Snapdragon Ruffle-Bib Bunny – Knitting

This sweet knitted bunny set is designed to match the picture with a soft pastel wardrobe, a ruffled bonnet, a pink bib dress, a tiny duck friend, and charming garden accessories. The finished set has the look of an heirloom stuffed animal, nursery decor piece, spring shelf display, and collectible handmade gift. If readers enjoy searching for a knitted bunny doll, bunny plush, stuffed rabbit pattern, spring toy knitting, or handmade baby shower gift ideas, this design fits beautifully into that style while still feeling warm, gentle, 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.

Finished Set Overview

This pattern creates the complete scene shown in the image:

• A seated long-eared bunny with a rounded face, straight torso, slim arms, and long soft legs.
• A pale blue short-sleeved under-blouse.
• A blush pink dress with a bib front, gathered skirt, lower ruffle, and snapdragon flower motifs.
• A cream bonnet with a deep wavy brim.
• Brown Mary Jane shoes worked onto the feet.
• A small duck in a pink dress and tiny bonnet.
• A green backpack.
• Three loose snapdragon stems.
• A tiny seed packet inspired by the flowers in the set.

The bunny is proportioned to sit upright with a large head, narrow shoulders, a simple body, and legs placed forward. The accessories are intentionally small so the bunny remains the main focus.

Materials

• Sport or light DK yarn for the bunny and accessories.
• Main bunny color: light oatmeal-beige.
• Dress color: soft blush pink.
• Shirt color: muted powder blue.
• Bonnet color: warm cream.
• Shoe colors: medium taupe and deep brown.
• Duck colors: pale yellow, orange, blush pink, and beige.
• Backpack color: mossy green with a small amount of brown for button detail.
• Flower colors: lavender, lilac, butter yellow, bright purple, white, medium green, and dusty rose accents.
• Pair of knitting needles suitable for your yarn choice, plus double-pointed needles if preferred for small tubes.
• Tapestry needle.
• Black safety eyes or small black embroidery stitches for the eyes.
• Stuffing.
• Stitch markers.
• Waste yarn.
• Thin cardboard or felt scrap for the seed packet if you want it slightly firmer.

Gauge and Size

Gauge is not critical as long as your fabric is firm enough to hold stuffing cleanly without showing large gaps. Use a needle size that gives you a dense, smooth stockinette fabric.

The bunny should finish at approximately 11 to 13 inches tall when seated, depending on yarn and personal tension. The duck should finish around 3 to 4 inches tall. The backpack should look small enough to sit beside the bunny without reaching the shoulder line.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• Kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• K2tog = knit 2 together
• Ssk = slip, slip, knit
• M1 = make 1 increase
• Rep = repeat
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on

Construction Notes

The bunny is worked in separate pieces and sewn together. The head is slightly larger than the body and softly oval rather than perfectly round. The ears are long, narrow, and fall downward from beneath the bonnet.

The blue shirt is worked separately as a fitted upper garment. The pink dress is also separate and slips over the body. The bonnet is a separate piece with a gathered crown and dramatic ruffle edge.

The floral stems on the skirt are easiest to achieve with duplicate stitch and a few tiny surface loops. This keeps the skirt smooth and lets you place the flowers exactly where they appear in the image.

 

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Bunny Legs Make 2

Begin at the sole with dark brown for the shoe base.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
3. Next row: Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. 12 sts.
4. Purl 1 row.
5. Next row: Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. 14 sts.
6. Work 3 rows in stockinette, ending with a WS row.

Shape the rounded shoe top.

1. Row 1: K4, K2tog, K2, ssk, K4.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: K4, K2tog, ssk, K4.
4. Row 4: Purl.

Change to taupe and work 2 rows. This creates the upper shoe band visible across the foot.

Change to bunny body color for the leg. Knit 18 to 22 rows in stockinette, depending on desired length. The legs in the image are long and slim, with enough length to extend forward from the dress hem.

Lightly stuff the shoe area firmly and the leg area more softly. Flatten the top edge when sewing so each leg sits attached at the lower body and points slightly outward.

