This charming knitted set captures the look of a collectible spring rabbit doll styled for a garden market day. The main bunny wears a marigold beret, a striped top, a green pinafore dress with flower details, and soft cream shoes. The set also includes a tiny duck friend, a basket, a bouquet, a little bottle, and a small shoulder bag. This kind of heirloom soft toy is perfect for knit doll lovers searching for handmade bunny dolls, knitted nursery decor, artisan stuffed animals, and gift ideas for collectors who love boutique-style knitted toys.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
About the Design
This pattern is written to match the proportions and styling shown in the image as closely as possible. The bunny has a rounded head, long downward ears, a soft pear-shaped body, slim arms and legs, and a sweet calm face with tiny dark eyes and a stitched nose and mouth.
The clothing is an important part of the final look. The hat is slightly slouchy and rounded, with textured leaf motifs, a short stem, and one small leaf at the crown. The dress sits wide at the hem, with a bib front, narrow straps, and tiny flower accents.
The duck is intentionally smaller and simpler than the bunny, but still fully styled. It has a pale yellow body, an orange beak and feet, a tiny hat, and a printed-look floral dress created with scattered stitched flower details over a light knitted base.
The accessories complete the scene. They are small, quick to knit, and very useful for styling photos, nursery shelves, or gift packaging. Take your time with these finishing elements because they make the entire set feel complete and polished.
Materials
- Main bunny yarn: sport or light DK weight yarn in soft oatmeal, cream, sage green, marigold gold, pale yellow, warm beige, light brown, blush pink, and orange
- Duck yarn: pale yellow, orange, straw gold, and off-white
- Accessories yarn: tan, brown, cream, green, marigold, rust, sunflower yellow, pink, and red
- Needles: double-pointed needles or magic loop size appropriate for a firm fabric, usually US 1.5 to 3
- Stuffing: fine polyester toy stuffing
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Small buttons: 2 for the bunny dress straps, 1 for the small shoulder bag, optional tiny button for the duck hat
- Black or dark brown embroidery thread for facial details
- Thin floral wire, optional for bouquet stems if you want a firmer arrangement
Gauge and Finished Size
Gauge is less important than achieving a tight, even fabric that keeps stuffing from showing through. Knit firmly. If your stitches look loose, go down a needle size. If your fabric feels stiff as cardboard, go up slightly.
- Main bunny finished height: about 11 to 12 inches seated with hat, depending on yarn and stuffing
- Duck finished height: about 4 to 5 inches
- Basket: about 2 inches tall
- Small shoulder bag: about 2 inches wide
- Bottle: about 1.5 inches tall
- Bouquet: sized to rest beside the bunny, not larger than the duck
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- inc = increase
- kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- rep = repeat
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- BO = bind off
- CO = cast on
- pick up = pick up stitches evenly along an edge
Color Notes
To stay close to the image, keep the palette gentle and earthy. The bunny body should be a pale warm greige rather than bright white. The dress should be a dusty sage green. The top should combine marigold and cream. Shoes should be a soft butter cream.
The duck should be knitted in pale yellow with a warm orange beak and feet. The duck dress should look like a tiny floral garment. Use an off-white or cream base and embroider scattered little flowers in pink, rust, yellow, and green.
Main Bunny Body Overview
The bunny is worked in separate pieces for better shaping. The head is large and rounded. The torso is softly tapered from shoulder area to a rounded lower body. Legs are long, simple tubes with lightly shaped feet. Arms are slim and slightly angled downward.
Because the clothing covers much of the torso, shaping can stay elegant and simple. Still, it is worth shaping the neck slightly so the head sits naturally. Stuff the head very firmly, the body medium-firm, and the limbs softly but evenly.
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Head
- CO 12 sts in oatmeal yarn and divide for working in the round.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 24 sts.
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 36 sts.
- Rnd 5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 48 sts.
- Rnd 7: Knit.
- Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 60 sts.
- Rnds 9 to 22: Knit evenly.
- Rnd 23: K8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
- Rnd 24: Knit.
- Rnd 25: K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
- Begin stuffing firmly.
- Rnd 26: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
- Rnd 27: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
- Rnd 28: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
- Rnd 29: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
- Rnd 30: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
- Finish stuffing very firmly and thread yarn through remaining sts. Pull closed.
The head in the image is not sharply pointed at the chin. It is a full rounded ball with only subtle face shaping. After closing, use matching yarn to lightly sculpt the muzzle area with two or three gentle stitches from lower center toward the eye line.
Muzzle and Face Shaping
Mark eye placement before embroidering. The eyes sit low on the face, spaced widely, and slightly angled inward. This gives the bunny a calm, thoughtful expression. Do not place the eyes too high or the face will lose its soft antique look.
