This sweet Gardenia Bunny is a soft, heirloom-style knitted doll with a drop-waist lace dress, cable-trim cardigan, cloche hat, crossbody bag, and flower-strap boots. If you love shopping for interchangeable circular needles, smooth DK yarn, high-quality toy stuffing, and glassy safety eyes, this project is designed to turn those favorite supplies into a display-worthy keepsake.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Overview
You will knit a classic bunny body in the round, then dress her with layered garments that match the photo: a cable-textured open cardigan, a soft drop-waist dress with eyelet and lace edging, a cloche hat with a small bow, a tiny crossbody bag, and booties with crisscross straps and flower appliqués.
A small frog friend is included too, wearing a cream dress and a tiny wrap, and holding a mini parasol. Small accessories (a knitted doily and a tiny “bottle”) complete the scene.
Finished Size
- Bunny: about 12–14 in / 30–36 cm tall when seated (depending on yarn, stuffing, and gauge).
- Frog: about 4–5 in / 10–13 cm tall.
Yarn
- Main Bunny: DK weight in warm beige (A) ~140–180 g total.
- Dress: DK weight in cream (B) ~60–80 g.
- Cardigan/Hat/Boot accents: DK weight in taupe (C) ~40–60 g.
- Frog: DK weight in green (D) ~25–35 g.
- Frog Dress/Accessories: DK weight in cream (B) ~15–25 g.
- Small details (bows/flowers): small amounts of cream (B) and taupe (C).
Needles
- US 2 (2.75 mm) DPNs or small-circ for body and most pieces.
- US 3 (3.25 mm) for dress skirt and lace edging (optional, to soften drape).
- US 1 (2.25 mm) for very small items (optional).
Notions
- Polyester toy stuffing
- Safety eyes: 10–12 mm (bunny), 6–7 mm (frog), or embroider eyes if preferred
- Black embroidery floss for nose and mouth
- Scrap of white felt for bunny inner ears (optional)
- Stitch markers (at least 6)
- Tapestry needle
- Small snap or tiny button for bag flap (optional)
- Pipe cleaner or thin floral wire for parasol stem (optional, for posing)
- Small bead or wooden pellet to weight bunny base (optional)
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for toys, but tight fabric is important so stuffing does not show. Aim for a firm stockinette fabric.
- Stockinette in the round: about 26–30 sts per 4 in / 10 cm on US 2 (2.75 mm).
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd = round
- kfb = knit front and back (increase 1)
- k2tog = knit 2 together (decrease 1)
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease 1)
- m1L/m1R = make 1 left/right
- CO = cast on
- BO = bind off
- RS/WS = right side/wrong side
- pm/sm = place marker/slip marker
Construction Notes
The bunny body is knitted from the feet up to the head in one piece, with arms knitted separately and sewn on. The ears are knitted flat, then stitched and shaped. Clothing is removable and sized to the finished bunny.
For the photo look, keep the bunny’s limbs slightly soft so she can sit. Stuff firmly in the head and upper body, and a bit lighter in the hips and legs.
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Helpful Techniques
- Invisible increase/decrease: Use m1L/m1R where noted for smoother shaping.
- Lace eyelets: Yarn overs are paired with decreases to keep stitch count steady.
- Simple cables: A cable needle is optional; you can cable without one if comfortable.
- Neat toy seams: Mattress stitch for flat pieces, and whip stitch for tiny edges.
Bunny Body (A)
Feet and Legs (work in the round)
CO 18 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. pm for rnd start.
Rnd 1: k all.
Rnd 2: (k2, kfb) around. (24 sts)
Rnd 3–6: k all.
Shape the foot:
Rnd 7: (k2tog, k2) around. (18 sts)
Rnd 8–10: k all.
Leg:
Rnd 11: (k2, kfb) around. (24 sts)
Rnd 12–26: k all.
Lightly stuff the foot and lower leg. Do not overstuff yet.
BO? No. Place the first leg sts on hold or leave on needles, then knit the second leg the same way.
Join Legs and Knit Hips
With both legs ready, position them so the rnd markers face inward. Knit across Leg 1 (24 sts), CO 6 sts using backward loop, then knit across Leg 2 (24 sts), CO 6 sts. pm at center back for new rnd start. (60 sts)
Rnd 1–6: k all.
Shape hips slightly for seated look:
Rnd 7: (k8, k2tog) around. (54 sts)
Rnd 8–10: k all.
Rnd 11: (k7, k2tog) around. (48 sts)
Rnd 12–16: k all.
Stuff the hips and upper legs. Add a small weight at the base if desired, then continue stuffing lightly so the bunny can sit.
