Knitting Tutorial: Romantic Rose Bride Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This romantic knitted bunny is designed as an heirloom-style soft toy with a beautifully dressed cottagecore look, perfect for collectors, nursery decor, baby shower gifting, handmade toy lovers, and anyone searching for a knitted bunny doll, stuffed rabbit pattern, artisan plush bunny, or boutique-style toy gift. The design includes a long-eared bunny in a mint dress with lace-inspired trims, satin bows, a beret, purse, Mary Jane shoes, floral embroidery, and a tiny woodland hedgehog companion with a mushroom accessory.

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 yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-wool blend in warm cream.
• Dress yarn: DK weight in soft mint green.
• Contrast yarn: DK weight in milk white for trim and brown for hem, bows, shoes, beret, and purse.
• Embroidery yarn: green, dusty rose, yellow, and brown for flowers and facial details.
• Hedgehog yarn: beige, medium brown, mint green, and tiny amount of red and white.
• Needles: 2.5 mm double-pointed needles for limbs and small parts, 3 mm needles for body and clothing.
• Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle, stuffing, small black safety eyes or black embroidery thread, scissors, row counter.
• Optional trim: narrow satin ribbon bows in brown if you want the exact decorative finish shown in the image.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 13.5 inches tall seated, about 16 inches including beret height.
• Hedgehog: about 4.5 inches tall.
• Purse: about 2 inches wide.
• Teacup and book prop: miniature display size only.

Gauge

With 3 mm needles in stockinette stitch, 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches. Tight gauge matters for toy knitting. The fabric should be dense enough that stuffing does not show through. If your stitches are loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat
• inc = increase 1 stitch by kfb unless noted
• dec = decrease 1 stitch using k2tog or ssk as needed
• st st = stockinette stitch
• g st = garter stitch
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker

Pattern Notes

This bunny is built from separate knitted pieces and then assembled carefully so the finished proportions match the image. The head is large and softly oval, the body is compact, the legs are straight and slightly chunky, the ears are long and relaxed, and the sleeves are short and rounded.

The dress is knitted separately and sewn onto the body after assembly. The lace effect in the image is recreated with eyelet bands and scalloped edging. The bows may be knitted or made from ribbon. For the closest visual match, attach small brown bows after finishing.

The face should stay simple. Use small black eyes set wide apart, a softly embroidered nose, and a split mouth in brown embroidery. Keep the expression sweet and calm. Do not over-shape the muzzle or add heavy shading.

Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 14 sts. Divide evenly across DPNs if working in the round, or work flat and seam later. The sample is easiest in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit all sts.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 28 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K6, kfb, k14, kfb, k6. 30 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K7, kfb, k14, kfb, k7. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 7-14: Knit 8 rounds.

Begin shaping the sole so the foot looks full in front but neat at the ankle.

1. Rnd 15: K10, k2tog, k8, ssk, k10. 30 sts.
2. Rnd 16: Knit.
3. Rnd 17: K9, k2tog, k8, ssk, k9. 28 sts.
4. Rnd 18: Knit.
5. Rnd 19: K8, k2tog, k8, ssk, k8. 26 sts.
6. Rnd 20: Knit.

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Stuff the foot firmly, especially at the toe. Continue for the lower leg.

1. Rnd 21: K2tog around. 13 sts.
2. Rnd 22: Knit, increasing evenly to 16 sts.
3. Rnd 23-42: Knit 20 rounds.

Stuff lightly from ankle upward. Flatten top opening and leave live stitches on a holder, or BO and sew closed later. Make second leg the same.

Body

Using cream yarn and 3 mm needles, join both legs onto one needle. Knit across first leg, CO 4 sts for crotch bridge, knit across second leg, CO 4 sts. 40 sts total if your legs were left with 16 stitches each.

1. Rnd 1-4: Knit.
2. Rnd 5: K8, kfb, k24, kfb, k8. 42 sts.
3. Rnd 6: Knit.
4. Rnd 7: K9, kfb, k24, kfb, k9. 44 sts.
5. Rnd 8-18: Knit 11 rounds.

Begin waist shaping. The body under the dress is gently rounded and not too narrow.

1. Rnd 19: K9, k2tog, k11, ssk, k9, k2tog, k11, ssk. 40 sts.
2. Rnd 20: Knit.
3. Rnd 21: K8, k2tog, k10, ssk, k8, k2tog, k10, ssk. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 22-26: Knit 5 rounds.
5. Rnd 27: K6, kfb, k6, kfb, k12, kfb, k6, kfb, k6. 40 sts.
6. Rnd 28-34: Knit 7 rounds.

Stuff firmly as you go, keeping the tummy smooth. The upper body should be compact and upright because the dress will add volume outside the stuffed shape.

