Knitting Tutorial: Hazel Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Hazel Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Hazel Bunny is a charming woodland-style knitted rabbit dressed in a plaid pinafore with a soft blouse, Mary Jane shoes, a beret, and a tiny crossbody satchel. This heirloom-inspired toy set also includes a little mouse friend, a bonnet, a miniature book, a teapot, and an acorn for a cozy collectible finish. If you love handmade stuffed bunny dolls, knitted animal toys, nursery decor, or giftable soft toys for baby showers and seasonal craft markets, this design brings all of those popular shopping-style ideas into one sweet project.

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 proportions and styling shown in the photo. The finished bunny has a softly elongated head, a slim neck, a pear-shaped torso, long straight ears, gently tapered arms, sturdy seated legs, and oversized knitted shoes.

The clothing is an important part of the overall look. The blouse has a neat collar and front tie. The pinafore dress sits high on the chest and falls in a soft A-line shape. The beret is rounded and slightly relaxed. The satchel is small and sits diagonally across the body.

The accessories complete the scene and should not be skipped if you want the final set to match the picture as closely as possible. The mouse is tiny, upright, and dressed in a red sweater and scarf. The green bonnet, little book, teapot, and acorn add the exact storytelling feel.

Skill Level

Advanced beginner to intermediate.

You should be comfortable with:

  • Cast on and bind off
  • Knit and purl
  • Kfb and k2tog
  • Ssk
  • Working in the round on double-pointed needles or magic loop
  • Mattress stitch
  • Picking up stitches
  • Simple duplicate stitch and basic embroidery

Finished Size

  • Hazel Bunny: about 12 in / 30.5 cm tall from top of beret to bottom of shoes when seated as shown, about 10.5 in / 26.5 cm without beret
  • Mouse: about 3.25 in / 8 cm tall
  • Bonnet: sized to rest beside the bunny as shown, not scaled for wearing by the bunny in this version
  • Book: about 1.5 in / 4 cm
  • Teapot: about 1.5 in / 4 cm from spout to handle
  • Acorn: about 1.25 in / 3 cm tall

Materials

Use light DK or heavy sport yarn for the main bunny and fingering to sport scraps for the smallest details if needed. Keeping a fairly tight gauge is essential so the stuffing does not show through.

  • Main bunny body color: warm cream
  • Dress color A: dark chocolate brown
  • Dress color B: soft oatmeal or light beige for plaid lines
  • Beret and satchel: warm chestnut brown
  • Blouse and neck tie: cream or soft ivory
  • Shoes: dark brown
  • Green bonnet: moss or sage green
  • Mouse body: pale taupe or soft grey-beige
  • Mouse sweater and scarf: deep red
  • Teapot: cream with brown lid knob
  • Acorn: beige nut and dark brown cap
  • Book: taupe cover and cream pages
  • Black embroidery floss or fine yarn: for eyes
  • Brown embroidery floss: for nose and mouth shaping
  • Pink embroidery floss: for mouse nose and ears
  • Toy stuffing
  • Optional: a small amount of pellets for the bunny base

Needles and Notions

  • US 2 / 2.75 mm needles for flat pieces
  • US 2 / 2.75 mm DPNs or long circular for small rounds
  • US 1.5 / 2.5 mm needles if your knitting is loose
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Waste yarn
  • Scissors
  • Pinning needles for assembly

📌Thank you for reading the article

Gauge

Gauge is less important than proportion, but tight fabric matters. Aim for approximately:

  • 28 sts and 36 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette for body and clothing
  • Fabric should feel firm and smooth, not open or drapey

Abbreviations

  • CO = cast on
  • BO = bind off
  • k = knit
  • p = purl
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • rep = repeat
  • rnd = round
  • kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
  • k2tog = knit 2 together
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • pm = place marker
  • sm = slip marker
  • M1L = make 1 left
  • M1R = make 1 right
  • sl = slip

Notes Before You Begin

Most body pieces are worked separately and sewn together. This gives better control over the exact seated shape seen in the image. Stuff firmly, especially in the head, neck base, lower body, and shoes.

The bunny in the photo has a calm, upright pose. Do not overstuff the arms. Keep the legs slightly flattened at the top where they attach so the toy sits naturally. The ears should be lightly stuffed or left unstuffed for a soft drape.

