Knitting Tutorial: Autumn Mint Woodland Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This heirloom-style knitted bunny set is designed to look like a luxury collectible toy with a romantic floral gown, soft bridal veil, flower crown, bouquet, tiny shoes, and a miniature companion bunny dressed in a blue knit outfit. It has the charm of a handmade bunny doll, knitted animal pattern, soft toy decor piece, and gift-quality nursery keepsake all in one. If you enjoy searching for artisan bunny doll, knitted wedding rabbit, floral bunny decor, or handmade stuffed bunny gift ideas, this elegant project offers a beautiful result with delicate details and a polished finish.

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 creates the full display shown in the image: one large cream bunny with long ears, a heavily embellished pink floral gown, a soft veil, a flower crown, a knitted bouquet, a small floral shoulder bag, a pair of tiny white shoes, and a small companion bunny in a blue dress with a straw-style hat and a little book.

The proportions are important. The large bunny has a rounded head, slim neck, narrow shoulders, softly stuffed arms, and a hidden lower body structure under the gown. The gown is the visual center of the piece, so the skirt shaping, surface flowers, and layered decorative placement matter just as much as the basic bunny body.

The small companion bunny is intentionally simple and sweet. It should look like a secondary character, not a duplicate of the main bunny. Keep the stitches neat, the stuffing even, and the facial embroidery minimal.

Skill Level

Advanced beginner to intermediate. The individual stitches are simple, but the project includes shaping, i-cord, short rows, gathered finishing, embroidery, surface embellishment, and detailed assembly.

Finished Size

• Large bunny: about 13 to 14 inches tall seated inside the gown, not including veil height.
• Large gown spread: about 11 to 12 inches wide at hem.
• Mini bunny: about 5 inches tall.
• Mini basket and accessories: scaled to sit beside the mini bunny.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: DK weight in warm cream.
• Dress yarn: light pink DK weight.
• Floral detail yarn: dusty rose, soft blush, mauve pink, white, sage green, muted olive.
• Mini bunny dress yarn: soft sky blue DK.
• Mini hat yarn: beige, straw gold, and a small amount of cream.
• Optional accent yarn: pale taupe for bag strap and basket handle.
• Needles: US 2.5 / 3.0 mm double-pointed needles and US 3 / 3.25 mm straight or circular needles.
• Stuffing: fine polyester toy stuffing.
• Floral wire or pipe cleaner: optional, for bouquet support and hat brim shaping.
• Tulle or soft netting: ivory or off-white for the veil.
• Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery.
• Sewing needle and matching thread for veil and flower attachment.
• Black embroidery thread for eyes.
• Brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth.
• Small snaps or hidden stitches if you want removable accessories.

Gauge

Gauge matters most for the body and dress. On US 3 needles with DK yarn, aim for 7 stitches and 10 rows per inch in stockinette. The fabric should be firm, not drapey, so stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• Kfb = knit front and back
• K2tog = knit 2 together
• SSK = slip, slip, knit
• St/sts = stitch/stitches
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• Rep = repeat
• M1L / M1R = make 1 left / make 1 right
• BO = bind off
• Sl = slip
• pm = place marker

Construction Notes

The large bunny is made in separate pieces and sewn. The head is knitted in the round for smooth shaping. The ears and arms are slender and lightly stuffed. The visible upper body is real, but the lower body may be simplified because the skirt covers it completely.

The gown is worked separately and then attached around the waist. Surface-knit flowers and embroidered vines are added after the dress is complete. That finishing stage is what creates the exact look of the image.

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Large Bunny Head

Head Base

1. Using cream and DPNs, CO 12 sts evenly over 3 needles. Join to work in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit.
3. Round 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
4. Round 3: Knit.
5. Round 4: K1, Kfb around. 36 sts.
6. Round 5: Knit.
7. Round 6: K2, Kfb around. 48 sts.
8. Round 7: Knit.
9. Round 8: K3, Kfb around. 60 sts.
10. Rounds 9 through 24: Knit.