Bunny Arms Make 2

Using bunny body color, CO 10 sts and work in stockinette for 20 to 22 rows. The arms should look slim, smooth, and slightly curved from gentle stuffing.

To taper the hand end very slightly:

1. After 6 rows, work K2tog at each edge on the next RS row. 8 sts.
2. Work remaining rows straight.

Bind off. Sew side seams, lightly stuff, and close the upper edge flat. The finished arm should be longer than the shirt sleeve and extend down beside the dress skirt.

Bunny Body

Using bunny body color, CO 24 sts.

1. Work 6 rows in stockinette.
2. Increase row: K1, M1, knit to last stitch, M1, K1. 26 sts.
3. Work 6 rows straight.
4. Increase row: K1, M1, knit to last stitch, M1, K1. 28 sts.
5. Work 10 rows straight.

The body in the image is modestly rounded but mostly straight, because the clothing supplies much of the silhouette. Do not overstuff this piece.

Shape shoulders:

1. Row 1: BO 2 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. 24 sts.
2. Work 2 rows straight.
3. Row 4: K2tog at each edge on the next RS row. 22 sts.
4. Work 3 rows straight.

Bind off. Sew side seams, stuff gently, and close lower opening after attaching legs if preferred.

Bunny Head

Using bunny body color, CO 16 sts.

1. Work 2 rows stockinette.
2. Increase row: Kfb across. 32 sts.
3. Purl 1 row.
4. Next RS row: K1, M1 across every 3rd stitch evenly to 40 sts.
5. Work 12 rows straight in stockinette.

This section forms the broad face and cheeks. The head in the image is softly squared at the sides, not spherical. To encourage that look, do not stretch the knitting too tightly while stuffing.

Shape the upper head:

1. Row 1: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Repeat these 2 rows 5 times total. 30 sts.
4. Work 2 rows straight.
5. Repeat decrease row at each edge every RS row 4 times. 22 sts.

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Cut yarn with a long tail, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and close. Sew cast-on edge closed after stuffing.

Stuff the head firmly at the cheeks and forehead, but keep the muzzle area softer so the facial shaping can be added later.

Bunny Ears Make 2

Using bunny body color, CO 8 sts.

1. Work 4 rows stockinette.
2. Increase row: K1, M1, knit to last stitch, M1, K1. 10 sts.
3. Work 6 rows straight.
4. Increase row: K1, M1, knit to last stitch, M1, K1. 12 sts.
5. Work 12 rows straight.

Now taper the ear to a rounded tip:

1. Row 1: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Repeat these 2 rows until 4 sts remain.
4. K2tog twice, cut yarn, pull through.

Sew side seam or mattress close if worked flat. Leave the ears unstuffed. Lightly steam or finger-shape them so they droop naturally. In the image, they hang from beneath the bonnet and reach just below the jawline.

Blue Shirt

The shirt is a simple, fitted underlayer with short sleeves and a close neckline. It should sit smoothly under the pink bib dress and only show at the top chest and sleeves.

Front

1. Using powder blue, CO 18 sts.
2. Work 6 rows stockinette.
3. Increase row: K1, M1, knit to last stitch, M1, K1. 20 sts.
4. Work 8 rows straight.

Shape armholes:

1. BO 2 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. 16 sts.
2. Work 4 rows straight.

Shape neck:

1. Next row: K6, BO 4, K6.
2. Work each side separately for 3 rows.
3. Decrease at neck edge once. 5 sts each side.
4. Work 2 more rows and BO.

Back

Work as front to armholes. After armholes, work 8 rows straight. Shape a shallow back neck by binding off center 6 sts and working each side separately for 2 rows. Bind off shoulders.

Sleeves Make 2

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. Work 6 rows stockinette.
4. BO.

Sew shoulders, insert sleeves, sew side and sleeve seams. Keep the shirt close-fitting so it does not add bulk beneath the dress.

Pink Ruffle-Bib Dress

This is the signature garment in the set. It has a neat rectangular bib, narrow straps, a gathered waist, a flared skirt, floral motifs placed in vertical groups, and a wavy ruffle at the hem.

