Knitting Tutorial: The “Peony Bloom” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant knitted bunny is designed as a collectible soft toy with a romantic spring look, featuring a pale cream body, a soft green bonnet, a deep rose cardigan, a layered blush petal dress, Mary Jane shoes, a tiny butterfly accent, and a full peony flower bouquet detail. It is a lovely project for knit toy lovers, handmade gift shoppers, nursery decor fans, and anyone searching for heirloom stuffed bunny patterns, knitted animal dolls, or boutique-style Easter rabbit decor to make or sell as finished handmade items.

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 written in US English and follows the proportions shown in the image as closely as possible. The bunny has a long oval head, very tall narrow ears, a slim seated body, long narrow legs, small tapered arms, a rounded bonnet, a short cropped cardigan, a three-tier scalloped petal dress, knitted Mary Jane shoes, one pale butterfly on the left shoulder, and a large textured peony held in the right hand.

The shaping is intentionally gentle rather than overly cartoonish. The face is simple, with tiny black eyes placed low on the head and a short embroidered Y-shaped nose and mouth. The finished bunny should look neat, soft, and delicate rather than chunky.

Materials

• Main body yarn: light cream or very pale oatmeal DK yarn
• Dress yarn: soft blush pink DK yarn
• Cardigan and shoes yarn: deep rose or raspberry pink DK yarn
• Bonnet yarn: pale sage or light celery green DK yarn
• Flower yarn: two pink tones preferred, one medium rose and one pale pink DK yarn
• Leaf yarn: small amount of moss green DK yarn
• Butterfly yarn: pale blush, cream, or off-white lace or light fingering yarn
• Needles for flat knitting: US 2 and US 3
• Optional DPNs or magic loop: US 2 for neat small parts
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small amount of toy stuffing
• Black embroidery thread or 2 mm black safety eyes
• Matching sewing thread for invisible finishing if desired

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge: 26 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on US 3 needles using DK yarn.

Finished size: approximately 15 to 17 inches tall from foot to ear tip when made in DK yarn. Seated body height excluding ears is about 9 inches. Each ear is about 4 1/2 to 5 inches tall. Dress width across the hem is about 7 to 7 1/2 inches when flattened.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• m1 = make 1 increase
• p = purl
• pm = place marker
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• WS = wrong side
• yo = yarn over

Notes Before You Begin

This bunny can be knitted flat and seamed, which helps many beginners keep better control of the shaping. Small pieces such as the flower can be worked flat or in the round if you prefer. All shaping below is written very specifically so the finished toy matches the photo closely.

Use a firm but not stiff gauge. The fabric should be dense enough to hold stuffing without showing large gaps. Stuff lightly in the head and body so the bunny still looks soft and elegant. Overstuffing will make the face too round and the dress sit poorly.

The bunny in the image has slender limbs and a comparatively large head. Keep that proportion. Do not enlarge the body or shorten the ears if you want the same refined look.

Head

Knit 2 identical head side panels in cream, then one center face gusset if you want an advanced sculpted head. For a simpler but still accurate method, knit 2 identical oval panels and seam. The instructions below are for the cleaner two-panel method, shaped to match the image.

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Head Panel Make 2

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, m1, k6, m1, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: P all.
5. Row 4: K1, m1, k8, m1, k1. 12 sts.
6. Row 5: P all.
7. Row 6: K1, m1, k10, m1, k1. 14 sts.
8. Row 7: P all.
9. Row 8: K1, m1, k12, m1, k1. 16 sts.
10. Row 9: P all.
11. Row 10: K1, m1, k14, m1, k1. 18 sts.
12. Row 11: P all.
13. Row 12: K1, m1, k16, m1, k1. 20 sts.
14. Rows 13 through 29: Work 17 rows in stockinette.
15. Row 30 RS: K1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
16. Row 31: P all.
17. Row 32: K1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
18. Row 33: P all.
19. Row 34: K1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
20. Row 35: P all.
21. Row 36: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
22. Row 37: P all.
23. Row 38: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
24. Row 39: P all.
25. Row 40: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
26. BO knitwise on WS row or leave live stitches for grafting.

