subtly.

  1. Rnd 23: k3, k2tog, repeat around = 28 sts
  2. Rnd 24: k all sts
  3. Rnd 25: k2, k2tog, repeat around = 21 sts
  4. Rnd 26: k1, k2tog, repeat around = 14 sts

Finish stuffing firmly. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight. Secure well.

Fern Bunny Ears Make 2

With C1, CO 18 sts. Divide for working in the round, 9 sts front and 9 sts back, or work flat and seam if preferred. Working in the round gives the smoothest finish.

  1. Rnd 1 to Rnd 8: k all sts
  2. Rnd 9: k1, k2tog, k12, ssk, k1 = 16 sts
  3. Rnd 10 to Rnd 16: k all sts
  4. Rnd 17: k1, k2tog, k10, ssk, k1 = 14 sts
  5. Rnd 18 to Rnd 24: k all sts
  6. Rnd 25: k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1 = 12 sts
  7. Rnd 26 to Rnd 30: k all sts
  8. Rnd 31: k1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1 = 10 sts
  9. Rnd 32 to Rnd 34: k all sts
  10. Rnd 35: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1 = 8 sts
  11. Rnd 36 to Rnd 38: k all sts

Flatten ear. BO using knit method through both layers, or close with grafting. Do not stuff. Steam lightly if needed. The finished ears should be long, narrow, and softly drooping.

Fern Bunny Arms Make 2

With C1, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts
  2. Rnd 2: kfb, k6, kfb = 10 sts
  3. Rnd 3 to Rnd 5: k all sts

Change to C2.

  1. Rnd 6 to Rnd 24: k all sts
  2. Rnd 25: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1 = 8 sts
  3. Rnd 26 to Rnd 28: k all sts

Stuff hand area lightly and arm very lightly. Flatten top and BO through both layers. Leave long tail for sewing.

Peter Pan Collar

With C1, CO 36 sts and work flat.

  1. Row 1 WS: p all sts
  2. Row 2 RS: k all sts
  3. Row 3: p all sts
  4. Row 4: k2, kfb, k12, kfb, k4, kfb, k12, kfb, k2 = 40 sts
  5. Row 5: p all sts
  6. Row 6: k all sts
  7. Row 7: p all sts

Shape scallop effect.

  1. Row 8 RS: k2tog, k6, yo, k2tog, k2, ssk, yo, k6, ssk, k2tog, k6, yo, k2tog, k2, ssk, yo, k6, ssk
  2. Row 9 WS: p all sts
  3. Row 10 RS: k all sts

BO loosely. Wrap around neck and overlap slightly at center front. Sew in place under cardigan line.

Cardigan

The cardigan in the photo is snug, slightly cropped, and closes with small buttons. It has long sleeves and a simple stockinette texture. Work flat from lower body upward.

With C2, CO 34 sts.

  1. Row 1 WS: p all sts
  2. Row 2 RS: k all sts
  3. Rows 3 to 10: continue in stockinette

Separate fronts and back.

  1. Row 11 RS: k8 for left front, BO 2, k14 for back, BO 2, k8 for right front

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Left Front

  1. Row 12 WS: p8
  2. Row 13 RS: k all sts
  3. Row 14 WS: p all sts
  4. Row 15 RS: k6, k2tog = 7 sts
  5. Row 16 WS: p all sts
  6. Row 17 RS: k all sts
  7. Row 18 WS: p all sts
  8. Row 19 RS: k5, k2tog = 6 sts
  9. Row 20 WS: p all sts
  10. Row 21 RS: k all sts
  11. BO

Back

  1. Row 12 WS: p14
  2. Rows 13 to 18: work in stockinette
  3. Row 19 RS: k2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2 = 12 sts
  4. Row 20 WS: p all sts
  5. Row 21 RS: k all sts
  6. BO

Right Front

  1. Row 12 WS: p8
  2. Row 13 RS: k all sts
  3. Row 14 WS: p all sts
  4. Row 15 RS: ssk, k6 = 7 sts
  5. Row 16 WS: p all sts
  6. Row 17 RS: k all sts
  7. Row 18 WS: p all sts
  8. Row 19 RS: ssk, k5 = 6 sts
  9. Row 20 WS: p all sts
  10. Row 21 RS: k all sts
  11. BO

Sleeves Make 2

With C2, CO 18 sts. Work flat.

  1. Row 1 WS: p all sts
  2. Row 2 RS: k all sts
  3. Rows 3 to 16: continue in stockinette
  4. Row 17 RS: k1, k2tog, k12, ssk, k1 = 16 sts
  5. Row 18 WS: p all sts
  6. Rows 19 to 22: work even
  7. BO

Sew shoulder seams, set in sleeves, and sew sleeve seams. Add 3 tiny buttons down center front. The cardigan should end just above the widest part of the skirt.

Skirt

The skirt is one of the most important visual features. It is wide, softly bell-shaped, and worked with a darker speckled stranded motif concentrated in the lower half.

With C3, CO 72 sts. Join for working in the round.

