Marigold Storylane Bunny – Knitting

This knitted bunny is a warm autumn character with a marigold beret, flower-covered yoke, textured skirt, tiny crossbody flower bag, matching shoes, a loose bouquet, and a little squirrel friend. It is designed as a collectible stuffed bunny, a handmade nursery decor piece, and a charming gift for anyone searching for a knitted bunny doll, heirloom toy, or seasonal handmade animal. The colors are rich and cozy, and every accessory is shaped to match the look of the sample as closely as possible.

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

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: light beige or oatmeal DK yarn for head, body, arms, legs, and ears.
• Beret and shoe yarn: golden marigold DK yarn.
• Top yoke yarn: soft mustard-gold DK yarn.
• Skirt yarn: deep cinnamon, burnt amber, or rust DK yarn.
• Flower colors: dark marigold, warm yellow, and a small amount of leaf green.
• Squirrel yarn: medium brown, dark brown, cream, muted green, and a touch of warm tan.
• Needles: 2.75 mm and 3.0 mm double-pointed needles or preferred method for knitting small circumferences.
• Optional needles: 3.25 mm needles for the skirt if you want extra drape.
• Tapestry needle for sewing and weaving in ends.
• Stuffing: soft polyester fiberfill.
• Stitch markers for round beginnings and shaping points.
• Black embroidery thread for eyes if you prefer stitched eyes, or two small black safety eyes.
• Brown or dark taupe embroidery thread for nose and mouth.

Finished Size

The bunny stands about 9 to 10 inches tall from feet to the top of the head, not including the beret leaf. With the beret in place, the total height is about 10 to 10.5 inches.

The squirrel stands about 3.25 to 3.75 inches tall. The flower bouquet and crossbody bag are small, soft accessories sized to the bunny’s body and should not look oversized.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for display toys, but tight fabric matters. Aim for a dense stockinette fabric that hides stuffing well.

• Approximate gauge: 26 to 28 stitches and 36 to 38 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette on 3.0 mm needles.
• If your fabric looks loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• Kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• Ssk = slip, slip, knit
• M1L / M1R = make one left / right
• Rep = repeat
• Rnd = round
• RS / WS = right side / wrong side
• BO = bind off

Color Placement Notes

The sample uses a very gentle autumn palette. The bunny itself stays in a soft neutral shade. The outfit carries the strong color story.

The beret and shoes are a brighter marigold-gold. The yoke is slightly lighter and softer. The skirt is darker, richer, and more brown-orange than the beret. This contrast is important because it separates the dress into two visible sections.

The flowers should not all match exactly. Use a mix of darker orange marigold blossoms and buttery yellow blossoms. Small green leaves between some flowers make the yoke look fuller and closer to the image.

Construction Overview

The bunny is made in separate pieces and sewn together. The head is rounded and slightly wider than the neck. The body is pear-shaped under the dress, but not bulky.

The arms are slim and lightly curved. The legs are short and sturdy so the bunny can stand with support. The ears are long, soft, and slightly flattened. They hang from beneath the beret rather than sticking outward.

The outfit is made in separate layers: a fitted upper yoke, a fuller skirt with bobble texture, a beret, simple shoes, and a crossbody flower bag. A loose flower bouquet and a tiny squirrel companion complete the scene.

Head

Using beige yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 12 sts evenly across 3 needles. Join to work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: K all.
4. Rnd 4: K1, Kfb around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: K all.
6. Rnd 6: K2, Kfb around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 7: K all.
8. Rnd 8: K3, Kfb around. 60 sts.
9. Rnds 9-22: K all.

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This creates a smooth, rounded head with gentle side fullness. Do not over-lengthen this section. The sample has a compact face and not a tall head.

1. Rnd 23: K8, K2tog around. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 24: K all.
3. Rnd 25: K7, K2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 26: K all.
5. Rnd 27: K6, K2tog around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 28: K all.

Begin stuffing the head firmly, paying special attention to the muzzle area so the front stays smooth. The face in the image is softly rounded, not sharply snouted.

1. Rnd 29: K5, K2tog around. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 30: K all.
3. Rnd 31: K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.

The lower edge of the head should now narrow into the neck area. Keep stuffing firm at the cheeks and crown.

