A soft blush bunny dressed for a sweet garden tea scene is always a charming handmade piece for display, gifting, nursery decor, spring styling, or boutique toy collections. This design includes a flowered beret, layered dress, shoes, crossbody bag, squirrel friend, tea set, mat, and fruit basket. If you enjoy searching for handmade bunny doll, knitted stuffed animal, heirloom nursery toy, artisan gift, or collectible soft toy ideas, this design brings those lovely details into one coordinated knitted set with a polished, boutique-inspired finish.
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 yarn: light beige and cream fingering or light sport weight yarn.
- Dress and accessories yarn: blush pink, dusty rose, soft green, warm brown, white, and tiny amounts of berry red, peach, and golden orange.
- Squirrel yarn: rust brown, cream, sage green, and dark brown.
- Needles: double-pointed needles or magic loop needles in sizes suitable for very firm toy knitting. Use one size smaller than garment knitting for a dense fabric.
- Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle, stuffing, sewing pins, scissors, row counter, waste yarn, and small black safety eyes or black embroidery thread for eyes if preferred.
- Optional support: thin floral wire for basket handle and bag strap shaping if you want a crisp pose.
Finished Size
The bunny in the image appears to be a medium display toy with a proportionally large head, narrow shoulders, long ears, slim arms, and sturdy standing legs. Using fingering or light sport yarn and dense tension, expect the bunny to finish around 11 to 13 inches tall without the beret.
The squirrel is much smaller, about half the bunny’s seated height. The tea set, fruit basket, and shoulder bag are all miniature accessories, scaled carefully so the bunny remains the visual focus while the tiny props still look useful and realistic.
Gauge and Fabric Notes
Gauge matters greatly in toy knitting. The stitches in the image are neat, fine, and compact. Knit tightly enough that stuffing never shows through. If your fabric looks open, go down a needle size.
- Stockinette should look smooth and dense.
- Textured trim should still lie softly without stiffness.
- Color accents are tiny and delicate, so keep floats loose but controlled.
- All pieces should hold shape with moderate stuffing, not extreme stuffing.
Abbreviations
- CO = cast on
- BO = bind off
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- inc = increase
- dec = decrease
- kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Design Overview
This set is built in separate pieces for clean shaping and accurate styling. The bunny has a rounded head, softly tapered muzzle area, long narrow ears, tube-shaped arms, and firm legs that support the dress. The outfit includes a layered pink-and-cream dress with tiny rosebud motifs.
The beret sits low across the forehead and slightly covers the ear bases. The crossbody bag hangs from one shoulder to the opposite hip. The shoes are round-toed Mary Jane slippers with a narrow strap. Around the bunny are a knitted squirrel, teapot, cup, folded cloth, floral mat, and fruit basket.
Bunny Head
Using light beige yarn, CO a small number of stitches and work in the round. Increase evenly over the first several rounds until you create a near-spherical head. The image shows a full, smooth face that is slightly wider at the cheeks than at the crown.
- CO 12 sts and divide evenly across needles.
- Round 1: Knit.
- Round 2: Inc in each stitch around. 24 sts.
- Round 3: Knit.
- Round 4: (k1, inc) around. 36 sts.
- Round 5: Knit.
- Round 6: (k2, inc) around. 48 sts.
- Round 7: Knit.
- Round 8: (k3, inc) around. 60 sts.
- Work 14 to 18 rounds even in stockinette.
At this stage, begin shaping the lower face gently. The bunny in the image has a calm, slightly flattened face front rather than a strongly protruding muzzle. Keep the stuffing smooth and even. Do not overstuff the center front, or the embroidered nose will sit too high and look sharp.
- Round 1 of lower shaping: (k8, k2tog) around.
- Round 2: Knit.
- Round 3: (k7, k2tog) around.
- Round 4: Knit.
- Continue decreasing every other round until 24 sts remain.
