Flannel Flower Tabard Milkdrop Bunny – Knitting

Meet the Flannel Flower Tabard Milkdrop Bunny: a soft, heirloom-style knitted bunny dressed for a gentle garden day, complete with a ruffled bonnet, a creamy dress, and a sage tabard with tiny floral details. If you like to buy premium cotton yarn, wool-blend stuffing, sturdy safety eyes, and cute miniature buttons, this project is a perfect excuse to shop your favorite craft store essentials. The set also includes a tiny bird friend, a tote bag, a watering can, a small cloth, and a bouquet for a charming display.

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

Overview

This design creates a tall bunny with long floppy ears, a softly rounded head, and slightly chubby legs that help it stand. The outfit is layered: a short-sleeve cream dress with a patterned hem band, plus a sage tabard/apron featuring a centered floral motif and two front pockets. The accessories match the garden theme and are scaled to the bunny’s size for a balanced, photo-ready set.

Skill Level

• Confident beginner to intermediate
• Comfortable with knitting in the round, basic shaping, and seaming
• Optional colorwork or duplicate stitch for the hem motifs

Finished Size

• Bunny: approx. 11–13 in (28–33 cm) tall from feet to top of bonnet, depending on yarn and gauge
• Bird friend: approx. 4–5 in (10–13 cm) tall
• Tote bag: approx. 3.5 in (9 cm) tall including handles
• Watering can: approx. 2.5–3 in (6–7.5 cm) long

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-wool blend in warm beige (MC1)
• Dress yarn: DK weight in creamy off-white (MC2)
• Tabard/apron yarn: DK weight in muted sage/gray-green (CC1)
• Accent yarns: small amounts of pale blue-gray (CC2), charcoal/gray (CC3), soft lavender (CC4), and stem green (CC5)
• Bird yarn: cream (B1), soft gray (B2), muted teal (B3), lavender/gray (B4), and a touch of yellow (B5)
• Polyfill stuffing (firm but smooth)
• Safety eyes 6–8 mm (or embroider eyes for baby-safe finish)
• Embroidery floss in brown/charcoal for nose and mouth
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
• Optional: thin felt circles for foot soles (hidden inside or stitched on)

Needles & Tools

• US 2–4 (2.75–3.5 mm) needles or size needed to get a dense fabric
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop for small circumferences
• US 3–5 (3.25–3.75 mm) optional for clothing if you prefer slightly softer drape

Gauge

Gauge is not critical, but fabric must be tight enough so stuffing does not show through. Aim for a firm stockinette where the stitches look smooth and compact. If gaps appear, go down a needle size. If the fabric feels board-stiff, go up a needle size.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS/WS = right side/wrong side
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• m1l/m1r = make 1 left/right
• sl = slip
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on

Construction Notes

• The bunny is knitted mostly in the round, then lightly shaped with decreases and gentle stuffing.
• Arms and legs are knitted as tubes and sewn on with a slightly forward angle for the same stance shown.
• Ears are long and soft, attached low on the head and hanging down beside the face.
• The dress and tabard are separate pieces so you can dress the bunny neatly and keep edges crisp.
• Motifs can be done with simple stranded colorwork, duplicate stitch, or intarsia in flat pieces.

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Color Placement Guide

• Bunny body: warm beige (MC1)
• Dress: creamy off-white (MC2) with blue-gray motif band near hem (CC2)
• Tabard/apron: sage/gray-green (CC1) with small cream floral shapes (MC2) across chest
• Bonnet: sage/gray-green (CC1), ruffled edge, and a matching bow tie at the neck
• Bird friend: cream body (B1), gray beak (B2), teal shorts (B3), lavender feet (B4), tiny yellow detail on hat (B5)
• Accessories: tote in warm tan, watering can in sage, cloth in white with blue-gray scalloped edge, bouquet in white with green stems

Bunny Body

Head (MC1)

The head is a softly rounded oval with a gentle muzzle area. Keep stuffing smooth so the face stays clean and minimal, matching the image. Place eyes wide and slightly high to create the calm, sweet expression.

