Ruby Bunny is a sweet knitted rabbit doll dressed in a cream blouse, a red polka-dot skirt, a soft red beret, matching Mary Jane shoes, and a tiny crossbody bag with a daisy detail. She is styled with a striped scarf, a miniature camera, and a small woodland friend in a beret. This pattern is written for knitters who love heirloom toys, handmade nursery decor, collectible animal dolls, boutique gift knitting, and charming soft toy projects that look beautiful enough for display or gift shop inspiration.
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 makes all the knitted pieces visible in the image: the bunny, her blouse, skirt, beret, shoes, bag, striped scarf, tiny camera, and the small squirrel friend. The shapes are intentionally neat and softly stuffed, with smooth proportions and a clean finished silhouette.
The bunny is seated in the photo, but the body is worked as a complete standing doll so it can sit naturally when posed. The limbs are long and slim, the head is rounded but slightly elongated, and the ears are narrow, soft, and drape straight down.
The sweater-like blouse is knitted directly as a separate garment. The skirt is also separate. The beret is slightly oversized and slouches to one side. The small squirrel companion is worked in the same gentle toy style and wears a blue top and red beret.
Materials
- Main bunny yarn: DK weight in warm cream or soft white, about 120 to 150 g
- Red yarn: DK weight for skirt, beret, shoes, bag, squirrel beret, and scarf stripes, about 60 to 80 g
- Dark navy or black yarn: small amount for belt
- Blue yarn: small amount for squirrel sweater
- Mid brown yarn: for squirrel body and acorn
- Darker brown yarn: for squirrel paws, lower legs, and camera body
- Gray yarn: very small amount for camera lens edging
- Black yarn: for facial embroidery, camera details
- White yarn: tiny amount for daisy petals and skirt dots if duplicate stitch is preferred
- Light yellow yarn: tiny amount for daisy center
- Pair of 3.0 mm knitting needles
- Set of 3.0 mm double-pointed needles or magic loop for small pieces
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Toy stuffing
- Optional floral wire or pipe cleaner for gentle neck support
- Small black safety eyes, 5 mm, optional; or embroider eyes for a fully soft toy
- Thin cardboard circle or felt scrap for camera base, optional
Gauge and Finished Size
Gauge: 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on 3.0 mm needles after light blocking. Tight gauge is important for toys so stuffing does not show.
Finished bunny size: about 12 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including ears. Seated height is about 8 inches. Ears measure about 3 3/4 inches long. Beret diameter is about 3 inches.
Finished squirrel size: about 4 1/2 inches tall. Tail curves behind the body and supports the seated pose.
Abbreviations
- CO = cast on
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of same stitch
- kfb = knit front and back
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
- p2tog = purl 2 stitches together
- st st = stockinette stitch
- rep = repeat
- BO = bind off
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
Construction Notes
The bunny is worked in separate pieces and sewn together. Legs and arms are narrow and lightly stuffed. The body is softly pear-shaped. The head is slightly larger than the body width, and the face is finished with a small stitched nose and mouth placed low on the face.
For the photographed look, use embroidered eyes instead of large plastic eyes. Tiny black straight stitches placed well apart give the calm expression seen in the image. Keep the cheeks plain without blush for a clean knitted finish.
📌Thank you for reading the article
The red skirt has white dots. The neatest method is duplicate stitch after the skirt is finished. This gives accurate dot placement without disrupting the drape. The bag flap is decorated with a small knitted or embroidered daisy.
Bunny Legs Make 2
Using cream yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 10 sts.
- Row 1 WS: p all sts.
- Row 2 RS: k all sts.
- Row 3: p all sts.
- Row 4: k all sts.
- Row 5: p all sts.
- Row 6: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 7: p all sts.
- Row 8: k all sts.
- Row 9: p all sts.
- Row 10: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
The lower leg should be slim with only a small foot shape. Continue in st st for 22 more rows, beginning with a purl row. Total leg length from cast-on edge should now be about 3 1/4 inches.
Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly. Flatten the top edge and sew the side seam if worked flat. Set aside. Make a second leg exactly the same.
Bunny Body
Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts for the front and 12 sts for the back if working flat pieces. For a neater toy, work the body in the round over 24 sts after joining both legs. The instructions below use the round.
Place the 10 sts of the first leg on needle, CO 2 sts, place the 10 sts of second leg, CO 2 sts and join to work in the round. 24 sts total. Position the center back between the second CO pair.
- Round 1: knit.
- Round 2: knit.
