Knitting Tutorial: Rosie Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Rosie Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Rosie Bunny is a soft heirloom-style knitted toy set with a sweet red dress, matching beret, tiny shoes, a bow bag, and charming little table accessories. This pattern is designed for knitters who love collectible stuffed animals, handmade nursery decor, boutique toy patterns, and giftable knitted dolls. The finished bunny has a classic artisan look that feels right at home in a toy basket, on a nursery shelf, or in a handmade gift set. The small teddy, ice cream, fruit basket, and truffle plate complete the storybook styling and make the whole display especially appealing for knit toy lovers.

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 recreates the knitted scene shown in the image: a tall cream bunny with long floppy ears, a rounded head, slim dangling arms, long straight legs, a bright red short-sleeve dress with white dotted details, a white scalloped collar and hem, a soft red beret, red Mary Jane shoes, and a tiny red crossbody bag with a white bow.

The set also includes the small brown teddy in a blue sweater, the knitted ice cream cone, the mini fruit basket, and the little plate of round treats. Every piece is written separately so you can knit the full scene or choose only the parts you want.

The shaping is kept clean and traditional so the finished forms stay very close to the proportions in the photo. The bunny is tall and narrow, with a head slightly smaller than the body width would suggest, long ears set low on the head, and feet that are softly rounded rather than oversized.

Materials

  • Main bunny yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-blend in cream/off-white, approximately 120 to 150 g
  • Dress, beret, shoes, bag yarn: DK weight in bright cherry red, approximately 80 g
  • Accent yarn: DK weight in white, small amount for collar, hem, bow, and optional dot embroidery
  • Teddy yarn: DK weight in light brown and dark brown, small amounts
  • Teddy sweater yarn: DK weight in medium blue, small amount
  • Accessory yarns: scraps in tan, pink, yellow, green, purple, black, red, navy, and cream
  • Needles: 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference method for toys
  • Optional straight needles: 2.75 mm if you prefer to work some clothing pieces flat
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Toy stuffing
  • Small black safety eyes or black embroidery thread
  • Brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth
  • Very small buttons: 2 red or cream for shoe straps if desired
  • Thin cardboard circle: optional for basket and plate bases

Finished Size

  • Bunny: approximately 15 to 16 inches tall seated, about 18 inches from beret top to foot when legs are fully extended
  • Teddy: approximately 4 to 4.5 inches tall
  • Bag: about 1.5 inches square
  • Fruit basket: about 2 inches across
  • Plate of treats: about 2 inches across

Gauge

30 stitches and 40 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette worked in the round on 2.75 mm needles using DK yarn. Tight gauge is important for toy knitting so stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

  • CO = cast on
  • BO = bind off
  • k = knit
  • p = purl
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • rnd = round
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • k2tog = knit 2 together
  • p2tog = purl 2 together
  • M1 = make 1 increase
  • rep = repeat
  • sl = slip
  • yo = yarn over

Notes Before You Begin

The bunny is worked mostly in the round, starting from each foot upward. The legs are joined, then the body and head are shaped as one piece. The arms and ears are made separately and sewn on. The clothing and accessories are worked as separate pieces to match the styling in the image as closely as possible.

To keep the look true to the photo, stuff the bunny firmly in the head, lightly in the arms, medium-firm in the body, and only lightly in the lower legs. This allows the toy to sit naturally on an edge with the legs hanging down.

The facial expression is simple and gentle. Do not overwork the face. Small eyes, a narrow embroidered nose, and a short split mouth line will match the image best.

Bunny Legs Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts evenly onto 3 double-pointed needles. Join carefully for working in the round.

  1. Rnds 1 to 4: k all sts.
  2. Rnd 5: kfb, k4, kfb, kfb, k4, kfb. 16 sts.
  3. Rnd 6: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 7: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1, k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
  5. Rnds 8 to 12: k all sts.
  6. Rnd 13: k2tog, k6, ssk, k2tog, k6, ssk. 16 sts.
  7. Rnd 14: k all sts.
  8. Rnd 15: k2tog, k4, ssk, k2tog, k4, ssk. 12 sts.

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Begin the narrow leg shaft.

  1. Rnds 16 to 42: k all sts.

Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly as you go. Knit the second leg the same way, but do not cut yarn from the second leg.

