This charming knitted bunny is designed as a cozy heirloom-style soft toy with a relaxed country look, a patchwork-inspired dress, a textured cream cardigan, soft slippers, and a wide-brimmed hat trimmed with lavender. It has the warm appeal of a handmade nursery gift, collectible bunny doll, spring decor accent, or cottagecore toy pattern for knitters who love artisan details. If you enjoy searching for knitted bunny doll pattern, handmade rabbit toy, luxury stuffed bunny, or giftable nursery knit ideas, this sweet design brings all of those shopping-inspired qualities into one timeless project.
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 knitted bunny shown in the photo as closely as possible: a seated rabbit with a softly rounded head, long relaxed ears, a compact pear-shaped body, short rounded arms, long stuffed legs with shaped feet, a patchwork-style knitted dress, a cream textured cardigan, and a floppy linen-look hat decorated with lavender.
The bunny is designed to sit naturally in a chair or on a shelf. The proportions matter. The head is slightly large but not oversized, the torso is shorter than the legs, the arms sit low at the side seam, and the ears fall down softly under the hat.
The finished bunny is approximately 15 inches / 38 cm tall seated and approximately 18 inches / 46 cm tall including the hat. The body is softly stuffed, while the feet are firmer so the legs hold their shape.
Materials
- Main bunny yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-wool blend in a pale oatmeal, warm beige, or flax color, approximately 220 to 260 yards.
- Dress yarns: Small amounts of DK yarn in dusty teal, muted plum, rose, mustard, olive, soft cream, berry, and heathered blue for the patchwork dress.
- Cardigan yarn: Aran or light worsted weight cream or natural white wool, approximately 120 to 160 yards.
- Hat yarn: DK yarn in light beige or mushroom, approximately 70 yards.
- Lavender decoration: Small scraps of green and lavender-purple yarn.
- Toy stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or wool stuffing.
- Weighted filling optional: A small muslin bag with plastic pellets for the bottom of the body.
- Needles for bunny and dress: US 3 / 3.25 mm double-pointed needles or long circular for magic loop.
- Needles for cardigan: US 6 / 4 mm needles.
- Needles for hat: US 3 / 3.25 mm needles.
- Tapestry needle, stitch markers, row counter, pins, scissors.
- Black embroidery thread: for eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Thin floral wire optional: not required, but may be inserted inside the hat brim edge if you want extra shaping.
Gauge
- Bunny fabric: 26 sts and 36 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette on US 3 / 3.25 mm.
- Cardigan fabric: 20 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in textured pattern on US 6 / 4 mm.
- Hat fabric: 26 sts and 36 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette on US 3 / 3.25 mm.
Use a firm gauge for all toy pieces so stuffing does not show through. The photo shows a dense, smooth knitted fabric with clearly defined but not oversized stitches.
Abbreviations
- CO = cast on
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back
- kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
- m1L = make 1 left
- m1R = make 1 right
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- p2tog = purl 2 together
- BO = bind off
- rep = repeat
Construction Notes
The bunny is made in separate pieces and sewn together. This makes the shaping closer to the photo than a simplified all-in-one toy. Work the legs, arms, body, head, and ears first. Then knit the dress, cardigan, hat, lavender trim, and optional project pouch.
The dress in the photo has a hand-knit patchwork look rather than sharply separated checker blocks. To recreate that appearance, this pattern uses narrow color sections, slipped color changes, and soft asymmetry. Do not make the blocks too perfect. Gentle irregularity makes it look truer to the image.
Legs Make 2
Each leg is long and softly tubular, with a rounded stuffed foot at the bottom. The foot is short and bulb-like, not long like a shoe. The ankle narrows slightly, then the leg rises straight.
- Using bunny yarn and US 3 / 3.25 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly over needles for working in the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: K1, m1R around. 36 sts.
- Rnds 5 through 12: Knit 8 rnds.
- Rnd 13: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
- Rnd 14: Knit.
