Marigold Beret Bunny – Knitting

A sweet collectible bunny dressed in a vintage-style outfit makes a charming nursery display, seasonal shelf piece, or handmade gift for anyone searching for a knitted rabbit doll, heirloom bunny, soft toy, spring decor bunny, or dressed animal doll. This design includes the bunny, beret, flower trim, cardigan, striped skirt, shoes, bouquet, striped candy pouch, tiny sweets, and the matching little bird companion. The overall look is gentle, polished, and shop-quality, with soft neutrals, dusty rose stripes, and tiny floral details that give the finished set a handmade boutique feel.

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 oval head with a smooth cream face, narrow black eyes, and a simple brown stitched nose and mouth. The ears hang straight down from beneath a soft beret. The body is compact and lightly rounded, with slim arms and legs sized to suit the dress proportions.

The outfit is built from separate pieces so the look stays crisp and close to the image. A short cream cardigan sits over a striped skirt worked in dusty rose and cream. The sleeves carry tiny flower motifs. The skirt has a lace eyelet band near the hem and a small bobble edging.

The accessories are important to the character of the scene. The beret is large and soft, finished with one knitted flower. The shoes are simple Mary Jane style slippers. A tiny striped pouch spills knitted candies. A small bouquet lies at the front. A bird companion wears a matching striped dress and beret.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 12 inches tall from foot base to top of head, not including the extra height of the beret.
• Ears: about 4 3/4 inches long each.
• Bird companion: about 3 1/2 inches tall.
• Striped candy pouch: about 2 1/2 inches wide.
• Bouquet: about 3 inches across at the flower heads.

The sample is worked at a firm gauge so the fabric stays smooth and the stuffing does not show through. A slightly dense fabric is essential for keeping the face neat and the smaller accessories sharply shaped.

Materials

• Sport weight yarn in cream, warm beige, dusty rose, terracotta, mustard yellow, leaf green, chocolate brown, and black.
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop needles in US 2 and US 3.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Small amount of toy stuffing.
• Thin cardboard or plastic template for foot soles if desired.
• One small cream or light wood button for cardigan.
• Thin florist wire or pipe cleaner for bouquet stems if you want a posed bouquet.

Color Planning

• Cream: bunny head, ears, body base, arms, cardigan, parts of skirt, bird dress base.
• Warm beige: beret, shoes, lower legs, and subtle contrast sections.
• Dusty rose: skirt stripes, pouch stripes, bird dress stripes, flower petals, candy accents.
• Terracotta: main beret flower petals and bouquet flowers.
• Mustard: flower centers.
• Leaf green: stems, leaves, and sleeve flower stems.
• Brown and black: facial embroidery and bird markings.

Gauge

On US 2 needles in stockinette, 32 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches. Exact gauge matters most for the doll body and clothing fit. If your fabric feels loose, go down a needle size. If the fabric feels too stiff to shape cleanly, go up one size.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• inc = increase
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat
• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• yo = yarn over
• psso = pass slipped stitch over
• bobble = [k1, p1, k1] in one stitch, turn, p3, turn, k3, turn, p3, turn, k3tog

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General Notes

Work the bunny pieces firmly and stuff as you go. The face in the image is very smooth, so avoid overstuffing the head. The body should be slightly plump but not round like a ball. The cardigan must sit close to the body and end just above the fullest area of the skirt.

The outfit colors are soft and muted. Do not use bright red or sharp pink for the stripes. A dusty, faded rose gives the same gentle look seen in the image. Keep all embroidery neat and very small so the finished toy stays refined instead of cartoonish.

Main Bunny Body

Legs Make 2

Using warm beige and US 2 needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round. Join carefully.

1. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
2. Rnd 5: kfb every 3rd st. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 6-12: k all sts.
4. Change to cream.
5. Rnds 13-28: k all sts.
6. Shape upper leg: rnd 29: k6, k2tog, k6, ssk. 14 sts.
7. Rnd 30: k all sts.
8. Rnd 31: k5, k2tog, k5, ssk. 12 sts.
9. Rnds 32-34: k all sts.

Stuff the foot firmly, then stuff the leg lightly. Flatten the top opening so the toe points forward. Leave the stitches live. Make the second leg the same.

Joining for Body

Place both legs on one needle with toes facing forward. Using cream, knit across the first leg, CO 4 sts for the center bridge, knit across the second leg, CO 4 sts for back bridge. 32 sts total.

1. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
2. Rnd 5: [k7, inc] 4 times. 36 sts.
3. Rnds 6-12: k all sts.
4. Rnd 13: [k8, inc] 4 times. 40 sts.
5. Rnds 14-22: k all sts.

The lower body should now form a neat pear shape, narrow at the legs and gently widening at the belly. Keep the stuffing light and even. The image shows a slim bunny under the dress, not a heavily stuffed body.

1. Rnd 23: [k8, k2tog] 4 times. 36 sts.
2. Rnds 24-26: k all sts.
3. Rnd 27: [k7, k2tog] 4 times. 32 sts.
4. Rnds 28-30: k all sts.
5. Rnd 31: [k6, k2tog] 4 times. 28 sts.
6. Rnd 32: k all sts.

Stuff the body to a soft, rounded firmness. The top should narrow toward the neck. Do not overfill the chest because the cardigan front must lie flat without pushing open too far.

Neck and Head

1. Rnd 1: [k5, k2tog] 4 times. 24 sts.
2. Rnds 2-4: k all sts for the neck.
3. Rnd 5: [k3, inc] 6 times. 30 sts.
4. Rnd 6: [k4, inc] 6 times. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 7: [k5, inc] 6 times. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 8: [k6, inc] 6 times. 48 sts.
7. Rnds 9-22: k all sts.

This section forms the calm, rounded face. The head in the image is slightly taller than it is wide, with a gentle taper into the neck and a soft forehead. Maintain an even tension so the surface remains smooth for facial embroidery.

1. Rnd 23: [k6, k2tog] 6 times. 42 sts.
2. Rnd 24: k all sts.
3. Rnd 25: [k5, k2tog] 6 times. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 26: k all sts.
5. Rnd 27: [k4, k2tog] 6 times. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 28: k all sts.
7. Rnd 29: [k3, k2tog] 6 times. 24 sts.

Stuff the head firmly but not hard. Shape the cheeks by pressing extra stuffing toward the lower front. The crown should stay round, while the jaw area should remain softly tapered. This helps the face match the elegant oval silhouette in the image.

1. Rnd 30: [k2, k2tog] 6 times. 18 sts.
2. Rnd 31: [k1, k2tog] 6 times. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 32: k2tog around. 6 sts.

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Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and close. Weave in securely.

Ears Make 2

Using cream, CO 10 sts and work flat in stockinette with garter edge if desired.

1. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
2. Row 2 WS: k1, p8, k1.
3. Repeat rows 1-2 until piece measures 4 inches.
4. Next RS row: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
5. WS row: k1, p6, k1.
6. Next RS row: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
7. WS row: k1, p4, k1.
8. Next RS row: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
9. WS row: k all sts.
10. Next RS row: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
11. BO.

Sew side edges together at the base only for about 1/2 inch so each ear hangs in a shallow folded tube. Do not sew the full ear closed. The image shows soft, flat, downward ears with only a gentle shaping at the top attachment point.

Arms Make 2

Using cream and working in the round, CO 10 sts.

1. Rnds 1-5: k all sts.
2. Rnd 6: [k4, inc] twice. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 7-20: k all sts.
4. Rnd 21: k5, k2tog, k5. 11 sts.
5. Rnd 22: k all sts.
6. Rnd 23: k4, k2tog, k5. 10 sts.
7. Rnds 24-26: k all sts.

Stuff the lower arm lightly, leaving the upper inch unstuffed so it can curve close to the body. Flatten the top opening and sew closed. The hands in the image are rounded and simple, with no separate paw shaping.

Cardigan

The cardigan is cream, short, and slightly cropped. It opens at the front with a small button near the neck. The sleeves are full enough to sit smoothly over the arms, and each sleeve has a narrow band of tiny flower motifs near the lower edge.

Back

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 30 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: k1, p to last st, k1 on WS rows; k all on RS rows.
2. Continue in stockinette with garter edge until piece measures 3 inches.
3. Armhole row: BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 26 sts.
4. Work even until armhole measures 1 1/2 inches.
5. Shoulder shaping: BO 6 sts at beginning of next 2 RS rows.
6. BO remaining 14 sts for back neck.

Left Front

CO 16 sts.

1. Work 6 rows as for back, maintaining a garter band of 3 sts at front opening edge.
2. Continue until piece matches back to armhole.
3. Armhole edge: BO 2 sts once. 14 sts.
4. Work until armhole measures 1 inch.
5. Neck shaping: at front edge, BO 3 sts once, then dec 1 st every RS row 3 times. 8 sts.
6. Work until armhole depth matches back.
7. BO 6 sts for shoulder, then BO remaining 2 sts.