Join Legs and Knit Body

Place both legs so the toes face forward. Arrange stitches so the inside leg stitches meet neatly.

  1. From second leg, knit across 12 sts, CO 3 sts using backward loop, knit across first leg 12 sts, CO 3 sts. 30 sts.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts, placing marker at center back.
  3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k to 1 st before first bridge, M1, k1, k3 bridge sts, k1, M1, knit across next leg to 1 st before second bridge, M1, k1, k3 bridge sts, k1, M1. 34 sts.
  5. Rnds 4 to 10: k all sts.
  6. Rnd 11: k5, M1, k7, M1, k8, M1, k7, M1, k3. 38 sts.
  7. Rnds 12 to 18: k all sts.
  8. Rnd 19: k6, M1, k7, M1, k10, M1, k7, M1, k4. 42 sts.
  9. Rnds 20 to 30: k all sts.

This creates the narrow, softly oval torso seen in the image. Stuff the lower body well, but keep the waist a little softer so the dress sits naturally.

Shape Chest and Neck

  1. Rnd 31: k all sts.
  2. Rnd 32: k5, k2tog, k12, ssk, k5, k2tog, k12, ssk. 38 sts.
  3. Rnd 33: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 34: k4, k2tog, k11, ssk, k4, k2tog, k11, ssk. 34 sts.
  5. Rnd 35: k all sts.
  6. Rnd 36: k3, k2tog, k10, ssk, k3, k2tog, k10, ssk. 30 sts.
  7. Rnds 37 to 40: k all sts.

The neck in the image is narrow but not fragile. Avoid overstuffing this section.

Head

  1. Rnd 41: k3, M1, k4, M1, k4, M1, k4, M1, k4, M1, k4, M1, k1. 36 sts.
  2. Rnd 42: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 43: k4, M1, rep to end. 43 sts.
  4. Rnd 44: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 45: k5, M1, rep to last 1 st, k1. 50 sts.
  6. Rnds 46 to 62: k all sts.

Insert eyes between rnds 54 and 55, spaced 8 stitches apart, or embroider French knot style eyes later. Begin stuffing the head very firmly and smoothly. Shape it into a rounded oval, slightly taller than wide.

  1. Rnd 63: k5, k2tog, rep to end. 43 sts.
  2. Rnd 64: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 65: k4, k2tog, rep to last 1 st, k1. 36 sts.
  4. Rnd 66: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 67: k2, k2tog, rep to end. 27 sts.
  6. Rnd 68: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 69: k1, k2tog, rep to end. 18 sts.
  8. Rnd 70: k2tog around. 9 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and close securely.

Bunny Arms Make 2

The arms are slim tubes with minimal paw shaping, matching the soft dangling look in the photo.

  1. Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts and divide onto needles.
  2. Rnds 1 to 5: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 6: kfb, k2, kfb, kfb, k2, kfb. 12 sts.
  4. Rnds 7 to 10: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 11: k2tog, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, ssk. 8 sts.
  6. Rnds 12 to 32: k all sts.

BO knitwise, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff only the lower half of each arm so the upper arm stays flexible. Flatten the open end before sewing to the body.

Bunny Ears Make 2

The ears are long, softly tapered, and attached low at the sides of the head. Work flat.

  1. Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts.
  2. Row 1 RS: k.
  3. Row 2 WS: p.
  4. Rows 3 to 8: rep Rows 1 and 2.
  5. Row 9 RS: k1, M1, k8, M1, k1. 12 sts.
  6. Row 10 WS: p.
  7. Rows 11 to 26: continue in stockinette.
  8. Row 27 RS: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  9. Row 28 WS: p.
  10. Rows 29 to 34: continue in stockinette.
  11. Row 35 RS: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  12. Row 36 WS: p.
  13. Rows 37 to 42: continue in stockinette.
  14. Row 43 RS: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
  15. Row 44 WS: p.
  16. Row 45 RS: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
  17. Row 46 WS: p.
  18. Row 47 RS: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
  19. Row 48 WS: p2tog. 1 st.

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Fasten off. Make a second ear. Do not stuff. Lightly steam or finger-shape if needed so the ears lie flat and drape down.

Red Beret

The beret is soft, slightly oversized, and slouches to one side in the photo. Work in the round with red yarn.