Sew the two panels together from the top center down one side, then the other, leaving the lower neck edge open. Stuff gradually. Shape the cheeks gently with your fingers as you stuff so the muzzle area remains slightly full but not protruding. The image shows a smooth face, not a pronounced snout.

Ears

Each ear is tall, narrow, and softly pointed. The ears stand upright due to their length and the firm seam at the base. Knit 2 outer ears and 2 inner ear linings if you want extra neatness, or simply knit 2 full ears and fold lightly.

Ear Make 2

1. CO 4 sts in cream.
2. Row 1 WS: P all.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, m1, k2, m1, k1. 6 sts.
4. Row 3: P all.
5. Row 4: K1, m1, k4, m1, k1. 8 sts.
6. Row 5: P all.
7. Row 6: K1, m1, k6, m1, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 7: P all.
9. Row 8: K1, m1, k8, m1, k1. 12 sts.
10. Row 9: P all.
11. Row 10: K1, m1, k10, m1, k1. 14 sts.
12. Rows 11 through 31: Work 21 rows in stockinette.
13. Row 32 RS: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
14. Row 33: P all.
15. Row 34: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
16. Row 35: P all.
17. Row 36: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
18. Row 37: P all.
19. Row 38: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
20. Row 39: P all.
21. Row 40: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
22. Row 41: P all.
23. Row 42: Ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
24. Row 43: P2tog and fasten off.

Fold each ear lengthwise with WS together and mattress seam the side edges, leaving the base open. Do not stuff. Pinch the base slightly before attaching. This creates the upright tulip-like ear angle seen in the image.

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Body and Neck

The body is narrower than the head and mostly hidden by the dress and cardigan. It should be softly stuffed and slightly elongated so the bunny can sit neatly on the edge of a chair or shelf.

Body Panel Make 2

1. CO 10 sts in cream.
2. Row 1 WS: P all.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, m1, k8, m1, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: P all.
5. Row 4: K1, m1, k10, m1, k1. 14 sts.
6. Row 5: P all.
7. Row 6: K1, m1, k12, m1, k1. 16 sts.
8. Row 7: P all.
9. Row 8: K1, m1, k14, m1, k1. 18 sts.
10. Rows 9 through 22: Work 14 rows in stockinette.
11. Row 23 RS: K1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
12. Row 24: P all.
13. Row 25: K1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
14. Row 26: P all.
15. Row 27: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
16. Rows 28 through 34: Work 7 rows in stockinette.
17. BO loosely.

Seam the shoulders and sides, leaving the neck open. Stuff lightly, keeping the lower body a little flatter so the dress can sit over it without bulk. Attach head to body with a very secure ladder stitch around the neck opening.

Arms

The arms are slim and slightly tapered. They sit low under the cardigan and emerge just enough to show the cream paws. The right arm is positioned to support the flower, while the left arm hangs more gently.

Arm Make 2

1. CO 6 sts in cream.
2. Rows 1 through 4: Work 4 rows in stockinette.
3. Row 5 RS: K1, m1, k4, m1, k1. 8 sts.
4. Row 6: P all.
5. Rows 7 through 18: Work 12 rows in stockinette.
6. Row 19 RS: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
7. Rows 20 through 24: Work 5 rows in stockinette.
8. BO.

Fold and seam each arm. Stuff only the lower half very lightly. Keep the upper arm flat so it lies smoothly under the cardigan sleeve cap area.

Legs

The legs are long, narrow, and gently dangling. They are worked with the shoe integrated so the color placement matches the image. One leg may be bent slightly more than the other during finishing for a relaxed seated pose.

