Buttercup Lemon-Picnic Bunny – Knitting

Soft neutrals, buttery yellow trim, and tiny picnic details give this knitted bunny the look of a premium handmade rabbit doll you might search for as a spring nursery gift, Easter keepsake, collectible plush bunny, or heirloom stuffed animal. The finished set includes the dressed bunny, a bonnet-style hat, a lemon purse, a lemon slice accent, a tiny flower bundle, a rolled picnic cloth, and a miniature bird companion. Every piece is shaped to match the image closely, with rounded forms, gentle drape, and small decorative touches that make the whole set feel polished, giftable, and display-ready.

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

Materials

This design works best in a smooth DK weight yarn with light structure. A soft cotton-merino blend or wool blend will help the bunny hold shape while keeping the clothing neat and refined.

• Main bunny color: light oatmeal-beige
• Accent yellow: soft buttercup yellow
• Cream: pale cream for trim and cords
• Mini accessory colors: white, green, warm brown, and tiny amounts of gold or mustard

• Needles: 2.5 mm double-pointed needles for the bunny and accessories
• Needles: 3 mm straight or circular needles for the cardigan and hat brim if you prefer a slightly softer fabric
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small embroidery needle
• Toy stuffing
• Very thin cardboard or plastic canvas for the purse base and optional shoe soles
• Black or dark brown embroidery thread for eyes
• Brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth

Finished Size

The bunny in the image appears to be a small seated display doll with long legs and softly weighted lower limbs. With the yarn and needles above, the finished bunny measures about 24 to 28 cm from top of head to feet, not including the hat brim.

The cardigan falls just below the waist. The skirt reaches to the knee area when seated. The ears are long enough to hang below the jawline. The purse sits at hip level with a short crossbody strap.

Gauge

Exact gauge is less important than fabric density. The bunny body should be knit tightly enough that stuffing does not show through. Aim for a smooth stockinette fabric with very little stretch gap between stitches.

A useful guide is 28 to 30 stitches per 10 cm in stockinette on 2.5 mm needles using DK yarn. If your fabric feels loose, go down one needle size.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit front and back
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• yo = yarn over
• ssk = left-leaning decrease
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker

Design Notes

This bunny is built from separate pieces and assembled for the best shape. The image shows a rounded head, a slightly narrower neck, a compact torso, long simple legs, and soft tube-like arms.

The face is very minimal. The eyes are tiny vertical embroidered dots placed low and wide. The nose is a small brown triangle, with a short split line beneath it. Keep all facial features restrained and delicate.

The clothing is just as important as the bunny itself. The skirt has a softly textured lower section, the cardigan has floral detailing down both fronts, and the hat has a wide wavy brim with a yellow ruffle edge.

Read the full pattern once before starting. Many of the visual details are created in finishing rather than complex shaping, so careful placement matters as much as knitting accuracy.

Bunny Head

Using the main bunny color and double-pointed needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly and join in the round.

1. Round 1: k all.
2. Round 2: kfb in each st. 24 sts.
3. Round 3: k all.
4. Round 4: k1, kfb around. 36 sts.
5. Round 5: k all.
6. Round 6: k2, kfb around. 48 sts.
7. Round 7: k all.
8. Round 8: k3, kfb around. 60 sts.
9. Rounds 9 to 24: k all.

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The head in the image is slightly taller than wide, not perfectly round. To create that shape, add a few more plain rounds before decreasing, and keep stuffing firm at the top and cheeks.

1. Round 25: k8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
2. Round 26: k all.
3. Round 27: k7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Round 28: k all.
5. Round 29: k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
6. Round 30: k all.
7. Round 31: k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.

Stuff the head firmly, concentrating a little extra stuffing into the lower face. Continue decreasing.

1. Round 32: k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
2. Round 33: k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
3. Round 34: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
4. Round 35: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
5. Round 36: k2tog around. 6 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and close tightly. Keep the starting end open side as the lower head. You will sculpt the muzzle with light shaping later.