- Rnd 15: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
- Rnds 16 through 20: Knit 5 rnds.
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At this point the foot is formed. Stuff the foot firmly, pushing filling into the toe and side edges so it becomes rounded and slightly flattened underneath.
- Rnd 21: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
- Rnds 22 through 42: Knit 21 rnds.
- Rnd 43: K1, m1R around. 27 sts.
- Rnds 44 through 48: Knit 5 rnds.
- Rnd 49: K7, k2tog around. 24 sts.
- Rnds 50 through 54: Knit 5 rnds.
Lightly stuff the upper leg. Keep the shin soft, but the ankle and foot firm. Leave a long tail. Put the 24 sts on waste yarn. Make the second leg the same way.
Body
The body is short, softly rounded, and slightly wider at the lower half. It must look cuddly and seated, not long or cylindrical. Join the two legs and work upward.
- Place 24 sts of first leg on needles. Knit across these 24 sts.
- CO 4 sts using backward loop or cable cast-on.
- Knit across 24 sts of second leg.
- CO 4 sts. Join for working in the round, placing marker at center back. 56 sts total.
The 4 cast-on stitches at each gap form the inner upper legs and lower body. Stuff the legs fully before continuing too far.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: K24, m1R, k4, m1L, k24, m1R, k4, m1L. 60 sts.
- Rnd 4: Knit.
- Rnd 5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K9, m1R around. 66 sts.
- Rnds 7 through 18: Knit 12 rnds.
Begin stuffing the lower body. If using weighted pellets, place a small pouch now in the base only. Surround it with soft stuffing so it cannot shift.
- Rnd 19: K9, k2tog around. 60 sts.
- Rnd 20: Knit.
- Rnd 21: K8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
- Rnd 22: Knit.
- Rnd 23: K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
- Rnds 24 through 30: Knit 7 rnds.
- Rnd 31: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
- Rnd 32: Knit.
- Rnd 33: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
- Rnds 34 through 38: Knit 5 rnds.
The upper body should now be narrower than the lower body. The photo shows a compact torso with a gentle chest, so do not overstuff. The bunny should remain squishable.
Head
The head is larger than the neck and almost round, but slightly longer from crown to chin. It should not become a perfect ball. The face is soft and broad with a gentle muzzle area created during finishing.
- Continue from body.
- Rnd 1: K1, m1R around. 54 sts.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: K8, m1R around. 60 sts.
- Rnd 4: Knit.
- Rnd 5: K9, m1R around. 66 sts.
- Rnds 6 through 18: Knit 13 rnds.
Begin stuffing the head firmly but evenly. Push filling into the cheeks, forehead, and back head. Keep the chin area slightly softer.
- Rnd 19: K9, k2tog around. 60 sts.
- Rnd 20: Knit.
- Rnd 21: K8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
- Rnd 22: Knit.
- Rnd 23: K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
- Rnd 24: Knit.
- Rnd 25: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
- Rnd 26: Knit.
- Rnd 27: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
- Rnd 28: Knit.
- Rnd 29: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
Add final stuffing. Shape the face with your fingers so the cheeks remain softly full.
- Rnd 30: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
- Rnd 31: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
- Rnd 32: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
- Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and fasten.
Arms Make 2
The arms are short, lightly bent, and attached low enough that the cardigan sleeves appear natural. They should end around hip level when sewn on.
- CO 8 sts with bunny yarn.
- Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
- Rnds 2 through 6: Knit 5 rnds.
- Rnd 7: K2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
- Rnds 8 through 20: Knit 13 rnds.
- Rnd 21: K1, k2tog around. 8 sts.
- Rnds 22 through 24: Knit 3 rnds.
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Stuff the lower half only, leaving the top portion soft for sewing. Flatten opening, then knit 4 sts through front and back together to close, or thread-gather closed. Leave long tail for sewing.
Ears Make 2
The ears are long, soft, and not heavily stuffed. They drape downward under the hat. The base is wider, with a tapered rounded tip. Work flat in stockinette, then seam lightly.
