Knitting Tutorial: The “Cottage Gardener” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted bunny is designed to look like a charming heirloom shelf companion with a soft country style, a flower basket, a tiny shawl, and a simple embroidered apron. If you love collectible knit toys, cottagecore home decor, handmade nursery decor, Easter bunny plush décor, or a thoughtful handmade gift idea, this project is a beautiful choice. The finished bunny has the look of a boutique artisan bunny doll, but it is built from clear, manageable pieces. The result is cozy, giftable, and lovely for display in a craft room, nursery, reading corner, or spring table setting.

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 creates the full knitted display shown in the image:

• A standing bunny with a softly rounded head and long drooping ears.
• A dusty pink dress with a gentle A-line shape.
• A muted sage shoulder shawl with a folded collar look.
• An off-white embroidered apron tied at the waist.
• A taupe beret finished with a small brown bow.
• Brown shoes.
• A small basket filled with knitted hydrangea-style flowers.
• A tiny cream-and-peach snail.

The toy is worked mostly flat and seamed, with straightforward shaping and clear stitch counts throughout. That makes it easier for newer knitters while still giving a neat, photo-matched finish.

Materials

• Main bunny color: DK yarn in warm cream, about 80 g.
• Dress: DK yarn in dusty rose, about 45 g.
• Shawl: DK yarn in muted sage, about 20 g.
• Apron: DK yarn in soft ivory, about 15 g.
• Beret: DK yarn in mushroom taupe, about 20 g.
• Shoes and basket: DK yarn in walnut brown, about 20 g total.
• Flowers: small amounts of lilac, pale blue, blush pink, yellow, green.
• Snail shell: pale peach.
• Snail body: cream.
• Bow: narrow brown ribbon or a small knitted bow.
• Needles: 3.0 mm straight needles and double-pointed needles if preferred for small items.
• Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery.
• Toy stuffing.
• Black embroidery thread for eyes.
• Brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth.
• Optional florist wire for basket handle support.

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge: 26 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on 3.0 mm needles after light blocking.

Finished bunny height: about 11 inches from feet to top of beret, or about 9.5 inches without the beret.

Basket height: about 2 inches including flowers.

Snail length: about 1.5 inches.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• st st = stockinette stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Important Construction Notes

The bunny in the photo has a very soft silhouette. Do not stuff the head or body too firmly. A slightly squishy fill gives the gentle handmade look seen in the image.

The ears are long and relaxed, not stiff or upright. Keep them lightly stuffed only at the base, or leave them completely unstuffed for the closest look.

The dress is part of the body construction. The apron, shawl, beret, basket, flowers, and snail are separate pieces added afterward.

Body and Dress

The body is worked from the hem upward in dusty rose. The lower section forms the dress skirt. The upper section narrows into the torso. Make 2 body pieces.

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Body Piece 1 and Body Piece 2

1. With dusty rose, CO 34 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: Work in k1, p1 rib.
3. Row 7 RS: K all.
4. Row 8 WS: P all.
5. Repeat Rows 7-8 until piece measures 2.75 inches from cast-on edge.

Now begin shaping the dress into the torso.

1. Decrease Row 1 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 32 sts.
2. Row 2 WS: P all.
3. Repeat these 2 rows 4 more times. 24 sts.
4. Work 6 rows even in st st.

Shape shoulders and neck.

1. Row 1 RS: BO 4 sts, knit to end. 20 sts.
2. Row 2 WS: BO 4 sts, purl to end. 16 sts.
3. Row 3 RS: K5, BO 6 sts, k5.

Work each side separately for one row if needed, then BO all shoulder stitches. Repeat for second body piece.

Joining and Stuffing the Body

Place the two body pieces together with RS facing out. Seam the side edges and shoulder edges, leaving the neck open. Stuff the lower dress area lightly, then add a little more stuffing to the torso so it supports the head.

The finished torso should look narrow compared with the skirt. The body should not become round like a ball. Keep the front and back fairly flat for the closest match to the image.

Legs

Each leg is worked separately in cream, then joined to a shoe. Make 2.

Leg

1. With cream, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1-18: Work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
3. Row 19 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 20 WS: P all.
5. Rows 21-24: Work in st st.
6. BO all sts.

Seam side edge into a narrow tube. Stuff lightly. The leg should be slender and straight.

Shoe Sole and Upper

Make 2 shoes in walnut brown.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
3. Row 2 WS: P all.
4. Row 3 RS: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
5. Row 4 WS: P all.
6. Rows 5-8: Work in st st.
7. Row 9 RS: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 10 WS: P all.
9. Row 11 RS: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
10. Row 12 WS: P all.
11. BO all sts.

Fold and seam to form a shallow oval shoe. Insert a tiny pad of stuffing. Sew each leg into a shoe, centering the leg slightly toward the back so the toe projects forward a little.