Muzzle Shaping and Face Placement

Thread a long strand of the main color through the lower head and make two or three very gentle horizontal shaping passes across the lower third of the face. Pull just enough to suggest a small rounded muzzle.

Embroider the eyes with dark brown or black thread. Place them about 7 to 8 stitches apart, slightly below center, and keep them tiny. Each eye should look like a narrow seed stitch or short satin stitch rather than a large dot.

For the nose, stitch a very small upside-down triangle in medium brown. From the center bottom of the nose, work a short vertical line down 2 to 3 rows, then add a tiny split mouth with two short diagonal stitches.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, flat, and softly folded. They begin wider at the base and taper gently. Knit them flat for easier shaping.

Using the main bunny color, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: k all.
2. Row 2 WS: p all.
3. Row 3: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 4: p all.
5. Row 5: k all.
6. Row 6: p all.
7. Row 7: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 12 sts.
8. Rows 8 to 28: work in stockinette.

Shape the tip.

1. Row 29: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
2. Row 30: p all.
3. Row 31: repeat Row 29. 8 sts.
4. Row 32: p all.
5. Row 33: repeat Row 29. 6 sts.
6. Row 34: p all.
7. Row 35: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
8. Row 36: p all.
9. Row 37: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
10. Row 38: p2tog.

Fasten off. Make a second ear. Lightly steam if needed, then fold the lower third lengthwise so each ear hangs with a soft inner curve. Stitch to the head high on the sides, then let them fall down under the hat.

Body

The bunny body is compact and simple because most of it is covered by the cardigan and skirt. The shape should be slightly pear-like, with a narrow upper chest.

Using the main bunny color, CO 12 sts and join in the round.

1. Round 1: k all.
2. Round 2: kfb in each st. 24 sts.
3. Round 3: k all.
4. Round 4: k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
5. Round 5: k all.
6. Round 6: k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
7. Rounds 7 to 18: k all.

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Begin narrowing the upper body.

1. Round 19: k8, k2tog around. 36 sts.
2. Round 20: k all.
3. Round 21: k7, k2tog around. 32 sts.
4. Round 22: k all.
5. Round 23: k6, k2tog around. 28 sts.
6. Rounds 24 to 28: k all.

Stuff the body firmly at the base and lightly at the top so the cardigan sits smoothly. Leave a long tail for sewing. Attach the head securely, with the chin resting close to the upper chest.

Legs Make 2

The legs are straight, moderately long, and softly stuffed. They angle forward when seated. The feet are covered by separate shoes, so the leg tube stays simple.

Using the main bunny color, CO 10 sts and join in the round.

1. Round 1: k all.
2. Round 2: k1, kfb around. 15 sts.
3. Rounds 3 to 22: k all.

Stuff lightly, especially near the ankle, so the shoes can slide on neatly. Flatten the top opening and sew shut. Make two. Attach to the lower body, close together at the front, so the bunny sits with both feet parallel.

Arms Make 2

The arms are short, rounded tubes with slightly tapered wrists. They should end just below the cardigan hem when attached.

Using the main bunny color, CO 8 sts and join in the round.

1. Round 1: k all.
2. Round 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rounds 3 to 6: k all.
4. Round 7: k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
5. Rounds 8 to 18: k all.

Stuff lightly. Sew the top closed flat. Stitch arms to the body just below the neck, angled slightly downward. The right arm may sit a little forward so the purse strap looks natural across the front.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes in the image are soft knitted Mary Jane shoes in the same neutral tone as the bunny. Each has a strap across the foot and a tiny yellow side bow.

Using the main bunny color, CO 7 sts.

1. Row 1: k all.
2. Row 2: p all.
3. Row 3: kfb, k to last 1 st, kfb. 9 sts.
4. Row 4: p all.
5. Row 5: kfb, k to last 1 st, kfb. 11 sts.
6. Rows 6 to 11: work in stockinette.