Muzzle Shaping

With matching yarn, make two tiny horizontal mattress stitches across the lower center of the face, pulling very lightly to suggest a soft muzzle divide. Do not indent too deeply.

The face in the image has a subtle central shaping line and a small embroidered nose-mouth detail. The shaping should be delicate and sweet rather than sculpted heavily.

Body

The body is narrower than the head and softly tapered. It sits under the dress, so it only needs modest shaping, but the lower section should still support the skirt.

Continue from the head or make separately, depending on your preference. For the cleanest finish, make separately and sew to the head after stuffing.

Using beige yarn, CO 24 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: K3, Kfb around. 30 sts.
3. Rnd 3: K all.
4. Rnd 4: K4, Kfb around. 36 sts.
5. Rnds 5-10: K all.
6. Rnd 11: K5, Kfb around. 42 sts.
7. Rnds 12-18: K all.

This gives a softly widening torso. The bunny in the image wears a full dress, but the body itself still remains neat and fairly slim.

1. Rnd 19: K5, K2tog around. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 20: K all.
3. Rnd 21: K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
4. Rnds 22-24: K all.

Stuff firmly, especially at the lower half, so the bunny holds its shape inside the dress.

1. Rnd 25: K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 26: K all.
3. Rnd 27: K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
4. BO or leave a long tail for sewing to head.

Legs

The legs are short and slightly tapered. They should look soft and rounded at the lower end, with enough firmness to support the shoes.

Make 2 in beige yarn.

1. CO 12 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: K all.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 3-8: K all.
5. Rnd 9: K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
6. Rnds 10-16: K all.
7. Rnd 17: K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.
8. Rnds 18-20: K all.

Stuff the lower part more firmly than the upper part. Flatten the top edge of each leg before sewing to the body. This helps the legs sit forward in the same relaxed, upright way shown in the image.

Arms

The arms are slim, smooth, and a little longer than the legs. They angle down naturally and sit just below the flowered yoke.

Make 2 in beige yarn.

1. CO 10 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: K all.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 20 sts.
4. Rnds 3-5: K all.
5. Rnd 6: K2, K2tog around. 15 sts.
6. Rnds 7-18: K all.

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Stuff lightly, mainly in the hand end. Leave the upper arm softer so it bends inward a little when sewn on.

Flatten the top opening and sew closed. Keep the arm ends rounded, not pointed.

Ears

The ears are long, soft, and droop straight down from the sides of the head. They are not oversized. Their length should reach to about the upper chest area once attached.

Make 2 flat pieces and seam lightly, or knit in the round and flatten. Flat pieces give the softest ear.

Using beige yarn, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1: K.
2. Row 2: P.
3. Row 3: K1, M1L, K to last st, M1R, K1. 10 sts.
4. Row 4: P.
5. Row 5: K.
6. Row 6: P.
7. Row 7: K1, M1L, K to last st, M1R, K1. 12 sts.
8. Rows 8-24: Work in stockinette.

Begin tapering gently.

1. Row 25: K1, Ssk, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
2. Row 26: P.
3. Row 27: K.
4. Row 28: P.
5. Row 29: K1, Ssk, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
6. Row 30: P.
7. Row 31: K1, Ssk, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. 6 sts.
8. Row 32: P.
9. Row 33: K2tog three times. 3 sts.
10. BO.

Make a second matching piece for each ear if you want a double-layered finish. If using double layers, sew around edges lightly and leave the lower edge open.

Do not stuff the ears. Steam very lightly if needed so they hang smoothly.

Upper Dress Yoke

This section is important for the look. It sits like a short top over the body, ending just above the skirt seam. The shoulders are slightly extended, creating a little cap-sleeve shape.

Use mustard-gold yarn. Work from the neck down.

1. CO 30 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1-3: K1, P1 rib.
3. Rnd 4: K all.

Set markers after 5 sts, 10 sts, 15 sts, 20 sts, 25 sts. These help distribute increases for the rounded yoke.

1. Rnd 5: Increase 1 st before each marker. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 6: K all.
3. Rnd 7: Increase 1 st before each marker. 42 sts.
4. Rnd 8: K all.
5. Rnd 9: Increase 1 st before each marker. 48 sts.
6. Rnds 10-12: K all.

