Knitting Tutorial: Vintage Ruffle Rose Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant bunny is designed as a heirloom knitted rabbit with a romantic vintage look, a soft pink dress, layered cream ruffles, a wide-brim hat, floral trims, a drawstring pouch, tiny shoes, and sweet tea-table accessories. It is a wonderful choice for knitters who love collectible stuffed animals, handmade nursery decor, shabby chic bunny dolls, knitted toy patterns, and giftable artisan plush designs. The finished bunny is meant to look refined, gentle, and storybook-inspired while still being practical to knit one step at a time.

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

Pattern Overview

This pattern creates the full scene shown in the image:

• A standing white bunny with long hanging ears
• A pale pink dress with central cable panel
• Layered cream ruffle underskirt
• Short puff sleeves with cream frill cuffs
• Wide-brim pink hat with rose trim
• Small knitted book held in both paws
• Pink drawstring flower pouch
• Pair of tiny pink shoes
• Mini teacup, teapot, and blue bird accessory

The construction is broken into logical sections so the project stays approachable. The bunny body is knitted first, then the head, limbs, ears, clothing, and accessories are added. Most pieces are worked flat and seamed for precision, though a few tiny items may be worked in the round if that feels easier for you.

Materials

• Main bunny color: soft cream or warm white DK yarn
• Dress and hat color: dusty rose pink DK yarn
• Ruffle and underskirt color: cream DK yarn
• Accent colors: rose pink, blush pink, sage green, pale yellow, light blue, beige, brown
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) and US 3 (3.25 mm)
• Optional double-pointed needles: US 2 for tiny accessories
• Tapestry needle
• Locking stitch markers
• Stuffing
• Black embroidery thread for eyes
• Brown embroidery floss for nose and mouth
• Very fine cream lace trim if you want the exact delicate ruffle edge look

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge is not critically important for decorative toys, but consistency is very important. Knit tightly enough that stuffing does not show through.

• Gauge: approximately 28 sts and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on US 2 with DK yarn
• Finished bunny height: about 12 to 13 inches seated/posed, about 14 inches to top of head when standing unsupported inside the dress shape
• Finished hat diameter: about 6 inches across brim

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• Kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• K2tog = knit 2 together
• P2tog = purl 2 together
• SSK = slip, slip, knit
• M1 = make 1 increase
• Rep = repeat

Important Design Notes

The bunny in the image has a gentle oval head, narrow neck, rounded snout, slim arms, slightly pear-shaped body under the dress, and long ears that fall straight down from under the hat brim. The clothing is not oversized. It fits neatly, with the pink bodice resting close to the body and the skirt widening softly over layered cream ruffles.

The center front of the dress has a vertical cable panel. The sleeve caps are lightly puffed. The floral decoration appears scattered around the lower hem rather than packed tightly. The hat brim is broad but soft, not stiff and not sharply angled.

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Body

Lower Body

Using cream yarn and US 2 needles, CO 20 sts.

1. Row 1 (RS): K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 22 sts.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 24 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 26 sts.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 28 sts.
8. Rows 8–18: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.

This forms the rounded lower tummy and hip area hidden under the dress. Keep edges neat because the body shape determines how the skirt falls.

Waist and Upper Body

1. Row 19 (RS): K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 26 sts.
2. Row 20: Purl.
3. Row 21: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 24 sts.
4. Row 22: Purl.
5. Rows 23–30: Stockinette.
6. Row 31: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 22 sts.
7. Row 32: Purl.
8. Rows 33–42: Stockinette.

BO loosely. Make 2 identical body pieces. Seam around sides and lower edge, leaving neck opening open. Stuff firmly at the lower body, slightly more softly near the chest so the dress sits naturally.

Legs

Make 2 in cream yarn. Each leg is slim and softly tapered, ending in a rounded paw-like foot.

CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1–6: Stockinette.
2. Row 7 (RS): K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 12 sts.
3. Row 8: Purl.
4. Rows 9–14: Stockinette.
5. Row 15: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 10 sts.
6. Rows 16–28: Stockinette.
7. Row 29: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, SSK. 8 sts.
8. Row 30: Purl.
9. Rows 31–34: Stockinette.

Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed. Seam leg. Stuff lightly at upper section and more firmly at foot. Flatten foot slightly with horizontal shaping stitches so the leg sits nicely beneath the skirt.

Arms

Make 2 in cream yarn. These are narrow, softly rounded, and slightly curved inward so the book can sit naturally between the paws.

CO 9 sts.

1. Rows 1–10: Stockinette.
2. Row 11: K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 11 sts.
3. Row 12: Purl.
4. Rows 13–18: Stockinette.
5. Row 19: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 9 sts.
6. Rows 20–30: Stockinette.

