Foxglove Porch Bunny – Knitting

This charming knitted bunny set brings together a soft heirloom rabbit, a foxglove dress, a ruffled bonnet, a tiny shoulder bag, a cream cardigan, a bouquet of flowers, a small vase arrangement, a folded cloth, and a pocket-sized woodland companion. It is designed for makers who love collectible animal dolls, handmade nursery decor, spring cottage style, artisan plush toys, and giftable knitted keepsakes that feel lovely enough for boutique shopping and baby shower gifting.

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

Overview

This design is worked as a complete display set rather than a single toy. The bunny is the main piece, with a tall head, long folded ears, a simple embroidered face, softly stuffed limbs, and a stable standing body shape.

The clothing is essential to the final look. The dusty pink dress has integrated foxglove motifs at the hem and chest, the cardigan is short and cream-colored, and the bonnet has a deep wavy brim with tiny flower accents.

The accessories matter just as much. The crossbody bag is small and rounded, the bouquet is held in one paw, the vase contains a second foxglove grouping, and the folded cloth sits on the table like a little hand-knit napkin.

The tiny companion should not be skipped. It adds scale and charm to the whole set. It has a rounded cream body, small brown head, pink cape, and a foxglove-shaped cap that echoes the main bunny’s floral theme.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 13 inches tall from feet to top of head, or about 16 inches tall including bonnet ruffle.
• Dress length: about 5 1/2 inches from top edge to hem.
• Cardigan length: cropped, ending just above the widest part of the skirt.
• Shoulder bag: about 1 1/4 inches wide.
• Bouquet: about 4 inches long.
• Tiny companion: about 3 inches tall including cap.
• Vase: about 1 1/4 inches tall.
• Folded cloth: about 2 inches across when folded.

Yarn and Color Palette

Choose smooth yarn with excellent stitch definition. The original look is best in fingering or light sport weight wool, merino, alpaca blend, or a soft cotton-merino blend. Avoid fuzzy halo yarn for the face because the clean features are important.

• Main bunny body: warm ivory or soft cream
• Dress: muted dusty rose
• Cardigan: pale cream
• Bonnet: dusty rose with pale green and deeper rose accents
• Shoes: blush pink
• Bag: oatmeal beige
• Foxglove stems and leaves: sage, moss, and muted green
• Foxglove blossoms: pale pink, medium pink, and berry rose
• Tiny companion body: cream and pale brown
• Tiny companion cape and cap: dusty pink and berry pink
• Vase: cream with a warm brown neck
• Folded cloth: ivory with pink edging detail

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Tools and Notions

• Set of double-pointed needles in US 1 to US 2 sizes, depending on gauge
• One longer circular needle for small circumference magic loop if preferred
• Tapestry needle
• Small sharp embroidery needle
• Polyester toy stuffing
• Fine florist wire for bouquet stems and vase arrangement, optional but helpful
• Thin cardboard or plastic base insert for feet, optional
• Two small black beads or safety eyes, about 3 mm
• Pink and brown embroidery floss for facial details
• Small snap, hook, or stitched closure for dress and cardigan if desired
• Tiny button for shoulder bag flap

Gauge

Gauge is less important than firmness, but the stitches should be tight enough to hold stuffing cleanly. Aim for a dense fabric with no visible gaps. If the stuffing shows through, go down a needle size.

For the body and limbs, a good target is about 8 to 9 stitches per inch in stockinette. For clothing, the same yarn can be used at the same gauge, though the cardigan may be worked one needle size smaller for a polished fit.

Abbreviations

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

Construction Notes

The bunny is made in separate pieces and assembled firmly. The legs are slightly plump, the body is straight and softly oval, the neck is narrow, the head is tall and rounded, and the ears are long, wide, and gently folded down.

The dress is a separate garment with a softly flared skirt. The foxglove motifs are added as knitted color details or duplicate stitch after knitting. Duplicate stitch is easier for most knitters and gives excellent control over flower placement.

The bonnet is shaped to sit high on the head with a generous wavy brim framing the face. The cardigan has short sleeves and a soft rounded opening. The bag is worked flat or in tiny rounds, then lightly stuffed or lined for shape.

