This elegant knitted bunny is designed as a romantic heirloom rabbit doll with a full ivory dress, rose trim, a wide-brim hat, matching shoes, and tiny storybook accessories. It is the kind of handmade bunny doll pattern knitters look for when making a nursery keepsake, a collectible soft toy, a shower gift, or a cottagecore display piece. The finished set also includes a tiny mouse friend, carrot, cup, and berry basket, creating a premium handmade look that feels perfect for gift giving and boutique toy lovers.
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 and dress: sport weight or light DK yarn in soft ivory
- Rose color: dusty pink
- Leaf color: sage green
- Mouse dress: soft blue
- Mouse body: pale beige, blush pink, and tan
- Carrot: orange and green
- Berry basket: natural beige plus small scraps of red, purple, blue, and green
- Needles: US 2 and US 3 double-pointed needles or preferred method for small circumference knitting
- Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, stuffing, thin floral wire optional for hat brim, small black or brown embroidery thread for face
Gauge, Size, and Style Notes
Gauge for toy knitting: 32 stitches and 42 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on smaller needles. Knit tightly so stuffing does not show through. Adjust needle size if needed.
The bunny in the image is tall and stately, with a large rounded head, long relaxed ears, slim arms, short hidden legs, and a very wide tiered skirt. The visible body shape is created by a narrow torso under a dramatic dress, not by a wide stuffed belly.
The hat is broad, flat, and softly curved at the edge. It sits low over the forehead and frames the face closely. The dress has a fitted bodice, center front texture, deep layered skirt, and many rose appliqués. Accessories are essential to the final look.
- Finished bunny height: about 13 inches seated within dress silhouette, about 15 inches to top of hat
- Mouse height: about 4 inches
- Shoes: about 2 inches long
- Purse: about 2 inches tall
- Tea cup and basket: miniature decorative accessories
Abbreviations
- CO = cast on
- K = knit
- P = purl
- St st = stockinette stitch
- Kfb = knit front and back
- K2tog = knit 2 together
- SSK = slip, slip, knit
- PM = place marker
- BOR = beginning of round
- Rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Construction Overview
The bunny is made from the bottom up as separate pieces. Knit the legs first, then the body and head. The ears and arms are sewn on later. After the bunny base is complete, knit the dress, hat, purse, shoes, flowers, leaves, and miniature accessories.
For the closest match to the image, keep the face simple and sweet. The eyes are tiny vertical embroidered dots. The nose and mouth form a short brown Y shape. Do not over-shape the cheeks. The calm face is important to the finished expression.
Bunny Legs Make 2
Use ivory and smaller needles. Legs are short and mostly hidden beneath the dress, so they should be neat but not overly long.
- CO 10 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 20 sts.
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: K1, Kfb, K8, Kfb, K1, Kfb, K8, Kfb. 24 sts.
- Rnd 5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K2tog, K8, K2tog, K2tog, K8, K2tog. 20 sts.
- Rnds 7-14: Knit 8 rounds.
- Stuff lightly at foot only.
- Rnd 15: K2tog around. 10 sts.
- Rnds 16-22: Knit.
- Break yarn on first leg. Finish second leg but do not break yarn.
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Body
The body is slim because the full gown creates the volume. Join the legs with a gap so the lower body sits naturally beneath the dress.
- With second leg on needle, knit across 10 sts of second leg, CO 4 sts, knit 10 sts of first leg, CO 4 sts. 28 sts.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: K10, Kfb 4 times across bridge sts, K10, Kfb 4 times across second bridge. 36 sts.
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: K6, Kfb, K6, Kfb, K6, Kfb, K6, Kfb, K6, Kfb, K6. 42 sts.
- Rnds 5-10: Knit 6 rounds.
- Rnd 11: K5, K2tog around. 36 sts.
- Rnd 12: Knit.
- Rnd 13: K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
- Rnds 14-18: Knit.
- Stuff lower body firmly but keep front smooth.
- Rnd 19: K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
- Rnd 20: Knit.
- Rnd 21: K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
- Rnds 22-26: Knit 5 rounds for narrow upper torso.
Head
The head in the image is large, rounded, and slightly longer vertically than a sphere. Increase steadily, then shape gently so the face stays soft and smooth.
- Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 36 sts.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: K5, Kfb around. 42 sts.
