If you love making heirloom-style toys and you’re ready to buy quality DK yarn, choose the best stuffing for knitted toys, and use 4-ply/US 3–5 needles that keep your tension even, this project is for you.
This sweet bunny wears a mod shift dress with a bold pansy motif, a cozy cardigan with colorwork sleeves, and a soft beret topped with a pom-pom.
You’ll also knit the tiny accessories that make the scene feel alive: a mini camera, a tote-style bag, and a small companion bear with its own outfit.
The directions are written for careful finishing, so the finished doll sits neatly and looks polished from every angle.
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 project creates a seated knit bunny with long floppy ears, a simple embroidered face, and a complete wardrobe.
The look is clean and “tailored,” with smooth stockinette fabric and crisp edges.
Most parts are worked flat and seamed, which helps keep the shapes stable and beginner-friendly.
Finished Size
- Main bunny: about 15–17 in (38–43 cm) tall from head to toe when seated, depending on yarn and stuffing.
- Companion bear: about 5–6 in (13–15 cm) tall.
- Bag: about 3.5 in wide x 3 in tall (9 x 7.5 cm).
Materials
- Yarn (DK / light worsted): Main bunny in warm beige/tan (approx 220–280 yd).
- Dress yarn: Mint/aqua (approx 120–160 yd) and soft pink (approx 40–60 yd).
- Cardigan yarn: Pale lavender (approx 80–120 yd), plus small scraps of purple and buttery yellow for sleeve motifs.
- Beret yarn: Soft pink (approx 40–60 yd) and a tiny amount of pale gray for brim.
- Shoes/socks: Pale lavender and soft pink scraps.
- Bag: Soft pink scraps plus purple/yellow for small flower patch.
- Bear: Light beige scraps, plus mint, lavender, and pink for outfit.
- Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) and US 4 (3.5 mm) straight needles (or sizes to meet gauge).
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn holders, small scissors, pins.
- Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill (firm, smooth toy stuffing recommended).
- Optional weight: Poly pellets in a small fabric pouch for a stable seated body.
- Eyes: 8–10 mm black safety eyes, or black embroidery (sample uses stitched eyes).
- Camera details: Tiny button or bead for lens (or knit lens circle), thin black cord for strap.
Yarn + Needle Tips
For a toy, you want a firm fabric that won’t show stuffing.
If you plan to buy interchangeable needles, choose tips that feel smooth and a cable that doesn’t kink, especially for small circumferences.
Many knitters get the cleanest toy fabric by going one needle size smaller than they would for garments.
Gauge
In stockinette stitch, using smaller needle (US 3):
- 26–28 sts and 34–38 rows = 4 in (10 cm), after gentle smoothing (do not aggressively block).
Exact gauge is less important than a tight, even fabric.
Abbreviations
- k knit
- p purl
- st(s) stitch(es)
- RS/WS right side / wrong side
- k2tog knit 2 together
- ssk slip, slip, knit
- inc increase (kfb unless noted)
- kfb knit front and back of same st
- BO bind off
- CO cast on
General Notes
- Work pieces flat unless stated.
- Use mattress stitch for smooth seams.
- Stuff firmly a little at a time, shaping as you go.
- Keep seam allowances neat so the clothes fit cleanly.
- For color motifs, you may use intarsia or duplicate stitch after knitting.
Main Bunny
Head (worked flat)
Use beige/tan and smaller needle.
CO 32 sts.
Knit 4 rows in garter (k every row).
Begin stockinette: Row 1 (RS) k. Row 2 (WS) p. Repeat these 2 rows for 30 rows total of stockinette.
Shape top:
Row 31 (RS): k2, k2tog, k24, ssk, k2. (30)
Row 32: p.
Row 33: k2, k2tog, k22, ssk, k2. (28)
Row 34: p.
Row 35: k2, k2tog, k20, ssk, k2. (26)
Row 36: p.
Row 37: k2, k2tog, k18, ssk, k2. (24)
Row 38: p.
Row 39: k2, k2tog, k16, ssk, k2. (22)
Row 40: p.
Row 41: k2, k2tog, k14, ssk, k2. (20)
Row 42: p.
Row 43: k2, k2tog, k12, ssk, k2. (18)
Row 44: p.
Row 45: k2, k2tog, k10, ssk, k2. (16)
Row 46: p.
Row 47: k2, k2tog, k8, ssk, k2. (14)
Row 48: p.
Row 49: k2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2. (12)
Row 50: p.
Row 51: k2, k2tog, k4, ssk, k2. (10)
Row 52: p.
Row 53: k2, k2tog, k2, ssk, k2. (8)
Row 54: p.
Row 55: k1, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1. (6)
Row 56: p.
Row 57: k1, k2tog, ssk, k1. (4)
Row 58: p.
