Knitting Tutorial: The “Sunday High Tea” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: The “Sunday High Tea” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to recreate the elegant soft-toy display shown in the photo: a long-eared rabbit in a cream dress with blue floral bands, a dusty blue cardigan, a cloche-style hat with a knitted flower, navy shoes, and a tiny teacup and saucer, plus a small mouse companion. It is a lovely pattern for knit toy lovers, heirloom nursery decor fans, handmade gift makers, and shoppers searching for knitted bunny dolls, rabbit softies, collectible stuffed animals, tea party decor, and boutique-style toy patterns.

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 worked mostly flat and seamed, because that structure helps control the very neat silhouette seen in the image. The finished bunny stands firmly with long straight legs, a softly rounded body, a large oval head, long drooping ears, and slightly tapered arms.

The clothing is an important part of the look. The cream dress is knitted separately and includes blue stranded-style floral bands represented here with charted duplicate stitch details for a clean result. The cardigan has a relaxed fit with narrow ribbed edges and a soft drape.

The hat is shaped like a shallow cloche with a narrow brim that turns down gently. The flower is knitted separately and stitched to one side. The shoes are small strap shoes in deep navy. The teacup, saucer, and tiny mouse complete the exact scene.

Skill Level

Advanced beginner to intermediate. The toy shaping itself is approachable, but the pattern includes many small parts, careful seaming, decorative duplicate stitch, and precise finishing.

Finished Size

  • Main bunny: about 13 inches / 33 cm tall from feet to top of head, not including hat
  • Hat: fits snugly over the crown and upper head
  • Mouse: about 2 1/4 inches / 5.5 cm tall
  • Teacup and saucer: miniature prop size for the bunny’s paw

Materials

  • Sport-weight yarn or light DK yarn for the main toy and clothing
  • Main bunny color: warm oatmeal beige
  • Dress color A: soft cream
  • Dress color B: muted cornflower or dusty medium blue
  • Cardigan color: dusty pale blue
  • Hat color: oatmeal beige
  • Shoe color: deep navy
  • Mouse colors: taupe, cream, and a small amount of very dark navy or black for bow tie
  • Cup accent: cream and blue
  • Two 3 mm straight needles
  • Set of double-pointed needles in 3 mm if preferred for tiny props
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Row counter
  • Toy stuffing
  • Optional pellets or extra weight for the lower body
  • Black embroidery thread for eyes and nose details
  • Small buttons: 3 tiny blue-gray buttons for cardigan front if desired

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on 3 mm needles after light blocking.

Gauge matters for proportions. A slightly firm fabric is best, because the bunny and mouse are stuffed toys. Avoid a loose gauge, or stuffing will show through.

Abbreviations

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

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Construction Notes

  • The bunny is made from separate pieces: head, body front, body back, two ears, two arms, and two legs.
  • The feet are slightly broadened by shaping and firm stuffing.
  • The dress, cardigan, hat, shoes, cup, saucer, and mouse are all separate pieces.
  • Seam neatly using mattress stitch where possible.
  • Stuff gradually, not all at once, to preserve the clean silhouette from the photo.

Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using oatmeal beige, CO 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Work in St st, beginning with a purl row.
  2. Row 5 (RS): K1, inc 1, k12, inc 1, k1. 16 sts.
  3. Row 6: Purl.
  4. Row 7: K1, inc 1, k14, inc 1, k1. 18 sts.
  5. Row 8: Purl.
  6. Rows 9-18: Work in St st.
  7. Row 19: K2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
  8. Row 20: Purl.
  9. Rows 21-36: Work in St st.
  10. Row 37: K2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
  11. Row 38: Purl.
  12. Rows 39-56: Work in St st.
  13. Leave stitches on a holder.

Make the second leg the same. These long slim legs match the upright proportions in the image. Keep the stuffing light in the upper leg and firmer in the lower foot area later during assembly.

