Knitting Tutorial: Mustard Polka Dot Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted set features a soft bunny doll in a mustard dress, matching bonnet, little crossbody bag, Mary Jane shoes, and a sweet fox friend with an open book. It has the cozy look of a handmade heirloom toy, nursery decor piece, and collectible stuffed animal. If you love searching for knitted bunny doll patterns, handmade rabbit toys, nursery gift ideas, or boutique-style knitted soft toys to buy, this design gives you the same warm, storybook feel in a fully handmade version.

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 flat on straight needles, with seam-based construction to help newer knitters keep track of shaping. Small items may also be worked on double-pointed needles if you prefer, but flat knitting with mattress stitch is the main method used here.

The finished bunny is designed to match the proportions shown in the photo: a large rounded head, long narrow ears, soft cylindrical arms and legs, a gently pear-shaped body, short flat feet, and a full dress that sits wide around the lower body. The fox is much smaller and acts as a companion toy.

The pattern is detailed so you can recreate the visual balance of the original image as closely as possible. The bunny sits at the center, with the dress spreading over the lap, the bonnet fitting close around the face, and the bag hanging slightly off-center across the front body.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: DK weight in warm cream or soft ivory, about 170 to 210 yards
• Dress and shoes yarn: DK weight mustard yellow, about 120 to 150 yards
• Trim and ties: DK weight dark brown, about 40 yards
• Bag: DK weight brown and mustard scraps
• Fox yarn: DK weight orange-rust, blue, cream, black, green scraps
• Book: Light gray and cream scraps
• Props: Green and mustard scraps for watering can and yarn ball if desired
• Needles: US 2.5 (3 mm) and US 3 (3.25 mm)
• Tapestry needle
• Polyester stuffing
• Black embroidery thread for eyes
• Brown embroidery floss or yarn split thinner for nose and mouth
• 6 mm to 8 mm small buttons: 2 for shoes, 1 for bag flap, optional 2 for dress strap accents
• Stitch markers, row counter, pins

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge: 24 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 3 needles with DK yarn.

Approximate finished size of bunny: 14 inches tall seated, about 16 inches from shoe sole to bonnet top if measured stretched straight.

Approximate finished size of fox: 5 inches tall seated.

The look of the sample depends on a firm gauge. Knit tightly enough that stuffing does not show through. If your fabric feels loose, go down one needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• 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
• ssk = left-leaning decrease
• st st = stockinette stitch
• g st = garter stitch
• rep = repeat

Color Notes

For the closest match to the image, use these tones: cream for the bunny, mustard yellow for the dress and shoes, dark chocolate brown for the bonnet trim and ties, medium brown for the bag, rust orange for the fox, powder blue for the fox sweater, moss green for the small hat and watering can, and pale gray for the open book.

Main Bunny Legs

Make 2 in cream

Each leg is narrow and softly rectangular, with a slightly flattened lower section so the shoes sit neatly. Work the legs flat, seam them, and stuff firmly but not hard. The upper legs should stay slim so they sit under the dress without bulk.

1. Using US 3 needles, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in st st, beginning with a WS purl row.
3. Row 7 (RS): k1, kfb, k14, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
4. Row 8: purl.
5. Rows 9 to 24: Work in st st.
6. Row 25 (RS): k1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
7. Rows 26 to 44: Work in st st.
8. Rows 45 to 48: Work 4 rows g st. This helps the top edge curl less when joined to the body.
9. BO knitwise.

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Sew side seams, close lower edge, and stuff from foot end upward. Keep the top 1 inch lightly stuffed only. Flatten the lower 2 inches slightly with your fingers before closing, so the leg has the broad, soft footed shape visible in the image.

Main Bunny Body

The bunny body is worked in two identical flat pieces from lower edge to neck. The lower body is wider, and the upper body narrows gently so the dress sits cleanly and the head remains visually larger. This proportion is important for matching the photo.

