Heather Cozy-Highland Bunny – Knitting

This knitted bunny set has the look of an heirloom rabbit doll styled for a cozy Highland day. The main doll features a soft taupe beret, olive cardigan, pleated heather skirt, and warm brown lace-up shoes, with tiny companion accessories that make the whole set feel like a premium handmade gift. If readers love browsing for knitted bunny doll ideas, nursery decor, artisan stuffed animals, collectible rabbit dolls, or handmade toy gift inspiration, this design fits beautifully into that world while still feeling warm, practical, and timeless.

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 includes every knitted item shown in the image:

• The large bunny doll
• Beret
• Olive cardigan with sleeve texture
• Pleated skirt with a heather-like floral border
• Brown shoes with laces
• Small shoulder bag
• Tiny book
• Mini teapot
• Lavender bundle
• Small lamb companion with beret and tartan-style skirt effect

The styling in the photo is gentle and realistic, so shaping matters more than speed. Work neatly, keep tension even, and check proportions often. The charm of this set comes from the quiet details: long drooping ears, a rounded face, a short cardigan, a wide softly flared skirt, and carefully placed accessories.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 15 to 16 inches tall from top of beret to feet
• Sitting body length without ears: about 11 inches
• Ears: about 4 3/4 inches long each
• Lamb companion: about 5 inches tall
• Bag: about 2 inches wide
• Book: about 1 1/4 inches tall
• Teapot: about 1 3/4 inches across including spout and handle
• Lavender bundle: about 3 inches long

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm cream for bunny body
• DK weight yarn in muted taupe for beret and skirt
• DK weight yarn in olive green for cardigan
• DK weight yarn in medium warm brown and dark brown for shoes
• Small amounts of dusty lavender and moss green for skirt flowers and lavender stems
• DK weight white or soft ivory for lamb
• Small amounts of taupe, brown, plum, cream, and muted olive for lamb clothing accents
• 2.75 mm needles for most pieces
• 2.5 mm needles for accessories and firmer details
• Set of double-pointed needles or magic loop for small tubes
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Toy stuffing
• Thin cardboard for book covers and bag base if desired
• Small buttons for cardigan front, or knitted imitation buttons if preferred
• Black embroidery thread for eyes and facial outline
• Brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth
• Fine sewing thread for securing tiny accessories

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on 2.75 mm needles after light blocking.

Exact gauge is helpful because the doll must keep the same gentle proportions seen in the image. A fabric that is too loose will not hold the smooth face or rounded limbs. A fabric that is too dense can make the doll stiff and heavy.

Color Notes

• Main bunny body: warm oatmeal cream
• Beret and skirt: light mushroom taupe
• Cardigan: muted mossy olive
• Shoes: chestnut brown with darker sole edge
• Skirt border flowers: dusty lavender with tiny moss hints
• Lavender bundle: several purple tones mixed together
• Lamb body: white or creamy white
• Lamb accessories: earthy plaid-inspired tones

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Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• St = stitch
• Sts = stitches
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• Kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• Ssk = slip, slip, knit
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• Rep = repeat
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• Sl = slip
• Pm = place marker
• Sm = slip marker
• I-cord = narrow knitted cord

Construction Notes

The head and body are worked as separate pieces and sewn together. Arms, legs, and ears are also worked separately. Clothing is made as removable-looking pieces, but for the cleanest display you may lightly tack them in place after dressing the doll.

The face in the image is simple and calm. Keep the eyes small, vertical, and widely spaced. The nose is stitched as a small inverted triangle with a soft line running down into a short split mouth.

The cardigan is slightly cropped, ending just below the waist. The skirt begins high and falls into soft vertical pleat lines. The beret sits low and roomy, covering the crown while leaving the long ears visible beneath it.

Main Bunny: Legs

Legs Make 2

Using dark brown for sole edge and 2.5 mm needles, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: Kfb, K8, Kfb. 12 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Kfb, K10, Kfb. 14 sts.
5. Rows 5 to 9: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.

Change to chestnut brown for upper shoe.

