Hollyhock Sugar-Arch Bunny – Knitting

This sweet heirloom-style bunny is designed to look like a collectible knitted rabbit doll with a soft blush dress, matching beret, little crossbody purse, pink Mary Jane shoes, and two tiny companion accessories. If you love handmade rabbit dolls, nursery decor, boutique stuffed animals, artisan knitting projects, or giftable soft toys, this design brings all of those charming details together in one polished piece. The finished set has a refined handmade look that feels perfect for display, seasonal decor, baby shower gifting, or shoppers searching for luxury knitted bunny dolls and classic handmade toy inspiration.

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 a seated bunny with long floppy ears, a softly shaped face, rounded muzzle lines, slim legs, gentle arms, puff sleeves, a Peter Pan collar, a pink dress with vertical green accent lines, floral front decoration, pink shoes, a blush beret with leaf trim, a small brown shoulder bag, a tiny mini bunny, and a small floral knitted mat.

The overall style is delicate rather than chunky. Choose yarns that produce a smooth stockinette surface and clean shaping. Cotton-wool blends, merino, baby alpaca blends, or soft DK yarns work beautifully as long as the fabric stays neat and firm after stuffing.

The main bunny should measure about 14 to 16 inches tall from the top of the head to the soles when the legs are stretched straight. When seated, it should resemble the proportions in the sample image, with the dress hem falling just above the shoes.

Materials

• Main bunny color: DK weight yarn in warm cream or soft ivory
• Dress and shoes: DK weight yarn in dusty rose or muted pink
• Accent stripes and leaves: DK weight yarn in sage green
• Purse and mini bunny: DK weight yarn in mushroom taupe
• Mini bunny contrast: tiny amount of cream for bow
• Flower accents: scraps of rose pink, berry pink, pale blush, and sage
• Stuffing: firm polyester toy stuffing
• Needles: 2.75 mm and 3.25 mm straight or circular needles for working flat or in the round
• DPNs: optional for small pieces
• Tapestry needle
• Removable stitch markers
• Black embroidery thread for eyes
• Brown or matching thread for sculpting and optional purse details
• Small button: one for purse flap
• Optional thin floral wire: only for beret stem if you want it to stand upright slightly

Gauge

Gauge is not as critical as it would be for a garment, but it matters for proportion. Aim for a dense, even fabric so the stuffing does not show through.

• On 3.25 mm needles: 26 to 28 stitches and 36 to 38 rows = 4 inches in stockinette
• On 2.75 mm needles: use for finer small pieces such as shoes, purse, mini bunny, and floral add-ons

If your fabric looks loose, go down a needle size. If it feels stiff as cardboard, go up one size. A neat, plush surface is the goal.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• sl = slip
• rep = repeat
• m1 = make 1 increase

Design Notes

The bunny in the image has a slim torso, a broad rounded head, and long straight ears that drape down from high on the head. The face is simple and very gentle. The features are placed low enough to feel childlike, but not so low that the face looks sleepy.

The arms are not bulky. They are lightly stuffed through the hand and forearm, then more softly stuffed through the upper section so the puff sleeve can sit naturally. The legs are straight, proportionally long, and firmly stuffed to hold the seated pose.

The dress is the visual centerpiece. It is softly flared, with narrow vertical green lines running down the skirt and bodice. The front is decorated with small knitted or embroidered flowers arranged in a tidy clustered panel rather than spread loosely all over the dress.

The beret is round and soft with a shallow slouch, not oversized. It sits low on the forehead. A leaf-and-berry trim decorates one side, and a tiny stem at the top finishes the hat. The purse is small, boxy, and textured only lightly, with a flap and single button.

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Main Bunny: Legs Make 2

Using cream yarn and 3.25 mm needles, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Work in k1, p1 rib.
2. Row 7: Knit.
3. Row 8: Purl.
4. Continue in stockinette for 34 more rows.
5. Shape calf gently: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
6. Purl 1 row.
7. Work 8 rows even.
8. Inc row: k1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1.
9. Purl 1 row.
10. Repeat the last 2 rows 2 more times. You now have 24 sts.
11. Work 18 rows even.
12. Bind off loosely.

