Sneezeweed Autumn-Toast Bunny – Knitting

A cozy heirloom bunny with a harvest beret, textured cardigan, flowered skirt, picnic basket, jam jar, toast slice, bouquet, and a tiny companion makes this set feel like a collectible handmade toy and a charming gift idea. The soft rabbit shape, earthy fall palette, and detailed finishing give it the look of a boutique knitted stuffed animal, nursery keepsake, and seasonal shelf display. The pieces are small enough to feel special, yet the construction stays clear and approachable. If you enjoy making artisan dolls, knitted rabbit decor, or giftable soft toys, this design brings all of those qualities together.

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

Project Overview

This design creates the full knitted scene shown in the image:

• A large bunny doll with long ears, embroidered face, cardigan, skirt, beret, and lace-up shoes
• A tiny white companion animal with matching beret and cardigan
• A small basket, a toast slice, a jam jar, and a tied bouquet of warm golden flowers

The large bunny is designed as a soft display doll rather than a rough-play toy. The proportions are gentle and slightly rounded, with a broad face, narrow shoulders, relaxed sleeves, and a full skirt. The accessories are light and decorative.

Finished Size

• Large bunny: about 13 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including beret
• Large ears: about 4 1/2 inches long each
• Tiny companion: about 4 1/2 inches tall
• Basket: about 2 inches tall including handle
• Jam jar: about 1 1/4 inches tall

Materials

• DK yarn in warm cream for bunny head, ears, hands, and legs
• DK yarn in moss green for skirt
• DK tweed or marled yarn in rust, gold, and brown tones for cardigan
• DK yarn in mustard for large beret and tiny beret
• DK yarn in medium brown for shoes, basket edging, and basket handle
• DK yarn in tan for basket body
• DK yarn in white or oat for toast center
• DK yarn in deep berry red for jam jar
• DK yarn in white and pale rose for jar lid
• DK yarn in white for tiny companion body
• Small scraps in gold, ocher, amber, orange, leaf green, and olive for flowers and embroidery
• 2.75 mm needles for firm doll knitting
• 3 mm needles for garments if you knit tightly
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop for small pieces if preferred
• Tapestry needle
• Removable stitch markers
• Toy stuffing
• Thin black embroidery floss or black yarn for face
• Two small black beads for eyes, or embroider French knot eyes

Gauge

Stockinette worked firmly on smaller needles should measure about 7 stitches and 10 rows per inch. Exact gauge is less important than knitting tightly enough that stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• Garter = knit every row
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• dec = decrease 1 stitch
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat
• BO = bind off

Design Notes

• The bunny is built from separate pieces and sewn together.
• For the soft, rounded face in the image, keep stuffing firm but not over-packed.
• The cardigan should sit slightly cropped, ending just above the fullest part of the skirt.
• The skirt is wide and soft, with embroidered or appliquéd daisies around the hem.
• The beret should slouch gently to one side, not sit flat like a cap.

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Large Bunny

Head

Make 2 head pieces flat in cream.

1. CO 13 stitches.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 stitches, kfb, K1. Repeat this increase row every RS row 8 times total. You will have 29 stitches.
4. Work 12 rows in St st, beginning with a WS purl row.
5. Shape cheeks. Row 1: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 stitches, kfb, K1. 31 stitches.
6. Rows 2 to 8: Work straight in St st.
7. Row 9: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, K1.
8. Repeat this decrease row every RS row 8 times until 15 stitches remain.
9. Work 1 WS row.
10. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, K1. 13 stitches.
11. BO purlwise on next row.

Join the two head pieces with mattress stitch, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff gradually. Shape the muzzle by pressing stuffing slightly forward in the lower center and keeping the upper face smooth. Close the bottom after attaching to the neck.

Muzzle Shaping

Using matching cream yarn, run a gathering thread in a shallow oval about 1 1/4 inches wide across the lower front of the face. Pull gently so the muzzle stands forward. Secure firmly. This subtle shaping is important for the calm, rounded expression in the image.

Ears

Make 4 ear pieces in cream, two for each ear.

1. CO 5 stitches.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 stitches, kfb, K1. 7 stitches.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 stitches, kfb, K1. 9 stitches.
6. Continue increasing this way every RS row until you have 15 stitches.
7. Work 16 rows in St st.
8. Shape tip. On every RS row, K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, K1 until 7 stitches remain.
9. Next RS row: K1, ssk, k1, k2tog, K1. 5 stitches.
10. Purl 1 row, then BO.

