Knitting Tutorial: Brown Gingham Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted set is designed for makers who love heirloom-style toys, cottagecore nursery decor, and collectible stuffed animals. The finished bunny has a soft vintage look with a gingham dress, beret, tiny shoes, handbag, and matching mini friends. It is ideal for handmade gift ideas, toy knitting projects, nursery styling, and shoppers looking for knitted bunny dolls, plush rabbit decor, and artisan soft toy 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 recreates the full knitted scene shown in the photo: the tall cream bunny, brown beret, brown-and-cream gingham dress, brown Mary Jane shoes, small handbag with teddy charm, mini fox with sweater and trousers, tiny carrot basket, little watering can, and folded blanket.

The bunny is worked mostly flat in pieces and seamed for maximum shape control. Small props are knitted in simple forms and assembled carefully. The proportions are written to match the image closely, with a large head, slim neck, softly rounded torso, long ears, short arms, and sturdy dangling legs.

The gauge and stitch counts matter in this design. The fabric should be dense enough to hide stuffing and hold the clean toy silhouette. Choose needles smaller than garment knitting needles so the toy keeps its shape and the facial embroidery sits smoothly.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 13 inches tall from feet to top of head, about 17 inches tall including ears.
• Fox: about 4 1/2 inches tall seated.
• Bag: about 2 inches tall without handles.
• Vegetable basket: about 2 inches wide.
• Watering can: about 2 inches long.
• Blanket: about 7 x 9 inches before folding.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: light worsted or DK cotton/wool blend in cream.
• Dress yarn A: cream.
• Dress yarn B: warm medium brown.
• Beret, shoes, bag yarn: warm medium brown.
• Fox body yarn: rust orange, cream, black.
• Fox sweater: moss green.
• Fox trousers: denim blue.
• Basket: oatmeal or tan.
• Carrots: orange and green.
• Watering can: pale gray.
• Blanket colors: cream, dusty pink, pale mint, light taupe.
• Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm and US 3 / 3.25 mm straight needles or DPNs if preferred.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, stuffing, small amount of cardboard or felt for shoe soles if desired.

Gauge

On US 2 needles in stockinette stitch: 30 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches. Gauge is important. The toy should feel firm, not drapey. If your fabric looks open, go down a needle size before starting.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = knit into front and back of stitch
• dec = k2tog on RS, p2tog on WS when needed for shaping
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• rep = repeat
• sl1 = slip one stitch purlwise
• yo = yarn over
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on

Notes Before You Begin

The bunny head is slightly wider than the body. The neck is slim and gently tucked inward. The arms are short and tubular, ending just below the dress pockets. The legs are straight and evenly stuffed, with the feet widened by the knitted shoes rather than by the leg pieces themselves.

The ears are long, narrow, and lightly curved inward. They are placed close together on top of the head, emerging above the beret line. The face is minimal, with tiny black eyes, a narrow brown nose, and a short split mouth.

The dress sits high at the chest and widens softly over the belly. It is not a loose gathered skirt. It follows the bunny’s body, with a fitted upper section, a moderate waist increase, and a rounded hemline that reaches the upper thigh.

Main Bunny: Legs Make 2

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
2. Row 7: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 20 sts.
3. Rows 8 to 22: Continue in stockinette.
4. Row 23: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
5. Rows 24 to 42: Continue in stockinette.
6. BO loosely.

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Sew each leg seam neatly. Stuff firmly but do not overfill the top 1 inch, so the legs can bend naturally when attached. Set aside.

Main Bunny: Body Front

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 28 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: purl.
2. Row 2 RS: knit.
3. Rep Rows 1 and 2 until 12 rows total are completed.
4. Row 13 RS: k3, inc, knit to last 3 sts, inc, k3. 30 sts.
5. Row 14 WS: purl.
6. Row 15 RS: k4, inc, knit to last 4 sts, inc, k4. 32 sts.
7. Rows 16 to 28: Continue in stockinette.
8. Row 29 RS: k3, ssk, knit to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3. 30 sts.
9. Row 30 WS: purl.
10. Row 31 RS: k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 28 sts.
11. Rows 32 to 38: Continue in stockinette.