Sew the side seam, leaving the bound-off edge open. Stuff the lower leg firmly and the top third a little less firmly. Repeat for second leg.

Main Bunny: Body

The body is worked from the lower torso upward. The legs are attached during the lower body assembly so the finished doll sits naturally with the legs positioned at the front.

Using cream yarn, CO 24 sts and work back and forth in stockinette for the back body panel. Work a second matching panel for the front body panel.

Front and Back Body Panels

1. Rows 1 to 10: Work in stockinette.
2. Row 11: Inc 1 stitch at each side.
3. Rows 12 to 20: Work even.
4. Row 21: Inc 1 stitch at each side.
5. Rows 22 to 30: Work even.
6. Row 31: Inc 1 stitch at each side.
7. Rows 32 to 46: Work even.
8. Row 47: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
9. Row 48: Purl.
10. Repeat the last 2 rows twice more.
11. Rows 55 to 62: Work even.
12. Bind off.

Sew the shoulder area only after the head is added. First join the side seams and the base. Position the stuffed legs side by side at the lower front edge. Stitch them securely into the open lower body area so they sit slightly apart, like the sample.

Stuff the body firmly through the neck opening. Keep the tummy softly rounded, but avoid overstuffing. The sample bunny has a smooth body under the dress, not a pronounced round belly.

Main Bunny: Head

The head is the most important shaping element in this design. It should be rounded, slightly taller than wide, with gentle cheek fullness and a tapered lower muzzle area that flows into the neck.

You may work the head flat in two panels or in the round. The flat method is written below because it makes shaping easier for many knitters.

Head Panels Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 20 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in stockinette.
2. Row 5: Inc at each side.
3. Row 6: Purl.
4. Repeat Rows 5 and 6 four more times. You now have 30 sts.
5. Rows 15 to 34: Work even.
6. Row 35: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
7. Row 36: Purl.
8. Repeat Rows 35 and 36 four more times. You now have 20 sts.
9. Rows 45 to 48: Work even.
10. Bind off.

Sew the head around the sides and top. Leave the lower edge open. Stuff very firmly, especially through the cheeks and crown. Shape the lower face with your fingers as you stuff so the front sits smooth and symmetrical.

Attach the head to the neck opening. Add extra stuffing into the neck join if needed. Use ladder stitch or whip stitch all around. The head should sit upright and slightly forward, never tilted back.

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Face Sculpting and Basic Placement

Before adding features, lightly mark the face. The eyes sit wide apart, slightly above the center of the head. The nose point begins low, almost halfway between the eyes and the base of the face, creating that gentle rabbit expression.

• Eye spacing: about 10 to 12 stitches apart
• Eye height: just above the horizontal midpoint
• Nose point: centered and placed low
• Mouth: short straight split below nose, then angled curves

Use black embroidery thread to make tiny vertical eye stitches rather than round French knots. Each eye in the image is very small and understated. Keep them identical and slightly slanted for a calm expression.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, narrow, and softly flattened. They hang straight down from the sides of the head, ending around the shoulder and upper torso level.

Using cream yarn, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Stockinette.
2. Row 7: Inc at each side.
3. Row 8: Purl.
4. Repeat Rows 7 and 8 once more. You now have 14 sts.
5. Rows 11 to 54: Work even.
6. Row 55: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
7. Row 56: Purl.
8. Repeat Rows 55 and 56 until 6 sts remain.
9. Rows next 4: Work even.
10. Bind off.

Make two identical ear pieces for each ear if you want a lined ear, or fold one piece lengthwise and seam. For the smoothest finish, make four pieces total and seam in pairs. Stuff only the base lightly or leave fully unstuffed for a natural drape.

Attach the ears high on the head, one on each side, beginning just below the beret line. Angle them so they fall close to the face rather than sticking outward.

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim with a soft bend and finished hands. Much of the visible upper section will be covered by the dress sleeves, so focus on neat shaping at the lower arm and hand.

Using cream yarn, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: Work in k1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 9 to 24: Stockinette.
3. Row 25: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
4. Row 26: Purl.
5. Rows 27 to 34: Work even.
6. Row 35: Inc at each side.
7. Row 36: Purl.
8. Repeat the last 2 rows twice more.
9. Rows 41 to 48: Work even.
10. Bind off.