  1. Rnd 1 to Rnd 4: k all sts
  2. Rnd 5: p all sts
  3. Rnd 6 to Rnd 10: k all sts

Change main color to medium brown C3 and contrast to dark brown C4. Work this simple scattered motif over 20 rounds. Carry yarn loosely.

Motif Round A: *k5 C3, k1 C4* repeat around

Motif Round B: *k2 C3, k1 C4, k3 C3* repeat around

Motif Round C: *k1 C4, k5 C3* repeat around

Motif Round D: k all in C3

  1. Rnd 11: Motif Round A
  2. Rnd 12: Motif Round D
  3. Rnd 13: Motif Round B
  4. Rnd 14: Motif Round D
  5. Rnd 15: Motif Round C
  6. Rnd 16: Motif Round D
  7. Rnd 17: Motif Round A
  8. Rnd 18: Motif Round D
  9. Rnd 19: Motif Round B
  10. Rnd 20: Motif Round D
  11. Rnd 21: Motif Round C
  12. Rnd 22: Motif Round D
  13. Rnd 23: Motif Round A
  14. Rnd 24: Motif Round D
  15. Rnd 25: Motif Round B
  16. Rnd 26: Motif Round D
  17. Rnd 27: Motif Round C
  18. Rnd 28: Motif Round D
  19. Rnd 29: Motif Round A
  20. Rnd 30: Motif Round D

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Now shape top of skirt.

  1. Rnd 31: k6, k2tog around = 63 sts
  2. Rnd 32: k all sts
  3. Rnd 33: k5, k2tog around = 54 sts
  4. Rnd 34: k all sts
  5. Rnd 35: k4, k2tog around = 45 sts
  6. Rnd 36: k all sts
  7. Rnd 37: p all sts
  8. Rnd 38: k all sts

BO loosely. Wrap around bunny waist and sew in place just below cardigan. The skirt should flare outward and cover the top of the tights.

Hat

The hat is deep, rounded, and slightly oversized, sitting low over the forehead. The brim is short and softly rolled downward. Work from crown to brim.

With C2, CO 8 sts and divide across needles.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st = 16 sts
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts
  4. Rnd 4: k1, kfb around = 24 sts
  5. Rnd 5: k all sts
  6. Rnd 6: k2, kfb around = 32 sts
  7. Rnd 7: k all sts
  8. Rnd 8: k3, kfb around = 40 sts
  9. Rnd 9: k all sts
  10. Rnd 10: k4, kfb around = 48 sts
  11. Rnd 11 to Rnd 24: k all sts

Begin brim shaping.

  1. Rnd 25: p all sts
  2. Rnd 26 to Rnd 29: k all sts
  3. Rnd 30: k5, kfb around = 56 sts
  4. Rnd 31 to Rnd 34: k all sts
  5. BO loosely

Lightly steam the brim so it angles down. Do not flatten the crown too much.

Hat Band

With C1, CO 50 sts. Work 4 rows in garter. BO. Sew around hat above brim.

Hat Bow

With C1, CO 14 sts and work flat.

  1. Rows 1 to 12: work in garter stitch
  2. BO

Pinch center and wrap yarn tightly 8 times. Sew bow to left side of hat band.

Satchel

With C3, CO 12 sts and work flat.

  1. Rows 1 to 16: work in stockinette, slipping first stitch of every row
  2. Row 17 RS: k all sts
  3. Row 18 WS: p all sts
  4. Row 19 RS: ssk, k8, k2tog = 10 sts
  5. Row 20 WS: p all sts
  6. Row 21 RS: ssk, k6, k2tog = 8 sts
  7. Row 22 WS: p all sts
  8. Row 23 RS: ssk, k4, k2tog = 6 sts
  9. Row 24 WS: p all sts
  10. Row 25 RS: k all sts
  11. BO

Fold lower 16 rows upward to make pocket. Sew side seams. The shaped top forms the flap.

For strap, with C3, CO 42 sts. Work 2 rows garter. BO. Sew one end to upper left back of bag and other end to upper right back of bag. Position crossbody from bunny right shoulder to left hip.

Embroider tiny off-white and rust flower dots on flap using duplicate stitch or French knot style wrapped knots.

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Mini Badger Head and Body

The mini badger is compact and simple. It sits close to the bunny and should come only to the bunny’s hip while seated. Work body and head as one piece.

With C5, CO 16 sts. Join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1 to Rnd 6: k all sts
  2. Rnd 7: kfb, k7, kfb, k7 = 18 sts
  3. Rnd 8 to Rnd 12: k all sts
  4. Rnd 13: kfb, k8, kfb, k8 = 20 sts
  5. Rnd 14 to Rnd 20: k all sts

Stuff lower body lightly. Work dress body to remain narrow.

  1. Rnd 21: k4, k2tog, k8, ssk, k4 = 18 sts
  2. Rnd 22: k all sts
  3. Rnd 23: switch face positions, k all sts in C5

Now form head and face base.

  1. Rnd 24: kfb in every 3rd st around = 24 sts
  2. Rnd 25 to Rnd 31: k all sts
  3. Rnd 32: k4, k2tog around = 20 sts
  4. Rnd 33: k all sts
  5. Rnd 34: k3, k2tog around = 16 sts
  6. Rnd 35: k all sts

Stuff head firmly.