This creates the round, full head shape seen in the image. Keep the fabric smooth and even. Do not overstuff yet.

Muzzle Shaping

The bunny face in the image has a gentle forward muzzle, not a flat face. Create that shape with light internal stuffing and soft gathering rather than dramatic stitch sculpting.

1. Round 25: K8, K2tog around. 54 sts.
2. Round 26: Knit.
3. Round 27: K7, K2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Round 28: Knit.
5. Begin stuffing the head firmly, concentrating more stuffing in the cheeks and upper head than at the muzzle tip.
6. Round 29: K6, K2tog around. 42 sts.
7. Round 30: Knit.
8. Round 31: K5, K2tog around. 36 sts.

Neck

1. Round 32: K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
2. Round 33: Knit.
3. Round 34: K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
4. Rounds 35 through 39: Knit.

Bind off loosely if sewing to a separate torso, or leave a long tail and keep live stitches on waste yarn if you prefer grafting to the body top.

Large Bunny Body Upper Torso

The visible torso is small because the dress begins high and covers most of the bunny. Work only a neat upper body with a narrow waist transition.

1. Using cream, CO 24 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 through 4: Knit.
3. Round 5: K3, M1R around. 30 sts.
4. Rounds 6 through 10: Knit.
5. Round 11: K4, M1R around. 36 sts.
6. Rounds 12 through 16: Knit.
7. Round 17: K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
8. Round 18: Knit.
9. Round 19: K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.

Stuff lightly. This upper body should stay slim so the gown sits smoothly.

Large Bunny Arms Make 2

1. Using cream, CO 10 sts and divide on DPNs.
2. Rounds 1 through 14: Knit.
3. Round 15: K3, K2tog twice. 8 sts.
4. Rounds 16 through 22: Knit.
5. Stuff lightly only in the lower two-thirds.
6. Flatten top opening and sew closed.

The arms in the image are long, soft, and tapered. Keep them flexible. Angle them slightly inward when attaching so one arm can hold the bouquet and the other can rest near the bag.

Large Bunny Ears Make 2

1. Using cream on straight needles, CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: Knit.
4. Rows 3 through 10: Continue in stockinette.
5. Row 11 RS: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
6. Row 12 WS: Purl.
7. Rep Rows 11 and 12 until 4 sts remain.
8. Next RS: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
9. Cut yarn and pull through.

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Make a second ear the same. Do not stuff. Lightly steam or finger-shape so each ear curves downward. Sew at the crown with the ears hanging to either side of the face exactly as shown.

Large Bunny Hidden Lower Support

Because the gown covers the lower body, use a simple support base rather than full visible legs. This helps the dress sit correctly.

1. Using cream, CO 24 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 through 6: Knit.
3. Round 7: K3, M1R around. 30 sts.
4. Rounds 8 through 12: Knit.
5. Round 13: K4, M1R around. 36 sts.
6. Rounds 14 through 18: Knit.
7. Round 19: K5, M1R around. 42 sts.
8. Rounds 20 through 24: Knit.
9. Stuff firmly to form a soft cone or barrel shape.
10. Draw closed.

Sew this lower support under the torso so the dress has structure. It does not need to be pretty because it will be hidden.

Main Dress Bodice

The dress is fitted at the top and then opens into a wide skirt. In the image, the neckline is soft and rounded, almost off-shoulder in feel because floral trim hides the exact garment edge. The bodice should be clean and simple, allowing the flowers to do the visual work.

1. Using pink, CO 36 sts.
2. Work flat in stockinette for 10 rows.
3. Row 11 RS: K8, BO 4, K12, BO 4, K8. This forms armholes.
4. Row 12 WS: P8, turn. Work first back section only.
5. Rows 13 through 18: Continue in stockinette.
6. Shape neck, Row 19 RS: K6, K2tog. 7 sts.
7. Row 20 WS: Purl.
8. Row 21 RS: K5, K2tog. 6 sts.
9. Work 2 more rows. BO.