The yoke should sit neatly across the top of the body and cover the shoulder join area. Keep it short. In the image, the floral decoration fills most of this section, so avoid making the plain knitted area too deep.

1. Rnd 13: K all.
2. BO loosely.

Yoke Hem and Cap-Sleeve Shape

With a tapestry needle, tack the side edge very lightly over each shoulder to suggest a tiny cap sleeve. The sample shows just enough shoulder coverage to frame the flower clusters.

Skirt

The skirt is full and rounded, with clearly visible bobbles scattered evenly around it. It should flare outward and sit like a bell shape, wider at the hem than at the waist.

Use rust or cinnamon yarn. Begin at the waist edge.

1. CO 48 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all.
3. Rnd 5: K7, M1 around. 54 sts.
4. Rnd 6: K all.
5. Rnd 7: K8, M1 around. 60 sts.
6. Rnds 8-10: K all.

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Bobble Pattern

The skirt in the image has small, rounded bobbles placed in offset rows. They are not huge popcorns. Keep them neat and modest.

Small bobble: knit into front, back, and front of next stitch, turn, p3, turn, k3, turn, p3, turn, slip 2, k1, pass slipped stitches over.

Work the bobble rounds as follows:

1. Rnd 11: K5, bobble, K9 repeat around.
2. Rnds 12-15: K all.
3. Rnd 16: K10, bobble, K4 repeat around.
4. Rnds 17-20: K all.
5. Rnd 21: Repeat rnd 11.
6. Rnds 22-25: K all.
7. Rnd 26: Repeat rnd 16.
8. Rnds 27-30: K all.

Continue shaping the flare.

1. Rnd 31: K9, M1 around. 66 sts.
2. Rnds 32-35: K all.
3. Rnd 36: K10, M1 around. 72 sts.
4. Rnds 37-42: K all.

If you want a slightly fuller skirt, add one more increase round after rnd 42. The sample, however, looks moderate and controlled rather than extremely wide.

Finish with a simple hem that rolls only a little.

1. Rnds 43-45: K all.
2. BO loosely.

Lightly steam the skirt and shape it over your hand so the lower half opens outward. This is essential for matching the rounded silhouette in the image.

Beret

The beret is soft, oversized, and gently slouched. It sits low on the head and covers the ear bases. The folded brim is a major visual feature.

Use marigold-gold yarn.

1. CO 42 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1-6: K1, P1 rib.

This ribbed section forms the visible brim edge that hugs the head. The hat should sit securely, but not tightly.

1. Rnd 7: K6, M1 around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 8: K all.
3. Rnd 9: K7, M1 around. 54 sts.
4. Rnd 10: K all.
5. Rnd 11: K8, M1 around. 60 sts.
6. Rnds 12-20: K all.

This upper section creates the puff and slouch. Do not shorten it too much or the beret will lose the relaxed cap shape seen in the image.

Begin crown closing.

1. Rnd 21: K8, K2tog around. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 22: K all.
3. Rnd 23: K7, K2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 24: K all.
5. Rnd 25: K6, K2tog around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 26: K all.
7. Rnd 27: K5, K2tog around. 36 sts.
8. Rnd 28: K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
9. Rnd 29: K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
10. Rnd 30: K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
11. Rnd 31: K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.
12. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull closed.

Beret Stem

Using green yarn, pick up 4 sts at the crown center.

1. Rnd 1-4: K all.
2. BO.

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Beret Leaf

Using green yarn, CO 3 sts.

1. Row 1: K.
2. Row 2: P.
3. Row 3: K1, M1, K1, M1, K1. 5 sts.
4. Row 4: P.
5. Row 5: K.
6. Row 6: P.
7. Row 7: K1, Ssk, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
8. Row 8: P.
9. Row 9: K3tog.

Sew the leaf near the stem so it angles upward slightly. The image shows a small leaf, not a large floppy one.

Shoes

The bunny wears simple golden shoes with a rounded front and a neat opening. Each shoe should sit snugly over the knitted foot and look soft, not boot-like.

Make 2 in marigold-gold yarn.

