Smocked Sunshine Bunny – Knitting

This sweet knitted set features a soft rabbit dressed in a sky-blue daisy dress, a pale yellow cropped cardigan, a neat cloche-style hat, tiny Mary Jane shoes, a crossbody lemon purse, a small duck friend in a matching outfit, a little daisy bouquet, and a tiny cup with a straw. The finished look has the charm of a collectible handmade toy often searched as a bunny doll knitting design, heirloom nursery toy, spring rabbit plush, and handmade gift set. Every piece is shaped to match the image closely, with gentle proportions, tidy surface texture, and delicate finishing.

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 is worked mostly flat in small sections and seamed neatly, with a few tiny pieces worked in the round if you prefer double-pointed needles. You may also use magic loop for the miniature details.

The rabbit is intentionally upright and slightly formal in posture. The head is large and rounded, the torso is narrower through the shoulders, the hips are softly widened by the dress, and the limbs are slim and even. The ears fall straight down and begin high on the sides of the hat line.

The knitted fabric in the image looks smooth, firm, and evenly stuffed. For that reason, choose a yarn and needle pairing that creates a dense fabric with minimal visible stuffing. Keep your tension consistent from the start to the smallest accessory.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall from feet to top of hat
• Bunny body only without hat: about 9 inches tall
• Duck companion: about 3 inches tall
• Bouquet: about 1.75 inches across
• Cup: about 1 inch tall
• Crossbody purse: about 1.25 inches wide

Materials

• Sport or light DK weight yarn in the following shades:
  • Warm cream for rabbit head, arms, legs, ears, and body
  • Sky blue for dress and duck dress
  • Soft butter yellow for cardigan, purse, drink cup, and duck wings if desired
  • Beige or oatmeal for hat and bunny shoes
  • White for daisy petals
  • Golden yellow for daisy centers
  • Pale green for bouquet stems and leaves
  • Duck yellow for duck body
  • Orange for duck beak and feet
• Knitting needles suitable for a dense toy fabric, usually US 1.5 to US 3
• Set of double-pointed needles for tiny pieces if desired
• Tapestry needle
• Locking stitch markers
• Toy stuffing
• Thin cardboard or a circle of stiff felt for stabilizing hat brim if desired
• Black embroidery thread for eyes
• Matching sewing thread for extra secure finishing on tiny pieces if desired

Gauge

Gauge is not critical, but the fabric must be firm. As a guide, stockinette should sit flat and compact without open spaces. If your stitches look loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

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

Color Placement Notes

The rabbit itself is knit in warm cream. The face is plain and minimal, with tiny dark eyes and a stitched nose-mouth unit set low in the face. The cheeks stay uncolored and clean.

The dress is the dominant garment. It has a fitted upper section, narrow shoulder straps, and a gently gathered skirt. Along the lower hem, a simple daisy motif runs in a neat border with white petals and yellow centers.

The cardigan is cropped and short-sleeved. It sits over the top of the dress and ends just under the bust line. It remains open in front and looks soft rather than tailored.

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The hat is a rounded cloche shape with a soft downward brim. Around it runs one narrow decorative eyelet band in a slightly lighter effect created by a simple lace row.

The purse is a tiny lemon slice shape in yellow with pale detailing. The strap crosses diagonally from the rabbit’s left shoulder to the right hip when viewed from the front.

Main Bunny Body

Legs Make 2

Using cream, CO 14 sts. Work 4 rows in garter stitch for the sole edge. Begin stockinette, keeping the first and last stitch neat for seaming.

1. Row 1 RS: K across.
2. Row 2 WS: P across.
3. Rows 3 to 10: Continue in stockinette.
4. Row 11 RS: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1.
5. Row 12 WS: P across.
6. Rows 13 to 18: Work even.
7. Row 19 RS: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1.
8. Row 20 WS: P across.
9. Rows 21 to 28: Work even.

You should have a slim lower leg with a slightly fuller foot section. BO loosely. Sew side seam and base seam, stuff the foot firmly and the leg moderately. Shape the foot so it lies flat and points straight forward. Repeat for the second leg.

Torso

Using cream, CO 24 sts. Work in stockinette for 6 rows. On the next RS row, join one leg at each side while working across the torso stitches, or seam the legs on later if you prefer a cleaner shaping process.

If working as one flat piece with later seaming, continue as follows:

1. Rows 1 to 8: Work even in stockinette.
2. Row 9 RS: Inc at each end. 26 sts.
3. Rows 10 to 14: Work even.
4. Row 15 RS: Inc at each end. 28 sts.
5. Rows 16 to 24: Work even.
6. Row 25 RS: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 26 sts.
7. Rows 26 to 30: Work even.
8. Row 31 RS: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
9. Rows 32 to 36: Work even.
10. Row 37 RS: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
11. Rows 38 to 44: Work even.