1. CO 6 sts, join in the round, pm for start of rnd.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12).
4. Rnd 3: k all.
5. Rnd 4: (k1, inc) around (18).
6. Rnd 5: k all.
7. Rnd 6: (k2, inc) around (24).
8. Rnd 7: k all.
9. Rnd 8: (k3, inc) around (30).
10. Rnd 9: k all.
11. Rnd 10: (k4, inc) around (36).
12. Rnd 11–18: k all for 8 rnds.

Begin stuffing lightly, then continue as you shape the lower head. The cheeks should stay rounded, not pointy.

1. Rnd 19: (k4, k2tog) around (30).
2. Rnd 20: k all.
3. Rnd 21: (k3, k2tog) around (24).
4. Rnd 22: k all.
5. Rnd 23: (k2, k2tog) around (18).
6. Rnd 24: k all. Add more stuffing, firm and even.
7. Rnd 25: (k1, k2tog) around (12).
8. Rnd 26: (k2tog) around (6). Break yarn, thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight.

Face Placement

• Eyes: place 6–8 mm safety eyes between Rnds 12–13, about 8–10 sts apart.
• Nose: embroider a small inverted “V” centered 2 rnds below eyes.
• Mouth: stitch a short vertical line down from the nose, then two tiny angled lines for a simple “Y” mouth.

Ears (make 2, MC1)

The ears are long, softly flattened tubes with rounded tips. They hang down beside the face and extend to about the bunny’s upper chest when attached.

1. CO 12 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1–6: k all.
3. Rnd 7: (k4, k2tog) twice (10).
4. Rnd 8–10: k all.
5. Rnd 11: (k3, k2tog) twice (8).
6. Rnd 12–14: k all.
7. Rnd 15: (k2, k2tog) twice (6).
8. Rnd 16: k all.
9. Rnd 17: (k2tog) around (3). Break yarn, pull tight.

Flatten each ear gently. Do not overstuff; a whisper of stuffing near the base is enough. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Body (MC1)

The body is a rounded cylinder that supports the dress. Keep the belly softly filled so the tabard lies flat. Shape the shoulders slightly by narrowing near the top.

1. CO 6 sts, join in the round, pm.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st (12).
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. Rnd 3: (k1, inc) around (18).
5. Rnd 4: k all.
6. Rnd 5: (k2, inc) around (24).
7. Rnd 6: k all.
8. Rnd 7: (k3, inc) around (30).
9. Rnd 8–18: k all for 11 rnds.

Add stuffing gradually. The body should feel stable but not rock-hard. Aim for a smooth silhouette under the dress.

1. Rnd 19: (k3, k2tog) around (24).
2. Rnd 20–22: k all for 3 rnds.
3. Rnd 23: (k2, k2tog) around (18).
4. Rnd 24–25: k all for 2 rnds.
5. Rnd 26: (k1, k2tog) around (12).
6. Rnd 27: k all. Finish stuffing firmly at the top.
7. Rnd 28: (k2tog) around (6). Break yarn, pull tight.

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Arms (make 2, MC1)

The arms are simple tubes with rounded ends. They hang naturally and sit slightly forward on the body so the bunny looks like it can hold its tote or flowers.

1. CO 8 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1–10: k all.
3. Rnd 11: (k2, k2tog) twice (6).
4. Rnd 12: k all.
5. Rnd 13: (k2tog) around (3). Break yarn, pull tight.

Stuff lightly, focusing stuffing near the middle so the arm stays soft at the “hand” end. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Legs (make 2, MC1)

The legs are slightly thicker than the arms and end in rounded feet that fit inside the little shoes. The feet should be plump and stable for standing.

1. CO 10 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1–6: k all.
3. Rnd 7: (k3, inc) around (12).
4. Rnd 8–14: k all for 7 rnds.
5. Rnd 15: (k2, k2tog) around (9).
6. Rnd 16: k all.
7. Rnd 17: (k1, k2tog) around (6). Break yarn, pull tight.

Stuff firmly, especially the foot area. Flatten the bottom slightly with your fingers to help the bunny stand.

Outfit

Simple Dress (MC2)

The dress is cream with short sleeves and a gently flared skirt. A blue-gray floral motif band sits near the hem, matching the image. The neckline is neat so the bonnet tie can sit cleanly.