Body Front

With RS facing, place both leg pieces on one needle. Knit across first leg, CO 4 sts, knit across second leg. 32 sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
  2. Row 2: Knit.
  3. Rows 3-10: Continue in St st.
  4. Row 11: K2, k2tog, k10, M1, k4, M1, k10, ssk, k2. 32 sts.
  5. Row 12: Purl.
  6. Rows 13-20: Work in St st.
  7. Row 21: K2, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k4, ssk, k9, ssk, k2. 28 sts.
  8. Row 22: Purl.
  9. Rows 23-30: Work in St st.
  10. Row 31: K2, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k4, ssk, k8, ssk, k2. 24 sts.
  11. Row 32: Purl.
  12. Rows 33-42: Work in St st.
  13. Row 43: BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 18 sts.
  14. Rows 45-52: Work in St st.
  15. Row 53: K5, k2tog, k4, ssk, k5. 16 sts.
  16. Row 54: Purl.
  17. Row 55: K4, k2tog, k4, ssk, k4. 14 sts.
  18. Row 56: Purl.
  19. Place stitches on holder.

Body Back

Work exactly as for Body Front through Row 42.

  1. Row 43: BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 18 sts.
  2. Rows 45-58: Work in St st.
  3. Row 59 (neck shaping): K5, BO 8, k5.
  4. Work each side separately.
  5. Next row: Purl 5.
  6. Next row: K4, k2tog. 4 sts.
  7. Next row: Purl.
  8. BO.
  9. Rejoin yarn to other side and mirror the shaping: K2tog, k4. 4 sts.
  10. Purl 5 on WS row before shaping, then BO.

Head Make 2

The head is large relative to the body, with a rounded lower cheek area and a gently flattened crown once stuffed. Using oatmeal beige, CO 14 sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
  2. Row 2: K1, inc 1, k12, inc 1, k1. 16 sts.
  3. Row 3: Purl.
  4. Row 4: K1, inc 1, k14, inc 1, k1. 18 sts.
  5. Row 5: Purl.
  6. Row 6: K1, inc 1, k16, inc 1, k1. 20 sts.
  7. Row 7: Purl.
  8. Row 8: K1, inc 1, k18, inc 1, k1. 22 sts.
  9. Row 9: Purl.
  10. Row 10: K1, inc 1, k20, inc 1, k1. 24 sts.
  11. Row 11: Purl.
  12. Row 12: K1, inc 1, k22, inc 1, k1. 26 sts.
  13. Rows 13-32: Work in St st.
  14. Row 33: K1, k2tog, k20, ssk, k1. 24 sts.
  15. Row 34: Purl.
  16. Row 35: K1, k2tog, k18, ssk, k1. 22 sts.
  17. Row 36: Purl.
  18. Row 37: K1, k2tog, k16, ssk, k1. 20 sts.
  19. Row 38: Purl.
  20. Row 39: K1, k2tog, k14, ssk, k1. 18 sts.
  21. Row 40: Purl.
  22. Row 41: K1, k2tog, k12, ssk, k1. 16 sts.
  23. Row 42: Purl.
  24. Row 43: K1, k2tog, k10, ssk, k1. 14 sts.
  25. BO.

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Ears Make 2

The ears are long, softly tapered, and sewn so they fall downward from the hat line. Using oatmeal beige, CO 8 sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
  2. Row 2: K1, inc 1, k6, inc 1, k1. 10 sts.
  3. Row 3: Purl.
  4. Row 4: K1, inc 1, k8, inc 1, k1. 12 sts.
  5. Row 5: Purl.
  6. Row 6: K1, inc 1, k10, inc 1, k1. 14 sts.
  7. Rows 7-26: Work in St st.
  8. Row 27: K1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1. 12 sts.
  9. Row 28: Purl.
  10. Row 29: K1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. 10 sts.
  11. Row 30: Purl.
  12. Row 31: K1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1. 8 sts.
  13. Row 32: Purl.
  14. Row 33: K1, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1. 6 sts.
  15. Row 34: Purl.
  16. BO.

Arms Make 2

The arms are medium length, lightly tapered, and positioned low enough for the cardigan sleeves to sit naturally. Using oatmeal beige, CO 10 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: Work in St st.
  2. Row 7: K1, inc 1, k8, inc 1, k1. 12 sts.
  3. Row 8: Purl.
  4. Rows 9-16: Work in St st.
  5. Row 17: K2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
  6. Row 18: Purl.
  7. Rows 19-28: Work in St st.
  8. Row 29: K2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
  9. Row 30: Purl.
  10. Rows 31-34: Work in St st.
  11. BO.

Dress

The dress is cream with blue floral decoration at the chest and hem. To keep the instructions readable and accurate, the dress is knitted in cream and the blue motifs are added afterward with duplicate stitch following the placement guide below.

