Knitting Tutorial: The “Blueberry Pie” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: The “Blueberry Pie” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted bunny is designed to look like a collectible heirloom toy with a soft country style, making it perfect for nursery decor, handmade gift ideas, seasonal display, and boutique toy lovers searching for knitted bunny doll patterns, handmade rabbit plush, Easter bunny décor, and artisan stuffed animal inspiration. The finished bunny wears a blue-and-cream dress, a pale yellow apron and hat, a cream cardigan, blue shoes, and carries a little blueberry pie topped with a tiny bluebird, creating a charming project that feels both cozy and gift-worthy.

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 worked mostly flat in pieces and seamed, because that structure gives the toy the crisp shape, centered facial definition, and neat edge control seen in the photo.

The bunny has a rounded head, long narrow ears, a softly pear-shaped body, short cylindrical arms, tapered legs, separate shoes, a knitted dress with a spot motif, a gathered apron, a soft visor cap, a cropped cardigan, a shallow pie, and a tiny perched bird.

The proportions matter a lot in this design.

  • Head: large and rounded, slightly wider than the neck opening.
  • Body: gently bell-shaped and wider at the hem than the chest.
  • Arms: short, lightly stuffed, and attached low enough to sit naturally at the sides.
  • Legs: sturdy but not thick, with the feet hidden by shoes.
  • Ears: long, flat, soft, and hanging straight down past shoulder height.
  • Hat: oversized and softly slouched on top, with a structured visor.
  • Apron: gathered and slightly shorter than the dress.
  • Pie: shallow and round with a lattice top and visible berry filling.
  • Bird: tiny and compact, perched on the pie rim.

Materials

  • Main bunny yarn: light taupe or oatmeal DK yarn
  • Dress yarn A: soft cornflower blue DK yarn
  • Dress yarn B: cream or ivory DK yarn
  • Apron and hat yarn: pale buttery yellow DK yarn
  • Cardigan yarn: cream DK yarn
  • Shoes yarn: medium blue DK yarn
  • Pie crust yarn: tan or biscuit DK yarn
  • Pie filling yarn: deep blueberry purple DK yarn
  • Bird yarns: blue, yellow, cream, navy, and a tiny amount of black
  • Needles: US 2.5 / 3.0 mm straight needles for most pieces
  • Optional smaller needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm for the bird and pie if you want extra firmness
  • Toy stuffing
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Black embroidery thread or black yarn split thinly for the face

Finished Size

When worked in DK yarn at a firm toy gauge, the finished bunny stands about 13 to 15 inches tall from the soles of the shoes to the top of the hat.

The pie measures about 2 inches across.

The bird measures about 1 3/4 inches long.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical in the same way as garments, but size and proportion depend on knitting firmly.

  • 26 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 2.5 / 3.0 mm needles
  • Knit tightly enough that stuffing does not show through

Abbreviations

  • k = knit
  • p = purl
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of stitch
  • k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • yo = yarn over
  • rep = repeat
  • sl = slip
  • psso = pass slipped stitch over

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Color Notes for the Dress Motif

The dress in the photo shows small cream spots on a blue background. To keep the pattern readable for newer knitters, the motif is worked as a simple repeating dot pattern using stranded knitting over a small number of stitches.

Carry the unused yarn loosely across the back. Because the spots are tiny and frequent, this section stays manageable even for knitters who are new to colorwork.

Body

The body is worked in two identical pieces from the lower hem upward using blue for the dress section, then taupe for the neck and head base transition area is added later by seaming to the head.

Front Body Piece

Using blue, cast on 40 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in garter stitch, knitting every row.
  2. Row 5 RS: k all.
  3. Row 6 WS: p all.
  4. Row 7: k all.
  5. Row 8: p all.
  6. Row 9 RS: k3, inc, k to last 3 sts, inc, k3. 42 sts.
  7. Row 10: p all.
  8. Row 11: k all.
  9. Row 12: p all.
  10. Row 13: k3, inc, k to last 3 sts, inc, k3. 44 sts.
  11. Row 14: p all.
  12. Row 15: k all.
  13. Row 16: p all.
  14. Row 17: k3, inc, k to last 3 sts, inc, k3. 46 sts.
  15. Row 18: p all.

You now begin the dotted skirt pattern.

Use blue as Color A and cream as Color B.

