Knitting Tutorial: Pink Smock Dress Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted bunny is styled like a boutique heirloom toy, dressed in a pink and white smock dress with ruffles, floral accents, matching bonnet, shoes, crossbody purse, and tiny accessories. The finished look is perfect for nursery decor, spring displays, Easter baskets, handmade gift ideas, and collectors who love artisan stuffed animals, knitted rabbit dolls, designer soft toys, and luxury handmade bunny decor. The shaping is gentle, the details are charming, and the overall result has the polished look of a premium pattern while still being approachable for careful beginners who enjoy small decorative finishing.

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 written in US English and is worked mostly flat, then seamed, stuffed, and assembled. The bunny in the photo has a soft vintage silhouette with a rounded head, narrow neck, plump torso, long floppy ears, short rounded arms, standing legs with shaped feet, and a full layered dress.

The instructions below are designed to reproduce the visible proportions from the image as closely as possible. The bunny is slightly taller than wide, with the skirt creating most of the visual volume. The face is simple and delicate, with tiny black eyes and a stitched nose and mouth.

The pattern also includes the pink bonnet, separate hat, tiny parasol, floral shoulder bag, knitted shoes, mini yarn basket, and the small hedgehog companion shown at the right of the bunny. For the embroidered flowers, use duplicate stitch and simple straight stitches.

Skill Level

Intermediate, mainly because of shaping, finishing, decorative trims, duplicate stitch embroidery, and the number of separate pieces. The basic stitches themselves are straightforward.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 15 to 16 inches tall from feet to top of bonnet
• Bunny body only: about 11 inches tall seated or 13 inches tall standing
• Bonnet diameter: about 5 inches
• Skirt width at lower edge before seaming: about 18 inches around
• Hedgehog companion: about 4 inches tall

Gauge matters for proportion. A tight fabric is important so the stuffing does not show through.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream, soft pink, dusty rose, light green, tan, brown, pale blue, and tiny scraps for flowers
• US 2.5 needles for most pieces
• US 1.5 needles for trims, purse strap, and miniature accessories if you want a firmer fabric
• Polyester toy stuffing
• Black embroidery thread or black yarn for eyes if embroidering instead of using safety eyes
• Pink ribbon for sleeve bows and shoe bows
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small amount of lace trim if desired for the lower petticoat look, or knit the frill as instructed

Gauge

On US 2.5 needles in stockinette stitch, 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches.

The exact row gauge is less important than keeping the fabric firm and consistent.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• m1 = make 1 increase
• p = purl
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• rem = remaining
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• st st = stockinette stitch
• WS = wrong side
• yo = yarn over

Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using cream, CO 14 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all.
2. Row 2 RS: k all.
3. Row 3: p all.
4. Row 4: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
5. Row 5: p all.
6. Row 6: k all.
7. Row 7: p all.
8. Row 8: kfb, k14, kfb. 18 sts.

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These first rows form the toe and front of the foot. Continue in st st for 8 more rows, ending with a WS row.

Now shape the sole and ankle.

1. Next row RS: k5, ssk, k4, k2tog, k5. 16 sts.
2. Next row WS: p all.
3. Next row RS: k4, ssk, k4, k2tog, k4. 14 sts.
4. Next row WS: p all.
5. Next row RS: k all.
6. Work 10 rows in st st.

Increase for calf and upper leg.

1. Next RS: k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. 16 sts.
2. Next WS: p all.
3. Work 5 rows even.
4. Next RS: k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. 18 sts.
5. Work 7 rows even.
6. Next RS: k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. 20 sts.
7. Work 9 rows even.

Total leg length should look long and softly cylindrical, not chunky. BO loosely.

Make second leg the same.

Body

Sew the lower leg seams, stuff feet firmly and legs lightly up to knee level. Leave upper edges open. With RS facing, place both legs side by side and join them into one body piece.

Using cream, pick up or knit across 20 sts of first leg, CO 4 sts for crotch bridge, then knit across 20 sts of second leg. 44 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all.
2. Rows 2 to 10: work in st st.

Shape the lower torso.

1. Next RS: k2, k2tog, k to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 42 sts.
2. Next WS: p all.
3. Work 3 rows even.
4. Repeat the decrease row once. 40 sts.
5. Work 5 rows even.

Create the soft rounded tummy visible under the dress.

1. Next RS: k1, m1, k18, m1, k2, m1, k18, m1, k1. 44 sts.
2. Next WS: p all.
3. Work 7 rows even.

Now narrow for the waist.

