Knitting Tutorial: Sweet Pea Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to capture the soft, heirloom look of a handmade bunny doll styled for spring. The finished set includes the large bunny, her pink dress, matching cloche hat, tiny handbag, shoes, a small lamb friend, a little watering can, and a sweet blue-roof birdhouse. It is a lovely choice for anyone searching for a knitted stuffed rabbit pattern, a nursery keepsake, a handmade baby shower gift, or a boutique-style soft toy to knit and display.

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 uses standard American knitting abbreviations. The toy proportions are carefully planned to match the image: a rounded head, compact upper body, softly flared dress, slim dangling legs, long tapered arms, low floppy ears, a close-fitting cloche hat, neat Mary Jane shoes, and small supporting accessories.

The main bunny stands at approximately 12 inches tall from the soles of the shoes to the top of the hat. The small lamb stands at approximately 4 inches tall. The watering can and birdhouse are miniature accessories sized to sit naturally beside the toys without looking oversized.

Most pieces are worked flat and seamed unless noted otherwise. This makes shaping easier to follow for newer knitters while still keeping the finished forms clean and polished. Take your time with stuffing, because the final proportions depend as much on shaping as they do on stitch count.

Materials

• Main bunny and lamb body color: DK weight yarn in soft cream or warm white, 1 skein
• Large dress, hat, handbag, and shoes: DK weight yarn in dusty rose pink, 1 to 2 skeins
• Small lamb dress and birdhouse roof: DK weight yarn in muted powder blue, small amount
• Embroidery details: small amounts of olive green, burgundy, ivory, tan, brown, and blush pink
• Watering can: DK weight yarn in oatmeal or light stone
• Birdhouse body: DK weight yarn in cream or light beige
• Tiny basket handle and lamb basket: DK weight yarn in warm brown
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) straight needles or double-pointed needles
• Optional smaller needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) for tiny accessories if you knit loosely
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small sewing needle
• Black embroidery thread for eyes and nose
• Thin cardboard or plastic canvas for the base of the birdhouse if desired

Gauge

In stockinette stitch on US 2 needles, 30 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches after light blocking. Exact gauge is less important than achieving a firm fabric. The stuffing must not show through. If your fabric looks open, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

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

Finished Measurements

• Large bunny: about 12 inches tall including hat
• Large bunny body only: about 10.5 inches tall
• Small lamb: about 4 inches tall
• Watering can: about 1.25 inches tall
• Birdhouse: about 1.75 inches tall

Notes Before You Begin

The bunny in the image has a soft, polished silhouette. Do not overstuff the limbs. The head should be smooth and round, but the arms and legs should stay slim. The dress is short and rounded, not ankle length. The hat sits low and close to the head, with a rolled brim and one floral accent.

The facial embroidery is minimal. The eyes are small vertical black stitches placed wide apart. The nose and mouth are worked in a dark brown or deep black-brown thread using a simple Y-shaped format. This understated face is important for the gentle look shown in the photo.

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Large Bunny Body

Make 2 Legs

Using cream, CO 12 sts.

1. Row 1 (WS): p all sts.
2. Row 2: k all sts.
3. Row 3: p all sts.
4. Row 4: k all sts.
5. Row 5: p all sts.
6. Row 6: k all sts.
7. Rows 7-26: work 20 rows in st st, ending with a WS row.

You now have a narrow lower leg. The finished leg in the photo is slim and straight, so resist the urge to widen it too soon. Keep stuffing very light later so the legs still hang neatly beneath the dress.

Break yarn on first leg and leave stitches on a holder. Work the second leg the same way, but do not break yarn.

Join Legs and Work Lower Body

With second leg on needle, k across 12 sts. CO 4 sts. K across 12 sts from first leg. Total 28 sts.

1. Row 1 (WS): p across all 28 sts.
2. Row 2: k1, kfb, k10, kfb, k2, kfb, k10, kfb, k1. Total 32 sts.
3. Row 3: p all sts.
4. Row 4: k all sts.
5. Row 5: p all sts.
6. Row 6: k1, kfb, k12, kfb, k2, kfb, k12, kfb, k1. Total 36 sts.
7. Rows 7-14: work 8 rows in st st.