- Round 3: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 26 sts.
- Round 4: knit.
- Round 5: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 28 sts.
- Round 6: knit.
- Round 7: k2, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k2. 30 sts.
- Rounds 8 to 16: knit.
This forms the lower body and tummy. Stuff as you go, keeping the base slightly wider than the chest. Do not overstuff the waist. The seated shape in the image comes from a rounded lower body and a gently narrower upper body.
- Round 17: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 28 sts.
- Round 18: knit.
- Round 19: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 26 sts.
- Round 20: knit.
- Round 21: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 24 sts.
- Rounds 22 to 30: knit.
Bind off loosely, leaving a long tail for sewing the body to the head. If you prefer a firmer neck, insert a short wrapped wire or folded pipe cleaner through the body center before closing.
Bunny Arms Make 2
Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
- Rows 1 to 4: work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
- Row 5 RS: k1, inc, k4, inc, k1. 10 sts.
- Rows 6 to 20: work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
- Row 21 RS: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
- Rows 22 to 26: work in st st.
Bind off. Sew side seam. Stuff the lower half lightly, leaving the upper 1 inch almost unstuffed so the arm lies softly against the body, as shown in the photo. The hands are simple rounded ends with no separate thumbs.
Bunny Head
Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts. Work flat for precise face shaping, then seam at back.
- Row 1 WS: p all sts.
- Row 2 RS: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 14 sts.
- Row 3: p all sts.
- Row 4: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 16 sts.
- Row 5: p all sts.
- Row 6: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 18 sts.
- Row 7: p all sts.
- Row 8: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 20 sts.
- Row 9: p all sts.
- Row 10: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 22 sts.
- Row 11: p all sts.
- Row 12: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 24 sts.
- Row 13: p all sts.
- Row 14: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 26 sts.
- Rows 15 to 31: work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
📌Thank you for reading the article
The face should be softly oval rather than perfectly round. The image shows a slightly elongated muzzle area and a gentle forehead curve. Keep stuffing smooth so there are no sharp corners.
- Row 32 RS: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
- Row 33: p all sts.
- Row 34: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
- Row 35: p all sts.
- Row 36: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
- Row 37: p all sts.
- Row 38: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
- Row 39: p all sts.
- Row 40: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
Leave a long tail. Sew side seam and top seam, stuff firmly but smoothly, and close the lower edge with running stitch gathering if needed. The finished head should measure about 3 inches tall and 2 1/2 inches wide at the fullest point.
Bunny Muzzle Shaping
The muzzle in the image is subtle, not a separate bulky snout. Use strong cream sewing yarn to make two small sculpting passes.
- Pass 1: enter at neck opening, come out at the center of face about 1 inch above lower edge, take a tiny horizontal stitch, return to neck opening, and pull gently.
- Pass 2: repeat 1/4 inch below the first pass.
This creates a soft vertical dip where the embroidered nose and mouth will sit. Do not pull hard. The goal is only a slight contour.
Bunny Ears Make 2
Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
- Row 1 WS: p all sts.
- Row 2 RS: k1, inc, k4, inc, k1. 10 sts.
- Rows 3 to 8: work in st st.
- Row 9 RS: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
- Rows 10 to 18: work in st st.
- Row 19 RS: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
- Row 20: p all sts.
- Row 21 RS: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
- Row 22: p all sts.
- Row 23 RS: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
- Row 24: p2tog. 1 st.
Fasten off. Sew side seam very lightly or mattress stitch the ear edges if worked as mirrored flat pieces. Do not stuff. Steam lightly so the ears hang flat. Sew to the sides of the head just behind the face line so they drop straight down.
Blouse
The blouse is a fitted cream top with a collar and short sleeves. It closes at the back. Work in one piece from lower edge upward, then seam shoulders and underarms.
Using cream yarn, CO 30 sts.
- Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
- Rows 5 to 16: work in st st, beginning with a knit row.
- Row 17 RS: k7, BO 4, k8, BO 4, k7.
You now have front left 7 sts, center 8 sts, and front right 7 sts, with armhole gaps. Work sections separately over the next rows.
Back left:
- Row 18 WS: p7
- Rows 19 to 24: work in st st
- Row 25 neck edge: k5, k2tog. 6 sts.
- Row 26: p all sts.
- Row 27: k4, k2tog. 5 sts.
- Row 28: p all sts. BO.
Center front:
- Join yarn to center 8 sts.
- Row 18 WS: p8
- Rows 19 to 24: work in st st
- Row 25: k all sts
- Row 26: p all sts. BO.