- Rnd 4: Knit.
- Rnd 5: K6, Kfb around. 48 sts.
- Rnd 6: Knit.
- Rnd 7: K7, Kfb around. 54 sts.
- Rnd 8: Knit.
- Rnd 9: K8, Kfb around. 60 sts.
- Rnds 10-24: Knit 15 rounds.
Begin stuffing firmly. Shape the face with smooth, even stuffing. The head should feel solid but not stretched. Add more stuffing to the cheeks and forehead than to the chin.
- Rnd 25: K8, K2tog around. 54 sts.
- Rnd 26: Knit.
- Rnd 27: K7, K2tog around. 48 sts.
- Rnd 28: Knit.
- Rnd 29: K6, K2tog around. 42 sts.
- Rnd 30: Knit.
- Rnd 31: K5, K2tog around. 36 sts.
- Rnd 32: K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
- Rnd 33: K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
- Rnd 34: K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
- Rnd 35: K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.
- Rnd 36: K2tog around. 6 sts. Cut yarn, draw through, close firmly.
Muzzle Definition
Thread ivory yarn on a tapestry needle. Insert at neck opening and bring out low on one side of the face. Take a small horizontal stitch across the lower muzzle and return to neck. Pull lightly to create the gentle divided muzzle seen in the image.
Ears Make 2
The ears are long, soft, and flat, attached under the hat and falling close to the body. They are not heavily stuffed.
- CO 14 sts flat.
- Row 1 WS: Purl.
- Row 2 RS: K1, M1, knit to last 1 st, M1, K1. 16 sts.
- Row 3: Purl.
- Row 4: Knit.
- Rows 5-10: Rep Rows 3-4 three times.
- Row 11 RS: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. 14 sts.
- Row 12: Purl.
- Rep last 2 rows until 6 sts remain.
- Next row RS: K1, SSK, K2tog, K1. 4 sts.
- Next row: Purl.
- Next row: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
- Next row: P2tog. Fasten off.
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Lightly steam flat if desired. Fold lower edge slightly before sewing so each ear starts narrow at the crown.
Arms Make 2
- CO 8 sts and join in round.
- Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
- Rnds 2-5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K2tog around. 8 sts.
- Rnd 7: Knit.
- Rnd 8: Kfb around. 16 sts.
- Rnds 9-22: Knit 14 rounds.
- Stuff hand and lower arm lightly.
- Rnd 23: K2tog around. 8 sts.
- Rnds 24-26: Knit.
- Flatten top and sew closed.
The arms should curve inward slightly. When sewing, angle them down and forward so the bunny appears to hold the purse naturally.
Basic Face Embroidery
- Place eyes about 8 rows above the muzzle divide and 7 stitches apart.
- Each eye is a tiny vertical satin stitch, about 2 knitted rows tall.
- Embroider the nose in brown as a short upside-down triangle.
- Add a straight line down 2 rows, then split into a very short Y mouth.
Dress Bodice
The bunny in the picture wears a fitted ivory dress with a textured center front and rose trim. The bodice should sit close to the upper torso before opening into the skirt.
- Using larger needles, CO 36 sts flat.
- Row 1 WS: Purl.
- Row 2 RS: K4, P2, K20, P2, K4.
- Row 3: P4, K2, P20, K2, P4.
- Rows 4-10: Work sts as established.
- Row 11 RS: K4, P2, C4 texture may be mimicked with K1, P1 over center section if preferred, continue center panel, P2, K4.
- Rows 12-18: Continue with 4-stitch side borders and textured center panel.
- Row 19 RS: K2tog, work to last 2 sts, K2tog tbl. 34 sts.
- Row 20: Work in pattern.
- Rep decrease row every 4th row 3 more times. 28 sts.
- Work even 6 rows.
- Bind off loosely.
Wrap around the upper bunny body and seam at back. The center front should remain visible. Add a tiny rose at the neckline center exactly as seen in the image.
Tiered Overskirt
The dramatic skirt is the key to the silhouette. Knit it separately from the waist downward in widening tiers. This section should be generous so the dress spreads broadly when arranged.
- CO 72 sts. Join for knitting in the round.
- Rnds 1-8: Knit.
- Rnd 9: Kfb every 6th st. 84 sts.
