Sage Garden Bunny – Knitting

A soft sage bunny with a beret, puff-sleeve dress, tiny crossbody bag, matching shoes, and a set of woodland accessories makes a beautiful handmade gift, nursery decor piece, or collectible toy. This design has the charm of a boutique knitted doll, the sweetness of heirloom stuffed animals, and the appeal of handmade nursery gifts, artisan toys, and knitted woodland decor that many shoppers search for when they want something special.

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 color: light warm beige yarn for the head, ears, arms, and legs.
• Dress, beret, and shoes: muted sage green yarn.
• Bag: pale blush-beige yarn for the strap and body, plus small amounts of sage, cream, and dusty pink for the flower.
• Hedgehog body: soft beige yarn.
• Hedgehog spikes and overalls: medium brown and dark taupe-brown yarn.
• Flower pot: terracotta-brown yarn.
• Tiny flowers: cream, pale pink, soft lavender, sage, and mustard-yellow yarn scraps.
• Watering can: pale gray yarn.
• Book: sage yarn, cream yarn, and a little white and yellow for the cover flower.
• Black embroidery thread or very fine black yarn: for the eyes.
• Dark brown embroidery thread: for the nose and mouth.
• Toy stuffing: soft polyester filling.
• Thin cardboard or plastic canvas: optional for the book covers and watering can base.
• Lightweight floral wire: optional for the watering can spout if you want a crisp curve.
• Knitting needles: a size that gives a dense fabric with no gaps. Double-pointed needles are helpful for small tubes.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, and scissors.

Gauge and Finished Size

Use a firm gauge. The fabric in the image is smooth, tidy, and dense enough to hide stuffing completely. If your stitches look loose, go down a needle size.

• Bunny height: about 9 to 11 inches tall from foot to beret top.
• Hedgehog height: about 3 to 4 inches tall.
• Flower pot: about 1.5 inches tall.
• Watering can: about 2 inches long.
• Book: about 1.25 inches wide.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• K = knit
• P = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat

Design Notes

The bunny in the image has a rounded head, long softly hanging ears, narrow arms, slightly tapered legs, and a simple seated-doll body hidden under a dress. The face is gentle and minimal.

The dress is the star detail. It has a square neckline, short puff sleeves, a fitted upper section, and a wide skirt with white climbing vines and tiny blossoms worked over the finished dress.

The beret is not tight like a cap. It is soft, slightly oversized, and slouches toward one side. A small knitted flower cluster sits near the front edge.

The shoes are rounded Mary Jane style with a little opening on top and tiny ties. The bag is small, flat, and worn crossbody from one shoulder to the opposite hip.

The accessories matter. The tiny hedgehog, flower pot, gray watering can, and little book complete the garden story. Work them carefully so the finished set looks balanced together.

Bunny Head

Knit the head in beige as a smooth sphere with a lightly flattened face area. You may work it in the round or knit flat and seam. Working in the round gives the cleanest finish.

1. CO 8 sts and divide evenly on needles.
2. Round 1: K.
3. Round 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Round 3: K.
5. Round 4: (K1, kfb) around. 24 sts.
6. Round 5: K.
7. Round 6: (K2, kfb) around. 32 sts.
8. Round 7: K.
9. Round 8: (K3, kfb) around. 40 sts.
10. Rounds 9 to 20: K all rounds.

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Stuff as you go, but keep the lower opening accessible. The head in the image is full and smooth, with no point at the crown and no sharp chin.

1. Round 21: (K3, k2tog) around. 32 sts.
2. Round 22: K.
3. Round 23: (K2, k2tog) around. 24 sts.
4. Round 24: K.
5. Round 25: (K1, k2tog) around. 16 sts.
6. Round 26: K2tog around. 8 sts.

Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull tight, and close. Shape the face with your hands so the front looks broad and sweet rather than tall and narrow.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, soft, and narrow. They hang straight down beside the face, ending around shoulder level. They are not stiff or dramatically pointed.

