Lavender Meadow Bunny – Knitting

This knitted bunny set is designed to recreate the charming meadow scene in soft cream, lavender, and pale green. The finished piece looks like a collectible rabbit doll with heirloom toy appeal, perfect for nursery decor, spring shelf styling, Easter display, baby shower gifting, or anyone searching for a handmade bunny doll with coordinated accessories. The set includes the rabbit, lavender dress, cropped cardigan, cloche hat, shoes, pastel basket, tiny sweets, folded cloth, lavender stems, and a dressed little mouse companion. Every section below is written to help you build the full display with a polished, boutique finish.

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

Materials

• Main bunny color: sport or light DK weight yarn in warm cream
• Lavender shades: pale lavender, medium lavender, and soft violet
• Leaf color: pale sage green
• Basket colors: pastel pink, pale yellow, mint, baby blue, and cream
• Mouse colors: taupe, dusty rose, cream, sage green, and a touch of lavender
• Needles: US 2 and US 3 double-pointed needles or preferred needles for small circumference knitting
• Optional: short circular needle in US 2 or US 3 for larger pieces
• Polyester stuffing: firm but soft
• Tapestry needle
• Locking stitch markers
• Black embroidery thread for eyes
• Brown or deep taupe embroidery thread for nose and mouth
• Thin floral wire: optional for lavender stems and mouse posture
• Small buttons or snaps: optional, though this version uses hidden stitched closures

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge is not critical for the decorative accessories, but it matters for the rabbit and clothing proportions. Aim for a dense fabric so the stuffing does not show through.

• Gauge on US 2: approximately 8.5 stitches and 11 rows per 1 inch in stockinette
• Gauge on US 3: approximately 7.5 stitches and 10 rows per 1 inch in stockinette
• Finished bunny height: about 11 to 12 inches from feet to top of head, not including hat
• Finished hat diameter: wide enough to create a soft cloche brim that shades the face
• Mouse height: about 3 inches

Construction Overview

The bunny is worked in separate pieces and sewn together for precise shaping. Legs are made first, then joined into the body. The head is knitted separately to keep the face round and smooth. Long ears are attached beneath the hat line so they hang down softly at each side.

The dress is a separate garment with a gently flared skirt and vertical lavender motifs. The cardigan is short, cream, and open at the front, with elongated lavender stitches and small green leaf accents around the yoke. The hat is a rounded cloche with a shallow crown, broad downward brim, and a lavender flower.

The accessories are part of the charm of the image, so they are included here in full: a striped pastel basket, three macarons, a folded cloth, lavender stems, and a tiny dressed mouse with its own miniature hat.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• m1 = make 1
• p = purl
• pm = place marker
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• WS = wrong side

Special Design Notes

The rabbit in the image has a rounded head, slightly narrow muzzle, long drop ears, small tapered arms, short sturdy legs, and a softly pear-shaped body hidden beneath the dress. Keep the stuffing even. Do not overfill the face or the nose will look pushed forward.

The clothing should sit neatly, not tightly. The cardigan must stop above the dress waist and remain open in front. The hat brim needs enough softness to curve downward. If your yarn is stiff, work the brim on a slightly larger needle.

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Bunny Legs Make 2

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 10 sts. Divide onto needles and join for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Inc 1 at beginning and end of rnd. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 3 to 8: Knit.
4. Rnd 9: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. 14 sts.
5. Rnds 10 to 16: Knit.
6. Rnd 17: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 12 sts.
7. Rnds 18 to 22: Knit.
8. Lightly stuff foot and lower leg only.
9. Rnd 23: K2tog around. 6 sts.

Break yarn on first leg and place aside. Make second leg the same, but do not break yarn.

Body

With second leg still attached, knit across its 6 sts, CO 4 sts for the crotch bridge, knit across 6 sts of first leg, CO 4 sts. You now have 20 sts. Arrange markers at side positions if desired.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: K all sts, picking up loops neatly at joins.
3. Rnd 3: K1, m1, knit to marker, m1, k1, repeat for second half. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 4 to 7: Knit.
5. Rnd 8: K2, m1, knit to 2 sts before side, m1, k2, repeat. 28 sts.
6. Rnds 9 to 14: Knit.
7. Rnd 15: K3, m1, knit to 3 sts before side, m1, k3, repeat. 32 sts.
8. Rnds 16 to 24: Knit.

This creates the lower body with enough width to support the flared skirt. The rabbit itself remains slim, but it needs enough volume beneath the dress to stand smoothly.