Tummy to Chest
Rnd 17: (k6, m1R) around. (56 sts)
Rnd 18–22: k all.
Round out the chest:
Rnd 23: (k7, m1R) around. (64 sts)
Rnd 24–28: k all.
Optional gentle “neck dent” for the photo silhouette:
Rnd 29: (k6, k2tog) around. (56 sts)
Rnd 30–31: k all.
Neck
Rnd 32: (k5, k2tog) around. (48 sts)
Rnd 33–35: k all.
Rnd 36: (k4, k2tog) around. (40 sts)
Rnd 37–38: k all.
Stuff the body firmly up to the neck, smoothing the surface as you go.
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Head
Increase for cheeks:
Rnd 39: (k4, m1R) around. (48 sts)
Rnd 40: k all.
Rnd 41: (k5, m1R) around. (56 sts)
Rnd 42: k all.
Rnd 43: (k6, m1R) around. (64 sts)
Rnd 44–54: k all.
Place eyes between Rnds 49–51, about 10–12 sts apart, centered on the face. Adjust spacing to your bunny’s expression.
Create a slight muzzle lift:
Rnd 55: (k14, k2tog) around. (60 sts)
Rnd 56: k all.
Begin decreasing crown:
Rnd 57: (k8, k2tog) around. (54 sts)
Rnd 58: k all.
Rnd 59: (k7, k2tog) around. (48 sts)
Rnd 60: k all.
Rnd 61: (k6, k2tog) around. (42 sts)
Rnd 62: k all.
Rnd 63: (k5, k2tog) around. (36 sts)
Stuff the head very firmly, shaping cheeks and smoothing around the eyes.
Rnd 64: (k4, k2tog) around. (30 sts)
Rnd 65: (k3, k2tog) around. (24 sts)
Rnd 66: (k2, k2tog) around. (18 sts)
Rnd 67: (k1, k2tog) around. (12 sts)
Rnd 68: k2tog around. (6 sts)
Cut yarn leaving a tail. Thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight, and weave in.
Bunny Arms (A)
Make 2. CO 12 sts. Join in the round. pm for rnd start.
Rnd 1–3: k all.
Rnd 4: (k2, kfb) around. (16 sts)
Rnd 5–10: k all.
Shape a soft paw:
Rnd 11: (k2tog, k2) around. (12 sts)
Rnd 12–22: k all.
Stuff lightly, leaving the top 2 in / 5 cm unstuffed for sewing.
Flatten the opening and kitchener stitch closed, or BO and seam closed.
Bunny Ears (A)
Make 2. Knit flat for a smooth ear that folds like the photo.
CO 16 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k all.
Row 2 (WS): p all.
Rows 3–24: repeat Rows 1–2.
Shape ear tip:
Row 25 (RS): k2tog, k12, ssk. (14 sts)
Row 26: p all.
Row 27: k2tog, k10, ssk. (12 sts)
Row 28: p all.
Row 29: k2tog, k8, ssk. (10 sts)
Row 30: p all.
Row 31: k2tog, k6, ssk. (8 sts)
Row 32: p all.
Row 33: k2tog, k4, ssk. (6 sts)
Row 34: p all.
Row 35: k2tog, k2, ssk. (4 sts)
Row 36: p2tog, p2tog. (2 sts)
Row 37: k2tog. (1 st)
Cut yarn and pull through last st. Weave in ends.
Optional inner ear: Cut a felt oval slightly smaller than the ear. Stitch in place with tiny whip stitches, or embroider an inner-ear panel with duplicate stitch.
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Bunny Tail (A)
CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
Rnd 1: k all.
Rnd 2: kfb all. (12 sts)
Rnd 3–6: k all.
Stuff lightly.
Rnd 7: k2tog around. (6 sts)
Cut yarn, gather, and close.
Dress (B)
Bodice (worked flat, then seamed)
The photo dress has a smooth bodice and a drop waist. Keep the bodice fitted but not tight so it layers under the cardigan.
CO 48 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k all.
Row 2 (WS): p all.
Rows 3–22: repeat Rows 1–2.
Armhole shaping:
Row 23 (RS): BO 3, k to end. (45 sts)
Row 24: BO 3, p to end. (42 sts)
Rows 25–30: work stockinette (k on RS, p on WS).
Neck shaping:
Row 31 (RS): k14, BO 14, k14. (14 sts each side)
Left shoulder:
Row 32: p14.
Row 33: k14.
Row 34: p14.
BO 14.
Right shoulder:
Rejoin yarn to remaining 14 sts.