1. CO 8 sts in beige.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
3. Row 5: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, K1. 10 sts.
4. Rows 6 to 18: Continue in stockinette.
5. Row 19: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 8 sts.
6. Rows 20 to 26: Continue in stockinette.

Bind off neatly. Fold each ear lengthwise with right side out. Mattress stitch the side edges together only near the base if you want more structure, leaving most of the ear flat and soft.

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim, lightly stuffed, and slightly tapered. In the image they hang close to the body and end just below the waistline of the dress.

1. CO 10 sts in beige and join carefully.
2. Rounds 1 to 12: K.
3. Round 13: (K3, k2tog) twice. 8 sts.
4. Rounds 14 to 18: K.

Lightly stuff only the lower two-thirds so the shoulder stays soft for sewing. Thread yarn through live stitches and gather closed, or flatten the top and seam it shut.

Legs Make 2

The legs are slightly longer than the arms and a little fuller at the foot. They should allow the bunny to stand with help while still looking like a soft toy.

1. CO 12 sts in beige and join.
2. Rounds 1 to 4: K.
3. Round 5: (K4, kfb) around. 15 sts.
4. Rounds 6 to 16: K.
5. Round 17: (K3, k2tog) around. 12 sts.
6. Rounds 18 to 22: K.

Stuff firmly at the foot and medium-firm through the leg. Flatten the top opening and seam closed. Make sure both legs are the same length.

Body

The body is simple because the dress covers most of it. Keep it narrow at the top, fuller at the lower torso, and stable enough to support the neck and skirt.

1. CO 12 sts in beige and join.
2. Round 1: K.
3. Round 2: (K1, kfb) around. 18 sts.
4. Round 3: K.
5. Round 4: (K2, kfb) around. 24 sts.
6. Rounds 5 to 12: K.
7. Round 13: (K2, k2tog) around. 18 sts.
8. Rounds 14 to 18: K.
9. Round 19: (K1, k2tog) around. 12 sts.

Stuff firmly but do not overfill. Close the lower end after attaching legs if that feels easier for you. Leave a long tail at the neck end for sewing to the head.

Dress Bodice

The bodice is sage green and sits neatly over the body. The neckline is soft and almost square. The shoulder line is simple, and the sleeves are attached separately.

You can knit the bodice flat in two pieces. That makes the neckline and armhole shaping easier for newer knitters.

Front Bodice

1. CO 20 sts in sage.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in 1×1 rib.
3. Rows 7 to 14: Stockinette.
4. Row 15: K6, BO 8, K6.
5. Work each shoulder separately for 4 more rows.
6. Bind off shoulders.

Back Bodice

1. CO 20 sts in sage.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in 1×1 rib.
3. Rows 7 to 16: Stockinette.
4. Bind off all sts.

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Sew shoulder seams. The back can be fully closed for a permanent dress, or you may leave a short opening if you prefer removable clothing.

Puff Sleeves Make 2

The sleeves are rounded and puffy, but still small. They sit high on the shoulders and end above the elbow. Their shape gives the dress its gentle vintage look.

1. CO 18 sts in sage.
2. Rows 1 to 3: Work in stockinette.
3. Row 4: (K2tog) across. 9 sts.
4. Rows 5 to 10: Stockinette.
5. Row 11: (K1, kfb) across as needed to reach 14 sts.
6. Row 12: P.
7. Bind off.

Sew the short edges to make a small sleeve cap. Gather the top slightly and attach to the armhole so the sleeve looks rounded, not flat.

Skirt

The skirt is full and softly bell-shaped. It falls to mid-calf on the bunny and widens smoothly from the bodice. The hem is plain and not frilly.

1. CO enough sts to fit the lower edge of the bodice, usually around 40 sts.
2. Join or work flat depending on your preferred construction.
3. Rows 1 to 4: Stockinette.
4. Increase row: (K4, kfb) across.
5. Work 6 rows even.
6. Increase row: (K5, kfb) across.
7. Work 6 rows even.
8. Increase row: (K6, kfb) across.
9. Continue until the skirt reaches the length shown in the image.
10. Work 2 final rows in garter stitch or neat stockinette edge, then bind off loosely.

