Knitting Tutorial: Midnight Floral Storybook Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant knitted bunny is designed as a collectible heirloom toy with a romantic storybook look, a deep navy dress, pale floral embroidery, a wide-brim hat, and charming tea-time accessories. It is perfect for readers who love handmade bunny dolls, knitted animal toys, cottagecore nursery decor, keepsake gifts, and boutique-style soft toys to gift, display, or sell at craft fairs. The finished set includes the bunny, dress, collar, hat, shoes, book, teacup with saucer, flower pot, and picnic basket for a polished handmade set.

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 is written to recreate the exact visual balance of the bunny in the photo: a cream rabbit with long soft ears, a rounded face, small embroidered features, gently puffed sleeves, a full midnight-blue skirt, pale floral surface decorations, and carefully scaled accessories.

The construction is intentionally detailed so the final toy keeps the same proportions as the image. The bunny is seated or displayed upright beneath a heavy full skirt. The visible body is slim, the head is large but not oversized, and the arms sit forward to hold the little embroidered book.

The floral decoration on the skirt is made separately and sewn on, because that gives the clean raised effect visible in the image. The collar is delicate and lacy. The hat is broad, slightly downward-curved, and finished with a soft cream rose.

Finished Size

• Main bunny with dress and hat: about 13 to 15 inches tall from base to top of hat
• Bunny body without hat: about 11 inches tall
• Skirt diameter at hem: about 8 to 9 inches
• Book: about 1.75 inches wide
• Basket: about 2.5 inches wide
• Teacup and saucer: about 1.25 inches across
• Shoes: sized to sit in front of the doll as separate display props

Skill Level

Advanced beginner to intermediate. The shaping is straightforward, but the full project includes small decorative pieces, surface embroidery, sewn floral appliqué, and careful finishing. A patient beginner can still make it by following each step slowly.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: sport or light DK weight in warm cream
• Dress and hat yarn: sport or light DK weight in deep midnight blue
• Floral appliqué yarn: fingering or light sport in ivory, pearl gray, and soft silver-gray
• Collar yarn: fine cotton or fine wool in ivory
• Book yarn: light DK in taupe, cream, dusty rose, pink, blue, and green scraps
• Basket yarn: light DK in straw beige, cream, pale blue, and pink scraps
• Flower pot yarn: light DK in beige and violet scraps
• Teacup yarn: fine yarn in ivory with tiny pink, green, and pale blue details
• Toy stuffing
• Thin cardboard or plastic canvas for book covers, basket base, and skirt support if desired
• Pipe cleaner or soft wire optional for hat brim shaping
• 3.0 mm needles for most pieces
• 2.5 mm needles for small accessories and tighter details
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small sharp scissors
• Embroidery needle
• Fine black embroidery thread for eyes
• Brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on 3.0 mm needles using sport weight yarn.

Gauge matters because the doll must keep a firm, smooth shape. Knit tightly enough that stuffing does not show through the fabric.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• Garter = knit every row
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• dec = decrease 1 stitch

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Construction Notes

The bunny is made in separate parts: head, muzzle shaping through stuffing and embroidery, ears, arms, torso, and a lightly weighted lower body. The dress is made as a separate fitted bodice with attached full overskirt.

The floral design is built from many individual knitted leaves, vines, roses, and blossoms. This is the best way to match the raised, dimensional surface decoration seen on the skirt. Sew these pieces in sweeping vertical lines and curved garlands near the hem.

The accessories are separate. They do not need to be permanently attached unless the toy is intended for fixed display.

Head

Using cream and 3.0 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Work flat.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, kfb to last st, K1. 46 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: K2, kfb to last 2 sts, K2. 88 sts.

Distribute stitches onto double-pointed needles if preferred, or continue flat and seam later. For best shaping, continue in the round after Row 6.

1. Round 7: Knit.
2. Round 8: Knit.
3. Round 9: Knit.
4. Round 10: Knit.
5. Round 11: Knit.
6. Round 12: Knit.
7. Round 13: Knit.
8. Round 14: Knit.
9. Round 15: Knit.
10. Round 16: Knit.
11. Round 17: Knit.
12. Round 18: Knit.