Stuff the head firmly but still soft to the touch. Close the remaining stitches neatly. Leave a long tail for attaching the head to the body later. Before fully fastening off, shape the cheeks lightly with your fingers so the face front remains broad and sweet.
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Muzzle and Nose Shaping
The face in the image relies more on embroidery and sculpting than on a separate muzzle piece. Use a strand of matching beige yarn to make a very slight indentation from the lower face center to the neck point. This creates the gentle triangular nose area.
Do not pull hard. The expression should stay soft. The nose is a tiny inverted triangle in dusty brown, and the mouth is stitched downward in two short slanting lines that meet at the center. This gives the bunny a tender, vintage toy expression.
Bunny Body
Using cream yarn, work the body in the round from the bottom up. The body is smaller than the head and slightly pear-shaped. It widens through the lower half, then narrows at the upper chest. This shape supports the layered dress and keeps the bunny looking delicate.
- CO 18 sts.
- Round 1: Knit.
- Round 2: Inc evenly to 24 sts.
- Round 3: Knit.
- Round 4: Inc evenly to 30 sts.
- Round 5: Knit.
- Round 6: Inc evenly to 36 sts.
- Work 10 rounds even.
Now taper the upper torso. The image shows a narrow shoulder line hidden beneath the flutter sleeves. Keep this section smaller than you might expect. That reduced width is important because the dress and sleeves add visual fullness.
- Decrease round: (k4, k2tog) around.
- Knit 1 round.
- Decrease round: (k3, k2tog) around.
- Knit 1 round.
- Decrease round: (k2, k2tog) around.
- Work 3 rounds even.
Stuff the body firmly at the base and more lightly at the upper chest. Close or leave the top open, depending on your preferred seaming method. A slightly flatter shoulder area makes head attachment easier and helps the beret and ears sit naturally afterward.
Legs
The legs are straight and moderately slim. They are not bent. The dress falls over them, but the lower legs remain visible above the shoes. Make two identical legs in light beige or cream, depending on your preferred continuity with the body.
- CO 14 sts for each leg and join in the round.
- Work 18 to 22 rounds in stockinette.
- Add a tiny amount of stuffing, especially toward the ankle and upper leg.
- BO or leave live stitches for joining to the body.
If joining directly, place the two legs parallel, separated by a small gap, then knit or seam them into the lower body opening. The bunny in the image stands with feet slightly apart, so do not angle the legs inward too strongly.
Arms
The arms are long, smooth, and softly tapered. They hang low, reaching to the skirt line. There is no visible paw shaping, so keep the ends rounded and simple. Make two arms in light beige yarn.
- CO 12 sts and join.
- Work 6 rounds even.
- Increase 2 sts evenly.
- Work 18 to 22 rounds even.
- Lightly stuff only the lower two-thirds.
- Flatten the top opening and seam closed.
When attaching, angle the arms slightly downward from the shoulders. They should rest close to the dress sides without sticking outward. This small downward tilt is important to match the graceful silhouette in the image.
Ears
The ears are long, flat, and softly drooping. They descend from under the beret and frame the face. Knit two identical ears in light beige. They should be narrower at the tip and slightly wider near the base.
- CO 8 sts flat.
- Row 1: Knit.
- Row 2: Purl.
- Increase 1 st each side every 4th row until 16 sts.
- Work even until the ear measures about two-thirds of the head height.
- Decrease 1 st each side every 4th row for a gentle rounded tip if needed.
- BO loosely.
Make a second matching ear. Lightly steam or finger-press them flat. Do not stuff the ears. Fold the lower edge slightly before sewing so the base curves naturally backward under the hat.
Dress Bodice
Using cream yarn, the bodice is fitted, sleeveless at first, and decorated with tiny floral accents. The neckline has a narrow blush trim. The image shows several little raised flower dots across the chest, kept sparse and tidy.
- CO enough stitches to fit snugly around the upper body.