Rejoin yarn to center 12 sts for front.

1. Row 12 WS: P12.
2. Rows 13 through 16: Continue in stockinette.
3. Row 17 RS: K4, BO 4, K4.
4. Work each side separately.
5. For each front shoulder, work 3 more rows and BO.

Rejoin to remaining 8 back sts and mirror first side.

Sew shoulder seams neatly. Pick up around neckline and work 1 round of knit if desired for stability, then BO loosely. The floral collar trim will cover this edge.

Main Dress Skirt

The skirt is the heart of the design. It should be full, sweeping, and slightly conical when spread. The hem must look substantial enough to support many attached flowers.

1. Using pink, pick up 72 sts evenly around lower edge of bodice.
2. Round 1: Knit.
3. Round 2: K8, M1R around. 80 sts.
4. Rounds 3 through 6: Knit.
5. Round 7: K9, M1R around. 88 sts.
6. Rounds 8 through 12: Knit.
7. Round 13: K10, M1R around. 96 sts.
8. Rounds 14 through 18: Knit.
9. Round 19: K11, M1R around. 104 sts.
10. Rounds 20 through 24: Knit.
11. Round 25: K12, M1R around. 112 sts.
12. Rounds 26 through 30: Knit.
13. Round 31: K13, M1R around. 120 sts.
14. Rounds 32 through 42: Knit.

For a softly flared lower hem:

1. Round 43: K14, M1R around. 128 sts.
2. Rounds 44 through 50: Knit.
3. Round 51: Purl.
4. Round 52: Knit.
5. Round 53: Purl.
6. Round 54: Knit.
7. BO knitwise, loose but tidy.

This hem treatment creates the firmer decorative lower edge visible in the image. Steam very lightly from the wrong side only if needed.

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Underskirt Optional but Recommended

To help the floral gown sit wide and luxurious, make a simple underskirt in cream or pale pink.

1. CO 96 sts in the round.
2. Knit 24 rounds.
3. Round 25: K10, K2tog around. 88 sts.
4. Knit 6 rounds.
5. Round 32: K9, K2tog around. 80 sts.
6. Knit 6 rounds.
7. Round 39: K8, K2tog around. 72 sts.
8. Knit 4 rounds and BO.

Sew or tack this lightly inside the outer skirt. It helps keep the shape full without looking stiff.

Floral Surface Embellishment

The flowers must be dense across the skirt front, neckline, veil sides, and crown. Use a mix of knitted rosettes, tiny five-petal blossoms, and leaf clusters. Do not make all flowers the same size.

Large Rosette Make 18 to 24

1. Using rose pink, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: Knit.
3. Row 3 RS: Kfb across. 48 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: Purl.
5. Row 5 RS: Knit.
6. BO loosely.

Roll strip tightly from one end into a rose shape. Stitch base securely. Make several in deep rose and several in pale blush.

Small Rosette Make 20+

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: Knit.
3. Row 3: Kfb across. 32 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. BO loosely.

Roll into smaller buds.

Tiny Blossom Make 20+

1. Using white or pale pink, CO 5 sts.
2. Work i-cord for 1 inch.
3. Cut yarn, thread through stitches, gather into a tiny spiral blossom.

Or use this quicker version:

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: K1, yo across.
3. BO all sts.
4. Gather strip into a flat flower.

Leaves Make Many

1. Using sage green, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: Kfb, K1, Kfb. 5 sts.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, Kfb, K1, Kfb, K1. 7 sts.
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Row 5: SSK, K3, K2tog. 5 sts.
7. Row 6: Purl.
8. Row 7: SSK, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
9. Row 8: P3tog. 1 st.

Make in two shades of green for a natural look.