Shape neck.

1. Row 39 RS: k10, BO 8, k10.
2. Work each side separately.
3. Row 40 WS: purl 10.
4. Row 41 RS: k8, k2tog. 9 sts.
5. Row 42 WS: purl.
6. Row 43 RS: k7, k2tog. 8 sts.
7. Row 44 WS: purl.
8. BO.

Rejoin yarn to remaining side and mirror shaping.

Main Bunny: Body Back

Work as for Body Front to Row 38.

1. Rows 39 to 44: Continue straight in stockinette on all 28 sts.
2. Shape neck Row 45 RS: k9, BO 10, k9.
3. Work each shoulder separately.
4. Row 46 WS: purl 9.
5. Row 47 RS: k8, k2tog. 8 sts.
6. Row 48 WS: purl.
7. BO.

Work second shoulder to match.

Main Bunny: Arms Make 2

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: Work in stockinette.
2. Row 9 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 16 sts.
3. Rows 10 to 24: Continue in stockinette.
4. Row 25 RS: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
5. Rows 26 to 30: Continue in stockinette.
6. BO.

Sew seams. Stuff lightly. These arms should look soft and narrow, not bulky.

Main Bunny: Head Make 2

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 22 sts.

1. Rows 1 and 2: Stockinette.
2. Row 3 RS: k2, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k2. 24 sts.
3. Row 4 WS: purl.
4. Row 5 RS: k2, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k2. 26 sts.
5. Row 6 WS: purl.
6. Row 7 RS: k3, inc, k to last 3 sts, inc, k3. 28 sts.
7. Row 8 WS: purl.
8. Row 9 RS: k3, inc, k to last 3 sts, inc, k3. 30 sts.
9. Rows 10 to 28: Continue in stockinette.
10. Row 29 RS: k3, ssk, k to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3. 28 sts.
11. Row 30 WS: purl.
12. Row 31 RS: k2, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 26 sts.
13. Row 32 WS: purl.
14. Row 33 RS: k2, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 24 sts.
15. Row 34 WS: purl.
16. Row 35 RS: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
17. Rows 36 and 37: Stockinette.
18. BO.

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Sew head seam, leaving lower edge open for attaching to neck. Stuff firmly so the face remains smooth and rounded. Avoid flattening the cheeks. The head should be slightly oval rather than perfectly round.

Main Bunny: Ears Make 2

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: purl.
2. Row 2 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 10 sts.
3. Rows 3 and 4: stockinette.
4. Row 5 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 12 sts.
5. Rows 6 to 18: Continue in stockinette.
6. Row 19 RS: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
7. Row 20 WS: purl.
8. Row 21 RS: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
9. Row 22 WS: purl.
10. Row 23 RS: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
11. Row 24 WS: purl.
12. Row 25 RS: ssk, k2tog. 4 sts.
13. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and pull tight.

Sew ear seams only along the lower 1 inch. Leave the rest flat. Lightly steam if needed so the ears remain smooth. Fold each ear base slightly inward before attaching to create the gentle inner tilt seen in the image.

Mary Jane Shoes Make 2

Using brown and US 2 needles, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: stockinette.
2. Row 7 RS: k5, ssk, k4, k2tog, k5. 16 sts.
3. Row 8 WS: purl.
4. Row 9 RS: k4, ssk, k4, k2tog, k4. 14 sts.
5. Rows 10 to 12: stockinette.
6. Row 13 RS: k4, BO 6, k4.
7. Next row WS: p4, CO 6, p4. 14 sts.
8. Rows 15 to 18: work in stockinette.
9. BO.

Sew heel seam and sole seam to form a soft shoe. The BO and CO gap forms the instep opening. Make a tiny strap by picking up 4 sts along one side of the opening and knitting 6 rows in garter. Sew across to the other side. Attach shoes to feet after stuffing.

