Knitting Tutorial: Lavender Garden Ruffle Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant knitted bunny is designed as a romantic heirloom stuffed rabbit with a layered lavender gown, floral trim, soft bonnet-style rose crown, matching handbag, little shoes, and a tiny lamb friend. The finished set has the look of a handmade collectible bunny doll, perfect for nursery decor, spring shelf styling, gift knitting, cottagecore home display, or anyone searching for a luxury knitted rabbit pattern with a detailed dress and accessories.

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 recreates the full look of the bunny shown in the image: a cream rabbit with long ears, a softly shaped face, a lavender layered gown, white lace accents, rose decorations, tiny white shoes with lavender bows, a ruffled handbag, and a small lamb toy holding a carrot.

The bunny is worked mostly flat in pieces and seamed for precise shaping. The skirt uses gathered knitted ruffles and separate decorative layers so the silhouette stays full and formal. Most flowers are knitted separately and sewn on after blocking.

The pattern is written in US English and is suitable for patient beginners who are comfortable counting rows carefully, as well as intermediate knitters who enjoy decorative finishing. Read the full pattern once before beginning.

Materials

• Main Bunny Color A: soft cream DK yarn, 220 to 260 yards
• Dress Color B: lavender DK yarn, 260 to 320 yards
• Accent Color C: white DK yarn, 120 to 150 yards
• Lamb Sweater Color D: pale blue DK yarn, 25 yards
• Carrot Color E: orange DK yarn, 8 yards
• Leaf Color F: green DK yarn, 5 yards
• Optional Tea Pot Decoration Colors: small scraps of lilac, pink, sage, and cream
• Needles: US 2.5 / 3.0 mm straight needles and double-pointed needles if preferred
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Row counter
• Polyester toy stuffing
• Black embroidery thread for eyes if not using safety eyes
• 6 mm black safety eyes, 1 pair, optional
• Thin ribbon: lavender, for shoe bows and handbag bow
• Narrow white lace trim: about 2 to 3 yards, optional but strongly recommended for visual accuracy
• Small amount of craft wire optional for handbag handle stability

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge: 26 sts and 34 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using DK yarn on US 2.5 needles.

Exact gauge matters because the body proportions in this design are delicate. The bunny should feel firm, not floppy. If your fabric is loose, go down a needle size.

• Main bunny height seated with crown: about 12 inches
• Head height: about 3.5 inches
• Body height: about 5 inches before skirt layers
• Ear length: about 5.5 inches
• Mini lamb height: about 4 inches
• Handbag height: about 2.25 inches
• Shoes length: about 2 inches each

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• st st = stockinette stitch
• garter = knit every row

Color Placement Notes

The rabbit itself is cream. The full outer dress, sleeve caps, lower overskirt, handbag, crown roses, and some floral decorations are lavender. Accent roses alternate lavender and white. Lace trim is white.

The visual balance in the image depends on a soft cream center framed by lavender. Keep the apron-front underskirt cream, then build the decoration outward with roses, lace, and gathered lavender ruffles.

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Main Bunny Legs

Make 2 in Color A.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in garter stitch.
3. Row 5 RS: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 14 sts.
4. Row 6 WS: purl.
5. Row 7: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 16 sts.
6. Rows 8 to 24: Work in st st, ending with a WS row.
7. Row 25: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
8. Row 26: purl.
9. Row 27: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
10. Rows 28 to 38: Work in st st.
11. Stuff lower foot lightly, then continue.
12. BO all 12 sts, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew each leg into a narrow tube. Shape the foot slightly flatter at the bottom. Stuff firmly at the foot and ankle, then lightly through the top so the legs sit neatly under the dress.

Main Bunny Body

Work front and back separately in Color A, then seam. The body is a simple taper that widens gently at the skirt line but remains slim through the upper chest.

Body Front

1. CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
3. Row 5 RS: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 22 sts.
4. Row 6: purl.
5. Row 7: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 24 sts.
6. Rows 8 to 12: Work in st st.
7. Row 13: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 26 sts.
8. Rows 14 to 20: Work even.
9. Row 21: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 24 sts.
10. Row 22: purl.
11. Row 23: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 22 sts.
12. Rows 24 to 30: Work even.
13. Row 31: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 20 sts.
14. Rows 32 to 36: Work even.
15. BO all 20 sts.

Body Back

Work the same as Body Front.

Sew shoulder and side seams, leaving lower edge open for attaching skirt and upper neck open for the head. Stuff firmly but keep the front smooth. Sew legs to the lower body edge, angled slightly forward so the seated pose looks natural.