Break yarn, thread through sts, pull closed. Seam arm. Stuff lightly only. Shape lower paw end into a small oval. Before attaching, bend each arm slightly inward and tack with one small invisible stitch along the inner elbow area.

Head

The head is the most important shaping section. It should be softly rounded with a slightly fuller cheek and snout area, but not overly large. The finished head should be about 1.35 times the width of the neck.

Using cream yarn, CO 16 sts.

1. Row 1 (RS): K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 18 sts.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 20 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 22 sts.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 24 sts.
8. Row 8: Purl.
9. Row 9: K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 26 sts.
10. Row 10: Purl.
11. Rows 11–24: Stockinette.
12. Row 25: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 24 sts.
13. Row 26: Purl.
14. Row 27: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 22 sts.
15. Row 28: Purl.
16. Row 29: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 20 sts.
17. Row 30: Purl.
18. Row 31: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 18 sts.
19. Row 32: Purl.

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BO. Make 2 identical head pieces.

Before seaming fully, lightly embroider a faint nose placement guide at center front. Seam around, leaving neck edge open. Stuff firmly at back and crown, slightly less at front muzzle.

To create the facial structure seen in the image, use strong matching thread and sculpt gently:

• Take one stitch inward at each side of the muzzle to create soft cheeks
• Pull a short vertical shaping line from nose base down 3/8 inch
• Do not over-tighten or the face will lose its calm vintage look

Ears

Make 2 in cream. The ears are long, narrow, and softly drooping. They should reach from beneath the hat brim down to the upper bodice.

CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1–6: Stockinette.
2. Row 7 (RS): K1, Kfb, knit to last 2 sts, Kfb, K1. 12 sts.
3. Row 8: Purl.
4. Rows 9–28: Stockinette.
5. Row 29: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 10 sts.
6. Row 30: Purl.
7. Row 31: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, SSK. 8 sts.
8. Row 32: Purl.
9. Rows 33–36: Stockinette.

BO. Make 2 pieces for each ear if you want extra stability, or use one piece per ear folded lengthwise. Seam lightly, leaving ears flat rather than stuffed. Steam gently or finger-shape so they curve downward naturally.

Neck Join

Attach head to body with strong backstitch. Add extra stuffing into neck before closing. The neck should be stable enough to support the hat. Sew ears into the head seam slightly behind center, then angle them straight downward. They should not stick outward.

Dress Bodice

The dress has a fitted look. The center cable is the main decorative feature. The front should sit cleanly over the bunny’s chest without bulk.

Cable Panel Pattern Over 8 Stitches

Row A (RS): K2, P4, K2
Row B (WS): P2, K4, P2
Row C: K2, slip 2 sts to cable needle and hold front, P2, K2 from cable needle, K2
Row D: P2, K4, P2

Repeat Rows A–D.

Bodice Front

Using pink yarn, CO 28 sts.

1. Row 1 (RS): K4, P2, work Row A of cable panel over next 8 sts, P2, K12.
2. Row 2: P12, K2, work Row B over next 8 sts, K2, P4.
3. Continue in pattern for 18 rows total, working cable panel centered.
4. Row 19: K2, K2tog, work in pattern to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 26 sts.
5. Row 20: Work as established.
6. Row 21: K2, K2tog, work in pattern to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 24 sts.
7. Rows 22–28: Work even.

Shape neckline:

1. Row 29: K8, BO 8, knit to end.
2. Work each side separately.
3. Decrease 1 st at neck edge every RS row 2 times.
4. Work until piece reaches top shoulder height.
5. BO each shoulder.

Bodice Back

CO 28 sts in pink.

1. Rows 1–24: Stockinette, with 3-stitch seed-stitch edge on both sides for neat back opening.
2. Row 25: K10, BO 8, knit to end.
3. Complete each side separately for 4 more rows.
4. BO shoulders.

Sew shoulder seams. Leave full back opening if desired, or stitch closed permanently if this is for display only.

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Sleeves

Make 2 in pink with cream cuff trim. The sleeves are short and puffed.

Using cream, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1–3: K1, P1 rib.
2. Row 4: Switch to pink and knit, increasing evenly 6 sts across. 30 sts.
3. Rows 5–10: Stockinette.
4. Row 11: K2, K2tog across to last 2 sts, K2. 23 sts approximately.
5. Row 12: Purl.
6. Row 13: K2tog across. 11 or 12 sts.

BO. Seam sleeve. Add a tiny rose bud at outer edge in darker pink and a sage leaf stitch on each side if desired to match the photo. Sew sleeve into armhole with slight gather at top.

