Knitting Tutorial: Spring Rose Gardener Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Spring Rose Gardener Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet heirloom bunny doll is designed to match the garden-inspired look in the photo, with a soft cream bunny body, a pink floral dress, a wide-brim hat, and charming knit accessories. It is perfect for anyone searching for a handmade bunny gift, collectible knitted toy, nursery decor bunny, or a spring cottagecore rabbit doll. The finished set includes the bunny, dress, hat, watering can, tote bag, flower pot, and removable blue shoes so the display looks polished and complete.

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: soft cream or warm ivory DK yarn
  • Dress and hat: dusty pastel pink DK yarn
  • Floral embroidery: denim blue, slate blue, soft pink, rose pink, white, sage green, olive green
  • Shoes and lower legs: deep navy or royal blue DK yarn
  • Watering can: oatmeal, mushroom beige, soft pink, blue, white, sage
  • Bag: pink, blue, white, green
  • Flower pot: terracotta or muted clay brown yarn
  • Lace trim: narrow white cotton lace or a knitted picot lace substitute
  • Needles: 2.5 mm double-pointed needles and 3 mm straight or circular needles
  • Extras: toy stuffing, tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, strong sewing thread, optional floral wire for watering can handle support
  • Eyes: black embroidery floss or tiny black safety eyes if preferred

Finished Size

The finished bunny stands about 13 inches tall from the base of the feet to the top of the head, not including the hat.

With the hat on, the total height is about 15 inches. The body is softly rounded, the ears fall below shoulder level, and the dress spreads wide enough to create the same full garden-doll silhouette shown in the image.

Gauge

Stockinette stitch on 3 mm needles: 26 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches.

Stockinette stitch on 2.5 mm needles: 28 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches.

A firm gauge is important. The bunny should hold shape without stuffing showing through.

Abbreviations

  • CO = cast on
  • BO = bind off
  • K = knit
  • P = purl
  • St st = stockinette stitch
  • Garter = knit every row
  • K2tog = knit 2 together
  • SSK = slip, slip, knit
  • M1L = make 1 left
  • M1R = make 1 right
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • rep = repeat
  • pm = place marker
  • sm = slip marker

Construction Overview

This bunny is made in separate parts for the most accurate shape. The legs are knit first, then joined into the lower body. The torso is shaped upward, and the head is knit separately and sewn on for the correct forward tilt seen in the photo.

The arms are slim and slightly tapered. The ears are long, flat, and softly curved so they fall straight downward from the sides of the head. The dress is made in layers: bodice, underskirt, and two front overskirt panels.

The floral decoration is created with small embroidered roses, leaves, and buds placed exactly where they appear in the image. Use duplicate stitch and tiny wrapped rose embroidery for the most dimensional finish.

Bunny Legs

Leg 1

Using navy yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 18 sts. Join carefully for working in the round. Divide 6 sts on each of 3 needles.

  1. Rounds 1-6: K all sts.
  2. Round 7: K1, M1R, K7, M1L, K1, M1R, K7, M1L = 22 sts.
  3. Rounds 8-14: K all sts.
  4. Change to cream.
  5. Rounds 15-34: K all sts.
  6. Round 35: K2tog, K7, SSK, K2tog, K7, SSK = 18 sts.
  7. Rounds 36-44: K all sts.

Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly. Leave sts on holder.

Leg 2

Work the same as Leg 1, but do not cut yarn at the end.

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Join Legs

With Leg 2 as the working leg, knit across 18 sts of Leg 2, CO 4 sts for center bridge, knit across 18 sts of Leg 1, CO 4 sts = 44 sts total.

Place marker at beginning of round.

Lower Body

  1. Rounds 1-4: K all sts.
  2. Round 5: K18, M1R, K4, M1L, K18, M1R, K4, M1L = 48 sts.
  3. Rounds 6-10: K all sts.
  4. Round 11: K12, M1R, K12, M1L, K12, M1R, K12, M1L = 52 sts.
  5. Rounds 12-18: K all sts.
  6. Round 19: K13, M1R, K13, M1L, K13, M1R, K13, M1L = 56 sts.
  7. Rounds 20-26: K all sts.

This creates the softly rounded hip area that supports the full dress shape.

  1. Round 27: K6, K2tog, K12, SSK, K6, K2tog, K12, SSK, K12 = 52 sts.
  2. Round 28: K all sts.
  3. Round 29: K6, K2tog, K10, SSK, K6, K2tog, K10, SSK, K12 = 48 sts.
  4. Rounds 30-36: K all sts.