Sew the seams and stuff the hand and lower arm firmly. Add lighter stuffing near the top. Attach the arms after the dress body is complete so placement can be adjusted to suit the puff sleeves.

Dress

The dress is worked in separate sections for the best control over the front floral panel, side shaping, and vertical accent lines. The style in the image is sleeveless at the foundation, with separate puff sleeves worn under or attached at the arm opening area.

The skirt is moderately wide, not gathered heavily. It hangs in a clean A-line shape. The hem is neat and flat. The green vertical lines are narrow and evenly spaced.

Dress Back

Using pink yarn and 3.25 mm needles, CO 40 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Knit every row for garter hem.
2. Row 7 RS: K all.
3. Row 8 WS: P all.
4. Begin shaping and side panel lines from Row 9.

Work 4 stitches in pink, 1 stitch in sage, 30 stitches in pink, 1 stitch in sage, 4 stitches in pink. Carry the unused yarn neatly. Continue these two vertical sage columns throughout the skirt and bodice.

1. Rows 9 to 36: Work even in established pattern.
2. Row 37 RS: k2, k2tog, work to last 4 sts, ssk, k2.
3. Row 38 WS: Work even.
4. Repeat Rows 37 and 38 every 6th row 4 more times. You now have 30 sts.
5. Rows next 12: Work even.
6. Shape armholes: BO 3 sts at start of next 2 rows.
7. Then dec 1 st each side every RS row 3 times.
8. Work until armhole depth measures about 3 inches.
9. Shape neck: BO center 10 sts, then work each side separately.
10. At neck edge, dec 1 st every RS row twice.
11. Work even to shoulder height and BO remaining shoulder sts.

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Dress Front

CO and work exactly as for the back through the skirt shaping. Keep the same sage stripe placement so the columns line up beautifully.

At the center front, add a floral panel beginning roughly 2 inches above the hem and ending just below the neckline. You can add these flowers using duplicate stitch, Swiss darning, or tiny applied knitted motifs. Duplicate stitch is the easiest way to match the sample cleanly.

Suggested front floral arrangement:

• Center flower: deeper rose bloom with pale center
• Side buds: small blush rosebuds
• Leaf sprays: sage green V-shaped pairs under and beside the flowers
• Tiny dot accents: pale pink French-knot style seed dots if desired

For the front neckline, begin shaping earlier than the back so the collar sits nicely.

1. When armhole depth matches the back, BO center 12 sts.
2. Work each side separately.
3. Dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row 3 times.
4. Work even until shoulder matches the back.
5. BO shoulder sts.

Sew shoulder seams and side seams. Dress the bunny in the finished piece before fully closing the underarm area if needed for easier fitting.

Puff Sleeves Make 2

The sleeves in the image are cream, rounded, and softly puffed, with tiny eyelet-like details that give a delicate ornamental look. You may create the dotted effect with small yarn-over holes or later embroidered eyelet marks.

Using cream yarn, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Stockinette.
2. Row 5 RS: k3, yo, k2tog, repeat across as desired to create spaced eyelets.
3. Row 6 WS: Purl.
4. Rows 7 to 18: Stockinette.
5. Row 19 RS: k2tog across evenly to reduce to 18 sts.
6. Rows 20 to 24: Work even.
7. BO loosely.

Sew into a tube. Lightly gather one edge to create the puffed cap and stitch around the upper arm area. The lower sleeve edge should sit above the forearm, leaving the ribbed arm visible below.

Collar

The collar is a soft cream Peter Pan collar formed by two rounded halves. It should look crisp but gentle, sitting flat over the top of the dress.

Make two collar pieces.

Using cream yarn, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 2: Knit.
2. Row 3: k1, inc, knit to last st, inc, k1.
3. Row 4: Knit.
4. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 twice more. You now have 18 sts.
5. Rows 9 to 14: Knit.
6. Row 15: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
7. Row 16: Knit.
8. Repeat Rows 15 and 16 twice more.
9. BO.

Attach the two collar halves around the neckline with the rounded ends meeting at center front. The collar should almost touch but may leave a tiny gap, like the sample.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are pink Mary Jane shoes with a rounded toe, open top, and single strap crossing the instep. They should cover the knitted foot area snugly without looking bulky.