1. CO 24 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all.
3. Rnd 5: K10, K2tog twice, K10. 22 sts.
4. Rnd 6: K all.
5. Rnd 7: K9, K2tog twice, K9. 20 sts.
6. Rnds 8-10: K all.

Bind off loosely, leaving a long tail. Sew around the lower edge of the foot and close the back seam neatly. The opening should stay visible at the top like a tiny flat shoe.

Yoke Flowers

The floral detail across the yoke is one of the most important features. These flowers are layered little knitted rosettes sewn densely over the front and shoulders.

Make about 12 to 14 small flowers in mixed orange and yellow. Use more orange than yellow for the closest match.

Small Knitted Rosette

Using flower color yarn, CO 20 sts.

1. Row 1: P.
2. Row 2: Kfb across. 40 sts.
3. Row 3: P.
4. BO knitwise, not too tightly.

Roll the strip into a tight spiral, starting from one short end. Sew the base securely. Flatten the top slightly so it looks like a layered blossom rather than a tall coil.

Make a few blossoms slightly smaller by casting on only 16 sts. This helps fill spaces between the larger flowers.

Leaves for Yoke

Make 6 to 8 tiny leaves in green.

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: K.
3. Row 2: P.
4. Row 3: K1, M1, K1, M1, K1. 5 sts.
5. Row 4: P.
6. Row 5: K1, Ssk, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
7. Row 6: P.
8. Row 7: K3tog.

Sew the flowers in clustered rows across the front yoke. Add a few flowers on the upper shoulders. Tuck tiny leaves between some blossoms. Leave a little plain knitted area at the side seams so the decoration does not become too heavy.

Crossbody Flower Bag

The little bag is a soft beige bucket pouch with a narrow strap and flower tops peeking out. It hangs from one shoulder across the body and rests against the skirt.

Using beige yarn, CO 12 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
3. Rnds 3-16: K all if you want a smooth knitted pouch, or work in single-color texture by alternating K and P rounds if desired.

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The bag in the image has a slightly denser, more textured look. To imitate that in knitting, work this section in seed stitch if you like.

1. Optional texture rounds: K1, P1 around for 14 rounds.
2. BO loosely.

Stuff the base only a tiny bit, or leave unstuffed if you want it to drape. Flatten the opening slightly.

Bag Strap

Using beige yarn, make an I-cord 16 to 18 inches long, depending on your bunny size. Sew one end to each side of the bag opening.

Position the strap so the bag crosses from the bunny’s upper left shoulder to the right hip area, matching the angle in the image.

Bag Flowers

Make 3 small blossoms for the bag opening using the same rosette method. Use two orange and one yellow, or two yellow and one orange. Add one or two tiny green leaves.

Sew these just inside the bag opening so they look tucked in rather than glued on top.

Loose Flower Bouquet

The bouquet resting beside the bunny should look casual and slightly fuller than the flowers in the bag. Make 6 to 8 blossoms total.

• Make 4 orange blossoms.
• Make 2 to 4 yellow blossoms.
• Make 6 to 8 green leaves.
• Make several short green stems using I-cord or twisted yarn.

Group the stems together and tack lightly at the base so the bouquet stays arranged. Leave the flower heads free enough to spread outward naturally.

The bouquet in the image is low and soft, not tied with a visible ribbon. Keep the base simple.

Squirrel Companion

This small squirrel adds scale and story to the scene. It has a dark brown body, cream belly, a fluffy upright tail, and a green striped sweater.

Squirrel Body

Using brown yarn, CO 10 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 3: K all.
4. Rnd 4: K1, Kfb around. 30 sts.
5. Rnds 5-10: K all.

Change front center stitches to cream for the belly over the next rounds if knitting in the round with colorwork. A simpler option is to embroider or sew on a cream oval afterward.

1. Rnd 11: K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 12: K all.
3. Rnd 13: K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 14: K all.

Stuff firmly.

1. Rnd 15: K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.
2. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

Squirrel Head

Using brown yarn, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: K all.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: K all.
4. Rnd 4: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnds 5-8: K all.
6. Rnd 9: K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
7. Rnd 10: K all.
8. Rnd 11: K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.