Row 59: k2tog, k2tog. (2)
Cut yarn, thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight.
Head seam: Fold head piece in half, RS out.
Seam from garter edge up to the crown, leaving a small opening to stuff.
Turn inside out, stuff firmly, then close opening neatly.
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Ears (make 2)
Use beige/tan and smaller needle.
CO 14 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter.
Work stockinette for 22 rows.
Taper ear tip:
Row 27 (RS): k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1. (12)
Row 28: p.
Row 29: k1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. (10)
Row 30: p.
Row 31: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1. (8)
Row 32: p.
Row 33: k1, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1. (6)
Row 34: p.
Row 35: k2tog, k2, k2tog. (4)
Row 36: p.
Row 37: k2tog, k2tog. (2)
Cut yarn, thread through 2 sts, pull tight.
Fold each ear lengthwise, seam along long edge, leaving base open.
Lightly stuff only the bottom 1/3 so ears stay floppy like the photo.
Body (torso and hips, worked flat)
Use beige/tan and smaller needle.
CO 34 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter for a stable bottom edge.
Work stockinette for 38 rows.
Shape shoulders:
Row 43 (RS): k2, k2tog, k26, ssk, k2. (32)
Row 44: p.
Row 45: k2, k2tog, k24, ssk, k2. (30)
Row 46: p.
Row 47: k2, k2tog, k22, ssk, k2. (28)
Row 48: p.
Work 10 more rows stockinette (rows 49–58).
BO all sts loosely.
Seam + stuffing: Fold body piece in half, seam sides.
Leave top open for neck seam and leave a small opening at one side for stuffing if needed.
Add optional weight pouch to bottom, then stuff firmly.
Close any openings with neat mattress stitch.
Arms (make 2)
Use beige/tan and smaller needle.
CO 14 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter.
Work 26 rows stockinette.
Hand shaping:
Row 31 (RS): k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1. (12)
Row 32: p.
Row 33: k1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. (10)
Row 34: p.
Row 35: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1. (8)
Row 36: p.
Row 37: k2tog, k4, k2tog. (6)
Row 38: p.
Row 39: k2tog, k2, k2tog. (4)
Row 40: p.
Row 41: k2tog, k2tog. (2)
Cut yarn, thread through remaining 2 sts, pull tight.
Seam long edge, leaving top open.
Stuff lightly, keeping wrists and hands smooth.
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Legs (make 2)
Use beige/tan and smaller needle.
CO 16 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter.
Work 34 rows stockinette.
Foot shaping:
Row 39 (RS): k1, inc, k12, inc, k1. (18)
Row 40: p.
Row 41: k1, inc, k14, inc, k1. (20)
Row 42: p.
Work 8 more rows stockinette (rows 43–50).
Toe decrease:
Row 51 (RS): k2, k2tog, k12, ssk, k2. (18)
Row 52: p.
Row 53: k2, k2tog, k10, ssk, k2. (16)
Row 54: p.
Row 55: k2, k2tog, k8, ssk, k2. (14)
Row 56: p.
Row 57: k2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2. (12)
Row 58: p.
Row 59: k2, k2tog, k4, ssk, k2. (10)
Row 60: p.
BO all sts.
Seam long edge and across toe, shaping foot into a rounded slipper-like form.
Stuff firmly through top opening, then close top with a flat seam.
Outfit: Mod Shift Dress
Dress Body (mint)
Use mint/aqua and slightly larger needle (US 4) for a softer drape.
CO 44 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter for hem.
Work stockinette for 42 rows.
Underarm shaping:
Next RS: BO 3 sts, k to end. (41)
Next WS: BO 3 sts, p to end. (38)
Work 10 rows straight in stockinette.
Neck and shoulders:
Next RS: k12, BO 14, k12. (12 sts each shoulder)
Work left shoulder 6 rows stockinette, then BO.
Rejoin yarn for right shoulder, work 6 rows, then BO.
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Dress Yoke (pink)
This creates the soft pink band at the top, like the photo’s neckline panel.
With pink, pick up and knit 38 sts evenly along top of dress (including both shoulders and neckline edge).
Knit 2 rows garter.
Work 8 rows stockinette.
Knit 2 rows garter.
BO loosely.
Pansy Motif (center front)
The photo shows a pansy-like flower with purple petals and a yellow center, sitting on the mint dress.
You can do this two ways:
- Duplicate stitch: Knit dress plain, then stitch the pansy on top with purple and yellow yarn.
- Intarsia block: Work the motif while knitting the mint dress front panel.
Recommended for clean results: Duplicate stitch.
Place the motif centered about 10–12 rows below the pink yoke.
Duplicate stitch chart guidance (approx 15 sts wide x 13 rows tall):
- Use purple for three rounded top petals and two side petals, leaving small mint gaps to show separation.