The dress plaid is worked using narrow vertical columns and embroidered horizontal lines. This method gives a very close visual match without making the fabric bulky.

Hazel Bunny Head

Head Front and Back Make 2

Using cream, work flat.

  1. CO 12 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: purl.
  3. Row 2 RS: k1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
  4. Row 3: purl.
  5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k10, kfb, k1. 16 sts.
  6. Row 5: purl.
  7. Row 6: k1, kfb, k12, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
  8. Row 7: purl.
  9. Row 8: k1, kfb, k14, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
  10. Row 9: purl.
  11. Row 10: k1, kfb, k16, kfb, k1. 22 sts.
  12. Row 11: purl.
  13. Row 12: k1, kfb, k18, kfb, k1. 24 sts.
  14. Rows 13-27: begin with a purl row and work 15 rows in stockinette.
  15. Row 28 RS: k1, ssk, k18, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
  16. Row 29: purl.
  17. Row 30: k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
  18. Row 31: purl.
  19. Row 32: k1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
  20. Row 33: purl.
  21. Row 34: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
  22. Row 35: purl.
  23. Row 36: k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
  24. Row 37: purl.
  25. Row 38: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
  26. BO knitwise on next WS row.

Leave a long tail on one piece for seaming. These two pieces form a softly oval head with a slightly narrow lower jaw area, matching the picture.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Muzzle Shaping

Before seaming completely, lightly sculpt the face. The bunny’s muzzle in the image is subtle, not protruding. A strong snout will change the look too much.

  • Seam head pieces together around edge using mattress stitch, leaving lower neck edge open.
  • Stuff firmly.
  • Using strong matching thread, take one long stitch from lower center of face upward to the nose point, pull gently to define the muzzle split.
  • Do not indent deeply.

Ears Make 2

Using cream, work flat.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: purl.
  3. Row 2 RS: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 3: purl.
  5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
  6. Rows 5-21: work in stockinette, beginning with purl row.
  7. Row 22 RS: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  8. Row 23: purl.
  9. Row 24: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  10. Row 25: purl.
  11. Row 26: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
  12. Row 27: purl.
  13. Row 28: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
  14. Row 29: purl.
  15. Row 30: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
  16. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.

Make a second ear. Seam side edges if needed with a tiny overlap at the base. Do not stuff, or add only the thinnest veil of stuffing. Fold the bottom 0.5 in / 1.25 cm of each ear inward before attaching to create the gentle fall seen in the photo.

Neck Tube

Using cream and DPNs, CO 20 sts. Join carefully.

  1. Rnds 1-8: k all sts.
  2. BO loosely, leaving a tail.

Stuff very firmly after attaching between head and body. This is what keeps the bunny upright.

Body Make 2

Using cream, work flat. The body is slightly wider at the lower section and narrower at the chest, creating the same seated shape seen in the image under the dress.

  1. CO 16 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: purl.
  3. Row 2 RS: k1, kfb, k12, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
  4. Row 3: purl.
  5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k14, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
  6. Row 5: purl.
  7. Row 6: k1, kfb, k16, kfb, k1. 22 sts.
  8. Row 7: purl.
  9. Rows 8-19: work in stockinette.
  10. Row 20 RS: k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
  11. Row 21: purl.
  12. Row 22: k1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
  13. Row 23: purl.
  14. Rows 24-29: stockinette.
  15. Row 30 RS: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
  16. Row 31: purl.
  17. Row 32: k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
  18. Rows 33-36: stockinette.
  19. BO.

Sew around the body, leaving upper edge open. Add pellets if using, then stuff firmly with extra stuffing at the lower half. Flatten the very bottom slightly so the bunny sits well.

Arms Make 2

Using cream and DPNs, CO 14 sts. Join in round.

  1. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
  2. Rnd 5: k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1. 12 sts.
  3. Rnds 6-14: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 15: k1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. 10 sts.
  5. Rnds 16-24: k all sts.
  6. Stuff lower 2 thirds only, leaving upper arm soft.
  7. Flatten opening and sew closed.

📌Thank you for reading the article

The arms in the picture are relaxed, with almost no elbow shaping. Keep them slim and lightly stuffed.

Legs Make 2

Each leg is worked from foot upward. Shoe is added separately as an outer layer for best shape.