Stuff firmly through the body as you go, keeping the front smooth.

Upper Body and Neck

  1. Round 1: K all sts.
  2. Round 2: K6, K2tog, K8, SSK, K6, K2tog, K8, SSK, K12 = 44 sts.
  3. Round 3: K all sts.
  4. Round 4: K5, K2tog, K8, SSK, K5, K2tog, K8, SSK, K10 = 40 sts.
  5. Rounds 5-10: K all sts.
  6. Round 11: K all sts through back loop to firm the waist edge.
  7. Rounds 12-15: K all sts.
  8. Round 16: K2tog around = 20 sts.
  9. Rounds 17-22: K all sts for neck tube.

BO loosely. Stuff the upper torso firmly but keep the neck very solid so the head will not wobble.

Head

Using cream and 2.5 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly and join in the round.

  1. Round 1: K all sts.
  2. Round 2: M1 after every stitch = 24 sts.
  3. Round 3: K all sts.
  4. Round 4: K1, M1R around = 36 sts.
  5. Round 5: K all sts.
  6. Round 6: K2, M1R around = 48 sts.
  7. Round 7: K all sts.
  8. Round 8: K3, M1R around = 60 sts.
  9. Rounds 9-24: K all sts.

At this stage, begin shaping the face with short stuffing adjustments. Add a little extra stuffing to the cheeks and less at the center front so the muzzle can be embroidered inward.

  1. Round 25: K8, K2tog, K20, SSK, K8, K2tog, K20, SSK = 56 sts.
  2. Rounds 26-28: K all sts.
  3. Round 29: K7, K2tog, K18, SSK, K7, K2tog, K18, SSK = 52 sts.
  4. Round 30: K all sts.
  5. Round 31: K6, K2tog, K16, SSK, K6, K2tog, K16, SSK = 48 sts.
  6. Rounds 32-34: K all sts.
  7. Round 35: K4, K2tog around = 40 sts.
  8. Round 36: K all sts.
  9. Round 37: K3, K2tog around = 32 sts.
  10. Round 38: K all sts.
  11. Round 39: K2, K2tog around = 24 sts.
  12. Round 40: K all sts.
  13. Round 41: K2tog around = 12 sts.

Stuff very firmly. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close tightly.

Muzzle Shaping

The bunny in the image has a gentle, realistic muzzle instead of a round toy nose. Use strong cream sewing thread and sculpt before embroidering.

  • Mark eye positions about 8 rows above the lower face center, spaced 8 stitches apart.
  • Mark nose point 4 rows below the eye line.
  • Take thread from lower back of head to one eye point, then across to the other eye point, then back down. Pull lightly.
  • Create two shallow cheek indentations, not deep eye sockets.
  • Make a tiny vertical pull from nose point to under-chin point to define the muzzle split.

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Ears

Make 2 in cream. Work flat on 2.5 mm needles.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1 RS: K.
  3. Row 2 WS: P.
  4. Row 3: K1, M1L, K6, M1R, K1 = 10 sts.
  5. Row 4: P.
  6. Row 5: K1, M1L, K8, M1R, K1 = 12 sts.
  7. Rows 6-10: Work in St st.
  8. Row 11: K1, M1L, K10, M1R, K1 = 14 sts.
  9. Rows 12-26: Work in St st.
  10. Row 27: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1 = 12 sts.
  11. Row 28: P.
  12. Row 29: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1 = 10 sts.
  13. Row 30: P.
  14. Row 31: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1 = 8 sts.
  15. Row 32: P.
  16. Row 33: K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1 = 6 sts.
  17. Row 34: P.
  18. Row 35: K1, SSK, K2tog, K1 = 4 sts.
  19. Row 36: P.
  20. Row 37: K2tog twice = 2 sts.
  21. BO.

Do not stuff. Lightly steam or finger-block so the ears lie flat. Sew with the wider end at the crown sides so each ear drops straight down beside the face.

Arms

Make 2. Begin with cream using 2.5 mm needles.

  1. CO 14 sts and join.
  2. Rounds 1-10: K all sts.
  3. Round 11: K2tog, K5, K2tog, K5 = 12 sts.
  4. Rounds 12-22: K all sts.
  5. Round 23: K2tog, K4, K2tog, K4 = 10 sts.
  6. Rounds 24-28: K all sts.
  7. Change to pink for sleeve cap.
  8. Round 29: K all sts.
  9. Round 30: Kfb each stitch = 20 sts.
  10. Rounds 31-34: K all sts.
  11. Round 35: Purl all sts for sleeve cuff fold line.
  12. Round 36: K all sts.
  13. Round 37: BO loosely.