Dress Body

Using cream, CO 52 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: K1, p1 rib.
  2. Row 5 (RS): Knit.
  3. Row 6: Purl.
  4. Row 7: K2, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, k2. 47 sts.
  5. Row 8: Purl.
  6. Rows 9-18: Work in St st.
  7. Rows 19-20: Work in St st. Mark these rows for lower floral band placement.
  8. Rows 21-34: Work in St st.
  9. Rows 35-36: Work in St st. Mark these rows for upper floral band placement.
  10. Rows 37-42: Work in St st.
  11. Row 43: K2, k2tog, k39, ssk, k2. 45 sts.
  12. Row 44: Purl.
  13. Row 45: K2, k2tog, k37, ssk, k2. 43 sts.
  14. Row 46: Purl.
  15. Rows 47-52: Work in St st.
  16. Row 53: K2, k2tog, k35, ssk, k2. 41 sts.
  17. Row 54: Purl.
  18. Rows 55-60: Work in St st.
  19. Row 61: BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 35 sts.
  20. Row 63: K9, BO 17, k9.
  21. Work straps separately.
  22. Each strap: Work 9 sts in St st for 8 rows.
  23. BO.

Dress Back

Using cream, CO 52 sts and work Rows 1-60 as for Dress Body.

  1. Row 61: BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 35 sts.
  2. Row 63: K12, BO 11, k12.
  3. Work each side separately for 8 rows straight.
  4. BO shoulders.

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Duplicate Stitch Floral Placement

The motifs in the photo are softly stylized and not sharply geometric. For the closest result, work five-petal floral clusters with stems and small leaves in muted blue. Keep the embroidery low contrast and slightly organic.

  • Upper chest band: center one medium floral cluster between the straps, with two smaller leaf sprays on either side
  • Lower hem band: place one central floral cluster, then one matching cluster on each side, with small linking leaves between them
  • Spacing: leave 2 plain cream stitches between clusters
  • Height of hem motif band: about 8 rows tall
  • Height of chest motif band: about 6 rows tall

For each medium flower, work one center stitch, then surround with five petals of 2 duplicate stitches each. Extend a 2-stitch stem downward and add one leaf of 2 stitches on each side.

For each small spray, work a stem of 2 to 3 stitches and add 2 or 3 leaf stitches angled outward. Avoid making the decoration too dense. The image shows plenty of cream background still visible.

Cardigan

The cardigan is dusty blue, hip length, and softly open at the front. It has a narrow band, set-in-looking shoulder line, and sleeves that are straight but slightly relaxed.

Back

Using dusty blue, CO 28 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: K1, p1 rib.
  2. Rows 7-30: Work in St st.
  3. Row 31: BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 22 sts.
  4. Rows 33-42: Work in St st.
  5. Row 43: K6, BO 10, k6.
  6. Work each shoulder separately for 2 more rows.
  7. BO.

Left Front

CO 16 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: Work K1, p1 rib.
  2. Rows 7-30: Continue in St st, keeping first 3 sts at front edge in garter stitch for button band.
  3. Row 31: BO 3 sts at armhole edge. 13 sts.
  4. Rows 32-38: Continue as established.
  5. Row 39: At neck edge, work to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3. 12 sts.
  6. Row 40: Purl, keeping front band in garter.
  7. Row 41: Work to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3. 11 sts.
  8. Row 42: Purl.
  9. Row 43: Work to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3. 10 sts.
  10. Rows 44-46: Continue straight.
  11. BO.

Right Front

Work to mirror Left Front. If using buttonholes, place 3 tiny buttonholes evenly on the band by working yo, k2tog over the center of the 3-st garter band on RS rows.

Sleeves Make 2

CO 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: K1, p1 rib.
  2. Row 7: Knit.
  3. Row 8: Purl.
  4. Row 9: K1, inc 1, k12, inc 1, k1. 16 sts.
  5. Rows 10-20: Work in St st.
  6. Row 21: K1, inc 1, k14, inc 1, k1. 18 sts.
  7. Rows 22-30: Work in St st.
  8. Row 31: BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 12 sts.
  9. Rows 33-36: Work in St st.
  10. BO.