1. Row 10: Knit.
2. Row 11: Purl.
3. Row 12: K2, K2tog, K6, ssk, K2. 12 sts.
4. Row 13: Purl.
5. Row 14: K2, K2tog, K4, ssk, K2. 10 sts.
6. Rows 15 to 18: Stockinette.

The shoe front in the photo looks rounded rather than sharply pointed. Lightly stuff only the toe section now, keeping the back half flat. Seam the sole neatly.

For the ankle and leg, change to cream body yarn and 2.75 mm needles. Pick up or continue with 10 sts.

1. Rows 19 to 34: Stockinette.
2. Row 35: K1, M1R, K8, M1L, K1. 12 sts.
3. Rows 36 to 46: Stockinette.
4. Row 47: K1, M1R, K10, M1L, K1. 14 sts.
5. Rows 48 to 58: Stockinette.

Stuff foot firmly and leg lightly. Flatten top edge and set aside. Do not bind off if using three-needle join into the lower body. Otherwise, leave a long tail and bind off.

Shoe Laces Make 2

Using dark brown, work a very thin I-cord of about 7 inches. Thread across the front of each shoe in two crossed passes and tie a soft bow. The laces in the image are delicate, not bulky, so keep them fine.

Main Bunny: Body

The body is pear-shaped and hidden under the cardigan and skirt, but proper shape keeps the clothing drape correct.

Using cream yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 28 sts. Join only if working in the round. If working flat, seam later. The following instructions are written flat for accessibility.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Stockinette.
2. Row 7: K1, M1R, knit to last stitch, M1L, K1. 30 sts.
3. Rows 8 to 12: Stockinette.
4. Increase in this way every 6th row 5 more times until 40 sts.
5. Rows 43 to 52: Stockinette.

At the lower edge, position the legs 6 stitches apart and join them securely when seaming or while stuffing, so the doll can lie flat and keep the same stance shown in the photo.

Shape waist:

1. Row 53: K2, K2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, K2. 38 sts.
2. Rows 54 to 58: Stockinette.
3. Repeat this decrease row every 6th row 4 more times until 30 sts.

Rows 83 to 96: Stockinette.

Lightly stuff lower body first, then add a little more stuffing at the chest so the cardigan front sits smoothly. The bunny in the image is softly filled, not rigid.

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Main Bunny: Head

The head is large and round, slightly wider than the body top, which gives the doll its childlike look.

Using cream yarn, CO 14 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: Kfb in each stitch. 28 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, Kfb across to last stitch, K1. 40 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: K2, Kfb across to last 2 sts, K2. 52 sts.
7. Rows 7 to 28: Stockinette.

Shape cheeks and lower face softly by using short rows or slightly denser stuffing at the muzzle area. If you prefer a simpler method, embroider the nose after stuffing and gently pull the shaping threads inward to create the central face contour.

Begin decreases:

1. Row 29: K2, K2tog across to last 2 sts, K2. 40 sts.
2. Row 30: Purl.
3. Row 31: K1, K2tog across to last 1 st, K1. 28 sts.
4. Row 32: Purl.
5. Row 33: K2tog across. 14 sts.

Before closing, stuff the head firmly but not hard. Shape the face with your hands so it stays rounded at the forehead and fuller at the cheeks.

Close top. Leave a long tail for sewing to the body. When attaching, tilt the head very slightly forward. In the image, the bunny looks gentle and relaxed rather than upright and formal.

Main Bunny: Ears

Ears Make 2

Each ear is long, flat, and softly tapered, hanging down on either side of the face.

Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Stockinette.
2. Row 5: K1, M1R, knit to last stitch, M1L, K1. 10 sts.
3. Rows 6 to 10: Stockinette.
4. Row 11: K1, M1R, knit to last stitch, M1L, K1. 12 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 34: Stockinette.
6. Row 35: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 10 sts.
7. Rows 36 to 40: Stockinette.
8. Row 41: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 8 sts.
9. Rows 42 to 46: Stockinette.
10. Row 47: K2tog, K4, ssk. 6 sts.
11. Row 48: Purl.
12. Row 49: K2tog, K2, ssk. 4 sts.
13. Bind off.

