River Bunny is a charming dressed rabbit doll with a classic navy coat, pleated mustard skirt, blue shoes, a soft beret, and a small knit handbag. The set also includes the little reading badger, a spare hat, and the tiny tea accessories shown in the photo, making it ideal for collectors, gift makers, nursery decor lovers, and handmade toy shoppers searching for a knitted rabbit doll, heirloom soft toy, artisan nursery gift, or boutique stuffed animal pattern.
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 worked mostly in the round on double-pointed needles or with the magic loop method. The bunny is designed as a fully dressed knit toy with separate clothing and accessories, closely matched to the image.
The style is gentle, tidy, and realistic rather than cartoonish. The head is slightly larger than the body, the ears are long and soft, the arms are short and lightly tapered, and the legs are proportioned to allow the bunny to sit neatly on the edge of a bench or table.
The finished bunny, from top of beret to soles of shoes, measures about 14 inches tall. Without the hat, the rabbit itself measures about 12 1/2 inches. The badger measures about 5 inches tall seated.
Skill Level
Intermediate, mainly because of shaping, small pieces, color changes, picked-up stitches, seaming, and the fitted coat details. A patient beginner can still make it by following every step carefully and checking stitch counts often.
Materials
- Main bunny yarn: DK weight in soft cream or warm ivory, about 170 yards
- Coat and shoes yarn: DK weight in deep navy blue, about 120 yards
- Skirt and bag yarn: DK weight in mustard gold, about 70 yards
- Inner dress or neck fill area: small amount of pale beige or cream
- Badger yarn: small amounts of black, white, gray, green, and brown DK yarn
- Tea set yarn: scraps of beige and brown
- Book yarn: scraps of brown and cream
- 3.0 mm needles for most pieces
- 2.75 mm needles for very small accessories if desired
- Toy stuffing
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Waste yarn
- Thin cardboard or plastic canvas for optional shoe soles and bag base
- Small black embroidery thread for eyes if not using yarn features
- Brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth
- Six tiny buttons for coat front and cuffs, plus one decorative button if desired for the bag
Gauge
Gauge matters a great deal for knitted toys because tight fabric keeps stuffing hidden. Using DK yarn on 3.0 mm needles, aim for 28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette worked in the round.
If your fabric looks open, go down a needle size. If it feels stiff and difficult to shape, go up slightly. The pieces should feel firm but not hard.
Abbreviations
- BO = bind off
- CO = cast on
- dec = decrease
- inc = increase
- k = knit
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
- m1L = make 1 left
- m1R = make 1 right
- p = purl
- pm = place marker
- rep = repeat
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- WS = wrong side
Design Notes
The bunny in the image has a soft oval head, a narrow neck, a gently rounded torso, and long straight ears that hang low. The coat is double-breasted with a tied waist belt, short turned cuffs, and a collar. The skirt shows clear vertical pleats.
The bag is structured and small, with a short handle. The beret is rounded and slightly oversized, sitting low on the head with a decorative bow. The shoes are Mary Jane style with a horizontal strap and rounded toes.
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For the neatest result, stuff gradually and firmly. Do not overstuff the neck, wrists, ankles, or ears. Those areas should stay soft enough to look natural in a seated display pose.
Bunny Legs Make 2
Work both legs alike in cream until the shoe section. Stuff as you go, especially in the foot and lower leg. The feet are slightly wider than the ankle so the shoes look rounded and stable.
- Using cream, CO 8 sts. Divide evenly and join to work in the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: K1, m1R, knit to last 1 st, m1L, k1 on each half of the round. 20 sts.
- Rnd 5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K2, m1R, knit to last 2 sts, m1L, k2 on each half of the round. 24 sts.
- Rnds 7-12: Knit 6 rnds.
- Rnd 13: K6, k2tog, k8, ssk, k6. 22 sts.
- Rnd 14: Knit.
- Rnd 15: K5, k2tog, k8, ssk, k5. 20 sts.
- Rnd 16: Knit.
- Rnd 17: K4, k2tog, k8, ssk, k4. 18 sts.
- Rnds 18-28: Knit 11 rnds for lower leg.
- Rnd 29: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
- Rnd 30: Knit.
- Rnds 31-43: Knit 13 rnds.
- Stuff foot and leg firmly, leaving top 3/4 inch lightly stuffed.
- BO loosely, leaving a long tail.
