Knitting Tutorial: The Granny Square Chic Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming handmade set blends a soft heirloom bunny, a cozy cardigan, a colorful granny-square-inspired skirt, a matching headband, a tiny crochet-look style knitting square worked in knit-friendly form, and a curled calico cat cushion companion. It has the sweet, boutique toy feel many makers search for when browsing for handmade bunny dolls, knitted nursery decor, collectible stuffed animals, cottagecore gifts, artisan toy patterns, and premium handmade baby room accents. The finished pieces are designed to look polished, giftable, and beautifully styled for display on a shelf, chair, or nursery table while still being enjoyable to knit by hand at home.

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

Overview

This pattern is written to recreate the full knitted scene shown in the photo: the bunny, the cardigan, the underdress, the granny-square-style skirt, the floral headband, the knitted needle prop, the small decorative square, and the sleeping calico cat mat companion.

The construction uses mostly flat knitting with seaming, light shaping, and firm stuffing. Small details matter here. Keep your stitches even, stuff gradually, and check symmetry often so the final silhouette stays refined and balanced.

The bunny in the photo has a tall but gentle proportion. The head is large but not oversized, the body is slim through the upper torso, the skirt creates most of the width, and the limbs are short, neat, and softly rounded.

The ears are long, upright, and narrow. The arms are slightly bent inward. The feet are small and softly pointed at the toes. The face is minimal, with tiny eyes, a small stitched nose, and a calm mouth.

Skill Level

• Advanced beginner to intermediate
• You should be comfortable with casting on, binding off, knit, purl, increases, decreases, short rows, mattress stitch, picking up stitches, and light embroidery.
• The skirt motifs are written as knitted colorwork blocks that visually imitate granny squares.

Finished Size

• Bunny height: about 15 inches / 38 cm from feet to ear tips
• Seated height: about 11 inches / 28 cm
• Cat length: about 8 inches / 20 cm curled
• Skirt diameter when laid flat: about 9 inches / 23 cm
• Headband circumference: about 8 inches / 20 cm, gently stretched

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: DK weight in warm oatmeal beige, 80 to 100 g
• Cardigan yarn: DK weight in deep berry or burgundy, 35 to 45 g
• Dress bodice yarn: DK weight in black or very deep navy, 20 g
• Skirt base yarn: DK weight in black, 35 g
• Accent colors for skirt and headband: small amounts of cream, mustard, teal, pink, coral, red, aqua, gold, plum, and soft blue
• Cat yarn: cream, black, orange, and a little pink for nose
• Knitting needles: 2.75 mm and 3.25 mm straight needles or circular needles used flat
• Double-pointed needles optional for i-cord or tiny tube details
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill
• Weighted filling optional: a small fabric pouch with pellets for lower body balance
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Two 6 mm black safety eyes or embroidered French knots
• Small buttons: 3 tiny berry-toned buttons for cardigan
• Thin floral wire optional for ears if you want extra firmness, fully enclosed and safe for display only

Gauge

Using 3.25 mm needles in stockinette stitch:

• 26 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm

Gauge matters because the toy proportions depend on firm fabric. The knitted fabric should be dense enough that stuffing does not show through.

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 of same stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• rep = repeat
• sl = slip
• yo = yarn over

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Color Notes

The bunny itself is worked in a soft oatmeal beige. The clothing carries the strong visual identity of the set: dark bodice, berry cardigan, and black-based motifs with bright floral centers.

The skirt and headband should feel coordinated, not identical. Scatter your colors thoughtfully. Use mustard, teal, coral, cream, and pink frequently, then add a few deeper tones as contrast.