Main Bunny Arms

Make 2 in Color A.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: Garter stitch.
3. Row 4: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 12 sts.
4. Rows 5 to 18: Work in st st.
5. Row 19: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
6. Rows 20 to 28: Work even.
7. BO all sts.

Sew into tubes. Stuff lightly, especially toward the upper arm, leaving the wrist area soft. Flatten the top opening before sewing to the body so each arm drops naturally downward beside the dress.

Main Bunny Head

Work front and back separately in Color A. The head is gently oval with a slightly pointed lower muzzle created during assembly and embroidery.

Head Front

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: St st, beginning with a knit row.
3. Row 3 RS: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 20 sts.
4. Row 4: purl.
5. Row 5: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 22 sts.
6. Row 6: purl.
7. Row 7: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 24 sts.
8. Rows 8 to 16: Work even.
9. Row 17: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 26 sts.
10. Rows 18 to 28: Work even.
11. Row 29: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 24 sts.
12. Row 30: purl.
13. Row 31: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 22 sts.
14. Row 32: purl.
15. Row 33: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 20 sts.
16. Row 34: purl.
17. BO all 20 sts.

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Head Back

Work the same as Head Front.

Sew around the edges, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff firmly, smoothing the cheeks. Do not overstuff the muzzle area. Attach head to neck with the face tilted very slightly downward for the gentle expression seen in the image.

Muzzle Shaping and Face

The face is simple, clean, and centered. Most of the charm comes from placement rather than heavy embroidery.

• Place eyes 7 rows down from the top center line.
• Set them 7 stitches apart.
• If embroidering eyes, use small vertical satin stitches.
• Shape the muzzle by taking one strong thread through the lower center face and pulling slightly inward.
• Embroider a small Y-shaped nose and mouth in dark brown or black thread.

Keep the mouth short. The image shows a delicate downward split and tiny center nose, not a smiling cartoon face. Avoid pink cheeks if you want the closest match.

Bunny Ears

Make 2 in Color A. The ears are long, soft, and narrow, sewn high on the head and hanging straight down.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: St st.
3. Row 5 RS: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 12 sts.
4. Rows 6 to 16: Work even.
5. Row 17: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
6. Rows 18 to 28: Work even.
7. Row 29: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
8. Row 30: purl.
9. Row 31: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
10. Row 32: purl.
11. Row 33: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
12. Row 34: p2tog twice. 2 sts.
13. BO.

Make a second matching ear. Sew the sides together using mattress stitch, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff only the top 2 inches very lightly. Leave the rest flat. Sew to the head just behind the floral crown line.

Cream Underskirt Panel

This visible center panel sits over the lower body and creates the ivory section seen beneath the lavender overskirt.

1. Using Color A, CO 36 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
3. Rows 5 to 28: St st.
4. Row 29 RS: k1, inc every 5th st across. 43 sts.
5. Rows 30 to 44: Work even.
6. Row 45: Knit.
7. BO all sts loosely.

Sew this panel to the center front lower body. Gather the upper edge slightly to fit the waist. Spread the lower edge outward in a bell shape.

Lavender Base Skirt

This is the deepest visible lavender layer under everything else.

1. Using Color B, CO 90 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5 to 10: St st.
4. Row 11 RS: k1, inc in every 3rd st across. 120 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 24: St st.
6. Row 25 WS: purl.
7. Rows 26 to 30: Garter stitch.
8. BO loosely.

Join into a ring or seam flat after knitting. Gather the upper edge strongly to fit the bunny waist. This layer should flare wide enough to show beneath the lace and rose garland.

White Lace-Look Inner Frill

This knitted strip sits above the bottom lavender skirt to imitate the soft white ruffle in the image.

1. Using Color C, CO 110 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: Garter stitch.
3. Row 3 RS: k1, inc in every 2nd st across. 165 sts.
4. Rows 4 to 8: Garter stitch.
5. BO loosely knitwise.

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Gather the top edge and sew above the lower lavender skirt hem so the white edge peeks out evenly. If using real lace trim, sew it on top of this knitted frill for the closest visual match.

Rose Garland Skirt Band

This section forms the front floral band with alternating roses along the cream underskirt lower edge.

Knit 11 large roses total: 5 lavender, 6 white. Make 6 medium roses in lavender for the overskirt and crown, plus several small white filler roses.

Large Rose

1. Using chosen color, CO 36 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: Garter stitch.
3. Row 3 RS: k1, inc in every st across. 71 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: knit.
5. Row 5 RS: knit.
6. BO loosely.

Roll the strip from one end into a spiral. Stitch the base securely. Flatten slightly so the rose sits low and wide rather than tall and narrow.

