Knitting Tutorial: Tea Party Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted tea party set is designed to recreate the charming look of a dressed bunny doll sitting outdoors with her tiny kitten friend, yarn basket, and teacup. The finished pieces make a lovely gift for collectors, nursery décor, handmade toy lovers, and anyone searching for a knitted bunny doll pattern, heirloom rabbit toy, tea party softie, or handmade stuffed animal gift. The outfit is classic and storybook-inspired, with a pale blue beret, soft cardigan, cream dress, neat black shoes, and a miniature shoulder bag. Every detail is written to help you knit a close visual match to the photographed set.

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 includes instructions for all visible knitted items in the image:

• Main bunny doll with long floppy ears, rounded head, compact torso, long arms, straight legs, and shaped feet.
• Cream dress with tiered skirt effect.
• Blue short-sleeved cardigan with a white collar.
• Blue beret worn tilted to one side.
• Small blue shoulder bag with black bow trim.
• Black Mary Jane shoes and white ankle socks.
• Tiny kitten companion in a yellow dress and straw-style hat.
• Mini yarn basket and tiny teacup with saucer.

The construction is mostly flat-knit in small sections and seamed, because that method gives excellent control over shape, proportion, and the soft sculpted look seen in the photo. Small pieces are worked on double-pointed needles when useful, but straight needles may also be used with seaming.

Skill Level

Intermediate

A patient beginner can make this project if comfortable with shaping, mattress stitch seaming, picking up stitches, simple embroidery, and working very small pieces.

Finished Size

• Bunny doll: about 30 cm / 12 inches tall from top of head to bottom of feet, excluding beret height.
• Kitten: about 10 cm / 4 inches tall seated.
• Basket: about 4.5 cm / 1.75 inches wide.
• Teacup and saucer: very small decorative accessory, about 2.5 cm / 1 inch across saucer.

Yarn

Use light fingering to sport-weight yarn for the main figures so the knitting stays fine and closely resembles the smooth fabric in the image. Cotton-wool blends or soft merino work especially well.

• Main bunny body: cream or natural white, about 65 g.
• Bunny cardigan, beret, and bag: dusty baby blue, about 35 g.
• Bunny collar and socks: white, about 12 g.
• Bunny shoes, bows, facial embroidery: black, small amount.
• Kitten body: ginger/orange, small amount.
• Kitten muzzle, paws, tail tip: cream or pale peach, small amount.
• Kitten dress: pastel yellow, small amount.
• Kitten hat: tan, beige, and a touch of black or dark brown for stripe.
• Basket: light brown or straw brown.
• Yarn balls: scraps in pink, lilac, blue, and green.
• Teacup: pale blue, white, and a tiny bit of pink.

Needles and Tools

• 2.25 mm knitting needles for most pieces.
• 2.0 mm knitting needles for very tiny accessories if desired.
• Set of double-pointed needles optional for small circumference parts.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Toy stuffing.
• Thin floral wire optional for basket handle only.
• Small black safety eyes optional, but embroidery gives a softer photo-like finish.
• Lace trim optional if you want a sewn edging exactly like the photographed hem. If you prefer all-knitted, use the knitted edging given below.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• st st = stockinette stitch
• g st = garter stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• p2tog = purl 2 stitches together
• yo = yarn over
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker

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Tension

32 sts and 44 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in stockinette stitch on 2.25 mm needles, lightly blocked.

Gauge matters because the photographed toy has slender limbs, a neat fitted dress, and a relatively large head. If your stitches are looser, the doll will lose that refined proportion.

Notes Before You Begin

• The bunny body is knitted in separate pieces and seamed.
• The head is slightly wider than the neck and torso.
• The ears are long, narrow, and attached low enough to drape naturally.
• The legs are slim and straight, with rounded stuffed feet shaped by seams.
• The cardigan sits short above the widest dress tier.
• The beret is intentionally oversized, then gathered and tilted.
• The tiny kitten is decorative and quite small, so knit carefully and use fine stuffing.