- Work 4 rows of 1×1 rib in blush pink for the neck edge if knitting top-down, or finish later if knitting bottom-up.
- Switch to cream and work smooth stockinette.
- Shape very gently for the chest and armhole area.
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For the floral accents, use duplicate stitch or tiny surface embroidery in dusty rose with a tiny soft green stitch at the base of each bloom. Keep them very small. They should look like scattered rosebuds, not full flowers.
Place one near the upper center chest and a few more evenly across the lower bodice. The motifs in the image are restrained, which keeps the outfit elegant. Avoid overcrowding this section.
Flutter Sleeves
The sleeves are a defining detail. They are short, frilly, and stand slightly upward at the shoulder edge. Knit two little ruffled sleeve caps in blush pink and attach them at the armholes.
- CO a small number of stitches flat.
- Work one row knit.
- On the next row, increase generously across the row to create a frill.
- Work 3 to 5 rows in stockinette or seed-based texture.
- BO loosely.
Gather or ease each sleeve cap into the armhole so the frill points outward slightly. The sleeve should not droop heavily. It needs just enough lift to echo the airy, petal-like details throughout the outfit.
Upper Skirt Layer
The dress has multiple tiers. The upper visible cream tier begins under the bodice and flares outward. It has tiny rosebud motifs and a blush ruffle edge. This section should stand away from the body enough to show shape, but it must remain soft and drapey.
- Pick up or knit stitches around the bodice base.
- Increase evenly on the first skirt round or row.
- Work several rows in cream stockinette.
- Add tiny scattered rosebud motifs in repeating intervals.
- Increase again before the hem section for more fullness.
At the lower edge, switch to blush pink for a narrow ruffle band. Work a few rows with extra increases to encourage the hem to ripple gently. The edge in the image is softly flounced, not tightly curled.
Middle and Lower Layer Effect
The outfit clearly shows layered depth. To recreate it accurately, add a second visible lower layer in blush pink beneath the cream skirt. This underlayer peeks out and gives the whole dress its romantic volume.
You may either knit a separate underskirt and sew it inside the dress, or pick up stitches beneath the upper skirt and knit downward. The second method is usually cleaner for toy garments that stay on the doll permanently.
- Using blush yarn, pick up stitches below the upper skirt join.
- Work even for a few rows.
- Increase gradually to make a soft flare.
- Finish with a slightly deeper ruffle than the upper hem.
Keep the blush layer visible below the cream tier, but not so long that it hides the shoes. The image shows a balanced layered silhouette where the dress feels full while still allowing the feet and bag to remain visible.
Dress Fit Notes
- The bodice should fit close to the body.
- The skirt should begin high enough to make the legs appear long.
- The underlayer should add volume, not bulk.
- The flower motifs should stay tiny and evenly spaced.
- The neckline trim should be narrow and refined.
Beret
Using blush pink yarn, knit a soft beret with a folded brim and gentle crown fullness. The beret sits low over the forehead and carries a cluster of flowers on one side. This hat is essential to the personality of the set.
- CO stitches for the head circumference, slightly smaller than the actual measurement so the hat stays on.
- Work 8 to 10 rounds of rib or tight stockinette for the brim.
- Increase evenly across the next round to create the beret body.
- Work several rounds even.
- Then decrease gradually toward the top center.
Finish with a tiny nub or stem at the crown center. The beret should puff softly at the sides but still settle close to the head. Do not make it too large. The image shows a petite, tidy beret rather than an oversized slouchy hat.
Beret Flower Cluster
Create one cream flower and one dusty rose flower, plus a couple of green leaf stitches. These flowers are tiny and dimensional. Knit or embroider them separately, then stitch them onto the right side of the beret front.
- Make one larger cream blossom with a soft rounded shape.
- Make one smaller rose blossom beside it.
- Add a darker pink center knot if desired.
- Add one or two olive green leaves tucked underneath.