- Use yellow for a rounded heart-like center with a tiny purple “dash” at the center bottom.
Work the stitches smoothly and keep tension even so the flower sits flat.
Weave in ends on the WS, knotting is not necessary if you weave securely through the fabric.
Dress Seam
Seam back of dress from hem to top edge.
Leave an opening of about 4–5 in (10–13 cm) at the upper back for dressing.
Add a simple closure with small snaps or a short strand of yarn tied in a bow.
Outfit: Cardigan
Back (lavender)
Use lavender and US 4.
CO 34 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter.
Work 22 rows stockinette.
Armholes:
Next RS: BO 3, k to end. (31)
Next WS: BO 3, p to end. (28)
Work 12 rows stockinette.
BO all sts.
Front Left
CO 18 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter.
Work 22 rows stockinette.
Armhole:
Next RS: BO 3, k to end. (15)
Work 12 rows stockinette.
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Neck shaping:
Next RS: k to last 3, k2tog, k1. (14)
Next WS: p.
Repeat these 2 rows 3 times more. (11)
Work 4 rows straight.
BO all sts.
Front Right
Work as Front Left, reversing shaping.
For neck decreases, do: k1, ssk, k to end on RS rows.
Sleeves (make 2)
Use lavender and US 4.
CO 18 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter.
Work 10 rows stockinette.
Increase for gentle puff:
Next RS: k1, inc, k14, inc, k1. (20)
WS: p.
Work 8 rows stockinette.
Next RS: k1, inc, k16, inc, k1. (22)
WS: p.
Work 8 rows stockinette.
BO all sts.
Colorwork Sleeve Motifs
The photo shows small repeating diamond/flower-like motifs in purple and yellow on each sleeve.
To match that look, add two horizontal motif bands on each sleeve.
- Band placement: Center the first band about 6 rows above the cuff garter, and the second band about 8 rows above the first.
- Method: Duplicate stitch the motifs using purple and yellow scraps.
Each band can be 3–4 motifs across the visible sleeve width.
Keep motifs small (about 3 sts wide each) so they read as “sprinkles” like the photo.
Cardigan Assembly
Seam shoulders of cardigan.
Set in sleeves, matching center of sleeve to shoulder seam.
Seam side and sleeve seams in one continuous line.
Front edging: With lavender, pick up stitches along one front edge, around neckline, and down the other front edge.
Knit 3 rows garter, then BO loosely.
Optional closure: Add a tiny snap at chest height, or stitch a small loop and sew on a bead/button.
Outfit: Beret with Pom-Pom
Beret Crown (pink)
Use pink and US 4.
CO 60 sts.
Join in the round if you prefer, or work flat and seam.
Work 8 rounds/rows of stockinette.
Increase to create beret slouch:
Next round/RS: (k5, inc) repeat to end. (70)
Work 6 rounds/rows stockinette.
Next round/RS: (k6, inc) repeat to end. (80)
Work 10 rounds/rows stockinette.
Decrease back to head size:
Next round/RS: (k6, k2tog) repeat to end. (70)
Work 2 rounds/rows stockinette.
Next round/RS: (k5, k2tog) repeat to end. (60)
Work 2 rounds/rows stockinette.
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Brim (gray)
Switch to pale gray and smaller needle (US 3) for a snug brim.
Knit 6 rounds/rows in 1×1 rib (k1, p1).
BO in rib loosely.
If worked flat, seam beret back seam neatly.
Pom-Pom (pale blue/gray)
The photo shows a soft pom-pom in a pale, cool shade.
Make a small pom-pom about 1.25 in (3 cm) diameter.
Attach securely at the crown center with multiple passes of yarn.
Beret Flower Patch
Add the small pansy patch on the side, like the photo.
- Option A: Knit a tiny circle in yellow, then add purple petals using duplicate stitch.
- Option B: Use a small felt flower and sew it on with matching thread.
For an all-knit look, choose Option A and sew patch with invisible stitches.
Outfit: Socks and Shoes
Socks (pink)
Use pink and US 3.
CO 22 sts.
Work 6 rows in 1×1 rib.
Work 10 rows stockinette.
BO.
Seam into tubes and slide onto legs.
Shoes (lavender)
Use lavender and US 3 for a firm shoe fabric.
CO 24 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter.
Work 10 rows stockinette.
Shape toe:
Next RS: k2, k2tog, k16, ssk, k2. (22)
WS: p.
Next RS: k2, k2tog, k14, ssk, k2. (20)
WS: p.
Work 6 rows stockinette.
BO.
Seam shoe into a rounded slip-on.
Fit over socked foot and tack in place with a few hidden stitches.
Bag with Flower Patch
Bag Body (pink)
Use pink and US 4.
CO 26 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter.
Work 18 rows stockinette.