Cardigan Finishing

Sew shoulder seams first, then set in sleeves, then sew side and sleeve seams. The cardigan should hang open naturally. Add 3 tiny buttons on the wearer’s right front to match the image, even if they remain decorative.

Hat

The hat is a small cloche with a narrow rolled-down brim and a soft flower placed to one side. It should sit low on the head but not cover the eyes.

Hat Body

Using oatmeal beige, CO 48 sts. Join carefully if working in the round, or work flat and seam later. The flat version is given below.

  1. Rows 1-4: Garter stitch.
  2. Rows 5-18: Work in St st.
  3. Row 19 (RS): K6, k2tog; rep to end. 42 sts.
  4. Row 20: Purl.
  5. Row 21: K5, k2tog; rep to end. 36 sts.
  6. Row 22: Purl.
  7. Row 23: K4, k2tog; rep to end. 30 sts.
  8. Row 24: Purl.
  9. Row 25: K3, k2tog; rep to end. 24 sts.
  10. Row 26: Purl.
  11. Row 27: K2, k2tog; rep to end. 18 sts.
  12. Row 28: Purl.
  13. Row 29: K1, k2tog; rep to end. 12 sts.
  14. Row 30: Purl.
  15. Row 31: K2tog across. 6 sts.
  16. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and pull tight.

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Seam the hat and lightly shape the lower edge so the brim tips downward. Do not overstuff. The hat should remain soft and wearable.

Hat Flower

CO 24 sts using oatmeal beige.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
  2. Row 2 (RS): K1, yo; repeat to end. 36 sts.
  3. Row 3: Purl.
  4. Row 4: K2tog across. 18 sts.
  5. BO loosely.

Roll the strip into a rosette and stitch securely. Sew to the left side of the hat, just above the brim line, matching the photo.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are deep navy Mary Jane style slippers with a neat strap across the instep. They are knitted as tiny slip-on coverings for the feet.

Sole

Using navy, CO 10 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: Garter stitch.
  2. Row 3: K1, inc 1, k8, inc 1, k1. 12 sts.
  3. Rows 4-10: Garter stitch.
  4. BO.

Upper

CO 12 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Work in St st.
  2. Row 5: K2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
  3. Row 6: Purl.
  4. Row 7: K2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
  5. Row 8: Purl.
  6. Rows 9-10: St st.
  7. BO.

Sew the upper to the sole, leaving the back edge open just enough to slip over the foot. For the strap, CO 8 sts, work 2 rows garter, BO, and sew each strap across the top of the shoe.

Teacup

The cup is tiny and decorative. Because the toy in the image holds the cup delicately, keep this piece very small and firm.

Cup

Using cream and double-pointed needles if preferred, CO 12 sts and join for working in the round.

  1. Rounds 1-3: Knit.
  2. Round 4: Kfb each stitch around. 24 sts.
  3. Rounds 5-6: Knit.
  4. Round 7: K2tog around. 12 sts.
  5. Round 8: Knit.
  6. BO loosely.

Using blue, embroider a narrow line around the rim. For the handle, CO 4 sts, work 2 rows garter, BO, and stitch as a small loop to one side.

Saucer

Using cream, CO 6 sts on double-pointed needles or work flat as a circle strip if preferred.

  1. Round 1: Kfb all sts. 12 sts.
  2. Round 2: Knit.
  3. Round 3: K1, kfb; rep around. 18 sts.
  4. Round 4: Knit.
  5. Round 5: K2, kfb; rep around. 24 sts.
  6. BO loosely.

Flatten lightly and add a tiny blue embroidered ring near the edge.

Mouse Companion

The tiny mouse stands beside the bunny and has a taupe head and body, a cream front panel, rounded ears, and a dark bow tie. The style is simple and sweet rather than highly detailed.

Mouse Body Make 2

Using taupe, CO 8 sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): Purl.
  2. Row 2: K1, inc 1, k6, inc 1, k1. 10 sts.
  3. Row 3: Purl.
  4. Row 4: K1, inc 1, k8, inc 1, k1. 12 sts.
  5. Rows 5-10: Work in St st.
  6. Row 11: K2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
  7. Row 12: Purl.
  8. Row 13: K2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
  9. Row 14: Purl.
  10. BO.

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Mouse Tummy Panel

Using cream, CO 4 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: Work in St st.
  2. Row 7: K1, inc 1, k2, inc 1, k1. 6 sts.
  3. Rows 8-10: St st.
  4. BO.