Attach the finished legs to the lower body, spacing them about 0.5 inch apart. The bunny in the image stands with short visible legs and small shoes peeking under the dress hem.

Arms

Each arm is worked from the paw upward. Make 2.

1. With cream, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: Work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
3. Change to dusty rose.
4. Rows 7-20: Work in st st.
5. Row 21 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
6. Row 22 WS: P all.
7. Rows 23-24: Work in st st.
8. BO all sts.

Seam each arm into a tube. Stuff the cream paw section lightly and the sleeve very lightly. The arms in the photo are slim, soft, and gently curved inward.

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Sew the arms to the body sides just below the neck opening, angling them slightly downward. The left arm should rest lower so it can support the basket handle.

Head

The head is made from two identical pieces in cream. The shape is softly oval with a slightly fuller lower face. Make 2.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
4. Row 3 WS: P all.
5. Row 4 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, k1. 22 sts.
6. Row 5 WS: P all.
7. Row 6 RS: K1, kfb, knit to last stitch, kfb, k1. 24 sts.
8. Rows 7-24: Work in st st.
9. Row 25 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
10. Row 26 WS: P all.
11. Row 27 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
12. Row 28 WS: P all.
13. Row 29 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
14. Row 30 WS: P all.
15. Row 31 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
16. BO all sts.

Place the two pieces together and seam around the sides and top, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff gently but evenly. Shape with your fingers so the forehead is round and the lower face remains slightly fuller.

Sew the head to the body neck opening. The head should sit straight but not rigidly upright. Keep the chin close to the shawl line later, just like the photo.

Ears

Each ear is long, narrow, and softly rounded at the tip. Make 4 ear pieces total, two for the front layer and two for the back layer.

1. With cream, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3-22: Work in st st.
5. Row 23 RS: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
6. Row 24 WS: P all.
7. Row 25 RS: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
8. Row 26 WS: P all.
9. Row 27 RS: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
10. BO all sts.

Sew two ear pieces together for each finished ear, leaving the lower edge open. Do not stuff, or add only a whisper of stuffing at the base. Fold the base slightly before attaching.

Sew the ears to the head sides, about 1 inch down from the crown and just outside the center line. The ears should hang straight down and frame the face. The beret later covers part of the top ear base.

Beret

The beret is soft and slightly oversized, sitting low and relaxed over the bunny’s head. It has a ribbed lower band and a gently gathered top. Work in mushroom taupe.

1. CO 44 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: Work in k1, p1 rib.
3. Row 7 RS: Kfb across all sts. 88 sts.
4. Row 8 WS: P all.
5. Rows 9-18: Work in st st.

Begin crown shaping.

1. Row 19 RS: K9, k2tog across. 80 sts.
2. Row 20 WS: P all.
3. Row 21 RS: K8, k2tog across. 72 sts.
4. Row 22 WS: P all.
5. Row 23 RS: K7, k2tog across. 64 sts.
6. Row 24 WS: P all.
7. Row 25 RS: K6, k2tog across. 56 sts.
8. Row 26 WS: P all.
9. Row 27 RS: K5, k2tog across. 48 sts.
10. Row 28 WS: P all.
11. Row 29 RS: K4, k2tog across. 40 sts.
12. Row 30 WS: P all.
13. Row 31 RS: K3, k2tog across. 32 sts.
14. Row 32 WS: P all.
15. Row 33 RS: K2, k2tog across. 24 sts.
16. Row 34 WS: P all.
17. Row 35 RS: K1, k2tog across. 16 sts.
18. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and pull tight.

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Seam the beret band. Place it on the head so it tilts slightly to the bunny’s right side. Sew in place with a few hidden stitches only. Add a small brown ribbon bow near the right front side.

Shoulder Shawl

The shawl is a shaped collar-like piece that wraps over the shoulders and crosses slightly at the front. Work in muted sage.

1. CO 44 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Garter stitch, knit every row.
3. Rows 5-18: Work in st st, beginning with a purl row.

Now shape the taper at both ends.

1. Row 19 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 42 sts.
2. Row 20 WS: P all.
3. Repeat these 2 rows 7 more times. 28 sts.
4. Rows 35-38: Garter stitch.
5. BO all sts knitwise.

Wrap around the shoulders with the wider center across the back. Cross the front ends low under the chin line so they form the folded shawl look seen in the image. Sew in place invisibly.

Apron

The apron is ivory with a straight top edge, slight flare, and a narrow waistband. Work the apron body first, then straps.

Apron Body

1. With ivory, CO 22 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Garter stitch.
3. Row 5 RS: K all.
4. Row 6 WS: P all.
5. Repeat Rows 5-6 until apron measures 2.25 inches.
6. BO all sts.

Waistband and Ties

1. With ivory, CO 40 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: Garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the apron body centered to the waistband strip so extra length forms side ties. Tie or sew the apron around the bunny waist. The lower edge should fall to just above the dress hem, matching the image.