Front Body in cream

1. CO 30 sts.
2. Row 1 (WS): purl.
3. Row 2 (RS): knit.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 2 inches from cast-on edge.
5. Next RS row: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 32 sts.
6. Work 10 rows in st st.
7. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 30 sts.
8. Work 8 rows in st st.
9. Next RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 28 sts.
10. Work 8 rows in st st.
11. Next RS row: k2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 26 sts.
12. Work 6 rows in st st.
13. Rows for shoulder shaping:

• Row 1 (RS): BO 4 sts, knit to end. 22 sts.
• Row 2 (WS): BO 4 sts, purl to end. 18 sts.
• Row 3: BO 2 sts, knit to end. 16 sts.
• Row 4: BO 2 sts, purl to end. 14 sts.
• Rows 5 to 8: Work in st st.
• BO all sts.

Back Body

Work exactly as front body.

Sew side and shoulder seams, leaving lower edge open for attaching legs and upper neck edge ready for head attachment. Stuff firmly through the lower opening. The body should look softly rounded, not boxy. Shape the lower body broadest at the dress line and pinch slightly at the neck.

Main Bunny Arms

Make 2 in cream

The arms in the image are long, narrow, and slightly tapered with a soft rounded hand end. They hang straight from the shoulder and extend to about waist level when attached. Keep stuffing light so they drape naturally.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 10: Work in st st.
3. Row 11 (RS): k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
4. Rows 12 to 30: Work in st st.
5. Rows 31 to 34: Work 4 rows g st.
6. BO.

Sew seams and stuff lightly. Flatten top edge before closing. The finished arm should be slim, about 3.75 inches long, and slightly narrower at the upper arm than the hand end.

Main Bunny Head

The head is the most important piece for the overall likeness. It should be large, rounded, and softly oval rather than spherical. The face panel is plain cream stockinette with very subtle shaping, allowing the embroidered features to stay delicate and centered.

Head Front in cream

1. CO 22 sts.
2. Row 1 (WS): purl.
3. Row 2 (RS): knit.
4. Row 3: p1, pfb, p18, pfb, p1. 24 sts.
5. Row 4: knit.
6. Row 5: p1, pfb, p20, pfb, p1. 26 sts.
7. Row 6: knit.
8. Row 7: p1, pfb, p22, pfb, p1. 28 sts.
9. Row 8: knit.
10. Row 9: p1, pfb, p24, pfb, p1. 30 sts.
11. Rows 10 to 34: Work in st st.
12. Row 35 (WS): p1, p2tog, p24, p2tog, p1. 28 sts.
13. Row 36: knit.
14. Row 37: p1, p2tog, p22, p2tog, p1. 26 sts.
15. Row 38: knit.
16. Row 39: p1, p2tog, p20, p2tog, p1. 24 sts.
17. Row 40: knit.
18. Row 41: p1, p2tog, p18, p2tog, p1. 22 sts.
19. BO.

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Head Back

Work exactly as head front.

Sew around edges, leaving lower edge open. Stuff firmly and shape into a smooth oval. The finished head should measure about 4.75 inches tall and 4 inches wide at the fullest point. Pinch the chin area just very slightly while shaping, but do not create a pointed muzzle.

Bunny Ears

Make 2 in cream

The ears are long, simple, and softly drooping. They are attached beneath the bonnet so only the lower part is visible, hanging down the sides of the head. Each ear is narrow and lightly curved rather than stiffly upright.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in st st.
3. Row 7 (RS): k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
4. Rows 8 to 20: Work in st st.
5. Row 21 (RS): k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
6. Rows 22 to 32: Work in st st.
7. Row 33 (RS): k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
8. Row 34: purl.
9. Row 35 (RS): k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
10. Row 36: purl.
11. BO.

Sew side seams. Do not stuff. Flatten each ear and curve it gently. The wider end is the lower end for attaching to the head.

Mustard Mary Jane Shoes

Make 2 in mustard

The shoes are knitted as slipper-style covers attached over the lower foot area. They are rounded at the toe and sit snugly, with a narrow strap crossing the front near the ankle. A tiny button finishes each shoe.