- Rnds 10-16: Knit.
- Rnd 17: Kfb every 6th st. 98 sts.
- Rnds 18-26: Knit.
- Rnd 27: Kfb every 7th st. 112 sts.
- Rnds 28-36: Knit.
- Rnd 37: Purl one round for turning ridge of first visible tier.
- Rnds 38-44: Knit.
- Rnd 45: Kfb every 8th st. 126 sts.
- Rnds 46-56: Knit.
- Rnd 57: Purl one round for second tier ridge.
- Rnds 58-66: Knit.
- Rnd 67: Kfb every 9th st. 140 sts.
- Rnds 68-78: Knit.
- Rnd 79: Purl one round for lower flounce ridge.
- Rnds 80-86: Knit.
- Bind off loosely.
Gather the top edge gently to fit the waist and sew beneath the bodice. Steam lightly and spread the skirt into a bell shape. Add soft tulle or petticoat support inside only if you want extra structure, but the knitted volume should already be generous.
Ruffle Trim Bands
The image shows delicate white trim between tiers and around sleeves and hat edge. Since only knitted elements are required here, make thin frill bands that imitate lace visually.
- CO 120 sts.
- Row 1: Knit.
- Row 2: K1, yo, K2tog across.
- Row 3: Knit.
- Row 4: Kfb in every st. 240 sts.
- Row 5: Purl.
- Bind off knitwise very loosely.
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Make enough bands for bodice front trim, both sleeve cuffs, three skirt tier lines, and hat brim edge. Sew them in soft waves rather than stretching them flat.
Hat Crown
The title says bonnet, but the picture clearly shows a wide-brim garden hat. To match the image exactly, knit the hat as a shallow crown with an expansive flat brim.
- Using ivory and smaller needles, CO 8 sts. Join in round.
- Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
- Rnd 4: Knit.
- Rnd 5: K2, Kfb around. 32 sts.
- Rnd 6: Knit.
- Rnd 7: K3, Kfb around. 40 sts.
- Rnd 8: Knit.
- Rnd 9: K4, Kfb around. 48 sts.
- Rnds 10-18: Knit for crown depth.
Hat Brim
- Rnd 19: Kfb every 6th st. 56 sts.
- Rnd 20: Knit.
- Rnd 21: Kfb every 7th st. 64 sts.
- Rnd 22: Knit.
- Rnd 23: Kfb every 8th st. 72 sts.
- Rnd 24: Knit.
- Rnd 25: Kfb every 9th st. 80 sts.
- Rnds 26-30: Knit.
- Rnd 31: Kfb every 10th st. 88 sts.
- Rnds 32-36: Knit.
- Rnd 37: Purl.
- Rnds 38-40: Knit.
- Bind off loosely.
If desired, thread very thin wire or stiff thread around the final brim edge on the inside so the hat keeps its wide circular form. Add a ruffle trim band all around the outer edge.
Knitted Roses Make 12-16
Use pink yarn. The bunny dress in the image has many rose appliqués placed on the hat, chest, sleeves, skirt, purse, and shoes. Make at least 12 medium roses and 2 tiny roses.
- CO 26 sts.
- Row 1 WS: Purl.
- Row 2 RS: K1, Kfb across to end. 51 sts.
- Row 3: Purl.
- Row 4: K2tog, yo across to end.
- Bind off loosely on next row.
Roll the strip from one short end into a spiral, wider edge toward the top. Stitch securely at base. For tiny roses, CO 18 sts and follow the same method.
Leaves Make 24-30
- CO 3 sts in green.
- Row 1: Kfb, K1, Kfb. 5 sts.
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: K1, M1, K3, M1, K1. 7 sts.
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: SSK, K3, K2tog. 5 sts.
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: SSK, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
- Row 8: P3tog. Fasten off.
Sew two or three leaves under each rose. Keep the leaves small and angled outward.
Purse
- CO 18 sts in ivory.
- Work 18 rows in St st.
- Bind off.
- Fold into a small rectangle and seam sides.
- For drawstring top, pick up 18 sts around opening and work 4 rounds K1, P1 rib.
- Eyelet round: K2tog, yo around.
- Work 2 more rib rounds and bind off.
- Make an I-cord strap 18 inches long and thread through eyelets.