  1. CO 48 sts. Join.
  2. Rnds 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
  3. Rnd 5: kfb in every 4th st around. 60 sts.
  4. Rnd 6: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 7: k5, M1, rep around. 72 sts.
  6. Rnds 8 to 18: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 19: k10, k2tog, rep around. 66 sts.
  8. Rnd 20: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 21: k9, k2tog, rep around. 60 sts.
  10. Rnd 22: k all sts.
  11. Rnd 23: k8, k2tog, rep around. 54 sts.
  12. Rnd 24: k all sts.
  13. Rnd 25: k7, k2tog, rep around. 48 sts.
  14. Rnd 26: k all sts.
  15. Rnd 27: k6, k2tog, rep around. 42 sts.
  16. Rnd 28: k all sts.
  17. Rnd 29: k5, k2tog, rep around. 36 sts.
  18. Rnd 30: k all sts.
  19. Rnd 31: k4, k2tog, rep around. 30 sts.
  20. Rnd 32: k all sts.
  21. Rnd 33: k3, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.

For the tiny top nub:

  1. Rnds 34 to 37: k all sts.
  2. Rnd 38: k2tog around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 39: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 40: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Thread yarn through remaining sts and close. Shape the beret so it sits low over one ear and tilts slightly left, matching the photo.

Red Mary Jane Shoes Make 2

These are removable slip-on shoes with a narrow strap and tiny side button detail.

  1. Using red yarn, CO 12 sts in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb, k4, kfb, kfb, k4, kfb. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1, k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
  6. Rnds 5 to 8: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 9: k2tog, k6, ssk, k2tog, k6, ssk. 16 sts.
  8. Rnd 10: k all sts.
  9. Rnd 11: k2tog, k4, ssk, k2tog, k4, ssk. 12 sts.
  10. Rnd 12: p all sts.
  11. Rnd 13: k all sts.

Heel shaping:

  1. Arrange so top 6 sts are instep and bottom 6 sts are sole/heel.
  2. Row 14 RS: k6, turn.
  3. Row 15 WS: p6, turn.
  4. Rep Rows 14 and 15 twice more.

Rejoin for strap.

  1. Pick up to original round start and knit across all 12 sts.
  2. BO 4 sts, k8.
  3. Next row: CO 4 sts over bound-off area, k8.
  4. Work 2 more rnds in k.

For strap, pick up 4 sts at outer side edge.

  1. Row 1: k4.
  2. Rows 2 to 8: work in garter.
  3. BO.

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Sew strap to opposite side with a tiny decorative button. Make a second shoe as mirror image.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is a small red square pouch with a white bow and long narrow strap.

  1. Using red yarn, CO 9 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 14: work in stockinette, beginning with a knit RS row.
  3. BO knitwise.

Make a second square the same way. Sew sides and bottom together, leaving top open. Lightly stuff with a tiny scrap if you want a rounded pouch, or leave flat.

For flap, pick up 9 sts across one top edge.

  1. Row 1 RS: k.
  2. Row 2 WS: p.
  3. Row 3: k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1. 7 sts.
  4. Row 4: p.
  5. Row 5: k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. 5 sts.
  6. Row 6: p.
  7. Row 7: k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1. 3 sts.
  8. Row 8: p.
  9. Row 9: k3.
  10. BO.

For strap, CO 55 sts. BO all sts knitwise on next row, or work an i-cord for a rounder strap. Sew each end to upper sides of bag.

For bow, using white yarn, CO 7 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 5: work in stockinette.
  2. BO.

Wrap yarn around center several times and sew bow to bag front.

Dress

The dress in the image has a rounded yoke, short sleeves, a slightly gathered skirt, white picot-like collar detail, and a white ruffled hem. The white dots are best added afterward with tiny duplicate-stitch or embroidery accents.

Work the dress from the top down in the round using red yarn unless stated otherwise.

Neckline and Yoke

  1. CO 36 sts loosely. Join.
  2. Rnd 1: p all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: p all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: k all sts.

This simple edging creates the neat upper finish seen under the collar.