Main Bunny Legs

Make 2 in blush pink for the shoes, then continue in ivory for the legs. Work from the sole upward. The feet should be rounded, slightly wider at the toe, and stable enough for the doll to stand with support.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 1 row purl.
3. Increase to 14 sts across the next RS row by working kfb at evenly spaced points.
4. Work 3 rows in stockinette.
5. Shape the foot with short rows or simple toe rounding: k9, turn, p4, turn, k4, turn, p9, turn, then work across.
6. Work 4 more rows even.
7. Decrease to 12 sts by working k2tog at each side on the next RS row.
8. Change to ivory.
9. Work straight for 18 to 22 rows for the lower leg.
10. Stuff the foot firmly before the leg grows too long.

The finished leg should be narrow above the foot and only lightly stuffed near the top. Make sure both feet angle forward the same way. Add a thin insert to each sole if you want a flatter standing base.

Main Bunny Body

The body begins by joining the legs. The lower torso remains slim so the dress can drape smoothly. The chest is not overly wide, because the bunny in the image has a delicate silhouette and a gentle shoulder line.

1. Place both legs on needles with 12 sts each.
2. Join by casting on 4 sts between them. Total 28 sts.
3. Work 4 rounds even.
4. Increase 4 sts evenly across the next round. Total 32 sts.
5. Work 12 rounds straight.
6. Increase 4 sts evenly. Total 36 sts.
7. Work 10 rounds even for the widest part of the body.
8. Decrease 4 sts evenly. Total 32 sts.
9. Work 6 rounds even.
10. Decrease 4 sts evenly. Total 28 sts.
11. Work 4 rounds even for the upper torso.

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Stuff the body gradually. The lower body should be firm enough to balance the doll, while the upper body should stay slightly softer. Avoid overstuffing the chest, because that would make the cardigan and dress sit awkwardly.

At the top of the body, leave a narrow opening for joining the neck. If you prefer, continue directly into the neck. If you prefer separate construction, BO and sew the head later. Direct knitting creates the cleanest shape.

Neck

The neck should be slender but stable. Work 12 to 14 sts for about 8 to 10 rounds. Stuff this section more firmly than the upper torso so the head does not wobble. A wrapped pipe cleaner or doll support can be added if needed.

Main Bunny Head

The head is tall, softly oval, and slightly narrower near the muzzle than a perfect sphere. The face is simple, with two small black eyes placed wide apart and a neat stitched nose and mouth centered low on the face.

1. From the neck, increase evenly to 24 sts.
2. Work 1 round even.
3. Increase evenly to 32 sts.
4. Work 1 round even.
5. Increase evenly to 40 sts.
6. Work 16 rounds even for the main head height.
7. Place eyes now if using beads or safety eyes.
8. Decrease evenly to 32 sts.
9. Work 2 rounds even.
10. Decrease evenly to 24 sts.
11. Stuff firmly and smoothly.
12. Decrease to 12 sts, thread yarn through remaining sts, and close.

As you stuff, shape the face with your fingers so the front remains smooth. The image shows a calm face with only the slightest suggestion of a muzzle, not a strongly protruding snout.

Face Placement and Expression

Place the eyes about halfway down the head, slightly above the midpoint of the face panel. Leave roughly 8 to 10 stitches between them, depending on your gauge. They should be tiny, dark, and discreet.

Using brown embroidery floss or fine wool, stitch a short vertical nose line about 3 to 4 rows long. Add two angled mouth lines beneath it to form a soft Y shape. Keep the expression neutral and sweet rather than smiling broadly.

Main Bunny Arms

The arms are simple tubes with rounded hands. They should be long enough to rest near the lower skirt area. In the image, one arm is posed to hold the bouquet, while the other falls naturally beside the body.

1. Make 2 in ivory.
2. CO 8 sts and join carefully.
3. Increase to 12 sts over the first 2 rounds.
4. Work 6 rounds even for the hand.
5. Decrease 2 sts evenly if needed for a narrower wrist.
6. Work 18 to 22 rounds straight for the arm.
7. Stuff lightly, keeping the upper arm flexible.
8. Close the top flat for sewing.

When sewing the arms, angle them slightly downward. The bouquet arm can be tacked again later after the flowers are attached so the hand sits close to the stems.

Main Bunny Ears

The ears are long, softly tapered, and attached high on the head. They are not wired. Their natural drape is part of the design. Each ear falls down beside the face and ends well below the jawline.

1. Make 2 in ivory, worked flat.
2. CO 12 sts.
3. Work 4 rows in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
4. Increase 1 st at each side on the next RS row. Total 14 sts.
5. Work 18 rows even.
6. Decrease 1 st at each side every 4th row, 3 times. Total 8 sts.
7. Work 6 rows even.
8. Decrease 1 st at each side every RS row until 2 sts remain.
9. BO.