Make the second leg the same. Set aside.
Bunny Body
The body begins by joining both legs together. The lower body is softly pear-shaped, becoming narrower at the waist and chest. Keep the front and back markers in place if that helps with arm placement later.
- Place both legs side by side with feet facing forward.
- Using cream, knit across 12 sts of first leg, CO 4 sts, knit across 12 sts of second leg, CO 4 sts. Join to work in the round. 32 sts.
- Rnd 1: Knit, placing a marker at each side gap if desired.
- Rnd 2: K12, m1R, k4, m1R, k12, m1R, k4, m1R. 36 sts.
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: K13, m1R, k5, m1R, k13, m1R, k5, m1R. 40 sts.
- Rnds 5-11: Knit 7 rnds.
- Rnd 12: K8, k2tog, k10, ssk, k8, k2tog, k10, ssk. 36 sts.
- Rnd 13: Knit.
- Rnd 14: K7, k2tog, k10, ssk, k7, k2tog, k10, ssk. 32 sts.
- Rnds 15-18: Knit 4 rnds.
- Rnd 19: K6, k2tog, k8, ssk, k6, k2tog, k8, ssk. 28 sts.
- Rnds 20-24: Knit 5 rnds.
- Rnd 25: K5, k2tog, k7, ssk, k5, k2tog, k7, ssk. 24 sts.
- Rnds 26-30: Knit 5 rnds.
- Stuff the body firmly, shaping a rounded lower torso and gentler upper chest.
Neck and Head
The neck is narrow and short. The head widens quickly, then rounds smoothly. The face is simple, with tiny eyes and a stitched muzzle. This clean shaping helps the rabbit resemble the photo closely.
- From the 24 body sts, work neck shaping.
- Rnd 31: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
- Rnds 32-34: Knit 3 rnds.
- Rnd 35: K1, m1R around. 27 sts.
- Rnd 36: Knit.
- Rnd 37: K2, m1R around. 36 sts.
- Rnd 38: Knit.
- Rnd 39: K3, m1R around. 45 sts.
- Rnds 40-52: Knit 13 rnds.
- Rnd 53: K7, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.
- Rnd 54: Knit.
- Rnd 55: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 35 sts.
- Rnd 56: Knit.
- Rnd 57: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
- Begin stuffing the head very firmly, especially the cheeks and crown.
- Rnd 58: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 25 sts.
- Rnd 59: Knit.
- Rnd 60: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 20 sts.
- Rnd 61: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 15 sts.
- Rnd 62: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 10 sts.
- Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and close.
Shape the head with your hands. Press very gently at the eye line so the face is slightly flatter in front than at the back.
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Bunny Arms Make 2
The arms are short and slim with softly rounded hands. They should reach to about the waistline once attached. Light stuffing works best so the coat sleeves do not become bulky.
- Using cream, CO 8 sts and join to work in the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
- Rnds 3-5: Knit 3 rnds.
- Rnd 6: K2tog around. 8 sts.
- Rnds 7-22: Knit 16 rnds.
- Rnd 23: K2, k2tog, k2, ssk. 6 sts.
- Rnds 24-28: Knit 5 rnds.
- Stuff hand and lower arm lightly.
- Flatten top and BO all sts with sewing tail.
Bunny Ears Make 2
The ears are long, narrow at the top, and rounded at the tips. They should fall low, ending around the chest level when sewn on. Keep them only lightly stuffed or completely unstuffed for the correct drape.
- Using cream, CO 6 sts and work flat.
- Row 1 RS: Knit.
- Row 2 WS: Purl.
- Row 3: K1, m1R, knit to last 1 st, m1L, k1. 8 sts.
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: K1, m1R, knit to last 1 st, m1L, k1. 10 sts.
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: Knit.
- Row 8: Purl.
- Rep Rows 7-8 until piece measures 5 1/2 inches from cast on.
- Next row RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
- Next row WS: Purl.
- Next row RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
- Next row WS: Purl.
- BO knitwise on RS.
Fold each ear lengthwise with the purl side inside and mattress stitch the side edges together, leaving the lower 1/2 inch open for sewing. Do not overfill. A whisper of stuffing near the base is enough.
Mary Jane Shoes Make 2
The shoes are worked over the feet. You may either sew separate shoes onto the legs or knit them as slip-on coverings after the legs are finished. The separate method gives cleaner edges and matches the image best.