Begin crown shaping.

1. Round 19: K9, k2tog around. 80 sts.
2. Round 20: Knit.
3. Round 21: K8, k2tog around. 72 sts.
4. Round 22: Knit.
5. Round 23: K7, k2tog around. 64 sts.
6. Round 24: Knit.
7. Round 25: K6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
8. Round 26: Knit.
9. Round 27: K5, k2tog around. 48 sts.

Stuff firmly, adding extra stuffing in the cheeks and upper forehead to maintain the smooth oval shape visible in the image.

1. Round 28: K4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
2. Round 29: K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
3. Round 30: K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.

Leave stitches live or thread through remaining stitches later after neck shaping. The lower edge of the head will join to the neck opening of the torso.

Muzzle and Face Shaping

The face in the image is very simple and refined. It should not look cartoonish. Keep the features small, centered, and slightly low on the face.

• Use a length of cream yarn to lightly sculpt the muzzle by taking 2 soft horizontal stitches through the lower center face.
• Pull gently to create a subtle protruding snout, not a round nose ball.
• Embroider the nose in brown with a tiny upside-down triangle, about 3 stitches wide.
• Add a straight center line 3 to 4 rows long under the nose.
• Form a delicate split mouth with one short angled stitch to each side.
• Embroider eyes with small black vertical almond stitches, each about 3 rows high.
• Space the eyes about 12 to 14 stitches apart.
• Place the eyes slightly above the muzzle line, matching the calm expression in the photo.

Ears Make 2

Using cream and 3.0 mm needles, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, kfb in each st to last st, K1. 18 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K2, kfb in each st to last 2 sts, K2. 32 sts.
5. Rows 5 to 20: Work in St st, beginning with a purl row.

Begin taper.

1. Row 21: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1.
2. Row 22: Purl.
3. Rep Rows 21 and 22 until 16 sts remain.
4. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. 14 sts.
5. WS row: Purl.
6. Rep these 2 rows until 6 sts remain.
7. Next row: K1, k2tog, k2tog, K1. 4 sts.
8. Next row: Purl.
9. Next row: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
10. Break yarn, pull through.

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Sew side seams with the seam at the back edge. Stuff only the lower third very lightly. The ears should remain mostly flat and drape downward from beneath the hat.

Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 8 sts and work in the round.

1. Round 1: Knit.
2. Round 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rounds 3 to 8: Knit.

This forms the rounded paw. Stuff the paw section firmly.

1. Round 9: K2tog around. 8 sts.
2. Round 10: Knit.
3. Round 11: Kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rounds 12 to 24: Knit.
5. Round 25: K6, k2tog, K6, k2tog. 14 sts.
6. Round 26: Knit.
7. Round 27: K5, k2tog, K5, k2tog. 12 sts.
8. Rounds 28 to 30: Knit.

BO. Stuff lightly through the arm, keeping the upper arm slimmer than the paw. Sew closed. Curve slightly inward so both hands can hold the book.

Torso

The body beneath the dress is narrow. It does not need wide hips because the skirt creates the volume.

Using cream, CO 18 sts and join to work in the round.

1. Rounds 1 to 6: Knit.
2. Round 7: K1, kfb, repeat around. 27 sts.
3. Rounds 8 to 14: Knit.
4. Round 15: K7, k2tog, K7, k2tog, K9. 25 sts.
5. Rounds 16 to 22: Knit.
6. Round 23: K6, k2tog, K6, k2tog, K7. 23 sts.
7. Rounds 24 to 28: Knit.

Stuff firmly, but keep the waist smooth rather than barrel-shaped.

1. Round 29: K1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
2. Rounds 30 to 34: Knit for neck.

Leave a long tail for sewing head to neck. Stitch the head opening to the neck neatly and firmly.

Optional Lower Support Cone

To make the skirt stand beautifully like the photo, create a soft internal cone.

• Cut a circle of lightweight plastic canvas or thin card about 4 inches across.
• Roll a second piece into a short cone about 3.5 inches tall.
• Wrap both in fabric or felt.
• Place inside the skirt before attaching the bunny body.

This step is optional, but it helps the dress sit in a clean bell shape.