Fold the cast-on edge slightly to create a soft base curve before sewing. Attach each ear high and just behind the side head line. Let them fall forward slightly so they frame the face under the bonnet.

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Dress

The dress is a separate piece in dusty rose. It has a smooth bodice, narrow straps, and a lightly flared skirt. The floral motifs sit in two bands: a lower border near the hem and a chest band across the upper front.

This piece may be worked from the hem upward in the round, then separated for front and back. If you prefer flat knitting, work two main panels and seam neatly. The round method gives the smoothest result.

Skirt Section

1. CO 84 sts in dusty rose and join carefully.
2. Work 6 rounds in garter stitch by alternating 1 round knit and 1 round purl, or work flat and seam later if preferred.
3. Switch to stockinette.
4. Work 8 rounds even.
5. On the next round, decrease 6 sts evenly. Total 78 sts.
6. Work 8 rounds even.
7. Decrease 6 sts evenly. Total 72 sts.
8. Work 10 rounds even.

The skirt should flare softly, not dramatically. The image shows a rounded A-line shape with a gentle swing. Keep the fabric fluid so the floral border remains visible all around the lower edge.

Foxglove Hem Motifs

Work the hem motifs using duplicate stitch after the dress is complete, or knit them with stranded details if you prefer. Duplicate stitch is strongly recommended because the motifs are tiny and vertically layered like foxglove bells.

• Place 6 floral groups around the front half of the skirt and continue around the back if desired.
• Each group should have 2 green leaf sprays at the base.
• Above the leaves, stack 3 to 5 pink bell blossoms in mixed shades.
• Keep the central blossoms darker and the outer blossoms paler for depth.

The flowers in the photo are delicate and not oversized. Avoid large tulip-like shapes. Think of narrow upright foxglove stems with blossoms clustered along the vertical line.

Bodice Section

1. Continue upward from 72 sts.
2. Work 12 rounds even.
3. Divide for front and back, 36 sts each.
4. Work the front flat for 10 rows.
5. On the next RS row, shape the neckline by binding off the center 10 sts.
6. Work each side separately, decreasing 1 st at neck edge every RS row 3 times.
7. Continue straight until front bodice measures high enough to sit just under the bunny neck.
8. Work narrow straps, 5 sts each, for about 10 to 12 rows.
9. BO.

Work the back similarly, but keep the neckline slightly higher. Leave an opening for dressing. The straps should sit fairly wide, matching the image, and frame the floral chest band beautifully.

Foxglove Chest Motifs

On the upper front bodice, add 3 centered foxglove sprays. These are smaller than the hem motifs and should sit just below the neckline opening. Each spray should have green stems, tiny leaves, and pink blossoms facing upward.

This upper floral band is very important to the likeness of the original design. Do not crowd the flowers. Leave enough rose background showing so the bodice still feels soft and refined.

Cardigan

The cardigan is cream, short-sleeved, and cropped. It sits open at the front and ends above the fullest part of the dress. The sleeves are tiny cap sleeves rather than long fitted sleeves.

1. CO 42 sts in cream for the lower body of the cardigan.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
3. Continue in stockinette with a 3-st garter border at each front edge.
4. Work 12 rows even.
5. Divide for fronts and back: 10 sts front, 22 sts back, 10 sts front.
6. Work all sections to armhole depth of about 8 rows.
7. Shape shallow armholes by binding off 2 sts at each outer edge of the back and arm-side edge of each front.
8. Continue straight for 8 more rows.
9. Shape gentle necklines on fronts.
10. Join shoulders with neat seams.

For each sleeve, pick up around the armhole and work 6 to 8 rounds only. Finish with 2 rounds garter. The cardigan in the image is soft and relaxed, without buttons at the front center.

If desired, add a tiny hidden snap under one front edge, but leaving it open gives the closest look. The cardigan should curve slightly away from the dress rather than pulling tightly across it.

Bonnet

The bonnet is one of the most recognizable parts of the set. It is dusty rose, fits close over the top of the head, and has a broad wavy ruffle framing the face. Tiny flower buds decorate the upper edge.