Row 32: p14.
Row 33: k14.
Row 34: p14.
BO 14.
Dress Back (worked flat)
CO 48 sts. Work as for front through Row 30.
Back neck:
Row 31 (RS): k18, BO 12, k18.
Rows 32–34: work each side separately in stockinette.
BO shoulders to match front.
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Seam Bodice and Add Skirt
Seam shoulders. Seam side seams, leaving armholes open. Pick up and knit around the lower edge of bodice (drop-waist line).
With RS facing, pick up 72 sts evenly around the bottom edge. Join to work in the round. pm at side seam.
Rnd 1: k all.
Rnd 2: (k5, kfb) around. (84 sts)
Rnd 3–6: k all.
Create gentle fullness like the photo:
Rnd 7: (k6, kfb) around. (96 sts)
Rnd 8–12: k all.
Eyelet Band
Rnd 13: (k2tog, yo) around. (96 sts)
Rnd 14–16: k all.
Lower Lace and Scalloped Hem
This edging is designed to mimic the airy floral lace feeling in the skirt hem. Keep tension relaxed.
Rnd 17: (k6, yo, k2tog, k6) around.
Rnd 18: k all.
Rnd 19: (k5, yo, k2tog, k7) around.
Rnd 20: k all.
Rnd 21: (k4, yo, k2tog, k8) around.
Rnd 22: k all.
Scallop finish:
Rnd 23: (k3, yo, k2tog, k9) around.
Rnd 24: k all.
Rnd 25: (k2tog, yo, k2) around.
Rnd 26: k all.
BO loosely. Block skirt gently to open lace and soften scallops.
Neckline Trim (optional, for neatness)
Pick up sts around neckline and work 2 rnds of k, then BO loosely. This keeps the bodice edge tidy under the cardigan.
Cardigan (C)
The cardigan in the photo is an open-front, short-sleeve layer with cable texture running vertically. This version uses simple 4-st cables with a rib frame so it lies flat.
Back
CO 44 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k2, p2, k36, p2, k2.
Row 2 (WS): p2, k2, p36, k2, p2.
Set cable panel on RS rows as follows (center 36 sts):
- Work 6 sts seed stitch, 4-st cable, 8 sts seed stitch, 4-st cable, 6 sts seed stitch, 4-st cable, 4 sts seed stitch.
Rows 3–26: keep edge rib (k2, p2) and (p2, k2) each side. Work center with seed stitch and cables.
Cable every 6th RS row:
- On cable rows, cross 2 over 2 to the right: slip 2 to cable needle held back, k2, k2 from cable needle.
Armhole shaping:
Row 27 (RS): BO 3, work to end. (41 sts)
Row 28: BO 3, work to end. (38 sts)
Rows 29–38: work even.
Neck shaping:
Row 39 (RS): BO 6, work to end. (32 sts)
Rows 40–44: work even.
BO remaining 32 sts.
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Left Front
CO 26 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k2, p2, work 22 in pattern (seed + cable accents), ending with k2.
Row 2 (WS): p2, k2, work 22 in pattern, ending with p2.
Work 26 rows, matching the back’s length to the armhole start. Keep the front edge neat and straight.
Armhole:
BO 3 at armhole edge on next RS row, then BO 3 on next WS row. Work even to match back height.
Shoulder/neck:
BO at neckline edge gradually for a soft curve:
- BO 3, then BO 2, then BO 1 on alternate rows.
BO remaining shoulder sts to match back.
Right Front
Work as Left Front, reversing shaping.
Sleeve Caps (short sleeves)
Make 2. CO 28 sts. Work 6 rows in 2×2 rib.
Continue in stockinette for 10 rows.
BO loosely. Seam sleeves into armholes with a gentle curve.
Cardigan Edging
Pick up sts along front opening and neckline. Work 6 rows in 2×2 rib, keeping tension firm so the edge doesn’t flare. BO in rib.
Cloche Hat (C)
This hat is rounded with a short brim, matching the photo’s soft cloche shape.
CO 72 sts. Join in the round. pm.
Rnd 1–6: k1, p1 rib.
Crown shaping begins:
Rnd 7–16: k all.
Decrease to dome:
Rnd 17: (k10, k2tog) around. (66 sts)
Rnd 18: k all.
Rnd 19: (k9, k2tog) around. (60 sts)
Rnd 20: k all.
Rnd 21: (k8, k2tog) around. (54 sts)
Rnd 22: k all.
Rnd 23: (k7, k2tog) around. (48 sts)
Rnd 24: k all.