Bodice

Using midnight blue, CO 36 sts. Work flat.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
2. Row 5 RS: Knit.
3. Row 6 WS: Purl.
4. Row 7: K4, ssk, K24, k2tog, K4. 34 sts.
5. Row 8: Purl.
6. Row 9: Knit.
7. Row 10: Purl.
8. Row 11: K4, ssk, K22, k2tog, K4. 32 sts.
9. Row 12: Purl.
10. Rows 13 to 18: Continue in St st.

Shape armholes.

1. Row 19: BO 3 sts, knit to end.
2. Row 20: BO 3 sts, purl to end. 26 sts.
3. Row 21: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. 24 sts.
4. Row 22: P1, p2tog, purl to last 3 sts, p2tog tbl, P1. 22 sts.
5. Rows 23 to 26: Work even in St st.

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Shape neckline.

1. Row 27: K7, BO 8, knit to end.
2. Row 28: Work each side separately. Purl 7.
3. Row 29: K1, ssk, knit to end. 6 sts.
4. Row 30: Purl.
5. Row 31: K1, ssk, knit to end. 5 sts.
6. Row 32: Purl.
7. BO.

Rejoin yarn to opposite side and mirror shaping.

Sew shoulder seams and back seam, leaving opening if desired. Fit the bodice snugly onto the bunny torso.

Puffed Sleeves Make 2

Using midnight blue, CO 30 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Knit.
2. Row 5 RS: K2tog across. 15 sts.
3. Rows 6 to 16: Work in St st.
4. Row 17: K1, k2tog across to last 2 sts, K2. About 10 sts.
5. Rows 18 to 20: Knit.
6. BO.

Sew into short tubes. Gather the top edge strongly and stitch over the upper arm. Gather lower edge lightly so the sleeve looks softly rounded, not narrow.

Front Lacing Panel

The photo shows a pale crisscross panel on the bodice front. Make this separately for cleaner detail.

Using ivory, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 16: Work in seed stitch.
2. BO.

Sew vertically to center front bodice. Add 6 pairs of tiny embroidered eyelets down each side. Use thin ivory yarn to cross lace from top to bottom.

Lace Collar

Using fine ivory yarn and smaller needles, CO 96 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: K2, yarn over, k2tog, repeat to end.
3. Row 3: Knit.
4. Row 4: K1, k2tog, yarn over, repeat to last st, K1.
5. Row 5: Knit.
6. Row 6: K2tog, yarn over, repeat across.
7. Row 7: Knit.
8. Row 8: *K1, yarn over, k2tog, K1, k2tog, yarn over* repeat across.
9. Rows 9 to 12: Repeat Rows 1 to 4.
10. BO loosely knitwise.

Thread a fine running stitch along the upper edge and gather until it fits around the neckline. Sew in place so it sits high and slightly ruffled.

Full Skirt Base

Using midnight blue and 3.0 mm needles, CO 180 sts. Join carefully without twisting.

1. Rounds 1 to 6: Knit.
2. Round 7: K15, kfb, repeat around. 192 sts.
3. Rounds 8 to 16: Knit.
4. Round 17: K16, kfb, repeat around. 204 sts.
5. Rounds 18 to 26: Knit.
6. Round 27: K17, kfb, repeat around. 216 sts.
7. Rounds 28 to 42: Knit.

Check length against the bunny. The skirt should reach the tabletop and flare widely.

1. Round 43: Purl.
2. Rounds 44 to 46: Knit.
3. BO loosely.

Gather top edge slightly if needed and attach beneath the bodice waistline. Arrange fullness mostly at the sides and back so the front falls smoothly beneath the book.

Hem Support Facing

To keep the lower edge smooth, make a simple inside facing.

• Using midnight blue, pick up 180 sts around inside hem.
• Knit 4 rounds.
• Purl 1 round.
• Knit 4 rounds.
• BO.

Fold inward along the purl turning round and sew down. Insert thin cord, soft wire, or a narrow strip of plastic if extra structure is wanted.

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Floral Appliqué Components

The pale floral decoration is one of the defining features of the design. Use ivory and soft gray shades. Make several different motifs and arrange them before sewing permanently.

