Knitting Tutorial: The Carrot Gardener Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet carrot gardener bunny is designed as a charming knitted shelf buddy with a soft rustic look, long floppy ears, a rounded hat with leafy points, striped sleeves, tiny lace-up shoes, and a bunch of carrots ready for harvest. It is perfect for anyone searching for a handmade bunny doll, knitted nursery decor, Easter gift ideas, artisan toy patterns, or a collectible rabbit softie with country garden style. The finished set also includes the little garden mole, a soil mound, a mini hand trowel, and all the small details that make the display feel wonderfully complete.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

About This Pattern

This pattern is written to closely match the proportions, styling, and knitted texture shown in the reference image. The bunny has a large rounded head, a compact torso, short legs, slim arms, long drooping ears, and a slightly oversized hat sitting low over the forehead.

The overalls are worked as a separate garment. The striped shirt effect is created by changing yarn colors on the sleeves while keeping the body neatly covered by the bib front. The hat includes three stuffed leafy points to echo the look of a sprouting garden top.

The carrot bunch is made as a removable accessory. The little mole and its nest are also included so the full display can be recreated as closely as possible. The small hand trowel is described at the end using simple wrapped and stitched construction.

Skill Level

Intermediate. A confident beginner can make it with patience, but the pattern uses shaping, picking up stitches, short rows for smoother forms, i-cord style details, mattress stitch seaming, and careful assembly.

Finished Size

• Bunny: about 13 inches tall from soles to top of hat points
• Bunny without hat: about 10 inches tall
• Mole: about 2 1/2 inches tall
• Soil mound: about 3 inches wide
• Each carrot: about 3 inches long
• Trowel: about 3 1/2 inches long

Materials

• DK weight yarn in light beige for head, body, ears, and hands
• DK weight yarn in warm brown for overalls and soil mound
• DK weight yarn in dark brown for shoes and laces
• DK weight yarn in pale green for hat
• DK weight yarn in orange for carrots and sleeve stripes
• DK weight yarn in white or cream for sleeve stripes
• DK weight yarn in charcoal gray for mole
• Small amounts of pink for mole nose and green for carrot tops
• 3.0 mm straight needles or preferred needles for knitting flat
• Set of double-pointed needles optional for tiny pieces
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Stuffing
• Black safety eyes 6 mm, or embroidered eyes
• Fine black embroidery thread for face
• Craft wire optional for carrot stems and hat points
• Thin cardboard optional for shoe soles and trowel blade support

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on 3.0 mm needles after light blocking.

Gauge matters because the toy must be firm enough to hold shape. Knit tightly so stuffing does not show through. If your fabric feels loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• rep = repeat
• sl = slip
• wyif = with yarn in front
• wyib = with yarn in back

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Helpful Notes Before You Start

• All main toy pieces are written flat and seamed unless noted.
• Leave long tails for sewing whenever a piece will be attached later.
• Stuff firmly but evenly. The head should be plump, while the ears stay soft and mostly unstuffed.
• The hat should sit low, so do not make the crown too tall.
• Read through the full pattern before beginning, especially the assembly section.

Bunny Legs Make 2

Using dark brown, CO 12 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
2. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 6: continue in stockinette, ending with a WS row.
4. Row 7 RS: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
5. Row 8 WS: p all sts.
6. Rows 9 and 10: work even.
7. Change to beige.
8. Row 11 RS: k all sts.
9. Row 12 WS: p all sts.
10. Rows 13 to 26: continue in stockinette for 14 rows.
11. Row 27 RS: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
12. Row 28 WS: p all sts.
13. Rows 29 to 34: work even.
14. BO knitwise on RS.

Sew side seam and base seam. Stuff the foot area firmly and the leg section moderately. Flatten the top opening. Make the second leg the same.