This section forms the softly padded hip area under the dress. Keep the shape compact rather than broad. The bunny in the image has a neat, petite frame, with the dress providing most of the visual fullness.

Shape Waist and Upper Torso

1. Row 15 (RS): k2, k2tog, k12, ssk, k2, k2tog, k12, ssk, k2. Total 32 sts.
2. Row 16: p all sts.
3. Row 17: k all sts.
4. Row 18: p all sts.
5. Row 19: k2, k2tog, k10, ssk, k2, k2tog, k10, ssk, k2. Total 28 sts.
6. Row 20: p all sts.
7. Rows 21-28: work 8 rows in st st.

The torso should be modestly narrow. It must support the large head but still remain delicate. Do not make the waist too sharply cinched or the dress will not sit correctly on the finished toy.

Shape Shoulders and Neck

1. Row 29 (RS): k2, k2tog, k8, ssk, k2, k2tog, k8, ssk, k2. Total 24 sts.
2. Row 30: p all sts.
3. Row 31: k all sts.
4. Row 32: p all sts.
5. Row 33: k2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2. Total 20 sts.
6. Row 34: p all sts.
7. Row 35: k all sts.
8. Row 36: p all sts.
9. Row 37: k2, k2tog, k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, ssk, k2. Total 16 sts.
10. Row 38: p all sts.

Break yarn and place body aside. The neck opening will be gathered into the head later. If you prefer, you may leave a long tail for sewing, but do not close it yet.

Large Bunny Head

The head is worked from the top down in two identical pieces and seamed. This creates the broad forehead and smooth cheek line seen in the image. Make 2.

Using cream, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1 (WS): p all sts.
2. Row 2: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. Total 12 sts.
3. Row 3: p1, pfb, p8, pfb, p1. Total 14 sts.
4. Row 4: k1, kfb, k10, kfb, k1. Total 16 sts.
5. Row 5: p1, pfb, p12, pfb, p1. Total 18 sts.
6. Row 6: k1, kfb, k14, kfb, k1. Total 20 sts.
7. Row 7: p1, pfb, p16, pfb, p1. Total 22 sts.
8. Row 8: k1, kfb, k18, kfb, k1. Total 24 sts.
9. Row 9: p1, pfb, p20, pfb, p1. Total 26 sts.
10. Row 10: k1, kfb, k22, kfb, k1. Total 28 sts.
11. Rows 11-26: work 16 rows in st st.

The head should now be generously rounded. This width is essential, because the head in the image is visibly larger than the body and gives the bunny its sweet, childlike appearance.

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Shape Lower Head

1. Row 27 (RS): k1, ssk, k22, k2tog, k1. Total 26 sts.
2. Row 28: p all sts.
3. Row 29: k1, ssk, k20, k2tog, k1. Total 24 sts.
4. Row 30: p all sts.
5. Row 31: k1, ssk, k18, k2tog, k1. Total 22 sts.
6. Row 32: p all sts.
7. Row 33: k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1. Total 20 sts.
8. Row 34: p all sts.
9. Row 35: k all sts.
10. Row 36: p all sts.

BO loosely. Make a second matching piece. Sew around outer edges, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff firmly but smoothly, paying attention to the cheeks and crown. The head should be round, not oval, and the face should remain flat enough for neat embroidery.

Large Bunny Ears

Make 2 using cream. Each ear is long, narrow, and softly rounded. They are attached low on the sides of the head so they hang downward beneath the hat brim.

CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 (WS): p all sts.
2. Row 2: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. Total 10 sts.
3. Row 3: p all sts.
4. Row 4: k all sts.
5. Rows 5-18: work 14 rows in st st.
6. Row 19: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. Total 8 sts.
7. Row 20: p all sts.
8. Row 21: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. Total 6 sts.
9. Row 22: p all sts.
10. Row 23: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. Total 4 sts.
11. Row 24: p all sts.
12. Row 25: k2tog twice. Total 2 sts.
13. Row 26: p2tog. Total 1 st.

Fasten off. Fold each ear lengthwise very gently and sew the base closed so the upper ear remains slightly cupped. Do not stuff the ears. Their softness helps recreate the exact droop seen in the image.