Small Leaf Make 24 to 30

Using gray or ivory, CO 3 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb, K1, kfb. 5 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Knit.
5. Row 5: Ssk, K1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: K3tog. 1 st.

Fasten off. Shape into pointed leaves.

Medium Flower Make 10 to 14

Using ivory, CO 30 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: *K1, kfb* repeat across. 45 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. BO knitwise, leaving a long tail.

Roll into a gathered blossom coil and stitch securely. Flatten slightly for open flowers.

Rose Spiral Make 6 to 8

Using ivory or light gray, CO 50 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb in every st. 100 sts.
3. Row 3: Knit loosely.
4. BO loosely.

Roll from one end to form a layered rosette. Sew the base. Make some larger and some smaller to match the photo.

Vine Cords

Use i-cord for vines.

• CO 3 sts in ivory or gray.
• Knit 20 to 60 rows depending on placement.
• Make 12 to 16 cords in different lengths.

Small Fern Sprigs Make 6

Using ivory, CO 9 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: K2tog, yarn over, K1, yarn over, k2tog, K1, yarn over, k2tog.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Knit.
5. BO.

Stretch gently to create airy leaf detail.

Arranging the Floral Skirt Design

Lay the skirt flat and mark the center front. The photo shows a rich but balanced arrangement, with vertical vines rising from the hem and a garland of roses near the bottom third.

• Sew 2 major floral columns on the left and right front.
• Add one central lower garland made from roses and leaves.
• Place taller vines climbing upward from the hem toward the waist.
• Keep the upper skirt less crowded than the lower section.
• Mix ivory and gray flowers for depth.
• Use small detached blossoms to fill gaps.
• Add fern-like motifs between large roses.
• Do not cover the entire skirt. Leave blue space visible, just like the image.

Attach vines first. Then sew larger roses. Add leaves last. Use tiny invisible stitches. Steam very lightly from a distance after sewing, but do not flatten the dimensional flowers too much.

Hat Crown

Using midnight blue, CO 8 sts and join in round.

1. Round 1: Knit.
2. Round 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Round 3: Knit.
4. Round 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Round 5: Knit.
6. Round 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Round 7: Knit.
8. Round 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
9. Rounds 9 to 24: Knit.

This creates the tall rounded crown.

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Hat Brim

1. Round 25: K4, kfb around. 48 sts.
2. Round 26: Knit.
3. Round 27: K5, kfb around. 56 sts.
4. Round 28: Knit.
5. Round 29: K6, kfb around. 64 sts.
6. Round 30: Knit.
7. Round 31: K7, kfb around. 72 sts.
8. Round 32: Knit.
9. Round 33: K8, kfb around. 80 sts.
10. Round 34: Knit.
11. Round 35: K9, kfb around. 88 sts.
12. Rounds 36 to 40: Knit.
13. Round 41: Purl.
14. Rounds 42 to 44: Knit.
15. BO loosely.

Steam the brim over a bowl so it curves downward naturally. Optional wire can be inserted in the edge facing for extra shape.

Hat Rose

Using ivory, CO 40 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb in each st. 80 sts.
3. Row 3: Knit.
4. BO loosely.

Roll into a rose and sew firmly. Stitch to one side of the hat brim where the photo shows the flower accent.

Shoes Make 2

These shoes are separate props and do not need to fit the bunny feet.

Using midnight blue, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
2. Row 5: K6, k2tog, K2, k2tog, K6. 16 sts.
3. Row 6: Purl.
4. Row 7: K5, k2tog, K2, k2tog, K5. 14 sts.
5. Rows 8 to 12: Work in St st.
6. BO.

Sew into tiny slippers, shaping a rounded toe. Add a narrow strap across each top with 6 stitches picked up and worked for 4 rows in garter.

Storybook

The bunny holds a small open book with floral detail on the cover edge.

Using taupe, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 18: Garter stitch.
2. BO.

Fold in half like an open cover. For pages, make another rectangle in cream: CO 12 sts, knit 16 rows, BO. Insert thin card between layers. Sew into an open V shape. Embroider a tiny flower cluster on the cover using pink, blue, and green stitches.