Apron Embroidery

Use duplicate stitch and tiny straight stitches to add a line of cottage flowers near the lower half of the apron. Work small stems in green and flowers in pink, yellow, blue, and lilac.

• Add 5 to 7 short green stems of varying heights.
• Stitch two tiny pink daisy-like flowers near center.
• Add one yellow flower near the left side.
• Add a few scattered blue flowers to the right side.
• Keep the embroidery delicate and low, not crowded.

Basket

The basket is a small soft oval held in one paw. Work flat in walnut brown.

Basket Base

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
3. Row 2 WS: P all.
4. Row 3 RS: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
5. Row 4 WS: P all.
6. Rows 5-10: Work in st st.
7. BO all sts.

Basket Side Strip

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-20: Garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.

Sew the side strip around the basket base to form a shallow basket.

Basket Handle

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Work 18 rows in i-cord if preferred, or garter stitch strip if working flat.
3. BO all sts.

Sew handle to basket sides. If you want a firmer handle, insert a thin piece of florist wire before closing the final stitches.

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Hydrangea-Style Flowers

The basket in the image is filled with rounded flower clusters in pale blue and pink with a little lilac. Make several tiny puff flowers and stitch them together into clusters.

Mini Flower Puff

Make 10 to 14 total in mixed colors.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.

Roll each strip into a tiny rosette and stitch at the base. Group 3 to 4 rosettes together into one cluster.

Add a few green leaves by making tiny knitted tabs:

1. With sage or green, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: K.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: K.
5. Row 4: Ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. BO all sts.

Arrange the flower clusters inside the basket so the pink and blue blooms are slightly overfull and spill outward a little. Stitch in place. Sew basket to left paw.

Tiny Snail

The snail is small and decorative, placed near the bunny’s right shoe.

Snail Body

1. With cream, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-8: Work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
3. Row 9 RS: K1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 8 sts.
4. Row 10 WS: P all.
5. Rows 11-12: Work in st st.
6. BO all sts.

Seam into a tiny tube with a slightly raised front. Add a little stuffing. Embroider two short antennae or stitch them from cream yarn.

Snail Shell

1. With pale peach, CO 3 sts.
2. Work 18 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO all sts.

Roll into a spiral and stitch securely. Sew shell to body. Place the snail at the bunny’s right foot and tack it lightly to the display base if desired.

Face Placement Guide

The face is minimal and sweet. Keep it small. Large eyes or a wide mouth will change the whole expression.

• Place the eyes about 6 stitches apart.
• Set them slightly below the midpoint of the head.
• Use tiny black satin stitches or French knots for the eyes.
• Embroider the nose with brown thread as a short upside-down triangle.
• Add a tiny vertical line below the nose, then a short split smile.

Do not add cheeks unless you want a more decorative look. The photo shows a very clean, understated face.

Suggested Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff body.
2. Make legs and shoes, then attach to body.
3. Make arms and attach.
4. Sew and stuff head.
5. Attach ears to head.
6. Sew head to body.
7. Wrap and stitch shawl in place.
8. Add apron and embroidery.
9. Sew beret on at an angle and attach bow.
10. Make basket, flowers, and attach to paw.
11. Make snail and place by foot.
12. Embroider face last.

Styling Notes for a Close Visual Match

For the closest photo look, keep the palette soft and dusty rather than bright. The charm of this bunny comes from muted tones and a gentle balance between cream, rose, sage, taupe, and brown.

The beret should sit low enough to slightly cover the top of the forehead and one ear base. The bow should be small and neat, not oversized.

The shawl should look like a folded collar rather than a cape. Pull the front ends downward just a little and stitch them flat so the neckline stays tidy.

The apron should sit high at the waist and hang smoothly. Avoid gathering it too much. In the photo it looks straight and simple, with the floral embroidery doing most of the decorating.

The basket should not hang too low. Keep it close to the body so it reads like a small carried flower basket rather than a large tote.

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head is centered, the ears hang evenly, and the feet sit flat before closing all seams completely. Embroider the face only after the beret and shawl are attached so you can judge the final proportions correctly. Keep the eyes tiny, the nose narrow, and the mouth delicate for the calm expression shown in the image.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If a full wash is needed, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap, press out moisture in a towel, and reshape while drying flat. Do not wring, hang, or machine dry the bunny.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Beret tilted slightly to one side.
• Ears soft and drooping.
• Apron centered and smooth.
• Shawl crossed neatly at front.
• Basket attached close to left paw.
• Flowers balanced in pink, blue, and lilac.
• Snail placed by right shoe.
• Face embroidered very small and neat.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished bunny away from direct sun to protect the soft colors. Keep it in a dry room and avoid long-term compression under heavy objects. For display pieces, occasional gentle dusting with a clean dry brush is better than frequent washing. If storing seasonally, wrap in acid-free tissue and place in a breathable cotton bag rather than sealed plastic.