Main Skirt

The skirt should be full, rounded, and gently bell-shaped. It sits over a large cream underskirt. The pink overskirt ends above the lower ruffles and has floral embroidery around the hemline.

Using pink yarn, CO 88 sts.

1. Rows 1–6: Stockinette.
2. Row 7 (RS): *K10, M1. Rep from * to end. 96 sts.
3. Rows 8–16: Stockinette.
4. Row 17: *K11, M1. Rep from * to end. 104 sts.
5. Rows 18–28: Stockinette.
6. Row 29: *K12, M1. Rep from * to end. 112 sts.
7. Rows 30–44: Stockinette.

Hem edging:

1. Row 45: K all.
2. Row 46: P all.
3. Row 47: K2tog across loosely for a softly scalloped pull.
4. Row 48: P all.

BO loosely. Gather upper edge to fit bodice waist. Sew to bodice. The center cable of bodice must line up exactly with center front of skirt.

Layered Cream Ruffle Underskirt

This is essential for the exact silhouette. The image clearly shows several cream tiers beneath the pink overskirt. Work three separate ruffle tiers and attach one above another.

Top Underlayer Panel

Using cream, CO 100 sts.

1. Rows 1–8: Stockinette.
2. Row 9: *K5, M1. Rep to end. 116 sts approximately.
3. Rows 10–16: Stockinette.
4. BO loosely.

Middle Ruffle Tier

CO 120 sts.

1. Rows 1–6: Stockinette.
2. Row 7: *K4, M1. Rep to end. 150 sts approximately.
3. Rows 8–14: Stockinette.
4. BO very loosely.

Lower Ruffle Tier

CO 140 sts.

1. Rows 1–6: Stockinette.
2. Row 7: *K3, M1. Rep to end. 186 sts approximately.
3. Rows 8–14: Stockinette.
4. BO loosely.

Join each strip into a ring or leave open at back. Gather top edges slightly and stack them under the dress so that:

• The top cream layer peeks out just below the pink hem
• The middle layer shows prominently
• The lowest layer extends the farthest

For the delicate image look, sew a narrow cream lace trim along the lower edge of each tier. If you prefer all-knitted finishing, add a picot-style edge by picking up stitches later and working a tiny decorative bind-off.

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Floral Hem Embellishments

The pink overskirt is decorated with scattered roses and blossoms in blush, dusty rose, pale cream, and muted yellow, with sage leaves between them. Make small spiral roses:

• CO 18 sts in rose color
• Row 1: Purl
• Row 2: Kfb in every stitch. 36 sts
• BO loosely
• Roll strip tightly from one end and stitch base

Make:

• 4 medium dusty rose flowers
• 3 pale blush flowers
• 3 tiny cream flowers
• 2 tiny pale yellow flowers
• Several embroidered French-knot style buds if desired

Sew these around the skirt hem in an uneven vine-like arrangement. Add small leaves in sage green using duplicate stitch or tiny knitted leaf appliqués. Avoid perfect symmetry. The photo has a natural garden placement.

Wide-Brim Hat

The hat is tall enough to cover the top of the bunny’s head but shallow enough that the face remains open. The brim slopes gently downward.

Hat Crown

Using pink yarn and US 2, CO 60 sts. Join carefully if working in the round, or work flat and seam later.

1. Rounds/Rows 1–18: Stockinette.
2. Decrease round: *K8, K2tog. Rep around. 54 sts.
3. Next round: Knit.
4. *K7, K2tog. Rep around. 48 sts.
5. Next round: Knit.
6. *K6, K2tog. Rep around. 42 sts.
7. Next round: Knit.
8. *K5, K2tog. Rep around. 36 sts.
9. *K4, K2tog. Rep around. 30 sts.
10. *K3, K2tog. Rep around. 24 sts.

Thread yarn through remaining sts and close. If working flat, adapt rows accordingly and seam the back neatly.

Hat Brim

Pick up 72 sts evenly around lower crown edge.

1. Round 1: Knit.
2. Round 2: *K8, M1. Rep around. 80 sts.
3. Round 3: Knit.
4. Round 4: *K9, M1. Rep around. 88 sts.
5. Rounds 5–6: Knit.
6. Round 7: *K10, M1. Rep around. 96 sts.
7. Rounds 8–9: Knit.
8. Round 10: *K11, M1. Rep around. 104 sts.
9. Rounds 11–14: Knit.

BO loosely. Steam lightly over a rounded bowl or shape with fingers. The brim should curve down around the face. Sew 3 roses and 2 leaves to one front side of brim exactly as shown.

Book

The bunny holds a small brown open book with pale page edges.