- Eye spacing: about 8 to 10 stitches apart
- Eye height: slightly above the centerline of the muzzle shaping
- Nose: a very small stitched Y shape in taupe or dark brown
- Mouth: continue with a tiny downward split under the nose
Use tiny satin stitches or French-knot style eyes if preferred. The image shows small dark oval eyes with a simple handmade look, not glossy safety eyes. Embroidered eyes are the best match for this design.
Body
- CO 14 sts in oatmeal yarn.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 28 sts.
- Rnd 3: Knit.
- Rnd 4: K3, kfb around. 35 sts.
- Rnd 5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K4, kfb around. 42 sts.
- Rnds 7 to 18: Knit evenly.
- Rnd 19: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
- Rnd 20: Knit.
- Rnd 21: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
- Rnd 22: Knit.
- Rnd 23: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
- Rnd 24 to 26: Knit.
- Stuff lower body firmly, upper body slightly less firmly.
- Rnd 27: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
- Rnd 28 to 30: Knit for neck.
- BO loosely, leaving a long tail for sewing to head.
The body should look gently rounded at the bottom so the bunny can sit securely. Do not overstuff the neck. A slightly softer neck area helps the head settle naturally once sewn in place.
Legs Make 2
The legs are long and narrow with softly shaped feet. The bunny in the image wears shoes, so the foot shaping can stay modest. The lower legs are straight and neat.
- Using cream shoe color, CO 8 sts.
- Rnd 1: Knit.
- Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
- Rnd 3 to 5: Knit.
- Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 21 sts.
- Rnds 7 to 9: Knit.
- Rnd 10: K5, k2tog around. 18 sts.
- Change to oatmeal leg color.
- Rnd 11 to 24: Knit.
- Stuff foot firmly and leg lightly.
- BO, leaving tail for sewing.
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Flatten the top of each leg before attaching. Sew them close together near the lower front of the body so the bunny sits with feet pointing forward. The legs in the image are soft, straight, and slightly spread apart at the ankles.
Arms Make 2
- CO 8 sts in oatmeal yarn.
- Rnd 1 to 16: Knit evenly.
- Rnd 17: K2tog around if you want a slightly narrower wrist.
- Stuff very lightly. Keep the arms flexible.
- Flatten top edge and BO, leaving long tail.
The arms are slim and simple, with no dramatic paw shaping. Attach them at the side of the torso just below the neck so they angle gently downward. This placement matches the relaxed pose in the image.
Ears Make 2
The ears are long, flat, and floppy. They fall downward from under the hat and frame the face. Keep them narrow at the top and slightly fuller through the middle.
- CO 6 sts in oatmeal yarn and work flat.
- Row 1: Knit.
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: K1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 8 sts.
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: K1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 10 sts.
- Continue in stockinette for 18 more rows.
- Shape tip: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
- Purl one row.
- Repeat these 2 rows until 4 sts remain.
- K2tog twice. Break yarn and pull through.
Lightly steam or block flat if needed. Do not stuff. Fold the cast-on edge slightly before sewing so each ear curves downward naturally. Attach ears at the upper sides of the head, then allow the hat to cover the top edge.
Striped Top
The top is visible at the sleeves and neckline. It should look like a separate sweater under the dress. The easiest method is to knit a simple torso cover or top shell that sits smoothly under the pinafore.
- Using marigold color, CO enough sts to fit the upper body snugly.
- Work 2 rounds k1, p1 rib.
- Change to cream and knit 4 rounds.
- Change to marigold and knit 4 rounds.
- Continue alternating marigold and cream every 4 rounds until you reach the underarm.
- For sleeves, pick up stitches around each arm opening and knit short sleeves in marigold only.
- Work 4 to 5 rounds, then 2 rounds rib. BO.
The neckline should sit just under the bib of the dress and show a neat marigold band. Keep the fit close to the body. Avoid a bulky sweater because the pinafore needs to sit flat over it.
Pinafore Dress
The dress is one of the signature pieces of the set. It is sage green with a rounded skirt, a central bib, narrow straps, and embroidered or knitted marigold flowers across the front. The lower hem has a decorative border of flowers and stems.
Skirt Section
- CO 72 sts in sage green and join carefully.
- Work 4 rounds in garter style if knitting flat and seaming, or use a simple textured hem if working in the round.
- Continue in stockinette for 8 rounds.
- Decrease gently over the next 10 rounds until about 56 sts remain.
- Work even until skirt reaches just below the bunny knees when held against the body.
The hem should flare slightly, not dramatically. It needs enough width to spread over the bunny lap in a soft arc. This shape helps recreate the seated silhouette seen in the image.