Crossbody Bag
The bag is a small cream shoulder pouch with a long strap and a pink flower on the front. It hangs at the bunny’s right side from the opposite shoulder. The proportions are compact and charming, with a slightly rounded base.
- CO a small rectangle base in cream.
- Knit flat or in the round to create a simple pouch.
- If knitting flat, seam the sides neatly.
- Add a flap only if desired, but the image mainly shows an open-top or softly folded pouch.
- Knit an i-cord or narrow strap long enough to cross the torso diagonally.
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Decorate the bag front with one pink flower and a tiny pale center. Stitch the flower slightly low and toward the outer side, as shown in the image. Sew the strap securely so it lies flat against the dress without twisting.
Shoes
The shoes are blush Mary Jane slippers with cream soles and a top strap. They are rounded at the toe and fit snugly over the feet. Make two identical shoes.
- Knit a tiny sole in cream, either flat or as an oval base.
- Pick up stitches around and work upward in blush pink.
- Shape the toe with a few decreases.
- Leave an opening across the instep.
- Add a narrow strap from one side to the other.
Keep the shoes soft, not rigid. They should look hand-knit and cozy. A little stuffing in the foot area helps them hold shape if the bunny will mostly be displayed standing.
Squirrel Friend
The squirrel is a separate small toy and should not be skipped. It has a rust-brown body, cream belly, dark eyes, upright ears, a green sweater, and a small acorn held in its paws. The tail is large and rounded behind the body.
Squirrel Body and Head
- Using rust yarn, begin at the lower body and knit upward in the round.
- Shape a plump tummy and narrower upper chest.
- Switch to cream for the belly panel or add it later with duplicate stitch.
- Continue into the head with modest neck shaping.
- Stuff firmly and close at the crown.
The head is smaller than the bunny’s and slightly pointed at the muzzle. Add small black eyes and a black nose. Use cream yarn or white to shape the muzzle patch. Keep the expression bright and gentle.
Squirrel Ears, Arms, Legs, and Tail
- Knit two tiny pointed ears in rust and sew them upright.
- Knit two slim arms positioned forward to hold the acorn.
- Knit two short standing legs with a stable base.
- Knit one full tail, shaped as a fat curved plume, then attach behind the body.
The tail should rise behind the squirrel and create balance. It is not thin or narrow. It should look plush and rounded, giving the squirrel its recognizable silhouette.
Squirrel Sweater and Acorn
Knit a simple green sleeveless sweater that fits the torso closely. A tiny neck scarf effect may be created with a slightly folded collar. Keep it plain because the squirrel is a supporting accessory, not the main subject.
The acorn is very small. Knit or wrap a tiny oval in brown for the nut and add a darker cap. Sew it between the paws. Position the paws so they appear to cradle it naturally.
Teapot
The teapot sits on the left side of the image and is white or cream with a warm taupe lid and a little green floral detail on the body. This miniature prop adds a tea-party feeling and should be made with care.
- Knit a tiny rounded pot body in cream.
- Shape the lower part broad and the top narrower.
- Add a short spout and a curved handle separately.
- Knit a small lid in taupe with a tiny knob.
- Embroider a small green stem and leaf motif on one side.
Stuff lightly so the teapot keeps shape. Attach the lid securely if the set is intended for display rather than play. Keep all seams extremely neat because miniature props show every join.
Cup and Folded Cloth
The cup is small, cream colored, and sits beside the teapot. Knit a narrow tube with a slightly thicker base edge. Add a tiny handle if desired, though the image reads clearly even with a subtle one.
The folded cloth is a simple small square in cream. It may be worked in seed stitch or tight garter to create texture. Fold it once and place it beside the cup. This tiny item helps the tea setup look complete.
Tea Mat
The tea set rests on a pale rectangular mat with pink floral or dotted edging. Knit a flat rectangle in very light cream. Border it with soft pink details and a few tiny specks or flowers to echo the dress motifs.