1. Next RS: k2, k2tog, k to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 42 sts.
2. Next WS: p all.
3. Repeat these 2 rows twice more. 38 sts.
4. Work 4 rows even.
5. Next RS: k2, k2tog, k to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. 36 sts.
6. Work 3 rows even.

Upper chest and shoulder area.

1. Next RS: k all.
2. Next WS: p all.
3. Repeat these 8 rows.

Shape shoulders and neck.

1. Next RS: BO 3 sts, k to end. 33 sts.
2. Next WS: BO 3 sts, p to end. 30 sts.
3. Next RS: BO 2 sts, k to end. 28 sts.
4. Next WS: BO 2 sts, p to end. 26 sts.
5. Next RS: k9, BO 8 sts, k9.

Work each side separately for one row, then BO all shoulder sts.

Make a second body panel the same, but do not split the neck opening quite so deeply if you prefer a firmer front. Seam shoulders and sides later.

Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 12 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all.
2. Row 2 RS: k all.
3. Repeat these 4 rows.

Increase to rounded forearm.

1. Next RS: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
2. Next WS: p all.
3. Work 4 rows even.
4. Next RS: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
5. Work 8 rows even.

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Shape upper arm with slight fullness.

1. Next RS: k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. 18 sts.
2. Work 6 rows even.
3. Next RS: k2, k2tog, k10, ssk, k2. 16 sts.
4. Next WS: p all.
5. Next RS: k all.
6. Next WS: p all.
7. BO.

Sew arm seams. Stuff lightly, keeping wrists narrow and shoulders soft. The arms in the photo hang low and rounded, with no stiff elbows.

Head Make 2

Using cream, CO 20 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all.
2. Row 2 RS: k all.
3. Row 3: p all.
4. Row 4: k1, m1, k18, m1, k1. 22 sts.
5. Row 5: p all.
6. Row 6: k1, m1, k20, m1, k1. 24 sts.
7. Row 7: p all.
8. Row 8: k1, m1, k22, m1, k1. 26 sts.
9. Row 9: p all.
10. Row 10: k1, m1, k24, m1, k1. 28 sts.

Work 16 rows in st st, ending with a WS row.

Shape the top of head.

1. Next RS: k1, ssk, k22, k2tog, k1. 26 sts.
2. Next WS: p all.
3. Next RS: k1, ssk, k20, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
4. Next WS: p all.
5. Next RS: k1, ssk, k18, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
6. Next WS: p all.
7. Next RS: k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.

BO loosely.

Make the second head panel the same.

Ears Make 2

Using cream, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all.
2. Row 2 RS: k all.
3. Row 3: p all.
4. Row 4: k1, m1, k6, m1, k1. 10 sts.
5. Row 5: p all.
6. Row 6: k1, m1, k8, m1, k1. 12 sts.
7. Work 8 rows even.
8. Next RS: k1, m1, k10, m1, k1. 14 sts.
9. Work 12 rows even.

Now taper the ear tip slightly.

1. Next RS: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
2. Next WS: p all.
3. Work 3 rows even.
4. Next RS: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
5. Next WS: p all.
6. Next RS: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
7. BO.

Make two identical ear pieces, sew edges, and stuff either very lightly or not at all. Flatten them gently so they drape downward beside the face.

Dress

The dress is the main visual feature in the image. It has a white bodice with pink trim, short sleeves with white ruffles, a pink waistband, a wide white overskirt embroidered with pink flowers, and a pink lower skirt band beneath. The dress can be made as one garment with back closure or in separate joined sections.

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Bodice Front

Using white, CO 28 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: work in garter stitch.
2. Next row RS: k all.
3. Next row WS: p all.
4. Repeat last 2 rows 8 times.

Change to pink for neckline trim row.

1. Next row RS: k all in pink.
2. Next row WS: p all in pink.

Return to white. Shape armholes.

1. Next RS: BO 2 sts, k to end. 26 sts.
2. Next WS: BO 2 sts, p to end. 24 sts.
3. Next RS: k all.
4. Next WS: p all.

Work 8 rows even.

Shape neck.

1. Next RS: k8, BO 8 sts, k8.

Work each side separately.

1. Next WS: p to end.
2. Next RS: k2tog at neck edge, k to end. 7 sts.
3. Next WS: p all.
4. BO.

Rejoin yarn to other side and mirror.

Bodice Back Make 2

Using white, CO 16 sts each.

1. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
2. Then work 10 rows in st st.
3. Work 2 rows in pink.
4. Return to white.
5. Shape armhole at one side by BO 2 sts once. 14 sts.
6. Work 8 rows even.
7. Shape neck by BO 5 sts at neck edge, then dec 1 st at neck edge on next RS row. 8 sts.
8. BO shoulder sts.