  1. Row 19 RS: with A, k all.
  2. Row 20 WS: p all.
  3. Row 21 RS: k4 A, *k1 B, k5 A; rep from * to last 1 st, k1 A.
  4. Row 22 WS: p all in colors as they appear.
  5. Row 23 RS: k all A.
  6. Row 24 WS: p all A.
  7. Row 25 RS: k1 A, *k1 B, k5 A; rep from * to end.
  8. Row 26 WS: p all in colors as they appear.
  9. Rows 27 to 32: repeat Rows 23 to 26 twice more.
  10. Rows 33 to 38: repeat Rows 21 to 26 once more.

The lower body should now look like a soft blue skirt with little cream dots placed in staggered rows.

Shape the upper body.

  1. Row 39 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 44 sts.
  2. Row 40 WS: p all.
  3. Row 41: k all.
  4. Row 42: p all.
  5. Row 43 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 42 sts.
  6. Row 44 WS: p all.
  7. Row 45: k all.
  8. Row 46: p all.
  9. Row 47 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 40 sts.
  10. Row 48 WS: p all.
  11. Row 49: k all.
  12. Row 50: p all.
  13. Row 51 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 38 sts.
  14. Row 52 WS: p all.
  15. Row 53: k all.
  16. Row 54: p all.

For the bodice center panel in cream spots on blue, continue as follows.

  1. Row 55 RS: k10 blue, k18 in dot pattern as established, k10 blue.
  2. Row 56 WS: p10 blue, p18 in pattern, p10 blue.
  3. Rows 57 to 64: continue in this arrangement.

Shape neck and shoulders.

  1. Row 65 RS: k12, bind off 14, k to end. Work each side separately.
  2. Row 66 WS: p to neck edge.
  3. Row 67 RS: k to last 2 sts, k2tog. 11 sts.
  4. Row 68 WS: p all.
  5. Row 69 RS: k to last 2 sts, k2tog. 10 sts.
  6. Row 70 WS: p all.
  7. Bind off.

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Rejoin yarn to remaining side.

  1. Row 66 WS: p to end.
  2. Row 67 RS: ssk, k to end. 11 sts.
  3. Row 68 WS: p all.
  4. Row 69 RS: ssk, k to end. 10 sts.
  5. Row 70 WS: p all.
  6. Bind off.

Back Body Piece

Work exactly as Front Body Piece through Row 64.

Shape a higher back neck.

  1. Row 65 RS: k14, bind off 10, k to end.
  2. Row 66 WS: p to neck edge.
  3. Row 67 RS: k to last 2 sts, k2tog. 13 sts.
  4. Row 68 WS: p all.
  5. Bind off.

Rejoin yarn to second side.

  1. Row 66 WS: p to end.
  2. Row 67 RS: ssk, k to end. 13 sts.
  3. Row 68 WS: p all.
  4. Bind off.

Head

The head is worked in two pieces using taupe. The face should look rounded, smooth, and slightly wide with a gentle muzzle area formed during stuffing and final shaping rather than a protruding snout.

Head Front

Using taupe, cast on 18 sts.

  1. Row 1 WS: p all.
  2. Row 2 RS: k all.
  3. Row 3: p all.
  4. Row 4: k all.
  5. Row 5 WS: p2, inc, p to last 2 sts, inc, p2. 20 sts.
  6. Row 6 RS: k all.
  7. Row 7: p all.
  8. Row 8: k all.
  9. Row 9 WS: p2, inc, p to last 2 sts, inc, p2. 22 sts.
  10. Row 10 RS: k all.
  11. Row 11: p all.
  12. Row 12: k all.
  13. Row 13 WS: p2, inc, p to last 2 sts, inc, p2. 24 sts.
  14. Row 14 RS: k all.
  15. Row 15: p all.
  16. Row 16: k all.
  17. Row 17 WS: p2, inc, p to last 2 sts, inc, p2. 26 sts.
  18. Row 18 RS: k all.
  19. Row 19: p all.
  20. Row 20: k all.
  21. Row 21 WS: p2, inc, p to last 2 sts, inc, p2. 28 sts.
  22. Row 22 RS: k all.
  23. Rows 23 to 34: continue in stockinette without shaping.
  24. Row 35 WS: p2tog, p to last 2 sts, p2tog tbl. 26 sts.
  25. Row 36 RS: k all.
  26. Row 37 WS: p all.
  27. Row 38 RS: k all.
  28. Row 39 WS: p2tog, p to last 2 sts, p2tog tbl. 24 sts.
  29. Row 40 RS: k all.
  30. Row 41 WS: p all.
  31. Row 42 RS: k all.
  32. Row 43 WS: p2tog, p to last 2 sts, p2tog tbl. 22 sts.
  33. Row 44 RS: k all.
  34. Row 45 WS: p2tog, p to last 2 sts, p2tog tbl. 20 sts.
  35. Row 46 RS: k all.
  36. Row 47 WS: p2tog, p to last 2 sts, p2tog tbl. 18 sts.
  37. Row 48 RS: k all.
  38. Bind off purlwise.