The image shows the skirt standing slightly away from the body. To create that effect, block lightly and do not overstuff the body. A fuller lower skirt helps the silhouette.

White Vine and Blossom Skirt Detailing

This detail is essential. Without it, the dress will not match the image. Use cream or soft white yarn and work the vines on top of the finished skirt with duplicate stitch, fine chain stitch, or tiny applied knitted cords.

Start near one side seam and let the vines travel in a low, curving line around the front half of the skirt. Add branching stems that climb upward, with many small leaves.

• Make the main vine line thin, soft, and organic.
• Add small leaf pairs at different angles.
• Scatter a few tiny buds and simple flower shapes.
• Keep the densest decoration on the lower front of the skirt.
• Do not fill the whole skirt. Leave open sage areas between motifs.

The image suggests delicate garden embroidery rather than heavy motifs. Keep every stem slim. Use short stitches. The look should be airy, graceful, and slightly asymmetrical.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are sage green Mary Jane style with rounded toes and a small top opening. A tiny tie or strap detail finishes each one.

1. CO 8 sts in sage.
2. Rows 1 to 2: Garter stitch.
3. Row 3: Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 4 to 8: Stockinette.
5. Row 9: K3, BO 4, K3.
6. Row 10: Recast on 4 sts over center gap to form opening edge.
7. Rows 11 to 14: Stockinette.
8. Gather toe slightly and seam sole and heel.

Add a short i-cord or twisted yarn tie at the front edge. Make tiny cream inserts or socks if you want the bright opening visible exactly like the image.

Beret

The beret is soft, round, and slightly oversized. It sits low on the forehead and droops gently to one side. The top has a tiny center nub.

1. CO 56 sts in sage and join.
2. Rounds 1 to 6: Work in 1×1 rib for the band.
3. Round 7: (K7, kfb) around. Increase evenly.
4. Rounds 8 to 18: K.
5. Round 19: (K6, k2tog) around.
6. Round 20: K.
7. Round 21: (K5, k2tog) around.
8. Round 22: K.
9. Continue decreasing every other round until 8 sts remain.
10. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

Make a tiny stem nub with a few wrapped stitches at the center top if desired. Steam lightly so the beret relaxes and spreads.

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Beret Flower Cluster

The flower cluster has one small cream flower, one sage bud or leaf element, and a warm beige-gold leaf shape. It sits near the front side of the beret.

• Knit or embroider one tiny five-petal cream flower.
• Add a dusty pink center knot.
• Make one or two sage leaves.
• Add one small beige-gold leaf or folded petal shape.

Attach the cluster low on the beret band, slightly off center. This placement is important for the same sweet expression seen in the image.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is small, flat, and rounded at the lower corners. It hangs from the bunny’s shoulder to the opposite hip, with the strap crossing the chest.

1. CO 10 sts in blush-beige.
2. Rows 1 to 10: Stockinette.
3. Shape the bottom corners by decreasing one stitch at each side on 2 alternate rows, then work even for 2 rows.
4. Make a second matching piece.
5. Sew together around sides and bottom. Lightly stuff if desired, but keep mostly flat.

For the strap, make a narrow i-cord or twisted cord long enough to cross from shoulder to hip. Sew securely at both top corners.

Add a small flower to the bag front using cream petals, a pink center, and one or two sage leaves. The flower should echo the beret decoration.

Hedgehog Head and Body

The hedgehog is tiny, round, and charming. It has a pale face and body, black eyes, a dark nose, and fluffy brown spikes forming a cap around the head and back.

1. CO 8 sts in beige and join.
2. Increase gradually to 24 sts as for a small sphere.
3. Work even for 8 rounds.
4. Decrease gradually back to 8 sts.
5. Stuff firmly and close.

To suggest a separate head and belly area, lightly indent the neck with thread after stuffing. Keep the face small so the spikes appear fuller behind it.