Sleeves Make 2

Using white, CO 22 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 3: garter stitch.
2. Row 4 RS: k2tog across. 11 sts.

This gathers the sleeve ruffle, just like the frilled edge visible in the image.

1. Next row WS: p all.
2. Next row RS: k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. 13 sts.
3. Next row WS: p all.
4. Work 6 rows even.
5. BO.

After sewing the sleeve seam, tie a pink ribbon bow around the lower sleeve area as shown.

Waistband

Using pink, CO 8 sts.

Work in st st for 30 rows, or until it fits around the waist snugly. BO.

Main Skirt

Using white, CO 84 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
2. Row 5 RS: k all.
3. Row 6 WS: p all.
4. Repeat rows 5 and 6 for 18 rows.

Create gentle fullness for the lower part of the skirt.

1. Next RS: k6, m1, rep to end. 98 sts.
2. Next WS: p all.
3. Work 10 rows even.

Create lower ruffle edge.

1. Next RS: k all.
2. Next WS: k all.
3. Repeat these 4 rows.

BO loosely.

This skirt should sit full and rounded, not flat. Steam lightly only if needed.

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Pink Under-Skirt Band

Using pink, CO 92 sts.

1. Work 16 rows in st st.
2. Rows 17 to 20: garter stitch.
3. BO loosely.

Sew this behind the white overskirt so the pink band shows below, matching the image.

Petticoat Frill

Using white, CO 100 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: garter stitch.
2. BO loosely.

Gather slightly and attach beneath the pink under-skirt band. This creates the layered lower edge visible above the bunny’s ankles.

Smocked Look and Flower Embroidery

The dress in the image has a decorative pink edging around the neckline and bodice trim, plus small pink flowers along the lower white panel.

• Use duplicate stitch in soft pink to outline the neckline.
• Use duplicate stitch in pink across the upper chest line and around the waist seam.
• Embroider five evenly spaced flowers along the lower white skirt front.
• Each flower can be made with 5 detached chain stitches or tiny straight stitches radiating from a center knot.
• Use pale green for stems and leaves.
• Use pink and dusty rose for petals.

Place the flowers only on the front half of the skirt so the back stays smooth.

Shoes Make 2

Using cream, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: st st, starting with a WS purl row.
2. Next RS: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
3. Next WS: p all.
4. Work 4 rows even.
5. Next RS: k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4. 12 sts.
6. Next WS: p all.
7. Rows 13 to 16: garter stitch.
8. BO.

Sew around the foot like a slipper. Add a pink sole edging with duplicate stitch or a narrow knitted strip. Stitch a small pink bow at the front of each shoe.

Bonnet

The bonnet is large, rounded, and deeply frilled, with alternating pink and white. It frames the bunny’s face and sits over the ears.

Bonnet Crown

Using pink, CO 60 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 10: work in st st.
2. Next RS: k all.
3. Next WS: p2tog across. 30 sts.
4. Rows 13 to 20: st st.

Thread yarn through live sts and pull up to form the back crown if preferred, or BO and seam into a shallow dome.

Bonnet Brim

Using white, CO 72 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
2. Row 5 RS: k all.
3. Row 6 WS: p all.
4. Repeat rows 5 and 6 six more times.
5. Next RS: k2tog across. 36 sts.
6. Rows 15 to 18: garter stitch.
7. BO loosely.

Sew the gathered edge of the brim to the front of the bonnet crown. Add a second smaller pink frill inside the white one.

Inner Pink Frill

Using pink, CO 52 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: st st.
2. Next WS: p2tog across. 26 sts.
3. Rows 10 to 12: garter stitch.
4. BO.

Attach inside the main bonnet brim. Add narrow pink ties or a tiny ribbon at the side.

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Separate Pink Hat

The hat lying on the table is a small pink round hat trimmed with white lace effect.

Using pink, CO 48 sts and join if working in the round, or work flat and seam later.

1. Work 8 rows in st st.
2. Next row: k2tog across. 24 sts.
3. Work 6 rows even.
4. Thread yarn through sts and pull closed.

For the brim, pick up 48 sts around the lower edge in pink.

1. Row 1: knit.
2. Row 2: purl.
3. Row 3: k1, yo across. Increase generously to create flare.
4. Rows 4 to 7: garter stitch.
5. BO loosely.

Add a white lace strip or knit a white frill and stitch it around the crown base.

Crossbody Floral Purse

Using tan, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 16: work in garter stitch.
2. BO.

Fold in half to make purse body and sew side seams. Embroider clustered flowers on the front using pink, cream, pale purple, and green.