Knit 4 rows garter.
BO.
Fold piece in half, seam sides and bottom.
Turn RS out.
Bag Strap
CO 4 sts.
Knit every row (garter) until strap is about 10–12 in (25–30 cm).
BO.
Sew strap ends to inside top corners of bag.
Flower Patch for Bag
Create a small pansy patch similar to the beret patch.
Sew it to the front of the bag, slightly off-center like the photo.
Keep stitches tiny so the patch sits flush and looks “appliquéd,” not bulky.
Mini Camera (Bag Camera + Tiny Bear Camera)
Camera Body (black/charcoal)
Use black or charcoal and US 3.
CO 18 sts.
Knit 2 rows garter.
Work 8 rows stockinette.
Knit 2 rows garter.
BO.
Fold into a small rectangle box shape.
Seam sides to form a shallow pouch-like camera body.
Add a pinch of stuffing for structure, then close.
Lens
With gray or silver, CO 10 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter, BO.
Roll into a tiny tube and stitch onto the camera front.
Add a small blue stitch circle at the center for “glass,” like the photo.
Buttons + Strap
Add tiny white/gray stitches at the top as buttons.
For a strap, use thin black cord or a twisted yarn strand.
Attach strap corners to camera sides with secure stitches.
Companion Bear
Bear Head
Use light beige and US 3.
CO 18 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter.
Work 18 rows stockinette.
Top shaping:
RS: k1, k2tog, k12, ssk, k1. (16)
WS: p.
RS: k1, k2tog, k10, ssk, k1. (14)
WS: p.
RS: k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1. (12)
WS: p.
RS: k1, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. (10)
WS: p.
RS: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1. (8)
WS: p.
RS: k2tog, k4, k2tog. (6)
WS: p.
RS: k2tog, k2, k2tog. (4)
WS: p.
RS: k2tog, k2tog. (2)
Pull tight, seam, stuff, close.
Bear Ears (make 2)
CO 6 sts.
Knit 6 rows garter.
BO.
Fold each into a small half-moon and stitch to top sides of head.
Bear Body
CO 16 sts.
Knit 4 rows garter.
Work 20 rows stockinette.
BO.
Seam, stuff firmly, close top.
Bear Arms (make 2)
CO 8 sts.
Knit 2 rows garter.
Work 10 rows stockinette.
BO.
Seam, lightly stuff, attach to body.
Bear Legs (make 2)
CO 8 sts.
Knit 2 rows garter.
Work 12 rows stockinette.
BO.
Seam, stuff, attach so bear can stand or sit.
Bear Outfit
The bear wears a tiny mint dress and a lavender jacket to match the bunny’s palette.
Mini dress: CO 18 in mint, knit 2 garter rows, work 14 stockinette rows, BO.
Seam back, leave a small top opening.
Mini jacket: CO 18 in lavender, knit 2 garter rows, work 10 stockinette rows, BO, seam at sides.
Bear Beret
CO 24 in pink, work 6 stockinette rows.
Increase evenly by 4 sts on next RS (28).
Work 6 rows, then decrease evenly by 4 sts (24).
Add 4 rows in gray rib, BO.
Seam and add a tiny pom-pom if desired.
Bear Camera
Make a smaller version of the camera body using:
- CO 12 sts, knit 2 garter rows, work 6 stockinette rows, knit 2 garter rows, BO.
Form into a tiny rectangle, add a small lens circle, and stitch a thin strap across the bear’s body.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Attach head: Center head on body top and stitch firmly all around with strong yarn.
Make several passes to prevent wobble, keeping the chin slightly forward like the photo’s gentle posture.
Attach ears: Place ears low on the head sides so they drape down past the shoulders.
Stitch the ear bases flat, then add one anchoring stitch mid-ear if you want a controlled fold.
Face: Use black embroidery for two small oval eyes, spaced about 10–12 sts apart across the face.
Stitch a small vertical nose line, then a soft “Y” mouth with short curves.
Keep expression calm and minimal, matching the clean look in the image.
Care Notes
- Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Air dry fully; avoid heat and direct sun for long periods.
- If clothes wrinkle, gently steam from a distance and smooth by hand.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- All seams tight and smooth, no stuffing showing through.
- Head attached securely with multiple passes.
- Ears positioned evenly and draping similarly.
- Dress opening closes neatly at upper back.
- Cardigan edging lies flat without rippling.
- Bag strap strong, camera strap attached securely.
- Motifs centered: pansy on dress front and flower patch on bag/beret.
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
For long-term display, keep the doll in a clean, dry area away from humidity.
If storing, wrap in acid-free tissue and place in a breathable cotton bag.
Avoid plastic bags for long storage, as trapped moisture can affect fibers and stuffing.
Check yearly for dust, and gently brush with a soft makeup brush to maintain the knit texture.