Hedgehog Spikes

Use dark taupe-brown yarn. The spikes in the image are soft loops or short cut strands, not sharp points. They frame the head and cover the upper back.

• Attach short folded strands densely along the crown and back.
• Trim to a rounded halo shape.
• Keep the face open and clearly visible.
• Do not make the spikes too long. They should look plush and neat.

Hedgehog Arms, Legs, and Overalls

Knit two tiny tube arms and two tiny stubby legs in beige. Sew them close to the body. Then dress the hedgehog in simple brown overalls.

1. For overalls, knit a small rectangle in brown to wrap the lower body.
2. Sew side seam at the back.
3. Add two tiny straps over the front shoulders.
4. Embroider or sew two tiny button dots where the straps attach.

The overalls should sit high on the chest and leave the little beige arms free, just like the image.

Flower Pot

The flower pot is small, upright, and terracotta brown. It holds a cluster of tiny pastel flowers with green stems.

1. CO 12 sts in terracotta and join.
2. Round 1: P for a turning ridge.
3. Rounds 2 to 5: K.
4. Round 6: (K2tog) spaced evenly to taper slightly.
5. Round 7: K.
6. Close the base and stuff very lightly.

Make three to five tiny flower heads in pink, cream, and pale yellow. Add green stems and sew them into the top center.

Watering Can

The watering can is pale gray and softly shaped, with a rounded body, a curved handle, and a short spout. It sits low and slightly wide.

1. Knit a small rectangular panel and seam it into a squat cylinder.
2. Close the base and top with gathered circles or simple stitched ends.
3. Stuff lightly so it keeps shape.
4. Make the handle as a narrow cord and sew from side to side over the top.
5. Make the spout as a tiny tapered tube and attach at an upward angle.

If you want a crisp shape, place thin wire inside the spout and handle. Keep the result soft-looking, not rigid or oversized.

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Little Book

The tiny book is rectangular with a sage cover, cream pages, and one daisy-like flower on top. It sits flat near the bunny’s feet.

1. Knit two small sage rectangles for front and back covers.
2. Knit or cut a cream inner block for pages.
3. Insert thin cardboard if desired for structure.
4. Join the layers with neat whip stitching.

Embroider one little white flower with a yellow center on the front cover. Keep the motif centered and simple.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the ears to the head first.
2. Embroider the bunny face.
3. Attach head to body securely.
4. Sew arms and legs in place.
5. Dress the bunny in the bodice, sleeves, and skirt.
6. Add the white vine detailing to the skirt.
7. Sew on shoes.
8. Place and secure the beret.
9. Attach the bag across the body.
10. Finish the hedgehog and other accessories.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

For the bunny eyes, place two tiny black vertical seed stitches evenly on the upper half of the face. Keep them small and quiet. The expression in the image is calm and kind.

Embroider the nose in dark brown as a tiny Y-shaped triangle with a short line down and a delicate split mouth. Do not enlarge the muzzle. Minimal stitching gives the correct look.

Sew the ears slightly behind the eye line so they fall down beside the cheeks. Attach the beret low enough to frame the face. Position the bag so it rests naturally at hip level.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Use cool water and mild soap.
• Do not twist or wring the pieces.
• Press gently in a towel and reshape while damp.
• Lay flat to dry away from direct heat.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are the ears even and hanging at the same length?
• Is the face centered and gentle?
• Does the dress flare softly without bunching?
• Do the white vines stay mostly on the lower front skirt?
• Is the beret slightly slouched?
• Does the flower bag sit diagonally across the body?
• Are all accessories scaled small enough beside the bunny?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished set in a clean, dry place. Dust it lightly with a soft brush. If displaying long-term, keep it away from strong sunlight so the sage and blush tones stay soft.

For collectible presentation, place the bunny and accessories on a shelf or in a glass cabinet. Avoid hanging the bag or lifting the toy by the beret, ears, or strap.

If you make this set for a child, embroider all facial features securely and stitch every accessory piece firmly. Small detachable parts should be removed for very young children.