Knitting Tutorial: Wildflower Meadow Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant knitted bunny is designed as a richly dressed heirloom rabbit with a wildflower gown, bonnet, tiny purse, slippers, and a woodland garden companion. It is ideal for makers who love collectible bunny dolls, handmade nursery décor, artisan stuffed animals, and boutique-style knitted gifts. The finished set has the charm of a luxury rabbit doll you might see in a handmade toy shop, yet every detail can be created at home with careful knitting, embroidery, and finishing. The silhouette is soft, graceful, and highly decorative, with a full meadow skirt and beautifully coordinated 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 visual set shown in the image: a cream bunny with long drooping ears, a fitted floral dress with deep plum trim, a wide bonnet, a velvet-style neck bow, a small handbag, knit slippers, a squirrel companion, a tiny watering can, a berry basket, and an acorn.

The bunny is worked mostly in flat pieces and seamed for precise shaping. Small accessories may be worked flat or in tiny rounds where noted. The dress is the star of the design, so take your time with the embroidery, trims, and layered finishing.

The overall look depends on three things:

• A tall, calm bunny silhouette with a softly rounded head and narrow muzzle.
• A structured, fitted bodice with bold plum edging and a full skirt.
• Dense decorative finishing including floral embroidery, knitted blossoms, lace trim, ribbon, and tiny props.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 15 inches tall seated, about 18 inches tall to top of bonnet when posed upright.
• Squirrel companion: about 5 1/2 inches tall.
• Handbag: about 2 1/2 inches wide.
• Watering can: about 2 inches long.
• Berry basket: about 1 3/4 inches wide.
• Slippers: sized to fit bunny feet exactly.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: sport or light DK yarn in warm cream.
• Dress yarn: cream, deep plum, lavender, lilac, soft peach, blush pink, pale apricot, sage green, olive green, and tiny amounts of ivory.
• Squirrel yarn: rusty brown, cream, moss green, and burgundy.
• Accessory yarn: plum, pale blue-gray, tan, berry shades, brown.
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) for most pieces, US 1.5 (2.5 mm) for accessories and trims.
• Optional double-pointed needles: for very small pieces if preferred.
• Tapestry needle for sewing and duplicate stitch embroidery.
• Small sharp scissors.
• Polyester toy stuffing.
• Pipe cleaner or soft craft wire for handbag handle and watering can spout, optional.
• Two 5 mm black safety eyes or embroidered French-knot eyes.
• Plum ribbon about 1/4 inch wide for neck tie and bonnet band.
• Optional narrow cream lace for cuffs and hem to match the image more closely.
• Thin velvet ribbon or plush trim optional for the skirt hem and bonnet band if you want the exact plush look.

Gauge

28 stitches and 38 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 2 needles after light blocking.

Gauge matters because the doll must be firm enough to hold shape. Knit tightly enough that stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p = purl
• pm = place marker
• psso = pass slipped stitch over
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st = stitch
• st st = stockinette stitch
• WS = wrong side
• yo = yarn over

General Construction Notes

The bunny is made from separate legs, body, arms, head, ears, and tail. The dress is made separately and stitched onto the body at the neckline and waist for a perfectly dressed finish. This gives better shaping than knitting the clothing as part of the body.

Where the image shows highly decorative floral fabric, this pattern uses a combination of duplicate stitch, tiny embroidered lazy-daisy flowers, French knots, and small knitted flower appliqués. That combination gives the rich wildflower meadow effect without needing printed fabric.

📌Thank you for reading the article

All pieces should be stuffed firmly but not hard. The head should be the firmest area. The skirt should be left mostly unstuffed because it is part of the garment, not the body.

Main Bunny: Legs Make 2

Using cream yarn and US 2 needles, CO 14 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: Kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
3. Rows 3-8: Work 6 rows in st st, ending with a WS row.
4. Row 9 RS: K1, kfb, k12, kfb, k1. 18 sts.
5. Rows 10-18: Work 9 rows in st st.
6. Row 19 RS: K2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
7. Row 20 WS: Purl.
8. Row 21 RS: K2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
9. Rows 22-30: Work 9 rows in st st.
10. Row 31 RS: K2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
11. Rows 32-40: Work 9 rows in st st.
12. BO knitwise.

Sew side seam, close bottom lightly, and stuff the foot area firmly so it forms a rounded oval. Stuff the upper leg a little less firmly so it can sit naturally beneath the dress.