- Using navy, CO 24 sts. Join carefully.
- Rnds 1-5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K6, k2tog, k8, ssk, k6. 22 sts.
- Rnd 7: Knit.
- Rnd 8: K5, k2tog, k8, ssk, k5. 20 sts.
- Rnd 9: Knit.
- Rnd 10: K4, k2tog, k8, ssk, k4. 18 sts.
- Rnds 11-14: Knit.
- BO 5 sts, k8, BO 5 sts. 8 center sts remain for strap opening.
- Work these 8 sts flat for 4 rows in stockinette.
- Next row: K2, BO 4, k2.
- Next row: P2, CO 4, p2.
- Work 2 more rows in stockinette.
- BO all sts.
Sew the shoe around the foot with the strap centered across the instep. Add a tiny sole insert if you want more structure. The opening should frame the cream foot like the shoe in the picture.
Mustard Skirt
The skirt sits just below the coat and has clear vertical folds. This is achieved with a rib-to-stockinette arrangement that opens into soft pleats. It should flare slightly without becoming stiff.
- Using mustard, CO 72 sts. Join to work in the round.
- Rnds 1-4: *K2, p2; rep around.
- Rnd 5: *K2, m1R, p2, m1L; rep around. 108 sts.
- Rnds 6-9: *K3, p3; rep around.
- Rnd 10: Knit all sts.
- Rnd 11: *K4, k2tog; rep around. 90 sts.
- Rnd 12: Purl all sts.
- Rnd 13: Knit all sts.
- Rnd 14: Purl all sts.
- Rep Rnds 13-14 until skirt measures 2 1/4 inches.
- Rnd last: Knit loosely.
- BO loosely knitwise.
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Thread matching yarn through the cast-on edge and gather gently to fit the bunny waist. Sew in place under the coat line. Arrange the folds evenly so the front shows the same tidy pleated effect as the image.
Navy Coat
The coat is the main clothing feature and determines the likeness of the finished toy. It is worked flat in pieces for precise shaping. Make one back, two fronts, two sleeves, one collar, and one belt.
Coat Back
- Using navy, CO 28 sts.
- Rows 1-4: K1, p26, k1.
- Row 5 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 30 sts.
- Row 6: K1, p28, k1.
- Rows 7-18: Rep Rows 5-6 every 4th row 3 more times. 36 sts.
- Rows 19-28: Work even in stockinette with 1 edge st each side.
- Row 29 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 34 sts.
- Rows 30-34: Work even.
- Row 35 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 32 sts.
- Rows 36-44: Work even.
- Shape armholes: BO 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 28 sts.
- Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 26 sts.
- Work 7 rows even.
- Shape shoulders and neck: Next RS row: BO 6, knit to last 6 sts, BO 6. 14 sts.
- Next WS row: Purl.
- BO remaining 14 sts.
Left Front
- Using navy, CO 18 sts.
- Rows 1-4: K1, p17.
- Row 5 RS: K1, kfb, knit to end. 19 sts.
- Row 6: K1, purl to end.
- Rep last 2 rows 3 more times every 4th row. 22 sts.
- Work even until front matches back to waist.
- Shape waist: On RS row, K1, ssk, knit to end. 21 sts.
- Work 5 rows even.
- Repeat waist dec once more. 20 sts.
- Work until same armhole height as back.
- Armhole row WS: BO 2 sts, purl to end. 18 sts.
- Next WS armhole row: BO 1 st, purl to end. 17 sts.
- Neck shaping, RS rows: K to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Rep this neck dec every other RS row 6 times total. 11 sts.
- Work even until shoulder matches back.
- BO 6 sts at armhole edge twice. 5 sts remain.
- Work 3 rows even for collar extension, then BO.
Right Front
Work as left front, reversing all shaping. Make 4 buttonholes along the overlap if desired.
- For each buttonhole row on RS: K2, yo, k2tog, work to end.
- Space 4 buttonholes evenly from chest to waist.
Sleeves Make 2
- Using navy, CO 16 sts.
- Rows 1-6: Work in stockinette with 1 edge st each side.
- Row 7 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last 1 st, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
- Work 5 rows even.
- Repeat inc row 3 more times every 6th row. 24 sts.
- Work until sleeve measures 2 1/4 inches.
- Cap shaping: BO 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 20 sts.
