Knitting Tutorial: The “Winter Wonderland” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: The “Winter Wonderland” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet winter bunny is designed to look like a collectible handmade stuffed animal with a soft cream body, long floppy ears, a pale blue embroidered snow hat, a cream cardigan, a light blue skirt with holiday motifs, matching shoes, a tiny wrapped present, and a round candy-cane bag. If you love heirloom-style knitted toys, handmade bunny dolls, winter nursery decor, or giftable knitted rabbit patterns, this project is a lovely choice for your next handmade shop sample, holiday display, or boutique-inspired keepsake.

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

Pattern Notes

This pattern is worked mostly flat and seamed, because that structure helps keep the soft sculpted look seen in the photo. The finished bunny sits with dangling legs and has a gently rounded head, slim neck area, narrow shoulders, long straight arms, longer tapered legs, and long folded ears placed slightly behind the face line.

The clothing is made as separate knitted pieces so the finished toy keeps the layered look from the image. The cardigan sits open at the front. The skirt is worked as a simple tube with embroidered winter motifs added after knitting. The hat is shaped to sit deep over the forehead and upper ears.

The gauge is important because the toy in the image has a dense, neat fabric with very little stuffing showing through. Use needles small enough to create a firm fabric. If your stitches look loose, go down a needle size.

Skill Level

  • Advanced beginner to intermediate
  • Requires shaping, seaming, picking up stitches, mattress stitch, duplicate stitch, simple embroidery, and basic toy assembly

Finished Size

  • Approximate seated height: 11 inches from shoe sole to top of hat pom-pom base
  • Approximate body height without hat: 9 inches
  • Approximate width at widest point of skirt: 4 1/4 inches

Gauge

  • 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using US 2 needles
  • Gauge is measured after light blocking

Materials

  • Main bunny color: light cream DK yarn, 60 to 80 g
  • Hat, skirt, shoes, gift: pale winter blue DK yarn, 35 to 45 g
  • Bag: warm light brown DK yarn, 15 g
  • Pom-pom: white DK yarn, small amount
  • Gift ribbon and candy cane stripe: red DK yarn, small amount
  • Snowflake embroidery: white yarn or white embroidery thread
  • Tree and motif details: dark green, tiny amount
  • Snow globe base detail: red and white, tiny amounts
  • Optional motif accents: tiny amount of brown for tree trunk
  • US 2 / 2.75 mm straight needles or DPNs
  • US 1.5 / 2.5 mm needles for firmer accessories if desired
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Black embroidery thread for eyes
  • Dark brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth
  • Toy stuffing
  • Small piece of lightweight cardboard or plastic canvas for optional base support

Abbreviations

  • BO = bind off
  • CO = cast on
  • inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of stitch
  • k = knit
  • k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
  • p = purl
  • psso = pass slipped stitch over
  • rep = repeat
  • RS = right side
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • st st = stockinette stitch; knit RS rows, purl WS rows
  • WS = wrong side

Bunny Body

The body is worked from the lower base upward. It is softly pear-shaped, narrower at the shoulder, and slightly flattened when seated. Make 2 identical body pieces in cream.

  1. CO 18 sts.
  2. Row 1 (WS): p all.
  3. Row 2: k all.
  4. Row 3: p all.
  5. Row 4: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
  6. Row 5: p all.
  7. Row 6: k all.
  8. Row 7: p all.
  9. Row 8: kfb, k18, kfb. 22 sts.
  10. Row 9: p all.
  11. Row 10: k all.
  12. Row 11: p all.
  13. Row 12: kfb, k20, kfb. 24 sts.
  14. Rows 13 to 21: work 9 rows in st st, ending with a WS row.
  15. Row 22: k all.
  16. Row 23: p all.
  17. Row 24: ssk, k20, k2tog. 22 sts.
  18. Row 25: p all.
  19. Row 26: k all.
  20. Row 27: p all.
  21. Row 28: ssk, k18, k2tog. 20 sts.
  22. Rows 29 to 35: work 7 rows in st st.
  23. Row 36: ssk, k16, k2tog. 18 sts.
  24. Rows 37 to 41: work 5 rows in st st.
  25. BO loosely.