Bib and Upper Dress
- Place center front stitches, about 16 sts, on the needle for the bib.
- Work flat in stockinette for 12 to 14 rows.
- Shape upper corners by decreasing 1 stitch at each side once, then continue straight.
- BO the center section neatly.
The bib sits fairly high on the chest. It is not oversized. The proportions should leave the striped shirt visible at the shoulders and above the bib edge.
Straps Make 2
- Pick up 4 stitches from the top corners of the bib or CO separately.
- Knit narrow straps long enough to pass over the shoulders and button to the back of the skirt.
- Make a buttonhole in each strap if desired.
- Sew tiny beige buttons to the front or back placement that best matches your construction.
In the image, the buttons are visible at the front where the straps meet the bib line. Use small wooden or shell-look buttons in a natural neutral tone.
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Dress Flower Details
The flower decoration is crucial. Across the bib are three tiny marigold-style blooms with slim green stems. Around the lower skirt edge is a row of spaced flowers in warm mustard, soft yellow, and pale blush, each with little green stems or leaves.
- Bib flowers: make 3 small rosettes in marigold or peachy gold and stitch evenly across the upper bib
- Hem flowers: place 8 to 10 flowers around the front skirt area
- Color mix: marigold gold, soft butter yellow, blush pink, and light peach
- Stems: use green straight stitches and tiny V-shaped leaves
You may create the flowers by knitting tiny bobble circles, crocheting miniature rosettes, or embroidering woven wheel flowers. The image reads as dimensional floral decoration rather than flat colorwork, so raised stitched flowers are the best choice.
Beret Hat
The hat has a softly puffed beret shape with a ribbed brim, subtle decorative eyelet or gathered leaf sections, and a stem with one leaf at the top. It should sit low over the bunny forehead and cover the ear attachment points.
- Using marigold yarn, CO 48 sts.
- Work 6 rounds in k1, p1 rib.
- Increase evenly to 72 sts.
- Work 6 rounds in stockinette.
- Create 4 decorative motif sections by working small centered decreases or eyelet-leaf panels every few stitches.
- Continue until the hat forms a gentle dome.
- Decrease in 4 equal sections every other round until 12 sts remain.
- Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, and pull closed.
Do not make the hat too flat. The image shows a plump, rounded cap with soft segment shaping. Once the hat is finished, lightly stuff the crown with air while blocking by hand so it keeps that full beret look.
Stem
- CO 3 sts in brown yarn.
- Knit i-cord for about 1 inch.
- BO and sew upright at the crown.
Leaf
- CO 3 sts in olive green.
- Row 1: Knit.
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: K1, inc, k1. 4 sts.
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: K1, inc, knit to last st, inc, k1. 6 sts.
- Work 4 rows stockinette.
- Shape leaf tip by decreasing 1 stitch at each side every RS row until 2 sts remain.
- K2tog and fasten off.
Embroider a center vein if desired. Sew the leaf beside the stem so it tilts slightly outward, matching the whimsical produce-inspired look of the hat.
Shoes Make 2
The shoes are soft cream Mary Jane style slippers with a strap impression across the front. They should be rounded and simple, not heavily detailed.
- CO 8 sts in cream yarn.
- Increase to 18 or 20 sts over first rounds.
- Knit 6 rounds for the sole and toe curve.
- Decrease slightly at sides to shape the upper.
- Pick up or embroider a narrow strap across the instep.
- BO and sew onto the feet or make as removable slippers if preferred.
A simple embroidered line in matching cream can suggest the strap. Keep the shoe shape neat and soft, with a rounded toe and low opening.
Duck Friend
The little duck should look like a companion toy rather than a realistic bird. Its body is softly rounded, with a plump head, tiny wings implied at the sides, a small orange beak, and flat orange feet peeking below the dress.
Duck Head and Body
- Using pale yellow yarn, CO 10 sts and join.
- Increase gradually to 36 sts for the head.
- Work even for several rounds.
- Decrease slightly at neck.
- Increase again for body to about 40 sts.
- Work even, then decrease to close the lower body.
- Stuff firmly but keep the silhouette small.
The duck in the image has a short neck and compact body. Avoid making it tall. The head should blend gently into the body for a simple toy-like shape.
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Beak
- Using orange yarn, CO 8 sts.
- Work a tiny oval or wedge shape.
- Fold lightly and sew centered on the face.
Feet
- Using orange yarn, make 2 tiny flat oval feet.
- Sew to the underside so they peek from beneath the dress.
Duck Hat
- Using straw gold yarn, CO 24 sts.
- Work 3 rounds rib or plain brim.