Using pink yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Knit.
2. Rows 7 to 16: Stockinette.
3. Row 17: k1, inc, knit to last st, inc, k1.
4. Row 18: Purl.
5. Repeat the last 2 rows twice more. You now have 18 sts.
6. Rows 23 to 28: Work even.
7. Shape toe: k2tog across RS row.
8. Purl 1 row.
9. Repeat toe decrease once more.
10. Draw yarn through remaining sts.

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Sew the shoe around the foot. For the strap, pick up 5 stitches at one side opening, knit 10 rows in garter, then stitch across to the opposite side. Add a tiny decorative button if desired, though it is not essential in the main image.

Beret

The beret is a defining feature. It is blush pink with a soft round crown, a ribbed or slightly firmer edge, a tiny top stem, a leaf trim, and a small cluster of berry-like stitches.

Using pink yarn and 3.25 mm needles, CO 72 sts and join carefully if working in the round. You may also work flat and seam.

1. Rounds 1 to 6: k1, p1 rib.
2. Round 7: Increase evenly to 96 sts.
3. Rounds 8 to 24: Knit.
4. Round 25: *k10, k2tog* repeat around.
5. Round 26: Knit.
6. Round 27: *k9, k2tog* repeat around.
7. Continue decrease rounds in this way, spacing them with one plain knit round between each, until 16 sts remain.
8. Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, and pull tight.

Block lightly over a rounded surface to create the soft beret shape. It should slouch gently toward one side, not collapse completely flat.

Beret Stem

Using sage green, CO 4 sts and knit 8 rows in i-cord or narrow stockinette tube. Stitch to the center top of the beret.

Beret Leaves Make 2

Using sage green, CO 3 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Inc at each side.
3. Row 3: Knit.
4. Row 4: Inc at each side.
5. Rows 5 to 8: Work even.
6. Row 9: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
7. Repeat decrease row every other row until 3 sts remain.
8. BO.

Vein the leaves with a single line of darker green yarn if desired. Make a tiny berry cluster from wrapped yarn knots or small French knots in rose pink. Sew both leaves and berry cluster to the front-right side of the beret.

To echo the image, add a short decorative line around the front brim using small sage running stitches, spaced evenly.

Crossbody Purse

The purse is small, practical, and charming. It hangs at the front left of the bunny and rests against the dress. The flap is triangular-rounded, and the strap is narrow.

Using taupe yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 20: Work in stockinette, keeping first and last stitch garter for neat edges.
2. Fold piece into a pouch shape with lower section forming front and back.
3. Sew side seams.

Flap

Pick up 16 sts along the top back edge.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Knit.
2. Row 5: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog.
3. Row 6: Knit.
4. Repeat last 2 rows until 8 sts remain.
5. Knit 2 rows.
6. BO.

Stitch a small button to the pouch front. The flap may rest over it decoratively. For the strap, make an i-cord about 10 to 12 inches long or a narrow knitted strip of 3 stitches wide. Stitch one end to each upper side of the purse and place diagonally across the bunny’s body.

Mini Bunny

The tiny companion bunny is worked in taupe yarn with cream accents. It has a rounded egg-like body, tiny ears, simple eyes, little feet, and a soft cream tied bow at the neck.

Mini Body Front and Back Make 2

Using taupe yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 2: Stockinette.
2. Row 3: Inc at each side.
3. Row 4: Purl.
4. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 twice more. You now have 16 sts.
5. Rows 9 to 22: Work even.
6. Row 23: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
7. Row 24: Purl.
8. Repeat decrease pair until 8 sts remain.
9. Rows 31 to 34: Work even.
10. BO.

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Sew and stuff firmly. Keep the body compact.

Mini Ears Make 2

Using taupe yarn, CO 4 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 10: Stockinette.
2. Row 11: k2tog, k2tog.
3. Draw yarn through remaining sts.

Attach the ears close together at the top. Embroider tiny eyes and a tiny nose-mouth face in brown or dark taupe. Make two tiny oval feet and two tiny arm nubs if desired, then stitch into place. Tie a narrow cream bow around the neck.