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Place both pieces together with RS facing outward and seam side edges and lower edge. Leave top edge open for attaching head. Stuff the lower body more firmly than the upper body so the bunny sits well. Gently flatten the base from front to back to match the photo.

Head

The head in the image is large in proportion to the body, but not oversized. It is softly rounded with a slightly fuller cheek area and a narrow lower face where it joins the body. Make 2 in cream.

  1. CO 14 sts.
  2. Row 1 (WS): p all.
  3. Row 2: k all.
  4. Row 3: p all.
  5. Row 4: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
  6. Row 5: p all.
  7. Row 6: kfb, k14, kfb. 18 sts.
  8. Row 7: p all.
  9. Row 8: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
  10. Row 9: p all.
  11. Row 10: kfb, k18, kfb. 22 sts.
  12. Rows 11 to 21: work 11 rows in st st.
  13. Row 22: ssk, k18, k2tog. 20 sts.
  14. Row 23: p all.
  15. Row 24: ssk, k16, k2tog. 18 sts.
  16. Row 25: p all.
  17. Row 26: ssk, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
  18. Row 27: p all.
  19. Row 28: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
  20. BO loosely.

Seam the curved outer edge and top. Leave lower edge open. Stuff firmly but smoothly. Avoid overstuffing the lower face, because the sample bunny has a gentle, soft muzzle rather than a pointed stuffed snout.

Ears

The ears are long, narrow, and softly tapered with rounded ends. They hang from the side-back of the head and fall just below the jaw line. Make 4 ear pieces in cream, 2 for each finished ear.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1 (WS): p all.
  3. Row 2: k all.
  4. Row 3: p all.
  5. Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
  6. Rows 5 to 13: work 9 rows in st st.
  7. Row 14: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  8. Rows 15 to 21: work 7 rows in st st.
  9. Row 22: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
  10. Row 23: p all.
  11. Row 24: k all.
  12. Row 25: p2tog, p2, p2tog. 4 sts.
  13. Row 26: k all.
  14. BO.

Join two pieces for each ear with WS together and seam around the sides and rounded tip. Do not stuff. Lightly steam if needed so they lie flat. Fold very slightly lengthwise at the top before attaching to help them hang naturally.

Arms

The arms are slim tubes with almost no visible paw shaping. Make 2 in cream.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 16: work 16 rows in st st.
  3. Row 17: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
  4. Row 18: p all.
  5. Row 19: k all.
  6. BO.

Seam each arm into a narrow tube. Stuff lightly, keeping the wrist and paw end firmer than the upper arm. Flatten the top edge for easier attachment. The finished arms should angle slightly downward when sewn.

Legs

The legs are longer than the arms and very lightly tapered. They hang straight from under the skirt with the feet turned forward. Make 2 in cream.

  1. CO 10 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 6: work 6 rows in st st.
  3. Row 7: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  4. Rows 8 to 24: work 17 rows in st st.
  5. BO.

Seam each leg into a tube. Stuff firmly at the lower 1 1/2 inches and only lightly above that. This helps the feet look neat while letting the legs drape when seated.

Shoes

The shoes are pale blue Mary Jane style shoes with an open instep look. Make 2.

Sole and Foot Cover

  1. Using blue, CO 8 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: work 4 rows in garter stitch.
  3. Row 5: k2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
  4. Row 6: p all.
  5. BO.

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Instep Strap

  1. CO 14 sts.
  2. Knit 1 row.
  3. BO.

Wrap the sole piece around the lower foot and seam under the leg. Sew the short strap across the top front, curving it gently from one side of the foot opening to the other to form the Mary Jane look. Make sure a little cream leg still shows through the center opening, as in the photo.

Skirt

The skirt is a simple blue tube that sits high on the bunny body, with the lower edge just above the knees when the toy is seated. It is not very gathered. The hem is neat and straight. Work 1 piece in pale blue.

  1. CO 42 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 3: work 3 rows in garter stitch.
  3. Row 4 (RS): k all.
  4. Row 5: p all.
  5. Rows 6 to 21: rep Rows 4 and 5 for 16 more rows.
  6. Row 22: k2tog, k5, rep from * across to last 0 sts. 36 sts.
  7. Row 23: p all.
  8. Rows 24 to 27: work 4 rows in st st.
  9. BO loosely.

