This charming knitted bunny is designed as a collectible soft toy with a romantic spring garden look. The finished set includes the bunny, floral dress, bonnet, Mary Jane shoes, little handbag, soft handkerchief, flower posy, and a tiny dressed bird companion. It has the polished look of a handmade heirloom toy often searched for as a knitted bunny doll, stuffed rabbit decor, nursery gift, handmade toy pattern, and collectible knitted animal. The silhouette is gentle, classic, and highly giftable while still being practical for a careful maker to complete at home.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Design Overview
This bunny has a long, softly pear-shaped head, a narrow neck, gently rounded torso, slim cylindrical limbs, and long drooping ears. The face is minimal and sweet, with tiny dark eyes, a centered embroidered nose, and a short split mouth. The body proportions are elegant rather than chubby.
The dress is pale pink with deep fuchsia floral bands worked directly into the knitting. It has puff sleeves, a rounded neckline, a gathered skirt, and a scalloped hem. The bonnet is rich fuchsia and frames the face closely, tying under the chin with long narrow cords.
The shoes are matching fuchsia Mary Janes with straps and tiny side buttons. A small knitted handbag hangs from one arm. The image also shows a pale pink ruffled cloth, a flower cluster in pink and purple shades, and a small hummingbird-like companion wearing a tan vest and straw-style hat.
Finished Size
- Bunny: about 15 to 16 inches tall seated, about 18 inches including ears when gently extended
- Dress length from shoulder to hem: about 7 inches
- Bonnet depth: fitted close to head
- Handbag: about 2 1/4 inches tall
- Bird companion: about 3 inches tall
Materials
- DK weight yarn in warm cream for bunny body
- DK weight yarn in pale blush pink for dress and cloth
- DK weight yarn in deep fuchsia for floral motifs, shoe trim, bonnet, ties, and handbag
- Small amounts of leaf green, berry pink, plum, lavender, aqua, gray, tan, brown, straw, black, and soft white for accessories and bird
- 2.75 mm needles for most pieces
- 2.5 mm needles for smaller accessories
- Double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference method
- Tapestry needle
- Small sharp scissors
- Toy stuffing
- Black embroidery floss or fine black yarn for eyes if not using knots
- Brown embroidery floss for nose and mouth
- Two tiny pink buttons for shoes
- Optional lightweight wire for flower stems only
Gauge
32 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on 2.75 mm needles after light blocking. Gauge matters because the toy needs a firm fabric so stuffing will not show through. If your stitches look open, go down a needle size.
Abbreviations
- CO = cast on
- BO = bind off
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- inc = increase 1 stitch
- kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- p2tog = purl 2 together
- yo = yarn over
- rep = repeat
- m1 = make 1 increase
- pm = place marker
General Construction Notes
The bunny is worked in separate pieces and seamed. The legs and arms are long and neat, with only a slight taper. The head is shaped so the muzzle projects subtly. Keep all stuffing very smooth and even. This design depends on clean shaping rather than heavy embroidery.
The dress is worked flat in one piece to the armholes, then divided for front and back. The floral bands are knitted in stranded colorwork. Keep floats relaxed but not loose. Because the motifs are small, spread them carefully and avoid catching floats where they might show on the outside.
Every accessory visible in the image is included below. For the closest result, match the muted cream body, pale pink dress ground, and saturated fuchsia accents. The contrast between soft neutrals and vivid pink-purple details is what gives this piece its character.
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Bunny Legs Make 2
Using cream, CO 16 sts. Work 4 rows in garter stitch for the sole edge.
Next row: k6, inc, k2, inc, k6. 18 sts.
Work 10 rows in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
Shape foot and ankle. Row 1: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. Row 2: p all. Row 3: k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. Row 4: p all. 14 sts.
Work 6 rows straight. Begin leg tube. If working flat, continue in stockinette and seam later. If working in the round, redistribute evenly and knit all rounds.
Work 34 rows even for the long slim leg. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly. The image shows smooth, straight lower legs with no heavy calf shaping, so do not overstuff.
Shape top of leg. Row 1: k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1. Row 2: p all. Row 3: k all. Row 4: p all. 12 sts.
Work 4 more rows. BO loosely. Leave a long sewing tail. Make a second leg to match exactly.
Bunny Arms Make 2
Using cream, CO 14 sts. Work 4 rows stockinette. Increase 2 stitches across next knit row. 16 sts.
Work 8 rows even for the lower paw. The arm in the image is softly tubular and lightly padded, with a rounded hand and very little shaping.
Shape upper arm. Row 1: k1, ssk, k10, k2tog, k1. Row 2: p all. 14 sts.
Work 26 rows even. Stuff lightly, mostly toward the hand. Flatten top edge and BO. Leave long tail.