Dress Bodice (flat, then seam)

1. Using MC2, CO 44 sts.
2. Row 1 (RS): k all.
3. Row 2 (WS): p all.
4. Repeat Rows 1–2 for 10 rows total.

Shape slight armholes and a simple neckline. Keep edges tidy for clean seaming.

1. Row 11 (RS): k2, k2tog, k to last 4, ssk, k2.
2. Row 12 (WS): p all.
3. Row 13 (RS): k all.
4. Row 14 (WS): p all.
5. Row 15 (RS): k2, k2tog, k to last 4, ssk, k2.
6. Row 16 (WS): p all.
7. Row 17 (RS): k to center 10 sts, BO 10, k to end.
8. Row 18 (WS): p to gap, CO 10 with backward loop, p to end.

This creates a simple back opening for dressing. Work 6 more rows in stockinette, ending with a WS row. BO loosely.

Dress Sleeves (make 2, MC2)

• CO 18 sts.
• Work 6 rows stockinette (RS knit, WS purl).
• BO. Seam into small tubes.

Dress Skirt (worked from bodice edge, in the round)

Pick up stitches evenly around the lower edge of the bodice. Join in the round for a smooth skirt with gentle flare.

1. Pick up approx. 56 sts evenly. Join, pm.
2. Rnd 1–4: k all.
3. Rnd 5: (k6, m1r) around (64).
4. Rnd 6–10: k all.
5. Rnd 11: (k7, m1r) around (72).
6. Rnd 12–18: k all.

Add the hem motif band using CC2. Choose one of the methods below so the motifs look crisp and evenly spaced.

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Hem Motif Band Options

• Option A: Simple stranded motif band using a repeating 6-st motif across the rnd.
• Option B: Duplicate stitch motifs on top of the finished hem area.

For a clean match to the image, place a row of small, rounded flower-like shapes spaced evenly. Work 4–6 rnds for the band, then return to MC2 for the final edge.

1. Rnd 19–24: work motif band with CC2 and MC2.
2. Rnd 25–26: k all with MC2.
3. Rnd 27: p all for a tiny turning ridge.
4. Rnd 28: k all. BO loosely.

Tabard / Apron (CC1)

The tabard is the sage piece worn over the dress. It has a bib area with tiny cream flowers, a skirt panel, and two square pockets. The edges are finished with a subtle border so it lies flat and neat.

Apron Panel (flat)

1. Using CC1, CO 52 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch (k every row) for a firm border.
3. Switch to stockinette: RS knit, WS purl for 8 rows.

Now add the chest motif band across the upper section. The image shows three small flower shapes centered across the chest area.

• Center the motifs so they sit above the pockets and below the neckline.
• Use MC2 to create three simple flower icons spaced evenly.
• Keep floats short or use duplicate stitch afterward for clean lines.

1. Work 4–6 rows to complete the motif band, then continue in CC1 stockinette for 12 more rows.
2. Finish with 4 rows garter stitch for the bottom border.
3. BO.

Apron Straps (CC1)

The straps frame the dress and tie at the back. They should sit flat and not twist.

• CO 6 sts.
• Work 42–48 rows in i-cord or narrow garter strip until it reaches around the bunny’s shoulder and back.
• BO. Make 2 straps.

Pockets (make 2, CC1)

The pockets are square with a tiny top border. Sew them low on the apron panel, spaced evenly, matching the image.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. Work 10 rows stockinette.
4. Work 2 rows garter stitch. BO.

Apron Assembly

• Sew pockets onto the lower front of the apron, leaving top edges open.
• Attach straps to the top corners of the bib area.
• Optionally add a second set of short ties at the waist using i-cord for an extra-secure fit.

Ruffled Bonnet (CC1)

The bonnet frames the bunny’s face with a soft ruffle. It sits behind the ears, with the ears emerging from beneath and hanging down. The tie is a neat bow under the chin.

Bonnet Crown

1. Using CC1, CO 60 sts, join in the round, pm.
2. Rnd 1–6: k all.
3. Rnd 7: (k8, k2tog) around (54).
4. Rnd 8–10: k all.
5. Rnd 11: (k7, k2tog) around (48).
6. Rnd 12–14: k all.

BO loosely, leaving a long tail. Gather the BO edge slightly to form the back curve of the bonnet, but do not over-tighten. You want a soft cap, not a point.