Inner Leg

Using cream and DPNs, CO 16 sts. Join in round.

  1. Rnds 1-6: k all sts.
  2. Rnd 7: k1, M1L, k6, M1R, k1, k1, M1L, k6, M1R, k1. 20 sts.
  3. Rnds 8-12: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 13: k2tog, k6, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k2. 17 sts.
  5. Rnd 14: k all.
  6. Rnd 15: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1, k2tog, k4, ssk. 13 sts.
  7. Rnds 16-24: k all.
  8. Stuff firmly from foot upward.
  9. Flatten top opening and sew closed, shaping top edge slightly slanted so the leg angles forward when attached.

The finished leg should look chunky at the foot and narrower above the ankle, but not thin. Both legs should be identical and fairly firm.

Mary Jane Shoes Make 2

Using dark brown, work flat for sole and then pick up for upper. This produces the rounded shoe front seen in the image.

Sole

  1. CO 6 sts.
  2. Row 1: knit.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
  4. Row 3: knit.
  5. Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  6. Row 5: knit.
  7. Row 6: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  8. Rows 7-11: garter stitch.
  9. BO.

Upper

Pick up and knit 20 sts evenly around sole edge.

  1. Rnd 1: p all.
  2. Rnd 2: k all.
  3. Rnd 3: p all.
  4. Rnd 4: k6, k2tog 4 times, k6. 16 sts.
  5. Rnd 5: p all.
  6. Rnd 6: k5, k2tog 3 times, k5. 13 sts.
  7. Rnd 7: p all.

For strap, work flat across 4 sts at one side edge:

  1. Row 1 RS: k4.
  2. Rows 2-8: work 7 rows in stockinette.
  3. BO.

Sew shoe around lower foot. Bring strap across front upper ankle and tack in place. Leave a small cream opening visible at the instep, exactly like the photo.

Blouse

The blouse is a separate garment under the pinafore. It has a plain body, short sleeves, and a soft rounded collar with tie strings.

Blouse Body

Using cream, work flat.

  1. CO 28 sts.
  2. Rows 1-4: k1, p26, k1 on RS rows; k1, k26, k1 on WS rows to create a neat edge with stockinette center.
  3. Rows 5-18: continue in stockinette with 1-st garter edge each side.
  4. Row 19 RS: k6, BO 4, k8, BO 4, k6.
  5. Next row WS: k6, CO 4, k8, CO 4, k6. 28 sts restored.
  6. Rows 21-24: continue as established.
  7. BO loosely.

Sew into a tube, leaving armhole openings. Slip onto body before attaching arms permanently.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Short Sleeves Make 2

Using cream and DPNs, pick up 12 sts around each armhole.

  1. Rnd 1: p all.
  2. Rnd 2: k all.
  3. Rnd 3: p all.
  4. BO loosely knitwise.

Collar

Using cream, pick up 24 sts evenly around neckline.

  1. Row 1 WS: p all.
  2. Row 2 RS: k all.
  3. Row 3 WS: p all.
  4. Row 4 RS: k2tog, k20, k2tog through back loop. 22 sts.
  5. BO loosely on WS.

Fold collar outward gently.

Neck Tie

  1. Using cream, CO 40 sts.
  2. BO all sts knitwise on next row.

Thread through front neck area and tie into a loose bow.

Plaid Pinafore Dress

This dress is the visual centerpiece. Work the fabric in brown, adding thin vertical pale columns while knitting, then add horizontal pale stripes with duplicate stitch or surface embroidery after blocking. This creates the exact fine plaid appearance without distorting the dress.

Dress Front and Back Make 2

Using dark brown, CO 26 sts.

Vertical stripe placement: on every RS row, knit the pale beige stitch columns at sts 6, 13, and 20. On WS rows, purl those same sts in beige. Carry yarn neatly on wrong side.

  1. Rows 1-4: work in 2×2 rib: k2, p2 across.
  2. Row 5 RS: knit in stockinette pattern with vertical stripe placement.
  3. Rows 6-24: continue in stockinette with same stripe positions.
  4. Row 25 RS: k2, ssk, work to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 24 sts.
  5. Row 26: purl.
  6. Rows 27-31: continue in pattern.
  7. Row 32 RS: k2, ssk, work to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 22 sts.
  8. Rows 33-37: continue in pattern.
  9. Row 38 RS: k3, BO 16, k3 for neckline.
  10. Next row WS: work 3 sts, join yarn, work final 3 sts.
  11. Work each shoulder separately for 4 rows in stockinette.
  12. BO shoulder sts.