- Next 4 RS rows: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Work WS rows even. 12 sts.
- BO all sts.
Collar and Belt
- Collar: CO 24 sts. Work 6 rows in garter. On row 7, dec 1 st each end. 22 sts. Work 4 more rows. BO.
- Belt: CO 6 sts. Work 34 rows in garter. BO.
- Belt loops: Make 2 tiny chains or narrow i-cords, each about 1/2 inch long.
Sew coat shoulders first, then set in sleeves. Sew side seams and sleeve seams. Attach collar around neckline, slightly overlapping front edges. Add cuffs by folding the lower sleeve edge back about 1/4 inch and tacking in place.
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Sew on 4 front buttons in a double-breasted arrangement and 1 button at each cuff. Thread the belt through the loops and tie loosely at the front, slightly off-center, to match the relaxed look in the image.
Beret Make 2
One beret is worn by the bunny and one is resting on the table. Work both the same way. The hat is softly rounded, not flat, and has a short fitted band.
- Using navy, CO 48 sts. Join to work in the round.
- Rnds 1-5: *K1, p1; rep around.
- Rnd 6: *K3, m1R; rep around. 60 sts.
- Rnd 7: Knit.
- Rnd 8: *K4, m1R; rep around. 72 sts.
- Rnds 9-18: Knit 10 rnds.
- Rnd 19: *K10, k2tog; rep around. 66 sts.
- Rnd 20: Knit.
- Rnd 21: *K9, k2tog; rep around. 60 sts.
- Rnd 22: Knit.
- Rnd 23: *K8, k2tog; rep around. 54 sts.
- Rnd 24: Knit.
- Continue decreasing in this way every other rnd until 12 sts remain.
- Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, and close tightly.
For the decorative side bow, CO 10 sts in navy and work 6 rows in stockinette. BO. Wrap the center with yarn several times and sew to one side of the beret. Lightly steam-block if needed, then shape by hand.
Handbag
The bag is small, structured, and softly rectangular with a rounded flap and a short curved handle. It hangs from the bunny’s forearm and should sit around hip level.
- Using mustard, CO 14 sts.
- Rows 1-20: Work in garter stitch.
- This strip forms back, base, front, and flap.
- Mark after Row 6, Row 10, and Row 16.
- For flap shaping: On next RS row after Row 16, k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
- WS row: Knit.
- Rep dec row every RS row until 8 sts remain.
- Work 2 rows even.
- BO.
- Side pieces: CO 4 sts and work 8 rows in garter. Make 2.
- Handle: CO 3 sts and work 24 rows in i-cord or garter strip. BO.
Sew sides to bag body, fold along marked lines, and attach handle. Add a tiny decorative white swan motif if wanted by embroidering or sewing a cut knit shape onto the front. Insert a little stuffing or a cardboard base to help it hold shape.
Tiny Teapot
The teapot is a very small decorative piece. It is not meant for rough play, but it adds a lovely storytelling detail to the scene. Work it tightly so it keeps its rounded form.
- Using beige, CO 6 sts and join.
- Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: *K1, m1R; rep around. 18 sts.
- Rnds 4-7: Knit.
- Rnd 8: *K1, k2tog; rep around. 12 sts.
- Stuff lightly.
- Rnd 9: K2tog around. 6 sts.
- Close top.
- Spout: CO 3 sts, work 4 rows i-cord, sew to side.
- Handle: CO 3 sts, work 5 rows i-cord, curve and sew to opposite side.
- Lid: Using brown, CO 6 sts and join. Knit 2 rnds. K2tog around to 3 sts. Close and add tiny top knot.
Tiny Cup and Saucer
- Saucer: Using beige, CO 6 sts and join. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts. Rnd 2: *K1, m1R; rep around. 18 sts. Rnd 3: Knit. BO loosely.
- Cup: CO 8 sts and join. Work 4 rnds knit. BO loosely. Add a small handle with a 3-st i-cord or twisted yarn loop.
Little Badger Body
The badger is seated and slightly squat, with a round head, short body, black legs, and a white face marked by black stripes. It should look compact enough to sit beside the bunny without drawing focus away from her.
- Using black, CO 8 sts and join.
- Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: *K3, m1R; rep around. 20 sts.
- Rnds 4-8: Knit.
- Change to white and work face area over front 10 sts, black over back 10 sts for 6 rnds.