Shoe and Leg Make 2

1. Using deep rose yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 through 6: Work 6 rows in stockinette.
3. Row 7 RS: K1, m1, k6, m1, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 8: P all.
5. Rows 9 through 12: Work 4 rows in stockinette.
6. Row 13 RS: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
7. Change to cream yarn.
8. Rows 14 through 34: Work 21 rows in stockinette.
9. Row 35 RS: K1, m1, k6, m1, k1. 10 sts.
10. Rows 36 through 38: Work 3 rows in stockinette.
11. BO.

Seam each leg from top to toe. Stuff the foot more firmly than the leg so the shoe keeps its shape. Stuff the leg lightly. Make a tiny strap on the front later to create the Mary Jane look.

Mary Jane Shoe Straps

These tiny straps make a big visual difference. They should sit across the front opening area of the shoe rather than at the ankle.

1. Using deep rose yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: K all.
3. Row 2: K all.
4. BO.

Make 2. Sew each strip in a small curved arc across the upper shoe opening, matching the image. Leave the side edges tucked neatly into the seam line.

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Bonnet

The bonnet is rounded and close-fitting with a wide folded brim. It covers the crown and frames the face just above the eyes, exactly like the photo. It is not a pointed hat. The shape is more like a soft knitted cloche with ear openings created by placement rather than holes.

Bonnet Main Piece

1. Using pale green yarn, CO 44 sts.
2. Rows 1 through 8: K1, p1 rib.
3. Row 9 RS: Knit all.
4. Rows 10 through 22: Continue in stockinette, ending with a WS row.
5. Row 23 RS: K4, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k12, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k4. 40 sts.
6. Row 24: P all.
7. Row 25: K3, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k3. 36 sts.
8. Row 26: P all.
9. Row 27: K2, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k2. 32 sts.
10. Row 28: P all.
11. Row 29: K1, k2tog, k5, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k5, k2tog, k1. 28 sts.
12. Row 30: P all.
13. Row 31: K2tog across. 14 sts.
14. Row 32: P all.
15. Thread yarn through remaining sts and draw up tightly.

Seam the back. Fold the ribbed edge outward to create the soft rolled brim seen in the image. Position the bonnet low on the forehead and between the ears. Attach the ears through or just under the bonnet opening so the cap appears worn naturally.

Bonnet Ties

1. Pick up 3 sts at one lower edge.
2. Work 18 rows in i-cord or garter strip.
3. BO.
4. Repeat on other side.

Tie softly under the chin or stitch the ties together invisibly if you prefer a fixed display finish. In the image, the tie is tiny and subtle, so keep it delicate.

Petal Dress

The dress is the feature piece. It has a fitted upper section and three layered scalloped petal tiers. The upper bodice is mostly hidden by the cardigan, but it supports the petal skirt. Each tier is knitted separately and attached upward from the bottom so the layers overlap beautifully.

Upper Dress Bodice

1. Using blush pink yarn, CO 28 sts.
2. Rows 1 through 4: K1, p1 rib.
3. Row 5 RS: Knit all.
4. Rows 6 through 14: Continue in stockinette.
5. Row 15 RS: K2, k2tog, k20, k2tog, k2. 26 sts.
6. Row 16: P all.
7. Row 17: K2, k2tog, k18, k2tog, k2. 24 sts.
8. Rows 18 through 24: Continue in stockinette.
9. BO loosely.

Seam into a tube around the bunny body after the lower tiers are attached. The bodice should fit snugly but not tightly.

Top Petal Tier

1. CO 72 sts in blush pink.
2. Rows 1 through 4: Knit all rows for garter ridge base.
3. Row 5 RS: Petal setup row – rep all the way across: k4, k2tog, yo, k4, ssk, yo. Keep repeating to end. 72 sts maintained.
4. Row 6 WS: P all.
5. Row 7 RS: Knit all.
6. Row 8 WS: P all.
7. Row 9 RS: Rep Row 5.
8. Row 10 WS: P all.
9. BO knitwise, leaving a soft edge.