Sew pairs together around edges, leaving lower edge open. Do not overstuff. Add only a trace of stuffing or none at all. Flatten ears and stitch one gentle fold at the base so they hang downward beside the face, just as shown.

Body

Make 2 body pieces in cream. The body is simple and slightly pear-shaped because the skirt covers most of it.

1. CO 15 stitches.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 stitches, kfb, K1. 17 stitches.
4. Repeat increase row every RS row 5 more times. 27 stitches.
5. Work 16 rows even in St st.
6. Shape shoulders. BO 3 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows. 21 stitches.
7. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, K1. 19 stitches.
8. Work 3 rows even.
9. Repeat decrease row once more. 17 stitches.
10. Work 1 WS row and BO.

Sew body front and back together, leaving neck and leg openings. Stuff firmly in the lower body and slightly softer at the top. The finished torso should be compact, because the cardigan and skirt add most of the visible bulk.

Legs

Make 2 in cream from upper leg down, then add separate shoes.

1. CO 10 stitches and work 20 rows in St st.
2. Increase for foot width. Row 21: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 stitches, kfb, K1. 12 stitches.
3. Work 6 rows even.
4. BO.

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Fold each leg lengthwise and seam. Stuff firmly, especially through the ankle so the doll stands visually straight when laid flat. Sew legs to underside of body spaced slightly apart.

Arms

Make 2 in cream.

1. CO 8 stitches.
2. Work 4 rows in garter for the soft cuff edge at the wrist.
3. Change to St st and work 16 rows even.
4. Next RS row: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 stitches, kfb, K1. 10 stitches.
5. Work 4 rows even.
6. BO.

Seam each arm and stuff lightly. Keep the hand area softly rounded. Sew to upper sides of body just below the neck seam, angled slightly downward.

Shoes

Make 2 in medium brown. These are separate soft shoe shells placed over the feet for the rounded look in the image.

1. CO 12 stitches.
2. Work 6 rows garter for the sole.
3. Pick up a tidy edge by slipping the first stitch of each row if desired.
4. Next 8 rows: Work in St st.
5. Toe shaping, Row 1 RS: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 stitches, ssk, K2.
6. Row 2: Purl.
7. Repeat these 2 rows twice more. 6 stitches remain.
8. BO.

Seam the back of each shoe and gather the toe slightly for a plump front. Slip onto the knitted feet and sew in place around the ankle. Add two short brown embroidery cords across each front and tie into simple bows for the lace detail.

Clothing for Large Bunny

Skirt

The skirt is separate and sewn or tied onto the bunny. It should fall in a full A-line shape and reach almost to the ankles.

1. Using moss green, CO 72 stitches.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Change to St st and work 34 rows.
4. Waist shaping, Row 1 RS: K6, k2tog across row. 63 stitches.
5. Row 2: Purl.
6. Row 3: K5, k2tog across row. 54 stitches.
7. Row 4: Purl.
8. Row 5: K4, k2tog across row. 45 stitches.
9. Work 4 rows even.
10. Row 10: K3, k2tog across row. 36 stitches.
11. Work 2 rows garter.
12. BO knitwise.

Sew the back seam, leaving a small opening at the waist if you want the skirt removable. Otherwise, gather the top edge slightly and sew directly to the body. The hem should curve softly and spread wide around the doll.

Daisy Border

The flowers at the hem define the whole look, so place them generously but not evenly perfect. The image shows a natural handmade spacing with flowers in warm yellow and orange shades.

• Make 8 large daisies and 2 smaller daisies.
• For each large daisy, knit or crochet a small center nub in amber or rust and add 8 to 10 petals in mustard, marigold, or warm gold.
• For each small daisy, use 6 to 8 shorter petals.
• Arrange flowers around the lower front and side hem, keeping the densest cluster at center front.

If knitting the flowers, make each petal as a tiny attached loop or short i-cord petal and sew in a ring. Add a French-knot style center or a tightly wrapped yarn nub. Stitch flowers firmly onto the skirt and add a few tiny green stem stitches between some blooms.

Cardigan Back

1. Using rust marl yarn, CO 24 stitches.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Work 24 rows in St st.
4. Shape armholes. BO 2 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. 20 stitches.
5. Work 10 rows even.
6. Shape shoulders. BO 5 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows.
7. BO remaining 10 stitches.

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Cardigan Left Front

1. CO 14 stitches.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Next rows: Work 2 stitches garter at front edge for band, remaining stitches in St st.
4. Continue until piece matches back to armhole.
5. Armhole shaping: BO 2 stitches at side edge once. Continue straight 10 rows.
6. Neck shaping: At front edge, dec 1 stitch every RS row 4 times.
7. When height matches back shoulder, BO remaining shoulder stitches.