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Add one medium rose and two leaves to the lower front of the purse. The purse should hang from the bunny’s left hand and rest against the skirt.
Shoes Make 2
- CO 12 sts in ivory.
- Rows 1-6: Work in garter stitch.
- Row 7 RS: K4, K2tog, K2, SSK, K4. 10 sts.
- Rows 8-12: Garter stitch.
- Bind off.
- Fold and seam into tiny flat Mary Jane slippers.
- Add narrow strap with 6-stitch I-cord or knitted tab.
Decorate each shoe with one tiny pink rose. Place them at the hem of the bunny dress just as shown in the image.
Mini Mouse Body
The little mouse friend is important to the full scene. Keep the mouse simple, tiny, and slightly rustic.
- CO 8 sts in beige, join in round.
- Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: K3, Kfb around. 20 sts.
- Rnds 4-10: Knit.
- Rnd 11: K2, K2tog around. 15 sts.
- Rnd 12: Knit.
- Rnd 13: K1, K2tog around. 10 sts.
- Stuff lightly.
- Rnd 14: K2tog around. 5 sts. Close.
For the head, make another similar piece but increase to 24 sts and work 8 rounds before decreasing. Add a slightly pointed nose with simple shaping using sewing thread if desired.
Mouse Ears, Arms, Legs, Tail, and Dress
- Ears: CO 6 sts, knit 4 rows, gather into circles, make 2 in pale pink
- Arms: CO 4 sts, work 8 rounds as I-cord, make 2
- Legs: CO 4 sts, work 10 rounds as I-cord, make 2
- Tail: make 18-round I-cord in pink
- Dress: CO 24 sts in blue, join, knit 5 rounds, increase evenly to 30 sts, knit 10 rounds, bind off
- Hat: use tan and blue scraps, knit a tiny flat-brim hat just like the bunny version in miniature
Embroider tiny eyes and sew the carrot into one hand. Position the mouse standing beside the bunny at skirt level.
Carrot, Cup, and Berry Basket
- Carrot: CO 6 sts in orange, join, knit 1 round, then decrease 1 stitch every other round until pointed. Add 3 tiny green cords at top.
- Cup: CO 8 sts in ivory, join, knit 4 rounds, purl 1 round, knit 2 rounds, bind off. Add tiny blue duplicate-stitch dots and a small handle.
- Basket: CO 10 sts in beige, join, increase to 20 sts, knit 5 rounds, bind off. Add curved handle and tiny knitted berry balls.
Rose Placement Guide
For the closest visual match, place roses in balanced clusters rather than in a strict line. Use the image arrangement as your guide.
- 2 roses with leaves on the right side of the hat brim
- 1 rose at the neckline center
- 1 rose on each sleeve cuff area
- 3 roses across the middle skirt tier
- 3 roses around the lower skirt tier
- 1 rose on the purse
- 1 tiny rose on each shoe
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew the ears first, slightly behind the side lines of the face, letting them fall straight down. Attach the arms low on the shoulder line and angle them inward. Wrap and stitch the bodice in place, then sew on the skirt so it spreads evenly all around.
Place the hat low and wide so the face sits deep inside the brim. Add facial embroidery last, checking symmetry often. Keep the eyes very small, the nose neat, and the mouth short. This gentle restraint is what makes the bunny look elegant and calm.
Care Notes
- Spot clean whenever possible
- Do not twist or wring the knitted pieces
- Reshape the hat brim and skirt tiers while damp
- Store flat or upright with tissue support inside the dress
- Keep miniature accessories in a separate pouch when not displayed
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Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head is firmly stuffed and smooth
- Ears are even and hang at matching angles
- Dress tiers are balanced front and back
- Hat brim sits wide and level
- All roses have leaves and are securely stitched
- Purse, shoes, mouse, carrot, cup, and basket are completed
- Face is centered and delicate
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Use cool water with a mild wool wash for gentle hand cleaning. Press moisture out with a towel and dry the bunny flat away from heat and direct sunlight. For long-term display, avoid damp rooms and rotate the toy occasionally so one side of the dress does not flatten.
If storing for a season, wrap the bunny in clean cotton or acid-free tissue. Do not hang the purse from the arm during storage, and do not place heavy objects on the hat brim. Small shaped supports inside the skirt help preserve the full silhouette beautifully.