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in g st.
3. Row 5 (RS): k1, kfb, k12, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
4. Rows 6 to 12: Work in st st.
5. Row 13 (RS): k6, k2tog, k2, ssk, k6. 16 sts.
6. Row 14: purl.
7. Row 15 (RS): knit.
8. Row 16: purl.
9. BO.

Sew shoe seam around front and underside of lower foot. Leave top edge open.

Shoe Strap for each shoe

1. CO 3 sts in mustard.
2. Work 16 rows in i-cord if preferred, or g st flat if you do not use i-cord.
3. BO.

Sew one end of strap to outer side of shoe, bring across front of ankle, and secure with a small button on inner side. The strap should sit low and neat, like the shoes in the image.

Mustard Polka Dot Dress

The dress is the signature feature of the pattern. It has short puffed sleeves, a rounded yoke, dark trim, and a broad skirt covered with tiny white embroidered dot accents that mimic the spaced polka dot hearts seen in the image.

The dress is worked in separate pieces and then assembled over the finished bunny body. This gives you maximum control over shape and placement.

Dress Front in mustard

1. Using US 3 needles and mustard, CO 56 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work 4 rows g st.
3. Row 5 (RS): knit.
4. Row 6 (WS): purl.
5. Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until piece measures 3 inches.
6. Skirt shaping row (RS): k2, k2tog, k4, k2tog, repeat from across to last 2 sts, k2. 47 sts.
7. Work 5 rows in st st.
8. Next RS row: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 45 sts.
9. Work 5 rows in st st.
10. Next RS row: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 43 sts.
11. Work 3 rows in st st.

Now divide for sleeves and neckline shaping.

1. Row 1 (RS): k9, BO 4, k17, BO 4, k9.
2. Row 2 (WS): p9, join yarn, p17, join yarn, p9.

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Work all three sections separately.

Left Sleeve Cap

1. Work 4 rows in st st on 9 sts.
2. Next RS row: k1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1. 7 sts.
3. WS row: purl.
4. BO.

Center Front Yoke

1. On 17 center sts, work 2 rows st st.
2. Next RS row: k5, k2tog, k3, ssk, k5. 15 sts.
3. WS row: purl.
4. Next RS row: k5, BO 5, k5.
5. Work each shoulder separately for 2 rows, then BO.

Right Sleeve Cap

Work to match left sleeve.

Dress Back

Work as front through skirt shaping. For upper back, divide in half for a back opening if you want the dress removable, or knit as one piece if you prefer to sew it permanently onto the bunny.

For a removable back opening, work these instructions:

1. After skirt shaping, divide work into two equal halves of 21 and 22 sts.
2. Work each half separately in st st for 6 rows.
3. Shape armhole edge on each half by BO 2 sts once at armhole side.
4. Work straight until back matches front shoulder height.
5. BO shoulder sts.

Dress Sleeve Bands in brown

Pick up or sew a narrow trim around each sleeve edge using dark brown yarn.

1. CO 18 sts in brown for each sleeve trim.
2. Work 2 rows g st.
3. BO.

Sew lightly around sleeve edge so the darker contrast line frames the puff sleeve, just as in the image.

Neckline Trim in brown

1. CO 28 sts in brown.
2. Work 2 rows g st.
3. BO.

Sew around neckline, letting the trim form a shallow rounded V at the front center. This detail matters because it visually echoes the bonnet trim and bag strap color.

Polka Dot Surface Detail

Using cream yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider tiny vertical seed-like dots evenly over the skirt and sleeves. Each dot can be made with one small straight stitch or one tiny duplicate stitch over a knit stitch.

• Place dots approximately every 4 stitches horizontally.
• Stagger every other row of dots so they do not line up rigidly.
• Keep dots small and sparse, not crowded.
• Add extra dots across upper skirt but avoid the neckline trim.

This creates the delicate scattered motif seen in the photo. The dots are not oversized circles. They are tiny, neat accents that read as soft polka dots from a distance.

Bonnet

The bonnet frames the bunny face and is essential to the final look. It is cream in the center, edged with mustard and dark brown bands, and tied under the chin with dark brown cords. The bonnet should hug the head rather than flare outward.