  1. Rnd 5: k5, M1, rep around. 42 sts.
  2. Rnd 6: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 7: k6, M1, rep around. 48 sts.
  4. Rnd 8: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 9: k7, M1, rep around. 54 sts.
  6. Rnd 10: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 11: k8, M1, rep around. 60 sts.
  8. Rnds 12 to 14: k all sts.

Sleeve Separation

Place markers as follows: 9 sts back, 12 sts sleeve, 18 sts front, 12 sts sleeve, 9 sts back. This slightly fuller front helps the dress hang like the one in the image.

  1. Next rnd: knit 9, place next 12 on waste yarn, CO 3 underarm sts, knit 18, place next 12 on waste yarn, CO 3 underarm sts, knit 9. 42 body sts.
  2. Rnds 1 to 4 after separation: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 5: k6, M1, rep to end. 48 sts.
  4. Rnds 6 to 10: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 11: k7, M1, rep to end. 54 sts.
  6. Rnds 12 to 18: k all sts.
  7. Rnd 19: k8, M1, rep to end. 60 sts.
  8. Rnds 20 to 28: k all sts.

The skirt should now fall in a gentle A-line without becoming too full.

White Hem Ruffle

Change to white yarn.

  1. Rnd 29: p all sts.
  2. Rnd 30: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 31: p all sts.
  4. Rnd 32: k1, M1, rep around. 120 sts.
  5. Rnd 33: p all sts.
  6. Rnd 34: BO loosely knitwise.

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This creates the soft white frill visible under the red skirt.

Sleeves Make 2

Return sleeve sts to needles with red yarn. Pick up and knit 3 underarm sts. 15 sts.

  1. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  2. Rnd 2: p all sts.
  3. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 4: p all sts.
  5. Rnd 5: k2tog, k11, k2tog. 13 sts.
  6. Rnd 6: k all sts.
  7. BO loosely.

The sleeves should be small cap sleeves, not long sleeves.

White Collar

Work flat in white and sew around neckline after the dress is placed on the bunny.

  1. CO 24 sts.
  2. Row 1 RS: k.
  3. Row 2 WS: p.
  4. Row 3: k.
  5. Row 4: p.
  6. Row 5: k2, yo, k2tog, rep across.
  7. Row 6: p.
  8. Row 7: k.
  9. BO loosely.

Cut into two equal collar halves or knit two separate pieces of 12 sts each if preferred. Sew curved around neckline front so the two halves meet in the center, creating the rounded collar shape in the image.

White Dot Embellishment

Using white yarn or embroidery thread, add tiny vertical seed-like dots across the skirt and upper bodice front. Scatter them in offset rows rather than strict columns. Keep them small and evenly spaced. Do not cover the sleeves too heavily. The photo shows a moderate dot density, not a crowded all-over texture.

Small Teddy Bear

The teddy is worked in brown tones with a tiny blue sweater. The proportions are compact: round head, small ears, short legs, short arms, and a seated body.

Teddy Legs Make 2

  1. Using dark brown yarn, CO 8 sts in the round.
  2. Rnds 1 to 4: k all sts.
  3. Change to light brown.
  4. Rnds 5 to 10: k all sts.
  5. BO, leaving tail.

Teddy Body

  1. CO 8 sts for first leg and 8 sts for second leg.
  2. Join legs by knitting across first leg, CO 2, knit across second leg, CO 2. 20 sts.
  3. Rnds 1 to 8: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 9: k4, M1, k2, M1, k4, M1, k2, M1, k4. 24 sts.
  5. Rnds 10 to 15: k all sts.
  6. Rnd 16: k2tog every 5th and 6th st around. 20 sts.
  7. Rnds 17 to 19: k all sts.

Teddy Head

  1. Rnd 20: k4, M1, rep around. 24 sts.
  2. Rnd 21: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 22: k5, M1, rep around. 28 sts.
  4. Rnds 23 to 30: k all sts.
  5. Insert eyes between rnds 26 and 27, spaced 5 sts apart.
  6. Rnd 31: k5, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
  7. Rnd 32: k all sts.
  8. Rnd 33: k4, k2tog, rep around. 20 sts.
  9. Rnd 34: k all sts.
  10. Rnd 35: k3, k2tog, rep around. 16 sts.
  11. Rnd 36: k2tog around. 8 sts.

Stuff body and head firmly. Close top.