Stuff the hand and lower arm lightly. Flatten the upper sleeve edge before sewing so the arm sits slightly angled downward.

Neck Ruffle

Using white and 2.5 mm needles, CO 60 sts.

  1. Row 1: K.
  2. Row 2: P.
  3. Row 3: K1, M1 across = 119 sts.
  4. Rows 4-6: Work in St st.
  5. Row 7: K all.
  6. BO loosely knitwise.

Gather slightly and sew around neckline under the dress bodice. This creates the small white frill visible above the pink bodice.

Dress Bodice

The bunny in the image wears a fitted pink bodice with rounded shoulder shaping and short puff sleeves. Work flat and seam at the back.

Using pink and 3 mm needles, CO 48 sts.

  1. Row 1 RS: K.
  2. Row 2 WS: P.
  3. Rows 3-12: Continue in St st.
  4. Row 13: K2, K2tog, K40, SSK, K2 = 46 sts.
  5. Row 14: P.
  6. Row 15: K2, K2tog, K38, SSK, K2 = 44 sts.
  7. Row 16: P.
  8. Rows 17-22: Work even.

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Shape armholes.

  1. Row 23: BO 3, K38, BO 3 = 38 sts.
  2. Row 24: P.
  3. Row 25: K2tog, K34, SSK = 36 sts.
  4. Row 26: P.
  5. Row 27: K2tog, K32, SSK = 34 sts.
  6. Rows 28-32: Work even.

Shape neckline and shoulders.

  1. Row 33 RS: K11, BO 12, K11.
  2. Work each side separately.
  3. Row 34 WS: P11.
  4. Row 35: K2tog, K7, K2tog = 9 sts.
  5. Row 36: P.
  6. Row 37: K2tog, K5, K2tog = 7 sts.
  7. BO.

Repeat for other side. Sew shoulder seams.

Puff Sleeves

Using pink and 3 mm needles, pick up 30 sts evenly around each armhole.

  1. Round 1: K.
  2. Round 2: P.
  3. Round 3: K.
  4. Round 4: K2tog around = 15 sts.
  5. Rounds 5-7: K all sts.
  6. Round 8: P all sts.
  7. Round 9: K all sts.
  8. BO loosely.

Sew a narrow white lace trim or knitted lace to the sleeve edge. The sleeve should sit rounded and end just above the elbow.

Underskirt

Using pink and 3 mm needles, CO 140 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

  1. Rounds 1-6: K all sts.
  2. Round 7: P all sts for subtle hem fold line.
  3. Rounds 8-20: K all sts.
  4. Round 21: K10, M1R around = 154 sts.
  5. Rounds 22-34: K all sts.
  6. Round 35: K11, M1R around = 168 sts.
  7. Rounds 36-52: K all sts.
  8. BO loosely.

Sew white lace around the lower hem. Gather the top edge to match the bodice waist. Sew securely.

Overskirt Panels

Make 2 identical panels in pink. These create the parted front layer seen in the image.

Using 3 mm needles, CO 44 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: Garter.
  2. Rows 7-46: Work in St st, keeping 3 garter sts at each side edge.
  3. Row 47 RS: K3, SSK, K34, K2tog, K3 = 42 sts.
  4. Rows 48-54: Continue in pattern.
  5. Row 55: K3, SSK, K32, K2tog, K3 = 40 sts.
  6. Rows 56-62: Continue in pattern.
  7. Row 63: K3, SSK, K30, K2tog, K3 = 38 sts.
  8. Rows 64-68: Continue in pattern.
  9. BO loosely.

Curve the inner lower edge slightly by easing it while sewing or blocking. Attach each panel at the waist so the center fronts open and reveal the underskirt beneath.

Sew white lace only along the inner front edge of each panel and around the lower edge where shown. This is important for matching the photo.

Floral Embroidery Placement

The flowers are one of the defining features of this bunny. Place them carefully. The bodice has a central rose cluster and a garland across the chest. Each overskirt panel has a vertical floral spray and a lower border cluster.

Embroidery Methods

  • Large roses: tiny knitted spiral roses or wrapped woven roses
  • Small roses: French knot roses or duplicate stitch circles
  • Buds: 2 or 3 satin stitches in blue or pink
  • Leaves: straight stitches in sage and olive
  • Blue flowers: duplicate stitch over 3 to 5 knit stitches

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Bodice Motif

  • Place one medium blue rose at the center chest.
  • Place one small white rose below it.
  • Place one pink or blue bud cluster below that, falling toward the waist.
  • Add two small blue buds at left chest and two at right chest.
  • Stitch green leaves around each bloom to soften the edges.