1. Rnd 25: K every st.
2. Rnd 26: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts of first half, ssk, repeat. 28 sts.
3. Rnds 27 to 30: Knit.
4. Rnd 31: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts of first half, ssk, repeat. 24 sts.
5. Rnds 32 to 35: Knit.
6. Rnd 36: K1, k2tog, knit to 3 sts before side, ssk, k1, repeat. 20 sts.
7. Rnds 37 to 41: Knit.

Stuff the body firmly, shaping the hips slightly wider than the upper torso. The top should be narrower where the arms attach.

1. Rnd 42: K2tog around. 10 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure. This top opening will sit inside the dress and beneath the head, so finish it smoothly.

Head

Using cream, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly and join.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb into every st. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, m1 around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, m1 around. 48 sts.
7. Rnds 7 to 18: Knit.

The head should look very round with a soft vertical knit texture. This smooth stockinette surface is important because the face in the image is calm and minimal, not heavily sculpted.

1. Rnd 19: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
2. Rnd 20: Knit.
3. Rnd 21: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 22: Knit.
5. Rnd 23: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 24: Knit.

Begin stuffing. Form a broad forehead, rounded cheeks, and a small lower muzzle area. Add extra stuffing in the upper sides so the head does not collapse beneath the hat.

1. Rnd 25: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 26: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 27: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 28: K2tog around. 6 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, draw tight, and fasten securely.

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Muzzle Shaping

Thread cream yarn and make a horizontal stitch path across the lower center face, about 7 rows up from the neck edge. Pull gently to create a slight inward muzzle definition. This should be subtle. The image shows a very soft, plush snout, not a sharply pinched one.

Ears Make 2

Using cream, CO 12 sts flat.

1. Rows 1 and 2: Knit.
2. Row 3: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. 14 sts.
3. Rows 4 to 6: Knit.
4. Row 7: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. 16 sts.
5. Rows 8 to 26: Stockinette, beginning with a knit row.

The ears should be long, smooth, and slightly wider at the base than near the tip. The image shows ears that drape downward from beneath the hat, reaching to shoulder level.

1. Row 27: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
2. Row 28: Purl.
3. Rep Rows 27 and 28 until 8 sts remain.
4. Next row: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
5. Purl 1 row.
6. Next row: K1, sl1-k2tog-psso, k1. 4 sts.
7. Next row: Purl.
8. Next row: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
9. BO.

Make a second matching ear. Fold the base slightly before sewing so each ear falls forward and down.

Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnds 1 to 10: Knit.
2. Rnd 11: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 6 sts.
3. Rnds 12 to 18: Knit.

Stuff lightly at the hand end only. Flatten the upper opening and sew closed. Leave a long tail for attachment. The arms should angle slightly downward and inward, matching the relaxed pose in the image.

Tail

Using cream, CO 6 sts. Join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb all around. 12 sts.
2. Rnds 2 and 3: Knit.
3. Rnd 4: K2tog around. 6 sts.

Add a tiny bit of stuffing, pull closed, and attach to lower back. Keep the tail small because it sits beneath the dress.

Joining the Bunny

Sew head to body with the face centered over the legs. Sew arms at each side, just below the neck seam. Attach ears high on the head, but slightly back from the face so they hang neatly under the hat brim.

Check balance before securing all seams. The bunny should stand with help from the firm feet and the gentle support of the skirt, but it is still a soft decorative doll rather than a rigid standing figure.

Dress

The dress is worked from the bottom up. It has a cream base with vertical lavender cluster motifs and small green accents near the waist. The skirt flares softly and falls to the ankle.

Using cream and US 3 needles, CO 120 sts. Join carefully without twisting.

1. Rnds 1 to 6: Knit every rnd for garter effect by alternating one knit rnd and one purl rnd if working in the round is your preference. If you want a cleaner edge, work 6 rnds in seed stitch instead.
2. Rnd 7: Knit.
3. Rnd 8: *K8, k2tog; rep from * around. 108 sts.
4. Rnds 9 to 14: Knit.

Now begin lavender motif columns. Use duplicate stitch after the dress is finished for the most accurate look. This gives fuller floral drapes that resemble lavender hanging down from stems.

Continue in stockinette until skirt length measures about 4 inches. At evenly spaced points around the skirt, mark 8 motif columns. Each motif should look like a vertical spray made from small clustered blossoms worked in pale and medium lavender duplicate stitches.