Medium Rose

1. CO 28 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: Garter stitch.
3. Row 3: k1, inc in every st across. 55 sts.
4. Rows 4 and 5: Knit.
5. BO loosely.

Small Rose

1. CO 20 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: k1, inc in every st across. 39 sts.
4. Rows 3 and 4: Knit.
5. BO loosely.

Arrange the large roses across the lower front of the cream panel in alternating lavender and white, with the biggest lavender rose centered. Sew securely.

Lavender Overskirt Main Layer

This decorative front overskirt frames the cream center and supports the double ruffles and side roses.

1. Using Color B, CO 72 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
3. Rows 5 to 18: St st.
4. Row 19 RS: k2, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k2. 74 sts.
5. Rows 20 to 28: Work even.
6. Row 29: Knit.
7. BO loosely.

Shape this panel into a wide shallow curve by lightly steaming and easing the top edge. Sew only the upper edge and upper side corners to the waist so the lower section lifts away from the cream panel like a floating overskirt.

Double Ruffle for Overskirt Edge

Make 2 identical strips in Color B.

1. CO 88 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: Garter stitch.
3. Row 3 RS: k1, inc in every 2nd st across. 132 sts.
4. Rows 4 to 10: Garter stitch.
5. BO loosely.

Sew one strip along the upper curved edge of the overskirt and one strip directly beneath it, offset by about half an inch. This creates the stacked ruffle effect seen at center front.

Add narrow white lace trim along the outer edge of both ruffles. If you prefer all-knit finishing, replace lace with a white i-cord or very narrow garter frill strip.

Bodice Front

The bodice sits close to the body with a central lace-up panel and a floral collar. Work in Color B.

1. CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 4 to 14: St st.
4. Row 15 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 18 sts.
5. Rows 16 to 18: Work even.
6. BO all sts.

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Sew this over the upper body front. Do not fully wrap it around the sides. The image shows the cream arms visible beside a fitted lavender torso, so keep the panel centered.

Bodice Side and Back Bands

Make 2 side bands in Color B.

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 16: St st.
3. BO.

Sew one to each side of the bodice front, angling slightly toward the back. Join with a narrow back band if needed, but keep the back simple because it is not prominently visible.

Sleeves

Make 2 in Color B. Each sleeve is a puffed cap with a white ruffle and tiny side bow.

1. CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: Garter stitch.
3. Row 3 RS: k1, inc every 2nd st across. 30 sts.
4. Rows 4 to 8: St st.
5. Row 9: k2tog across. 15 sts.
6. Rows 10 and 11: Garter stitch.
7. BO.

Gather the cast-on edge around the upper arm. Add a short white ruffle strip at the lower sleeve edge.

White Sleeve Ruffle

1. Using Color C, CO 28 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: k1, inc every 2nd st across. 42 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 5: Garter stitch.
5. BO loosely.

Sew to sleeve edge. Add a tiny lavender bow or knotted yarn tie at the outer edge of each sleeve.

Front Lace-Up Panel

Using Color C, make 2 narrow decorative bands.

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Knit 16 rows.
3. BO.

Sew both bands vertically down the bodice front. Using lavender yarn, embroider crisscross lacing between them. Keep the lacing compact and centered.

Floral Collar

The neckline is decorated with alternating small roses and white trim.

Make 5 medium roses in lavender and 4 small roses in white. Sew in a semicircle around the neckline, beginning at one shoulder, crossing the front, and ending at the other shoulder. Add a narrow line of white lace beneath.

Rose Crown

The crown sits across the forehead like a floral headband. It should not rise too high.

Make 7 medium roses total in lavender and 2 small roses in white. Sew them onto a knitted base strip.

1. Using Color C or A, CO 7 sts.
2. Work 22 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO.

Sew roses across the strip, then attach the whole crown to the head from ear base to ear base. Place the center rose directly above the face center line.

Bunny Shoes

Make 2 in Color A.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
3. Rows 5 to 10: St st.
4. Row 11: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
5. Row 12: purl.
6. Row 13: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
7. Rows 14 to 16: Garter stitch.
8. BO.

Sew into soft slippers. Add lavender ribbon bows to the front. These are display shoes and may be lightly tacked to the table or the bunny feet if desired.

Ruffled Handbag

Using Color B, make 2 bag sides.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: Garter stitch.
3. Rows 3 to 10: St st.
4. Row 11: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 16 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 16: Work even.
6. BO.

Make 2 ruffle strips.

1. CO 28 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: k1, inc every 2nd st across. 42 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 5: Garter stitch.
5. BO loosely.

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Sew the side pieces together around the lower and side edges. Add one ruffle around the upper half and one around the lower half. Make a handle from an i-cord of 3 stitches, 18 rows long, or use twisted yarn reinforced with optional wire.