- Continue body for 6 more rnds in established colors.
- Rnd next: *K3, k2tog; rep around. 16 sts.
- Stuff firmly.
- Rnd next: *K2, k2tog; rep around. 12 sts.
- Rnd next: *K1, k2tog; rep around. 8 sts.
- Close top.
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Badger Legs, Arms, Ears, and Tail
- Legs, make 2: Using black, CO 6 sts, join, knit 6 rnds, stuff lightly, flatten and sew to lower body.
- Arms, make 2: Using black, CO 5 sts, join, knit 5 rnds, flatten and sew to sides.
- Ears, make 2: Using black, CO 4 sts, work 4 rows in garter, BO, fold and sew to head top.
- Tail: CO 4 sts, knit 4 rows in i-cord, sew to back.
Embroider the facial stripes in black over the white face area, placing one stripe down each side from forehead to muzzle. Add a tiny black nose and simple dot eyes.
Badger Sweater
- Using green, CO 20 sts and join.
- Rnds 1-3: *K1, p1; rep around.
- Rnds 4-9: Knit.
- Rnd 10: BO 2 sts, k6, BO 4 sts, k6, BO 2 sts.
- Front and back shoulder tabs can be sewn together after dressing.
This tiny sweater should fit snugly, leaving the black paws visible. Keep it simple and smooth, since the image shows a clean green knit with no extra decoration.
Badger Book
- Using brown, CO 10 sts and work 8 rows in garter.
- BO.
- Fold in half.
- Using cream, embroider or sew a small V-shape inside so it resembles open pages.
Tack the book into the badger’s paws after assembly so it stays open and angled upward like the one in the photo.
Facial Embroidery for the Bunny
The bunny’s face is minimal and elegant. Less is more here. Place the eyes low enough to keep the expression sweet, but not so low that the face looks sad. The muzzle is centered and short.
- Eyes: use tiny black straight stitches or French-knot style dots, spaced about 7 stitches apart
- Nose and mouth: use brown thread to embroider a small vertical triangle nose, then a straight center line and two short downward curves
- Do not add cheeks or lashes if you want the closest match to the image
Final Assembly and Dressing Order
To get the closest visual match, assemble slowly in the following order. Check the silhouette from the front and side before sewing anything permanently.
- Sew head securely to body if you worked it separately. If worked continuously, shape neck with a few hidden tightening stitches.
- Sew ears to the top side areas of the head, not directly on the crown. They should hang low beside the face.
- Sew arms to the upper body just below the neck line.
- Sew or fit shoes onto feet.
- Attach skirt around waist.
- Dress bunny in coat and sew coat closed lightly at waist if desired.
- Add belt loops and tie the belt.
- Place beret slightly tilted to one side and tack lightly.
- Sew handbag handle closed around forearm or tack the bag in place.
- Assemble badger and dress it in sweater.
- Place book in badger paws and stitch lightly.
- Arrange the second beret, teapot, and cup as decorative props.
Size and Placement Check
Before finishing, compare proportions. The bunny’s head should be about as wide as the coat shoulders. Each ear should reach to around upper chest level. The coat hem should end above the lower skirt edge, allowing the mustard pleats to show clearly.
The handbag should be small enough to fit neatly under one paw without covering the coat buttons. The badger should sit lower than the bunny’s knee. The spare beret should look slightly wider than the badger’s head.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Use small invisible stitches and test placement with pins first. Shape the cheeks gently with your fingers before embroidering the face. Keep the features tiny and centered. Tack the hat lightly so it can be adjusted without crushing the ears underneath.
Care Notes
Display pieces like this look best when handled gently. Spot clean whenever possible. Avoid pulling on the bag handle, beret bow, teapot spout, or the badger’s book, as these are small decorative details rather than heavy-use toy parts.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head stuffed firmly and evenly
- Ears matched in length and sewn symmetrically
- Shoes centered and straps level
- Skirt pleats distributed evenly
- Coat sits smoothly across shoulders
- Belt tied neatly at the waist
- Beret tilted softly to one side
- Face embroidered with very small stitches
- Badger seated securely
- Accessories balanced for display
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
For long-term preservation, keep the finished set out of direct sunlight and away from damp storage. Dust lightly with a soft dry brush. If deeper cleaning is needed, hand wash gently in cool water with mild wool wash, press in a towel, reshape, and dry flat completely.