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Ruffle Edge

Pick up stitches around the front opening. Increase to create a gentle wavy ruffle like the image.

1. Pick up 72 sts evenly around the face opening.
2. Rnd 1: (k1, m1r) around (144).
3. Rnd 2: p all.
4. Rnd 3: k all. BO loosely for a soft scallop.

Bonnet Ties (CC1)

• Make two i-cords, each about 10–12 in (25–30 cm).
• Attach at the lower corners of the bonnet opening.
• Tie into a neat bow under the chin.

Shoes (make 2, MC1)

The shoes are soft booties with a rounded toe and a small lace tie. Keep them slightly snug so they sit cleanly over the feet.

1. Using MC1, CO 24 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1–6: k all.
3. Rnd 7: (k2tog, k10) twice (22).
4. Rnd 8–10: k all.
5. Rnd 11: (k2tog, k9) twice (20).
6. Rnd 12–16: k all.
7. Rnd 17: p all for a fold line.
8. Rnd 18–22: k all.
9. BO. Seam the back and shape the toe with a small gathered stitch.

For the lace, make a thin i-cord or crochet chain in MC1. Thread through a simple eyelet row if desired, then tie a small bow on the front.

Small Bird Friend

Bird Head and Body (B1)

The bird is a tiny, rounded character standing beside the bunny. It has a small beak, a snug hat, simple wings, and teal shorts. The proportions should feel stout and cute, matching the image.

1. CO 6 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st (12).
3. Rnd 2: k all.
4. Rnd 3: (k1, inc) around (18).
5. Rnd 4: k all.
6. Rnd 5: (k2, inc) around (24).
7. Rnd 6–12: k all for 7 rnds.

Insert eyes as small safety eyes or embroider tiny black dots. Keep them centered and friendly. Start stuffing lightly.

1. Rnd 13: (k2, k2tog) around (18).
2. Rnd 14: k all.
3. Rnd 15: (k1, k2tog) around (12).
4. Rnd 16: k all. Add more stuffing.
5. Rnd 17: (k2tog) around (6). Pull tight and fasten off.

Beak (B2)

Embroider or knit a small beak in gray. For a knitted beak, make a tiny triangle and sew it centered beneath the eyes.

• CO 6 sts.
• Row 1: k all.
• Row 2: k2tog, k2, k2tog (4).
• Row 3: k2tog, k2tog (2). Pull tight, sew on.

Wings (make 2, B1)

• CO 8 sts.
• Work 6 rows garter stitch.
• BO. Sew to sides of body with a slight downward angle.

Shorts (B3)

The shorts are teal and sit at the lower body. Keep them snug and simple.

• Pick up 24 sts around the lower body edge where you want the waistband.
• Work 2 rnds in k1, p1 rib.
• Work 4 rnds stockinette.
• BO loosely. If needed, tack the shorts in place with a few stitches at the sides.

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Feet (B4)

The feet are small and slightly darker. They should peek out under the shorts.

• CO 8 sts, join in the round.
• Work 4 rnds knit.
• Decrease: (k2, k2tog) twice (6). Pull tight, sew to base as little stubs.

Tiny Hat (B1 with B5 detail)

The bird wears a small cap with a subtle top detail. Keep it snug and slightly rounded.

1. Using B1, CO 6 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: inc in each st (12).
3. Rnd 2: (k1, inc) around (18).
4. Rnd 3–6: k all.
5. BO. Add a tiny stitched dot or knot at the top using B5.

Accessories

Tote Bag (tan yarn)

The tote is a structured mini bag with two handles. It stands beside the bunny and looks slightly firm. Use a dense gauge so it holds shape.

1. CO 24 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1–10: k all for the bag body.
3. Rnd 11: p all to create a base ridge.
4. Rnd 12–18: k all.
5. BO.

For handles, make 2 narrow i-cords about 3–3.5 in (7.5–9 cm) long. Sew both ends of each handle to the inside top edge, spaced evenly so two loops show on the outside.

Watering Can (CC1)

The watering can is a small cylinder with a side handle and a short spout. The shape should look rounded, with a tidy top opening.