Flower Placement on the Large Gown

To match the image, the flowers are not random. Concentrate the heaviest cluster from neckline to center front skirt, then scatter downward and outward. Add medium clusters near both side fronts and a lighter trail near the hem.

• Place 5 to 7 large rosettes across the upper bodice and neckline.
• Place 8 to 10 large rosettes over the front half of the skirt.
• Fill gaps with small rosettes and tiny blossoms.
• Add leaves beneath almost every rose cluster.
• Use soft green embroidered stems to visually connect separate flowers.
• Keep the lower hem embellished but slightly less dense than the bodice center.

Sew every flower securely through multiple layers of the skirt when possible. This is a display piece, so durability matters.

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Flower Crown

1. Using cream or pale blush, CO 36 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.

Join into a ring sized to sit around the bunny head between the ears. Sew 5 medium rosettes and 4 to 6 smaller buds around the band, with tiny leaves tucked underneath. The center front should hold the largest bloom.

Veil

The veil in the image is sheer fabric, not knitted lace. This keeps the look soft and realistic.

• Cut a rounded rectangle of soft ivory tulle about 10 inches wide and 8 inches tall.
• Gather lightly along one long edge.
• Sew the gathered edge to the back half of the flower crown.
• Add several tiny knitted rosettes and blossoms along both sides of the veil.
• Let the veil fall behind the ears and over the shoulder line.

Do not overload the veil. It should remain airy.

Bouquet

The bouquet in the image is small and full, with white and pink blossoms and a compact rounded shape.

1. Make 3 small pink rosettes, 3 tiny white blossoms, and 4 leaves.
2. Wrap the bases together with pale green yarn or floral tape.
3. Optional: insert thin floral wire for shape.
4. Bind the stem with cream yarn.

Sew the bouquet into the large bunny paw after the arm is attached, or tack it to the hand later.

Floral Shoulder Bag

1. Using beige or pale taupe, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 through 12: Knit every row in garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Fold rectangle in half and seam side edges.

Strap:

1. Using beige, work i-cord for 12 inches.
2. Sew to bag sides.

Decorate bag front with 5 to 7 tiny flowers and a few leaves. Let the bag hang low at one side of the bunny.

Tiny White Shoes

The white shoes are decorative and sit in front of the bunny. They do not need to fit the main bunny perfectly.

1. Using cream, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 through 6: Knit.
3. Row 7: K2, Kfb, K2, Kfb, K2. 10 sts.
4. Rows 8 through 12: Knit.
5. Row 13: K2tog, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
6. Fold piece and seam into a soft slipper shape.

Make 2. Add a tiny pink flower to one outer side if desired.

Mini Bunny Head

1. Using cream, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit.
3. Round 2: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
4. Round 3: Knit.
5. Round 4: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rounds 5 through 11: Knit.
7. Round 12: K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
8. Round 13: Knit.
9. Stuff.
10. Round 14: K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.
11. Round 15: Knit.

Leave opening for sewing to body.

Mini Bunny Body

1. Using cream, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 through 6: Knit.
3. Round 7: K2, M1R around. 16 sts.
4. Rounds 8 through 12: Knit.
5. Stuff lightly.
6. Flatten lower edge if you want a standing pose, or keep softly rounded for seated display.

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Mini Bunny Arms and Legs

These are tiny tube pieces. Keep them simple.

• Arms: CO 4 sts, work i-cord for 1.25 inches. Make 2.
• Legs: CO 5 sts, work i-cord for 1.5 inches. Make 2.

Sew arms at upper sides and legs under dress hem so they hang visibly below the blue dress.

Mini Bunny Ears

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Row 5 RS: K1, SSK, K2tog, K1. 4 sts.
4. Row 6 WS: Purl.
5. Row 7 RS: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
6. Pull through.

Make 2 and sew upright with a slight outward tilt.