Large Bunny Arms

Make 2 using cream. These arms are slim tubes with slightly tapered ends and should angle downward once attached.

CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: work 4 rows in g st.
2. Rows 5-24: work 20 rows in st st.
3. Row 25: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. Total 8 sts.
4. Row 26: p all sts.
5. Rows 27-30: work 4 rows in st st.
6. BO.

Sew side seams. Stuff lightly, leaving the top 1 inch unstuffed for easy shaping. The bunny in the image has relaxed arms that do not stick straight outward, so an unstuffed upper section helps them drape naturally.

Large Bunny Dress

The dress is worked in pink from the hem upward. The shape is bell-like and lightly gathered at the bodice. The front is decorated with small white dots and tiny embroidered flowers. The sleeves are tiny cap ruffles sitting just beyond the shoulder line.

Skirt

Using pink, CO 72 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: work 4 rows in g st for the ruffled hem edge.
2. Row 5 (RS): k all sts.
3. Row 6: p all sts.
4. Rows 7-18: rep Rows 5 and 6 six more times.
5. Row 19 (RS): k2, k2tog across to end. Total 48 sts.
6. Row 20: p all sts.
7. Row 21: k all sts.
8. Row 22: p all sts.
9. Row 23: k all sts.
10. Row 24: p all sts.
11. Row 25: k3, k2tog across to last 3 sts, k3. Total 39 sts.
12. Row 26: p all sts.
13. Rows 27-32: work 6 rows in st st.

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Bodice

1. Row 33 (RS): k2, k2tog, k31, ssk, k2. Total 37 sts.
2. Row 34: p all sts.
3. Row 35: k all sts.
4. Row 36: p all sts.
5. Row 37: k2, k2tog, k29, ssk, k2. Total 35 sts.
6. Row 38: p all sts.
7. Row 39: k all sts.
8. Row 40: p all sts.
9. Row 41: BO 4 sts, k27, BO 4 sts. Total 27 sts.
10. Row 42: p all sts.
11. Row 43: k all sts.
12. Row 44: p all sts.
13. Row 45: k7, BO 13 sts, k7.
14. Row 46: p7, join yarn, p7.
15. Row 47: k all sts on each shoulder separately.
16. Row 48: p all sts.
17. BO each shoulder.

Sew shoulder seams and back seam, leaving a small opening at the upper back if you want the dress removable. Otherwise sew closed after dressing the bunny. Pick up around each arm opening and work 1 row of purl, 1 row of kfb in every 3rd st, then BO knitwise to create the tiny ruffled sleeves.

For the little white dots, duplicate-stitch scattered single stitches in ivory or white across the skirt and upper bodice. Keep the dots evenly spaced but not rigidly geometric. The image shows a light, whimsical scatter rather than a formal motif grid.

Embroider tiny flowers along the lower skirt and upper bodice using ivory petals, blush petals, and olive stems. Make each flower no larger than 3 to 4 stitches wide. Add a small French-knot style center if desired, but keep all embellishment delicate.

Large Bunny Hat

The hat is a close cloche shape with a rolled brim. It sits low over the forehead and frames the face. Work flat and seam at the back.

Using pink, CO 56 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: k all sts for a rolling brim.
2. Row 7 (WS): p all sts.
3. Row 8: k all sts.
4. Rows 9-20: work 12 rows in st st.
5. Row 21: k6, k2tog across. Total 49 sts.
6. Row 22: p all sts.
7. Row 23: k5, k2tog across. Total 42 sts.
8. Row 24: p all sts.
9. Row 25: k4, k2tog across. Total 35 sts.
10. Row 26: p all sts.
11. Row 27: k3, k2tog across. Total 28 sts.
12. Row 28: p all sts.
13. Row 29: k2, k2tog across. Total 21 sts.
14. Row 30: p all sts.
15. Row 31: k1, k2tog across. Total 14 sts.
16. Row 32: p all sts.

Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight. Sew back seam. The hat should fit snugly and cover the top half of the ears once attached. Do not make it tall like a beanie. The image clearly shows a rounded, low-profile cloche.

For the hat trim, knit or embroider one small ivory flower and one burgundy bud cluster. Sew them to one side of the hat above the brim. The decorative group should be compact and not extend too far upward.