Brown Beret

Using brown and US 2 needles, CO 44 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
2. Row 5 RS: k1, m1, repeat to end. 88 sts.
3. Rows 6 to 14: stockinette, beginning with purl row.
4. Row 15 RS: k6, k2tog, repeat to end. 77 sts.
5. Row 16 WS: purl.
6. Row 17 RS: k5, k2tog, repeat to end. 66 sts.
7. Row 18 WS: purl.
8. Row 19 RS: k4, k2tog, repeat to end. 55 sts.
9. Row 20 WS: purl.
10. Row 21 RS: k3, k2tog, repeat to end. 44 sts.
11. Row 22 WS: purl.
12. Row 23 RS: k2, k2tog, repeat to end. 33 sts.
13. Row 24 WS: purl.
14. Row 25 RS: k1, k2tog, repeat to end. 22 sts.
15. Row 26 WS: purl.
16. Row 27 RS: k2tog across. 11 sts.
17. Cut yarn, thread through sts, gather tightly.

Sew side seam. Add a tiny center nub using a wrapped yarn knot or a 4-stitch i-cord stub if desired. Position the beret low, slightly angled, with both ears emerging above it.

Dress Bodice and Skirt

The dress is worked in separate front and back pieces in a simple gingham effect using narrow color blocks. Carry the yarn loosely at the back or use separate bobbins for crisp checks.

Gingham Pattern over 4 stitches and 4 rows:

• Rows 1 to 4: *k2 brown, k2 cream; rep from *.
• Rows 5 to 8: *k2 cream, k2 brown; rep from *.
• Repeat these 8 rows.

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Dress Front

Using US 2 needles and starting at lower hem, CO 44 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: Work gingham pattern.
2. Row 9 RS: k1, ssk, work in pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 42 sts.
3. Rows 10 to 16: Work even in pattern.
4. Row 17 RS: repeat decrease row. 40 sts.
5. Rows 18 to 24: Work even.
6. Row 25 RS: repeat decrease row. 38 sts.
7. Rows 26 to 30: Work even.
8. Row 31 RS: k2, ssk, work in pattern to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 36 sts.
9. Rows 32 to 36: Work even.
10. Row 37 RS: k2, ssk, work in pattern to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 34 sts.
11. Rows 38 to 42: Work even.

Shape armholes.

1. Row 43 RS: BO 3, work in pattern to last 3 sts, BO 3. 28 sts.
2. Row 44 WS: purl in color sequence as established.
3. Row 45 RS: k1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 26 sts.
4. Rows 46 to 50: Work even.

Shape neckline.

1. Row 51 RS: k9, BO 8, work to end.
2. Work each side separately.
3. Row 52 WS: purl.
4. Row 53 RS: k to last 2 sts, k2tog. 8 sts.
5. Row 54 WS: purl.
6. BO.

Work second side to match.

Dress Back

Work as Dress Front to Row 50.

1. Rows 51 to 54: Work even.
2. Row 55 RS: k10, BO 6, k10.
3. Work each shoulder separately.
4. Row 56 WS: purl.
5. Row 57 RS: k to last 2 sts, k2tog. 9 sts.
6. Row 58 WS: purl.
7. BO.

Work second side to match.

Dress Sleeves Make 2

Using gingham colors and US 2 needles, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work gingham pattern.
2. Row 5 RS: BO 3, work to last 3 sts, BO 3. 18 sts.
3. Row 6 WS: purl.
4. Row 7 RS: k1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
5. Rows 8 to 10: Work even.
6. BO.

Sew shoulder seams first. Sew sleeve caps into armholes. Sew side seams and sleeve seams. The sleeve should sit slightly puffed at the top but remain short and neat.