Mini Blue Dress

1. Using blue, CO 28 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 through 4: K1, P1 rib.
3. Round 5: Knit.
4. Round 6: K6, M1R around. 32 sts.
5. Rounds 7 through 14: Knit.
6. Round 15: K7, M1R around. 36 sts.
7. Rounds 16 through 22: Knit.
8. BO loosely.

For the puffed upper edge seen in the image, pick up around neckline and work 2 rounds of K1, P1 rib, then BO. Sew dress to body or leave removable.

Mini Straw-Style Hat

1. Using beige, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Kfb all around. 16 sts.
3. Round 2: Knit.
4. Round 3: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rounds 4 through 8: Knit.
6. Round 9: K2, Kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Round 10: Purl.
8. Round 11: Knit.
9. Round 12: K3, Kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Round 13: Purl.
11. BO loosely.

Embroider a muted blue line around the crown base to echo the image.

Mini Book

1. Using brown, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 through 8: Knit.
3. BO.

Fold in half around a tiny rectangle of felt or extra knitted scrap in white to imitate pages. Sew lightly closed. Attach to mini bunny hand.

Mini Basket

1. Using beige, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 through 5: Knit.
3. Round 6: Purl.
4. Rounds 7 through 10: Knit.
5. BO.

Flatten base slightly and stitch corners gently to form a basket shape. Add an i-cord handle. Fill with knitted candy shapes, berries, or tiny flowers in cream, brown, pink, and purple.

Large Bunny Facial Embroidery

The face must stay minimal and elegant.

• Embroider two small vertical black eyes placed low on the head, spaced widely.
• Use brown thread to make a tiny Y-shaped nose and mouth.
• Create a faint muzzle by making two soft horizontal gathering stitches under the eye line.
• Do not add cheeks, lashes, or heavy shading.

Mini Bunny Facial Embroidery

• Use two tiny black or dark brown eye dots.
• Use pale brown for the nose and mouth.
• Keep the face sweeter and simpler than the large bunny.

Assembly Order

1. Sew large head to torso.
2. Sew hidden lower support under torso.
3. Attach large arms.
4. Attach large ears.
5. Sew bodice around torso if worked separately.
6. Fit and secure skirt.
7. Add underskirt if using.
8. Embroider face.
9. Attach flower crown and veil.
10. Sew on all dress flowers, leaves, and stems.
11. Attach bouquet and shoulder bag.
12. Place decorative shoes in front.
13. Assemble mini bunny and dress it.
14. Add hat, book, and basket.

Styling Notes for a 100% Similar Look

To stay visually faithful to the image, use an off-white bunny body, not bright white. Use a soft ballerina pink dress, not peach or hot pink. The flowers should range from blush to dusty rose, with white blossoms added for contrast.

The gown should feel luxurious and floral, not flat and plain. Most of the realism comes from the density of surface flowers and the downward drape of the sheer veil. The mini bunny should sit slightly in front and to one side of the main bunny.

The overall mood is romantic garden elegance. Keep every embellishment soft, delicate, and balanced.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the head angle before closing the final seams. The large bunny should look straight ahead with a gentle, calm expression. Position the ears so they frame the face. Attach the flower crown slightly forward on the head, then stitch the veil behind it. Add the bouquet last so the paw placement looks natural.

Care Notes

Display indoors and keep away from heavy moisture, direct sunlight, and rough handling. This piece contains many hand-sewn embellishments, so it is best treated as a decorative knitted art doll rather than a toy for frequent play.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both eyes aligned and evenly spaced
• Nose centered on muzzle
• Dress secured smoothly at waist
• Flower clusters balanced across bodice and skirt
• Veil attached neatly behind crown
• Mini bunny proportionally smaller than main bunny
• Accessories placed to match the scene

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust lightly with a soft dry brush. Do not machine wash. For small marks, spot clean carefully with a barely damp cloth and let air dry fully. Store flat or upright in a clean box with tissue support around the veil and flowers. Avoid compressing the skirt or crown during storage.