Mouse Arms Make 2

Using taupe, CO 4 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Work in St st.
  2. BO.

Mouse Legs Make 2

Using taupe, CO 4 sts.

  1. Rows 1-5: Work in St st.
  2. BO.

Mouse Ears Make 2

Using taupe, CO 4 sts.

  1. Row 1: Purl.
  2. Row 2: K1, inc 1, k2, inc 1, k1. 6 sts.
  3. Row 3: Purl.
  4. BO.

Mouse Tail

CO 10 sts using taupe, work 1 row knit, BO. Twist lightly for a cord-like look.

Mouse Bow Tie

Using very dark navy or black, CO 6 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: Garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Pinch at center and wrap with yarn to form a bow tie.

Assembly of Bunny Pieces

Before sewing, lay all parts flat and compare them. The bunny should look tall and narrow, with the head noticeably wider than the neck and body. The ears should be long enough to reach toward the shoulder and upper arm area once attached.

  1. Sew each leg seam. Stuff the feet firmly and the upper legs more lightly.
  2. Sew the body front to body back, leaving the neck open. Add a little weight in the lower body if you want the toy to stand more securely when leaned against support.
  3. Stuff the body firmly but not hard. Keep the torso narrow.
  4. Sew the head pieces together, leaving a lower opening. Stuff carefully, shaping broad cheeks and a smooth forehead.
  5. Close the head and sew it to the neck opening, making sure the face is centered.
  6. Sew arm seams, stuff lightly, and attach slightly below the neck line at the body sides.
  7. Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly at the base and sew to the sides of the head near the upper third, then angle them downward so they drape.

Dressing the Bunny

Slip the dress on first. It should fit close to the body but not tightly. Sew the shoulder straps and back opening neatly. Add the floral duplicate stitch details before or after dressing, whichever feels easier.

Next, place the cardigan over the dress. The front edges should remain open. If adding buttons, stitch them only through the cardigan front, not through the dress underneath.

Slide the navy shoes onto the feet and stitch discreetly in place so they do not shift. Finally, set the hat on the head so the flower sits to one side and the brim dips just above the eyes.

Facial Embroidery Placement

The face in the image is very understated. That gentle simplicity is one of the most important details, so keep all embroidery small and centered.

  • Eyes: embroider or use tiny French-knot style eyes spaced about 9 to 10 knitted rows apart horizontally and placed slightly below the center line of the head
  • Nose: stitch a small inverted triangle in dark brown or black-brown
  • Mouth: work one short vertical stitch from the nose point downward, then one tiny slanted stitch to each side
  • Do not add blush if you want the closest result to the image

Holding Pose

To recreate the pose in the image, place the right arm slightly forward and bend it inward while sewing. Stitch the saucer lightly to the paw and stitch the cup to the saucer. This lets the bunny appear to hold the tea set naturally.

The mouse can be positioned next to one foot or placed freely as a decorative companion. If you want the same display effect, set the mouse upright near the bunny’s left side.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

  • Sew the head on straight and check the profile before fastening fully.
  • Attach ears low enough that they drape rather than stand upright.
  • Keep the eyes tiny and evenly spaced for a calm expression.
  • Center the nose carefully, then add the simple mouth.
  • Secure the teacup, saucer, shoes, and hat with a few hidden stitches.

Care Notes

  • Display indoors and away from strong sunlight.
  • Handle the teacup, mouse, and hat gently because they are small decorative parts.
  • Light steaming is better than hard pressing for the clothing.
  • Avoid soaking the toy unless absolutely necessary.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Are both ears the same length and sewn evenly?
  • Does the cardigan hang open neatly at the front?
  • Are the blue floral details balanced on the dress?
  • Do the shoes sit level on both feet?
  • Is the hat tilted gently with the flower on one side?
  • Is the teacup attached securely to the paw?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

  • Dust regularly with a clean, dry soft brush.
  • Spot clean with cool water and a tiny amount of mild soap only when needed.
  • Blot, never rub, especially over facial embroidery and duplicate stitch motifs.
  • Dry flat on a towel and reshape the ears, dress, cardigan, and hat while damp.
  • Store in breathable cotton, not sealed plastic, to help preserve the yarn and stuffing.

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