Bib Front

1. Using blush pink, CO 16 sts.
2. Work 14 rows stockinette.
3. On the next row, BO 4 sts, knit 8, BO 4 sts.

The remaining center 8 stitches form the upper bib. Work 6 more rows on these center stitches and bind off. Pick up 3 stitches from each upper side and work 12-row straps, each 4 stitches wide. Bind off.

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Dress Back

CO 20 sts and work 20 rows stockinette. This piece should sit high enough under the arms to match the front bib height when straps are joined.

Skirt

For the skirt, pick up stitches along the lower edge of the bib front and around the side and back waist so the total count is approximately 54 to 60 sts. Join or work flat depending on preference. Flat is easier for motif placement if you prefer to sew later.

Work the waist shaping carefully so the skirt fans outward just below the bib.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Increase row: K3, M1 across evenly to add 12 sts.
4. Work 6 rows stockinette.
5. Increase row: K4, M1 across evenly to add 10 sts.
6. Work 8 rows stockinette.

The skirt should now flare softly, not stiffly. In the image, the hem is rounded and full but still drapes downward.

Hem Ruffle

Work a gentle decorative ruffle as follows:

1. Increase row: K2, M1 across evenly to increase by about one-third.
2. Work 2 rows stockinette.
3. Work 4 rows in this sequence: K on RS, P on WS.
4. BO loosely on RS knitwise.

After binding off, use your fingers to encourage the lower edge into little scalloped waves. This creates the soft frill seen at the bottom of the dress.

Dress Finishing

Sew the back seam if worked flat. Join the straps to the back upper edge. The straps should sit nearly vertical from the bib corners and look slightly broad, not string-like.

Dress the bunny before attaching arms if needed for easier fitting. The blue shirt should show above the bib and at the short sleeves.

Snapdragon Skirt Motifs

The skirt in the image shows five grouped flower sprays across the front. From left to right they appear in lavender, yellow, purple, white, and lavender-purple tones. Each group grows from green leaves and a stem, with stacked blossoms rising upward.

Mark five evenly spaced columns on the front skirt. Leave the side sections mostly plain. Place the motifs above the hem ruffle, not too high into the waist area.

Stem and Leaves

Using medium green, duplicate stitch a vertical stem about 7 to 9 rows tall for each flower group. Add two to four leaves at the base using angled duplicate stitches. The leaves should point diagonally outward.

Flowers

For each snapdragon blossom, use small clustered duplicate stitches shaped like rounded petals. Stack the blossoms more densely near the top of each stem. Use these color arrangements:

• Motif 1: soft lavender with a few deeper lilac accents.
• Motif 2: butter yellow blossoms with pale gold accents.
• Motif 3: rich purple with pink-purple highlights.
• Motif 4: white blossoms with tiny pale gray or cream shadow stitches if desired.
• Motif 5: lavender and violet blend.

Keep each flower group vertical and compact. Do not make them too wide. The flowers in the image are elegant, clean, and decorative rather than botanically crowded.

Cream Bonnet

The bonnet has a rounded crown and a dramatic soft ruffle framing the face. It sits low over the forehead and partially covers the ears, which fall out beneath it.

1. Using cream, CO 48 sts.
2. Work 8 rows stockinette.

Create the face ruffle:

1. Next row: K1, M1 across every other stitch. Increase generously to around 72 sts.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Work 2 rows garter.

This section naturally ripples. Bind off loosely if you want a separate brim band, or continue into the crown by reducing back down evenly to 48 sts.

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For the crown:

1. Decrease evenly back to 48 sts.
2. Work 12 rows stockinette.
3. Begin crown shaping: K6, K2tog across.
4. Purl 1 row.
5. K5, K2tog across.
6. Purl 1 row.
7. Continue this pattern until 12 sts remain.
8. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull closed.

Sew the back seam. Slip onto the head and anchor with tiny stitches. The front ruffle should curve outward and downward in soft waves.

Mary Jane Straps

Using brown yarn or embroidery thread, add a simple horizontal shoe strap across each foot. Stitch from one side of the shoe opening to the other. Add a tiny darker knot at the outer side if you want the look of a buckle point.