Large Bunny Handbag

Using pink, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1-14: work in st st, beginning with a WS purl row.
2. Row 15: k all sts.
3. Row 16: p all sts.
4. BO.

Fold in half and sew side seams to form a tiny rectangular bag with a slightly rounded base. For the handle, CO 18 sts, work 2 rows in g st, BO. Sew both ends to the inside upper edges.

Embroider white dots to match the dress. Add two tiny rolled pink rosettes or knot flowers near the handle base if you want to copy the photographed bag closely.

Large Bunny Shoes

Make 2 in pink. These are soft Mary Jane-style slippers with a rounded toe and narrow strap appearance.

CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1-2: work 2 rows in g st.
2. Row 3: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. Total 12 sts.
3. Row 4: p all sts.
4. Row 5: k1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. Total 14 sts.
5. Row 6: p all sts.
6. Rows 7-10: work 4 rows in st st.
7. Row 11: k4, k2tog, k2, ssk, k4. Total 12 sts.
8. Row 12: p all sts.
9. Row 13: k3, k2tog, k2, ssk, k3. Total 10 sts.
10. Row 14: p all sts.
11. Row 15: k all sts.
12. BO.

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Sew the back seam and gather the toe edge slightly. Slip over the lower legs and sew in place. To suggest the strap, embroider or stitch a pink line across the front ankle. Add a tiny ivory stitch at one side as a button if desired.

Small Lamb Body

The small companion figure resembles a tiny lamb or sheep with a cream face, little ears, a simple blue dress, and short legs. Its proportions are upright and compact so it sits naturally beside the large bunny.

Legs and Body

Using cream, CO 8 sts. Make 2.

1. Rows 1-10: work 10 rows in st st, ending with a WS row.

Break yarn on first leg. Work second leg, then k across second leg, CO 2 sts, k across first leg. Total 18 sts.

1. Row 1 (WS): p all sts.
2. Row 2: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k2, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. Total 22 sts.
3. Rows 3-8: work 6 rows in st st.
4. Row 9: k2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2. Total 18 sts.
5. Row 10: p all sts.
6. Rows 11-14: work 4 rows in st st.

Head

1. Row 15 (RS): k1, kfb, k16, kfb, k1. Total 20 sts.
2. Row 16: p all sts.
3. Row 17: k1, kfb, k18, kfb, k1. Total 22 sts.
4. Row 18: p all sts.
5. Rows 19-26: work 8 rows in st st.
6. Row 27: k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1. Total 20 sts.
7. Row 28: p all sts.
8. Row 29: k1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1. Total 18 sts.
9. Row 30: p all sts.
10. BO.

Sew back seam, stuff lightly, and close top. Shape a rounded head with a narrow neck. This little figure should look small and sweet next to the bunny, not bulky or baby-like.

Small Lamb Arms

Make 2 using cream. CO 6 sts.

1. Rows 1-10: work 10 rows in st st.
2. BO.

Sew into narrow tubes and stuff very lightly or leave unstuffed. Attach low and close to the body sides.

Small Lamb Ears

Make 2 using cream or pale gray-tan. CO 4 sts.

1. Row 1: p all sts.
2. Row 2: k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. Total 6 sts.
3. Rows 3-6: work 4 rows in st st.
4. Row 7: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. Total 4 sts.
5. Row 8: p all sts.
6. BO.

Sew to sides of head so they angle slightly outward.

Small Lamb Dress

Using blue, CO 28 sts.

1. Rows 1-3: work 3 rows in g st.
2. Rows 4-10: work 7 rows in st st.
3. Row 11: k2, k2tog across to end. Total 19 sts.
4. Row 12: p all sts.
5. Rows 13-16: work 4 rows in st st.
6. Row 17: BO 3 sts, k13, BO 3 sts. Total 13 sts.
7. Row 18: p all sts.
8. Row 19: k4, BO 5 sts, k4.
9. Row 20: p4, join yarn, p4.
10. BO shoulders separately on next row.

Sew back and shoulders. Add a few tiny white duplicate-stitched dots near the hem to echo the large bunny dress. The lamb dress should be plain and simple so it does not compete with the larger figure.

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Small Basket

Using brown, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: work 6 rows in st st.
2. BO.