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Head Back

Work exactly as Head Front.

Ears

Make 2 in taupe.

These ears are long, narrow, and flat, with rounded ends. Do not overstuff. A very light touch of filling near the base only is enough.

Cast on 8 sts.

  1. Row 1: p all.
  2. Row 2: k all.
  3. Row 3: p1, inc, p to last 1 st, inc, p1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 4: k all.
  5. Row 5: p all.
  6. Row 6: k all.
  7. Row 7: p1, inc, p to last 1 st, inc, p1. 12 sts.
  8. Row 8: k all.
  9. Rows 9 to 42: work in stockinette.
  10. Row 43: p1, p2tog, p to last 3 sts, p2tog tbl, p1. 10 sts.
  11. Row 44: k all.
  12. Row 45: p1, p2tog, p to last 3 sts, p2tog tbl, p1. 8 sts.
  13. Row 46: k all.
  14. Row 47: p2tog, p to last 2 sts, p2tog tbl. 6 sts.
  15. Row 48: k all.
  16. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight.

Arms

Make 2 in taupe.

Cast on 10 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 6: work in stockinette, starting with a purl row.
  2. Row 7 RS: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 12 sts.
  3. Rows 8 to 20: continue in stockinette.
  4. Row 21 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 10 sts.
  5. Rows 22 to 26: continue in stockinette.
  6. Bind off.

Leave a long sewing tail. Seam each arm into a tube, stuff lightly, and flatten the top edge before attaching.

Legs

Make 2 in taupe.

The legs are straight and slightly tapered at the ankle so they fit neatly into the shoes.

Cast on 12 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 8: work in stockinette, starting with a purl row.
  2. Row 9 RS: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 14 sts.
  3. Rows 10 to 22: continue in stockinette.
  4. Row 23 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 12 sts.
  5. Rows 24 to 28: continue in stockinette.
  6. Bind off.

Seam and stuff firmly, especially at the lower part so the bunny stands with good balance when posed against a surface.

Shoes

Make 2 in blue.

The shoes in the photo are simple open-top strap shoes. They are worked as little slipper shapes and sewn over the finished feet.

Cast on 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
  2. Row 5 RS: k4, k2tog, k2, ssk, k4. 12 sts.
  3. Row 6 WS: k all.
  4. Row 7 RS: k3, k2tog, k2, ssk, k3. 10 sts.
  5. Row 8 WS: k all.
  6. Row 9 RS: k all.
  7. Row 10 WS: k all.
  8. Bind off.

Sew the cast-on edge to the bound-off edge to form a ring around the ankle opening, then gather the sole curve and stitch over the bunny foot.

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For the front strap, cast on 8 sts and knit 6 rows in garter stitch. Bind off. Sew one strap across the top of each shoe.

Dress Skirt Outer Panel

The body already forms the main dress, but the photo shows a pronounced dress shape with a visible lower skirt line. This separate skirt layer helps create that fuller silhouette.

Using blue, cast on 52 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
  2. Rows 5 to 22: stockinette with cream dot pattern every 4th and 8th row, using the same staggered motif as the body skirt.
  3. Row 23 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 50 sts.
  4. Row 24 WS: p all.
  5. Row 25 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 48 sts.
  6. Row 26 WS: p all.
  7. Row 27 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 46 sts.
  8. Row 28 WS: p all.
  9. Bind off.

Sew side seam and gather the top edge slightly to fit around the bunny waist. This creates the fuller overskirt appearance visible in the image.

Apron

The apron is pale yellow, gathered, and slightly scalloped at the lower edge.

Using yellow, cast on 38 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 6: k1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to last 1 st, k1 on RS rows. Knit all WS rows. This makes a delicate decorative lower edge.
  2. Rows 7 to 18: stockinette, starting with a knit row.
  3. Row 19 RS: k2tog across to last 0 sts. 19 sts.
  4. Row 20 WS: p all.
  5. Rows 21 to 24: stockinette.
  6. Bind off.

