Knitting Tutorial: Black Bodice Red Rose Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant knitted bunny is dressed like a collectible heirloom toy, with a cream rabbit body, a fitted black bodice, a sweeping oatmeal skirt covered in red roses, a soft wide-brim hat, and a tiny black handbag. It has the charm of a boutique knitted rabbit doll, a handmade stuffed bunny, and a decorative nursery keepsake all in one design. The finished piece is ideal for gift giving, display styling, toy collectors, and knitters who love luxury soft toy patterns with floral embellishment and fashion-doll details.

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

Materials

• Main bunny color: Cream or warm ivory DK yarn, about 120 g.
• Dress skirt color: Light oatmeal, stone, or pale beige DK yarn, about 120 g.
• Bodice, hat, leaves, vines, purse: Black DK yarn, about 90 g.
• Large roses: Deep red DK yarn, about 35 g.
• Small flowers: Dark rose and dusty red DK yarn, about 25 g total.
• Optional flower center sparkle: A few tiny black seed beads or French knots worked in black yarn.
• Toy stuffing: Firm polyester fiberfill.
• Needles for body: 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or long circular for magic loop.
• Needles for clothing and accessories: 3 mm needles.
• Needles for flowers: 3 mm straight or double-pointed needles.
• Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery.
• Stitch markers for round beginnings and shaping points.
• Black embroidery floss or black yarn for eyes and nose details.
• Thin florist wire is optional for shaping the hat brim, but the sample can also be made without wire.
• Small snap, hook, or a few stitches to secure the handbag handle if desired.

Finished Size

The finished bunny is approximately 14 to 15 inches tall from the bottom hem of the skirt to the top of the head, not including the hat crown. With the hat on, the total visual height is about 16 inches. The skirt is wide and display-focused, so the finished toy has a dramatic silhouette similar to the sample image.

Gauge

On 2.75 mm needles in stockinette worked in the round, 30 stitches and 40 rounds = 4 inches.

On 3 mm needles in stockinette, 28 stitches and 38 rows = 4 inches.

Gauge matters because the bunny body must be dense enough to hold stuffing firmly. The clothing should drape, but still stay neat and tailored. If your knitting is loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• wyib = with yarn in back
• wyif = with yarn in front

Pattern Notes

This bunny is made in separate parts: legs, body, arms, head, ears, skirt, bodice, hat, purse, roses, and small flowers. The body is worked mostly in the round for a smooth finish. The clothing and floral decoration are made separately, then assembled.

The photographed bunny has a long, slim body, a rounded face, narrow shoulders, straight hanging ears, and a full bell-shaped skirt. The black bodice sits high at the waist and forms a deep V at the neckline. Keep that silhouette in mind during finishing.

The roses are important to the final look. Do not rush them. The sample has a dense arrangement along the hem, several medium motifs climbing upward, and a clustered rose belt at the waist. The black vines connect the flowers visually and help the skirt resemble embroidered couture fabric.

Color Placement Summary

• Cream: head, ears, arms, visible upper body and inner rabbit form.
• Black: bodice, hat, handbag, vine embroidery, leaves, and scattered accents.
• Oatmeal: full overskirt.
• Deep red and dusty rose: roses and blossoms on hat, waist, and skirt.

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Legs

Make 2 in cream

Using 2.75 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round. Join carefully without twisting.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb, k5, kfb, k5. 14 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: Kfb, k6, kfb, k6. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 5-18: Knit 14 rnds.

Stuff the foot lightly, concentrating stuffing at the front so the lower leg keeps a soft oval shape. The sample does not have oversized feet, so keep the foot neat and small.

1. Rnd 19: K2tog, k4, k2tog, k6. 14 sts.
2. Rnd 20-28: Knit 9 rnds.
3. Rnd 29: Knit.
4. Rnd 30: Kfb, k6, kfb, k6. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 31-42: Knit 12 rnds.

Stuff the leg firmly but do not overfill the top 1 inch. The thigh area should remain slightly flexible for joining into the body.

BO the first leg loosely. Make the second leg the same, but do not bind off.

Joining Legs and Lower Body

With the second leg still on the needles, place the first leg back on the needles. Arrange both so the inner leg stitches face each other. Join to work in the round across both legs.