1. Rnd 35: K8, k2tog, k10, ssk, k8, k2tog, k10, ssk. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 36: Knit.
3. Rnd 37: K7, k2tog, k10, ssk, k7, k2tog, k10, ssk. 32 sts.
4. Rnd 38: Knit.

Break yarn, leaving a tail. Set body aside with top stitches live for joining to the head, or BO loosely if you prefer to sew head on separately.

Arms Make 2

The arms are smooth, medium length, and softly tapered. They hang straight down beside the skirt, ending just below the waistline.

Using cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 10 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1-4: Knit.
2. Rnd 5: Kfb in each st around. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 6-8: Knit 3 rounds.
4. Rnd 9: K2tog around. 10 sts.
5. Rnd 10-24: Knit 15 rounds.
6. Rnd 25: K1, kfb, repeat around. 15 sts.
7. Rnd 26-28: Knit 3 rounds.
8. Rnd 29: K2tog, k3, repeat around. 12 sts.
9. Rnd 30-32: Knit 3 rounds.

Stuff the lower hand area lightly and the upper arm very lightly. Flatten opening and sew closed. Leave a long tail for attaching. Make the second arm.

Head

The head is the most important shaping section. It should be broader than the upper body, softly oval, and slightly longer from crown to chin than from cheek to cheek. The muzzle is created later with thread sculpting and embroidery, not heavy knitting changes.

Using cream yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Divide across DPNs and join.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, repeat around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, kfb, repeat around. 60 sts.
9. Rnd 9: Knit.
10. Rnd 10: K4, kfb, repeat around. 72 sts.
11. Rnd 11-26: Knit 16 rounds.

Insert eyes between Rnds 16 and 17, spaced 12 stitches apart. If embroidering eyes, wait until after stuffing. Begin stuffing very firmly and evenly. Do not allow hollows at the cheeks.

1. Rnd 27: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 60 sts.
2. Rnd 28: Knit.
3. Rnd 29: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 30: Knit.
5. Rnd 31: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 32: Knit.
7. Rnd 33: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 34: K2tog around. 12 sts.

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Pull yarn through remaining stitches and close tightly. Shape the head with your hands so the chin is slightly fuller than the forehead. Sew or graft head securely to body if not joined live.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, soft, and flat, reaching nearly to the waist when attached. They are not stiff. They fall straight down from the sides of the head under the beret.

Using cream yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 10 sts and work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: Knit.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
8. Row 8: Purl.
9. Row 9-40: Work 32 rows in st st, keeping edges neat.

Shape the rounded tip.

1. Row 41 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
2. Row 42 WS: Purl.
3. Row 43: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 44: Purl.
5. Row 45: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
6. Row 46: Purl.
7. Row 47: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
8. Row 48: Purl.
9. Row 49: K2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
10. Row 50: P2tog twice. 2 sts.
11. Row 51: K2tog. Fasten off.

Do not stuff. Lightly steam if your yarn allows. Sew the ears high on the sides of the head, beginning about 5 rounds down from the crown closure. Let them fall vertically.

Dress

Dress Bodice

The dress has a fitted upper section, short puff sleeves, a vertical decorative front panel, a flared skirt, and strong contrast trim. Work the bodice flat so the center front panel can be placed perfectly.

Using mint yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 36 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: K3, p30, k3.
2. Row 2 WS: P3, k30, p3.
3. Row 3: K3, p12, k6, p12, k3.
4. Row 4: P3, k12, p6, k12, p3.
5. Repeat Rows 3-4 three more times.

This creates the raised front panel area and side texture. Continue plain shaping.

1. Row 11: K3, p30, k3.
2. Row 12: P3, k30, p3.
3. Row 13: K3, p2tog, p11, k6, p11, p2tog, k3. 34 sts.
4. Row 14: P3, k28, p3.
5. Row 15: K3, p28, k3.
6. Row 16: P3, k28, p3.
7. Row 17: K3, p2tog, p10, k6, p10, p2tog, k3. 32 sts.
8. Row 18: P3, k26, p3.
9. Row 19-24: Work even in established pattern.

Separate for armholes.

1. Row 25 RS: K8, BO 4, k8, BO 4, k8.

You now have left front, back, and right front sections. Work each section separately for 8 rows in st st with garter edge, shaping neck on fronts by decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge every RS row 3 times. Work back straight for 8 rows.

Sew shoulder seams. Do not sew side seams yet if you prefer to slip it onto the bunny before final fixing. The bodice should sit closely and end just above the natural waist.

Puff Sleeves Make 2

Using mint yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 22 sts. Work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, kfb, knit to last st, kfb, k1. 24 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: Knit.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: Knit.
8. Row 8: Purl.