Peter Pan Collar

Using cream and US 2 needles, make 2 identical collar halves.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: purl.
3. Row 2 RS: knit.
4. Row 3 WS: p2, p2tog, p to end. 11 sts.
5. Row 4 RS: knit.
6. Row 5 WS: p2, p2tog, p to end. 10 sts.
7. Row 6 RS: knit.
8. Row 7 WS: p2, p2tog, p to end. 9 sts.
9. Rows 8 to 10: stockinette.
10. BO.

Lightly curve each piece and sew at neckline so the two rounded fronts meet at center. The collar should be soft and wide enough to frame the face, like the image.

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Dress Pockets Make 2

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: stockinette.
2. BO.

Round the lower corners slightly while sewing them on. Place the pockets low on the front skirt, evenly spaced, with a small open top edge.

Handbag

Using brown and US 2 needles, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 16: stockinette.
2. BO.

Fold in half to make a small rectangle. Sew side seams. For the flap look, stitch a light curved line across the upper third but leave the top edge slightly raised. For handles, make 2 narrow cords:

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Knit 18 rows in garter for each handle.
3. BO and sew both ends securely to the bag top.

Make a teddy charm by wrapping a tiny pom-pom or by embroidering a mini beige bear head onto a scrap knit circle. Attach at one handle. Sew bag to bunny wrist so it hangs naturally.

Mini Fox: Head Make 2

Using rust orange and US 2 needles, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 and 2: stockinette.
2. Row 3 RS: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 14 sts.
3. Row 4 WS: purl.
4. Row 5 RS: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 16 sts.
5. Rows 6 to 12: stockinette.
6. Row 13 RS: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
7. Row 14 WS: purl.
8. Row 15 RS: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
9. Row 16 WS: purl.
10. BO.

For the lower muzzle area, duplicate stitch a cream triangle over the front piece after assembly, or knit the lower 4 center stitches in cream from Rows 8 to 12. Add tiny black eye stitches and a black nose.

Mini Fox: Body

Using rust orange, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 10: stockinette.
2. Row 11 RS: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
3. Rows 12 to 18: stockinette.
4. BO.

Sew and stuff lightly. The fox should remain small and slightly tapered.

Mini Fox: Ears Make 4

Using rust orange, CO 4 sts.

1. Row 1: purl.
2. Row 2: k1, inc, inc, k1. 6 sts.
3. Row 3: purl.
4. Row 4: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
5. Cut yarn and gather.

Make inner ear triangles in cream by embroidering or attaching tiny knitted triangles. Sew ears to head top points.

Mini Fox: Arms, Legs, Tail

• Arms make 2: CO 5 sts, knit 10 rows stockinette, BO.
• Legs make 2: CO 6 sts, knit 12 rows stockinette, BO.
• Tail: CO 6 sts in rust, knit 10 rows, switch to cream for 4 rows, BO.

Sew into tubes and stuff lightly. Attach tail at lower back, curving around the fox body.

Mini Fox Clothes

Sweater

Using moss green, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 12: stockinette.
3. BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 12 sts.
4. Rows 15 to 18: stockinette.
5. BO.

Sew as a simple wrap sweater around the fox body. Join under the arms and at the back.

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Trousers

Using denim blue, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: stockinette.
2. BO.

Fold around the lower fox body and sew into a short trouser tube, leaving openings for the legs.

Book

Using cream or pale gray, CO 10 sts.

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

Fold in half. Sew along the spine edge. Lightly mark page lines with matching thread. Place in fox hands.

Vegetable Basket

Using oatmeal and US 2 needles, CO 12 sts.

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

Fold into a shallow basket, sewing side seams and shaping the base flat. For the handle, CO 3 sts and knit 20 rows in garter. BO and attach across the basket.

Mini Carrots Make 3

Using orange, CO 6 sts.

1. Rows 1 and 2: stockinette.
2. Row 3 RS: ssk, k2tog. 4 sts.
3. Row 4 WS: purl.
4. Thread yarn through sts and pull to point.

Stuff lightly. Add green tops with 3-stitch cords, 4 rows long. Make three carrots and place in basket.