At the upper part of each spray, add a few tiny sage green stitches to suggest stems. Let the floral trails widen slightly at the top and taper downward. The image shows the sprays hanging from near the waist toward the hem, with the center front motifs being especially visible.

1. Next shaping rnd: *K16, k2tog; rep from * around. 102 sts.
2. Knit 4 rnds.
3. Next shaping rnd: *K15, k2tog; rep from * around. 96 sts.
4. Knit 4 rnds.
5. Next shaping rnd: *K14, k2tog; rep from * around. 90 sts.
6. Knit 4 rnds.
7. Next shaping rnd: *K13, k2tog; rep from * around. 84 sts.

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Work even until the skirt reaches just under the bunny’s arms. BO 4 sts at center front for opening if preferred, or continue in the round and add the opening later with a back seam. For the neatest display, keep the opening at the back.

Work upper bodice in cream for 10 more rnds. BO loosely. Fold the top edge inward and stitch down for a clean facing if needed.

Dress Finishing

Embroider or duplicate stitch the lavender sprays using three tones of purple. Use the lightest shade at blossom tips and medium shade near the centers. Add a few deeper violet knots in the densest blossom areas. This layered embroidery creates the textured floral effect visible in the image.

Cardigan

The cardigan is cropped, cream, and open in front. The yoke carries elongated lavender motifs that drop from the neckline, with tiny green leaf shapes above them. Work flat from the lower edge upward.

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 44 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Knit every row.
2. Row 7 RS: K4, place marker, k14, place marker, k8, place marker, k14, place marker, k4.

These sections create front, sleeve, back, sleeve, front placement for a raglan-style yoke, but the piece remains sewn at the underarms for control over the fit.

1. Rows 8 to 18: Continue in stockinette with 4 garter border sts at each front edge. Increase 1 st on each side of every marker on every RS row 5 times.

You should now have enough yoke depth to sit over the shoulders. Separate sleeve sections by placing the sleeve sts on hold and joining underarm stitches. Continue fronts and back as one piece for 6 more rows.

Work lower body of cardigan straight until it ends slightly above the dress waist. Finish with 4 rows garter and BO loosely.

Sleeves

Return held sleeve sts to needles. Pick up 2 sts at underarm. Work in the round for 16 rnds, tapering once at the midpoint. Finish with 4 rnds garter and BO.

Cardigan Embellishment

Using duplicate stitch and surface embroidery, add downward lavender flame-like motifs all around the yoke. Begin each motif close to the neckline and let it stretch toward the chest and sleeves. Between selected motifs, stitch small paired sage green leaves.

This detail is one of the most important visual features in the image. Keep the motifs narrow at the top, broader through the middle, and softly tapered at the ends. Leave the front opening plain except for the cream garter edges.

Add a hidden snap near the neckline or use a twisted cream cord tie. In the image, the front sits almost closed at the top and open below.

Shoes Make 2

Using cream, CO 10 sts. Join and work 4 rnds knit. Increase to 14 sts evenly on next rnd. Work 5 more rnds.

Shape the toe by decreasing 4 sts evenly on the next rnd. Work 2 rnds. Flatten the sole slightly while stuffing only the front with a whisper of fiberfill if needed. Sew onto feet.

Using pale lavender, embroider a slim curved strap across each shoe. Keep the shoes delicate and low, matching the soft slipper style in the image.

Cloche Hat

Using cream and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts. Join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb all around. 16 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: *K1, m1; rep from * around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Rnd 5: *K2, m1; rep from * around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 6: Knit.
7. Rnd 7: *K3, m1; rep from * around. 40 sts.
8. Rnds 8 to 16: Knit.

This forms the crown. For the gentle cloche shape, begin widening more quickly for the brim.

1. Rnd 17: *K4, m1; rep from * around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 18: Knit.
3. Rnd 19: *K5, m1; rep from * around. 56 sts.
4. Rnd 20: Knit.
5. Rnd 21: *K6, m1; rep from * around. 64 sts.
6. Rnds 22 to 28: Knit.

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Work 4 rnds garter effect for the brim edge by alternating knit and purl rounds, or work flat if you prefer true garter texture. BO loosely. Steam very lightly over a towel and shape the brim downward.

Hat Flower and Leaf

For the leaf, CO 6 sts in sage green. Work a tiny leaf shape with 6 rows stockinette, increasing once in Row 2, then decreasing at both edges twice. BO. Make 2 small leaves if desired, though one visible leaf is enough.