Body
Using cream, CO 26 sts. Work 2 rows garter.
Begin lower body shaping. Row 1: k all. Row 2: p all. Row 3: k1, inc, k24, inc, k1. 28 sts. Row 4: p all. Row 5: k2, inc, k22, inc, k2. 30 sts.
Continue in stockinette, increasing 2 sts every 6th row 3 more times. 36 sts. This creates the gently widened hip and lower tummy seen beneath the full dress.
Work 18 rows even. Begin waist shaping. Row 1: k2, k2tog, k28, ssk, k2. 34 sts. Work 5 rows even. Repeat decrease row once more. 32 sts.
Work 8 rows straight for the upper torso. The body should now look softly oval, not bulky.
Shape shoulders. Row 1: BO 3 sts at start, knit to end. Row 2: BO 3 sts at start, purl to end. 26 sts. Row 3: BO 2 sts at start, knit to end. Row 4: BO 2 sts at start, purl to end. 22 sts.
Work 4 rows even. Leave live stitches on waste yarn or BO loosely if you prefer to seam the neck opening later.
Head
Using cream, CO 24 sts. Work in stockinette for 8 rows. Increase 1 stitch at each end of next knit row. 26 sts. Work 3 rows even.
Increase 1 stitch at each end of the next knit row every 4th row 5 times total. 36 sts. This gives the smooth rise from neck into the broadest part of the head.
Work 16 rows even. The face in the image is long and softly rounded, with the widest point around the cheek area.
Begin muzzle shaping. Row 1: k12, m1, k12, m1, k12. 38 sts. Row 2: p all. Work 4 rows even. Repeat the increase row once. 40 sts.
Work 6 rows even, then begin crown shaping. Row 1: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. Row 2: p all. Repeat these 2 rows 7 times. 26 sts.
Next knit row: k1, k2tog across to last stitch, k1. Next purl row: p all. Then repeat paired decrease rows until 12 sts remain. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and close firmly.
Stuff the head with special care. The muzzle should be gently full. The crown should stay smooth. Do not overstuff the sides or the face will lose the elegant narrow look shown in the image.
Muzzle and Face Shaping
Using matching cream yarn, run a soft horizontal face-shaping thread from one side of the muzzle to the other, slightly below eye level. Pull very gently to define the nose bridge. This creates the subtle front plane visible on the bunny’s face.
Place the eyes low and wide rather than high and round. They should look like tiny dark seed stitches. If embroidering them, make a compact satin knot or very small wrapped stitch. Keep the expression calm and neutral.
Embroider a tiny Y-shaped nose and mouth in warm brown. The nose is narrow and slightly triangular, with a centered short vertical line and two tiny angled mouth lines. Avoid a smiling curve. The image shows a simple heirloom face.
Ears Make 2
Using cream, CO 12 sts. Work in stockinette, increasing 1 stitch at each end every 4th row 5 times. 22 sts.
Work 18 rows even. Begin taper. Row 1: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Row 2: p all. Repeat these 2 rows until 8 sts remain.
Work 4 rows even to maintain a slightly rounded tip. Then decrease 1 stitch at each end on next knit row. 6 sts. Work 1 purl row. BO.
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For the inner ear lining effect seen in the image, make a second lighter panel for each ear using pale blush pink, but only 2 stitches narrower and 8 rows shorter. Sew to the cream ear with tiny edge stitches, leaving the outer cream border visible.
Lightly press the ears. Fold the lower end of each ear very slightly before attaching so they fall downward beside the face instead of sticking straight out.
Neck Join
Sew the head to the body with the seam centered. Add extra stuffing at the neck as needed so the head sits upright but still looks soft. The image shows a stable, poised head position with only a slight forward tilt.
Attach Arms and Legs
Sew the legs low on the body so they dangle naturally when seated. Angle them slightly forward. Attach the arms just below the neck line. The right arm should sit naturally enough to support the handbag after it is added.
Dress
The dress is one of the defining features of this design. It has a fitted upper chest, short puff sleeves, and a full gathered skirt with two floral colorwork bands. The top band sits across the chest. The lower band runs around the skirt above the scalloped hem.
Dress Back and Front to Underarm
Using pale blush pink, CO 120 sts. Work 4 rows in stockinette, ending WS.
Begin lower hem wave. Row 1 RS: k all. Row 2 WS: p all. Row 3: *k2tog, yo; rep to end. Row 4: p all. Row 5: k all. This gives a delicate eyelet ripple line above the hem edge, matching the soft decorative movement in the image.
Work 10 rows stockinette.
Now begin lower floral band using fuchsia. Arrange repeating scrolling stems and blossom clusters across the width. The visual effect should show curving vine arcs with hanging flowers and upright blossoms between them. Work 18 rows total for the motif band.
After the floral band, switch fully back to pale pink and work 12 rows even.