Finish with a lavender ribbon bow at the front center.

Mini Lamb Body

The small lamb is cream with a textured body, cream face and limbs, a blue sweater, and an orange carrot.

Lamb Head

1. Using Color A, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 2: St st.
3. Row 3: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 16 sts.
4. Rows 4 to 10: Work even.
5. Row 11: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk. 14 sts.
6. Rows 12 to 14: Work even.
7. BO.

Make front and back, sew, stuff lightly, and embroider a tiny lamb face.

Lamb Ears

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: St st.
3. Row 5: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
4. Row 6: purl.
5. BO.

Make 2 and sew to the head sides.

Lamb Body

Use Color A and a textured stitch.

1. CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 14: Repeat Row A and Row B.
3. Row A RS: k1, p1 across.
4. Row B WS: p1, k1 across.
5. Rows 15 to 18: St st.
6. BO.

Make front and back. Sew and stuff. The texture gives the soft fleece look in the image.

Lamb Arms and Legs

Make 4 narrow tubes in Color A.

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 10: St st.
3. BO.

Sew, stuff lightly, and attach.

Lamb Sweater

Using Color D, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 3: k1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 4 to 10: St st.
3. BO.

Wrap around the lamb body and seam at the back. Add two tiny sleeves if desired using 10-stitch strips.

Carrot

1. Using Color E, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: St st.
3. Row 7: k2tog across. 4 sts.
4. BO.

Roll into a cone and stitch. Add a small green top using 3 short strands of Color F. Sew into the lamb arms.

Optional Knitted Tea Pot Cozy Prop

This accessory helps recreate the display scene if you want the full table styling.

1. Using beige or cream, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 18: St st.
3. BO.

Sew into a cylinder around a small decorative tea pot or stuff lightly to create a soft prop. Add a circular lid cap and tiny embroidered flowers in lilac, pink, and sage. Finish with a small lavender top knot.

Optional Yarn Balls

Make quick mini yarn balls in lavender, cream, and sage by wrapping yarn tightly around two fingers, then securing at the center. Trim lightly only if needed. Place in a small basket for display.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff legs, body, arms, head, and ears.
2. Attach legs to lower body.
3. Attach head to body.
4. Sew arms to sides at shoulder height.
5. Attach cream underskirt front panel.
6. Sew lavender base skirt around waist.
7. Add white inner frill.
8. Sew rose garland along lower cream panel.
9. Add overskirt panel and stacked ruffles.
10. Sew bodice, side bands, sleeves, and front lace-up panel.
11. Add floral collar.
12. Attach rose crown.
13. Make and place shoes, handbag, and mini lamb.

Placement Details for Accuracy

• The head should be slightly large compared to the torso for a gentle toy proportion.
• The ears must fall straight down and remain visible beside the dress neckline.
• The bodice front should end just above the first large center ruffle.
• The cream underskirt must remain visible at center front from waist to floral hem.
• The largest rose on the lower skirt sits at exact center.
• The handbag should look soft and rounded, not stiff or boxy.
• The lamb should be small enough to fit beside the bunny without visually competing with it.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the head position before stitching permanently. A slight forward tilt gives the sweetest result. Keep the face minimal. The eyes should be small, dark, and evenly spaced, and the nose should be stitched with a short, neat center line and tiny mouth split.

Sew the floral crown low across the forehead. Attach the collar so it frames the neck without covering the face. Arrange every rose before sewing so the skirt keeps a balanced lavender-and-white rhythm.

Care Notes

Store the bunny upright or laid flat to protect the ruffles. Avoid hanging by the ears or crown. Keep away from direct sunlight for long periods so the lavender yarn stays fresh and soft.

If displayed with lace and ribbon, handle gently during seasonal decorating. This design is best treated as a decorative knitted doll rather than a rough-play toy.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both ears attached at equal height
• Eyes aligned and centered
• Cream center skirt panel visible
• Two lavender front ruffles stacked neatly
• Rose crown secured low on forehead
• Alternating roses balanced on collar and skirt
• Shoes tied with matching bows
• Mini lamb holding carrot
• Handbag bow fixed at center front

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean first with a damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap. Do not rub the embroidered face harshly. Press excess moisture out gently with a towel.

If deeper cleaning is needed, hand wash in cool water, reshape immediately, and dry flat on a towel. Restuff lightly after drying if any area softens. Never tumble dry, and never hang the finished bunny while wet.

For long-term preservation, wrap the doll in acid-free tissue and store in a breathable box. Keep ribbons uncrushed and separate dark and light accessories if humidity is high.