Bunny Body

Using beige, CO 28 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
2. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 8: continue in stockinette.
4. Row 9 RS: kfb, k26, kfb. 30 sts.
5. Row 10 WS: p all sts.
6. Row 11 RS: kfb, k28, kfb. 32 sts.
7. Row 12 WS: p all sts.
8. Rows 13 to 24: work even.
9. Row 25 RS: ssk, k28, k2tog. 30 sts.
10. Row 26 WS: p all sts.
11. Row 27 RS: ssk, k26, k2tog. 28 sts.
12. Row 28 WS: p all sts.
13. Rows 29 to 36: work even.
14. Row 37 RS: ssk, k24, k2tog. 26 sts.
15. Row 38 WS: p all sts.
16. Row 39 RS: ssk, k22, k2tog. 24 sts.
17. Row 40 WS: p all sts.
18. BO knitwise on RS.

Sew the side seam and lower seam, leaving the top open for the neck. Stuff firmly, shaping the lower body into a softly rectangular form with a slight belly at the front.

Head

Using beige, CO 18 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
2. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
3. Row 3 RS-facing increase row: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 20 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: p all sts.
5. Row 5 RS: kfb, k to last st, kfb. 22 sts.
6. Row 6 WS: p all sts.
7. Continue this pattern, increasing 1 st at each end of every RS row until there are 34 sts.
8. Work 14 rows even in stockinette.
9. Next RS row: ssk, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. 32 sts.
10. WS row: p all sts.
11. Repeat the last 2 rows until 18 sts remain.
12. Cut yarn, thread through live sts, and pull tight.

Sew the back seam. Stuff very firmly to make a smooth, rounded head with slightly fuller cheeks and a subtly flatter lower face where the snout will sit.

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Muzzle Shaping

The face in the image is simple and gentle. It does not have a protruding stuffed snout. Instead, shape a shallow muzzle by using a length of beige yarn and drawing it horizontally across the lower center of the face.

1. Mark eye placement 6 rows above the lower head edge and about 6 stitches apart.
2. Insert eyes first if using safety eyes.
3. With beige yarn, make two tiny horizontal anchoring stitches across 4 stitches in the center lower face.
4. Pull lightly to create a faint nose bridge and small muzzle triangle.

Arms Make 2

Using beige, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1 and 2: stockinette.
2. Rows 3 to 6: continue in stockinette.
3. Change to orange.
4. Rows 7 and 8: stockinette.
5. Change to cream.
6. Rows 9 and 10: stockinette.
7. Change to orange.
8. Rows 11 and 12: stockinette.
9. Change to cream.
10. Rows 13 and 14: stockinette.
11. Change to orange.
12. Rows 15 and 16: stockinette.
13. Change to cream.
14. Rows 17 and 18: stockinette.
15. Change to orange.
16. Rows 19 and 20: stockinette.
17. Change to beige.
18. Rows 21 to 24: stockinette.
19. Row 25 RS: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
20. Row 26 WS: p all sts.
21. BO.

Sew side seams. Stuff only the lower half lightly so the arms stay slim and soft. Flatten the upper edge for sewing to the body. Make 2.

Ears Make 2

Using beige, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
2. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
3. Row 3 RS: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: p all sts.
5. Row 5 RS: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Row 6 WS: p all sts.
7. Row 7 RS: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
8. Row 8 WS: p all sts.
9. Rows 9 to 28: work even in stockinette.
10. Row 29 RS: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
11. Row 30 WS: p all sts.
12. Row 31 RS: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
13. Row 32 WS: p all sts.
14. Row 33 RS: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
15. Row 34 WS: p all sts.
16. Row 35 RS: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
17. Row 36 WS: p all sts.
18. Row 37 RS: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
19. Row 38 WS: p all sts.
20. Cut yarn, thread through sts, draw tight.

Sew each ear seam neatly. Stuff only the bottom 1 inch lightly, or leave unstuffed for a softer drape. Flatten the base slightly before attaching. The ears should hang well below the hat brim.

Neck Joining

Attach the head to the body using strong matching yarn. Add a little extra stuffing at the neck while sewing so the head sits upright. The head should look slightly oversized compared with the body, just like the image.

Shoes and Laces Detailing

The feet in the image look like simple knitted shoes with a rounded toe and dark lace-up front. After the legs are sewn and stuffed, add the shoe shaping with horizontal gathering if needed.

• Use dark brown yarn to embroider 3 small horizontal lace bars on each shoe front.
• Add one crisscross lace line over those bars.
• Optionally insert a thin cardboard sole inside the base before fully closing.