1. CO 60 sts in dusty rose.
2. Work flat in garter stitch for 6 rows to begin the brim.
3. On the next RS row, increase 1 st every 4 sts to encourage a soft wave.
4. Work 6 more rows in garter stitch.
5. Decrease evenly back to the original stitch count.
6. Switch to stockinette and work 14 rows for the bonnet crown.
7. Shape the back by working decreases at both sides every RS row until a rounded cap forms.
8. Sew back seam neatly.

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The brim should stand away from the face in ripples, not lie flat. Steam very lightly if needed, but do not flatten the ruffle. This airy movement is what gives the bonnet its old-fashioned porch-garden charm.

Bonnet Flower Accents

• Make 5 to 7 tiny buds in pale pink and berry rose.
• Add tiny green calyx stitches beneath them.
• Sew them sparsely around the upper bonnet edge.
• Keep them delicate so they do not overpower the ruffle.

Shoes

The shoes are built into the lower legs through the color change, but you can add an extra decorative shoe edge if desired. Use a line of duplicate stitch around the ankle or add a tiny purled ridge to suggest a separate slipper.

The shoe color is soft blush pink and should coordinate gently with the dress. Avoid bright candy pink. The overall palette is muted, floral, and slightly antique.

Crossbody Bag

This tiny bag is beige and lightly rounded with a short flap and narrow strap. It sits crossbody from the bunny’s left shoulder to the right side of the skirt. The placement helps balance the bouquet visually.

1. CO 8 sts in oatmeal beige.
2. Work 10 rows in stockinette.
3. Increase 1 st at each side on the next RS row. Total 10 sts.
4. Work 4 rows even.
5. Decrease 1 st at each side on the next RS row. Total 8 sts.
6. Work 6 rows for the flap.
7. BO.

Fold the lower portion upward to form the pouch. Sew side seams. Add a tiny button to the flap point. For the strap, make an i-cord or narrow knitted strip about 9 to 10 inches long and sew it to each upper side.

Main Bouquet

The bouquet is a separate floral piece held in the bunny’s paw. It should have several slender stems, long leaves, and clustered foxglove bells in graduated pink tones. The stems can be worked with thin wire wrapped in yarn for easier posing.

Leaves and Stems

• Make 5 to 7 stems in muted green.
• For each stem, create a wire core or knitted i-cord about 3 to 4 inches long.
• Add 1 to 2 narrow leaves to each stem using tiny knitted leaf shapes or embroidered detached leaves.

Foxglove Blossoms

Each blossom can be made as a very small bell. Work tiny petals flat or in miniature rounds, then gather at the top. Use pale pink, medium pink, and deeper berry pink, arranging darker bells nearer the center of the bouquet.

1. For one blossom, CO 3 sts in pink.
2. Work 1 row purl.
3. Increase to 5 sts.
4. Work 2 rows stockinette.
5. Decrease back to 3 sts.
6. Gather base and sew into a little bell.

Make many tiny blossoms and attach them along one side of each stem in staggered rows. The bouquet in the image appears full but still delicate. Keep the stems slender and the bells small.

Vase Arrangement

The vase sits on the table beside the bunny and contains a second foxglove grouping. This arrangement should echo the hand bouquet, but on a smaller scale. It adds balance to the scene and should not be omitted.

Vase

1. CO 8 sts in cream and join.
2. Work 4 rounds even.
3. Increase evenly to 12 sts.
4. Work 3 rounds even for the body.
5. Decrease back to 8 sts.
6. Change to warm brown for the neck.
7. Work 2 to 3 rounds even.
8. Stuff very lightly and close.

If desired, add a small weighted pellet pouch inside the base. This helps the tiny vase stand better in display photos or shelf styling. Keep the shape simple and ceramic-like.

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Flowers for the Vase

Make 3 to 4 shorter stems with the same foxglove method used for the bouquet. Arrange them to fan outward slightly. Sew them securely into the vase top so they stay upright.

Folded Cloth

This small folded piece on the table resembles a knitted hand towel, kerchief, or napkin. It is ivory with a tiny pink edge detail. Its purpose is decorative, but it contributes to the cottage-garden scene.

1. CO 14 sts in ivory.
2. Work 12 rows in garter stitch.
3. Add a pink line by working 1 row in pink, then return to ivory.
4. Work 2 more rows ivory.
5. BO loosely.

Fold the rectangle into a triangle or soft angled fold and tack one corner invisibly if you want it to keep the display shape shown in the photo.

Tiny Woodland Companion

The little companion is a round, palm-sized creature with a cream belly, pale brown head and back, tiny pink paws, a pink cape, and a foxglove-inspired hat. It reads like a hamster or mouse-like friend and should look cuddly rather than realistic.