Using brown yarn, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1–8: Stockinette.
2. BO.

Make 2 brown outer covers and 2 cream inner pages using the same instructions but only 12 sts for page pieces. Stitch cream pages inside brown covers. Fold slightly open at center. Add one pale embroidered detail on front cover. Sew between paws after arms are attached.

Drawstring Flower Pouch

The pouch hangs at the bunny’s left side. It is rounded with a gathered neck and tied cord.

Using pink, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1–4: Stockinette.
2. Row 5: K1, Kfb across to last st, K1. 34 sts approximately.
3. Rows 6–16: Stockinette.
4. Row 17: *K2tog across. Reduce by half.
5. Row 18: Purl.
6. Row 19: Eyelet row: *K2tog, YO. Rep across.
7. Row 20: Purl.
8. Rows 21–24: Stockinette.

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BO. Seam side and base. Thread cream cord through eyelets and tie a bow. Add tiny clustered roses and French-knot style berries to front. Attach at left waist so it rests against the skirt.

Shoes

Make 2 tiny pink slippers with cream soles if desired.

Using pink, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1–4: Garter stitch.
2. Rows 5–8: Stockinette.
3. Row 9: K5, K2tog, K2, SSK, K5. 14 sts.
4. Row 10: Purl.
5. Row 11: K4, K2tog, K2, SSK, K4. 12 sts.
6. Row 12: Purl.
7. BO.

Seam into little slip-on shoe shapes. Add a tiny flower at toe if desired. Place in front of bunny just as decorative props rather than worn items.

Teacup

Using pale blue, CO 12 sts and work 8 rows stockinette. Seam into cylinder. Gather base. Add cream rim with one row of picked-up stitches. Make saucer by CO 24 sts, work 3 rows garter, BO loosely. Sew cup to saucer.

Blue Bird

Using light blue, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1–6: Stockinette.
2. Row 7: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, SSK.
3. Row 8: Purl.
4. Row 9: Repeat decrease row.

BO. Make 2 pieces, seam, stuff lightly. Add pale yellow belly patch, tiny beak, and a narrow tail. Perch on top of cup.

Teapot

Using cream-beige, CO 20 sts.

1. Rows 1–4: Stockinette.
2. Row 5: Kfb in every 4th stitch across. 25 sts.
3. Rows 6–12: Stockinette.
4. Row 13: K2tog at evenly spaced points to return to 20 sts.
5. Rows 14–18: Stockinette.

BO. Seam body and stuff lightly. Add a narrow spout, curved handle, and small lid with pink knob. Embroider tiny floral motifs in pink, blue, and green.

Final Assembly and Positioning

Dress the bunny first. Attach underskirt layers to body or inner waist. Then sew pink dress in place over the body, making sure the front cable sits centered and straight. Stitch sleeves to bodice and tack around the upper arm area.

Attach arms next. Place both arms slightly forward and inward. The paws should meet just below the neckline, holding the book at chest height. Sew the book into the paws after the arm angle looks natural.

Place the pouch at the left side of the waist. Set the hat onto the head so the brim frames the face and partly covers the ear bases. Tack the hat in 3 or 4 hidden spots so it does not slip back.

Arrange the shoes in front of the bunny. Place the teapot to the lower right side, the cup and bird near center front right, matching the balance seen in the image.

Facial Embroidery Placement

• Eyes: use small vertical satin stitches in black, set wide apart and slightly above muzzle midpoint
• Nose: make a small inverted triangle in brown
• Mouth: bring one straight stitch down from nose, then split into a soft Y shape
• Expression: keep embroidery minimal and calm

The image has a sweet neutral expression, not a smiling cartoon face. Less is better here.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head is centered and secure before adding the hat permanently. Make tiny adjustments to the cheeks with stuffing and sculpting if needed. Embroider the eyes first, then the nose, then the mouth. After that, attach the book and make sure both paws sit evenly.

Care Notes

This bunny is best treated as a decorative collectible. Keep it away from heavy friction, rough play, and prolonged direct sunlight. If displayed on a shelf or table, rotate it occasionally so one side does not fade more quickly than the other.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Is the center front cable straight?
• Do both ears hang evenly under the hat?
• Are the skirt flowers balanced but not too symmetrical?
• Do the layered cream ruffles show clearly?
• Are the paws holding the book neatly?
• Is the face simple, soft, and centered?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust gently with a soft dry brush. Spot clean only with a barely damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap. Do not machine wash. Do not soak the stuffed body. Reshape the hat brim, ears, and ruffles while drying. Store flat or upright in a clean dry space with acid-free tissue if keeping long term.