1. Rnd 1: Knit across second leg 16 sts, CO 4 sts, knit across first leg 16 sts, CO 4 sts. 40 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K16, M1R, k4, M1L, k16, M1R, k4, M1L. 44 sts.
4. Rnd 4-8: Knit.
5. Rnd 9: K17, M1R, k5, M1L, k17, M1R, k5, M1L. 48 sts.
6. Rnd 10-20: Knit 11 rnds.

Stuff the hips and seat area firmly. This bunny is meant to sit inside a structured skirt, so the body should be slim, smooth, and stable instead of very squishy.

1. Rnd 21: K6, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k12, ssk, k8, ssk, k6. 44 sts.
2. Rnd 22-24: Knit.
3. Rnd 25: K5, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k10, ssk, k8, ssk, k5. 40 sts.
4. Rnd 26-30: Knit.

The waist is slim in the photo, especially where the black bodice meets the skirt. Keep stuffing even but lighter through this section.

1. Rnd 31: K4, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, ssk, k8, ssk, k4. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 32-38: Knit 7 rnds.

Upper Torso

The upper torso should be narrow and elegant, with no exaggerated chest shaping. Continue in cream.

1. Rnd 39: Kfb, k8, kfb, k16, kfb, k8, kfb. 40 sts.
2. Rnd 40-44: Knit 5 rnds.
3. Rnd 45: Kfb, k9, kfb, k18, kfb, k9, kfb. 44 sts.
4. Rnd 46-52: Knit 7 rnds.

At this point the body should look long and slim. Stuff firmly up to the shoulder line.

1. Rnd 53: K8, k2tog, k12, ssk, k8, k2tog, k12. 42 sts.
2. Rnd 54: Knit.
3. Rnd 55: K7, k2tog, k12, ssk, k7, k2tog, k12. 40 sts.
4. Rnd 56-58: Knit 3 rnds.

BO 4 sts at beginning of next 2 rounds for underarms. Front 16 sts and back 16 sts remain, separated by armholes. Set body aside if you prefer to sew the head on later. For a seamless neck join, continue directly.

Head

The head is softly oval, slightly wider than the upper body, with a smooth forehead and gentle muzzle shaping added during finishing. It is worked upward from the neck.

1. Rnd 1: Knit across 16 front sts, CO 8 sts, knit across 16 back sts, CO 8 sts. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 2-6: Knit 5 rnds.
3. Rnd 7: Kfb, k11, kfb, k22, kfb, k11, kfb. 52 sts.
4. Rnd 8-12: Knit 5 rnds.
5. Rnd 13: Kfb, k12, kfb, k24, kfb, k12, kfb. 56 sts.
6. Rnd 14-22: Knit 9 rnds.
7. Rnd 23: Kfb, k13, kfb, k26, kfb, k13, kfb. 60 sts.
8. Rnd 24-34: Knit 11 rnds.

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Begin stuffing now. Fill the neck firmly first. Then fill the head evenly, making the forehead smooth and the cheeks softly rounded. Avoid hard lumps. The sample bunny has a serene face with no bulging muzzle, so shaping should stay subtle.

1. Rnd 35: K13, k2tog, k28, ssk, k13, k2tog, k2. 57 sts.
2. Rnd 36: Knit.
3. Rnd 37: K12, k2tog, k27, ssk, k12, k2tog, k2. 54 sts.
4. Rnd 38: Knit.
5. Rnd 39: K7, k2tog, rep to end. 48 sts.
6. Rnd 40: Knit.
7. Rnd 41: K6, k2tog, rep to end. 42 sts.
8. Rnd 42: Knit.
9. Rnd 43: K5, k2tog, rep to end. 36 sts.
10. Rnd 44: K4, k2tog, rep to end. 30 sts.
11. Rnd 45: K3, k2tog, rep to end. 24 sts.

Add final stuffing. Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull tight, and fasten securely.

Arms

Make 2 in cream

The arms are long, slim, and simple. They hang straight at the sides, with only a gentle curve from stuffing. The paws are small and rounded.

