Knitting Tutorial: Red Gingham Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Red Gingham Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted bunny set is designed to recreate the cozy look of a collectible handmade toy with a red gingham dress, matching hat, tiny crossbody bag, red shoes, a mini fox friend, and small table accessories. It is ideal for anyone searching for a knitted bunny doll pattern, heirloom soft toy, nursery decor gift, handmade stuffed animal, or artisan toy knitting project. The finished pieces are charming for display, gift giving, craft fair inspiration, and seasonal home styling, while still being approachable for patient beginners who are ready to follow detailed stitch-by-stitch shaping.

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 to match the proportions and visual balance of the image as closely as possible.

The bunny has a large rounded head, a soft pear-shaped lower body, short dangling legs, narrow arms, long floppy ears, a small stitched face, and a seated posture. The clothing is slightly oversized, which is important for the same gentle, cozy silhouette.

The accessories are intentionally scaled small.

The hat sits low over the forehead. The dress is short and full. The shoes are rounded and bright red. The bag sits high at the hip. The tiny fox is much smaller than the bunny and is knitted with a compact, seated body.

Skill Level

Advanced beginner to intermediate.

  • Main techniques: knit, purl, kfb, m1L, m1R, k2tog, ssk, knitting in the round, small circumference knitting, mattress stitch, whip stitch, simple duplicate stitch, and basic toy assembly.
  • Construction style: most pieces are knitted separately and sewn together for precise shaping.
  • Why this works well: separate construction gives better control over the exact angle of the ears, arms, hat brim, and dress fullness seen in the photo.

Finished Size

  • Bunny: approximately 11 inches / 28 cm tall from top of hat to bottom of feet when seated
  • Bunny without hat: approximately 9.5 inches / 24 cm
  • Fox: approximately 3.25 inches / 8 cm tall seated
  • Basket: approximately 1.5 inches / 4 cm tall
  • Yarn ball: approximately 1.25 inches / 3 cm wide

Materials

  • Main bunny yarn: DK weight in warm ivory, about 55 g
  • Dress, hat, shoes, and bag red: DK weight red, about 35 g
  • Dress white contrast: DK weight white, about 20 g
  • Fox orange: DK weight fox orange, about 12 g
  • Fox white: DK weight white, small amount
  • Fox green sweater: DK weight moss or leaf green, small amount
  • Basket tan or straw: DK weight tan, small amount
  • Strawberries red and green: very small scraps
  • Yarn ball red: very small scrap
  • Optional brown for fox hat: small scrap
  • 2.75 mm needles for firm toy fabric
  • 3.25 mm needles for dress and hat if you prefer slightly softer drape
  • Set of double-pointed needles or magic loop needles for small circumferences
  • Toy stuffing
  • Tapestry needle
  • 2 small black beads or black embroidery floss for eyes
  • Ivory, black, and pinkish beige embroidery thread for facial details
  • Small button for bag
  • Tiny button beads or embroidery knot option for shoe sides
  • Pipe cleaner or floral wire optional for hat brim support, not required

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for toys, but firmness is very important.

  • Main stockinette gauge: 30 stitches and 42 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm using 2.75 mm needles in the round
  • Fabric test: stuffing should not show through the stitches

Abbreviations

  • BO = bind off
  • CO = cast on
  • dpn = double-pointed needle
  • k = knit
  • k2tog = knit 2 together
  • kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
  • 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 = stitch
  • stst = stockinette stitch
  • WS = wrong side

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Color Placement Notes for Accuracy

The visual success of this project comes from proportion more than complexity.

  • The head must be slightly larger than the body width.
  • The body must widen low at the hips so the bunny sits naturally.
  • The ears must be long, narrow, and soft, attached low on the crown and falling straight down.
  • The arms must be thin and attached close to the side seam, slightly forward.
  • The legs must be short and soft, dangling freely over the table edge.
  • The dress must be short and roomy, ending well above the ankles.
  • The hat brim must tilt gently downward around the forehead.
  • The bag strap must cross diagonally from shoulder to opposite hip.

Bunny Legs Make 2

Use ivory and 2.75 mm needles. Knit in the round.

  1. CO 8 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join carefully. Marker at start.
  2. Rnd 1: k all.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all.
  5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1, kfb, k6, kfb. 20 sts.
  6. Rnd 5 to 8: k all.

These first rounds create the rounded foot shape seen from the front.

  1. Rnd 9: k2tog, k6, k2tog, k2tog, k6, k2tog. 16 sts.
  2. Rnd 10: k all.
  3. Rnd 11: k2tog, k4, k2tog, k2tog, k4, k2tog. 12 sts.
  4. Rnd 12 to 24: k all.

Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly. Do not overstuff the upper leg because it needs to drape downward in the finished seated pose.

  1. Rnd 25: k all.
  2. Leave a long tail. Cut yarn.

Make the second leg the same way.

Bunny Body

Use ivory and 2.75 mm needles. The body begins by joining both legs.

  1. Take first leg and knit across 12 sts.
  2. CO 4 sts using backward loop method.
  3. Knit across second leg 12 sts.
  4. CO 4 sts. Join to work in the round. 32 sts total.

Place marker at center back.

  1. Rnd 1: k all, knitting evenly across the bridge stitches so there are no gaps.
  2. Rnd 2: k all.
  3. Rnd 3: k2, m1R, knit to last 2 sts before first bridge, m1L, k2, k2, m1R, knit to last 2 sts before second bridge, m1L, k2. 36 sts.
  4. Rnd 4: k all.
  5. Rnd 5: k3, m1R, knit to last 3 sts before bridge, m1L, k3, k3, m1R, knit to last 3 sts before second bridge, m1L, k3. 40 sts.
  6. Rnd 6 to 10: k all.
  7. Rnd 11: k4, m1R, knit to last 4 sts before bridge, m1L, k4, k4, m1R, knit to last 4 sts before second bridge, m1L, k4. 44 sts.
  8. Rnd 12 to 18: k all.

This creates the widest lower body, which is important for the rounded seated base in the photo.

  1. Rnd 19: k all.
  2. Rnd 20: k all.
  3. Rnd 21: k9, k2tog, k12, ssk, k9, k2tog, k10. 42 sts.
  4. Rnd 22: k all.
  5. Rnd 23: k8, k2tog, k11, ssk, k8, k2tog, k9. 40 sts.
  6. Rnd 24: k all.
  7. Rnd 25: k7, k2tog, k10, ssk, k7, k2tog, k8. 38 sts.
  8. Rnd 26 to 30: k all.

Begin stuffing the body. Firm at the lower body, medium at the upper body.

  1. Rnd 31: k6, k2tog, k9, ssk, k6, k2tog, k7. 36 sts.
  2. Rnd 32 to 36: k all.
  3. Rnd 37: k5, k2tog, k8, ssk, k5, k2tog, k6. 34 sts.
  4. Rnd 38: k all.
  5. Rnd 39: k4, k2tog, k7, ssk, k4, k2tog, k5. 32 sts.
  6. Rnd 40 to 44: k all.

The body should now look softly pear shaped and not cylindrical.

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Neck and Head

The neck is short. The head expands quickly so it reads as soft and round.

  1. Rnd 45: k2tog around. 16 sts.
  2. Rnd 46: k all.
  3. Rnd 47: kfb in each st. 32 sts.
  4. Rnd 48: k all.
  5. Rnd 49: k3, kfb, rep around. 40 sts.
  6. Rnd 50: k all.
  7. Rnd 51: k4, kfb, rep around. 48 sts.
  8. Rnd 52 to 60: k all.

Stuff the neck very firmly before the head gets too large. Add a little extra stuffing at the lower head to support the face.

  1. Rnd 61: k all.
  2. Rnd 62: k all.
  3. Rnd 63: k6, k2tog, rep around. 42 sts.
  4. Rnd 64: k all.
  5. Rnd 65: k5, k2tog, rep around. 36 sts.
  6. Rnd 66: k all.
  7. Rnd 67: k4, k2tog, rep around. 30 sts.
  8. Rnd 68: k all.
  9. Rnd 69: k3, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.

Finish stuffing firmly and evenly. Keep the face smooth. Avoid lumps.

  1. Rnd 70: k2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
  2. Rnd 71: k1, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 72: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Bunny Arms Make 2

Use ivory and 2.75 mm needles. Knit in the round.

  1. CO 8 sts and join.
  2. Rnd 1: k all.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3 to 5: k all.
  5. Rnd 6: k2tog around. 8 sts.
  6. Rnd 7 to 20: k all.

Stuff just the lower hand area lightly. Leave the upper arm unstuffed or very lightly stuffed so it hangs softly beside the dress.

  1. Flatten top edge.
  2. Knit through front and back together across 4 sts or sew closed later.
  3. Leave a long sewing tail.

Bunny Ears Make 2

Use ivory and knit flat for a softer ear with a natural fold.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1 RS: k.
  3. Row 2 WS: p.
  4. Row 3: k1, m1R, k6, m1L, k1. 10 sts.
  5. Row 4: p.
  6. Row 5: k.
  7. Row 6: p.
  8. Row 7: k1, m1R, knit to last 1 st, m1L, k1. 12 sts.
  9. Row 8: p.
  10. Row 9 to 24: work in stst, ending with WS row.

Start tapering.

  1. Row 25: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  2. Row 26: p.
  3. Row 27: k.
  4. Row 28: p.
  5. Row 29: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  6. Row 30: p.
  7. Row 31: k.
  8. Row 32: p.
  9. Row 33: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
  10. Row 34: p.
  11. Row 35: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
  12. Row 36: p.
  13. Row 37: k2tog, ssk. 2 sts.
  14. Row 38: p2tog. 1 st.

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Fasten off. Make second ear.

Do not stuff the ears.

Fold the cast-on edge slightly before sewing so each ear starts narrow at the base and drops downward as in the image.

Red Shoes Make 2

Use red. These are removable slipper-style shoes sized to fit the knitted feet.

  1. CO 16 sts and join.
  2. Rnd 1 to 4: k all.
  3. Rnd 5: k5, BO 6, k5.
  4. Rnd 6: knit to gap, CO 6 over bound-off section, knit remaining sts. 16 sts.
  5. Rnd 7 to 10: k all.
  6. Rnd 11: k2tog, k4, k2tog, k2tog, k4, k2tog. 12 sts.
  7. Rnd 12: k all.
  8. Rnd 13: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts. Sew sole seam neatly if needed and shape the opening into a Mary Jane style.

Add a tiny side button detail with one stitch of ivory or a miniature button bead on the outer side of each shoe.

Dress Bodice and Skirt

The dress is knitted in separate pieces for cleaner gingham placement.

Use red and white. Knit flat.

Back Bodice Make 1

  1. With red, CO 20 sts.
  2. Row 1 RS: k.
  3. Row 2: p.
  4. Rows 3 to 8: work in stst.
  5. Row 9: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 18 sts.
  6. Row 10: p.
  7. Row 11: k.
  8. Row 12: p.
  9. Row 13: BO 3, knit to end. 15 sts.
  10. Row 14: BO 3, purl to end. 12 sts.
  11. Row 15: k2, k2tog, k4, ssk, k2. 10 sts.
  12. Row 16: p.
  13. Row 17: k2, BO 6, k2.
  14. Row 18: p2, CO 6, p2. 10 sts.
  15. Row 19 to 22: work even.
  16. BO all.

Front Bodice Make 1

  1. Work same as back through Row 12.
  2. Row 13: BO 3, knit to end. 15 sts.
  3. Row 14: BO 3, purl to end. 12 sts.
  4. Row 15 RS: k3, k2tog, k2, ssk, k3. 10 sts.
  5. Row 16: p.
  6. Row 17: k3, BO 4, k3.
  7. Row 18: p3, CO 4, p3. 10 sts.
  8. Rows 19 to 22: work even.
  9. BO all.

Sleeves Make 2

  1. With red, CO 18 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: work in stst.
  3. Row 5: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 16 sts.
  4. Row 6: p.
  5. Row 7: k.
  6. BO all.

Skirt Panels Make 2

To imitate the red-and-white gingham effect in knitting, work a simple checked sequence in stockinette with color blocks.

Each block is 2 stitches wide and 2 rows high.

Carry yarn loosely at color changes.

  1. CO 36 sts with red.
  2. Rows 1 and 2: work R2, W2 across.
  3. Rows 3 and 4: work W2, R2 across.
  4. Rep Rows 1 to 4 until piece measures 4.5 inches / 11.5 cm.

Shape upper edge slightly.

  1. Next RS row: k2tog at beginning and end of row. 34 sts.
  2. WS row: p.
  3. Next RS row: k2tog at beginning and end of row. 32 sts.
  4. WS row: p.
  5. BO all loosely.

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Make second skirt panel the same way.

Bag

  1. With red, CO 10 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 12: work in stst.
  3. BO all.

Fold in half and seam side edges to form a small pouch.

For flap, pick up 10 sts along top back edge.

  1. Row 1: k.
  2. Row 2: p.
  3. Row 3: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 8 sts.
  4. Row 4: p.
  5. Row 5: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 6 sts.
  6. Row 6: p.
  7. BO all.

Strap:

  1. CO 55 sts with red.
  2. BO all knitwise, or work 2 rows i-cord if preferred.

Sew strap to bag corners. Add a tiny white button to front for the same visual accent as the image.

Hat

The hat has a low rounded crown and a gently flared brim.

Use red and white. Knit in the round.

  1. CO 36 sts with red and join.
  2. Rnd 1 to 4: k all.
  3. Rnd 5: k3, kfb, rep around. 45 sts.
  4. Rnd 6: k all.
  5. Rnd 7: k4, kfb, rep around. 54 sts.
  6. Rnd 8 to 12: k all.

Make the white stripe.

  1. Rnd 13: with white, k all.
  2. Rnd 14: with white, k all.
  3. Rnd 15 to 19: with red, k all.

Start crown shaping.

  1. Rnd 20: k7, k2tog, rep around. 48 sts.
  2. Rnd 21: k all.
  3. Rnd 22: k6, k2tog, rep around. 42 sts.
  4. Rnd 23: k all.
  5. Rnd 24: k5, k2tog, rep around. 36 sts.
  6. Rnd 25: k all.
  7. Rnd 26: k4, k2tog, rep around. 30 sts.
  8. Rnd 27: k all.
  9. Rnd 28: k3, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
  10. Rnd 29: k2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
  11. Rnd 30: k1, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
  12. Rnd 31: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Fasten off and close top.

To form the brim, turn up the lower edge slightly, then steam very lightly or finger shape so it rolls outward and down. This gives the same soft bucket-hat silhouette seen in the photo.

Mini Fox

Use orange, white, green, and optional brown. Knit in the round unless noted.

Fox Legs and Lower Body

  1. With orange, CO 6 sts for first leg. Join and knit 6 rnds.
  2. Make second leg the same.
  3. Join legs with 2 sts cast on between each. Total 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 1 to 4: k all.
  5. Rnd 5: k1, m1R, knit to 1 st before bridge, m1L, k1, repeat for second side. 20 sts.
  6. Rnd 6 to 10: k all.

Fox Sweater Section

  1. Change to green.
  2. Rnd 11 to 16: k all.
  3. Rnd 17: k2tog around. 10 sts.
  4. Rnd 18: change to orange and k all.

Fox Head

  1. Rnd 19: kfb around. 20 sts.
  2. Rnd 20 to 24: k all.
  3. Rnd 25: k8, change to white and k4, change to orange and k8.
  4. Rnd 26: work sts as they appear in same color placement.
  5. Rnd 27: k3, k2tog, rep around. 16 sts.
  6. Rnd 28: k all.
  7. Rnd 29: k2, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
  8. Rnd 30: k1, k2tog, rep around. 8 sts.

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Stuff firmly.

  1. Rnd 31: k2tog around. 4 sts.
  2. Close top.

Fox Arms Make 2

  1. With orange, CO 6 sts and join.
  2. Rnd 1 to 7: k all.
  3. Flatten and close.

Fox Ears Make 2

  1. CO 4 sts flat.
  2. Row 1: k.
  3. Row 2: p.
  4. Row 3: kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts.
  5. Row 4: p.
  6. Row 5: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
  7. Row 6: p.
  8. Row 7: k2tog, ssk. 2 sts.
  9. Row 8: p2tog. 1 st.

Fox Tail

  1. With white, CO 4 sts and join.
  2. Rnd 1 to 3: k all.
  3. Change to orange.
  4. Rnd 4: kfb around. 8 sts.
  5. Rnd 5 to 9: k all.
  6. Rnd 10: k2tog around. 4 sts.

Stuff lightly and close.

Fox Hat

  1. With brown, CO 16 sts and join.
  2. Rnd 1 to 3: k all.
  3. Rnd 4: k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  4. Rnd 5: k all.
  5. Rnd 6: k1, k2tog around. 8 sts.
  6. Rnd 7: k all.
  7. Rnd 8: k2tog around. 4 sts.