On next RS row, decrease evenly across to 84 sts. This creates the gathered skirt into bodice transition seen in the image. Work 8 rows even.
Work upper chest floral band over 12 rows. This motif is narrower than the skirt band and appears like linked blossoms marching across the chest just below the neckline. Use deep fuchsia for the main flowers and small touches of lighter fuchsia if desired for tonal depth.
Work 6 rows plain in pale pink.
Divide for Front and Back
Next row RS: knit 21 for back, BO 6 for armhole, knit 30 for front, BO 6 for armhole, knit 21 for back.
Work each section separately.
Back
Work 4 rows even on first 21 sts. Shape neckline. Row 1 RS: k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Row 2: p all. Repeat this decrease at neck edge every RS row 3 times. 18 sts.
Work 8 rows even. BO shoulder sts. Repeat for second back section, reversing shaping. Leave a center opening at the upper back for dressing.
Front
Work 8 rows even on 30 sts. Shape neck. Row 1 RS: k11, BO 8, knit to end. Work sides separately.
At each neck edge, decrease 1 stitch every RS row 3 times. Work straight until front length matches back. BO shoulders.
Sleeves Make 2
Using pale pink, CO 28 sts. Work 4 rows stockinette. Increase evenly to 34 sts on next knit row.
Work 8 rows even. Create the tiny puff by working one decrease row: k1, k2tog across to last stitch, k1. Then work 2 rows even.
Finish cuff with 2 rows in fuchsia and 1 row in pale pink. BO. Sew sleeves into armholes with the fullness centered at the top.
Dress Finishing
Sew shoulder seams and side seams. Add a neat back closure using a small overlap and either snaps or two tiny sewn loops and buttons. The closure should stay hidden. Dress the bunny before final neck scarf placement if that is easier.
Bonnet
The bonnet sits close around the head and frames the face like a soft hood. It is deep fuchsia throughout and has a smooth crown with a ribbed or firm front edge. Long narrow ties knot under the chin and fall to the front.
Using fuchsia, CO 68 sts. Work 8 rows in k1, p1 rib. Switch to stockinette and work 20 rows even.
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Shape crown. Row 1 RS: k2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. Row 2: p all. Repeat these 2 rows 8 times. 52 sts.
Work 6 rows even. Fold bonnet in half and seam the back crown neatly. The front rib should curve around the cheeks. If needed, lightly gather the lower side edges to keep the bonnet snug against the face.
For each tie, pick up 4 sts from a lower front corner. Work i-cord for about 10 inches. BO. Tie in a soft side-falling knot under the chin, slightly off center, as seen in the image.
Shoes Make 2
Using fuchsia, CO 18 sts. Work 4 rows garter. Increase to 22 sts across next RS row. Work 8 rows stockinette.
Shape toe. Row 1: k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1. Row 2: p all. Repeat twice more. 16 sts.
Work foot upper for 5 rows. Then shape ankle opening by BO center 6 sts on next RS row and working the side sections separately for 2 rows. Rejoin by casting on 6 sts over the gap. This creates the Mary Jane opening.
Work 6 more rows, then sew sole and heel. Make a narrow strap by picking up 4 sts at one side of the opening and knitting 10 rows. Sew a tiny pink button to the opposite side and secure the strap in place. Make the second shoe to mirror the first.
Handbag
Using fuchsia, CO 14 sts. Work 20 rows stockinette. Fold in half and seam sides to form a rounded pouch.
For the strap, pick up 4 sts at one upper edge and work i-cord for 16 to 18 inches depending on how low you want the bag to hang. Attach to the other side. Stuff the pouch only very lightly so it stays soft and droopy like the one in the image.
Handkerchief
Using pale pink, CO 24 sts. Work 20 rows in stockinette. BO loosely.
Add a narrow ruffled edge by picking up stitches around the square and working 1 round or row as follows: *kfb in each stitch for one side. Then work 2 rows stockinette and BO loosely.*
Add tiny fuchsia accent dots at the corners if desired, but keep the cloth mostly soft and simple. Fold and place beside the bunny.
Flower Posy
The flower bundle includes hanging tubular blossoms in pink, magenta, and purple tones, with soft green stems and leaves. The overall shape is loose and gathered, not stiff and formal.
Blossoms Make Several
Using pink, magenta, plum, and lavender, CO 18 sts for each blossom. Work 3 rows stockinette. Next row: k2tog across. 9 sts. Work 8 rows even to form a narrow tube. Thread yarn through live stitches and pull closed. Turn so the fuller part sits at the open end like a flared flower.
Make 7 to 9 blossoms in mixed shades.