Main Bunny: Legs

Make 2 in cream.

Each leg is worked flat from foot sole upward. The foot is slightly broadened, while the lower leg remains narrow. This gives the same visual balance seen in the image, where the shoes look rounded but the ankles stay slim.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: k all sts.
3. Row 3: k1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
4. Row 4: p all sts.
5. Row 5: k all sts.
6. Row 6: p all sts.
7. Row 7: k1, kfb, k10, kfb, k1. 16 sts.
8. Rows 8 to 12: work 5 rows in st st, beginning with a p row.
9. Row 13: k2, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2. 14 sts.
10. Row 14: p all sts.
11. Row 15: k2, ssk, k6, k2tog, k2. 12 sts.
12. Rows 16 to 32: work 17 rows in st st.
13. Row 33: k1, kfb, k10, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
14. Rows 34 to 38: work 5 rows in st st.
15. BO knitwise.

Fold each leg lengthwise and seam from top to foot edge, leaving the cast-on edge open. Shape the foot by closing the toe area with a curved seam rather than a flat one. Stuff firmly at the foot, then more lightly through the leg so it remains slim.

Main Bunny: Body Front

Use cream.

1. CO 26 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 9: work in st st, beginning with a knit row.
4. Row 10: k2, kfb, k20, kfb, k2. 28 sts.
5. Rows 11 to 19: continue in st st.
6. Row 20: k2, ssk, k20, k2tog, k2. 26 sts.
7. Rows 21 to 27: continue in st st.
8. Row 28: k2, ssk, k18, k2tog, k2. 24 sts.
9. Rows 29 to 34: continue in st st.
10. Shape neck, Row 35 RS: k8, BO 8, k8.
11. Work each shoulder separately.
12. Row 36: p8.
13. Row 37: k1, ssk, k5. 7 sts.
14. Row 38: p7.
15. Row 39: k1, ssk, k4. 6 sts.
16. BO.
17. Rejoin yarn to other side and mirror shaping.

Main Bunny: Body Back

Use cream.

1. CO 26 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 34: work exactly as for body front.
4. Rows 35 to 39: continue straight in st st.
5. BO all 24 sts.

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Main Bunny: Arms

Make 2 in cream.

The arms are slim cylinders with a gentle widening at the upper arm. Their finished length should reach to just below the waist, matching the image.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 18: work in st st.
4. Row 19: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
5. Rows 20 to 28: continue in st st.
6. Row 29: k all sts.
7. BO.

Seam each arm. Stuff lightly, keeping the hand section soft and narrow. Flatten the top edge before attaching later.

Main Bunny: Head Front

Use cream.

The face in the image is broad and softly rounded, not pointed. To achieve that, the head widens quickly after the neck area and narrows gently at the top.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k2, kfb, k12, kfb, k2. 20 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k2, kfb, k14, kfb, k2. 22 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: k2, kfb, k16, kfb, k2. 24 sts.
8. Row 7: p all sts.
9. Row 8: k2, kfb, k18, kfb, k2. 26 sts.
10. Row 9: p all sts.
11. Row 10: k2, kfb, k20, kfb, k2. 28 sts.
12. Rows 11 to 27: continue in st st, beginning with a p row.
13. Row 28: k2, ssk, k20, k2tog, k2. 26 sts.
14. Row 29: p all sts.
15. Row 30: k2, ssk, k18, k2tog, k2. 24 sts.
16. Row 31: p all sts.
17. Row 32: k2, ssk, k16, k2tog, k2. 22 sts.
18. Row 33: p all sts.
19. Row 34: k2, ssk, k14, k2tog, k2. 20 sts.
20. Row 35: p all sts.
21. BO all sts.

Main Bunny: Head Back

Use cream and work exactly as for head front.

Main Bunny: Ears

Make 2 in cream.