Small Duck Companion

This duck is worked in simple rounded pieces and dressed to echo the bunny. It should look charming and slightly rustic rather than highly detailed.

Body

1. Using pale yellow, CO 10 sts.
2. Increase to 18 sts over the next 3 RS rows by adding 2 sts evenly on each increase row.
3. Work 8 rows stockinette.
4. Decrease evenly back to 10 sts over 3 RS rows.
5. Stuff and close.

Head

1. CO 8 sts in pale yellow.
2. Increase to 16 sts.
3. Work 6 rows straight.
4. Decrease to 8 sts, stuff lightly, and close.

Beak and Feet

Use orange yarn to create a small beak with a few satin-style stitches or a tiny knitted tab. The feet can be little stuffed nubs or embroidered padded shapes. Keep them short and slightly turned outward.

Duck Dress

Using blush pink, CO enough stitches to fit around the duck body. Work a tiny bib-front tube or flat piece with 8 to 10 skirt rows. Add one small decrease row near the upper edge so the dress narrows at the chest.

Duck Bonnet

Use beige or straw-tan yarn. Work a very small rounded cap with a shallow brim. Add a tiny fold or stitched edge to mimic the hat in the image.

Green Backpack

The backpack is a small rectangular accessory with a flap, front pocket, straps, and one visible button-like closure.

Main Bag

1. Using moss green, CO 14 sts.
2. Work 18 rows stockinette.
3. Fold into a rectangle and sew sides, leaving top open.

Flap

1. Pick up 14 sts along the upper back edge.
2. Work 6 rows stockinette.
3. Decrease 1 stitch at each side every RS row twice.
4. Work 2 more rows and BO.

Front Pocket

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work 6 rows stockinette and BO.
3. Sew to front lower bag.

Add two narrow i-cord or chained knitted straps and sew them to the back. Add a tiny brown French-knot-style button or embroidered dot at the front.

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Loose Snapdragon Stems

Make three decorative flower stems to place beside the backpack and seed packet.

1. Create each stem as a narrow i-cord or twisted cord in green.
2. Attach two long knitted leaves near the lower half of each stem.
3. Add blossom clusters at the upper portion in lavender, pale yellow, and lilac tones.

The stems should be slightly curved and soft, not stiff and straight. Let them overlap naturally.

Seed Packet

This tiny packet is a charming finishing detail. It is rectangular, cream-colored, and decorated with a floral picture.

1. Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Work 14 rows in stockinette.
3. BO.

Fold the rectangle very lightly around a small felt or cardboard insert if desired. Sew side edges. Duplicate stitch a small snapdragon design on the front using purple, yellow, and green. Add a tiny title line at the top with very small stitched marks if you wish.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the head to the body securely, keeping the chin close to the upper torso so the doll looks compact and upright. Attach ears slightly behind the side center of the head so they fall downward beneath the bonnet.

Sew arms at shoulder height, angled slightly downward. Attach the legs close together at the lower body so they extend forward in a seated pose.

Place small black eyes evenly on either side of the muzzle area. Shape the nose with a few straight stitches forming a small downward-pointing triangle. Add a short vertical line and a soft split mouth beneath it.

Use gentle sculpting stitches if needed to define the muzzle and keep the face sweet and calm.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Hand wash gently in cool water if a deeper clean is needed.
• Reshape the bonnet ruffle and skirt while damp.
• Dry flat away from direct heat.
• Do not machine dry.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Bonnet ruffle sits low and wavy around the face.
• Blue shirt shows clearly above the bib and at both sleeves.
• Pink dress flares softly with a defined lower ruffle.
• Five snapdragon motifs are centered across the front skirt.
• Shoes have visible strap detail.
• Duck, backpack, stems, and seed packet are all scaled small beside the bunny.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, keep the set away from prolonged direct sunlight to protect the pastel colors. Store loose accessories in a cotton pouch so they do not snag. If displaying on a shelf, support the bunny’s back lightly so the neck seam stays relaxed.

When packing the set, wrap the bonnet brim and flower stems in tissue to preserve their shape. Avoid plastic storage in damp areas. A clean, dry box with soft padding will help the knitted fabric remain smooth and beautiful over time.