CO 10 sts on 2.75 mm needles and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb, k4, kfb, k4. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3-8: Knit 6 rnds.
4. Rnd 9: K2tog, k4, k2tog, k4. 10 sts.
5. Rnd 10-28: Knit 19 rnds.
6. Rnd 29: Kfb, k4, kfb, k4. 12 sts.
7. Rnd 30-34: Knit 5 rnds.

Stuff the hand area firmly and the upper arm lightly. Flatten the top and BO all sts knitwise. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Ears

Make 2 in cream, worked flat

The ears in the image are long, narrow, and soft, falling straight downward from the sides of the head. They are not stiff and do not stand upright. Work each ear flat in stockinette, then seam lightly.

CO 12 sts on 2.75 mm needles.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Rows 3-8: Rep Rows 1-2 three times.
4. Row 9 RS: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
5. Row 10: Purl.
6. Rows 11-20: Continue in stockinette.
7. Row 21 RS: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
8. Row 22: Purl.
9. Rows 23-34: Continue in stockinette.
10. Row 35 RS: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
11. Row 36: Purl.
12. Rows 37-44: Continue in stockinette.
13. Row 45 RS: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
14. Row 46 WS: Purl.
15. Row 47 RS: Ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
16. Row 48 WS: P2tog. 1 st.

Fasten off. Fold each ear lengthwise with RS outward and seam only the lower 1 inch at the base. Leave the rest flat. This creates the gentle drape seen in the sample.

Skirt

The skirt is the most dramatic piece. It should be full, floor-length, and wide enough to spread around the bunny in a bell shape. It is worked from the hem upward in oatmeal.

Using 3 mm needles, CO 180 sts. Join in the round carefully.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Purl.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4-18: Knit 15 rnds.

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The lower edge in the image looks smooth and substantial rather than frilly. This simple purl ridge near the hem gives weight and a clean finish without distracting from the floral decoration.

1. Rnd 19: K18, k2tog, rep around. 171 sts.
2. Rnd 20-26: Knit 7 rnds.
3. Rnd 27: K17, k2tog, rep around. 162 sts.
4. Rnd 28-34: Knit 7 rnds.
5. Rnd 35: K16, k2tog, rep around. 153 sts.
6. Rnd 36-42: Knit 7 rnds.
7. Rnd 43: K15, k2tog, rep around. 144 sts.
8. Rnd 44-50: Knit 7 rnds.
9. Rnd 51: K14, k2tog, rep around. 135 sts.
10. Rnd 52-58: Knit 7 rnds.
11. Rnd 59: K13, k2tog, rep around. 126 sts.
12. Rnd 60-66: Knit 7 rnds.
13. Rnd 67: K12, k2tog, rep around. 117 sts.
14. Rnd 68-74: Knit 7 rnds.
15. Rnd 75: K11, k2tog, rep around. 108 sts.
16. Rnd 76-82: Knit 7 rnds.
17. Rnd 83: K10, k2tog, rep around. 99 sts.
18. Rnd 84-90: Knit 7 rnds.
19. Rnd 91: K9, k2tog, rep around. 90 sts.
20. Rnd 92-98: Knit 7 rnds.
21. Rnd 99: K8, k2tog, rep around. 81 sts.
22. Rnd 100-104: Knit 5 rnds.
23. Rnd 105: Purl.
24. Rnd 106: Knit.
25. Rnd 107: K7, k2tog, rep around. 72 sts.
26. Rnd 108-112: Knit 5 rnds.

BO loosely. The top opening should fit just under the bunny’s arms and sit high at the natural waist.

Black Bodice

The bodice is fitted, sleeveless, and forms a deep V front. It should visually cover the upper cream torso while leaving the cream neck and arms exposed.

Back Bodice

Using black yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 20 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Rows 3-18: Continue in stockinette.
4. Row 19 RS: K2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
5. Row 20: Purl.
6. Rows 21-26: Stockinette.

BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows for armholes. 12 sts remain.

1. Rows 29-38: Continue straight in stockinette on 12 sts.
2. BO all sts.

Front Bodice

CO 20 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Rows 3-18: Continue in stockinette.

Shape the waist top lightly and begin the deep V neckline.