Right Front

Work to match left front, reversing shaping. Add one buttonhole on the front band about 1/2 inch below the neckline. For the buttonhole row, work to center of band, yo, k2tog, finish row.

Sleeves Make 2

Using cream, CO 24 sts. Work flat.

1. Rows 1-4: k all rows for a neat cuff edge.
2. Rows 5-10: stockinette with garter edge.

Now add the small floral band. The flowers in the image are tiny and evenly spaced, with dusty rose petals and green stems. They should sit around the sleeve just above the cuff area, not in the middle of the arm.

Work the motif by duplicate stitch after knitting the sleeve, or use small intarsia touches if you prefer. For the most controlled look, duplicate stitch is easier.

• Each flower uses 3 dusty rose stitches across for petals.
• Add 1 green vertical stem under each flower.
• Place 3 to 4 flowers across each sleeve.

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1. Continue sleeve in stockinette until total length is 3 1/4 inches.
2. Increase 1 st each side every 8th row twice. 28 sts.
3. Cap shaping: BO 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
4. Then dec 1 st each side every RS row until 12 sts remain.
5. BO all sts.

Cardigan Finishing

Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves. Sew side and sleeve seams. Add the small button. The cardigan in the image is very tidy and does not flare at the hem, so block lightly before assembly to keep all edges flat and smooth.

Skirt

The skirt sits high under the cardigan and forms the main color story of the outfit. It has alternating cream and dusty rose stripes, a wider cream eyelet section near the hem, and a tiny bobble trim below the last stripe. The shape is softly flared rather than very gathered.

Using US 3 needles and cream, CO 120 sts. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.

1. Rnds 1-4: k all sts in cream.
2. Rnds 5-6: change to dusty rose, k all sts.
3. Rnds 7-10: cream, k all sts.
4. Rnds 11-12: dusty rose, k all sts.
5. Rnds 13-16: cream, k all sts.
6. Rnds 17-18: dusty rose, k all sts.
7. Rnds 19-22: cream, k all sts.

Begin gentle decreases to reduce fullness toward the waist. Space them evenly and keep the fabric smooth. The skirt in the image hangs in a soft bell shape, not a stiff cone and not a gathered tutu.

1. Rnd 23: [k18, k2tog] around. 114 sts.
2. Rnds 24-26: k all sts in cream.
3. Rnds 27-28: dusty rose, k all sts.
4. Rnd 29: cream, k all sts.

Eyelet Band

This decorative band sits above the trim and creates the delicate vintage look visible at the hem. Work it in cream.

1. Rnd 1: [k2tog, yo, k4, yo, ssk, k4] around.
2. Rnd 2: k all sts.
3. Rnd 3: [k1, yo, ssk, k6, k2tog, yo, k1] around.
4. Rnd 4: k all sts.
5. Rnd 5: repeat rnd 1.
6. Rnd 6: k all sts.

The eyelets should form a repeating leaf-like scallop pattern. Keep the holes modest rather than oversized. In the image, the lace section looks decorative and airy, but still neat and refined.

Lower Stripe and Bobble Edge

1. Rnds 1-2 after eyelet band: dusty rose, k all sts.
2. Rnd 3: cream, k all sts.
3. Rnd 4: [k5, bobble] around, adjusting the final repeat as needed.
4. Rnd 5: k all sts.
5. BO loosely in knit.

Waist Finishing

At the top edge, fold 1/4 inch to the inside and sew down to create a neat waist facing if desired. Alternatively, leave the edge plain and stitch the skirt directly to the bunny body under the cardigan. The photo suggests the waistband is hidden under the cardigan front.

Beret

The beret is soft, slightly oversized, and tilted to one side. It sits low enough to cover the ear bases. The brim is narrow and tidy, while the crown spreads outward before drawing back in toward the top center.

Using warm beige and US 3 needles, CO 56 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnds 1-8: k1, p1 rib.
2. Rnd 9: [k7, inc] around. 63 sts.
3. Rnd 10: [k8, inc] around. 70 sts.
4. Rnd 11: [k9, inc] around. 77 sts.
5. Rnds 12-24: k all sts.

This creates the soft spread of the beret. Do not make it too flat. The image shows a gentle puffed crown with a rounded side slump.