Can Body

1. CO 18 sts, join in the round.
2. Rnd 1–8: k all.
3. Rnd 9: p all for a soft rim.
4. Rnd 10–12: k all.
5. Rnd 13: (k1, k2tog) around (12).
6. Stuff lightly.
7. Rnd 14: (k2tog) around (6). Pull tight and fasten off.

Spout

• CO 6 sts, work 10 rows i-cord or narrow tube.
• Sew to the side near the top, angled slightly upward.
• Add a tiny stitched “sprinkler” edge by making 3–4 small French knots at the tip.

Handle

• CO 4 sts, work a narrow i-cord for 10–12 rows.
• Sew ends to the opposite side of the spout, forming a smooth arch.

Small Cloth (MC2 with CC2 edge)

The cloth is a flat square with a scalloped border, shown folded near the watering can. Keep it flexible and neat.

1. Using MC2, CO 26 sts.
2. Work 22 rows garter stitch for a flat fabric.
3. BO.

For the scalloped edge, use CC2 and pick up stitches around the square. Work a simple wave using increases and decreases to mimic tiny scallops, then BO loosely.

Bouquet of Flowers (MC2 and CC5)

The bouquet includes several small white blossoms with green stems, gathered into a tight bundle like the image. The flowers look like open five-petal blooms.

Mini Flowers (make 6–8, MC2)

• CO 5 sts.
• Row 1: (k1, yo) across (10).
• Row 2: p all.
• Row 3: (k2tog) across (5). Pull tight into a small ring.
• Shape petals by stitching around the ring with a few small loops using the same yarn.

Stems (CC5)

• Make 6–8 i-cords, each 3–4 in (7.5–10 cm).
• Sew one flower to the end of each stem.
• Bundle stems together and wrap with yarn tails to secure.

Assembly

Attach Ears to Head

Position ears low on the head, slightly behind the eye line. They should hang down on each side of the face, reaching toward the upper chest. Sew securely with small stitches, keeping the base slightly flattened.

Join Head to Body

Center the head on top of the body. Stitch around the neck opening with strong, even whipstitches. Add a little extra stuffing at the neck if the head tilts. The bunny should look upright and balanced.

Attach Arms

Sew arms to the upper sides of the body, slightly forward. The arms should rest naturally along the dress and apron, like the bunny is ready to hold the bouquet or stand beside the tote.

Attach Legs

Sew legs to the lower body, spaced evenly so the bunny can stand. Angle them very slightly forward and keep the bottoms flattened. Test standing balance before closing the final stitches.

Dressing the Bunny

• Slip the cream dress onto the bunny first and close the back opening with a few small stitches or a tiny button if desired.
• Place the tabard/apron over the dress. Make sure the floral band sits across the chest.
• Tie the straps at the back in a flat bow. Adjust so pockets sit symmetrically.
• Put on shoes and tie the small laces into neat bows.
• Set the bonnet behind the ears, bring ties under the chin, and make a centered bow.

Refining the Look to Match the Image

• Bonnet ruffle: keep the ruffle soft and wavy, not stiff. A loose bind-off helps.
• Tabard edge: garter borders keep the apron from curling and frame the pockets.
• Motifs: make them rounded and evenly spaced so the hem band reads clearly from far away.
• Stuffing: use small tufts to avoid lumps. Smooth with your fingers as you fill.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Double-check eye placement for symmetry before locking safety eyes. Embroider the small nose and mouth with short, tidy stitches. Steam-block clothing pieces lightly (do not press hard) so edges sit flat. Arrange accessories close to the bunny for a balanced display.

Care Notes

Handle gently and keep away from rough surfaces to avoid pilling. Display out of direct sunlight to protect pale yarn shades. For frequent handling, consider embroidering eyes instead of using plastic safety eyes.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Eyes even and secure, face embroidery centered
• Ears attached low and hanging evenly
• Head firmly joined with no wobble
• Legs positioned for stable standing
• Apron pockets aligned and straps tied neatly
• Bonnet ruffle smooth, bow centered
• Accessories scaled and finished with tidy ends woven in

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry fully. Avoid soaking, especially with colorwork areas. Store in a breathable bag with tissue support to maintain shape. Keep away from moth-prone storage by using cedar or lavender sachets nearby, not directly touching the knit.