Back right:
- Join yarn to last 7 sts.
- Row 18 WS: p7
- Rows 19 to 24: work in st st
- Row 25 neck edge: ssk, k5. 6 sts.
- Row 26: p all sts.
- Row 27: ssk, k4. 5 sts.
- Row 28: p all sts. BO.
📌Thank you for reading the article
Sleeves make 2: CO 14 sts. Work 2 rows k1, p1 rib, then 6 rows st st. BO. Sew each sleeve into the armhole opening, then seam underarm and side edges.
Collar: pick up 18 sts evenly around neck edge. Work 2 rows in garter stitch. On next row, k2tog across loosely to create a soft turning collar edge. BO. Fold collar outward and tack lightly.
Front placket detail: embroider 3 small white or cream French-knot style buttons down center front, matching the image.
Skirt
The skirt is a separate red gathered skirt with a narrow waistband. It sits high on the waist and reaches just above the ankles when the bunny is seated. Use red yarn.
CO 48 sts.
- Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
- Row 5 RS: knit.
- Row 6 WS: purl.
- Row 7 RS: k3, inc, rep to end. 60 sts.
- Rows 8 to 24: work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
- Rows 25 to 28: garter stitch, knitting every row.
BO loosely. Sew side seam. Fold upper rib edge inward to make a neat waistband casing if desired, or simply sew the skirt closed and gather slightly at the waist to fit. The photographed skirt is not too full, so avoid excessive gathers.
White polka dots: add 20 to 26 small duplicate-stitched dots over the skirt front and sides. Keep them randomly spaced but visually balanced. Place more dots in the lower two-thirds, with fewer near the waistband.
Belt
Using navy or black yarn, CO 3 sts. Work i-cord for 5 inches. BO. Wrap around waist over the top of the skirt. Sew ends together at front and embroider a small gold or mustard rectangle for the buckle.
Mary Jane Shoes
Using red yarn, CO 10 sts for each shoe.
- Rows 1 to 4: work in st st.
- Row 5 RS: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
- Rows 6 to 8: work in st st.
BO. Sew as tiny slipper caps around each foot, leaving the instep opening visible. For the strap, use a short strand of red yarn or a 4-stitch i-cord and sew across the top opening to form the Mary Jane look seen in the image.
Beret
The beret is bright red, softly rounded, and tilts to the bunny’s right. It should sit low enough to cover the crown but not the eyes. Work in the round.
Using red yarn, CO 36 sts and join carefully.
- Rounds 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
- Round 5: knit, increasing evenly by 12 sts. 48 sts.
- Round 6: knit.
- Round 7: k3, inc, rep around. 60 sts.
- Rounds 8 to 14: knit.
- Round 15: k4, k2tog, rep around. 50 sts.
- Round 16: knit.
- Round 17: k3, k2tog, rep around. 40 sts.
- Round 18: knit.
- Round 19: k2, k2tog, rep around. 30 sts.
- Round 20: knit.
- Round 21: k1, k2tog, rep around. 20 sts.
- Round 22: knit 2tog around. 10 sts.
Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight. Flatten lightly and position so the top slouches to one side. Sew a few hidden tacking stitches at the rib edge only, leaving the upper beret soft.
Crossbody Bag
Using red yarn, CO 10 sts.
- Rows 1 to 12: work in garter stitch.
- Row 13: knit.
- Row 14: purl.
- Rows 15 to 18: garter stitch.
BO. Fold first 12 rows in half to make a pouch, leaving rows 13 to 18 as the flap. Sew side seams. For the strap, make a 20-inch narrow i-cord over 2 sts and sew to bag sides. Place it diagonally across the body.
Daisy detail: embroider 5 white petals on the flap with a small yellow center. Position the flower slightly to one side, matching the image.
Striped Scarf
Using red and cream yarn, CO 6 sts.
- Work 4 rows garter in red.
- Work 4 rows garter in cream.
- Repeat these 8 rows 5 more times.
- Work final 4 rows in red.
📌Thank you for reading the article
BO. The scarf should measure about 7 inches long. Add short fringe if desired, but the photographed version looks simple and clean without visible tassels. Lay it folded beside the bunny.
Camera
This tiny camera is mostly decorative and may be knitted as a flat rectangle around a lightly stuffed core. Use dark brown yarn for body and gray for lens ring.
Camera body: CO 8 sts with dark brown.
- Rows 1 to 10: work in st st.