Seam into a tube. Place the seamed row at the back. The lower edge should remain straight and not flare too much. Slip the skirt over the body and tack around the waist after the bunny is fully assembled.

Skirt Embellishments

The photo shows three main motifs spaced across the lower front skirt area: a small red-and-white gift on the left, a central snow globe with a red base, and a dark green winter tree scene on the right. Add these after assembling the skirt tube but before sewing it permanently to the body.

  • Left motif: embroider a tiny white gift box about 5 stitches wide and 6 rows tall, then add a red vertical ribbon, red horizontal ribbon, and a small bow at the top.
  • Center motif: embroider a pale circular snow globe outline about 9 stitches wide and 8 rows tall, add a small dark green tree inside, then stitch a red rounded base underneath with a thin white stripe.
  • Right motif: embroider a dark green triangular winter tree with a tiny brown trunk and a short white snow line beneath.

Keep the motifs low on the skirt, close to the hem, because that placement matches the image best.

Cardigan

The cardigan is cream, open-front, and slightly cropped. It has a narrow shawl-like front band formed by the front edges, full long sleeves, and a gentle V opening. Work 1 back, 2 fronts, and 2 sleeves.

Back

  1. CO 18 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: work 4 rows in garter stitch.
  3. Rows 5 to 20: work 16 rows in st st.
  4. Row 21: BO 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 14 sts.
  5. Rows 23 to 28: work 6 rows in st st.
  6. Row 29: k4, BO 6, k4.
  7. Row 30: p4, join yarn, p4.
  8. Rows 31 to 34: work each side separately in st st.
  9. BO each shoulder.

Left Front

  1. CO 10 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: work 4 rows in garter stitch.
  3. Rows 5 to 8: k2, work st st to end on RS rows; purl WS rows.
  4. Row 9 (RS): k2, ssk, k to end. 9 sts.
  5. Row 10: p all.
  6. Rows 11 to 14: k2, work st st to end.
  7. Row 15: k2, ssk, k to end. 8 sts.
  8. Row 16: p all.
  9. Rows 17 to 20: k2, work st st to end.
  10. Row 21: BO 2 sts at armhole edge, work to end. 6 sts.
  11. Row 22: p all.
  12. Row 23: k2, ssk, k2. 5 sts.
  13. Row 24: p all.
  14. Rows 25 to 28: k2, work st st to end.
  15. BO shoulder.

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Right Front

Work as left front reversed. On shaping rows, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.

Sleeves

  1. Make 2.
  2. CO 10 sts.
  3. Rows 1 to 4: work 4 rows in garter stitch.
  4. Row 5: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  5. Row 6: p all.
  6. Rows 7 to 17: work 11 rows in st st.
  7. Row 18: BO 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 8 sts.
  8. Rows 20 to 22: work 3 rows in st st.
  9. BO.

Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeves to armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams in one line. The cardigan should sit open naturally, not overlap much. Stitch it lightly to the bunny at the shoulders and under the arms only, leaving the front edges free.

Hat

The hat is a pale blue ribbed winter hat with a folded brim, a softly rounded crown, two white embroidered snowflakes, and a white pom-pom. It sits low over the forehead. Work 1 piece flat, then seam.

  1. Using blue, CO 36 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 8: work in k2, p2 rib.
  3. Rows 9 to 24: work in st st.
  4. Row 25: k2tog across. 18 sts.
  5. Row 26: p all.
  6. Row 27: k2tog across. 9 sts.
  7. Row 28: p all.
  8. Row 29: k2tog 4 times, k1. 5 sts.
  9. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight.

Seam hat. Fold ribbing upward to create the deep brim seen in the image. Make a small full white pom-pom about 1 1/4 inches wide and attach firmly to the crown.

Snowflake Embroidery

  • Embroider one larger six-point snowflake slightly left of center front.
  • Embroider one smaller six-point snowflake to the upper right side.
  • Use straight stitches crossing from a central point, then add short side branches on each arm.
  • Keep the embroidery clean and simple rather than dense.