Bunny Head

Make 2 Side Head Pieces

Use oatmeal beige and 3.25 mm needles.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p.
3. Row 2 RS: k1, kfb, k10, kfb, k1. 16 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k12, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: k1, kfb, k14, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
8. Row 7: p.
9. Row 8: k1, kfb, k16, kfb, k1. 22 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 19: work 11 rows in stockinette, ending with a WS row.
11. Row 20: k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
12. Row 21: p.
13. Row 22: k1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
14. Row 23: p.
15. Row 24: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
16. Row 25: p.
17. Row 26: k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
18. BO all sts purlwise on WS.

Center Head Gusset

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: k.
3. Row 2: k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Rows 6 to 26: work in stockinette for 21 rows.
8. Row 27: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
9. Row 28: p.
10. Row 29: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
11. BO.

Sew the gusset between the two side head pieces from nose to back of head. Leave neck edge open. Stuff firmly but smoothly. The face should be softly rounded, not ball-shaped.

Muzzle Shaping

The bunny in the image has a very subtle muzzle, not a protruding snout. Use light sculpting rather than a separate large muzzle piece.

1. Thread matching yarn through the lower center of the face.
2. Make two gentle horizontal pulls, 3/8 inch apart, to define the small nose triangle area.
3. Anchor firmly but do not over-tighten.

Ears

Make 4 Ear Pieces

Use oatmeal beige and 3.25 mm needles.

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p.
3. Row 2 RS: k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 6 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 8 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 7: p.
9. Row 8: k1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 29: work 21 rows in stockinette.
11. Row 30: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
12. Row 31: p.
13. Row 32: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
14. Row 33: p.
15. Row 34: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
16. Row 35: p.
17. Row 36: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
18. Row 37: p.
19. Row 38: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
20. Row 39: p2tog. 1 st.
21. Fasten off.

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Pair the ear pieces and sew around edges, leaving base open. Do not stuff heavily. Add only a thin whisper of filling in the lower half if needed. Flatten the ears gently so they remain elegant and tall.

Body

Front Body

Use oatmeal beige and 3.25 mm needles.

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: work in garter stitch.
3. Row 5 RS: k1, kfb, k14, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
4. Row 6: p.
5. Row 7: k1, kfb, k16, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
6. Row 8: p.
7. Rows 9 to 23: work in stockinette.
8. Row 24: k1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
9. Row 25: p.
10. Row 26: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
11. Rows 27 to 34: work straight in stockinette.
12. BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 10 sts.
13. Rows 37 to 42: work straight.
14. Row 43: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
15. Row 44: p.
16. Row 45: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
17. BO.

Back Body

Work as front through Row 34.

1. BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 10 sts.
2. Rows 37 to 40: work straight.
3. Row 41 RS: k2, BO 6, k2.
4. Work each shoulder separately.
5. Next row WS: p2.
6. Next row RS: k2tog. 1 st.
7. Fasten off.
8. Rejoin yarn to other side and mirror.

Sew shoulders. Join body side seams, leaving lower edge open briefly for stuffing. Stuff the upper body more firmly than the lower body. Add a small weight pouch in the lower body if desired.

Legs

Make 2

Use oatmeal beige and 3.25 mm needles.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: work in garter stitch.
3. Row 7 RS: k1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 8: p.
5. Rows 9 to 22: work in stockinette.
6. Row 23: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
7. Row 24: p.
8. Rows 25 to 30: work straight.
9. BO.

Fold each leg lengthwise and seam. Stuff feet firmly and upper legs lightly. Shape the toe by flattening the cast-on edge area slightly and sewing a tiny angle at both sides so the foot narrows at the front.

Arms

Make 2

Use oatmeal beige and 3.25 mm needles.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
3. Row 5 RS: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 6: p.
5. Rows 7 to 20: stockinette.
6. Row 21: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
7. Row 22: p.
8. Rows 23 to 26: stockinette.
9. BO.

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Sew seams and stuff lightly. Flatten the upper opening before sewing to the body. Position the arms so they angle slightly inward and rest over the skirt, matching the gentle pose in the image.

Neck Join

Place the head on the body. The head should sit centered and upright, with only a slight forward inclination. Sew securely around the neck using strong matching yarn and small stitches.