Make a second matching piece for each ear if you want extra neatness, then seam around edges and lightly fill only the base. For a flatter heirloom look, work each ear as a single piece, fold lengthwise slightly, and mattress stitch the edges to create the gentle inner curve seen in the photo.

Main Bunny: Arms

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim and slightly tapered, ending in rounded cream paws beneath cardigan sleeves.

Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 10: Stockinette.
2. Row 11: K1, M1R, K6, M1L, K1. 10 sts.
3. Rows 12 to 18: Stockinette.
4. Row 19: K1, M1R, K8, M1L, K1. 12 sts.
5. Rows 20 to 34: Stockinette.

Stuff hand end only, then very lightly fill the forearm. Flatten top and leave a long tail for sewing. Attach the arms high on the body so the cardigan sleeves angle gently outward.

Facial Shaping

Mark the eye positions before embroidering. The eyes sit about halfway down the head and are spaced widely, leaving a broad calm forehead.

• Eyes: use black thread and make short vertical satin stitches or tiny almond shapes
• Nose: embroider a small upside-down triangle in brown
• Mouth: bring one line down from the center of the nose, then split into a tiny Y-shape

Pull the nose area inward very slightly to define the muzzle. Do not over-sculpt. The face in the image is soft and minimal.

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Beret

The beret is roomy, slouchy, and sits low over the crown. It is one of the most important styling pieces in the set.

Using taupe yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 72 sts. Join for working in the round if preferred, or work flat and seam invisibly.

1. Rounds 1 to 5: K1, P1 rib.
2. Round 6: Increase evenly to 96 sts.
3. Rounds 7 to 22: Knit.

To create the relaxed puff seen in the photo, increase once more.

1. Round 23: Increase evenly to 108 sts.
2. Rounds 24 to 34: Knit.

Begin crown shaping:

1. Round 35: K10, K2tog around. 99 sts.
2. Round 36: Knit.
3. Round 37: K9, K2tog around. 90 sts.
4. Round 38: Knit.
5. Continue in this manner, reducing one stitch between decreases every other round, until 18 sts remain.
6. K2tog around until 9 sts remain. Thread tail through stitches and close.

Lightly steam and shape into a soft wide beret. The finished hat should not cling tightly. It should spread outward and settle naturally over the ears.

Cardigan

The cardigan is short, mossy olive, and fitted enough to show the shape of the doll without looking tight. The sleeves have a subtle textured motif near the forearm. The front closes with three small buttons.

Back

Using olive yarn, CO 34 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 26: Stockinette.

Armhole shaping:

1. Row 27: BO 2 sts, knit to end.
2. Row 28: BO 2 sts, purl to end. 30 sts.
3. Rows 29 to 40: Stockinette.

Shoulders and neck:

1. Row 41: K8, BO 14, K8.
2. Work each shoulder separately for 2 more rows, then bind off.

Left Front

CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
2. Rows 5 to 26: Stockinette, keeping 3 front edge sts in garter stitch for button band.
3. Row 27: BO 2 sts at armhole edge. 16 sts.
4. Rows 28 to 34: Continue as set.
5. Row 35: Neck edge decrease 1 st.
6. Repeat neck decrease every other row 4 times more.
7. Work to shoulder height and bind off remaining shoulder sts.

Right Front

Work as left front, reversing shaping. Add three buttonholes spaced evenly on the front band. Each buttonhole can be made by K1, YO, K2tog, or by binding off one stitch and casting it back on next row.

Sleeves Make 2

CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 5: K1, P1 rib.
2. Rows 6 to 12: Stockinette.

Texture panel for lower sleeve, inspired by the subtle twisted motif in the image:

1. Row 13 RS: K5, P2, K2, P2, K5.
2. Row 14 WS: P5, K2, P2, K2, P5.
3. Rows 15 to 20: Repeat these two rows.

You may cross the center knit stitches once on Row 21 for a tiny cable-like branch effect if desired, then continue in stockinette.

1. Increase 1 stitch at each side every 8th row until 24 sts.
2. Work until sleeve measures about 4 1/2 inches.
3. Bind off 2 sts at each side once, then decrease 1 stitch at each side every other row 4 times.
4. Bind off remaining stitches.