Leaves
Using leaf green, CO 3 sts. Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts. Row 2: p all. Row 3: k1, m1, knit to last 1 st, m1, k1. 7 sts. Row 4: p all. Row 5: k2tog, k3, ssk. Row 6: p all. Row 7: k2tog, k1, ssk. BO. Make 6 to 8 leaves.
Assemble Posy
Sew each blossom to a green stem cord or twisted yarn strand. Group blossoms together with leaves near the top. Wrap the lower stem bundle with matching green yarn. The cluster should look hand-gathered and slightly spilling to one side.
Bird Companion
This small bird sits near the bunny and adds a whimsical storybook touch. It has a green back, pale underbody, dark beak, tiny black legs, purple throat, tan vest, and a small straw-toned hat with a pink band.
Body
Using pale tan or cream for the underside and green for the back, begin at the belly with 8 sts and increase to 20 sts over several rows. Work short rows or color changes so the upper back is green and the lower front remains pale. Shape into a compact oval body.
Stuff lightly. The body should be firm enough to sit upright. Add a tiny pointed beak in black by knitting a miniature cone or embroidering a compact triangle.
Wings Make 2
Using gray-purple or muted green-gray, CO 8 sts. Work 2 rows. Increase 1 stitch at each end on next RS row. Work 4 rows even, then decrease back to 6 sts and BO. Sew flat against the sides, angled slightly back.
Tail
Using aqua or soft turquoise, CO 6 sts. Work 6 rows, increasing 1 stitch at each end on the third row. BO. Fold very slightly and stitch to the rear so the tail flicks upward.
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Throat Patch
Embroider or knit a small magenta-purple patch at the throat. This pop of color is important because it echoes the bunny’s fuchsia accents.
Legs
Use stiff black yarn or embroidery floss and form two tiny standing legs. Anchor deeply into the body base so the bird can balance with a seated lean.
Vest
Using tan, CO enough stitches to wrap the body front, around 16 to 18 depending on gauge. Work 10 rows stockinette. Cut shallow arm curves and a tiny front opening. Sew in place and add two or three tiny brown French-knot style buttons down the front.
Hat
Using straw color, CO 24 sts and work a tiny flat circle or brim strip. Then knit a tiny shallow crown in a slightly darker tan. Add a narrow fuchsia band around the base. Stitch the hat at a jaunty angle on the bird’s head.
Colorwork Motif Guidance
The floral motifs do not need to be charted here in rigid grid form if you are comfortable placing them visually, but they should stay balanced and delicate. Use rounded five-petal blossoms, small bud clusters, and curving vine arcs. The image shows ornamental symmetry rather than random scatter.
For the upper chest band, keep the flowers smaller and more upright. For the lower skirt band, use fuller curves and hanging blossoms so the hem area feels richer and more decorative. Keep the strongest fuchsia at the motif centers and edges.
Assembly Order
- Sew and stuff legs, arms, body, head, and ears
- Shape face and embroider features
- Attach head to body
- Attach ears, then arms and legs
- Knit and finish dress, then place on bunny
- Add sleeves and close back opening
- Knit bonnet and tie under chin
- Add shoes and buttons
- Attach handbag to arm
- Make handkerchief, flower posy, and bird companion
Styling Notes for an Image-Matched Finish
- Keep the bunny body slender and upright, not plush and round
- Use a warm cream, not stark white
- Let the ears fall softly down the sides of the bonnet
- Make the bonnet ties long enough to drape visibly
- Do not shorten the dress; it should cover the knees when seated
- The shoe straps should be neat and thin
- The bag should sit low and slightly forward
- The bird should look tiny beside the bunny, never oversized
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Check that the head is centered and the face looks calm from the front. Add tiny eye stitches only after the bonnet has been tried on, so placement remains visible and balanced. Shape the nose bridge gently and keep the mouth short for the sweetest expression.
Steam very lightly where needed, but never flatten the stuffed pieces. Dress the bunny, tie the bonnet, fasten the shoes, and place the bag over the arm. Arrange the cloth, flowers, and bird so the whole set feels coordinated and graceful.
Care Notes
Handle the set as a decorative knitted toy rather than a rough-play item. Dust regularly with a soft dry brush. Keep away from direct moisture and strong sunlight so the cream and pink shades stay fresh and even.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Face centered and symmetrical
- Eyes small and evenly placed
- Ears attached at matching height
- Dress motifs balanced and visible
- Bonnet snug around face
- Shoes mirror each other
- Bag hangs naturally
- Bird proportions stay tiny beside bunny
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Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Spot clean only with a lightly damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap. Do not soak the stuffed bunny. Press moisture out gently with a towel and let dry flat away from heat. For the dress and accessories, careful hand washing is safest if they are removable.
Store flat in acid-free tissue inside a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage. If displaying on a shelf, support the body so the neck and legs do not carry strain over time. Keep small accessories together in a labeled fabric pouch.