Teacup

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

1. Rounds 1 to 3: Knit.
2. Round 4: Purl.
3. Rounds 5 to 7: Knit.
4. Round 8: K2tog around. 12 sts.

Stuff lightly or place over a tiny cardboard cylinder. Add a handle with a twisted cord of 8 stitches. Embroider small pink rosebuds and green leaves near the cup rim.

Saucer

Using ivory, CO 8 sts.

1. Round 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
2. Round 2: Knit.
3. Round 3: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Round 4: Knit.
5. Round 5: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
6. Round 6: Knit.
7. BO loosely.

Flatten well. Embroider a ring of tiny floral dots around the edge.

Flower Pot

Using beige, CO 20 sts and join.

1. Rounds 1 to 4: Knit.
2. Round 5: Purl.
3. Round 6: K1, kfb around. 30 sts.
4. Rounds 7 to 10: Knit.
5. Round 11: K2tog around. 15 sts.
6. BO.

Stuff lightly or place over a tiny insert. For violet flowers, make 5-petal knots or tiny rolled blossoms in purple and add yellow French-knot style centers with embroidery.

Picnic Basket

Using straw beige and 2.5 mm needles, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: Garter stitch.

Pick up 16 sts on each long edge and 8 sts on each short edge. Work in round.

1. Rounds 1 to 10: Knit.
2. Round 11: Purl.
3. Rounds 12 to 14: Knit.
4. BO.

For lid flap, pick up 16 sts on one top edge and work 8 rows in garter. BO. Embroider a floral square on the lid in pink, blue, and green. Make 2 handles from i-cord, each 22 rows long, and attach upright.

Assembly of Bunny Body and Clothing

1. Sew and stuff the head firmly.
2. Embroider the face before attaching the ears.
3. Attach ears low on the head so they fall downward.
4. Sew the head to the torso securely.
5. Attach arms slightly forward and low enough to sit in front of the bodice.
6. Dress the bunny in the bodice and stitch the back closed.
7. Attach sleeves over upper arms.
8. Sew on the laced front panel.
9. Attach collar around neckline.
10. Sew skirt to bodice waist.
11. Insert optional cone support inside skirt.
12. Fit hat over ears and stitch lightly in place if this is a display piece.
13. Place the book between both paws and stitch invisibly to the paws.

Exact Styling Notes to Match the Image

• Head shape: gently oval, not round ball-shaped
• Ears: long, narrow, hanging straight down
• Eyes: tiny, dark, minimal, evenly spaced
• Muzzle: soft and subtle, not protruding too far
• Dress color: deep saturated navy, almost midnight blue
• Sleeves: rounded and slightly puffed at shoulder
• Collar: soft ivory lace with visible texture
• Skirt: full bell silhouette with broad hem spread
• Floral decoration: raised, pale, dimensional, concentrated on lower skirt
• Hat: broad brim, gently dipping, with a cream rose on one side
• Accessories: dainty, neat, and scaled like miniature tea-table props

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Once every piece is attached, step back and check the silhouette from the front and side. Adjust the hat tilt slightly so the brim frames the face. Reposition the paws if needed so the book sits naturally. Add tiny cheek padding internally if the face looks too flat. Keep the eyes very small and calm. The nose and mouth should remain centered and delicate, giving the bunny the quiet storybook expression shown in the image.

Care Notes

Display the bunny away from direct sunlight to protect the deep blue yarn and pale floral details. Avoid rough handling because the accessories and appliqué are delicate. For collectible display, place the hat, basket, teacup, and book securely so they keep their shape and do not snag.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is smooth and evenly stuffed
• Ears are symmetrical and drape evenly
• Face is centered and neat
• Bodice fits close to the torso
• Skirt stands in a clean bell shape
• Floral appliqué is balanced left to right
• Hat brim curves softly downward
• Rose trim is attached firmly
• Book sits naturally between the paws
• All loose ends are woven in securely

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust gently with a clean dry makeup brush or soft cloth. Spot-clean only with cool water and a very small amount of mild wool wash. Never soak the finished doll if it contains internal card, wire, or structured support pieces. Reshape the skirt, hat, and accessories while damp and let them dry flat. For long-term storage, wrap the doll in acid-free tissue and keep it in a breathable box in a cool, dry place.