The torso should read as a softly rounded pear shape under the clothing, not a cylinder. BO. Make a second torso side the same way. Seam shoulders, side seams, and crotch area, joining to the stuffed legs. Stuff firmly but do not overfill the waist.

Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 12 sts. Work 2 rows garter, then continue in stockinette.

1. Rows 1 to 8: Work even.
2. Row 9 RS: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
3. Rows 10 to 18: Work even.
4. Row 19 RS: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
5. Rows 20 to 24: Work even.

BO. Seam each arm into a slim tube. Stuff lightly, keeping the upper edge flatter so it sits nicely against the body. The hands in the image are simple rounded ends with no separate paw shaping, so avoid finger definition.

Head

The head is the most important shaping element in this design. It is broad, smooth, and almost circular from the front, with only a slight narrowing at the neck. The face is flat enough for embroidery yet gently rounded at the cheeks.

Make two head sides.

Using cream, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in stockinette.
2. Row 5 RS: Inc at each end. 20 sts.
3. Rows 6 to 10: Work even.
4. Row 11 RS: Inc at each end. 22 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 16: Work even.
6. Row 17 RS: Inc at each end. 24 sts.
7. Rows 18 to 24: Work even.
8. Row 25 RS: Inc at each end. 26 sts.
9. Rows 26 to 32: Work even.
10. Row 33 RS: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
11. Rows 34 to 38: Work even.
12. Row 39 RS: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
13. Rows 40 to 44: Work even.
14. Row 45 RS: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
15. Rows 46 to 48: Work even.
16. Row 49 RS: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
17. Rows 50 to 52: Work even.

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BO. Seam around the curved head shape, leaving the lower neck edge open. Stuff firmly and evenly. Pay special attention to the cheeks so they remain soft, not lumpy. Close the neck edge onto the body with tiny stitches.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, narrow, and softly drooped. They begin with a rounded top and widen only slightly, then hang straight down. They should reach from just below the hat brim to the lower chest area once attached.

Using cream, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Work in stockinette.
2. Row 7 RS: Inc at each end. 12 sts.
3. Rows 8 to 18: Work even.
4. Row 19 RS: Inc at each end. 14 sts.
5. Rows 20 to 42: Work even.
6. Row 43 RS: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
7. Rows 44 to 48: Work even.
8. Row 49 RS: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
9. Rows 50 to 54: Work even.

BO. Make a second ear. Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly and seam, leaving the upper edge open. Do not stuff. Flatten gently with your fingers so the ears remain soft and drapey. Attach high on the head sides, angled slightly outward at the top, then falling straight down.

Bunny Shoes Make 2

The shoes are separate and sit over the knitted feet. They are beige, rounded at the toe, and have a low Mary Jane look with an open top line and a neat strap impression.

Using beige, CO 16 sts. Work 4 rows garter for the sole perimeter.

1. Rows 5 to 10: Work stockinette.
2. Row 11 RS: K1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
3. Row 12 WS: P across.
4. Row 13 RS: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
5. Row 14 WS: P across.
6. Rows 15 to 18: Work even.

BO. Seam into a shallow slipper shape around the bunny foot. Leave the top center more open than a full shoe. Embroider or sew a narrow strap line across the instep. The shoes should look fitted but soft.

Dress

The dress is worked in two pieces, front and back, then seamed. It is sleeveless with narrow straps and a slightly raised upper bodice. The skirt widens gradually and carries a simple floral band near the hem.

Bodice and Skirt Front

Using blue, CO 26 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, p24, k1 for a neat edge.
2. Row 5 RS: Inc at each end. 28 sts.
3. Rows 6 to 10: Continue in stockinette with edge stitches neat.
4. Row 11 RS: Inc at each end. 30 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 16: Work even.
6. Row 17 RS: Inc at each end. 32 sts.
7. Rows 18 to 22: Work even.
8. Row 23 RS: Inc at each end. 34 sts.
9. Rows 24 to 28: Work even.
10. Row 29 RS: Inc at each end. 36 sts.
11. Rows 30 to 34: Work even.
12. Row 35 RS: Inc at each end. 38 sts.
13. Rows 36 to 40: Work even.

Now work the daisy border. Use small duplicate stitch later if you prefer, but the look in the image is tidy and evenly spaced, so duplicate stitch works very well for accuracy.

Work 6 rows in blue as a base hem section. Then place 5 daisies evenly across the lower front using white petals and yellow centers. Keep each daisy about 3 sts wide and 3 rows tall, with one blue stitch between motifs. The hem edge should remain plain and clean, without ruffle.

After completing the skirt length, shape the upper bodice:

1. Row 41 RS: K8, BO 4, k14, BO 4, k8.
2. Next row: Work each upper section separately for straps.

For each strap, work 4 sts for 10 rows, then BO. The center upper bodice remains slightly straight and square between the straps. Make the bodice front long enough to cover the upper torso snugly.