- CO 8 sts.
- Row 1 WS: Purl.
- Row 2 RS: K1, m1R, knit to last stitch, m1L, k1. 10 sts.
- Row 3: Purl.
- Row 4: K1, m1R, knit to last stitch, m1L, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 5: Purl.
- Row 6: K1, m1R, knit to last stitch, m1L, k1. 14 sts.
- Row 7: Purl.
- Row 8: K1, m1R, knit to last stitch, m1L, k1. 16 sts.
- Rows 9 through 26: Work 18 rows in stockinette.
- Row 27 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
- Row 28: Purl.
- Row 29: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 30: Purl.
- Row 31: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
- Row 32: Purl.
- Row 33: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
- Row 34: Purl.
- Row 35: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
- Row 36: Purl.
- Row 37: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
- Row 38: Purl.
- Row 39: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
- Row 40: P2tog. Fasten off.
Make a second ear. Fold each ear lengthwise with WS inside and mattress stitch around edge, leaving base open. Do not stuff. Light steam blocking is optional.
Patchwork Dress
The dress is one of the most distinctive parts of the image. It is sleeveless, fitted gently at the top, and slightly wider toward the hem. The color layout looks like a softly mismatched patchwork sampler in muted rustic shades.
The exact color placement may vary slightly, but to match the photo, use dusty teal, mauve-plum, coral-rose, olive, mustard, berry, cream, and weathered blue. Avoid neon or highly saturated shades.
Dress Front
- Using US 3 / 3.25 mm needles and Color A dusty teal, CO 34 sts.
- Rows 1 through 4: K1, p1 rib.
- Row 5 RS: Knit.
- Row 6 WS: Purl.
From here, work stockinette and change colors in small blocks. Carry yarns neatly at the back or use separate bobbins. The photo shows blended blocks, so soft-edged changes are suitable.
- Rows 7 through 14: Work 8 rows in stockinette, shaping and changing colors as follows.
- Row 7: K8 Color A, K8 Color B plum, K8 Color C coral, K10 Color D teal.
- Row 8: P8 A, P8 B, P8 C, P10 D.
- Row 9: K8 A, K6 B, K10 C, K10 D.
- Row 10: P8 A, P6 B, P10 C, P10 D.
- Row 11: K6 Olive, K10 B, K8 Teal, K10 Mustard.
- Row 12: P6 Olive, P10 B, P8 Teal, P10 Mustard.
- Row 13: K10 Olive, K8 Rose, K8 Teal, K8 Mustard.
- Row 14: P10 Olive, P8 Rose, P8 Teal, P8 Mustard.
Increase lightly for skirt width.
- Row 15 RS: K1, m1R, knit to last stitch, m1L, k1. 36 sts.
- Row 16: Purl.
- Rows 17 through 24: Continue stockinette in patchwork colors.
- Row 25 RS: K1, m1R, knit to last stitch, m1L, k1. 38 sts.
- Row 26: Purl.
- Rows 27 through 34: Continue patchwork stockinette.
At this stage the front should look like a gathered sampler panel. Make the lower half slightly busier in color than the top.
- Rows 35 through 40: Work in a calmer arrangement with more teal, berry, and olive, reducing the number of tiny sections.
- Row 41 RS: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 36 sts.
- Row 42: Purl.
- Row 43 RS: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 34 sts.
- Row 44: Purl.
- Rows 45 through 52: Work straight in stockinette, mostly dark teal with one plum block and one berry block to echo the chest area in the photo.
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Shape armholes.
- Row 53 RS: BO 3 sts, knit to end. 31 sts.
- Row 54 WS: BO 3 sts, purl to end. 28 sts.
- Row 55 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 26 sts.
- Row 56 WS: Purl.
- Row 57 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
- Rows 58 through 64: Work straight in stockinette.
Shape neckline and straps.
- Row 65 RS: K8, BO 8, knit to end. Work each side separately.
- Left side only, next WS row: Purl.
- Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to end. 7 sts.
- Work 4 more rows straight.
- BO.
- Rejoin yarn to right side at neckline edge.
- WS row: Purl.
- Next RS row: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 7 sts.
- Work 4 more rows straight.
- BO.
Dress Back
Work exactly as front through Row 52, but use slightly calmer patchwork placement because most of the back is covered by the cardigan.
- Rows 53 through 64: Shape armholes same as front.
- Row 65 RS: K10, BO 4, knit to end.
- Row 66 WS: Purl to gap, join yarn, purl other side.
- Work both sides separately for 6 rows straight without neckline decreases.
- BO each shoulder.
Dress Finishing
- Sew shoulder seams.
- Sew side seams, leaving arm openings smooth and not tight.
- Pick up 40 to 46 sts around each armhole and work 2 rows k1, p1 rib. BO loosely.
- Pick up 28 to 32 sts around neckline and work 2 rows k1, p1 rib. BO loosely.
The dress should fit closely through the upper body and flare gently over the rounded tummy. It should end above the feet, around lower shin level when the bunny is seated.
Textured Cardigan
The cardigan in the image is creamy, soft, and slightly oversized. The texture looks plush and cozy, almost like a nubbly seed or boucle fabric. To mimic that look in plain knitting, use a simple broken-seed texture.
Texture pattern over even rows:
- Row 1 RS: K1, p1 across.
- Row 2 WS: Knit the knits and purl the purls.
- Row 3 RS: P1, k1 across.
- Row 4 WS: Knit the knits and purl the purls.
Back
- Using US 6 / 4 mm needles and cream yarn, CO 30 sts.
- Work texture pattern for 30 rows.
- Shape armholes: BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 24 sts.
- Continue in texture for 16 more rows.
- Shape shoulders: BO 6 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
- BO remaining 12 sts for back neck.
Left Front
- CO 18 sts.
- Work texture pattern for 30 rows.
- Armhole row RS: BO 3 sts at beginning of RS row. 15 sts.
- Continue in texture for 8 rows.
- Neck shaping RS row: Work 10 sts, BO 2, work to end.
- Next WS row: Work to end.
- Next RS row: Work to last 2 sts, k2tog. 12 sts.
- Work 5 rows straight.
- BO 6 sts at armhole edge on next RS row.
- Work 1 row.
- BO remaining 6 sts.
Right Front
Work as left front, reversing shaping.
Sleeves Make 2
- CO 18 sts.
- Work texture pattern for 8 rows.
- Increase Row RS: K1, m1R, work in pattern to last st, m1L, k1. 20 sts.
- Work 7 rows.
- Increase again in same way. 22 sts.
- Work until sleeve measures 18 rows total from cast-on.
- BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 16 sts.
- Row RS: K1, ssk, work in pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
- Row WS: Work in pattern.
- Repeat last 2 rows twice more. 10 sts.
- BO.
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Cardigan Finishing
- Sew shoulder seams.
- Sew sleeves into armholes.
- Sew sleeve seams and side seams.
- Pick up approximately 42 sts around entire front opening and neck edge.
- Work 4 rows garter stitch.
- BO knitwise.
- Fold cuffs back slightly if desired.
The cardigan should sit open at the front with relaxed fronts rather than meeting edge to edge. In the photo, the left pocket is visible, so add one small pocket.
Cardigan Pocket
- CO 10 sts.
- Work texture pattern for 8 rows.
- Work 2 rows garter stitch.
- BO.
- Sew to lower left front, approximately 1 inch / 2.5 cm above hem.
Wide-Brimmed Hat
The hat has a shallow crown and broad floppy brim. It sits low over the bunny’s forehead and partly covers the ears. Work from top down.
- Using hat yarn and US 3 / 3.25 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Divide for working in the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
- Rnd 5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
- Rnd 7: Knit.
- Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
- Rnd 9: Knit.
- Rnd 10: K4, kfb around. 48 sts.
- Rnds 11 through 18: Knit 8 rnds.