Main Bonnet in cream

1. CO 14 sts using cream.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in g st.
3. Row 5 (RS): k1, kfb, knit to last st, kfb, k1. 16 sts.
4. Row 6: knit.
5. Row 7: k1, kfb, knit to last st, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
6. Continue increasing in this way every RS row until 28 sts.
7. Work 20 rows straight in g st.
8. Then decrease every RS row: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 until 14 sts remain.
9. Work 4 rows g st.
10. BO.

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Bonnet Outer Bands

Using mustard, sew or pick up a narrow band around the face opening. Then repeat with dark brown as the outermost edge. If knitting separately, use the following:

1. CO 40 sts in mustard.
2. Work 2 rows g st. BO.
3. CO 42 sts in dark brown.
4. Work 2 rows g st. BO.

Sew first the mustard band, then the brown band to the face opening edge of the bonnet. Ease gently around the curve.

Bonnet Ties

1. Make 2 brown i-cords, each 10 inches long, on 3 sts.
2. Or CO 3 sts and work 36 rows g st if knitting flat.
3. BO.

Sew ties to the lower bonnet edges. When tied, the bow should sit neatly at the front of the neck as shown in the image.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is small and rounded with a flap in mustard and body in brown. It hangs from a narrow brown strap crossing from the bunny’s left shoulder to the right side of the skirt. The bag sits just below waist level.

Bag Body in brown

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 12: Work in g st.
3. BO.

Fold in half and sew side seams, leaving top open.

Bag Flap in mustard

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in g st.
3. Row 7: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
4. Row 8: knit.
5. BO.

Sew flap to back top edge of bag. Add one tiny button to front center.

Bag Strap in brown

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Work 40 rows g st or 40 rounds i-cord.
3. BO.

Sew strap from back upper left of bag, over the bunny shoulder, to back upper right. Secure bag on front so it sits slightly off-center, just like the photo.

Fox Friend

The fox is much smaller than the bunny and should look compact and cute rather than realistic. It has a large triangular face, small ears, a blue sweater, black feet, a cream muzzle, and a green knit cap. It sits beside the bunny holding an open book.

Fox Body and Head Front in orange

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Work in st st.
3. Change to blue.
4. Rows 9 to 18: Work in st st.
5. Change to orange.
6. Row 19 (RS): k1, kfb, knit to last st, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
7. Row 20: purl.
8. Row 21: k1, kfb, knit to last st, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
9. Rows 22 to 28: Work in st st.
10. Row 29 (RS): k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
11. Row 30: purl.
12. Row 31: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
13. Row 32: purl.
14. BO.

Fox Back

Work same as front.

Fox Arms in blue

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Work in st st.
3. BO.

Fox Legs in black

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in st st.
3. BO.

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Fox Ears

Outer ear, make 2 in orange

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: purl.
3. Row 2: k1, k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
4. Row 3: purl.
5. BO.

Inner ear, make 2 in black or cream

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: purl.
3. Row 2: k2tog, k2tog. 2 sts.
4. BO.

Sew inner ear over outer ear and attach to top corners of head.

Fox Muzzle in cream

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in st st.
3. BO.

Sew to lower center of face. Embroider nose in black and tiny eyes above muzzle.

Fox Tail in orange with cream tip

1. CO 8 sts in cream.
2. Work 4 rows st st.
3. Change to orange and work 10 rows.
4. Decrease 1 st each side every RS row twice.
5. BO.

Sew, lightly stuff, and attach to side or back.

Fox Hat in green

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in 1×1 rib.
3. Rows 7 to 12: Work st st.
4. Row 13 (RS): k2tog across. 6 sts.
5. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight.

Make a tiny pom-pom or wrapped yarn nub and attach at top.

Open Book

The book is a sweet supporting detail. It should be light gray on the cover with cream inner pages, positioned open in the fox’s lap.

Book Cover in gray

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Work 10 rows g st.
3. BO.

Pages in cream

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work 8 rows g st.
3. BO.

Fold both pieces at center. Place cream pages inside gray cover and sew along fold. Add one or two small embroidered page lines if desired.