Make the second leg the same. Leave long yarn tails at the top for joining into the body.

Main Bunny: Body

With cream yarn, CO 28 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: Kfb, k26, kfb. 30 sts.
3. Rows 3-8: Work in st st.
4. Row 9 RS: K3, m1, k24, m1, k3. 32 sts.
5. Rows 10-16: Work in st st.
6. Row 17 RS: K4, m1, k24, m1, k4. 34 sts.
7. Rows 18-24: Work in st st.
8. Row 25 RS: K2tog, k30, ssk. 32 sts.
9. Row 26 WS: Purl.
10. Row 27 RS: K2tog, k28, ssk. 30 sts.
11. Rows 28-32: Work in st st.
12. Row 33 RS: K2tog, k26, ssk. 28 sts.
13. Row 34 WS: Purl.
14. Row 35 RS: K2tog, k24, ssk. 26 sts.
15. Rows 36-40: Work in st st.
16. BO.

Sew the body seam. Before closing the lower edge, position the two legs so there is a narrow gap between them. Sew securely. Stuff the body firmly at the lower belly and chest, shaping it into a soft pear with a narrower upper torso.

The bunny in the image has a gentle seated drape under the dress. To copy that look, do not overstuff the waist. Keep the body stable but slightly compressible.

Main Bunny: Arms Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: Work in st st.
2. Row 7 RS: K1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
3. Rows 8-18: Work in st st.
4. Row 19 RS: K2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
5. Rows 20-26: Work in st st.
6. BO.

Sew each arm seam. Stuff the lower hand area firmly and the upper arm only lightly. Flatten the top opening. The arms in the photo sit slightly forward and downward, so do not make them too stiff.

Main Bunny: Head

Using cream yarn, CO 18 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: Kfb across. 36 sts.
3. Rows 3-8: Work in st st.
4. Row 9 RS: K4, m1, k28, m1, k4. 38 sts.
5. Rows 10-16: Work in st st.
6. Row 17 RS: K5, m1, k28, m1, k5. 40 sts.
7. Rows 18-28: Work in st st.
8. Row 29 RS: K2tog, k36, ssk. 38 sts.
9. Row 30 WS: Purl.
10. Row 31 RS: K2tog, k34, ssk. 36 sts.
11. Rows 32-36: Work in st st.
12. Row 37 RS: K2tog across. 18 sts.
13. Row 38 WS: Purl.
14. Thread yarn through remaining sts and draw up tightly.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Sew the back seam. Stuff the head very firmly, shaping the forehead round and the muzzle area slightly flatter. The bunny in the image has a smooth face without a strongly protruding snout, so keep the face soft and refined rather than bulky.

For a neater muzzle plane, use a length of cream yarn and make one horizontal sculpting stitch across the lower center face, pulling very gently to flatten the snout area.

Main Bunny: Ears Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
3. Rows 3-8: Work in st st.
4. Row 9 RS: K1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
5. Rows 10-26: Work in st st.
6. Row 27 RS: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
7. Row 28 WS: Purl.
8. Row 29 RS: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
9. Row 30 WS: Purl.
10. Row 31 RS: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
11. Row 32 WS: Purl.
12. Row 33 RS: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
13. Row 34 WS: Purl.
14. Row 35 RS: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
15. Row 36 WS: Purl.
16. Row 37 RS: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
17. Fasten off.

Sew side seams, leaving lower edge open. Do not stuff. Steam lightly so the ears lie flat. Sew to the head high on each side, then let them fall straight down. The lower part of each ear should hang almost to the waistline, matching the long elegant look in the image.

Main Bunny: Tail

Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: Kfb across. 16 sts.
3. Rows 3-6: Work in st st.
4. Row 7 RS: K2tog across. 8 sts.
5. Thread yarn through sts and draw up.

Sew seam, stuff lightly, and attach low on the back body. It will mostly hide under the skirt, so keep it compact.

Dress: Inner Skirt Panel

Using cream yarn, CO 84 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: Work in garter stitch.
2. Rows 7-32: Work in st st.
3. Row 33 RS: K2tog every 6th and 7th stitch across. 72 sts.
4. Row 34 WS: Purl.
5. Row 35 RS: K2tog every 5th and 6th stitch across. 60 sts.
6. Rows 36-42: Work in st st.
7. BO loosely.