Make second piece the same.

Dress Assembly

  • Sew shoulders.
  • Sew side seams, leaving top arm openings large enough to show blouse sleeves.
  • After dress is sewn, embroider horizontal beige plaid lines every 4 rows across the skirt and bodice using duplicate stitch or small surface running stitches.
  • Keep lines soft and narrow.

The skirt should be slightly bell-shaped but not full. The dress in the image is neat, close-fitting through the upper body, and modestly flared below.

Beret

Using chestnut brown and DPNs, CO 48 sts. Join in round.

  1. Rnds 1-5: k1, p1 rib.
  2. Rnd 6: k all, increasing evenly by 12 sts. 60 sts.
  3. Rnd 7: k all.
  4. Rnd 8: k5, M1R around. 70 sts.
  5. Rnds 9-15: k all.
  6. Rnd 16: k8, k2tog around. 63 sts.
  7. Rnd 17: k all.
  8. Rnd 18: k7, k2tog around. 56 sts.
  9. Rnd 19: k all.
  10. Rnd 20: k6, k2tog around. 49 sts.
  11. Rnd 21: k all.
  12. Rnd 22: k5, k2tog around. 42 sts.
  13. Rnd 23: k all.
  14. Rnd 24: k4, k2tog around. 35 sts.
  15. Rnd 25: k all.
  16. Rnd 26: k3, k2tog around. 28 sts.
  17. Rnd 27: k all.
  18. Rnd 28: k2, k2tog around. 21 sts.
  19. Rnd 29: k all.
  20. Rnd 30: k1, k2tog around. 14 sts.
  21. Rnd 31: k all.
  22. Rnd 32: k2tog around. 7 sts.

📌Thank you for reading the article

For center nub, knit i-cord for 3 rows on remaining sts, then cut yarn and draw through. Shape beret so it sits low and rounded, slightly slouching over the head as shown.

Crossbody Satchel

Bag Body

Using chestnut brown, CO 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1-16: work in stockinette.
  2. Rows 17-20: garter stitch.
  3. BO.

Fold lower stockinette section in half to form pouch. Sew side seams.

Flap Curve

The garter top becomes flap. Round corners with sewing if needed.

Strap

  1. CO 52 sts.
  2. BO all sts on next row.

Sew strap from upper back of pouch, across bunny’s body, to opposite upper back of pouch. Add one small stitched loop or French-knot style button detail to the flap center.

Green Bonnet

Using moss green, CO 34 sts. Work flat.

  1. Rows 1-4: garter stitch.
  2. Rows 5-16: stockinette.
  3. Row 17 RS: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 32 sts.
  4. Row 18: purl.
  5. Rep these 2 rows 5 more times. 22 sts.
  6. Rows 29-32: stockinette.
  7. BO.

Sew short back seam lightly to cup shape. For ties, CO 24 sts twice and BO on next row, then attach to lower front corners. Roll front brim outward slightly.

Miniature Book

Using taupe, CO 10 sts.

  1. Rows 1-12: stockinette.
  2. BO.

Using cream, CO 8 sts.

  1. Rows 1-10: garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Fold taupe piece around cream inner pages and stitch closed. The cream should remain visible at one side to mimic page edges.

Mouse Body

Head and Body in One Piece

Using pale taupe and DPNs, CO 12 sts. Join in round.

  1. Rnd 1: k all.
  2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 24 sts.
  3. Rnds 3-7: k all.
  4. Rnd 8: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
  5. Rnds 9-12: k all.
  6. Rnd 13: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  7. Rnd 14: k all.
  8. Rnd 15: kfb around. 24 sts.
  9. Rnds 16-22: k all.
  10. Rnd 23: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
  11. Rnd 24: k all.
  12. Rnd 25: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  13. Stuff.
  14. Rnd 26: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  15. Cut yarn and draw through.

Mouse Ears Make 2

Using pale taupe, CO 8 sts.