This creates soft rounded shell-like scallops. Gently steam or finger-shape the edges into petals.

Middle Petal Tier

1. CO 88 sts in blush pink.
2. Rows 1 through 4: Knit all.
3. Row 5 RS: Rep across: k5, k2tog, yo, k5, ssk, yo.
4. Row 6 WS: P all.
5. Row 7 RS: Knit all.
6. Row 8 WS: P all.
7. Row 9 RS: Rep Row 5.
8. Row 10 WS: P all.
9. BO knitwise.

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Bottom Petal Tier

1. CO 104 sts in blush pink.
2. Rows 1 through 4: Knit all.
3. Row 5 RS: Rep across: k6, k2tog, yo, k6, ssk, yo.
4. Row 6 WS: P all.
5. Row 7 RS: Knit all.
6. Row 8 WS: P all.
7. Row 9 RS: Rep Row 5.
8. Row 10 WS: P all.
9. BO knitwise.

Attach the Dress Layers

Sew the top petal tier around the lower edge of the bodice with the garter ridge uppermost. Sew the middle tier underneath it, overlapping by about 3/4 inch. Sew the bottom tier underneath the middle tier with the same overlap. The final look should show three clear descending petal rows just like the image.

The skirt in the photo is airy and layered rather than heavy. Do not gather the tiers too tightly. Let them float slightly away from the body.

Cardigan

The cardigan is short and cropped, ending above the widest part of the dress. It has long sleeves, a soft rounded shoulder line, and a tiny single closure at the neck. The front edges roll slightly inward in a natural knitted way.

Back

1. Using deep rose yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 through 4: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5 through 26: Work in stockinette.
4. Row 27 RS: BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 18 sts.
5. Rows 29 through 34: Continue in stockinette.
6. Row 35 RS: K5, BO 8, k5.
7. Next row: P5, CO 8 over center gap, p5.
8. Rows 37 through 40: Work in stockinette.
9. BO.

Left Front

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 through 4: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5 through 20: Work in stockinette.
4. Row 21 RS: Neck shaping, k10, k2tog, k2. 13 sts.
5. Row 22: P all.
6. Row 23: K9, k2tog, k2. 12 sts.
7. Row 24: P all.
8. Row 25: BO 3 sts at armhole edge, knit to end. 9 sts.
9. Row 26: P all.
10. Row 27: K7, k2tog. 8 sts.
11. Row 28: P all.
12. Row 29: K6, k2tog. 7 sts.
13. Rows 30 through 34: Work straight.
14. BO.

Right Front

Work as for left front, reversing shaping.

Sleeves Make 2

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 through 4: K1, p1 rib.
3. Row 5 RS: K1, m1, k8, m1, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 6: P all.
5. Rows 7 through 10: Work in stockinette.
6. Row 11 RS: K1, m1, k10, m1, k1. 14 sts.
7. Row 12: P all.
8. Rows 13 through 18: Work in stockinette.
9. Row 19 RS: K1, m1, k12, m1, k1. 16 sts.
10. Rows 20 through 24: Work in stockinette.
11. BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 10 sts.
12. Rows 27 through 30: Work straight.
13. BO.

Cardigan Finishing

Seam shoulders. Attach sleeves. Seam underarms and side seams. Fit the cardigan over the dress. At the neckline, add a tiny twisted cord, crochet loop, or one-stitch yarn tie to create the delicate single closure seen in the image.

Peony Flower

The flower is full and heavily layered, with darker inner petals and lighter outer petals. This feature gives the bunny its “Peony Bloom” identity. Knit several petal strips, gather them, and stitch into a lush rosette.

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Inner Peony Strip in Medium Rose

1. CO 40 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all.
3. Row 2 RS: K all.
4. Row 3 WS: P all.
5. Row 4 RS: K1, yo across to end. 79 sts approximately.
6. Row 5 WS: P all.
7. BO loosely knitwise.