This forms the crown. Try it over the bunny’s head. It should sit softly, not tightly.
- Rnd 19: K5, m1R around. 56 sts.
- Rnd 20: Purl.
- Rnd 21: Knit.
- Rnd 22: Purl.
- Rnd 23: K6, m1R around. 64 sts.
- Rnd 24: Purl.
- Rnd 25: Knit.
- Rnd 26: Purl.
- Rnd 27: K7, m1R around. 72 sts.
- Rnd 28: Purl.
- Rnd 29: Knit.
- Rnd 30: Purl.
- Rnd 31: K8, m1R around. 80 sts.
- Rnd 32: Purl.
- Rnd 33: Knit.
- Rnd 34: Purl.
- Rnd 35: Knit.
- Rnd 36: Purl.
- BO loosely knitwise.
The alternating knit and purl rounds in the brim help it soften and fold naturally, similar to the hat in the image. Steam lightly and shape with your hands while damp.
Lavender Hat Decoration
The lavender cluster is essential to the look. Use embroidery, i-cord stems, or knitted narrow strips. The simplest knitted version is below.
Lavender Spikes Make 5
- Using purple yarn, CO 12 sts.
- Row 1: Knit.
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: K1, kfb across to last stitch, k1. This creates a frilled edge.
- BO loosely on next row.
Roll each strip slightly and stitch at base so it resembles a lavender flower spike.
Leaves and Stems
- Using green yarn, knit 3 narrow i-cords of 10, 11, and 12 rows for stems.
- For each leaf, CO 3 sts.
- Row 1: Knit.
- Row 2: Kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
- Row 3: Purl.
- Row 4: Ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
- Row 5: Purl.
- Row 6: K3tog. Fasten off.
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Arrange stems, spikes, and leaves into one small bunch and sew to the left front side of the hat, angled upward as shown in the image.
Optional Project Pouch
The small drawstring pouch beside the bunny is optional, but it adds charm if you want the full photo styling.
- Using fine DK cotton and US 3 / 3.25 mm needles, CO 20 sts.
- Work in stockinette for 24 rows.
- Fold in half and sew side seam and bottom seam.
- Turn top edge to WS and stitch down leaving casing opening.
- Thread a knitted cord through casing.
- Embroider a simple sheep outline on front if desired.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew the ears first, placing them slightly behind the top side edges of the head rather than directly on top. They should fall downward. Sew the arms at the side of the upper body, about 2 rows below the neck transition. Attach the dress, then cardigan, then hat.
For the face, mark two eye points about 7 stitches apart and slightly below the midline of the head. Embroider small satin or French-knot style black eyes. Stitch a short vertical nose in dark thread, then add a tiny Y-shaped mouth. Keep the features minimal and gentle.
To create the softly defined muzzle seen in the image, run a strand of matching yarn horizontally through the lower face and pull very lightly to indent the cheeks. Do not over-sculpt. The expression should stay calm and sweet.
Care Notes
- Spot clean whenever possible.
- If full cleaning is needed, hand wash gently in cool water with mild wool wash.
- Do not wring the bunny.
- Reshape carefully, especially the head, feet, cardigan, and hat brim.
- Dry flat on a towel away from direct heat or strong sun.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head firmly stuffed but still soft at cheeks
- Feet stuffed more firmly than legs
- Ears attached low enough to drape
- Dress fitted close at chest and slightly wider at hem
- Cardigan open-front and slightly roomy
- Hat brim wide and gently floppy
- Lavender trim angled on left side of hat
- Face embroidered small and centered
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Store the bunny in a dry, clean place and avoid hanging it by the ears or hat. If displayed long-term, dust lightly with a soft dry cloth. Tissue can be tucked inside the hat crown during storage so the brim keeps its rounded shape.
For heirloom preservation, keep the bunny away from moisture, strong fragrances, smoke, and prolonged direct sunlight. If gifting to a child, check all stitched features and seams regularly to make sure everything remains secure.