  1. Row 1: knit.
  2. Row 2: purl.
  3. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  4. Row 4: purl.
  5. Row 5: knit.
  6. Row 6: purl.
  7. BO.

Gather lower edge into a slight cup and sew to head.

Mouse Arms and Legs

Make four tiny tubes using pale taupe:

  • CO 6 sts, join in round
  • Work 6 rnds knit
  • Stuff lightly if desired
  • Sew closed and attach

Mouse Sweater

Using deep red, CO 20 sts.

  1. Rows 1-3: k1, p18, k1 on RS rows; knit all on WS rows.
  2. Rows 4-8: continue in stockinette with garter edge.
  3. BO loosely.

Wrap around mouse body and sew at back.

Mouse Scarf

  1. Using deep red, CO 18 sts.
  2. BO all sts on next row.

Tie or tack around neck.

Mouse Tail

CO 18 sts using pale taupe and BO next row. Twist lightly and attach.

Mini Teapot

Using cream, CO 12 sts on DPNs and join.

  1. Rnd 1: k all.
  2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 24 sts.
  3. Rnds 3-5: k all.
  4. Rnd 6: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
  5. Rnd 7: k all.
  6. Rnd 8: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  7. Stuff firmly.
  8. Rnd 9: k all.
  9. Rnd 10: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  10. Draw closed.

Spout: CO 6 sts, work 4 rows i-cord, sew to side.
Handle: CO 8 sts and BO next row, curve into loop and sew opposite spout.
Lid knob: using brown, CO 4 sts, work 2 rows stockinette, gather and sew to top.

Acorn

Nut

Using beige, CO 12 sts on DPNs and join.

  1. Rnd 1: k all.
  2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 24 sts.
  3. Rnds 3-5: k all.
  4. Rnd 6: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
  5. Rnd 7: k all.
  6. Rnd 8: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  7. Stuff.
  8. Rnd 9: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  9. Draw closed.

Cap

Using dark brown, CO 18 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1: p all.
  2. Rnd 2: k all.
  3. Rnd 3: p all.
  4. Rnd 4: k2tog around. 9 sts.
  5. Rnd 5: k all.

For top stem, work 3 rows i-cord on remaining sts and gather. Fit over nut and sew.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Attach the neck tube centrally to the body top. Attach the head securely over the neck, checking from front and side views so the face points forward and slightly downward in a gentle, calm pose.

Sew the ears to the upper sides of the head, about 1 row behind the eye line. The ears should fall straight down, not stick out sideways. Attach arms just below the blouse sleeves. Attach legs low on the body front so the bunny sits with feet forward.

Embroider the bunny’s eyes as two tiny vertical black oval dots spaced widely apart. Place them slightly below head center, leaving a broad forehead. Embroider a small brown Y-shaped nose and mouth. Keep the expression minimal and soft.

For the mouse, use tiny black eyes, a pink nose, and a few short whisker stitches if desired. Light pink embroidery inside the ears helps match the image.

Care Notes

  • Spot clean whenever possible.
  • Avoid rough brushing on embroidered facial details.
  • Do not machine wash if heavily stuffed or sculpted.
  • Keep away from direct high heat when drying.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head firmly stuffed and centered
  • Ears attached low enough to drape naturally
  • Neck stable and not wobbly
  • Dress plaid added both vertically and horizontally
  • Blouse collar folded neatly outward
  • Satchel strap placed diagonally across body
  • Beret shaped with a soft slouch
  • Mouse, bonnet, book, teapot, and acorn all completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term preservation, store Hazel Bunny in a dry, clean space away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If dust collects, use a soft dry cloth or a very gentle lint roller. For small marks, dab carefully with cool water and mild soap, then blot and air dry flat.

If gifting or selling, place the finished set in acid-free tissue or a cotton bag. Avoid plastic storage for long periods in humid climates. To maintain the shape, do not stack heavy items on top of the bunny, the beret, or the tiny accessories.

Related Posts

Knitting Tutorial: Christmas Deer – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Christmas Deer – Free Knitting Pattern

May 10, 2026
Knitting Tutorial: Pink Panther in Floral Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Pink Panther in Floral Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

May 10, 2026
Knitting Tutorial: Grey Tabby Cat – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Grey Tabby Cat – Free Knitting Pattern

May 10, 2026

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *