This sweet spring bunny set is designed to look like a collectible handmade heirloom, with a soft neutral bunny, a bright floral sundress, a flowered bucket hat, tiny green shoes, a crossbody bag, and matching woodland table accessories. It is perfect for knit toy lovers searching for a stuffed bunny pattern, handmade nursery decor, knitted doll tutorial, spring rabbit gift idea, or artisan toy pattern for Easter and seasonal display. The finished set has a boutique look 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 recreates the full knitted scene shown in the image. The main project is a seated bunny doll with a long oval head, narrow neck, softly rounded torso, long floppy ears, slim arms, long straight legs, green Mary Jane style shoes, a ruffled floral dress, a small embroidered crossbody bag, and a colorful brimmed hat.
The extra accessories included here are the tiny squirrel, berry basket, and small watering can with flowers. These details help the final styling match the image closely. Each piece is written separately so you can knit only the bunny, or make the full display set.
The bunny in the photo appears slender rather than chunky. The limbs are narrow, the head is longer than it is wide, and the body is gently pear-shaped. To match that look, the shaping below uses modest increases, neat decrease lines, and firm stuffing.
The knitted fabric in the image looks smooth and tightly worked, with the stuffing hidden and the shape holding firmly. Use needles slightly smaller than usual for your yarn. A dense fabric matters more than speed here, because the elegant proportions come from clean structure.
Skill Level
Advanced beginner to intermediate.
- You should be comfortable with cast on, knit, purl, knit in the round, kfb, m1, k2tog, ssk, mattress stitch, picking up stitches, and simple embroidery.
- The clothing and accessories are easier if you already know how to work small circumferences on double-pointed needles or magic loop.
- The floral print effect in the photo is simulated here with variegated yarn placement and light embroidery details.
Materials
- Main bunny yarn: DK weight in warm cream or oatmeal, about 80 to 100 g
- Dress yarn: lightweight floral-print or softly variegated DK, about 35 to 45 g
- Ruffle edging yarn: small amounts of pink, peach, mint, and soft coral
- Hat yarn: variegated floral yarn, about 20 g
- Bag yarn: mint or pale aqua, small amount
- Shoes yarn: dark green, small amount
- Squirrel yarn: warm brown, cream, and tiny scraps of teal, coral, and rust
- Basket yarn: tan or straw color
- Watering can yarn: soft gray
- Flower scraps: yellow, cream, peach, coral, and green
- Needles: 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm double-pointed needles or long circular for magic loop
- Tapestry needle
- Removable stitch markers
- Toy stuffing
- Black embroidery floss or 6 mm safety eyes
- Pink or brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth
- Thin cardboard or plastic canvas for shoe soles and hat brim support if desired
- Optional tiny button beads for shoe straps
Finished Size
The bunny is approximately 11 to 12 inches tall from head top to foot base when laid flat, or about 8 inches tall in a seated position. The squirrel is about 3 inches tall. The basket and watering can are miniature display props.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical, but the fabric must be firm.
- With DK yarn on 2.5 mm needles: approximately 28 sts and 36 rnds = 4 inches in stockinette.
- If you can see stuffing through the knitted fabric, go down a needle size.
Abbreviations
- CO = cast on
- BO = bind off
- K = knit
- P = purl
- St/sts = stitch/stitches
- Rnd = round
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- Kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
- M1L = make 1 left
- M1R = make 1 right
- K2tog = knit 2 together
- Ssk = slip, slip, knit
- Rep = repeat
- Pm = place marker
- Sm = slip marker
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Notes Before You Begin
The bunny is worked in separate pieces, then sewn together. This gives you more control over the head angle, the gentle ear droop, and the seated leg placement. Those three details are what make the final shape resemble the photo.
Stuff firmly, especially in the head, neck base, body lower half, and shoes. The arms should be lightly stuffed. The ears should be unstuffed. The legs should be stuffed firmly in the lower half and more softly near the top so they bend naturally when seated.
Most pieces are worked in the round unless noted otherwise. When working tiny parts, use your preferred method for small circumferences. Keep track of the start of round carefully.
Bunny Head
The head in the image is taller than it is wide, with very soft cheeks, a narrow top, and a tapered chin. The shaping below is written to create that long, gentle profile.
- With cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly over 3 or 4 needles. Join to work in the round. Place marker for start of round.
- Rnd 1: K all sts.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
- Rnd 3: K all sts.
- Rnd 4: (K3, kfb) rep 6 times. 30 sts.
- Rnd 5: K all sts.
- Rnd 6: (K4, kfb) rep 6 times. 36 sts.
- Rnd 7: K all sts.
- Rnd 8: (K5, kfb) rep 6 times. 42 sts.
- Rnd 9: K all sts.
- Rnd 10: (K6, kfb) rep 6 times. 48 sts.
- Rnds 11 to 24: K all sts.
- Rnd 25: (K6, k2tog) rep 6 times. 42 sts.
- Rnd 26: K all sts.
- Rnd 27: (K5, k2tog) rep 6 times. 36 sts.
- Rnd 28: K all sts.
- Rnd 29: (K4, k2tog) rep 6 times. 30 sts.
- Rnd 30: K all sts.
- Begin stuffing firmly, shaping the face into a smooth oval rather than a ball.
- Rnd 31: (K3, k2tog) rep 6 times. 24 sts.
- Rnd 32: K all sts.
- Rnd 33: (K2, k2tog) rep 6 times. 18 sts.
- Rnd 34: K all sts.
Do not close. The head joins to the neck section next.
Muzzle Shaping
Thread a long strand of cream yarn on a tapestry needle. Insert at the base opening and bring needle out at the right eye area. Take a tiny stitch and reinsert to the left eye area, pulling lightly to create a slight indentation. Repeat once more if needed.
This bunny face in the image has tiny black eyes placed low and wide rather than high and close together. Position eyes between Rnds 16 and 17, about 7 sts apart. Embroidered French knots or tiny satin stitches look softer than plastic eyes for this design.
Neck
- Continue from the head opening.
- Rnd 35: (K1, k2tog) rep 6 times. 12 sts.
- Rnds 36 to 41: K all sts.
The neck should look slender. Stuff very firmly so the head does not flop forward.
Body
The body is narrow at the chest and fuller at the lower torso. That proportion helps the dress sit nicely and supports the seated posture seen in the image.
- Rnd 42: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
- Rnd 43: K all sts.
- Rnd 44: (K3, kfb) rep 6 times. 30 sts.
- Rnd 45: K all sts.
- Rnd 46: (K4, kfb) rep 6 times. 36 sts.
- Rnd 47: K all sts.
- Rnd 48: (K5, kfb) rep 6 times. 42 sts.
- Rnds 49 to 58: K all sts.
- Rnd 59: (K5, k2tog) rep 6 times. 36 sts.
- Rnd 60: K all sts.
- Rnd 61: (K4, k2tog) rep 6 times. 30 sts.
- Rnd 62: K all sts.
- Begin stuffing the body firmly, shaping the belly slightly forward and the upper chest flatter.
- Rnd 63: (K3, k2tog) rep 6 times. 24 sts.
- Rnd 64: K all sts.
- Rnd 65: (K2, k2tog) rep 6 times. 18 sts.
- Rnd 66: (K1, k2tog) rep 6 times. 12 sts.
- Rnd 67: K2tog around. 6 sts.
- Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed.
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Legs Make 2
The legs in the image are long, slim, and straight, with small defined feet hidden inside the green shoes. Knit each leg from foot upward. Leave the top open for sewing.
Foot and Leg Core
- With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
- Rnd 1: K all sts.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
- Rnd 3: K all sts.
- Rnd 4: (K3, kfb) rep 4 times. 20 sts.
- Rnds 5 to 8: K all sts.
- Rnd 9: (K3, k2tog) rep 4 times. 16 sts.
- Rnd 10: K all sts.
- Rnd 11: (K2, k2tog) rep 4 times. 12 sts.
- Rnds 12 to 30: K all sts.
Stuff the foot firmly and the lower leg firmly. Keep the upper 2 inches more lightly stuffed so the legs can bend when sewn in a seated position.
Flatten the top opening when finished. Leave a long tail for sewing. Make the second leg the same.
Arms Make 2
The arms are narrow tubes with a slight taper. They hang straight down in the image and are attached low enough that the dress ruffle remains visible across the shoulders.
- With cream yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
- Rnd 1: K all sts.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 12 sts.
- Rnds 3 to 6: K all sts.
- Rnd 7: (K4, k2tog) rep 2 times. 10 sts.
- Rnds 8 to 24: K all sts.
Lightly stuff only the lower two-thirds. Flatten top edge and leave a long tail for sewing.
Ears Make 2
The ears are long, soft, and slightly wider at the base. They are not stuffed. The image shows one ear hanging more forward and one more to the side, so sew them asymmetrically for a natural result.
- With cream yarn, CO 24 sts flat.
- Rows 1 to 4: Starting with a knit row, work 4 rows in stockinette.
- Row 5: K1, ssk, K18, k2tog, K1. 22 sts.
- Row 6: P all sts.
- Row 7: K1, ssk, K16, k2tog, K1. 20 sts.
- Row 8: P all sts.
- Continue decreasing in this way on every RS row until 8 sts remain.
- Next row: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
- Next row: P all sts.
- Next row: K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.
- Next row: P all sts.
- Next row: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
- BO.
Make a second ear. Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly and whip stitch the lower 1 inch only, creating a gentle cupped shape at the base.
Green Shoes Make 2
The shoes are dark green, rounded, and slightly oversized compared with the slim legs. They resemble knitted Mary Jane shoes with a pale opening on top. Work them separately and sew over the finished feet.
- With green yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in round.
- Rnd 1: K all sts.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
- Rnd 3: (K3, kfb) rep 4 times. 20 sts.
- Rnds 4 to 7: K all sts.
- Rnd 8: K7, BO 6 loosely, K7. 14 sts.
- Rnd 9: K7, CO 6 backward loop, K7. 20 sts.
- Rnd 10: K all sts.
- Rnd 11: K6, k2tog, K4, ssk, K6. 18 sts.
- Rnd 12: K all sts.
- Rnd 13: K5, k2tog, K4, ssk, K5. 16 sts.
- Rnd 14: K all sts.
- Rnd 15: (K2, k2tog) rep 4 times. 12 sts.
- Rnd 16: K all sts.
- Cut yarn long, gather remaining sts, and close toe snugly.
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Sew the shoe around the knitted foot. For the strap detail, embroider or sew a short horizontal line across the front opening and add a tiny pale stitch at the side to suggest the button shown in the image.
Dress
The dress has a fitted top, deep arm openings, a wide skirt, and a prominent ruffled neckline. The photo shows a white base with dense multicolored flowers and extra color near the hem. The best way to mimic that effect is with floral variegated yarn plus small embroidered blossoms where needed.
The dress is worked from the top down in the round, with a back slit for dressing the bunny easily. You may also sew it closed after dressing if the piece is meant only for display.
Upper Bodice
- With floral yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 36 sts flat.
- Row 1 RS: K all sts.
- Row 2 WS: P all sts.
- Row 3: K all sts.
- Row 4: P all sts.
- Join carefully to work in the round, leaving a 2-stitch faux opening at center back if preferred, or continue flat for 6 more rows and seam later.
- Rnds 5 to 8: K all sts.
- Rnd 9: K6, BO 4, K16, BO 4, K6. 28 sts.
- Rnd 10: K6, CO 4, K16, CO 4, K6. 36 sts.
- Rnd 11: K all sts.
- Rnd 12: (K5, kfb) rep 6 times. 42 sts.
- Rnd 13: K all sts.
- Rnd 14: (K6, kfb) rep 6 times. 48 sts.
Skirt
- Rnd 15: (K7, kfb) rep 6 times. 54 sts.
- Rnd 16: K all sts.
- Rnd 17: (K8, kfb) rep 6 times. 60 sts.
- Rnd 18: K all sts.
- Rnd 19: (K9, kfb) rep 6 times. 66 sts.
- Rnd 20: K all sts.
- Rnd 21: (K10, kfb) rep 6 times. 72 sts.
- Rnds 22 to 34: K all sts.
- Rnd 35: (K11, kfb) rep 6 times. 78 sts.
- Rnds 36 to 40: K all sts.
- BO loosely.
After knitting, add a few duplicate-stitch flowers or tiny lazy-daisy embroidered blossoms around the lower skirt and bodice if your yarn is not as floral as the image. Concentrate extra colors at the lower front hem to mirror the rainbow floral border seen in the photo.
Neck Ruffle
The neckline has a soft gathered frill in mixed pastel tones. Work this separately and sew around the neck opening.
- With ruffle yarn, CO 60 sts.
- Rows 1 to 3: Work in garter stitch.
- Row 4 RS: Kfb in every st. 120 sts.
- Rows 5 to 8: Work in garter stitch.
- BO loosely.
Twist and gather the strip slightly while sewing it around the neckline so the frill stands up and outward. Blend pink, peach, coral, and mint in stripes or random color changes for the same lively look as the image.
Crossbody Bag
The bag is small, mint colored, and decorated with one large flower. It hangs from the bunny’s left shoulder to the right hip. Work the body flat, seam, then add the strap.
- With mint yarn, CO 10 sts.
- Rows 1 to 14: Work in stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
- Row 15: K all sts.
- BO.
Fold into a small rectangle and seam sides. Embroider one flower centered on the front using pink petals, a yellow center, and green leaf stitches.
For strap, CO 42 sts using I-cord or a narrow knitted strip of 3 sts for 16 inches. Sew ends to back upper corners of the bag. Position it diagonally across the dress.
Bucket Hat
The hat in the image is a soft bucket style with a slightly downward brim and bright variegated floral colors. The crown is shallow, and the brim is wide enough to frame the bunny face without hiding it.
- With multicolor hat yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Join in round.
- Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
- Rnd 2: K all sts.
- Rnd 3: (K1, kfb) rep around. 24 sts.
- Rnd 4: K all sts.
- Rnd 5: (K2, kfb) rep around. 32 sts.
- Rnd 6: K all sts.
- Rnd 7: (K3, kfb) rep around. 40 sts.
- Rnds 8 to 13: K all sts.
- Rnd 14: (K4, kfb) rep around. 48 sts.
- Rnd 15: K all sts.
- Rnd 16: (K5, kfb) rep around. 56 sts.
- Rnds 17 to 20: K all sts.
- Rnd 21: (K6, kfb) rep around. 64 sts.
- Rnds 22 to 26: K all sts.
- BO loosely.
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Lightly steam and shape the brim downward. If you want a crisper brim, run a strand of thin millinery wire or insert a narrow ring of plastic canvas inside the hem after folding and stitching the edge.
Tiny Squirrel
The squirrel is small, standing upright, with a plump tail and striped sweater. Because it is tiny, exact stitch counts matter for a neat result. Use the same small needles as the bunny.
Body and Head
- With brown yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in round.
- Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 12 sts.
- Rnd 2: K all sts.
- Rnd 3: (K2, kfb) rep around. 16 sts.
- Rnds 4 to 8: K all sts.
- Rnd 9: (K2, k2tog) rep around. 12 sts.
- Rnd 10: K all sts.
- Change to cream and sweater stripe colors for torso if desired.
- Rnd 11: K all sts.
- Rnd 12: Kfb in every 3rd st around. 16 sts.
- Rnds 13 to 17: K all sts.
- Rnd 18: (K2, k2tog) rep around. 12 sts.
- Rnd 19: K all sts.
- Stuff firmly.
- Rnd 20: (K1, k2tog) rep around. 8 sts.
- Rnd 21: K all sts.
- Rnd 22: K2tog around. 4 sts.
- Thread through and close.
Arms Make 2
- With sweater color, CO 4 sts.
- Rnd 1: K all sts.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 8 sts.
- Rnds 3 to 6: K all sts.
- Leave tail and sew to sides.
Tail
- With brown yarn, CO 8 sts flat.
- Rows 1 to 10: Work in stockinette.
- Row 11: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
- Row 12: P all sts.
- Row 13: K1, ssk, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.
- Row 14: P all sts.
- Row 15: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
- BO.
Sew the lower short edge to the back and curve the tail upward. Add tiny embroidered eyes and nose. For the acorn effect in its paws, wrap a small oval of brown yarn and stitch between the hands.
Berry Basket
- With tan yarn, CO 4 sts. Join in round.
- Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 8 sts.
- Rnd 2: K all sts.
- Rnd 3: (K1, kfb) rep around. 12 sts.
- Rnd 4: K all sts.
- Rnd 5: (K2, kfb) rep around. 16 sts.
- Rnds 6 to 10: P all sts for woven look.
- BO loosely.
For handle, CO 18 sts with tan yarn and BO next row. Sew each end to opposite sides of basket. Add tiny berry knots in navy, purple, and red.
Watering Can
- With gray yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in round.
- Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 12 sts.
- Rnd 2: K all sts.
- Rnd 3: (K2, kfb) rep around. 16 sts.
- Rnds 4 to 9: K all sts.
- Rnd 10: (K2, k2tog) rep around. 12 sts.
- Rnd 11: K all sts.
- Stuff lightly.
- Rnd 12: K2tog around. 6 sts.
- Close top.
For spout, CO 8 sts flat. Work 4 rows in stockinette, roll tightly into a tube, and sew to front at a slight upward angle.
For handle, CO 12 sts and BO next row. Curve and sew from upper back to side. Add a tiny top opening with a few whip stitches in a circle. Knit or embroider small flowers and sew them inside the can.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew the legs to the lower front body, angled forward so the bunny sits on the edge of a surface with the feet hanging down. Sew the arms to the upper side body just below the neck so the ruffle remains visible.
Attach the ears high on the head, one slightly forward and one slightly outward. Embroider tiny black eyes, a brown or dusty pink triangular nose, and a short split mouth. Keep the face minimal and calm to match the image.
Dress the bunny in the floral dress, sew or fasten the back neatly, add the ruffle, place the bag diagonally, then set the hat low enough to frame the forehead without covering the eyes. Slip on the shoes last.
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Styling Tips to Match the Photo
- Head angle: tilt the head slightly to one side before securing fully.
- Ear position: one ear should drape more vertically than the other.
- Dress fullness: spread the skirt outward while lightly steaming.
- Shoes: keep them rounded and a little larger than the ankles.
- Bag length: the bag should rest around the upper thigh, not at the waist.
- Hat brim: soften it downward to create the relaxed bucket-hat look.
- Accessories: place the squirrel close to the bunny and the basket near the front for the same balanced scene.
Care Notes
Display pieces stay nicest when handled gently. Spot clean when possible. If washing is needed, hand wash in cool water with mild soap, press out moisture in a towel, reshape, and dry flat away from direct heat or strong sun.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head stuffed firmly and face shaped into a long oval
- Eyes placed low and wide
- Ears sewn asymmetrically
- Neck firm enough to support hat
- Legs attached for a seated pose
- Dress skirt spread evenly
- Ruffle stitched all around neckline
- Bag embroidered and placed diagonally
- Hat brim shaped downward
- Squirrel, basket, and watering can completed for the full display
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Store in a clean, dry place away from damp air. Avoid hanging the bunny by the hat or ears. For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and keep flat in a breathable box. Do not compress the face, ruffle, or hat brim, because those details create the likeness of the original design.