This panel forms the pale underskirt beneath the floral overskirt. Sew into a ring, leaving an opening at the back if you want the dress removable. If you prefer the dress permanent, fully close the seam and stitch the dress onto the body later.

Dress: Plum Hem Ruffle

Using deep plum yarn, CO 90 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: Work in st st.
2. Row 5 RS: K1, yo across to end. This creates soft fullness.
3. Row 6 WS: Purl.
4. Rows 7-10: Work in st st.
5. BO loosely.

Fold the top edge in slightly and stitch this ruffle to the lower edge of the inner skirt panel. If you want the plush velvet look shown in the image, replace this knit section with narrow plum velvet ribbon, but the knitted ruffle alone still gives a faithful finish.

Dress: Overskirt Panels Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 44 sts for each panel.

1. Rows 1-4: Work in garter stitch.
2. Rows 5-30: Work in st st.
3. Row 31 RS: K2tog every 7th and 8th stitch across. 39 sts.
4. Row 32 WS: Purl.
5. Row 33 RS: K2tog every 6th and 7th stitch across. 34 sts.
6. Rows 34-38: Work in st st.
7. BO.

📌Thank you for reading the article

These two front panels should be sewn to the dress waist so that they part slightly at the center front, showing the decorated central inset panel. Leave a small open triangle near the center front exactly as shown in the image.

Dress: Center Front Inset

Using cream yarn, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1-18: Work in st st.
2. Row 19 RS: K2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
3. Rows 20-22: Work in st st.
4. Row 23 RS: K2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
5. Rows 24-26: Work in st st.
6. BO.

This piece is stitched between the parted overskirt fronts and under the bodice. Later it is decorated with vertical flowers in peach, blush, plum, and cream.

Dress: Bodice Front

Using cream yarn, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: Work in st st.
2. Row 5 RS: K2, k2tog, k16, ssk, k2. 22 sts.
3. Row 6 WS: Purl.
4. Row 7 RS: K2, k2tog, k14, ssk, k2. 20 sts.
5. Rows 8-12: Work in st st.
6. Row 13 RS: K5, BO 10, k5.
7. Row 14 WS: P5, join yarn, p5.
8. Row 15 RS: K2, k2tog, k1 on first side. Repeat on second side. 4 sts each side.
9. Rows 16-18: Work each shoulder separately.
10. BO.

The front neckline is open and modest. The strong decorative framing in the image is created later with plum ruffles and ribbon, not by changing the basic shape here.

Dress: Bodice Back

Using cream yarn, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1-12: Work in st st.
2. Row 13 RS: K6, BO 12, k6.
3. Row 14 WS: P6, join yarn, p6.
4. Rows 15-18: Work each side separately in st st.
5. BO.

Sew shoulder seams. Sew side seams. Test fit on the bunny torso before decorating.

Dress: Sleeves Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 20 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: Work in garter stitch.
2. Rows 5-14: Work in st st.
3. Row 15 RS: K2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
4. Row 16 WS: Purl.
5. Row 17 RS: K2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
6. Rows 18-20: Work in st st.
7. BO.

Sew sleeve seams and set into the armholes. Add plum ruffle trim and optional lace at the cuffs to match the image.

Plum Bodice Frills and Edge Trims

The deep plum framing is one of the most important visual details. Make several narrow ruffle strips and stitch them around the bodice edges, down the front overskirt openings, and at the cuffs.

For each trim strip, using plum yarn, CO 6 sts.

1. Rows 1-24: Work 24 rows in garter stitch for bodice trims.
2. Rows 1-38: Work 38 rows in garter stitch for skirt-front trims.
3. Rows 1-10: Work 10 rows in garter stitch for cuffs.
4. BO loosely.

To create a ruffled effect, gently steam and then gather slightly while sewing. Sew one long strip around each front skirt opening, one along each bodice front edge, and one tiny strip around each cuff.

Neck Bow

Using plum yarn, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1-8: Work in garter stitch.
2. BO.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Wrap the center with matching yarn to form a bow. Stitch at the neckline. For the long ties seen in the image, add two narrow ribbon ends or knit two i-cords 5 inches long and attach beneath the bow.

Floral Embroidery for Dress and Sleeves

This step creates the meadow print effect. Work after all dress pieces are assembled but before attaching the dress permanently to the bunny.