Apron waistband ties:

  • Pick up 24 sts evenly across the top edge with yellow.
  • Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
  • Bind off.

For the waist tie look, twist a short yellow cord and stitch at each side if desired, or simply extend the garter waistband slightly when sewing to the body.

Cardigan

The cardigan is cream, cropped, and open at the front. It has a soft rolled shawl-like front edge and short sleeves.

Back

Using cream, cast on 24 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
  2. Rows 5 to 16: stockinette.
  3. Row 17 RS: bind off 3 sts at start, knit to end. 21 sts.
  4. Row 18 WS: bind off 3 sts at start, purl to end. 18 sts.
  5. Rows 19 to 24: stockinette.
  6. Row 25 RS: k5, bind off 8, k5.
  7. Work each shoulder separately for 2 rows, then bind off.

Left Front

Cast on 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
  2. Rows 5 to 16: work 4 sts garter at front edge, remaining sts stockinette.
  3. Row 17 WS: bind off 3 sts at armhole edge, work to end. 11 sts.
  4. Rows 18 to 20: continue as set.
  5. Row 21 RS: work to last 2 sts at neck edge, k2tog. 10 sts.
  6. Row 22 WS: work back.
  7. Row 23 RS: work to last 2 sts at neck edge, k2tog. 9 sts.
  8. Row 24 WS: work back.
  9. Bind off.

Right Front

Work as Left Front reversed, using ssk at the neck edge.

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Sleeves

Make 2.

Cast on 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
  2. Rows 5 to 12: stockinette.
  3. Bind off.

Seam shoulders, set in sleeves, and sew side and sleeve seams. Do not make the cardigan tight. It should sit softly over the dress.

Hat

The hat is a pale yellow baker-style cap with a rounded crown and a distinct visor.

Hat Crown

Using yellow, cast on 18 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
  2. Row 5 RS: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 20 sts.
  3. Row 6 WS: k all.
  4. Row 7 RS: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 22 sts.
  5. Row 8 WS: k all.
  6. Continue increasing in this way on every RS row until you have 34 sts.
  7. Work 10 rows even in stockinette, knitting WS rows for a garter-textured softness if preferred.
  8. Next RS row: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 32 sts.
  9. Work 1 row even.
  10. Repeat decrease row every other row until 22 sts remain.
  11. Cut yarn and thread through live sts. Pull up firmly.

Hat Band

Cast on 32 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 6: garter stitch.
  2. Bind off.

Sew into a ring and attach around the lower edge of the crown, slightly gathering the crown into the band.

Visor

Cast on 16 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 8: garter stitch.
  2. Row 9: k2tog, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
  3. Row 10: k all.
  4. Bind off.

Sew the straight edge of the visor to the center front of the hat band. Lightly pad the visor with a tiny strip of felt or extra yarn ends if you want a firmer look, though this is optional.

Pie

The pie is shallow, round, tan on top, with deep blueberry filling visible through the lattice.

Pie Base

Using purple, cast on 10 sts.

  1. Row 1: k all.
  2. Row 2: k all.
  3. Row 3: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 12 sts.
  4. Row 4: k all.
  5. Row 5: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 14 sts.
  6. Row 6: k all.
  7. Row 7: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 16 sts.
  8. Row 8: k all.
  9. Bind off.

Make 2 pieces.

Sew together around edge with a tiny amount of stuffing or a felt circle inside so the pie stays gently rounded but still shallow.

Pie Crust Rim

Using tan, cast on 28 sts.

  1. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
  2. Bind off.

Sew into a ring and attach around the pie edge.

Lattice Strips

Using tan, make 6 strips.

  • Cast on 2 sts.
  • Knit 10 rows.
  • Bind off.

Weave 3 strips one way and 3 strips the other way over the pie top. Stitch in place. Leave openings so the purple filling clearly shows through, just like the photo.

Bluebird

The bird is very small and should look rounded and plump rather than long and thin. Work 2 body sides, 2 wings, 1 belly strip, and a tiny beak.

Body Sides

Make 2 in blue.

Cast on 6 sts.

  1. Row 1: p all.
  2. Row 2: k all.
  3. Row 3: p1, inc, p to last 1 st, inc, p1. 8 sts.
  4. Row 4: k all.
  5. Row 5: p all.
  6. Row 6: k all.
  7. Row 7: p1, inc, p to last 1 st, inc, p1. 10 sts.
  8. Row 8: k all.
  9. Rows 9 to 12: stockinette.
  10. Row 13: p2tog, p to last 2 sts, p2tog tbl. 8 sts.
  11. Row 14: k all.
  12. Row 15: p2tog, p to last 2 sts, p2tog tbl. 6 sts.
  13. Row 16: k all.
  14. Bind off.