Mini Floral Mat

The image includes a small pale square accessory with tiny floral embellishment. This can be used as a tiny mat, cloth, or decorative booklet-style piece beside the main bunny.

Using pale cream yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Knit.
2. Rows 5 to 18: Work stockinette with 2 garter stitches at each edge.
3. Rows 19 to 22: Knit.
4. BO.

Add a small cluster of duplicate-stitched flowers in pink tones near one corner. Create two or three green stems and tiny leaf shapes. Keep the embellishment delicate and scaled to the mini accessory.

Front Floral Dress Decoration

Because the floral bouquet is so important visually, work it slowly and symmetrically. Do not overcrowd the panel. The sample arrangement looks refined because the motifs are clustered in the upper center of the dress rather than scattered everywhere.

• Main bloom: one deep rose flower at center
• Secondary blooms: one or two lighter pink roses to left and right
• Buds: two slim upward buds
• Leaves: paired sage leaf stitches framing the flowers
• Stems: thin vertical and angled duplicate-stitch lines

You can shape each rose by working a tiny circular duplicate-stitch spiral or by sewing on a very small knitted rosette. The flattest finish comes from duplicate stitch, which lies neatly against the dress front.

Assembly Order

Following a careful order helps the whole set look polished and balanced.

1. Sew and stuff both legs.
2. Sew and stuff body, attaching legs neatly at base.
3. Sew and stuff head.
4. Attach head to body securely.
5. Make and attach ears.
6. Make and attach arms.
7. Knit dress, add floral front decoration, and fit onto body.
8. Attach puff sleeves.
9. Sew on collar.
10. Add shoes.
11. Knit and decorate beret, then tack lightly to head.
12. Make purse and attach strap.
13. Make mini bunny.
14. Make mini floral mat.
15. Complete face and final styling.

Proportion Check

Before closing all seams, compare the proportions with the visual target.

• The head should be slightly larger than the width of the body.
• The ears should reach below the jaw and toward the chest.
• The dress should cover the body fully and flare modestly.
• The shoes should look rounded and sweet, not oversized.
• The beret should sit low and soft.
• The purse should be small enough to look decorative, not bulky.

Styling Notes for an Image-Matched Finish

The bunny in the sample looks elegant because every detail is restrained. Keep all embroidery tiny. Do not overstuff the sleeves or the skirt. Let the dress fall smoothly. Place the purse slightly off-center. Shape the beret with a mild slouch. Keep the eyes very small.

The cheeks are suggested mostly by head shaping rather than blush. If you want subtle color, use the faintest dry pastel after the face is complete. Use almost none. The sample has a clean, natural knitted face rather than a heavily painted one.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Embroider the eyes first, making tiny vertical marks. Next, stitch a small Y-shaped nose and mouth in matching brown or taupe thread. Add gentle tension to the muzzle embroidery so the center line sits slightly indented. If needed, use a sculpting thread to define the cheeks very lightly.

Attach the beret after the ears are positioned. Let one ear fall slightly more forward than the other for a natural look. Add the purse strap diagonally from the bunny’s shoulder to opposite hip. Place the mini bunny close to one foot and the floral mat beside the dress for a display arrangement similar to the sample.

Care Notes

• Dust gently with clean dry hands or a soft brush.
• Store away from direct sunlight to protect the pink and sage shades.
• Do not hang the doll by the ears, beret, or purse strap.
• Keep embellishments secure if the piece will be handled often.
• This design is best suited for gentle decorative use.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both eyes placed evenly?
• Does the nose sit centered between the cheeks?
• Do the ears hang at matching heights?
• Does the collar lie flat at the neckline?
• Are the dress stripes straight?
• Does the purse rest naturally on the front of the dress?
• Is the beret angled softly rather than sitting flat?
• Are the shoes aligned evenly at the feet?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only when possible using a barely damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap. Blot gently rather than rubbing. If a full clean is absolutely needed, hand wash very carefully in cool water, support the piece fully, reshape it with towels, and dry flat away from heat.

For long-term preservation, wrap the bunny in acid-free tissue and store it in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags, damp spaces, strong fragrance products, or compressed storage. Check the embellishments and seams occasionally so the doll keeps its heirloom finish over time.