1. Rnd 25: [k9, k2tog] around. 70 sts.
2. Rnd 26: k all sts.
3. Rnd 27: [k8, k2tog] around. 63 sts.
4. Rnd 28: k all sts.
5. Rnd 29: [k7, k2tog] around. 56 sts.
6. Rnd 30: [k6, k2tog] around. 49 sts.
7. Rnd 31: [k5, k2tog] around. 42 sts.
8. Rnd 32: [k4, k2tog] around. 35 sts.
9. Rnd 33: [k3, k2tog] around. 28 sts.
10. Rnd 34: [k2, k2tog] around. 21 sts.
11. Rnd 35: [k1, k2tog] around. 14 sts.
12. Rnd 36: k2tog around, then draw yarn through remaining sts.

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Lightly steam or wet block and shape over a small bowl while drying to encourage the classic beret silhouette.

Beret Flower

The beret flower is large relative to the bunny head and acts as the focal point of the hat. It has layered terracotta petals and a mustard center. The petals are softly rounded rather than pointed.

Center

Using mustard, CO 6 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
2. Rnd 2: k all sts.
3. Rnd 3: [k1, inc] around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: p all sts.
5. BO.

Petal Strip

Using terracotta, CO 48 sts and work flat.

1. Row 1 WS: p all sts.
2. Row 2 RS: [k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk] across in grouped repeats to create soft petal curves.
3. Row 3: p all sts.
4. Row 4: k all sts.
5. Repeat rows 1-4 once more.
6. BO loosely.

Gather the long lower edge into a circle, overlapping the ends neatly. Stitch the mustard center on top. Lightly curl and arrange the petals so they sit full and slightly layered. Sew the flower to the beret on one side, close to the front edge.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are simple beige slippers with a dark strap crossing the instep, creating a Mary Jane effect. The front remains rounded and soft.

Using warm beige, CO 12 sts and work in the round.

1. Rnds 1-4: k all sts.
2. Rnd 5: kfb every 3rd st. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 6-10: k all sts.
4. Rnd 11: k5, k2tog, k2, ssk, k5. 14 sts.
5. Rnd 12: k all sts.
6. Rnd 13: k4, k2tog, k2, ssk, k4. 12 sts.
7. Rnds 14-15: k all sts.
8. BO.

Sew lightly around the base of each foot. Add a thin brown stitched strap across the top front. Keep the strap delicate and low, matching the understated look in the image.

Facial Features

Place the eyes wide apart, slightly above the midpoint of the face. Use tiny black satin stitches or very small knots. The nose is a short inverted Y shape in dark brown. Keep all facial embroidery narrow and centered.

• Eye spacing: about 1 inch apart.
• Nose length: about 3/8 inch total.
• Mouth: one short vertical stitch and two tiny angled stitches.

The face should look calm and gentle. Avoid large eyes, smile curves, or pink cheeks. The expression in the image is minimal and elegant.

Little Bird Companion

The bird has a round cream body, darker brown wings and head cap, a tiny beak, black eyes, a striped cream-and-rose dress, and a miniature terracotta beret. It should look sweet and slightly plump, not long or slender.

Bird Body

Using cream, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: kfb around. 16 sts.
2. Rnd 2: k all sts.
3. Rnd 3: [k1, inc] around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 4-10: k all sts.
5. Rnd 11: add brown over top third of the body for head cap area if working stranded, or duplicate stitch later.
6. Rnd 12: [k2, k2tog] around. 18 sts.
7. Rnd 13: k all sts.
8. Rnd 14: [k1, k2tog] around. 12 sts.

Stuff lightly. Close top. Add a tiny orange or beige stitched beak and black eyes. The brown head and wings can be duplicate stitched if that gives you better control.

Bird Wings Make 2

Using brown, CO 6 sts and work flat.

1. Row 1: k all sts.
2. Row 2: p all sts.
3. Row 3: k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 8 sts.
4. Rows 4-6: work even in stockinette.
5. Row 7: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Row 9: ssk, k2tog. 4 sts.
8. BO.

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Sew the wings at the sides, angled slightly downward.

Bird Dress

CO 36 sts in cream and join.

1. Rnds 1-2: cream, k all sts.
2. Rnds 3-4: dusty rose, k all sts.
3. Rnds 5-6: cream, k all sts.
4. Rnds 7-8: dusty rose, k all sts.
5. Rnds 9-10: cream, k all sts.
6. Rnd 11: [k4, k2tog] around. 30 sts.
7. Rnds 12-13: cream, k all sts.
8. BO.

Sew the dress around the lower bird body. Add a tiny terracotta beret using a miniature version of the main beret method, finishing it with a mustard center if you want the flower detail echoed.