Pick up stitches around the edge or sew side seams to cup the sole into a shallow slipper shape. Create the top opening by leaving the center front open and drawing the sides upward.

For the strap, CO 10 sts as an i-cord or narrow knitted strip in the main color. Sew one end to one side of the shoe and the other end to the opposite side. The strap should lie just above the toe.

Make two tiny yellow bows. Each can be formed from a 12 cm strand wrapped twice, tied at the center, and trimmed short. Stitch one bow to the outer side of each shoe.

Skirt

The skirt is one of the most visible garments in the design. The upper section is smooth. The lower half becomes gently textured, then finishes with a yellow lace-like edging and little rounded eyelet arches.

Using the main bunny color, CO 72 sts and join in the round. Work the waistband in k1, p1 rib for 4 rounds.

Change to stockinette and work 10 rounds plain. This creates the smooth upper skirt seen beneath the cardigan.

Now begin a soft textured band. A simple way to match the image is to use staggered purl ridges and small gathered texture.

1. Round 1: k all.
2. Round 2: p all.
3. Rounds 3 and 4: k all.
4. Round 5: k2tog, yo around every 6 stitches, keeping spacing even.
5. Round 6: k all.
6. Round 7: p all.
7. Rounds 8 to 10: k all.

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Repeat those 10 rounds once more for a softly rippled lower section. The texture should not become heavily flounced. It should look neat and gently decorative.

Change to buttercup yellow for the hem edging.

1. Round 1: k all.
2. Round 2: k1, yo, k2tog around.
3. Round 3: k all.
4. Round 4: p all.
5. Round 5: k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk around.
6. Round 6: k all.
7. Round 7: BO loosely.

To suggest the small bobble-like finish seen in the image, you may sew tiny yellow French-knot style yarn nubs along the lower edge after blocking. Keep them small and evenly spaced.

Sew the skirt to the body at the waist, or leave it removable by threading a narrow cream cord through the ribbed waistband. In the image, the skirt sits high and full, so do not let it hang too low.

Cardigan

The cardigan is pale yellow, slightly cropped, and gently rounded at the front opening. It has long sleeves, a tie at the neck, and decorative little flower columns on both front edges.

Using buttercup yellow on 3 mm needles, CO 44 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: k all.
2. Row 2 WS: p all.
3. Rows 3 to 6: continue in stockinette.

Separate for fronts and back.

• Right front: 10 sts
• Back: 24 sts
• Left front: 10 sts

Work all sections flat at the same time if preferred, or complete each section separately.

Back

Work 16 more rows in stockinette. Shape shoulders by binding off 6 sts at the start of the next 2 rows, then place remaining 12 sts on hold for the back neck.

Fronts

Work each front in stockinette for 12 rows, shaping the neckline during the last 6 rows by decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge every other row 3 times.

Continue until the front length matches the back shoulder height. Bind off shoulder stitches to match the back.

Sleeves Make 2

Using yellow, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: work in stockinette.
2. Row 5: k1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 20 sts.
3. Rows 6 to 10: continue in stockinette.
4. Row 11: increase as before. 22 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 22: continue in stockinette.

Bind off loosely. Sew shoulder seams, then set sleeves in place. Sew side and sleeve seams. The sleeves should look roomy but not oversized.

Cardigan Front Bands and Neck Tie

Pick up stitches along each front edge using yellow. Work 3 rows in garter stitch. Bind off knitwise. This creates the soft rounded fronts seen in the image.

For the neck tie, make two narrow twisted cords in cream or pale yellow, each about 14 cm long. Stitch them to the upper front edges so they tie in a small bow under the chin.

Front Flower Detail

The cardigan fronts show vertical lines of tiny yellow flower motifs with green accents. The cleanest way to match this look is surface embroidery after the cardigan is finished.

Using green yarn, make small vertical stem stitches on each front, about 1.5 cm in from the edge. Then add tiny yellow lazy-daisy flowers or wrapped knot flowers at regular intervals down both sides.