Belly Strip

Using yellow, cast on 4 sts and knit 12 rows in stockinette or garter. Bind off.

Wings

Make 2 in blue.

  • Cast on 4 sts.
  • Work 6 rows in garter stitch.
  • Bind off.

Cheek Patch and Head Markings

Use cream and navy duplicate stitch after assembly.

  • Add a cream cheek patch on the front side of the head.
  • Add a thin navy eye stripe.
  • Add a tiny black embroidered eye.

Beak

Using a tiny amount of dark yarn, embroider a pointed beak or knit a 2-stitch i-cord nub and sew it in place.

Assembly Order

Assembly affects the final look just as much as the knitting itself, so follow this order for the closest match to the photo.

  1. Sew body front and back together, leaving neck open.
  2. Stuff the body firmly at the lower section and a little more softly at the upper chest.
  3. Sew head front and back together, leaving lower edge open.
  4. Stuff head very firmly, shaping cheeks with your fingers as you fill.
  5. Close head and sew to neck opening.
  6. Sew leg seams, stuff, and attach evenly to lower body.
  7. Attach shoes over the feet.
  8. Sew arm seams, stuff lightly, and attach at shoulder line slightly low so they angle downward.
  9. Sew ear seams if needed only at the base section, then attach to the sides of the head under the hat line.
  10. Add dress overskirt layer around body.
  11. Sew apron to front waist only, wrapping waistband around the body.
  12. Sew cardigan pieces together and dress the bunny before fixing in place with a few tiny stitches.
  13. Sew hat crown, band, and visor together, then tack hat onto the head at a slight downward front angle.
  14. Assemble pie and place it into the bunny’s right hand.
  15. Assemble bird and stitch it onto the pie rim.

Facial Embroidery Placement

The face is minimal and sweet, with tiny black eyes and a stitched nose-mouth detail.

  • Place eyes about 8 stitches apart, centered horizontally on the face.
  • Position them slightly below the midpoint of the head, not too high.
  • Embroider each eye as a small vertical satin stitch or French knot-style stitch.
  • For the nose, form a tiny upside-down triangle in black.
  • Extend a straight line downward from the center of the nose for about 3 to 4 rows.
  • Add a small angled stitch to each side at the base for the mouth.

Do not overdo the face. The charm of the bunny comes from very spare, gentle detailing.

How to Match the Exact Photo Styling

To recreate the image faithfully, keep the color palette soft and dusty rather than bright. The taupe bunny yarn should be warm and muted. The yellow should feel buttery, not lemon. The blue should be medium and slightly vintage.

The head should be the visual focal point. Make sure it is round, smooth, and a little oversized compared with the neck.

The ears should fall straight down without curling outward too much. Steam lightly if needed before attaching.

The apron should sit high at the waist and cover only the front of the skirt. The lower edge should ripple softly instead of hanging stiffly.

The cardigan should be short enough for the apron waistband and dress bodice to remain visible.

The visor must project slightly forward. Without that detail, the hat will not have the same character as the original look.

The pie should sit high in the hand, not low by the hip. The bird should perch on the upper rim facing outward.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Once all pieces are attached, go back and refine the shaping by hand. Press the stuffing upward inside the head to keep the crown full. Pinch the lower face lightly to form soft cheeks. Add the embroidered eyes, nose, and mouth only after the hat and ears are fixed, so the expression sits correctly beneath them.

Care Notes

Handle the toy gently because it contains many hand-sewn decorative elements. Display use is ideal, though careful supervised cuddling is fine. Avoid stretching the ears, visor, bird, or pie lattice. Keep away from rough surfaces that can snag DK yarn and disturb the smooth stitched finish.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Are both ears attached at the same height?
  • Does the hat sit low enough at the front?
  • Is the apron centered?
  • Are the shoes even?
  • Does the bunny balance well when posed?
  • Are the eyes level and evenly spaced?
  • Is the pie shallow and round, not bulky?
  • Is the bird securely stitched to the pie rim?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap only when needed. Do not machine wash. Blot moisture away and let the bunny air dry flat, reshaping the hat, ears, apron, and cardigan while damp. For long-term storage, wrap in clean tissue and keep in a dry box away from direct sunlight, dust, and humidity.

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