Teddy Arms Make 2

  1. Using dark brown yarn, CO 6 sts.
  2. Rnds 1 to 3: k all sts.
  3. Change to light brown.
  4. Rnds 4 to 8: k all sts.
  5. BO. Stuff lightly.

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Teddy Ears Make 2

  1. Using light brown, CO 6 sts.
  2. Row 1: k.
  3. Row 2: p.
  4. Row 3: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
  5. Row 4: p.
  6. BO.

Sew ears high on head. Embroider nose with dark brown or black.

Teddy Sweater

Using blue yarn, CO 24 sts and join.

  1. Rnds 1 to 3: k1, p1 rib.
  2. Rnd 4: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 5: knit 6, place 4 on waste yarn, knit 8, place 4 on waste yarn, knit 6.
  4. Continue body on remaining 20 sts for 5 rnds.
  5. Rnd 11: k1, p1 rib.
  6. Rnd 12: k1, p1 rib.
  7. BO loosely.

For sleeves, return each set of 4 sts to needles, pick up 2 underarm sts, and knit 3 rnds. BO loosely.

Ice Cream Cone

Cone

  1. Using tan yarn, CO 4 sts in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 8 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb, rep around. 12 sts.
  6. Rnds 5 to 8: k all sts.
  7. Lightly stuff.

Scoop

  1. Using pink yarn, CO 12 sts.
  2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k1, M1, rep around. 18 sts.
  4. Rnds 3 to 5: k all sts.
  5. Rnd 6: k1, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
  6. Rnd 7: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Stuff lightly and sew to cone top.

Fruit Basket

Basket Base and Sides

  1. Using tan yarn, CO 6 sts in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, rep around. 18 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: k all sts.
  6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb, rep around. 24 sts.
  7. Rnd 6: p all sts.
  8. Rnds 7 to 11: k all sts.

BO loosely. If desired, add a small cardboard circle inside the base. For handle, CO 18 sts and BO on next row, then sew to opposite sides.

For bow trim, use pale pink or lavender and tie or sew a tiny bow at one side.

Mini Fruits

Each fruit is a tiny stuffed ball.

  1. CO 6 sts in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnds 2 to 4: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 5: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Stuff lightly and close. Make several in yellow, red, green, purple, cream, and dark blue. Add tiny green tops to selected fruits using a few embroidered stitches.

Plate of Round Treats

Plate

  1. Using white yarn, CO 6 sts in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, rep around. 18 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: p all sts.
  6. Rnd 5: k2, kfb, rep around. 24 sts.
  7. BO loosely.

Round Treats

Make tiny colored balls exactly as for the basket fruits but on an even smaller scale if preferred. Good colors for the photo are purple, yellow, orange, black, cream, and red. Arrange them in a clustered pile on the plate and tack lightly in place.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the arms to the bunny body at the upper side seams, roughly 2 rounds below the neck shaping, so they hang straight downward. Sew the ears low on the head, slightly behind the eye line, and angle them so they fall beside the face.

Embroider the nose with brown thread in a small upside-down triangle or narrow satin-stitched wedge centered about 6 rounds below the eyes. Add a short vertical line and two tiny angled mouth stitches below it. Keep the face minimal and soft.

Dress the bunny in the red dress, then place the shoes on the feet. Position the bag diagonally from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Set the beret low and tilted. Place the teddy and tiny accessories beside the bunny for the full look shown in the image.

Care Notes

  • Spot clean whenever possible.
  • If washing is necessary, hand wash gently in cool water.
  • Do not wring the toy or accessories.
  • Reshape while damp and dry flat on a towel.
  • Keep decorative buttons and tiny pieces away from very young children.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head stuffed smoothly with no hollow cheeks
  • Ears sewn low and draping evenly
  • Arms lightly stuffed and hanging naturally
  • Dress hem ruffle visible below skirt edge
  • White collar centered neatly at front
  • Beret tilted softly to one side
  • Bag strap crossing body diagonally
  • Face embroidered small and delicate
  • Teddy and accessories scaled small beside bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished set away from direct sunlight to protect the red and blue yarns from fading. Keep the pieces in a dry room with stable temperature. For long-term display, dust lightly with a soft clean brush. If storing, wrap in acid-free tissue and avoid sealed plastic for extended periods.

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