Keep the flowers small. They should read as delicate decoration, not large appliqués. In the image, each front has a neat repeated floral line with a handcrafted but tidy appearance.

Hat

The hat is a soft beige bonnet-style sunhat with a wide circular brim and a yellow ruffle edge. It sits low on the head and frames the face, while the ears hang underneath.

Using the main bunny color or a slightly lighter taupe, CO 64 sts and join in the round.

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Work 12 rounds in stockinette for the crown band. Then begin short-row shaping or steady increases to form a shallow dome. If you prefer a simpler method, keep the top flat and gather lightly at the center after knitting.

For an easy version that matches the image well, work as follows:

1. Rounds 1 to 12: k all.
2. Round 13: k7, inc around. 72 sts.
3. Rounds 14 to 18: k all.
4. Round 19: k8, inc around. 80 sts.
5. Rounds 20 to 24: k all.
6. Round 25: k9, inc around. 88 sts.

Now work the brim. Continue for 10 to 12 rounds in stockinette, increasing 8 stitches evenly every 3rd round until the brim ripples softly. Do not overdo the increases. The brim should wave, not flare wildly.

Change to buttercup yellow and knit 2 rounds. On the next round, work a gentle picot style finish: k2tog, yo around. Knit 1 more round, then bind off loosely.

Lightly steam and shape by hand. The hat should curve around the head with a soft dip at the front. Sew lightly to the bunny or tack in two places so it stays stable but still looks relaxed.

Lemon Purse

The purse is a standout detail in the image. It is a rounded half-circle bag with yellow outer edging and a white-and-yellow lemon wedge front.

Make the back piece first in yellow. CO 3 sts.

1. Row 1: k all.
2. Row 2: p all.
3. Row 3: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Continue increasing 1 stitch at each end of every RS row until 17 sts.
5. Work 6 rows even.
6. Bind off.

Make the front piece in the same shape, but create a lemon segment motif. Work the background in white and use duplicate stitch or intarsia wedges in yellow.

To create the wedge effect, embroider or knit 4 to 5 narrow yellow segment triangles radiating from the lower center edge. Outline the wedges with cream if needed to sharpen the citrus look.

Place a small piece of felt, thin card, or extra knitted layer inside so the purse holds its curved shape. Sew front and back together around the sides and base.

For the strap, make a yellow i-cord about 18 to 20 cm long. Attach diagonally so the purse sits across the bunny from shoulder to hip. In the image, the purse rests on the bunny’s right side.

Extra Lemon Slice

The loose lemon slice near the bunny is a separate tiny accent. Knit two small circles, one in white and one in yellow, each about 3 cm wide.

For the white slice base, CO 6 sts onto double-pointed needles and increase evenly to 18 sts. Work 4 rounds, then bind off. For the yellow rind, either pick up around the edge and knit 2 rounds, or whipstitch a yellow outline around the white circle.

Add 5 wedge lines with yellow embroidery. Fold just slightly during finishing so the slice looks plush and dimensional rather than flat like a coaster.

Rolled Picnic Cloth

The plaid cylinder at the bunny’s side reads as a tiny rolled picnic cloth or cup-shaped picnic accessory. The easiest version is a small knitted rectangle wrapped around itself.

Using cream, mustard, and brown scraps, knit a rectangle measuring about 5 cm by 3.5 cm. Use simple stripe blocks or duplicate stitch to suggest plaid.

Roll the rectangle tightly from one short edge and secure the end with stitches. Leave one end slightly open so it resembles the small upright roll visible in the image.

Flower Bundle

The flower bundle consists of several tiny yellow blossoms on green stems tied together at the base. Keep the flowers very small so they do not compete with the bunny.

For each flower, CO 12 sts in yellow and join into a tiny ring, or crochet a very small flower if you prefer mixed techniques. If staying fully knitted, make 5-petal flowers by creating a small center and sewing five loops around it.

Make 3 to 5 blossoms. Twist green yarn into short stems, join them together, and wrap cream yarn around the base like a tie. The bundle should rest beside the purse without extending higher than the skirt hem.