Sew cardigan together neatly. Add tiny buttons. Dress the bunny and close the cardigan so it meets at the center but opens slightly at the lower hem just like the photo.

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Skirt

The skirt is one of the signature features of this set. It falls in soft vertical pleats and has a narrow floral border near the hem in muted purple and moss tones.

Using taupe yarn, CO 96 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Knit every row for garter hem edge.

Set pleat texture. One easy way to mimic the vertical channeling in the image is this repeating panel:

1. Row 5 RS: K6, P2, repeat across.
2. Row 6 WS: P6, K2, repeat across.
3. Repeat Rows 5 and 6 through Row 36.

This creates quiet recessed columns that read as pleats without making the skirt too stiff.

Floral border section:

1. Rows 37 to 40: Continue pleat pattern, but use dusty lavender to add tiny diagonal dots every 6 to 8 stitches, alternating rows.
2. Rows 41 to 42: Add a few moss green stitches beneath or between lavender dots to suggest stems and leaves.
3. Rows 43 to 46: Return to taupe and work in garter stitch.

Waist shaping:

1. Row 47: K2tog across every 6th and 7th stitch pair until about 78 sts remain.
2. Rows 48 to 52: Continue in stockinette or maintain gentle pleat texture.
3. Row 53: Decrease evenly to 64 sts.
4. Rows 54 to 58: K1, P1 rib.
5. Bind off loosely.

Seam the skirt and place it high on the bunny waist. The hem should reach the tops of the shoes, leaving the feet visible. The skirt in the image is full but not exaggerated, so avoid excessive gathering.

Shoulder Bag

The bag is small, square, and rustic, knitted in brown with a long strap.

Using brown yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 16: Work in seed stitch or very tight stockinette if you prefer a smoother bag.
2. Rows 17 to 26: Continue for front flap in garter stitch.
3. Bind off.

Fold lower section upward to form the pouch, leaving flap free. Sew side seams. For the slight firmness in the image, insert a tiny rectangle of felt or cardboard before closing if desired.

Strap: make an I-cord about 12 inches long and sew securely to both upper side edges. Add one tiny stitch on flap center to suggest a clasp.

Tiny Book

The book is cream and compact, with a darker center mark on the cover.

Using cream yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 10: Garter stitch.
2. Bind off.

Make two identical rectangles. Place a tiny folded scrap of felt, batting, or cardstock between them and seam around three sides. On the front, embroider one tiny dark dot or short line for the minimalist detail visible in the image.

Mini Teapot

The pale blue teapot is rounded and soft, with a short spout, curved handle, and circular lid top.

Using pale blue yarn and 2.5 mm needles, begin with 6 sts on double-pointed needles.

1. Round 1: Knit.
2. Round 2: Increase in each stitch. 12 sts.
3. Round 3: Knit.
4. Round 4: Increase evenly to 18 sts.
5. Rounds 5 to 8: Knit.
6. Round 9: K2tog evenly to 12 sts.
7. Round 10: Knit.

Stuff lightly and close.

Spout: CO 3 sts and work 6 tiny rows in stockinette, increasing once at the base end. Roll and stitch into a cone. Sew to body.

Handle: make a 1-stitch I-cord about 1 1/2 inches long. Curve and sew opposite the spout.

Lid top: make a tiny knitted circle or wrapped nub and sew on top center.

Lavender Bundle

The lavender stems are gathered naturally rather than arranged in a stiff bouquet.

Make 7 to 9 stems total.

Stem for each piece: with moss green, make a thin I-cord about 2 1/2 inches long.

Flower head for each piece: with lavender or plum tones, CO 3 sts and work 4 to 6 rows in tight seed stitch or tiny bobble-like wraps, then bind off. Sew to stem tip.

Mix a few purple shades so the bundle looks more realistic. Tie all stems together with matching yarn and trim evenly.

Mini Lamb Companion

The companion toy is small, white, and dressed in a tiny tartan-style outfit with a miniature beret. It should feel simple and sweet, not overly detailed.