  1. Rnd 36: k2, k2tog around = 12 sts
  2. Rnd 37: k1, k2tog around = 8 sts

Thread yarn through remaining stitches and close.

Mini Badger Face Patches

With C6, make 2 small patches by knitting flat.

CO 3 sts.

  1. Row 1: k
  2. Row 2: pfb, p1, pfb = 5 sts
  3. Row 3: k
  4. Row 4: pfb, p3, pfb = 7 sts
  5. Row 5: k
  6. BO

Sew patches angled downward from top of head toward nose area, leaving a narrow white stripe between them. Embroider tiny black nose over the point where patches narrow toward center.

Mini Badger Arms Make 2

With C6, CO 6 sts and join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1 to Rnd 3: k all sts

Change to C5.

  1. Rnd 4 to Rnd 9: k all sts
  2. BO

Stuff only hand area very lightly. Sew to body sides.

Mini Badger Legs Make 2

With C6, CO 6 sts and join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1 to Rnd 6: k all sts
  2. BO

Stuff lightly and sew to base so the badger sits upright.

Mini Badger Beret

With C5, CO 6 sts.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts
  2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st = 12 sts
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts
  4. Rnd 4: k1, kfb around = 18 sts
  5. Rnd 5: k all sts
  6. Rnd 6: k2, kfb around = 24 sts
  7. Rnd 7 to Rnd 10: k all sts
  8. Rnd 11: k2, k2tog around = 18 sts
  9. Rnd 12: k all sts
  10. BO loosely

Gather center slightly if needed and tilt on badger head.

Mini Mushroom

With C8, CO 4 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1 to Rnd 3: k all sts

Change to C7.

  1. Rnd 4: kfb in each st = 8 sts
  2. Rnd 5: k all sts
  3. Rnd 6: k1, kfb around = 12 sts
  4. Rnd 7: k all sts
  5. Rnd 8: k1, k2tog around = 8 sts

Stuff cap lightly. Add two off-white duplicate stitch dots. Close top neatly and sew mushroom into mini badger hand or beside arm as shown.

Optional Tiny Knitted Cup

Because the image includes a tiny cup on the side table, you can make a matching prop if desired.

With taupe yarn, CO 8 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1 to Rnd 4: k all sts
  2. Rnd 5: p all sts
  3. Rnd 6 to Rnd 7: k all sts
  4. BO

For handle, CO 6 sts, BO, and sew into a loop on one side. For saucer, CO 6 sts, increase evenly to 12 sts on next round, knit 2 rounds, BO.

Optional Tiny Notebook

With beige yarn, CO 10 sts and work 16 rows in garter stitch. Fold in half and seam lightly along one edge. Add one stitched line for a closing band if desired.

Assembly Order

  1. Sew head opening closed and shape the head
  2. Attach ears to top sides of head, slightly behind center line
  3. Sew arms to body just below neck, angled gently downward
  4. Attach collar around neck
  5. Dress bunny with skirt and cardigan
  6. Add shoes if not already integrated, then shape feet flat
  7. Sew satchel in place across body
  8. Place hat low on head and tack lightly so it keeps its tilt
  9. Assemble mini badger and place next to bunny
  10. Add mushroom and optional props

Facial Placement Guide

The bunny’s face is extremely minimal. This is what gives the finished doll its calm expression. Use tiny black stitches only.

  • Eyes: place 7 to 8 rows below top center of head, spaced 6 stitches apart
  • Nose: embroider a small upside-down triangle or narrow Y-shape centered 4 rows below eye line
  • Mouth: add a short vertical line under nose, then one tiny angled stitch on each side

Do not make the eyes too large. In the photo they are tiny, almost dot-like, and placed toward the front center of the face rather than far out to the sides.

Positioning Tips for a Photo-Accurate Finish

  • The head should be slightly larger than the upper torso
  • The ears should hang long and close to the body
  • The cardigan should sit snugly and end above the skirt’s widest point
  • The skirt should look full and slightly stiff at the hem
  • The hat should sit low and deep, not perched on top
  • The satchel should rest on the bunny’s left hip
  • The badger should be noticeably smaller and shorter, with a simple rounded shape

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Shape the bunny’s cheeks gently with your fingers before stitching the face. Keep the eyes small and evenly spaced. Stitch the nose neatly in dark brown or black, then add a short center mouth. Sew ears after testing their drape, and attach the hat only after the face is fully finished.

Care Notes

Display pieces are best kept out of direct sunlight and away from damp storage. If made for gentle play, reinforce all sewn points carefully, especially ears, arms, satchel strap, and mini badger limbs.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head firmly stuffed and evenly shaped
  • Ears matched in length and attached symmetrically
  • Arms sewn at equal height
  • Collar centered at front
  • Cardigan buttoned neatly
  • Skirt flare balanced all around
  • Hat brim angled down softly
  • Satchel resting at left hip
  • Mini badger seated upright
  • Face embroidery small and tidy

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Blot gently, never rub hard. Reshape while drying and let air dry completely away from heat. For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and keep in a breathable box to preserve color, shape, and knitted texture.

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