1. Row 19 RS: K2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
2. Row 20 WS: Purl.

Next row, divide for neckline.

1. Row 21 RS: K9. Turn, leaving remaining 9 sts on holder for second side.

Left front:

1. Row 22 WS: Purl.
2. Row 23 RS: K1, ssk, knit to end. 8 sts.
3. Row 24 WS: Purl.
4. Row 25 RS: K1, ssk, knit to end. 7 sts.
5. Row 26 WS: Purl.
6. Row 27 RS: K1, ssk, knit to end. 6 sts.
7. Row 28 WS: Purl.

At armhole edge, BO 3 sts once on next RS row. Then continue straight on remaining 3 sts for 6 rows to form strap. BO.

Return to held stitches for right front. Rejoin yarn at neckline edge.

1. Row 22 WS: Purl 9.
2. Row 23 RS: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
3. Row 24 WS: Purl.
4. Row 25 RS: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 7 sts.
5. Row 26 WS: Purl.
6. Row 27 RS: Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
7. Row 28 WS: Purl.

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At armhole edge, BO 3 sts once on next RS row. Then continue straight on remaining 3 sts for 6 rows to form strap. BO.

Sew shoulder straps to back bodice. Try the bodice on the bunny and tack in place over the torso. It should end at the waist and sit above the gathered skirt.

Hat

The hat is large, black, soft, and slightly tilted, with a generous brim and a cluster of red roses on one side. Work the crown in the round and the brim by picking up stitches.

Using black yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 8 sts. Join in round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: Kfb, k1 around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: Kfb, k2 around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: Kfb, k3 around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 9: Knit.
10. Rnd 10: Kfb, k4 around. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 11-24: Knit 14 rnds.

This is the crown. It should be deep enough to sit over the head without crushing the ears too severely.

Next, work brim setup.

1. Rnd 25: Kfb in every 6th st around. 56 sts.
2. Rnd 26: Knit.
3. Rnd 27: Kfb in every 7th st around. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 28: Purl.
5. Rnd 29: Knit.
6. Rnd 30: Kfb in every 8th st around. 72 sts.
7. Rnd 31-34: Knit 4 rnds.
8. Rnd 35: Kfb in every 9th st around. 80 sts.
9. Rnd 36: Purl.
10. Rnd 37-40: Knit 4 rnds.
11. BO loosely.

If desired, thread very thin wire inside the brim edge after bind-off. Otherwise steam lightly and shape by hand so one side dips a bit lower, matching the sample.

Handbag

The handbag is small, boxy, and black, with a short handle. It hangs from the bunny’s left arm in the image.

Using black yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: Garter stitch, knit every row.
2. Rows 5-14: Stockinette, beginning with a RS knit row.
3. Rows 15-18: Garter stitch.

BO. This piece is the body. Fold in thirds to make a pouch, with the middle as base and the sides folded upward. Seam side edges.

For handle, CO 22 sts and BO all sts knitwise on next row, or work a narrow i-cord for a firmer strap. Sew ends to top inside edges of the bag.

Large Rose Motif

Make 10 to 14

The sample uses large roses at the lower hem, several medium roses climbing upward, and a rose cluster at the waist. You may vary the total count slightly, but the finished composition should feel lush and balanced.

Using deep red yarn, CO 60 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, kfb in each stitch to last stitch, k1. 118 sts.
3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. Row 4 RS: Knit.
5. Row 5 WS: Purl.
6. BO loosely knitwise on RS.

Roll the strip tightly from one end, easing the gathers so the center forms a rosebud and the outer edge opens like petals. Stitch through the base securely. Flatten slightly so the rose sits well against the skirt.

Small Blossom Motif

Make 10 to 16

Using dusty red or dark rose, CO 25 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, kfb in each stitch to last stitch, k1. 48 sts.
3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. BO on RS.

Roll into a flatter blossom than the large rose. Stitch securely. These fill spaces around the large roses and along the vine lines.

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Leaves

Make 20 to 30 in black

CO 3 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1. 7 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: Ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
7. Row 7: Purl.
8. Row 8: Ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
9. Row 9: Purl.
10. Row 10: K3tog. 1 st.

Fasten off. Steam lightly if needed.