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Overalls

The overalls are a separate garment in warm brown. They have a square bib, two narrow straps, and a central front pocket with a tiny carrot motif. The fit should be snug but not tight.

Overall Shorts Section

Using brown, CO 30 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
2. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 6: continue in stockinette.
4. Row 7 RS: k2, k2tog, k22, ssk, k2. 28 sts.
5. Row 8 WS: p all sts.
6. Rows 9 to 18: work even.
7. Row 19 RS: k all sts.
8. Row 20 WS: p all sts.

This piece wraps around the lower torso. Sew the short back seam around the bunny after trying the fit. Leave the top open for the bib section.

Front Bib

Using brown, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 16: work in stockinette, keeping first and last stitch in garter for a neat edge.
2. Row 17 RS: k all sts.
3. BO.

Sew the lower edge of the bib to the front center of the shorts section.

Pocket

Using brown, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: stockinette with garter edge sts.
2. Row 7 RS: k all sts.
3. BO.

Sew to the center of the bib lower half, leaving the top open.

Mini Pocket Carrot

Using orange, CO 3 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
2. Row 2 RS: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
3. Row 3 WS: p all sts.
4. Row 4 RS: k2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
5. Row 5 WS: p all sts.
6. BO.

Using green, embroider two tiny leaves at the carrot top. Sew the carrot diagonally to the pocket.

Straps Make 2

Using brown, CO 3 sts.

1. Work 18 rows in garter stitch.
2. BO.

Sew one end of each strap to the top corners of the bib. Bring them over the shoulders and attach them to the back waist. Add a small decorative knot stitch or tiny button at each front strap base.

Striped Shirt Illusion

The shirt is not a separate full garment in this version. The visible shirt effect is created by the striped arms sewn directly to the body before the overalls are attached. This keeps the silhouette smooth and closely matches the image where the bib covers most of the torso.

Hat

The hat is pale green with a rolled brim and three stuffed leafy points. It should sit wide and low, covering the top of the forehead and the ear base area.

Hat Base

Using green, CO 52 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: k all sts for garter brim strip.
2. Rows 7 to 18: stockinette.
3. Row 19 RS: k2tog across. 26 sts.
4. Row 20 WS: p all sts.
5. Row 21 RS: k1, k2tog across to last st, k1. 14 sts.
6. Row 22 WS: p all sts.
7. Row 23 RS: k2tog across. 7 sts.
8. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight.

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Sew the back seam. Roll the garter edge outward to form the thick hat brim seen in the image. Lightly stuff the crown if needed, but keep it soft.

Leafy Hat Points Make 3

Using green, CO 8 sts for each point.

1. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
2. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 8: stockinette.
4. Row 9 RS: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
5. Row 10 WS: p all sts.
6. Row 11 RS: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
7. Row 12 WS: p all sts.
8. Thread yarn through sts and pull tight.

Sew side seam for each point. Lightly stuff or insert a narrow strand of wire wrapped in stuffing. Sew one point upright in the center front top, and the other two angled out to left and right.

Carrots Make 3

Using orange, CO 8 sts for each carrot.

1. Rows 1 and 2: stockinette.
2. Row 3 RS: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
3. Row 4 WS: p all sts.
4. Row 5 RS: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
5. Row 6 WS: p all sts.
6. Row 7 RS: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
7. Cut yarn, thread through sts.

Sew seam from base to tip. Stuff very lightly to keep a slim carrot shape. Close the top after adding leaves.

Carrot Tops

Using green, make 5 short strands for each carrot, each about 3 inches long.

• Fold each strand in half and pull through the carrot top like fringe.
• Knot tightly.
• Trim unevenly so the tops look leafy and soft.

Tie all three carrots together with a green strand so the bunny can hold them as a bunch.

Mole Body

The little mole is very small, rounded, and peeking from a knitted soil ring. Its body is charcoal, with tiny pale paws and a pink nose. The styling is intentionally simple to match the soft handmade look of the bunny.