For strap, CO 80 sts with tan and work 2 rows in garter stitch. BO. Sew strap diagonally across the bunny’s body so the bag sits at hip level.

Mini Parasol

Using pale pink, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 10: st st.
2. Next RS: k2tog across. 9 sts.
3. Thread yarn through sts and pull into a dome.

Add a tiny white ruffle at the lower edge by picking up 18 sts and working 3 garter rows. Stitch around a covered wire, stick, or firm cord handle. Keep this accessory decorative only.

Mini Yarn Basket

Using tan, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: garter stitch.
2. BO.

Seam into a tiny cylinder and close the base. Add a narrow handle. Make three tiny yarn balls by wrapping scraps into neat spheres and securing with a few stitches.

Hedgehog Companion

Body Front and Back Make 2

Using taupe or brown-beige, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p all.
2. Row 2 RS: k all.
3. Row 3: p all.
4. Row 4: k1, m1, k8, m1, k1. 12 sts.
5. Row 5: p all.
6. Row 6: k1, m1, k10, m1, k1. 14 sts.
7. Work 10 rows even.

Shape top.

1. Next RS: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
2. Next WS: p all.
3. Next RS: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
4. BO.

For back spikes, use fuzzy brown yarn and work a matching piece in seed stitch or loop stitch effect if desired.

Hedgehog Face and Details

• Use black French knots or tiny satin stitches for eyes.
• Embroider a small black nose.
• Add tiny cream hands and feet as small i-cord nubs or stitched protrusions.

Hedgehog Outfit

For sweater, using pale blue, CO 12 sts. Work 10 rows in st st. BO. Wrap around hedgehog and seam. For hat, CO 14 sts, work 6 rows, then decrease by k2tog across and pull closed. Add a tan hat brim if desired.

For acorn, knit a tiny oval in brown and top with tan cap embroidery.

Assembly of Bunny Garments

Sew body front and back together, leaving neck open. Stuff the torso firmly but keep the waist gently compressible so the dress can sit naturally. Sew the head pieces together, stuff evenly, and shape the cheeks slightly fuller than the top of the head.

Attach the head to the neck with strong whipstitches. Sew ears into the bonnet area first for easier placement, or sew them directly to the head and then cover their upper edges with the bonnet.

Sew arms to the shoulder line low enough that the sleeves look rounded and soft. The arms should angle gently forward, not straight out to the sides.

Sew the bodice shoulder seams. Attach sleeves. Close the side seams. Add the waistband. Gather the top edge of the main skirt until it matches the bodice waist and sew in place. Attach the pink under-skirt behind it, then the petticoat frill.

Fasten the dress at the back with hidden snaps or a neat stitched overlap. The skirt should bell outward and rest above the feet, showing the pink lower layer.

Color Placement Notes

• Main bunny: cream
• Dress neckline trim: soft pink
• Waistband: soft pink
• Lower visible underskirt: soft pink
• Bonnet outer ring: pink and white
• Sleeve bows: pink
• Shoe bows: pink
• Purse: tan with floral embroidery

Helpful Construction Tips

• Keep all stuffing smooth and in small pieces to avoid lumps.
• Do not overstuff the arms or ears.
• Stuff the feet firmly so the bunny can sit or lean in a stable way.
• Steam trims gently from a distance instead of pressing them flat.
• When embroidering the flowers, place the center flower first, then work outward for symmetry.
• For a softer antique look, use matte yarn rather than shiny acrylic.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Place the eyes about 9 rows down from the top of the head and about 6 stitches apart, keeping them very small and simple. Embroider the nose with three or four vertical stitches in a tiny Y shape, then add a short mouth line below. Lightly pull the face stitches inward to create a gentle muzzle. Dress the bunny fully before fixing the bonnet permanently so you can balance the proportions.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If a deeper clean is needed, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap, press in a towel, reshape, and dry flat. Avoid twisting the stuffed pieces. Decorative ribbons and small accessories should be removed before washing when possible.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head centered and firmly attached
• Ears matched in length and angle
• Eyes level and evenly spaced
• Dress waistband straight
• Flower embroidery balanced across skirt front
• Bonnet framing face evenly
• Shoes and bows symmetrical
• Purse strap anchored securely

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the bunny away from direct sunlight to protect the pink tones from fading. Keep it in a dry, clean space to prevent odor and moisture damage. For long-term display, support the skirt with acid-free tissue and avoid hanging the toy by the bonnet or purse strap. Dust lightly with a soft brush and keep dark trims away from damp conditions to prevent color transfer.