Rnd 25: (k6, k2tog) around. (42 sts)
Rnd 26: k all.
Rnd 27: (k5, k2tog) around. (36 sts)
Rnd 28: (k4, k2tog) around. (30 sts)
Rnd 29: (k3, k2tog) around. (24 sts)
Rnd 30: (k2, k2tog) around. (18 sts)
Rnd 31: (k1, k2tog) around. (12 sts)
Rnd 32: k2tog around. (6 sts)
Cut yarn, gather, and close. Lightly stuff the top if you want a fuller dome, or leave unstuffed for a softer drape.
Hat Brim (picked up)
With RS facing, pick up 72 sts around the rib edge. Join.
Rnd 1: (k5, kfb) around. (84 sts)
Rnd 2–4: k all.
Rnd 5: (k6, kfb) around. (96 sts)
Rnd 6–10: k all.
BO loosely. Steam lightly so brim curves downward.
Small Bow (B)
CO 10 sts. Knit 18 rows in garter (k every row). BO.
Wrap center tightly with yarn to form a bow shape. Stitch bow to hat side as in the photo.
Crossbody Bag (C)
The bag in the photo is a small flap pouch with a long strap, sized to sit at the bunny’s hip.
Bag Body (flat)
CO 20 sts.
Work in stockinette for 24 rows.
Fold up bottom 10 rows to form pouch. Seam sides.
Flap
With sts remaining at top edge, continue 10 rows in garter for a neat flap. BO.
Optional: sew a tiny snap or button under the flap.
Strap
CO 3 sts. Work i-cord for 26–32 in / 66–81 cm, or to desired length. Sew ends to bag sides so it sits diagonally across the bunny’s body.
Tiny Pocket Detail (optional)
CO 8 sts. Work 10 rows garter. BO. Stitch to the front as a small pocket accent like the photo’s pouch detail.
Booties (C) with Crisscross Straps and Flowers (B)
Bootie (make 2)
CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
Rnd 1–6: k1, p1 rib.
Rnd 7–18: k all.
Shape foot with gentle decreases:
Rnd 19: (k4, k2tog) around. (20 sts)
Rnd 20–22: k all.
Rnd 23: (k3, k2tog) around. (16 sts)
Stuff lightly. Close opening by drawing yarn through sts, or BO and seam shut. Sew bootie onto bunny foot so it hugs the ankle.
Crisscross Strap
CO 4 sts. Knit i-cord for 10–12 in / 25–30 cm.
Wrap around the ankle in an X shape, crossing at the front like the photo. Stitch ends securely at the back/side.
Flower Appliqué (make 4–6)
CO 20 sts. Join in the round using DPNs, or knit flat and seam into a ring.
Rnd 1: (k1, yo) around. (40 loops formed)
Rnd 2: (k2tog) around. (20 sts)
Cut yarn and gather to form a small rosette. Flatten and stitch to straps and boots as shown.
Frog Friend (D)
The frog is a tiny companion with long legs and a simple dress. Make the face cheerful with slightly wide-set eyes like the photo.
Frog Head (D)
CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
Rnd 1: k all.
Rnd 2: kfb all. (24 sts)
Rnd 3: k all.
Rnd 4: (k1, kfb) around. (36 sts)
Rnd 5–10: k all.
Place 6–7 mm safety eyes between Rnds 7–9, about 9–10 sts apart.
Decrease:
Rnd 11: (k4, k2tog) around. (30 sts)
Rnd 12: k all.
Rnd 13: (k3, k2tog) around. (24 sts)
Rnd 14: k all.
Rnd 15: (k2, k2tog) around. (18 sts)
Stuff firmly.
Rnd 16: (k1, k2tog) around. (12 sts)
Rnd 17: k2tog around. (6 sts)
Gather and close.
Frog Body (D)
CO 18 sts. Join.
Rnd 1–4: k all.
Rnd 5: (k2, kfb) around. (24 sts)
Rnd 6–10: k all.
Rnd 11: (k2tog, k2) around. (18 sts)
Rnd 12–14: k all.
Stuff lightly. Close and leave a tail for sewing to head.
Frog Legs (D) make 2
CO 8 sts. Join.
Rnd 1–10: k all.
Stuff lightly at the top only. Flatten and close. Stitch to body so legs angle outward slightly like the photo.
Frog Arms (D) make 2
CO 6 sts. Join.
Rnd 1–8: k all.
Flatten and close. Stitch to sides of body, placing one arm to hold the parasol.
Frog Dress (B)
CO 36 sts. Join in the round.
Rnd 1–4: k all.