Using charcoal, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
2. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
3. Row 3 RS: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: p all sts.
5. Rows 5 to 10: work even.
6. Row 11 RS: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
7. Row 12 WS: p all sts.
8. Row 13 RS: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
9. Row 14 WS: p all sts.
10. Cut yarn, gather through sts.

Sew seam and stuff lightly.

Mole Snout, Nose, and Paws

• Embroider a pale pink French knot or tiny satin stitch for the nose.
• Use black thread for two tiny eyes or sew on tiny beads.
• With pale beige or light pink yarn, make 2 tiny side paw stitches and 2 lower paw stitches.

Soil Mound

Using brown, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
2. Row 5 RS: k2tog, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
3. Row 6 WS: k all sts.
4. Row 7 RS: k2tog, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
5. Row 8 WS: k all sts.
6. BO loosely.

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Sew the cast-on and bind-off edges together into a ring. Gather the lower edge slightly to form a nest-like cup. Add a tiny amount of stuffing if needed, then insert the mole so it appears to pop out from the center.

Mini Hand Trowel

The trowel in the photo is simple, with a dark blade and light wooden handle. To keep the piece knitted, make a tiny narrow handle and a flat blade cover.

Handle

Using tan or light brown, CO 3 sts.

1. Work 12 rows in garter stitch.
2. BO.

Blade

Using black or very dark gray, CO 5 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
2. Row 2 RS: k all sts.
3. Row 3 RS: k2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: p all sts.
5. BO.

Make 2 blade pieces if you want a thicker trowel. Sew around a tiny cardboard insert, then sew the blade to one end of the handle. This accessory may also be made with felt if preferred, but the knitted version keeps the set consistent.

Tail

Using beige, CO 6 sts.

1. Work 4 rows in stockinette.
2. Cut yarn, gather, and shape into a tiny pom style nub.

Sew to the back of the bunny under the overall waistband.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the legs to the lower body, positioning them slightly apart so the bunny can stand with support. Attach the arms at the shoulder line so they angle gently downward. Sew the ears to the sides of the head, starting slightly behind the eye line so they fall naturally beside the face.

Place the hat low over the forehead and anchor it with a few hidden stitches. Dress the bunny in the overalls and secure the straps. Stitch the carrot bunch into one hand if you want a permanent display, or tack it lightly so it stays removable.

For the face, embroider a small upside-down triangle nose in dark brown or black. Extend a short center line downward, then split it into two tiny curved mouth lines. Keep the expression minimal and soft. The eyes should be small, evenly spaced, and slightly above the muzzle shaping.

Positioning Tips to Match the Image

• The head should look a bit bigger than expected for the body.
• The hat brim should almost touch the top of the eyes.
• The ears should hang straight down with only a gentle outward curve.
• The overalls should cover most of the torso front.
• The shoes should be rounded and slightly oversized.
• The carrot bunch should hang low from the hand, not stick straight outward.
• The mole should sit close to one foot inside its nest.
• The trowel should rest vertically beside the body.

Optional Finishing Details

• Lightly brush the carrot tops with a clean toothbrush for a softer leafy effect.
• Add tiny duplicate stitch texture on the overall pocket if you want more definition.
• Use a tiny bit of blush on the cheeks for warmth.
• Secure a hidden pellet bag in the lower body if you want the bunny to sit more steadily.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If the toy needs fuller cleaning, hand wash gently in cool water with a mild wool-safe soap. Reshape while damp and dry flat away from direct heat or strong sunlight. Remove cardboard inserts first if you used them.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and smoothly shaped
• Ears attached evenly
• Hat brim rolled and secured low on the forehead
• Overall bib centered
• Pocket carrot attached
• Carrot bunch tied together
• Mole nose and paws embroidered
• Trowel assembled
• Face balanced and gentle

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished bunny in a dry, dust-free place. Avoid hanging it by the hat or ears for long periods. If displaying seasonally, wrap it in acid-free tissue and keep it flat inside a breathable box. Never machine dry, bleach, or twist the knitted fabric.

With careful stitching and gentle handling, this carrot gardener bunny set will stay charming for years and remain a lovely handmade decoration for spring, Easter, nursery styling, or a cozy cottage shelf display.