Round Bag

The bag is a small round brown shoulder bag with a long narrow strap worn from the bunny’s right shoulder to left hip area. A tiny candy cane motif decorates the front. Make 2 circle panels and 1 strap.

Bag Panels

  1. Using brown, CO 10 sts.
  2. Row 1: p all.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all.
  5. Row 4: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
  6. Rows 5 to 10: work 6 rows in st st.
  7. Row 11: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
  8. Row 12: p all.
  9. Row 13: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  10. BO.

Make 2 identical panels. Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening. Add a touch of stuffing so the bag is padded but still flat.

Bag Strap

  1. CO 42 sts in brown.
  2. Knit 1 row.
  3. BO.

Sew each end of the strap to the upper back sides of the bag. Embroider a small red-and-white candy cane on the front panel.

Tiny Gift

The bunny holds a tiny pale blue present tied with red ribbon. Knit a simple small cube-like shape.

  1. Using blue, CO 8 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 10: work 10 rows in st st.
  3. BO.

Fold into a tiny padded rectangle and seam. Add a little stuffing. Wrap red yarn vertically and horizontally around the gift and tie a small bow on top. Stitch the present into the bunny’s left hand after assembly.

Face Placement

The face is minimal and very gentle. The eyes are tiny black vertical seed-like stitches set wide apart. The nose is stitched in dark brown as a small upside-down triangle shape with a straight line descending to a short split mouth.

  • Place eyes approximately 8 to 9 stitches apart.
  • Position eyes around the midline of the head height, slightly below center because the hat covers some forehead.
  • Place the nose centered 4 rows below the eye line.
  • Keep all facial features small. The charm of the bunny depends on the clean simplicity.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Assembly Order

Follow this order for the neatest finish and the most accurate silhouette.

  1. Sew and stuff body.
  2. Sew and stuff head.
  3. Sew head to body with strong whip stitch or ladder stitch.
  4. Attach ears behind the side face line so they fall downward rather than sticking out.
  5. Sew arms to upper side body at a slight downward angle.
  6. Sew legs to lower body close together at the front underside so they dangle when seated.
  7. Add shoes to feet.
  8. Dress bunny in skirt and tack in place.
  9. Add cardigan and secure lightly.
  10. Add face embroidery.
  11. Place hat low on head and tack at sides.
  12. Add bag diagonally across body and secure at shoulder and hip.
  13. Sew gift into left hand.

Detailed Proportion Tips

To match the photo closely, keep the head large and rounded, the body slightly smaller, and the limbs slim. The legs should look longer than the arms. The ears should begin near the top side of the head but not at the crown. The cardigan should end around the waistline, just above the skirt motifs.

The hat should cover the top of the head generously. Do not make the brim shallow. A deeper folded brim gives the same cozy winter styling shown in the image. The pom-pom should be fluffy but not oversized.

The bag should sit at the bunny’s right side and cross the torso diagonally. The strap must be narrow, almost cord-like. The gift should be small enough to fit easily in one hand without covering the cardigan front.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

  • Use pins before sewing anything permanently.
  • Check that the bunny sits with both legs hanging evenly.
  • Keep the eyes tiny and level for the sweetest expression.
  • Shape the nose with two short diagonal stitches and one center line down.
  • Tack the hat at two side points so it does not shift.

Care Notes

  • Display item only, not intended for rough play.
  • Keep away from heavy moisture and prolonged direct sunlight.
  • Spot clean whenever possible.
  • Avoid hanging the toy by the hat or bag strap.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Are both ears attached evenly?
  • Does the skirt sit straight with motifs centered?
  • Do the shoes show a visible instep opening?
  • Is the bag strap crossing the body at the correct angle?
  • Are the snowflakes embroidered on the hat?
  • Is the gift secured firmly in the hand?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

  • Dust gently with a clean dry soft brush.
  • For small marks, use a barely damp cloth and pat, never rub hard.
  • Let the toy air dry fully in a natural shape.
  • Store in breathable cotton fabric, never sealed plastic for long periods.
  • If gifting, place acid-free tissue around the ears, hat pom-pom, and bag to help preserve shape.

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