Close top. Roll brim slightly upward.

Fox Book

  1. With white, CO 8 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 6: stst.
  3. BO all.

Fold and stitch into an open-book shape. Add one gray embroidery line at center fold.

Basket

Use tan.

  1. CO 6 sts and join.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all.
  4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, rep around. 18 sts.
  5. Rnd 4 to 8: k all.
  6. Rnd 9: p all for turning ridge.
  7. Rnd 10 to 13: k all.
  8. BO loosely.

For handle, CO 12 sts and BO all. Sew each end to inside rim.

Tiny Strawberries Make 2 or 3

  1. With red, CO 4 sts and join.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 8 sts.
  3. Rnd 2 to 4: k all.
  4. Rnd 5: k2tog around. 4 sts.

Add a touch of stuffing. Close top. With green, make 5 tiny straight stitches at top for leaves.

Yarn Ball and Needles

  1. With red, CO 4 sts and join.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 8 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all.
  4. Rnd 3: k1, kfb, rep around. 12 sts.
  5. Rnd 4 to 6: k all.
  6. Rnd 7: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  7. Rnd 8: k2tog around. 3 sts.

Stuff lightly and close. Wrap a separate strand around the ball several times in crossing directions to mimic wound yarn.

For needles, use two short pieces of wooden skewer with blunt sanded ends, or embroider them in place if making this for a child. For decorative display, tuck them through the yarn ball loosely.

Dress Assembly

Sew front and back bodice together at shoulders.

Attach sleeves flat to armholes.

Sew side seams of bodice and underarm seams of sleeves.

Sew skirt panels together at side seams to create a tube.

Gather upper edge of skirt evenly until it matches bodice lower edge.

Sew skirt to bodice with the checker pattern centered at the front.

The dress should look slightly loose, with soft fullness around the lower body. That fullness is necessary to match the image.

Dressing the Bunny

Slide dress on from feet upward before final arm placement if your arm attachment points are very snug.

Put on shoes after dressing.

Position bag so the pouch rests at the bunny’s left hip and the strap runs from right shoulder to left hip when viewed from the front. Adjust if your visual balance looks closer on the opposite side, but keep the diagonal high across the chest.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew ears to the top sides of the head, not at the very center top. Each ear should begin about 1 inch / 2.5 cm apart, then fall straight down. Stitch the ear bases so they angle slightly forward.

Sew arms at the upper side body, just below the neck decrease line. Keep them narrow and low enough that the sleeves sit naturally and the hands hang beside the skirt.

For the face, place eyes wide apart and low on the head center, about 10 to 12 rows above the neck. Use tiny black beads or French knots. Embroider a small vertical nose line and a soft Y-shaped mouth in dark taupe or black. Add one horizontal stitch at the nose base to create the gentle split-mouth look in the image.

Very lightly shade the cheeks with pale pink pencil or blush if desired.

Fox Assembly

Sew ears to head top. Attach arms at the sweater line. Sew tail to back lower body angled slightly outward. Place tiny black eyes close together. Embroider a small black triangular nose on the white snout area. Put the hat low on the head and tack in place with one or two stitches. Sew the little book between the paws.

Scene Styling Tips

  • Seat the bunny on an edge so the legs dangle freely.
  • Set the fox close to the bunny’s right side.
  • Place the basket on the opposite side near one foot.
  • Keep the yarn ball near the fox for the same storytelling balance seen in the image.
  • Tilt the hat slightly forward over the forehead.
  • Flatten the dress gently over the lap instead of puffing it outward too much.

Care Notes

Display toys should be handled gently. Spot clean when possible. If full cleaning is needed, hand wash in cool water with mild soap, press out moisture in a towel, reshape, and dry flat away from heat or direct sun.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head larger than body width
  • Ears long and floppy
  • Legs lightly stuffed and dangling
  • Dress short, full, and centered
  • Hat brim rolled softly downward
  • Bag button attached
  • Shoes rounded and snug
  • Fox clearly smaller than bunny
  • Basket and strawberries scaled small
  • Face simple, soft, and low set

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term preservation, store the set in a dry, clean place away from humidity. Avoid hanging the bunny by the ears or bag strap. Keep dark red yarn away from prolonged strong sunlight to reduce fading. If storing seasonally, wrap each piece in acid-free tissue and place in a breathable cotton bag rather than sealed plastic.

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