Add extra stuffing at the neck join if needed before fully closing. The finished bunny should sit calmly and not wobble excessively.

Simple Underdress Bodice

This dark underlayer appears beneath the cardigan and above the patterned skirt. It should fit close to the torso and remain mostly hidden.

Front Bodice

Use black DK and 2.75 mm needles.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: k1, p10, k1 on RS; purl all knit stitches and knit all purl stitches on WS to create a neat edge.
3. Rows 4 to 18: continue in stockinette with 1-stitch garter edge at each side.
4. BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 8 sts.
5. Rows 21 to 24: work straight.
6. BO center 4 sts, then work each side separately for straps.
7. Work 2 rows on each 2-st strap and BO.

Back Bodice

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Work as front to Row 18.
3. BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 8 sts.
4. Rows 21 to 22: work straight.
5. BO center 2 sts. Work each 3-st strap separately for 3 rows, then BO.

Sew shoulder straps and side seams. Dress the bunny before permanently attaching the skirt if desired.

Granny-Square-Style Skirt

The skirt is the visual centerpiece. In the photo, it reads as a dark base with colorful floral block motifs arranged all around the hem. To recreate that look in knitting, make separate motif squares and join them to a waistband strip.

Each motif is knitted flat with color changes that imitate a small granny square flower. Make 12 motifs for the outer skirt. You may make 13 if you prefer extra fullness.

One Floral Motif Square

Use 2.75 mm needles. Finished motif should be about 2 1/4 inches / 5.5 cm square.

Color A = center color
Color B = petal ring color
Color C = outer dark frame color

1. With Color A, CO 9 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: knit.
3. Change to Color B.
4. Row 3 RS: k2, kfb, k1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1, kfb, k2. 13 sts.
5. Row 4 WS: p.
6. Row 5 RS: k2, kfb, k3, kfb, k1, kfb, k3, kfb, k2. 17 sts.
7. Row 6 WS: p.
8. Change to Color C.
9. Row 7 RS: knit.
10. Row 8 WS: purl.
11. Row 9 RS: k1, kfb, k15, kfb, k1. 19 sts.
12. Row 10 WS: p.
13. Rows 11 and 12: work in stockinette.
14. BO knitwise on RS.

Block each square lightly so the edges are even. Make 12 squares, mixing colors in a balanced way. Use cream, mustard, coral, teal, pink, aqua, and plum as the center and petal combinations.

Skirt Lining Tier

This hidden black tier supports the motifs and gives the skirt body.

1. With black and 2.75 mm needles, CO 120 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
3. Rows 5 to 20: stockinette.
4. Row 21 RS: k2tog across. 60 sts.
5. Rows 22 to 26: stockinette.
6. Row 27: k2tog across. 30 sts.
7. Rows 28 to 32: stockinette.
8. BO.

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Sew the short ends together to form a tube. Gather the upper edge tightly and sew to the lower edge of the bodice.

Outer Motif Band

Lay out the 12 floral motifs in a ring. Arrange colors before joining so the distribution feels lively but balanced.

1. Sew the motif squares edge to edge to form one long band.
2. Join the band into a ring.
3. Along the top edge of the band, pick up and knit 96 sts with black.
4. Rows 1 to 4: stockinette.
5. Row 5: k2tog evenly across 12 times. 84 sts.
6. Rows 6 to 10: stockinette.
7. Row 11: k2tog evenly across 14 times. 70 sts.
8. Rows 12 to 15: stockinette.
9. BO.

Gather the top edge slightly and stitch over the lining tier so the motifs flare outward. The skirt should look rounded and gently bell-shaped when seated, just like the photo.

Berry Cardigan

The cardigan is cropped, open at the front, and slightly textured from the yarn. It sits just above the patterned skirt and has a cozy handmade look.

Back

Use berry yarn and 3.25 mm needles.

1. CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: k1, p18, k1 on RS; maintain 1-stitch garter edge each side and stockinette center.
3. Rows 7 to 24: continue as set.
4. BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows for armholes. 14 sts.
5. Rows 27 to 34: work straight.
6. BO center 6 sts.
7. Work each shoulder separately over 4 sts for 2 rows.
8. BO.

Left Front

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: maintain 3-st garter front band and stockinette remainder.
3. Rows 7 to 24: continue as set.
4. BO 3 sts at armhole edge once. 9 sts.
5. Rows 26 to 30: work straight.
6. Neck shaping, RS row: k3, k2tog, k to end. 8 sts.
7. Next WS row: p to last 3 sts, k3.
8. Repeat neck decrease every RS row 3 more times. 5 sts.
9. Work straight until front matches back shoulder height.
10. BO.

Right Front

Work to mirror left front, placing the 3-st garter band at opposite edge.

Sleeves

Make 2.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
3. Rows 5 to 16: stockinette.
4. Row 17: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
5. Row 18: p.
6. Rows 19 to 22: stockinette.
7. BO.

Cardigan Finishing

• Sew shoulder seams.
• Sew sleeves into armholes.
• Sew side and sleeve seams in one line.
• Pick up stitches around neckline and front edges if desired, and work 2 rows garter for a cleaner finish.
• Sew on 3 tiny buttons down one front edge.
• The cardigan in the photo sits slightly open, so you do not need functioning buttonholes unless preferred.

Headband

The headband is black with a centered floral motif and smaller side color areas. It wraps around the head below the ears.

Main Band

1. With black and 2.75 mm needles, CO 9 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 34: work in garter stitch.
3. BO.

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Center Floral Patch

1. With mustard, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: k.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Change to coral.
6. Row 4: k1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1. 7 sts.
7. Row 5: p.
8. Change to teal.
9. Row 6: knit.
10. Row 7: purl.
11. Change to cream.
12. Row 8: k2tog, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
13. Row 9: p.
14. Row 10: k2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
15. Row 11: p.
16. Row 12: k3tog. 1 st.

Make 1 large center patch and 2 smaller side patches in similar style using fewer rows. Sew these onto the black band. Join the band into a ring sized to fit around the bunny head, just under the ears.

Tiny Knitted Needle Prop

The photo shows the bunny holding what looks like a knitting needle and a partly made square. This is decorative only.

• Use a short smooth wooden stick about 4 inches / 10 cm long, or knit a narrow i-cord around floral wire if you want a fully soft prop.
• For a knitted i-cord version, use 2 double-pointed needles and CO 3 sts in light tan.
• Knit 18 rows of i-cord, then fasten off and insert thin wire if desired.

Tiny Decorative Square

This small square rests in the bunny’s paws and echoes the skirt design.

1. With cream, CO 7 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: knit.
3. Change to berry.
4. Row 3: k2, kfb, k1, kfb, k2. 9 sts.
5. Row 4: p.
6. Change to mustard.
7. Row 5: knit.
8. Row 6: purl.
9. Change to teal.
10. Row 7: k1, kfb, k7, kfb, k1. 11 sts.
11. Row 8: p.
12. Change to cream.
13. Rows 9 and 10: knit 1 row, purl 1 row.
14. BO.

Block gently and attach a yarn tail as if it is still being worked.

Sleeping Calico Cat

The curled cat under the bunny is softly plump, sleeping, and worked in cream with large black and orange patches. The form is simple but effective.

Body Top

Use 3.25 mm needles. Work intarsia or duplicate stitch patches later if preferred.

1. With cream, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: k1, kfb, k10, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k12, kfb, k1. 16 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: k1, kfb, k14, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 22: stockinette, changing colors to create broad calico patches.
9. Row 23: k1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
10. Row 24: p.
11. Row 25: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
12. Row 26: p.
13. Row 27: k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
14. BO.

Body Bottom

Work the same shape mostly in cream.