- Increase slightly for crown.
- Work 4 rounds and decrease to close.
- Sew a tiny button at one side if desired.
Duck Dress
Knit a tiny A-line dress in off-white or cream. To imitate the floral fabric appearance in the image, embroider scattered miniature flowers after the dress is sewn in place. Use pink, mustard, rust, and green stitches.
- Shape: short dress ending above the feet
- Sleeveless style: keep arm openings open or implied
- Print effect: add tiny detached chain stitches, French knots, and leaf stitches
Basket
The basket is a small open oval worked in warm brown. It has a sturdy base and low sides. The texture should feel simple and rustic.
- CO or begin with a small oval base in brown yarn.
- Increase to form a flat oval about 2 inches across.
- Work even for several rounds to build shallow sides.
- BO firmly so the rim stays open.
- Optional: line with a tiny piece of felt if you want extra structure.
You may leave the basket without a handle to match the image. It sits open beside the bunny and looks like a little market gathering basket.
Bouquet
The bouquet includes marigold-like blossoms and one sunflower-style flower. Use small pom-pom flowers, knitted bobbles, or wrapped yarn knots. Gather the stems with green yarn and tie them together.
- Main flowers: mustard, rust, and deep marigold pom flowers
- Accent flower: one small sunflower with yellow petals and a brown center
- Stems: green yarn cords or floral wire wrapped with green yarn
Keep the bouquet loose and rustic. It should look hand-tied, not too neat. A slightly irregular arrangement makes it feel more natural and true to the image.
Little Bottle
The small bottle or jar is white with a bright red top. It is tiny but visually important because it balances the scene near the duck and bag.
- Using white yarn, CO 6 sts and join.
- Increase to 12 sts.
- Knit a short tube for the bottle body.
- Stuff lightly or insert a little felt roll.
- Switch to red and work 2 or 3 rounds for the lid.
- Decrease and close.
This piece should remain very small, about thumb-sized beside the bunny. Do not make it tall like a bottle. Think of it as a tiny cream jar or market pot.
Small Shoulder Bag
The little shoulder bag is a flat, knitted purse in tan yarn with a long strap and one front button. It sits on the table with the strap curved around it.
- CO 10 sts in tan yarn.
- Work in garter or seed stitch for a small rectangle.
- Fold lower half upward and seam sides to create a pouch.
- Knit a short flap if desired.
- Add one tiny button to the front.
- Make a long i-cord strap and sew securely to both upper corners.
The finished bag should be small enough to look like a doll accessory, not a full tote. Keep it flat and soft. A slightly rounded lower edge matches the sweet handmade look of the set.
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Assembly
- Sew the head firmly to the body, checking that the face points straight forward.
- Attach ears to the sides of the head so they drop downward naturally.
- Sew legs to the lower body, close together enough for a seated pose.
- Attach arms slightly below the neck and angle them down.
- Dress the bunny in the striped top.
- Add the pinafore and secure straps with buttons.
- Sew or slip on the shoes.
- Place the hat low on the forehead and tack it in place with a few hidden stitches.
- Arrange the duck, basket, bouquet, bottle, and bag around the bunny.
Step back often during assembly. The charm of this set comes from gentle balance. The hat should not sit too high. The dress should spread softly over the lap. The ears should show beneath the hat edges. Small choices like these make the finished result look much closer to the image.
Styling Tips for an Accurate Look
- Keep facial features very small and centered low on the face
- Use muted earthy colors instead of bright primary shades
- Do not overstuff the limbs
- Let the pinafore flare gently at the hem
- Space the flower details evenly and keep them petite
- Place the duck slightly lower and smaller so the bunny remains the clear focal point
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
After full assembly, adjust the stuffing with your fingers so the head, cheeks, and body look smooth. Embroider the eyes only after the hat and ears are in place. This helps you judge the expression correctly. Add a tiny stitched nose and short mouth line, then lightly sculpt the muzzle if needed.
Care Notes
Display pieces like this are best kept away from heavy pulling and rough play. Spot clean whenever possible. If deeper cleaning is needed, hand wash gently in cool water, press in a towel, reshape carefully, and dry flat away from direct heat or sun.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head centered and firmly attached
- Ears even and naturally drooping
- Hat sitting low and secure
- Dress straps aligned and buttons matching
- Flowers balanced across bib and hem
- Shoes even in size and angle
- Duck scaled smaller than bunny
- All accessories finished neatly
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Use clean hands when handling light-colored yarn. Store the set in a breathable cotton bag or display cabinet to reduce dust. Avoid plastic storage for long periods in humid conditions. For long-term preservation, add acid-free tissue under hats and inside bags to help them keep their shape.