Sleeve Motifs

  • At the outer edge of each puff sleeve, stitch 2 blue buds and 1 small pink or white rose.
  • Add 2 leaves on each side.

Overskirt Panel Motifs

  • Near the upper outer section of each panel, place one medium blue rose, one small white rose, and two dark blue buds.
  • At the lower border of each panel, create a fuller cluster with 2 medium blue roses, 1 pale pink rose, 2 dark blue buds, and several green leaves.
  • Keep both panels balanced, but not perfectly mirrored. Slight natural variation looks more realistic.

Hat

The hat is a wide pink garden hat with a rounded crown and softly curved brim. It sits low on the forehead and frames the ears without crushing them.

Hat Crown Top

Using pink and 3 mm needles, CO 8 sts onto double-pointed needles and join.

  1. Round 1: K all sts.
  2. Round 2: M1 after every stitch = 16 sts.
  3. Round 3: K all sts.
  4. Round 4: K1, M1R around = 24 sts.
  5. Round 5: K all sts.
  6. Round 6: K2, M1R around = 32 sts.
  7. Round 7: K all sts.
  8. Round 8: K3, M1R around = 40 sts.
  9. Round 9: K all sts.
  10. Round 10: K4, M1R around = 48 sts.
  11. Rounds 11-24: K all sts.

Hat Side and Brim

  1. Round 25: K all through back loop to define the crown edge.
  2. Rounds 26-28: K all sts.
  3. Round 29: K5, M1R around = 56 sts.
  4. Round 30: K all sts.
  5. Round 31: K6, M1R around = 64 sts.
  6. Round 32: K all sts.
  7. Round 33: K7, M1R around = 72 sts.
  8. Rounds 34-36: K all sts.
  9. Round 37: K8, M1R around = 80 sts.
  10. Rounds 38-42: K all sts.
  11. Round 43: P all sts.
  12. Round 44: K all sts.
  13. BO loosely but evenly.

Lightly steam the brim over a rounded bowl so it curves gently downward at the sides.

Hat Trim

  • Make 2 small roses in soft pink.
  • Make 1 tiny white rose.
  • Make 2 pale blue leaves or petals.
  • Stitch these to the hat band area on one side front, exactly as in the photo.

Blue Shoes

These removable shoes match the pair placed on the table. They are simple Mary Jane style shoes with a rounded toe and narrow strap.

Make 2 using blue and 2.5 mm needles.

  1. CO 10 sts.
  2. Row 1 RS: K.
  3. Row 2 WS: P.
  4. Row 3: Kfb, K8, Kfb = 12 sts.
  5. Row 4: P.
  6. Row 5: Kfb, K10, Kfb = 14 sts.
  7. Rows 6-10: Work in St st.
  8. Row 11: K2tog, K10, K2tog = 12 sts.
  9. Row 12: P.
  10. Row 13: K2tog, K8, K2tog = 10 sts.
  11. Rows 14-18: Work even.

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Fold and seam the sole. Pick up around the upper edge if needed and work 3 rounds in the round to create depth.

For strap, CO 12 sts as an i-cord or narrow tab. Sew one side to the shoe and tack the other side across the instep.

Watering Can

The watering can is beige with a narrow spout, side handle, and floral decoration. Knit it firmly so it holds its cylinder shape.

Can Body

Using oatmeal and 2.5 mm needles, CO 24 sts and join.

  1. Rounds 1-12: K all sts.
  2. Round 13: P all sts.
  3. Round 14: K all sts.
  4. BO loosely.

Thread-gather the bottom opening or sew onto a flat circular base. Stuff lightly.

Base Circle

  1. CO 6 sts and join.
  2. Round 1: Kfb each st = 12 sts.
  3. Round 2: K1, M1R around = 18 sts.
  4. Round 3: K2, M1R around = 24 sts.
  5. BO.

Spout

CO 5 sts and work i-cord for 18 rows. Slightly widen the attached end by picking up 7 sts and working 2 short rows before sewing to the front side of the can.

Handle

CO 4 sts and work i-cord for 22 rows. Curve into an arch and sew from upper side to upper back side.

Decoration

  • Embroider one pink rose, one white rose, and two blue buds on the body.
  • Add tiny green leaves around them.