The ears are long and gently tapered with rounded ends. They should be longer than the full head height so they fall down past shoulder level after attachment.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: k all sts.
3. Row 3: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 4: p all sts.
5. Row 5: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
6. Rows 6 to 32: work in st st, beginning with a p row.
7. Row 33: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 34: p all sts.
9. Row 35: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
10. Row 36: p all sts.
11. Row 37: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
12. Row 38: p all sts.
13. Row 39: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
14. Row 40: p all sts.
15. Row 41: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
16. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts.

Make a second ear the same. Seam the sides. Stuffing is not necessary. Lightly steam or finger-shape them so they remain flat and drapey.

Assembling the Main Bunny Body

First join the shoulder seams of body front and back. Sew the side seams, leaving the arm openings where appropriate. Attach the legs evenly at the lower body edge, slightly angled forward so the doll sits naturally.

Sew the head front and back together, leaving the lower neck edge open. Stuff the head firmly but smoothly, shaping the cheeks with extra filling placed low and slightly outward. Join the head to the neck opening securely.

Attach arms at the shoulder seam line. Sew ears to the upper side areas of the head, not directly at the crown. The placement should allow them to droop beside the face exactly like the image.

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Bunny Dress: Skirt and Bodice

Use cream.

The dress in the photo has a full gathered look with soft horizontal tiering. The easiest knitted way to recreate this is a wider skirt with eyelet or ridge placement, then a narrower bodice.

1. CO 72 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k all sts.
3. Row 5 RS: k all sts.
4. Row 6 WS: p all sts.
5. Row 7: k all sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Row 9: *k2tog, yo; rep to end. This creates a decorative line.
8. Row 10: p all sts.
9. Rows 11 to 18: continue in st st.
10. Row 19: k all sts.
11. Row 20: p all sts.
12. Rows 21 to 26: continue in st st.
13. Row 27: *k7, k2tog; rep to end. 64 sts.
14. Row 28: p all sts.
15. Rows 29 to 36: continue in st st.
16. Row 37: *k6, k2tog; rep to end. 56 sts.
17. Row 38: p all sts.
18. Rows 39 to 44: continue in st st.
19. Row 45: *k5, k2tog; rep to end. 48 sts.
20. Row 46: p all sts.
21. Rows 47 to 52: continue in st st.
22. Row 53: k all sts.
23. Row 54: p all sts.
24. Divide for front and back if preferred, or continue flat with a back opening.

For a back-opening dress, continue as follows:

1. Row 55 RS: k12, BO 4, k28, BO 4, k12. This creates armholes.
2. Work first front section over 12 sts for 8 rows in st st.
3. Shape neck: Row 1 RS of neck shaping: k4, k2tog, k6. 11 sts.
4. Next WS row: p all sts.
5. Next RS row: k3, k2tog, k6. 10 sts.
6. Work 2 rows straight and BO.
7. Rejoin yarn to center back section and work 28 sts straight for 10 rows. BO.
8. Work second front section to match first, reversing neck shaping.

If you prefer a simpler method, knit two separate bodice fronts and one back picked up from the skirt edge. Either method is fine as long as the fit stays neat over the bunny torso.

Dress Hem Trim

The photographed dress shows a delicate lace-like lower edge. You may sew on a narrow cotton lace trim after knitting, or create a soft scalloped effect with this knitted edge:

1. Pick up 1 st in each cast-on edge stitch around hem.
2. Round 1: p all sts.
3. Round 2: *k2tog, yo; rep around.
4. Round 3: p all sts.
5. BO loosely knitwise.

Lightly gather the skirt with your fingers so it falls in soft layers.

Bunny White Collar

Use white.

The collar is small, rounded, and visible above the cardigan neckline.

1. CO 28 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: k all sts.
3. Row 3: k all sts.
4. Row 4: k8, BO 12, k8.
5. Work one side at a time for collar point shaping.
6. Next row: k8.
7. Next row: k1, k2tog, k5. 7 sts.
8. Next row: k all sts.
9. Next row: k1, k2tog, k4. 6 sts.
10. BO.
11. Work other side to match.