• Duplicate stitch flowers: make tiny four-petal and five-petal blossoms in plum, peach, pink, lilac, and pale apricot.
• French knots: scatter in cream, pink, and lavender to imitate flower centers.
• Stem stitch: use sage and olive for small stems and leaves.
• Placement: cluster more flowers near the lower skirt and lower sleeves, leaving some open cream space for balance.

On each front overskirt panel, place about 18 to 24 tiny flowers. On the center inset, create one vertical floral arrangement. On each sleeve, add 3 to 5 small flowers around the outer upper section.

The image also shows dimensional flowers at the lower skirt edges. You can mimic this by making tiny knitted blossoms and stitching them over the embroidery.

Tiny Knitted Blossoms

Make 12 to 18 blossoms in mixed colors.

Using a chosen flower color, CO 12 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K2tog, yo across. 12 sts.
3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. BO.

Roll the strip into a tiny rosette and stitch at the base. Add these around the lower dress hem and side front panels. Mix plum, lilac, blush, cream, and peach rosettes.

Bonnet

The bonnet is wide, rounded, and soft, with a shallow brim and floral decoration. Use cream yarn.

Bonnet Crown

CO 56 sts.

1. Rows 1-10: Work in st st.
2. Row 11 RS: K6, k2tog across. 49 sts.
3. Row 12 WS: Purl.
4. Row 13 RS: K5, k2tog across. 42 sts.
5. Row 14 WS: Purl.
6. Row 15 RS: K4, k2tog across. 35 sts.
7. Row 16 WS: Purl.
8. Row 17 RS: K3, k2tog across. 28 sts.
9. Thread yarn through remaining sts and draw up.

Sew seam to form the crown.

Bonnet Brim

Pick up 64 sts around the lower edge of the crown.

1. Rows 1-4: Knit.
2. Row 5 RS: Kfb every 4th stitch across. 80 sts.
3. Rows 6-10: Knit.
4. Row 11 RS: Kfb every 5th stitch across. 96 sts.
5. Rows 12-16: Knit.
6. BO loosely knitwise.

Steam the brim over a rounded surface so it curves gently downward like the hat in the image.

Embroider tiny flowers on the front upper brim and crown. Add a plum ribbon band around the bonnet base and tie a bow on one side. Add narrow chin ties from ribbon or i-cord.

Handbag

Using plum yarn, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1-14: Work in st st.
2. BO.

Fold in half and sew side seams. Stuff very lightly or line with felt to keep the bag shape. For the flap, CO 8 sts in gold or tan.

1. Rows 1-4: Work in garter stitch.
2. Row 5: K2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
3. Row 6: Knit.
4. BO.

Attach the flap to the upper front. Embroider two tiny dot buttons in cream or use two French knots. Make a handle with a 16-stitch i-cord or a wrapped wire handle. Sew securely so the bag can sit in the bunny’s paw.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Slippers Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: Work in garter stitch.
2. Rows 7-10: Work in st st.
3. Row 11 RS: K2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
4. Row 12 WS: Purl.
5. Row 13 RS: K2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
6. BO.

Sew into tiny slipper shapes around the bunny feet. Make two bows by knitting small 8-stitch garter rectangles over 4 rows in plum yarn. Wrap centers and stitch to the slipper fronts.

Squirrel Companion: Body and Head

Using rusty brown yarn, CO 16 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: Kfb across. 32 sts.
3. Rows 3-10: Work in st st.
4. Row 11 RS: K4, m1, k24, m1, k4. 34 sts.
5. Rows 12-20: Work in st st.
6. Row 21 RS: K2tog, k30, ssk. 32 sts.
7. Rows 22-26: Work in st st.
8. Row 27 RS: K2tog, k28, ssk. 30 sts.
9. Rows 28-32: Work in st st.
10. Row 33 RS: K2tog, k26, ssk. 28 sts.
11. Rows 34-36: Work in st st.
12. Row 37 RS: K2tog across. 14 sts.
13. Draw yarn through sts and fasten.

Sew seam and stuff firmly. Shape the lower body wider than the upper head. The squirrel in the image is upright and chubby, so keep the body compact and rounded.

Squirrel: Tummy Panel

Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1-14: Work in st st.
2. BO.

Stitch to the front body as an oval tummy patch.

Squirrel: Arms Make 2

Using rusty brown yarn, CO 6 sts.

1. Rows 1-8: Work in st st.
2. BO.

Roll and sew into small tubes. Stuff lightly. Attach angled inward as if holding an acorn.