Handbag

The pink bag is small, soft, and slightly trapezoid. It has a short integrated handle and floral motif on the front.

Bag Front and Back

Make 2 in pink using 2.5 mm needles.

  1. CO 16 sts.
  2. Rows 1-12: Work in St st.
  3. Row 13: K1, M1L, K14, M1R, K1 = 18 sts.
  4. Rows 14-22: Work even.
  5. Row 23: K4, BO 10, K4.
  6. Next row: P4, CO 10, P4.
  7. Rows 25-30: Work even.
  8. BO.

Sew sides and bottom, leaving top and handle opening clear.

Bag Embroidery

  • Place one medium blue rose near the center.
  • Add one white rose and two blue buds.
  • Work leaves in sage green.

Flower Pot

Pot

Using terracotta and 2.5 mm needles, CO 20 sts and join.

  1. Rounds 1-6: K all sts.
  2. Round 7: Kfb each st = 40 sts.
  3. Round 8: P all sts.
  4. Rounds 9-12: K all sts.
  5. Round 13: K2tog around = 20 sts.
  6. Rounds 14-24: K all sts.
  7. BO.

Stuff the bottom well so the pot stands upright.

Flowers

Make 5 roses total: 2 medium pink, 1 pale pink, 2 cream or white.

For each rose, CO 18 sts in chosen color.

  1. Row 1: P.
  2. Row 2: Kfb each st = 36 sts.
  3. Row 3: P.
  4. BO loosely.

Roll into a spiral and stitch the base.

For leaves, CO 6 sts in sage.

  1. Row 1: K.
  2. Row 2: P.
  3. Row 3: Kfb, K4, Kfb = 8 sts.
  4. Row 4: P.
  5. Row 5: SSK, K4, K2tog = 6 sts.
  6. Row 6: P.
  7. Row 7: SSK, K2tog = 2 sts.
  8. BO.

Make 8 to 10 leaves. Arrange roses tightly in the pot, with leaves peeking between blooms.

Facial Embroidery

  • Use black thread for the eyes. Each eye is a short vertical satin stitch, about 2 knit rows high.
  • Place them low and wide for the gentle expression shown in the image.
  • Use medium brown thread for the nose and mouth.
  • Stitch a small inverted Y shape, with a short vertical center and two downward angled lines.
  • Add a tiny horizontal stitch at each side of the muzzle only if needed.

Assembly Order

  1. Sew and stuff the body and head.
  2. Attach head to neck with a slight forward tilt.
  3. Sew ears to the crown sides so they hang long and straight.
  4. Attach arms at shoulder level, angled downward and inward slightly.
  5. Sew neck ruffle in place.
  6. Dress the bunny with bodice, underskirt, and overskirt panels.
  7. Add sleeve lace and skirt lace.
  8. Embroider all floral motifs.
  9. Fit the hat over the head and ears.
  10. Place accessories in display position.

Styling Notes for an Accurate Match

Do not overstuff the face. The bunny in the image has a soft, elegant face with delicate shaping, not a hard round head.

Keep the ears long and narrow. They should fall smoothly beside the bodice and reach toward the waist area.

The dress must be full. Use enough skirt width so the overskirt panels rest open naturally instead of pulling flat.

The floral motifs should be dimensional. Raised roses are what make this design look luxurious and true to the image.

The hat brim should be broad. A narrow brim will change the entire look. Let it extend well beyond the face.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the head to the body with the chin angled very slightly downward. This gives the bunny its calm garden pose. Add the eyes first, then the nose and mouth, and check symmetry before knotting off inside the head.

Attach the ears after the hat is test-fitted once. This helps you position them so they hang evenly and do not push the hat upward. Add the floral embroidery last, after the dress is fully secured on the bunny.

Care Notes

Display indoors and keep away from strong sunlight to protect the pink and blue shades. Spot clean whenever possible. If the piece is intended for decor, avoid frequent undressing to preserve the lace, embroidery, and hand-sewn flowers.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Both ears hang at the same length
  • Eyes are level and softly spaced
  • Hat brim curves evenly
  • Overskirt opens neatly at center front
  • Lace is attached at sleeves and skirt hem
  • Floral embroidery is balanced across bodice and skirt
  • Accessories match the main color story of pink, blue, cream, and green

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a clean dry brush to remove surface dust. For small marks, dab gently with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry fully. Do not machine wash, wring, or tumble dry.

Store flat or upright in a breathable cotton bag or display cabinet. To keep the hat brim and skirt shape crisp, fill the inside lightly with acid-free tissue when storing for long periods.

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