Mini Watering Can

This is optional, but it appears in the image and helps recreate the full composition. Keep it tiny and lightly stuffed only at the base.

Watering Can Body in green

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Work in st st.
3. BO.

Sew into a small cylinder and gather one end closed. Flatten open end slightly and stitch partly closed.

Handle and Spout

1. CO 3 sts for handle and knit 10 rows.
2. CO 3 sts for spout and knit 8 rows.
3. BO both.

Attach handle in arch shape and spout at front angle. The can should lean slightly outward like the one in the image.

Mini Yarn Ball

You may either use a real small ball of yarn or knit one to match the scene.

1. CO 8 sts in mustard.
2. Work 12 rows st st.
3. BO.
4. Sew into a tube, close ends, stuff lightly, and wrap remaining yarn around several times to create a wound-ball look.

Assembly Order

Following the right assembly order will help the proportions stay neat and make the finished set look closer to the reference image.

1. Sew and stuff both legs.
2. Sew and stuff body.
3. Attach legs evenly to lower body, leaving a slight gap between them.
4. Sew and stuff arms.
5. Sew and stuff head.
6. Sew ears to head, angling them downward.
7. Attach head securely to body.
8. Attach arms at upper side body, just below neck.
9. Sew shoes onto feet.
10. Assemble dress and place onto bunny.
11. Fit bonnet and tie under neck.
12. Attach bag strap and bag.
13. Make fox, book, and optional props.

Face Placement Guide for the Bunny

The bunny face is extremely simple and must stay delicate. Overworked features will change the whole expression. Use pins first before embroidering.

• Place eyes about 9 stitches apart.
• Set eyes slightly above the horizontal center of the head front.
• Use small satin or French knot style eyes in black thread, but keep them narrow.
• Embroider a tiny brown Y-shaped nose and mouth centered below the eyes.
• The nose should be only about 4 to 5 rows below eye line.

The mouth line should extend down a short distance, then split softly into two curved lines. Avoid adding cheeks or extra details if you want the face to match the image closely.

How to Position the Dress Correctly

The skirt should spread outward broadly and cover the upper legs. To achieve this, lightly tack the dress at the shoulders and underarms, then add two or three tiny anchoring stitches around the waist and side seams so the dress does not twist.

The sleeves should sit slightly puffed, not flat. You can pinch the upper sleeve seam while sewing to create a rounded shoulder. The neckline trim should form a soft V-front with brown edging clearly visible.

How to Position the Bonnet Correctly

The bonnet sits low on the forehead and wraps around the sides of the face. It should not sit back on the head like a loose cap. Pull the side edges forward, then tie the cords under the chin in a bow or soft knot.

Let the ears fall beneath the bonnet sides so the lower parts remain visible. The brown outer trim should clearly outline the bonnet face opening, with the mustard band peeking just inside it.

How to Position the Bag Correctly

The strap runs diagonally from the bunny’s upper left shoulder toward the lower right side of the skirt. The bag itself rests on the front right side, roughly at hip level. Do not center it. That slight diagonal placement is part of the image’s charm.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check symmetry before sewing permanently. The head should be centered, the arms should hang evenly, and the dress hem should fall in a smooth curve. Embroider the face last so you can judge placement with the bonnet already on the bunny. Add the bag and shoes only after the body silhouette looks balanced.

Care Notes

Display pieces are best kept dry and out of direct sunlight. Spot clean gently with a damp cloth. If making this as a child’s toy, embroider all features securely and fasten buttons firmly or replace them with stitched details for safer use.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head larger than body upper width
• Dress skirt wide and gently flared
• Bonnet snug around face
• Bag strap placed diagonally
• Shoes rounded and low on feet
• Fox smaller than bunny by a clear margin
• Facial features tiny and centered
• Polka dots sparse and even

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term preservation, store the knitted set in a clean, dry area with good airflow. Wrap in acid-free tissue if storing seasonally. Avoid hanging the bunny by the bonnet or bag strap. If the piece becomes dusty, use a soft dry brush and reshape gently by hand after cleaning.