Fold in half and sew side seams. For the handle, CO 10 sts, work 2 rows in g st, BO, and attach. Stuff the basket very lightly or leave empty. It should sit close to the lamb’s hand.

Watering Can

Using oatmeal, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1-8: work 8 rows in st st.
2. BO.

Sew into a cylinder. Gather one end tightly for the base. Stuff lightly. Thread the top edge and draw in slightly, leaving the opening visible. For the spout, CO 4 sts and work 8 rows in st st. Roll diagonally into a tube and sew to the side front.

For the handle, CO 10 sts, work 2 rows in g st, BO, and attach from upper back to upper side. Shape the spout so it angles outward. The watering can in the image is squat and soft, not tall.

Birdhouse

The birdhouse is a tiny cube-like form with a pale body, a blue pitched roof, and a round dark opening on the front. Work the body panels flat.

Birdhouse Body

Using cream, make 4 side panels. CO 8 sts and work 8 rows in st st. BO.

Make 1 base panel. CO 8 sts and work 8 rows in st st. BO.

Sew 4 side panels together into a square tube. Attach the base. Stuff lightly. Embroider or sew a black circle at the center front to make the entry hole. Add a tiny beige stitch below it as a perch.

Roof

Using blue, make 2.

CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: work 6 rows in st st.
2. BO.

Sew one long edge of each roof panel together along the top ridge, then stitch lower edges to the birdhouse sides so the roof overhangs slightly. The roof should look soft and rounded rather than sharply architectural.

Embroidered Floral Details

The dress and hat details are central to matching the image. Use duplicate stitch, straight stitch, and tiny lazy-daisy style petals. Keep all floral embroidery miniature. Oversized flowers will change the scale of the whole project.

• Dress flowers: place one small ivory flower at the bodice center, one pink-and-ivory floral cluster near the lower right side, and several tiny flowers around the lower hem
• Stems: use olive green and keep each stem just 2 to 4 stitches long
• Hat trim: one ivory flower with a deeper berry accent bud cluster
• White dots: single duplicate stitches scattered evenly over the dress and bag

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff the large bunny head.
2. Sew the large bunny body and lightly stuff legs, hips, torso, and neck.
3. Attach head securely to body with small whip stitches all around the neck.
4. Attach ears low on the head, roughly level with the eye line but slightly behind it.
5. Attach arms at the side shoulder line and angle them gently downward.
6. Dress the bunny and sew dress closed if preferred.
7. Sew shoes onto feet.
8. Add handbag to one paw.
9. Sew hat in place after final ear positioning is confirmed.
10. Complete the lamb and accessories.

Face Placement Guide

Place the eyes approximately 7 to 8 stitches apart on the center front of the head. Each eye is just a short vertical satin stitch or knot-like stitch, not a plastic safety eye. Keep them small. Large eyes will completely change the expression.

The nose sits low on the face, about 6 rows below the eyes. Use dark brown thread to make a tiny inverted triangle or narrow V. Extend a short center stitch downward and then split into two tiny curved mouth stitches to form a soft Y shape.

Avoid adding cheeks unless very subtle. The photo reads clean and classic, with the face left mostly plain. If you want blush, use a barely visible pink pastel tint rather than embroidery.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head is centered and slightly forward, not leaning back. Shape the cheeks with your fingers while adjusting the stuffing. Sew the hat low so it frames the face. Position the handbag naturally over the paw. Keep the facial embroidery tiny, even, and calm for the sweetest expression.

Care Notes

Display toys like this away from direct sunlight to preserve the pink and blue shades. These pieces are best treated as decorative knitted keepsakes. If gifting to a child, make sure all sewn parts are attached very securely and avoid loose embellishments for very young children.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is round and larger than torso
• Ears are low-set and floppy
• Arms are slim and lightly stuffed
• Dress sits above the ankles and flares softly
• Hat fits low like a cloche
• White dots and floral embroidery stay delicate
• Small lamb, watering can, and birdhouse are scaled to match

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap whenever possible. Do not machine wash unless all pieces are firmly sewn and the yarn label allows it. Reshape while damp and dry flat on a towel. Store in a breathable cotton bag or clean display cabinet to reduce dust and prevent crushing.