Squirrel: Legs Make 2

Using rusty brown yarn, CO 7 sts.

1. Rows 1-8: Work in st st.
2. BO.

Sew and lightly stuff. Attach low on the body.

Squirrel: Ears Make 2

Using rusty brown yarn, CO 4 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts.
3. Row 3: Knit.
4. Row 4: K2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
5. BO.

Sew to the head top. Add a tiny burgundy cap by knitting a 12-stitch circle or sewing a gathered round cap if preferred.

Squirrel: Tail

Using rusty brown yarn, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1-20: Work in st st.
2. Row 21 RS: K2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
3. Rows 22-26: Work in st st.
4. Row 27 RS: K2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
5. Rows 28-30: Work in st st.
6. BO.

Sew into a curved tube, stuff lightly, and shape into a high curled tail. Attach to the squirrel back.

Squirrel Sweater

Using moss green yarn, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: Work in rib: k1, p1.
2. Rows 5-10: Work in st st.
3. BO.

Wrap around the squirrel torso and sew at the back. Add cream sleeves if desired by picking up 6 stitches at each side and working 4 rows in st st.

Acorn

Using brown yarn, CO 6 sts.

1. Row 1: Kfb across. 12 sts.
2. Rows 2-4: Work in st st.
3. Row 5: K2tog across. 6 sts.
4. Draw closed.

For the acorn cap, using darker brown, CO 8 sts, knit 2 rows, BO, and wrap around the acorn top.

Watering Can

Using pale blue-gray yarn and small needles, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1-8: Work in st st.
2. BO.

Sew into a tiny cylinder and lightly stuff or line with felt. For the base, gather one end closed. For the top opening, leave slightly open. Knit or twist a small handle and attach. Make the spout with a 10-stitch i-cord around soft wire for shaping, then sew to the side.

Berry Basket

Using tan yarn, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1-5: Work in garter stitch.
2. BO.

Fold into a shallow basket and sew side seams. Add a thin handle with i-cord or twisted yarn.

For berries, make several tiny wrapped knots or knitted nubs in berry shades and place inside the basket.

Face Embroidery

The face must stay gentle and minimal.

• Place eyes 8 stitches apart and slightly below the horizontal center of the head.
• Using brown embroidery thread, stitch a small Y-shaped nose and mouth.
• Keep the nose narrow and delicate, not oversized.
• Add a faint cream or beige outline stitch under the muzzle if you want extra definition.

The expression should be calm, sweet, and slightly formal, matching the elegant costume.

Attaching the Dress and Accessories

Slide or sew the completed dress onto the bunny. Position the bodice close to the neck and anchor at the shoulders, waist, and center back. Sew the front inset in place first, then overlap the two overskirt fronts along each side so they frame the inset.

Add the lower rosette flowers near the skirt sides and front hem. Stitch the sleeves so the cuffs sit just above the paws. Tie the neck bow after the bonnet is attached so the ribbon placement looks balanced.

Put the bonnet slightly forward on the head. Let the long ears fall beneath it. Tie the bonnet strings under the chin or tack them neatly so they appear tied.

Place the handbag in one paw. Put the slippers at the bunny’s feet if you want a display arrangement matching the image exactly. Position the squirrel companion at the bunny’s right side with the watering can and berry basket in front.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Join in this order: legs to body, head to body, ears to head, arms to upper body, tail to back, then dress, bonnet, and accessories.

Check the posture: the bunny should sit upright with a soft forward presence. Angle the arms slightly inward. Keep the ears symmetrical but naturally relaxed.

Refine the face: if needed, add one tiny tacking stitch at each eye corner to keep the expression even and gentle.

Care Notes

• Display indoors and away from direct sun.
• Spot clean only for the main doll and squirrel.
• Do not machine wash if ribbon, lace, or wired props are attached.
• Store flat or upright with tissue around the bonnet brim.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both ears attached at the same height?
• Is the dress centered with the inset panel straight?
• Are the plum trims evenly placed?
• Do the floral details feel balanced across the skirt?
• Are the eyes, nose, and mouth aligned?
• Do the handbag, bonnet, and slippers match the bunny scale?
• Does the squirrel stand securely beside the bunny?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a soft dry brush for dust. For small marks, blot gently with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry fully. Avoid soaking the doll, bonnet, or squirrel. Keep the set in a breathable box when not displayed, and never compress the skirt flowers or bonnet brim under heavy items.