Bunny Cardigan

Use pale blue.

The cardigan is short, slightly boxy, and ends just above the widest lower skirt. It has short sleeves and small front shaping. The black bow at the neck is added later.

Back

1. CO 28 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k all sts.
3. Rows 5 to 20: work in st st.
4. Row 21 RS: BO 3 sts at start of next 2 rows for armholes. 22 sts.
5. Rows 23 to 30: continue in st st.
6. Row 31 RS: k7, BO 8, k7.
7. Work each shoulder separately for 2 rows, then BO.

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Left Front

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k all sts.
3. Rows 5 to 20: work in st st.
4. Row 21 WS: BO 3 sts for armhole. 13 sts.
5. Rows 22 to 26: continue straight.
6. Row 27 RS: k10, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
7. Row 28: p all sts.
8. Row 29: k9, k2tog, k1. 11 sts.
9. Row 30: p all sts.
10. Row 31: k all sts.
11. BO shoulder 7 sts at armhole side, then work remaining 4 sts for neck edge band for 3 rows.
12. BO.

Right Front

Work as left front, reversing shaping.

Sleeves

Make 2 in pale blue.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: k all sts.
3. Rows 4 to 10: work in st st.
4. Row 11: BO 2 sts at start of next 2 rows. 14 sts.
5. Rows 13 and 14: continue straight.
6. BO.

Join shoulder seams, attach sleeves, and sew side and sleeve seams. The cardigan should fit closely but not tightly over the dress bodice.

Bunny Shoulder Bag

Use pale blue.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 14: work in st st.
4. BO.

Fold in half and seam sides to form a small pouch. For the strap, CO 42 sts and work 2 rows in garter stitch. BO. Sew the strap diagonally so the bag hangs at the bunny’s right hip as in the image.

Add a tiny black bow to the bag front.

Bunny Beret

Use pale blue.

This beret is the most important accessory for the silhouette. It needs enough fullness to sit low and slouch to one side.

1. CO 72 sts.
2. Join if knitting in the round, or work flat and seam later.
3. Rounds or Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
4. Round or Row 5: *k1, m1; rep to end. 144 sts.
5. Rounds or Rows 6 to 16: work in st st.
6. Round or Row 17: *k10, k2tog; rep to end. 132 sts.
7. Round or Row 18: plain.
8. Round or Row 19: *k9, k2tog; rep to end. 120 sts.
9. Round or Row 20: plain.
10. Continue decreasing in this manner, reducing one knit stitch between decreases on every other round or row, until 24 sts remain.
11. Next round or row: *k2tog; rep to end. 12 sts.
12. Cut yarn and draw through remaining sts tightly.

If worked flat, seam carefully. Shape the beret over your fingers and tack it slightly to the bunny head at one side so it tilts just like the photograph.

Bunny Socks and Shoes

Socks

Make 2 in white.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 7 and 8: st st.
4. BO.

Wrap around the ankle and sew neatly.

Shoes

Make 2 in black.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 8: work in st st.
4. Row 9: k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3. 12 sts.
5. Row 10: p all sts.
6. Row 11: k all sts.
7. BO.

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Seam around the foot into a rounded slipper shape. Leave the instep open enough to show the white sock. Add a narrow strap across the top with a 6-st garter strip sewn to each side.

Black Bows and Buttons

Use black yarn.

The image shows several little black bows on the dress, one at the neck, and one on the bag. Make tiny bows by wrapping yarn around two fingers three times, tying the center tightly, then trimming the ends short. Sew in place.

For cardigan front buttons, use very small French knots in black or sew tiny embroidered dots.

Tiny Kitten Companion

This decorative kitten is seated and proportioned smaller than the bunny shoe height. It has a rounded head, small pointed ears, short body, cream paws, and a curled tail.

Kitten Body and Head Front

Use ginger.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 11: work in st st.
7. Row 12: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
8. Row 13: p all sts.
9. Row 14: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
10. Rows 15 to 18: continue in st st.
11. BO.