Head

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 10: stockinette.
7. Row 11: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 12: p.
9. Row 13: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
10. BO.

Ears for Cat

Make 2 small triangles.

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: k2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: k3tog. 1 st.

Tail

1. CO 4 sts in striped colors.
2. Work 20 rows in i-cord, alternating cream, orange, and black every 4 rows.
3. Fasten off.

Cat Assembly

• Sew body top to body bottom, leaving an opening.
• Stuff fairly firmly but keep the shape low and oval.
• Sew on the head so it tucks inward as if sleeping.
• Add ears.
• Attach tail curled around the body.
• Embroider closed eyes, nose, and tiny mouth in soft pink and black.

Patch Placement for the Calico Look

The cat in the image has large irregular patches rather than tiny spots. Use one orange patch over part of the back, one black patch near the spine, one darker ear, and striped sections on the tail.

If intarsia feels too fussy, knit the full body in cream and apply duplicate stitch patches after assembly. That method often gives cleaner visual control for toy knitting.

Base Blanket or Cushion Layer

The cat rests on a colorful motif base. To mimic that styling, use leftover floral squares from the bunny skirt or make 6 extra motif squares and sew them into a small mat.

1. Make 6 motif squares using the Floral Motif Square pattern.
2. Arrange in two rows of three.
3. Sew together.
4. Back with black fabric or a simple knitted rectangle if desired.

Positioning the Bunny for the Same Look

To recreate the photo styling, seat the bunny with legs forward and slightly apart. The skirt should spread outward naturally. The arms should angle inward, lightly holding the tiny square and the small knitting needle prop.

Set the head straight. Place the ears close together near the top center of the head. The headband should sit low enough that it frames the face without covering the ears.

Facial Embroidery Placement

• Place eyes about 7 rows down from the top of the head side curve and about 6 stitches apart.
• Embroider a small inverted triangle nose centered 3 rows below the eyes.
• Add a short vertical stitch down from nose tip.
• Add two tiny angled mouth stitches for a calm expression.

Keep the face minimal. The sweetness of the toy comes from restraint. Oversized eyes or a large nose will change the character completely.

Shaping Tips for Accuracy

• Stuff the head firmly, but smooth the cheeks with your fingers before closing.
• Keep the body narrower than you think. The clothing adds visual width.
• Do not overstuff the arms. Flat, gentle arms match the image better.
• Flatten the ears lightly before attaching.
• Give the feet a small forward point by shaping during seaming.
• Let the skirt do most of the dramatic volume.

Assembly Order

1. Knit and assemble head.
2. Knit and assemble ears.
3. Knit and assemble body.
4. Knit and assemble arms and legs.
5. Sew legs to lower body.
6. Sew arms to upper body.
7. Attach head to body.
8. Attach ears to head.
9. Knit bodice and dress bunny.
10. Make and attach skirt.
11. Knit cardigan and dress bunny.
12. Make and attach headband.
13. Embroider face.
14. Make tiny decorative square and prop needle.
15. Make cat and motif mat.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the bunny from the front, side, and seated angle before fixing the final details. The eyes should be level, the ears should mirror each other, and the cardigan should not hide the skirt too much. Secure the paws around the prop items with a few tiny hidden stitches.

Care Notes

Display pieces are best kept indoors away from strong sunlight and damp rooms. Spot clean whenever possible. If making this set for a child, avoid wires, safety eyes, buttons, and any loose decorative parts.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head centered and secure
• Ears evenly placed
• Arms angled inward
• Skirt flaring evenly
• Cardigan cropped to waistline
• Headband snug below ears
• Face kept small and delicate
• Cat curled and low, not overstuffed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a lint roller or dry soft brush for dust. For marks, dab gently with cool water and mild soap, then blot with a towel and air dry flat. Store in breathable cotton, never sealed plastic, and support the ears and skirt during long-term storage so the shape stays neat.

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