Body

1. Begin with cream for the lower body. CO 8 sts and join.
2. Increase evenly to 16 sts over the next 2 rounds.
3. Work 6 rounds even.
4. Change to pale brown across the upper back half only if using intarsia in the round, or work two halves separately and seam.
5. Increase to 20 sts for the roundest belly section.
6. Work 4 rounds even.
7. Decrease gradually back to 8 sts.
8. Stuff firmly and close.

Add tiny cream ears, a pink nose, black eyes, and minuscule pink paw stitches at the front. The face should be centered and bright, but not oversized.

Cape

1. CO 18 sts in dusty pink.
2. Work flat in garter stitch for 8 rows.
3. Decrease 1 st at each side every RS row 3 times.
4. Work 2 rows even.
5. BO.

Gather the top edge slightly and tie or sew around the neck. Add two narrow ties at the front if desired. The cape should sit close to the shoulders like a tiny shawl.

Foxglove Hat

The hat looks like an upside-down foxglove blossom. It is deeper berry pink at the top and lighter near the lower edge. The shape should taper upward and flare slightly where it meets the head.

1. CO 16 sts in berry pink and join.
2. Work 2 rounds even.
3. Decrease evenly to 12 sts.
4. Work 2 rounds even.
5. Decrease to 8 sts.
6. Work 1 round.
7. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

Lightly roll or flare the cast-on edge so it resembles a flower bell. Sew onto the tiny companion’s head at a jaunty angle.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the ears to the head.
2. Sew the arms to the body.
3. Dress the bunny in the pink foxglove dress.
4. Add the cardigan over the dress.
5. Place the bonnet and tack it discreetly behind the ears if desired.
6. Add the crossbody bag.
7. Sew or tie the bouquet into one paw.
8. Prepare the vase arrangement and folded cloth.
9. Make the tiny companion and place it beside the bunny.

Before securing the accessories permanently, step back and compare the balance of the whole scene. The dress motifs, bonnet ruffle, bouquet, and tiny companion should all support the same foxglove story.

Styling Notes for Accuracy

• The bunny body is slim and upright, not chunky.
• The head is tall and smooth with a narrow neck.
• The ears are long and soft, hanging straight down.
• The dress is muted pink, not bright rose.
• The flower details are small and vertically arranged like foxgloves.
• The cardigan is short and cream, with tiny sleeves.
• The bonnet brim must ripple softly around the face.
• The bag is small and rounded, not square.
• The tiny companion should feel whimsical and woodland-inspired.

Helpful Tips for Newer Knitters

If the floral motifs feel intimidating, knit the garments first and add the flowers later with duplicate stitch. This gives you the freedom to adjust spacing and shape without ripping back the entire dress.

When sewing small toy parts, use strong matching thread or fine yarn and make many small stitches instead of a few large ones. This gives a cleaner finish and keeps the doll durable for gentle display handling.

If the bunny will be used as nursery decor, secure all beads, buttons, and wires firmly, or replace them with embroidered alternatives. Decorative dolls are safest when small detachable parts are avoided.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head faces straight forward before finishing the neck seam. Sew the ears evenly and let them fall naturally. Add the eyes first, then the stitched nose and mouth, keeping the expression calm and delicate.

Dress the bunny completely before fixing the bag and bouquet. Set the bonnet last so the brim frames the face nicely. Place the tiny companion, vase, and folded cloth only after the main figure feels balanced.

Care Notes

• Display indoors away from direct sunlight.
• Keep away from damp storage and rough handling.
• Spot clean only when possible.
• Do not machine wash wired floral pieces.
• Store the bonnet brim uncrushed to preserve its wave.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both ears attached at equal height
• Eyes evenly placed
• Nose centered
• Dress motifs aligned and balanced
• Cardigan sitting above skirt fullness
• Bonnet brim softly ruffled
• Bag strap crossing the body neatly
• Bouquet secured in paw
• Tiny companion fully dressed
• Vase and cloth completed for display

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust the finished set gently with a soft dry brush. For small marks, use a barely damp cloth and blot instead of rubbing. Let all pieces air dry fully before returning them to storage or display.

Wrap the bunny and tiny companion in acid-free tissue if storing long term. Keep floral stems straight, avoid crushing the bonnet ruffle, and do not hang the bag by its strap during storage, because that may stretch the shape.