Upper shaping:

1. Row 9: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
2. Row 10: Purl.
3. Row 11: Repeat Row 9. 20 sts.
4. Row 12: Purl.
5. Row 13: Repeat Row 9. 18 sts.
6. BO all sts.

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Add a white trim at lower edge by picking up 22 stitches and working 2 rows garter plus 1 eyelet row if desired: k1, yo, k2tog across. Sew sleeves into armholes with a rounded cap.

Skirt

Pick up 72 stitches evenly around lower bodice edge using mint yarn and 3 mm needles. Join in the round if preferred, or work flat and seam at the back.

1. Round 1: Knit.
2. Round 2: K7, kfb, repeat around. 81 sts.
3. Round 3: Knit.
4. Round 4: K8, kfb, repeat around. 90 sts.
5. Round 5-10: Knit 6 rounds.
6. Round 11: Eyelet ribbon row: K2, yo, k2tog, repeat around.
7. Round 12-20: Knit 9 rounds.
8. Round 21: K9, kfb, repeat around. 99 sts.
9. Round 22-28: Knit 7 rounds.

Flower band placement begins here. Do not break yarn if you want to embroider later onto the finished skirt. Continue to lower flounce.

1. Round 29: K10, kfb, repeat around. 108 sts.
2. Round 30-34: Knit 5 rounds.
3. Round 35: Change to brown yarn and knit 4 rounds.
4. Round 39: Change to white yarn and work scallop setup: k2tog, yo across.
5. Round 40: Knit.
6. Round 41: Purl.
7. Round 42: Knit.
8. BO loosely knitwise.

For the white lace effect shown in the image, crochet-like appearance can be mimicked in knitting by adding a small picot band separately. Pick up around the hem with white yarn, CO 2 using cable cast-on, BO 4, repeat around for a tiny picot effect.

Front Decorative Panel

Using white yarn, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1-18: Work in seed stitch.
2. Rows 19-22: Work eyelet ladder: K1, yo, k2tog, repeat to end on RS; purl WS rows.
3. Rows 23-34: Seed stitch.
4. BO.

Sew this narrow panel to the center front of the bodice. Embroider or weave brown yarn vertically through the eyelet sections to imitate ribbon lacing. Add three brown bows stacked from neckline to waist.

Apron-Style Lower Trim

The image shows a bright white decorative apron-like lace section layered over the mint skirt. To recreate it, knit a separate curved overskirt trim.

Using white yarn, CO 90 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3: K2, yo, k2tog, repeat across.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: Knit.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: *CO 2, BO 4*, repeat across for picot edge effect.

Sew this curved trim across the lower front half of the skirt, slightly above the brown hem band. Leave the back plain so the skirt sits neatly when the bunny is seated.

Flower Embroidery

Embroider two small flowers near the lower front skirt, one left and one right, matching the image balance.

• Stem: straight stitch in olive green, 3 stitches tall.
• Leaves: 2 detached chain style leaves on each side, or 2 satin stitches if preferred.
• Flower center: 2 small horizontal stitches in yellow.
• Petals: 5 lazy-daisy petals in dusty rose around the center.

Beret

The beret is soft, rounded, slightly oversized, and sits low over the head. It has a ribbed band and two small side bows.

Using brown yarn and 3 mm needles, CO 56 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rounds 1-6: Work k1, p1 rib.
2. Round 7: K7, kfb, repeat around. 64 sts.
3. Round 8: Knit.
4. Round 9: K8, kfb, repeat around. 72 sts.
5. Round 10: Knit.
6. Round 11: K9, kfb, repeat around. 80 sts.
7. Rounds 12-22: Knit 11 rounds.

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Begin crown decreases.

1. Round 23: K8, k2tog, repeat around. 72 sts.
2. Round 24: Knit.
3. Round 25: K7, k2tog, repeat around. 64 sts.
4. Round 26: Knit.
5. Round 27: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 56 sts.
6. Round 28: Knit.
7. Round 29: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
8. Round 30: Knit.
9. Round 31: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.
10. Round 32: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.
11. Round 33: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
12. Round 34: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
13. Round 35: K2tog around. 8 sts.

Fasten off tightly. Sew two small brown bows near the left and right front sides. Place the beret low enough that the bunny’s forehead stays visible.

Purse

Using brown yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1-16: Work in st st with 1 garter stitch edge each side.
2. Row 17 RS: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 10 sts.
3. Row 18: Purl.
4. Row 19: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 8 sts.
5. Row 20: Purl.
6. BO.

Make two identical pieces. Sew side and bottom seams, leaving top open. For the flap, pick up 8 stitches on one top edge and work 4 rows st st, then BO. Twist or braid a cord about 12 inches long and attach as a shoulder strap. Sew a brown bow to the front.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are rounded brown Mary Jane style slippers with a strap across the foot.