- BO.
Fold into a tiny box around a bit of stuffing or a felt rectangle and sew side seams. The camera should be about 1 1/4 inches wide.
Lens: using gray, CO 4 sts.
- Rows 1 to 3: garter stitch.
- BO.
Roll into a tiny ring and sew to the front center. Add a black stitched circle in the middle. Embroider a small black button on the top corner. Add a thin cream or red yarn strap if desired.
Squirrel Friend Head
Using mid brown yarn, CO 10 sts.
- Row 1 WS: p all sts.
- Row 2 RS: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 3: p all sts.
- Row 4: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 14 sts.
- Row 5: p all sts.
- Row 6: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 16 sts.
- Rows 7 to 15: work in st st.
- Row 16: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
- Row 17: p all sts.
- Row 18: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 19: p all sts.
- Row 20: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
Sew and stuff firmly. Shape the muzzle with one tiny pull stitch. Embroider small black eyes and nose.
Squirrel Body and Legs
Using mid brown, CO 12 sts and work in the round or as a flat piece seamed later.
- Rows or rounds 1 to 8: st st.
- Decrease 2 sts evenly. 10 sts.
- Work 6 more rows.
For separate legs, make 2 small tubes over 4 sts in dark brown, 6 rows each. Sew at base. The squirrel in the image has darker paws and feet, so use dark brown for hands and lower feet.
Squirrel Arms
Using dark brown, CO 4 sts for each arm. Work 8 rows in st st. BO. Sew into tiny tubes and attach to body sides. One paw may hold the acorn.
Squirrel Sweater
Using blue yarn, CO 14 sts.
- Rows 1 to 2: k1, p1 rib.
- Rows 3 to 8: st st.
- Row 9: k4, BO 2, k2, BO 2, k4.
- Work each section for 2 more rows and BO.
Sew side seams and underarm edges. This creates the simple short-sleeved blue top seen in the image.
Squirrel Tail
Using mid brown, CO 8 sts.
- Rows 1 to 4: st st.
- Row 5: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. 10 sts.
- Rows 6 to 16: st st.
- Row 17: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
- Rows 18 to 24: st st.
- Row 25: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
- Rows 26 to 28: st st.
📌Thank you for reading the article
BO. Sew edges, stuff lightly, and curve into a soft upright tail. Sew behind the squirrel so it sits neatly and supports the figure.
Squirrel Beret and Acorn
Beret: using red, CO 20 sts and join in round.
- Rounds 1 to 2: k1, p1 rib.
- Round 3: increase evenly to 30 sts.
- Rounds 4 to 6: knit.
- Round 7: k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
- Round 8: knit.
- Round 9: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
- Round 10: knit 2tog around. 9 sts.
Draw yarn through remaining sts and fasten. Sew tilted to one side.
Acorn: with brown, CO 4 sts. Work 4 rows st st. Increase to 6 sts and work 2 rows. Decrease back to 4 sts and pull closed. Add a darker top cap with one wrapped stitch and sew into paw.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew the bunny head securely to the body. Attach ears slightly behind the facial centerline so they fall straight down. Sew arms level with the top of the body. Dress the bunny in blouse and skirt, wrap the belt at the waist, then add shoes, bag, and beret.
Embroider the bunny eyes as two tiny vertical or slightly angled straight stitches. Place them wide apart. Embroider a small Y-shaped nose and mouth in dark brown or black thread. Keep the expression minimal and gentle.
Dress the squirrel in its blue sweater and beret. Sew the tail at the back in a curved position. Place the squirrel close to the bunny’s right side and add the acorn to the paw.
Care Notes
- Spot clean whenever possible.
- For a full wash, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap.
- Do not wring the toy.
- Reshape while damp and dry flat on a towel.
- Keep away from high heat to protect shaping and embroidery.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head centered and firmly attached
- Ears matched and evenly placed
- Skirt dots balanced across the front
- Beret tilted softly to one side
- Bag strap sewn diagonally across the body
- Mary Jane straps visible on both shoes
- Squirrel tail curved and stable
- All facial stitches secure and neat
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Store the finished doll away from direct sunlight to reduce fading, especially on the red yarn. If displaying long term, support the bunny in a seated position so the neck and leg seams are not strained. Keep in a dry, dust-free area.
If the toy becomes dusty, use a soft dry cloth or a gentle clean makeup brush to lift surface dust. Avoid strong detergents, bleach, or tumble drying. For keepsake storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and place in a breathable cotton bag.