Striped Candy Pouch

This small pouch lies tipped open with colorful sweets spilling out. It is soft, rectangular, and worked in cream and dusty rose stripes. The opening edge folds outward slightly.

Using cream, CO 18 sts and work flat.

1. Rows 1-4: cream, stockinette with garter edge.
2. Rows 5-6: dusty rose.
3. Rows 7-10: cream.
4. Rows 11-12: dusty rose.
5. Rows 13-16: cream.
6. BO.

Fold in half and sew side seams. Turn top edge out a little to make the pouch opening look relaxed. Lightly stuff the base only if you want the pouch to stand more clearly.

Knitted Candies and Lollipops

Wrapped Candies

Make several tiny center tubes in blue, yellow, and pink. CO 6 sts, join, and knit 6 rounds. Close both ends lightly. Add twisted yarn tails at both sides for wrappers.

Swirl Lollipops

For each lollipop, knit an i-cord of 2 sts in white for the stick. Make a flat spiral strip for the candy top by working a narrow strip in alternating cream and pink or cream and yellow. Curl tightly and stitch into a round swirl.

• Pink swirl: dusty rose and cream.
• Yellow swirl: mustard and cream.
• Keep each candy top about 3/4 inch wide.

Tuck the candies partly into the pouch so a few pieces spill onto the table area in front of the bunny.

Flower Bouquet

The bouquet includes several small flowers in terracotta, dusty rose, and muted pink tones with mustard centers and green stems. The heads are gathered close together rather than spread widely apart.

Small Flowers Make 5 to 6

For each flower center, use the same method as the beret center but smaller. CO 4 sts, increase to 8 sts, work one round, and BO.

For petals, CO 20 sts in the flower color. Work a short scalloped strip, then gather into a ring and sew behind the center. Make flowers in mixed shades so the bouquet looks lively but still coordinated with the outfit.

Leaves and Stems

Knit narrow green i-cords for stems. Add one or two small leaves by knitting tiny pointed leaf shapes flat and sewing them near the flower bases. Gather all stems together and wrap with matching yarn at the base.

The bouquet in the image is loose and hand-tied. It should not look rigid. Let the flower heads overlap naturally.

Small Polka-Dot Cloth Accent

The cream rectangle with dusty rose dots beside the bunny adds a soft picnic-like accent. To recreate it in knitting, make a small flat square or rectangle in cream stockinette. Add the pink dots using duplicate stitch after blocking.

• CO 16 sts.
• Work 20 rows in stockinette with a garter border.
• BO and add scattered duplicate-stitch dots in dusty rose.

You can place this folded or flat near the bird, just as seen in the image.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff the bunny body fully.
2. Attach ears to the upper sides of the head.
3. Embroider the face.
4. Sew arms to the body just below the neck.
5. Attach the skirt around the waist.
6. Dress the bunny in the cardigan and sew or fasten the button.
7. Fit shoes to the feet and tack in place.
8. Place beret on the head at a slight side angle and sew down discreetly.
9. Make and place the bird, pouch, sweets, bouquet, and cloth accent.

Styling Notes for an Accurate Look

• Keep the bunny body slim beneath the clothing.
• The beret should tilt slightly toward the bunny’s right side.
• The flower on the beret should be large and clearly visible from the front.
• The cardigan should stop above the widest skirt area.
• The skirt must flare gently and show the lace band close to the hem.
• The sleeve flowers should be tiny, low on the sleeve, and evenly spaced.
• The bird should coordinate with the bunny but remain visually smaller and plumper.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Before sewing the beret permanently, check that both ears hang evenly and remain visible below the hat. Position the eyes first, then stitch the nose and mouth only after stepping back to confirm the expression looks centered and calm.

Use very small stitches for all facial lines. The charm of this bunny comes from restraint. Keep the mouth short, the eyes dark and minimal, and the overall expression soft. A tiny shift in eye spacing changes the character, so measure before stitching.

Care Notes

Display the set indoors and away from prolonged direct sunlight to protect the soft neutral shades. Light dusting with a clean dry brush is usually enough for routine care. Avoid hanging the bunny by the beret or ears.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Face centered and balanced.
• Beret tilted softly, not flat.
• Cardigan front lying neatly.
• Skirt stripes even and lace band visible.
• Shoes matched and secure.
• Bird companion fully finished.
• Pouch, sweets, bouquet, and cloth accent placed clearly.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a lightly damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap. Press moisture out gently with a towel and reshape while drying flat. Do not machine wash, wring, or tumble dry. Store in a breathable cotton bag with tissue support inside the beret and skirt to help preserve the silhouette.