Bodice and Skirt Back

Work exactly as for the front. For the top back edge, you may keep straps one row shorter so the neckline sits a touch lower in back than in front, matching the image’s soft natural fit.

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Dress Finishing

Seam the side edges neatly. Place the dress on the bunny before fully securing the straps. Cross-check the hem so it sits just above the shoes and widens gently over the hips. Sew straps to front and back. The dress should sit smoothly across the chest and fall in a simple bell shape.

Cardigan

The cardigan is a cropped, short-sleeved topper in pale yellow. It sits open at the front with two small front panels and a light textured look. It does not overlap deeply. The sleeves are tiny cap-like extensions.

Work as one piece from lower edge upward.

Using yellow, CO 30 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in garter stitch.
2. Rows 5 to 10: Work a simple texture: Row A knit all. Row B k1, p1 across. Repeat these 2 rows.
3. Row 11 RS: K6, BO 2, k14, BO 2, k6.

Continue upper sections for fronts and back separately but at the same time if preferred.

For the back center 14 sts, work 8 more rows even. BO.

For each front 6 sts section, work 8 rows even, then BO. The arm openings created by the small bind-offs will form the gentle sleeve drops once sewn.

Pick up 8 sts around each arm opening and work 3 short rows in garter to create the little sleeves. BO loosely.

Seam the tiny underarm edges and place the cardigan onto the bunny. The fronts should end above the waistline of the dress. Because the photographed cardigan has a softly hand-knit character, do not pull it too tight. Let the edges relax open.

Hat

The hat is one of the signature pieces in this set. It is a rounded cloche with a downward brim and a decorative eyelet band. The crown is smooth and domed rather than pointed. The brim turns down gently all around and frames the face, covering the top ear attachment area.

Hat Crown

Using beige, CO 12 sts on double-pointed needles or work flat and seam later.

1. Round 1: Knit.
2. Round 2: Inc in each st. 24 sts.
3. Round 3: Knit.
4. Round 4: K1, inc around. 36 sts.
5. Round 5: Knit.
6. Round 6: K2, inc around. 48 sts.
7. Rounds 7 to 14: Knit.

If working flat, translate these rounds into rows and seam invisibly afterward.

Eyelet Band

Round 15: K2tog, yo around.

Round 16: Knit all sts.

Rounds 17 to 20: Knit.

This creates the delicate decorative ring visible in the image. Keep it subtle and evenly tensioned.

Brim

1. Round 21: K3, inc around. 60 sts.
2. Round 22: Knit.
3. Round 23: K4, inc around. 72 sts.
4. Rounds 24 to 28: Knit.
5. Round 29: Purl all sts once to encourage the brim to fold downward.
6. Rounds 30 to 34: Knit.

BO loosely. Steam very lightly if needed, then shape the brim downward with your fingers. If you want a cleaner edge, tack the brim at a few spots from inside after placing it on the bunny. The hat should sit low, with the brim just above the eyes.

Lemon Slice Purse

This tiny purse hangs diagonally across the dress. It is a small half-round or wedge-like lemon slice with pale segment lines and a narrow strap.

Using yellow, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: K across.
2. Row 2 WS: P across.
3. Row 3 RS: Inc at each end. 10 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: P across.
5. Row 5 RS: Inc at each end. 12 sts.
6. Row 6 WS: P across.
7. Row 7 RS: Inc at each end. 14 sts.
8. Row 8 WS: P across.

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BO. Make a second piece. Sew together around curved edge and lightly stuff or line with felt. Embroider 3 to 4 pale wedge lines from the center toward the outer edge to resemble a citrus slice.

For the strap, make an i-cord or tight knitted cord about 7 inches long. Sew one end to the top left of the purse and the other end to the top right. Position it from the bunny’s left shoulder to the right side of the waist.

Duck Companion

The duck is tiny, upright, and intentionally simple. It mirrors the main bunny’s styling through the blue daisy dress, yellow cardigan, and matching beige hat. Its body is rounded and plump, with a short neck and tiny orange feet.

Duck Body

Using duck yellow, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work stockinette.
2. Row 5 RS: Inc at each end. 16 sts.
3. Rows 6 to 10: Work even.
4. Row 11 RS: Inc at each end. 18 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 16: Work even.
6. Row 17 RS: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
7. Rows 18 to 20: Work even.
8. Row 21 RS: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
9. Rows 22 to 24: Work even.

BO. Make two body sides, seam, and stuff firmly. Shape so the duck stands slightly wider at the base.

Duck Beak

Using orange, CO 6 sts. Work 3 rows stockinette and BO. Fold into a tiny shallow triangle and sew at the center of the face.