Vines and Floral Placement

Dress the bunny body first with the skirt and bodice. Only after that should you arrange the floral layout. The flowers need to look as though they are growing across the skirt, not floating randomly.

• Lower hem: Place the largest rose cluster densely at the lower left front and lower right front.
• Mid skirt: Add several smaller blossoms climbing upward in curved lines.
• Waistline: Sew 4 to 5 roses across the front waist, concentrated under the bodice edge.
• Side hem: Add extra roses toward the outer side seams so the skirt still looks full from angled views.

For each black vine, use black yarn and stem stitch. Work long curving branches rising from the hem toward the waist. Add short side branches. Stitch black leaves at intervals. Then sew blossoms and roses over the vine intersections.

Do not cover the entire skirt. The background oatmeal fabric must remain visible. The sample has a rich floral arrangement, but it still feels elegant because open areas balance the heavy flower clusters.

Rose Hat Trim

Sew 3 large roses and 1 or 2 small blossoms to one side of the hat crown where it meets the brim. Cluster them closely. Let them sit slightly forward rather than centered. This gives the hat the same fashion-doll character seen in the image.

Optional Rose Clips

The sample image shows two extra red rose accessories near the front. To recreate that styling detail, make 2 additional small roses and sew each onto a narrow knitted strip.

For each clip strip, CO 4 sts in black, knit 6 rows in garter, BO. Stitch rose to one end. These can be used as decorative pins, shoe trims, or styling props.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the arms to the body just below the shoulder line. Angle them slightly downward. Attach the ears to the upper sides of the head so they fall evenly beside the face. Sew the skirt around the waist, then stitch the bodice neatly over the torso and over the skirt top edge.

For the face, place two small black eyes about 8 to 9 stitches apart and slightly above center muzzle level. Embroider a tiny vertical nose bridge, a small triangle nose, and a short split mouth. Pull lightly with the embroidery thread to create gentle muzzle shaping.

Put the hat on with a slight tilt. Hang the handbag over one arm and tack it in place with a hidden stitch.

Care Notes

• Display item first: This bunny is best suited for gentle handling and decorative use.
• Keep away from heavy pulling: The flowers and hat trim are dimensional and should not be tugged.
• Store supported: Keep the skirt spread naturally so the floral work does not crease sharply.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head stuffed smooth with no lumps.
• Ears attached evenly and hanging at matching lengths.
• Bodice centered with a neat deep V front.
• Skirt hem wide and balanced all around.
• Rose clusters dense at hem and waist, lighter through mid-skirt.
• Hat tilted slightly and floral trim secured firmly.
• Face embroidered softly and symmetrically.
• Handbag attached at a natural angle on the arm.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only whenever possible. Use a lightly damp cloth and blot gently instead of rubbing. Do not machine wash, because the stuffed form, hat shape, and rolled rose details may distort.

If deeper cleaning is necessary, hand wash very carefully in cool water with a mild wool-safe soap. Support the bunny fully, avoid twisting, rinse gently, press inside a towel, then reshape and dry flat away from direct sun.

For long-term preservation, store in a breathable cotton bag or clean display cabinet. Avoid plastic bags, damp rooms, and prolonged strong sunlight. These steps help keep the cream yarn bright, the black sections crisp, and the red roses rich in color.

Complete Visual Styling Notes

To match the photographed design closely, keep the bunny body slim and understated. The outfit should provide the drama. The cream head and arms must remain visible and simple, while the black bodice and floral skirt create the striking contrast.

The rose layout should feel heaviest near the hem. Build generous clusters there first. Then add a few blossoms climbing upward so the eye travels from the bottom border to the waist roses. This creates the same elegant garden-gown effect seen in the sample.

The hat should not sit perfectly straight. A slight angle makes the bunny look softer and more refined. The handbag should be small in scale, just large enough to read clearly beside the skirt, but never oversized.

When all pieces are finished and attached, step back and check the overall silhouette. You are aiming for a cream rabbit with long ears, a black fitted bodice, an oatmeal couture-style floral skirt, a broad black rose-trimmed hat, and a tiny black purse. That full combination is what gives this knitted bunny its signature look.