Mini Bird Companion

The smallest accessory in the image appears to be a tiny bird or chick dressed in a pale ruffled body piece and wearing a mini hat. This detail is optional, but it completes the full scene beautifully.

Using warm brown for the head and wings, CO 6 sts and knit a tiny rounded ball over 8 to 10 rounds, increasing to 12 sts, then decreasing back down. Stuff very lightly.

For the body, use pale cream or blush and create a small ruffled cup shape. CO 18 sts, join in the round, and work 2 rounds. On the next round, kfb every 3rd stitch. Work 2 more rounds and bind off loosely.

Place the little head inside the top of the ruffled body so it peeks out. Add a tiny yellow hat made as a flat circle with a narrow brim, then stitch it on top. Make a small beak in mustard thread.

The finished mini bird should be no taller than the bunny’s purse. Keep the face simple and sweet, with tiny dark eyes and a very small stitched beak.

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Assembly Order

1. Stuff and close the head, body, arms, and legs.
2. Attach head to body, then legs, then arms.
3. Sew ears to the head and let them hang down naturally.
4. Slide on the shoes and secure them with a few hidden stitches.
5. Dress the bunny in the skirt and cardigan.
6. Add the neck ties and floral embroidery.
7. Fit and tack the hat into place.
8. Attach the lemon purse across the body.
9. Arrange the lemon slice, picnic roll, flower bundle, and mini bird nearby.

Blocking and Shape Control

Light blocking improves this design a lot. Steam the skirt hem gently so the yellow edging opens. Steam the cardigan very lightly from the wrong side so it lies flat without losing softness.

Do not over-block the bunny body pieces. You want them soft, rounded, and plush. The face should keep its subtle contours, and the ears should remain flexible rather than crisp.

If the hat brim collapses too much, thread a very fine line of invisible thread inside the outer edge or use a slightly firmer yarn only for the final yellow border.

Styling Notes to Match the Image

Several small decisions help the finished piece look much closer to the reference image.

• Use muted shades. The beige is warm and dusty, not gray. The yellow is soft butter, not bright lemon neon.
• Keep the face tiny. Large eyes will change the character immediately.
• Let the cardigan stay slightly open. The tie bow should close the neck softly without pulling the fronts flat.
• Make the skirt fuller than you think. The seated shape depends on some volume around the hips.
• Angle the ears forward slightly. This makes the hat frame the face in the same gentle way.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

When everything is attached, sit the bunny on a flat surface and check balance from the front. Adjust the leg angle so both shoes point forward evenly. The arms should rest close to the cardigan sides without sticking out stiffly.

Revisit the face last. If needed, add one more tiny stitch to sharpen the nose point or slightly deepen the muzzle shaping. A soft blush of pastel on the cheeks can be used very lightly, but keep it subtle.

Care Notes

This piece is best treated as a display keepsake. Gentle handling is fine, but the hat, purse, and tiny accessories are delicate and can shift if used as a rough play toy.

• Store away from direct sunlight.
• Keep small accessories together in a fabric pouch.
• Avoid hanging the bunny by the purse strap or cardigan ties.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both eyes placed evenly and kept very small?
• Do the ears hang below the face and sit under the hat?
• Does the cardigan bow rest neatly at the neck?
• Is the skirt hem full, even, and trimmed in yellow?
• Does the purse sit at the correct hip level?
• Are the mini accessories scaled small enough beside the bunny?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap. Blot, do not rub. For the clothing, avoid soaking unless absolutely necessary, since the accessory placement and shaping are part of the finished look.

If deeper cleaning is needed, remove loose accessories first. Hand wash gently in cool water, press in a towel, and dry flat while reshaping the hat brim, cardigan fronts, and skirt fullness. Do not machine wash or tumble dry.

For long-term preservation, store the bunny in a breathable cotton bag or acid-free box. Keep tissue between the hat brim and face if packing for a long time so the brim does not crease sharply.