For the lavender flower, create an i-cord or narrow knitted strip about 10 inches long in medium lavender. Roll the strip into a rose shape and stitch securely. Add a second shorter strip around the outer edge if you want a fuller blossom. Sew flower and leaf to one side of the hat brim.

Pastel Basket

The basket is a tiny rectangular tote with striped sides and a cream handle. Work the base first in flat rows using US 2 needles.

1. Using cream, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Knit.

Pick up stitches around all four sides and work in the round. Form stripes in pastel pink, pale yellow, mint, baby blue, and cream, changing color every 2 rnds. Work 8 rnds total. BO.

For the handle, make a knitted cord about 5 inches long in cream. Sew to inner sides of basket. Lightly block the basket over a small box shape or line it with card if this is for display only.

Macarons Make 3

Use pale pink, pale mint, and pale lavender. Each macaron is made from two tiny circles.

1. CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: K2tog around. 6 sts.

Make two shells for each macaron. Stitch together with a sliver of cream yarn between them to imitate filling. Flatten gently so they look like soft bakery-style sandwich cookies.

Folded Cloth

Using cream, CO 12 sts. Knit 14 rows. BO. Fold into thirds and tack one corner so it looks neatly folded. Add one small lavender stitch near the edge as a decorative accent.

Lavender Stems

Make several small stems using thin floral wire wrapped with green yarn, or work knitted cords in sage green. For each blossom head, make a short lavender i-cord and knot or gather it at intervals to create clustered buds.

Combine a few light lavender and medium lavender pieces on each stem. The bouquet in the image looks plush and stylized rather than botanical, so focus on full texture instead of realism.

Little Mouse Companion

The mouse is a miniature figure standing beside the bunny. It wears a sage green jacket, a tiny cream hat with lavender trim, and holds a soft rustic shape that fits the main set.

Mouse Body

Using taupe, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
2. Rnds 2 to 8: Knit.
3. Rnd 9: *K2, k2tog; rep from * around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 10: Knit.
5. Rnd 11: *K1, k2tog; rep from * around. 8 sts.

Stuff lightly and pull closed. Shape into a small pear. Embroider a simple black nose, tiny mouth, and dark eyes.

Mouse Head and Ears

For the head, work another tiny ball starting with 6 sts, increasing to 18 sts, then decreasing back down. Sew to body. For ears, make 2 tiny circles in dusty rose with 6 sts increased to 10 or 12 sts, then flatten and attach.

Mouse Arms and Tail

Make 2 narrow cords for arms and 1 longer cord for the tail. Attach with minimal stuffing. The tail can be left soft and curved.

Mouse Jacket

Using sage green, CO 16 sts flat. Work a miniature cropped jacket with garter borders and simple sleeves added from picked-up sts. Embroider 2 tiny lavender dots on the front as little button details.

Mouse Hat

Make a tiny cream disc and shallow crown, then add a narrow lavender band. Sew onto the mouse head at a jaunty angle.

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Embroider the bunny eyes with short vertical black stitches, spacing them evenly and keeping them small. The nose is a brown upside-down triangle with a soft vertical line below it, then two gentle curved mouth stitches. Keep the expression calm and sweet.

Sew the dress onto the bunny only if you want a permanent display piece. Otherwise leave it removable. Place the cardigan on top, close it lightly at the neck, add the shoes, then settle the hat so the brim frames the face and the ears fall underneath.

Arrange the accessories around the bunny exactly as shown: basket and sweets to one side, cloth near the front, lavender stems at the feet, and mouse companion to the opposite side.

Care Notes

• Display indoors away from strong sunlight
• Use a lint roller gently on clothing if needed
• Avoid overhandling the hat flower and lavender stems
• If gifting to a child, secure every small accessory firmly or omit the smallest pieces

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Bunny head is round and centered
• Ears hang evenly under the hat
• Dress motifs are balanced across the skirt
• Cardigan yoke shows lavender drops and green leaf accents
• Hat brim curves down softly
• Shoes sit level on both feet
• Accessories match the soft pastel palette
• Mouse companion is scaled clearly smaller than the bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a damp cloth and a tiny amount of mild soap. Do not soak unless the yarn label clearly allows it. Press out moisture in a towel and dry flat, reshaping the bunny, hat, and clothing while damp.

For long-term storage, wrap the set in clean tissue and place it in a breathable box. Keep it away from humidity, rough surfaces, and heavy stacking. If the lavender stems bend, reshape them gently by hand rather than pulling them straight.