Watering Can

Using pale gray and US 2 needles, CO 10 sts.

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

Sew into a tiny cylinder. Close bottom, lightly stuff, and gather top with a slight opening. For the spout, CO 3 sts and knit 10 rows. Sew as a narrow tube and attach angled upward. Add a curved handle made from a 3-stitch garter strip, 8 rows long.

Blanket

Using US 3 needles and blanket colors, CO 42 sts. Work in garter stripe blocks for a soft textured throw. Suggested order below recreates the pastel look from the photo.

1. Rows 1 to 12: cream.
2. Rows 13 to 20: dusty pink.
3. Rows 21 to 28: cream.
4. Rows 29 to 36: pale mint.
5. Rows 37 to 44: cream.
6. Rows 45 to 52: light taupe.
7. Rows 53 to 68: cream.
8. BO loosely.

For a patchwork feel, add a few duplicate-stitched squares in pink and mint after blocking. Fold casually and drape beside the bunny.

Main Bunny Assembly

1. Sew the body front and back together at shoulders and sides, leaving leg openings at the lower edge.
2. Stuff the body firmly in the chest and belly, but keep the neck area compact and narrower.
3. Insert the two legs evenly, spaced about 1 inch apart, and sew securely.
4. Attach arms slightly below shoulder line so they angle down and forward.
5. Position head centrally on the neck and stitch all around with strong thread.
6. Sew ears close together on top of head, tilting them slightly inward.
7. Attach shoes to lower legs so the feet point forward.
8. Dress the bunny and stitch the dress closed at the back.
9. Sew collar in place.
10. Place beret low on head and tack invisibly.
11. Attach handbag to one arm.

Facial Embroidery Placement

Place the eyes approximately 7 rows down from the crown shaping and 6 stitches apart. Use very small black satin stitches or French-knot style knots. Keep them tiny. Large eyes will change the look completely.

For the nose, embroider a narrow inverted triangle in warm brown at the center of the face, about 4 rows below the eye line. Add a short vertical stitch downward, then split it into two tiny diagonal mouth stitches for the soft, calm expression.

How to Keep the Proportions Accurate

• Head: slightly wider than neck and body top.
• Ears: long, slim, and equal in height.
• Arms: short, reaching just below pocket level.
• Legs: straight, seated naturally at table edge.
• Dress: fitted through upper body, softly widening at skirt.
• Beret: relaxed and rounded, not tall or slouchy.
• Shoes: neat and rounded with a visible strap opening.

Helpful Tips for New Knitters

Use locking stitch markers at the center top of the head, center front of the body, and top of each leg. This helps keep the toy symmetrical while sewing. Small alignment details make a very big difference in a toy pattern like this.

When sewing pieces, use mattress stitch or whip stitch with the same yarn. Always pin first. Check the face and posture from the front before committing. The bunny should sit upright with both feet visible and the arms hanging naturally.

For the gingham dress, wind small bobbins of yarn to prevent tangling. Carry floats loosely across the back only over short distances. Do not pull color changes tight, or the dress will pucker and lose the smooth checked surface.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all parts are attached, check the bunny from the front and side. Adjust the head tilt slightly forward for the sweetest look. Add the face last. A tiny nose and short mouth are enough. Keep all embroidery delicate so the expression stays soft and classic.

Care Notes

Display toys are best kept away from heavy pulling and rough play. If making for a child, embroider all details securely and fasten every accessory firmly. Avoid plastic parts if the toy will be handled often or gifted to a small child.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head centered and firmly attached
• Ears placed evenly
• Eyes level and small
• Dress seams closed neatly
• Collar balanced on both sides
• Shoes facing forward
• Bag secured to arm
• Fox, basket, watering can, and blanket completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap only when possible. For deeper cleaning, hand wash gently in cool water, press out moisture in a towel, reshape, and dry flat away from sunlight. Store in a clean dry place and avoid long-term compression to preserve the toy’s shape.