Stuff and close. Embroider a tiny cream muzzle and dark eyes.

Squirrel Ears

Make 2 tiny triangles in dark brown.

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: K.
3. Row 2: P.
4. Row 3: K2tog, K1. 2 sts.
5. Row 4: P.
6. Row 5: K2tog.

Sew to the head. Add a tiny yarn tuft at each tip.

Squirrel Arms and Legs

Make 2 arms and 2 legs as tiny tubes of 6 to 8 stitches, a few rounds long. Stuff very lightly. The proportions should stay simple and cute rather than realistic.

Squirrel Tail

The tail should stand tall and curve behind the body. Knit it as a tapered tube, then stuff lightly and bend into shape.

1. CO 8 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1-10: K all.
3. Rnd 11: K2, K2tog twice. 6 sts.
4. Rnds 12-18: K all.
5. BO and sew closed.

Brush very gently if your yarn allows it, or add a few short yarn tufts at the top for extra fullness.

Squirrel Sweater

Using green and muted tan, make a tiny striped tube that fits around the squirrel body.

1. CO 18 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1-2: K1, P1 rib in green.
3. Rnds 3-4: K in green.
4. Rnds 5-6: K in tan.
5. Rnds 7-8: K in green.
6. BO.

Sew around the squirrel body and leave the cream belly visible below.

Assembly

Sew the head to the body first, making sure the face sits straight. The neck should be short and stable. Add extra stuffing into the neck area before closing if needed.

Attach the legs low on the body so the bunny can sit and stand with support. The feet should point forward evenly.

Sew the arms just below the yoke line. Let them angle downward naturally. The bag strap will later cross over one arm, so make sure both arms sit symmetrically first.

Attach the ears to the sides of the head, slightly behind the eye line. Let them fall straight down. The beret should cover the top of the ear joins.

Place the yoke over the upper body and stitch neatly around the neck and lower edge. Sew the skirt just under the yoke so the dress appears as a two-part outfit.

Position the beret low and slightly tilted back, but not too far. It should frame the face and allow the ears to fall from underneath.

Sew on the shoes after checking the leg length and stance. They should touch the table evenly.

Add the crossbody bag last so you can control the final angle and resting point against the skirt.

Facial Placement

The face is simple and sweet. Eyes are small, dark, and placed fairly wide apart. The nose is tiny and centered low on the face. The mouth forms a soft Y-shape beneath the nose.

• Place the eyes about halfway down the head height.
• Leave 8 to 10 knitted columns between the eyes, depending on your gauge.
• The nose sits centered 4 to 5 rounds below the eyes.
• Use dark taupe or brown embroidery rather than black for the nose-mouth line.

The expression should stay gentle and calm. Avoid large eyes or a long mouth line, because the sample has a quiet, delicate face.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the beret sits low, the ears hang evenly, and the dress flares smoothly. Adjust the flowers on the yoke so they form a dense garden-like cluster across the chest and shoulders.

Embroider the nose as a tiny upside-down triangle or narrow satin-filled wedge. Bring the thread straight down a short distance, then split into two tiny curved mouth stitches.

Add very light cheek shaping only if needed. Keep the face soft and minimal.

Care Notes

• Display pieces are best kept away from heavy pulling and rough play.
• Store out of direct, harsh sunlight to protect the warm autumn colors.
• If gifting to a child, replace any hard eyes with fully embroidered eyes.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Is the head larger than the body, with a short stable neck?
• Do the ears fall to the upper chest area?
• Does the beret look slouchy rather than tight?
• Is the skirt fuller than the yoke, with evenly spaced bobbles?
• Are the yoke flowers dense and layered in orange and yellow?
• Does the bag rest diagonally across the front?
• Do the bouquet and squirrel match the scale of the bunny?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean gently with a barely damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap. Avoid soaking the stuffed body unless your yarn and stuffing are fully washable.

If washing is necessary, hand wash carefully in cool water, press out moisture with a towel, and reshape while drying flat. Keep the beret, flowers, and squirrel properly positioned as they dry.

For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and place in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid plastic bins in humid spaces. This helps preserve the knitted texture, embroidered face, and the sculpted shape of the accessories.