Duck Wings Make 2

Using duck yellow, CO 6 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work stockinette.
2. Row 5 RS: Inc at each end. 8 sts.
3. Rows 6 to 8: Work even.

BO. Fold and attach as tiny side wings.

Duck Feet Make 2

Using orange, CO 4 sts. Work 2 rows garter and BO. Sew under the body so they peek out from beneath the dress.

Duck Dress

Using blue, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: Work stockinette, increasing 1 st at each end on Rows 3 and 6.
2. Rows 9 to 12: Work even.

BO. Sew into a tiny wrap dress around the duck body. Add a row of miniature daisies near the lower edge using duplicate stitch in white and yellow.

Duck Cardigan

Using yellow, CO 12 sts. Work 6 rows in garter or simple knit-purl texture. BO. Sew as a tiny cropped open-front layer over the duck dress.

Duck Hat

Using beige, CO 24 sts in the round or flat. Work 8 rows stockinette, one eyelet row, then 4 more rows. Increase evenly by 8 sts and work 4 rows for the brim. BO loosely and shape downward.

Daisy Bouquet

The bouquet sits at the bunny’s left side on the table. It contains small white daisies with yellow centers and soft green leaves. Keep it compact rather than airy.

Daisy Make 5 to 7

Using white, CO 3 sts. Work tiny petal units as follows:

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: Kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: K2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. BO.

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Make 5 petals for each flower and sew them into a ring. Add a tiny yellow embroidered knot or a 3-stitch knitted nub for the center.

Leaves and Stems

Using green, knit several narrow stems as i-cords or twisted cords. For leaves, CO 3 sts, work 1 row, increase to 5 sts, work 1 row, then decrease back to 3 sts and BO. Attach leaves sparingly.

Gather the stems together tightly and wrap with green yarn. The bouquet should look rounded and sit low against the table.

Mini Cup With Straw

The cup is pale yellow with a white top edge and a blue straw. It is tiny but important because it balances the composition in the image.

Using yellow, CO 8 sts and join in the round.

1. Rounds 1 to 4: Knit.
2. Round 5: Switch to white and knit.
3. Round 6: Knit.

BO. Close the base with gathered stitches and stuff very lightly or insert a bead-sized bit of stuffing. For the straw, make a tiny blue cord 0.75 inch long and stitch it into the top at an angle. Add a small curved embroidered line in white or pale yellow on the cup front for extra detail.

Face Placement

The face is minimal and should stay sweet and calm. Place the eyes low enough that the hat brim frames them, but high enough to keep the muzzle area open. The expression depends on restraint.

• Eyes: small black vertical seed-like stitches
• Nose: tiny upside-down triangle in cream-brown or slightly darker cream
• Mouth: a short center line under the nose that splits gently into two tiny curves

Do not add blush, eyelashes, eyebrows, or a large muzzle patch. The charm of this rabbit comes from the plain knitted face and balanced proportions.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff both legs.
2. Sew torso and join legs.
3. Sew and stuff arms.
4. Sew and stuff head.
5. Attach head to body securely.
6. Attach ears high on the head sides.
7. Embroider face.
8. Make and fit the shoes.
9. Sew dress and place on bunny.
10. Add cardigan.
11. Add purse strap and purse.
12. Fit and shape the hat.
13. Make duck and dress it.
14. Make bouquet and cup.

Styling Notes for an Accurate Match

Keep the bunny standing straight with feet slightly apart. The dress should cover the upper legs and stop above the shoes. The cardigan must sit open and cropped, never long. The hat brim should angle downward enough to soften the top of the face.

The duck should stand close to the bunny’s right side. Its outfit should clearly echo the bunny’s palette, though in a simplified form. The bouquet belongs to the bunny’s left side, while the little cup sits between bouquet and bunny foot.

Do not oversize any accessory. In the image, every extra detail is small and carefully scaled, which is what makes the set look polished and collectible.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Attach all pieces with tiny, firm stitches and test the balance before making the final knots. Add the eyes first, then the small nose and mouth. Check both ears for even length and make sure the hat sits low but does not cover the eyes. Adjust the purse strap so it lies flat across the dress.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If deeper cleaning is needed, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap, press out moisture in a towel, and dry flat while reshaping the hat brim, ears, dress hem, and duck outfit.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Bunny stands evenly on both feet
• Dress hem sits just above shoes
• Daisy border is visible and centered
• Cardigan remains cropped and open
• Hat brim turns down softly
• Purse hangs diagonally across the body
• Duck outfit matches the main palette
• Bouquet and cup are scaled small
• Face is simple and balanced

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the set away from direct sunlight to protect the soft pastel shades. Avoid hanging the bunny by the hat or purse strap. If displayed long-term, dust lightly with a clean dry brush. Keep accessories together in a small fabric bag when not in use so the miniature pieces remain safe and tidy.