Cardigan Right Front

Work as left front, reversing shaping. Keep 2 stitches in garter for front band. On this right front, embroider a vertical line of tiny flowers after assembly, matching the image.

Sleeves

1. CO 16 stitches.
2. Work 4 rows garter.
3. Work 18 rows in St st, increasing 1 stitch at each end every 6th row 3 times. 22 stitches.
4. BO 2 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows.
5. Work 6 rows even.
6. BO.

Sew shoulder seams, then set sleeves into armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams. Fit the cardigan to the doll. It should close near the center front but still open slightly at the hem, exactly like the image.

Cardigan Embroidery

Using gold, ocher, green, and rust scraps, embroider a line of small floral motifs along the right front band. Work tiny stem stitches for leaves and straight stitches for petals. Add 4 to 5 miniature blooms stacked vertically from chest to hem.

Lightly outline the front edges with a slightly darker rust backstitch if you want the richer tweed edge seen in the image. Keep this very subtle.

Beret

The beret is mustard, soft, and slightly oversized. A little eyelet or lace texture near the crown helps mimic the leafy motif shown.

1. CO 56 stitches and join in the round, or work flat and seam later.
2. Work 6 rounds or rows of K1, P1 rib.
3. Increase evenly to 72 stitches.
4. Work 8 rounds or rows in St st.
5. Textured crown round: rep k2tog, yo, K4 across. On flat knitting, purl the WS rows.
6. Work 3 plain rounds.
7. Decrease round: rep K6, k2tog across.
8. Work 1 plain round.
9. Decrease round: rep K5, k2tog across.
10. Continue in this way, reducing the knit stitches between decreases every other round, until 8 stitches remain.
11. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull closed.

If working flat, seam carefully. Place the beret low over the forehead and slightly to one side. Tack it to the head with two or three hidden stitches so it stays softly slouched.

Face and Head Placement

Attach the ears first, then fit the beret. The ears should emerge from underneath the beret edge and fall down beside the cheeks. Add the eyes low and wide apart for the gentle expression.

• Place eyes about 7 to 8 rows above the muzzle seam and about 10 to 12 stitches apart.
• Embroider a small Y-shaped nose and mouth in dark brown or black.
• Keep the mouth short and neat, not smiling too widely.

Tiny Companion

The small figure in the image reads as a tiny lamb-like friend with a white body, pale face, and matching outfit. This piece is worked in a simplified style so it looks sweet beside the larger bunny.

Head

1. Using pale cream, CO 10 stitches.
2. Work one row purl.
3. Increase 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 4 times. 18 stitches.
4. Work 8 rows even.
5. Decrease 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 4 times. 10 stitches.
6. BO.

Make 2, seam, and stuff lightly.

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Ears

Make 2 tiny flat ears in pale cream.

1. CO 4 stitches.
2. Increase at each end of every RS row until 8 stitches.
3. Work 4 rows even.
4. Decrease at each end of every RS row until 4 stitches.
5. BO.

Body

Make 2 in white textured fabric. To mimic the woolly look, work in seed stitch.

1. CO 14 stitches.
2. Work 16 rows in seed stitch.
3. Next RS row: K1, k2tog, work to last 3 stitches, ssk, K1.
4. Work 3 rows even.
5. Repeat decrease row once more.
6. BO.

Arms and Legs

Make 4 narrow tubes or flat strips in pale cream.

1. CO 4 stitches.
2. Work 10 rows in St st for arms and 12 rows for legs.
3. BO.

Seam, stuff lightly, and attach to body. Add the head. Embroider a tiny dark nose and simple eyes.

Tiny Cardigan

Using the same rust marl yarn, make one small back, two fronts, and two sleeves. Keep all edges in garter and the rest in St st. The cardigan should sit open in front and end just below the tiny arms.

• Back: CO 12 stitches, work 12 rows
• Fronts: CO 6 stitches each, work 12 rows with 1 garter edge stitch at front
• Sleeves: CO 7 stitches, work 10 rows

Assemble neatly and sew to the tiny companion.

Tiny Beret

1. CO 24 stitches in mustard.
2. Work 3 rows rib.
3. Increase evenly to 32 stitches.
4. Work 4 rows St st.
5. Decrease evenly every other row until 6 stitches remain.
6. Draw closed.