Using brown yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 16 sts and work in the round.

1. Rnd 1-4: Knit.
2. Rnd 5: Kfb in each of first 4 sts, knit 8, kfb in each of last 4 sts. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 6-10: Knit.
4. Rnd 11: K6, k2tog 6 times, k6. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 12: Knit.
6. Rnd 13: K5, k2tog 4 times, k5. 14 sts.
7. Rnd 14-18: Knit 5 rounds.

Stuff toe lightly so the shoe keeps shape. BO. Sew neatly over the lower foot. Add a narrow strap by picking up 5 stitches at one side, knitting 8 rows in garter, then sewing across the instep to the other side.

Small Bows

For knitted bows, CO 8 sts in brown yarn.

1. Rows 1-12: Work in st st.
2. BO.

Wrap the center tightly with yarn to form a bow. Make as many as needed for neckline, bodice, skirt, sleeves, purse, and beret. The image shows multiple bows, so plan for at least 10 small bows and 1 medium bow.

Mini Hedgehog Companion

Body and Head Combined

Using beige yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 10 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 30 sts.
5. Rnd 5-10: Knit 6 rounds.

Switch upper back half stitches to brown yarn for the spiny cap effect, or embroider spines later using loop stitches. Continue body shaping.

1. Rnd 11: K4, k2tog around. 25 sts.
2. Rnd 12: Knit.
3. Rnd 13: K3, k2tog around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 14-18: Knit 5 rounds.

Insert tiny eyes on the beige face area. Embroider black nose centered low. Stuff firmly.

1. Rnd 19: K2, k2tog around. 15 sts.
2. Rnd 20: Knit.
3. Rnd 21: K1, k2tog around. 10 sts.
4. Rnd 22: K2tog around. 5 sts.

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Close tightly.

Hedgehog Arms Make 2

Using beige yarn, CO 6 sts and work 10 rounds in stockinette tube. Stuff lightly and sew on.

Hedgehog Legs Make 2

Using beige yarn, CO 6 sts and work 8 rounds. Stuff lightly and attach at base so the hedgehog can stand propped up.

Hedgehog Shirt

Using mint yarn, CO 18 sts. Work 10 rows in st st. Sew into a tiny tube around body. Add two brown embroidered buttons at center front.

Hedgehog Hat

Using brown yarn, CO 20 sts and join. Work 4 rounds k1, p1 rib, then increase to 28 sts and knit 6 rounds. Decrease evenly back to 14 sts and close. Add a twisted cord band around the brim.

Mushroom

Stem: using white yarn, CO 4 sts and knit 6 rows. Sew into a tiny tube and stuff lightly. Cap: using red yarn, CO 6 sts, increase to 18 sts, knit 3 rounds, then decrease back to 6 sts. Add white embroidered dots and sew to stem.

Mini Teacup and Book Prop

These are optional display props shown in the scene. They complete the styled look beautifully.

Book

Using dusty beige yarn, CO 14 sts. Knit 18 rows in garter. Fold in half and seam sides as a flat padded book. Embroider a pale spine edge.

Teacup

Using mint yarn, CO 6 sts and join. Increase to 18 sts over 3 rounds, knit 4 rounds, then bind off loosely. Add a tiny cream rim and sew a small curved handle made from 4 knitted i-cord stitches.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Sew head to body securely with the chin centered and head angled only very slightly forward.
• Attach arms at upper body sides so they hang straight and rest near the skirt.
• Sew ears high on the head and let them fall vertically under the beret.
• Fit the dress snugly and tack it invisibly at shoulders, waist, and back.
• Add sleeves, front panel, skirt trim, flowers, bows, shoes, purse, and beret last.
• For the face, embroider a small brown Y-shaped nose and mouth. Keep it delicate and centered.
• If needed, use soft sculpting thread to define the muzzle very lightly without making deep indentations.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Handle embroidered flowers, bows, and trim gently.
• Do not wring or twist the finished toy.
• Reshape ears, beret, and skirt after cleaning.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both ears attached at equal height.
• Eyes level and evenly spaced.
• Dress centered with straight front panel.
• Brown hem and white lace trim lying flat.
• Three front bows aligned vertically.
• Flower embroidery balanced on skirt front.
• Purse strap placed diagonally across the body.
• Shoes matched and straps even.
• Hedgehog companion dressed and holding mushroom.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

• Use cool water and mild soap for gentle hand washing only when necessary.
• Place the toy on a towel and press out excess water without stretching the knitted fabric.
• Dry flat away from direct sun to protect the mint and brown colors.
• Store in a breathable fabric bag or clean display cabinet to reduce dust buildup.
• Avoid hanging the bunny by the ears, purse strap, or dress trim during storage.