Outer Peony Strip in Pale Pink Make 2

1. CO 50 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: P all.
3. Row 2 RS: K all.
4. Row 3 WS: P all.
5. Row 4 RS: K1, yo across to end. About 99 sts.
6. Row 5 WS: P all.
7. BO loosely.

Leaves Make 2 or 3

1. Using moss green, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: K all.
3. Row 2: K1, m1, k1, m1, k1. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: P all.
5. Row 4: K1, m1, k3, m1, k1. 7 sts.
6. Row 5: P all.
7. Row 6: K1, m1, k5, m1, k1. 9 sts.
8. Rows 7 through 11: Work in stockinette.
9. Row 12: K1, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1. 7 sts.
10. Row 13: P all.
11. Row 14: K1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. 5 sts.
12. Row 15: P all.
13. Row 16: Ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
14. Row 17: P all.
15. Row 18: K3tog.

Roll the medium rose strip tightly for the center and stitch along the base. Wrap the pale pink strips around it in looser layers to create the open outer bloom. Add leaves at the base. Sew the finished flower into the bunny’s right hand and against the dress front.

Butterfly Accent

The butterfly is small, airy, and delicate. It sits near the left shoulder area, just above the cardigan edge. You can knit it or embroider it. The following tiny knitted version works well.

Butterfly Wings

1. Using pale blush or cream lightweight yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1: K all.
3. Row 2: P all.
4. Row 3: K2, yo, k2tog, k4, ssk, yo, k2.
5. Row 4: P all.
6. Row 5: K all.
7. BO loosely.

Make 2. Pinch the center of each strip and stack them as upper and lower wings. Wrap fine yarn around the middle several times to form the body. Add tiny antennae with thread. Stitch lightly to the left shoulder.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff the head.
2. Sew the body and attach the head.
3. Sew, stuff, and attach the legs in a seated position.
4. Sew, lightly stuff, and attach the arms.
5. Attach the ears high on the head, angled slightly outward.
6. Dress the bunny in the bodice and layered skirt.
7. Add the cardigan and close it at the neck.
8. Fit and stitch the bonnet in place.
9. Add shoe straps.
10. Attach the peony to the right hand and front skirt area.
11. Attach the butterfly at the left shoulder.
12. Add the face last.

Face Placement Guide

The eyes should be placed low on the face, with a wide gentle spacing. Position them about 7 to 8 rows above the neck join and about 6 stitches apart when viewed from the front. The nose is stitched in a tiny inverted triangle shape with a short vertical line and a split mouth below, forming a soft Y.

Do not make the eyes too large. The charm of the bunny comes from the minimal face and the detailed clothing.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Use tiny black eyes or French knots for a soft heirloom look. Embroider the nose with brown or taupe thread, then add a short downward stitch and two short slanted mouth stitches. Pinch the face lightly while stitching so the expression stays sweet and calm. Attach the ears securely, then sew the bonnet around them so the cap looks naturally worn rather than perched on top.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If full washing is needed, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap. Press in a towel and reshape flat. Do not wring. Dry away from direct heat or harsh sunlight. Brush the flower and dress edges gently with clean fingers after drying to restore softness.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head larger than body and smoothly stuffed
• Ears tall, narrow, and slightly outward-angled
• Bonnet brim folded and sitting low on forehead
• Three clear petal dress layers visible
• Cardigan cropped above fullest dress section
• Mary Jane straps centered on shoes
• Butterfly attached at left shoulder
• Peony full, layered, and secured in right hand
• Face minimal and placed low

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the bunny seated or lying flat in a dry, dust-free space. Avoid hanging by the ears or arms. For long-term display, keep away from damp rooms and strong sun to prevent fading. If gifting or selling, include a note that this is a decorative handmade knitted item and should be handled gently to preserve the flower, butterfly, and layered dress shape.