Lamb Body

Using ivory or white yarn, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: Kfb across. 20 sts.
3. Rows 3 to 12: Stockinette.
4. Row 13: K2tog across. 10 sts.
5. Rows 14 to 20: Stockinette.

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Seam and stuff into a soft oval body.

Lamb Head

Using white, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: Kfb across. 16 sts.
3. Rows 3 to 10: Stockinette.
4. Row 11: K2tog across. 8 sts.

Stuff lightly and close. Embroider tiny black eyes and a small nose-mouth similar to the main bunny but finer.

Lamb Ears Make 2

CO 4 sts in white.

1. Rows 1 to 5: Stockinette.
2. Row 6: K2tog, K2tog. 2 sts.
3. Bind off.

Sew to head sides.

Lamb Arms and Legs

Make 4 narrow tubes using white yarn, CO 4 sts, work 10 to 14 rows in stockinette, lightly stuff, and attach. Keep the legs a little longer than the arms so the proportions match the image.

Lamb Skirt

The image shows a small tartan-style skirt. Since intricate plaid knitting at this scale is impractical, mimic the look with striped color blocks and a woven overlay if desired.

Using brown, plum, cream, and muted olive, CO 20 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 2: Brown.
2. Rows 3 to 4: Plum.
3. Rows 5 to 6: Cream.
4. Rows 7 to 8: Brown.
5. Rows 9 to 10: Olive.
6. Rows 11 to 12: Brown.

Join into a tiny skirt and gather at waist. If you want a stronger plaid illusion, duplicate stitch a couple of vertical lines after finishing.

Lamb Beret

Using brown-plum tones, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 3: K1, P1 rib.
2. Row 4: Increase evenly to 32 sts.
3. Rows 5 to 8: Knit.
4. Row 9: K2tog evenly to 24 sts.
5. Row 10: Knit.
6. Row 11: K2tog evenly to 12 sts.
7. Draw closed.

Shape into a tiny soft cap and place slightly to one side.

Dressing and Positioning

Dress the bunny in this order for the easiest finish:

1. Attach head to body
2. Sew ears in place
3. Attach arms
4. Dress with skirt
5. Add cardigan and close with buttons
6. Put on beret
7. Lace shoes if not already finished
8. Place accessories beside the doll or lightly tack them for display photography

The cardigan sleeves should end above the paws. The skirt should sit under the cardigan hem. The beret should rest low enough that the bunny looks bundled and cozy, but not so low that it covers the eyes.

Styling Details That Match the Image

• Keep the bunny body soft and rounded, never stiff
• Use long drooping ears placed slightly behind the face
• Make the face minimal, with no visible blush or heavy mouth lines
• Choose muted earthy colors instead of bright tones
• Keep the cardigan fitted and short
• Make the skirt wider at the hem than at the waist
• Use tiny accessories for a collected, storybook look
• Let the lamb remain simple so the main bunny stays the focus

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew all seams neatly and hide tails inside the pieces. Attach the head with strong stitches and check that it sits centered above the body. Add the ears after the beret has been tested once, so you can confirm the final placement.

For the face, keep the eyes tiny and calm. Embroider the nose first, then the short mouth line. If needed, add one or two hidden sculpting stitches from the back of the head into the muzzle area for a softer rounded face.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If deeper cleaning is needed, wash gently by hand in cool water with a mild wool-safe soap. Press out water with a towel and reshape all parts before drying flat.

Do not hang to dry, and do not use high heat. Keep the doll away from rough handling if it is displayed with tiny accessories.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is round and centered
• Ears hang evenly
• Eyes are level
• Nose is centered
• Cardigan closes neatly
• Skirt hem falls evenly
• Shoe laces are secure
• Beret sits low and soft
• Accessories match the scale of the doll
• All yarn tails are hidden

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the bunny and accessories in a clean dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If displaying for long periods, dust lightly with a soft brush. Keep the lavender bundle and lamb hat away from moisture, as small shaped pieces can lose form faster than the main doll.

For long-term preservation, wrap the doll in acid-free tissue and place it in a breathable cotton bag or box. Avoid sealed plastic for extended storage, especially in humid rooms. Check once in a while to reshape the beret, ears, and skirt pleats so the set keeps its original look.