Basket

The basket is soft-sided with a tan body and darker brown rim and handle.

Basket Body

1. Using tan, CO 14 stitches.
2. Work 16 rows in St st.
3. Make 2 identical rectangles.
4. For side gusset, CO 4 stitches and work 28 rows in garter.

Sew the long gusset around three sides of one rectangle, then attach the second rectangle to form a shallow basket. Lightly stuff the base or insert a small felt rectangle if you want it to hold shape.

Rim and Handle

Using brown, pick up or sew a narrow i-cord-like strip around the top edge. For the handle, make a cord about 5 inches long, curve it into an arch, and stitch to the inside sides of the basket.

Toast Slice

The toast is a small square with a cream center and medium brown crust.

1. Using cream, CO 10 stitches.
2. Work 10 rows in St st.
3. Make 2.
4. Seam together with a little stuffing or leave flat.

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Using brown, embroider or sew a rounded crust border around the edges, thicker at the top corners so the toast shape looks soft and realistic.

Jam Jar

The jam jar is cylindrical with a berry body, pale lid, and a white label marked JAM.

1. Using berry red, CO 12 stitches.
2. Work 10 rows in St st.
3. BO and seam into a tube.
4. Gather one end closed, stuff lightly, and close the other end.

For the lid, use pale rose or white. CO 14 stitches and work 4 rows. Gather one short edge and wrap around the top of the jar like a cloth cover. Tie with a tiny strand of yarn below the lid.

For the label, knit or cut a tiny white rectangle from knitted fabric, sew to the front, and embroider JAM in dark thread.

Flower Bouquet

The bouquet is a tied bunch of warm yellow and orange blooms with green stems. It should look rustic rather than formal.

• Make 5 to 7 tiny blossom heads using wrapped yarn knots, tiny knitted petals, or crocheted flower shapes.
• Use shades of mustard, amber, ocher, and rust.
• Make 6 to 8 thin green stem cords.
• Gather stems together and tie with tan yarn.

Trim stems evenly and stitch the bouquet lightly so it keeps its fan shape. The top of the bouquet should look fuller than the tied base.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff head, body, arms, and legs.
2. Attach head to body securely.
3. Attach arms and legs.
4. Attach ears and shape them downward.
5. Sew on shoes.
6. Add face details.
7. Dress bunny with skirt, cardigan, and beret.
8. Add flower border and cardigan embroidery.
9. Make and place tiny companion and accessories.

Color Placement Guide

• Head, ears, hands, and legs: warm pale cream
• Cardigan: rust-brown marled yarn with floral embroidery
• Skirt: moss or sage green
• Flowers on skirt: mostly golden yellow with some darker orange blooms
• Beret: deep mustard
• Shoes: soft chestnut brown

Styling Notes for an Accurate Finish

The success of this piece depends more on shaping and placement than on difficult stitches. Keep the head broad and smooth. Keep the ears long, narrow, and relaxed. Let the cardigan sleeves look a little roomy and the skirt gently full.

The beret should sit low enough to almost touch the top of the eyes visually. The cardigan front should not overlap perfectly. A slight open gap near the lower front matches the image better than a tightly closed sweater.

The daisy border should feel hand-placed. Mix sizes and tones. Avoid perfectly equal spacing. Let some flowers sit slightly higher than others so the hem looks lively and natural.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head sits centered and slightly forward. Place the eyes evenly and keep them small. Embroider the nose first, then the short mouth lines. If desired, add a tiny stitch at the inner base of each ear so the ears angle closer to the face.

Sew the cardigan to the shoulders with one hidden tack if you want it to stay perfectly arranged. Add one or two tiny hidden stitches under the beret so it keeps the same soft tilt every time the doll is moved.

Care Notes

• Display indoors and keep away from strong direct sunlight
• Do not machine wash
• Handle tiny accessories gently
• Store flat or seated so the beret and flowers keep their shape

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both eyes level and evenly spaced?
• Do the ears hang at the same height?
• Does the beret slouch softly to one side?
• Does the cardigan stop above the fullest part of the skirt?
• Are the hem flowers balanced in size and color?
• Are the basket, toast, jam, bouquet, and tiny companion all included?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a dry soft brush or clean makeup brush to remove dust. Spot clean only with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then blot with a towel. Never soak the doll. Reshape while drying and keep all small accessories away from excess moisture.

For long-term storage, wrap the doll in clean tissue and place it in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags, damp spaces, and heavy stacking. If needed, refresh the beret and skirt by lightly shaping them with clean hands after storage.