Kitten Back

Work the same as front.

Kitten Ears

Make 2 in ginger.

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: k1, kfb, k1. 4 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 6 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. BO.

Kitten Arms

Make 2 in cream.

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in st st.
3. BO.

Kitten Legs

Make 2 in cream.

1. CO 5 sts.
2. Work 7 rows in st st.
3. BO.

Kitten Tail

Use ginger.

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Knit 10 rows in i-cord if you know the method, or knit a narrow strip for 10 rows and seam.
3. BO.

Seam body and head, stuff lightly, attach ears, arms, legs, and tail. Embroider tiny eyes, nose, and mouth in dark thread and pale pink thread.

Kitten Dress

Use yellow.

1. CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 8: st st.
4. Row 9: *k2tog, yo; rep to end.
5. Row 10: p all sts.
6. Rows 11 to 13: st st.
7. BO.

Wrap around kitten body and seam at back. Add two tiny shoulder straps if desired by crocheting or knitting narrow cords. Embroider tiny pink flower dots near the hem to echo the image.

Kitten Straw Hat

Use tan with one dark stripe row.

1. CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: k all sts.
3. Row 4: p all sts.
4. Rows 5 and 6: k all sts.
5. Row 7: change to dark yarn, k all sts.
6. Row 8: tan, p all sts.
7. Row 9: k2tog across. 12 sts.
8. Cut yarn and draw through.

Form into a shallow dome and flatten the cast-on edge slightly for a brim. Sew to the kitten head at a tilted angle.

Mini Book for Kitten

Use cream or taupe.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work 10 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.

Fold in half like a little book and tack into the kitten paws.

Mini Yarn Basket

Use light brown.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 16: work in garter stitch.
3. BO.

Fold into a shallow basket shape with the cast-on and bind-off edges joined. Gather the bottom edges to form a rounded base. For the handle, make a 20-st i-cord or narrow garter strip and attach to both sides. You may thread fine wire inside the handle for shape.

Make tiny scrap yarn balls by wrapping yarn around the tip of a finger, tying lightly, and tucking ends in. Place them inside the basket.

Mini Teacup and Saucer

Saucer

Use pale blue.

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: kfb across. 12 sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: *k1, kfb; rep to end. 18 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. BO loosely.

Cup

Use white with pale blue base.

1. CO 8 sts in pale blue.
2. Knit 2 rows.
3. Change to white and work 6 rows in st st.
4. BO.

Seam into a tiny cup. Add a stitched curved handle at one side. Embroider a tiny pink motif if desired.

Dressing and Styling the Bunny

Put on the socks first, then shoes. Sew the cream dress in place around the body. Attach the white collar at the neckline. Add the blue cardigan and close it lightly at the front so the dress remains visible.

Sew the black bow at the neck center. Position the shoulder bag diagonally across the torso. Finally, place the beret low over the head and tack one side so it slouches toward the bunny’s left side, matching the photograph.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Embroider the eyes in black as small vertical almond dots, spaced widely across the face. Add a tiny stitched nose in a soft brown-black shade and work a short Y-shaped mouth below it. Keep the face simple and calm. Very light cheek shading with pastel pencil may be added, but use it sparingly.

Care Notes

Display pieces are best kept away from direct moisture and rough play. If this toy is intended for a child, replace any loose trims with securely embroidered details and avoid detachable miniature accessories.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head looks rounded and slightly larger than torso.
• Ears hang low and soft.
• Dress falls full and layered.
• Cardigan sits cropped above the lower skirt.
• Beret is loose and tilted.
• Bag hangs at one hip.
• Shoes are rounded black Mary Janes.
• Kitten is tiny, seated, and holds a small book.
• Basket and teacup are scaled small beside the bunny.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap only when needed. Do not soak stuffed knitted toys. Reshape gently while drying flat on a towel. Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and keep miniature accessories together in a small box when not displayed.