Rnd 5: (k2tog, yo) around. (36 sts)
Rnd 6–8: k all.
Skirt flare:
Rnd 9: (k5, kfb) around. (42 sts)
Rnd 10–13: k all.
Lace edge:
Rnd 14: (k3, yo, k2tog, k3) around.
Rnd 15: k all.
BO loosely. Slip onto frog.
Frog Tiny Wrap (C)
CO 18 sts. Work 10 rows garter. BO.
Wrap around shoulders like a mini shawl. Tack with a few stitches so it stays in place.
Frog Mini Hat (C)
CO 36 sts. Join.
Rnd 1–4: k1, p1 rib.
Rnd 5–8: k all.
Rnd 9: (k4, k2tog) around. (30 sts)
Rnd 10: k all.
Rnd 11: (k3, k2tog) around. (24 sts)
Rnd 12: (k2, k2tog) around. (18 sts)
Rnd 13: (k1, k2tog) around. (12 sts)
Rnd 14: k2tog around. (6 sts)
Gather and close. Add a tiny bow (same as hat bow, just 6 sts wide) if desired.
Mini Parasol (C and B)
This parasol is a small knitted canopy with a stem. For a stable pose like the photo, add a wire or pipe cleaner inside the stem.
Canopy (C)
CO 6 sts. Join.
Rnd 1: kfb all. (12 sts)
Rnd 2: k all.
Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) around. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: k all.
Rnd 5: (k2, kfb) around. (24 sts)
Rnd 6: k all.
Rnd 7: (k3, kfb) around. (30 sts)
Rnd 8: k all.
Rnd 9: (k4, kfb) around. (36 sts)
Rnd 10: k all.
Brim:
Rnd 11: (k5, kfb) around. (42 sts)
Rnd 12–13: k all.
BO loosely. Steam so it domes slightly.
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Stem (C)
CO 3 sts. Work i-cord for 4–5 in / 10–13 cm.
If using wire, lay it inside as you knit, or insert afterward and stitch the end closed.
Sew stem to center of canopy underside.
Parasol Bow (B)
Make a tiny bow: CO 6 sts, knit 10 rows garter, BO. Wrap center and stitch to top of canopy.
Knitted Doily Mat (B)
This is the small square mat beside the bunny in the photo.
CO 24 sts.
Work 6 rows garter.
Work 10 rows stockinette (k RS, p WS).
Work 6 rows garter. BO.
Optional scallop edge:
Pick up sts around edge. Work (k1, yo) around, then BO loosely to create a delicate picot look.
Tiny “Bottle” Accessory (C, B, and scrap)
To match the photo’s small bottle, use a tiny bead, button shank, or a small wooden peg as the core, then knit a snug cover and add a stitched label.
Cover (C)
CO 12 sts. Join.
Rnd 1–4: k all.
Insert bead/peg as you go, keeping fabric tight.
Rnd 5: (k2tog, k1) around. (8 sts)
Rnd 6: k all.
Rnd 7: k2tog around. (4 sts)
Gather and close over the top.
For a “cap,” embroider a small rectangle in dark yarn, or stitch on a tiny felt square.
Duplicate stitch a label in cream (B). Keep text impressionistic rather than lettered.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew arms to the bunny’s sides just below the neckline, angling slightly forward so she looks relaxed. Sew ears to the head, placing them low and slightly back so they drape like the photo.
Embroider the nose with black floss as a small inverted triangle. Add a short vertical line down, then a simple “Y” mouth. Keep stitches tight and centered between the eyes.
Sew the tail to the lower back. Dress the bunny: bodice first, then cardigan, then hat. Position the bag strap diagonally across the chest, letting the pouch sit at the hip.
For the frog, sew head to body, then attach arms and legs. Dress the frog, add the wrap, and stitch the parasol to one hand for a stable pose.
Care Notes
- Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap for small marks.
- If deeper cleaning is needed, hand wash garments separately in cool water and lay flat to dry.
- Avoid high heat and machine agitation to preserve shape and lace detail.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Eyes are secure and evenly spaced
- Head is firmly stuffed and smooth
- Arms and ears are symmetrical
- Dress hem is gently blocked for open lace
- Boot straps are stitched so they don’t slip
- Bag strap length sits diagonally like the photo
- Frog parasol is attached firmly for posing
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
For long-term preservation, store the bunny and frog away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Keep them in a breathable cotton bag, not plastic, to avoid trapped moisture.
If displayed, dust gently with a soft brush. For lace edges, reshape lightly by hand after cleaning. Avoid hanging the bag by the strap for long periods, since weight can stretch i-cord over time.