- Keep the mat flat and thin.
- Do not make it too large.
- The teapot and cup should fit comfortably with a little space left.
- Light blocking helps the edges sit neatly on the table surface.
Fruit Basket
The tiny basket at the front contains several fruits in warm cheerful colors. The basket itself is blush pink with a curved handle. This piece should look compact and full.
- Knit a tiny oval or circular base in blush.
- Pick up around the edge and work a few short rounds to form a shallow basket.
- Add a separate handle and stitch it firmly at both sides.
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For the fruit, make miniature stuffed spheres or shaped buds in orange, yellow-orange, berry red, and soft peach. Add tiny green tops or leaves. Nestle them closely so the basket looks abundant even at a very small scale.
Assembly Order
- Join legs to body.
- Attach head to body, checking the forward angle carefully.
- Sew ears beneath the future beret line.
- Attach arms at a slightly downward slant.
- Dress the bunny with the bodice and layered skirt.
- Add sleeves, shoes, bag, and beret.
- Complete the squirrel and all mini props.
Pin every piece before sewing permanently. The image has a balanced, composed arrangement. Small changes in arm angle, ear spacing, or skirt height can change the entire look, so take your time during placement.
Placement Notes for Accuracy
- The head should be large compared with the body.
- The ears should emerge low and fall behind the cheeks.
- The beret should sit slightly forward.
- The bag should cross from the left shoulder to the right hip.
- The squirrel should stand upright beside the bunny.
- The tea set should rest to the bunny’s left.
- The fruit basket should sit near the front.
Color Balance Notes
The image depends on soft, romantic color harmony. Cream and blush dominate the bunny. Small touches of green and rose create floral charm. The squirrel introduces a warm russet contrast, while the tea set stays quiet and neutral.
When selecting yarn, avoid harsh white, bright bubblegum pink, or very dark green. Choose dusty, muted shades. This makes the finished set feel elegant and closely aligned with the visual tone of the image.
Optional Finishing Touches
- Add a tiny blush tint on the cheeks using fabric-safe pigment if desired.
- Lightly tack the bag to the dress so it stays in place.
- Secure the beret with a hidden stitch under one ear.
- Add a few hidden stitches inside the skirt to preserve the tiered shape.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Embroider the eyes first if not using safety eyes, keeping them small, vertical, and evenly spaced. Add the nose as a tiny inverted triangle in soft brown. Stitch the mouth in two short downward curves. The expression should look calm, gentle, and slightly wistful.
After the face is complete, sew the head securely to the body. Check that the bunny looks forward rather than upward. Add the ears, then position the beret so it sits low and soft. Dress the bunny fully before adding the bag and shoes.
Place the squirrel near the bunny with the acorn facing forward. Arrange the teapot, cup, cloth, mat, and basket around them in a balanced tea-party scene. This final composition is part of the design’s charm, so treat the layout as an important finishing step.
Care Notes
- Display indoors away from strong direct sunlight.
- Keep away from moisture and rough handling.
- If used as decor, dust gently with a soft dry brush.
- Handle mini accessories carefully because they are small and detailed.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head is round, smooth, and slightly larger than the body.
- Ears are long, flat, and softly drooping.
- Dress shows layered cream and blush skirts with tiny floral motifs.
- Beret sits low and includes the flower cluster.
- Bag crosses the body diagonally and has a flower on the front.
- Shoes are pink with a Mary Jane look.
- Squirrel stands upright with sweater and acorn.
- Mini props include teapot, cup, cloth, mat, and fruit basket.
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
For routine care, use a soft brush or clean dry cloth to remove surface dust. Do not scrub embroidered facial details or tiny floral decorations. Avoid soaking the set because stuffed miniature parts can lose shape and take a long time to dry fully.
If deeper cleaning is needed, test a hidden area first. Spot clean gently with a barely damp cloth and mild wool-safe soap. Blot, never rub. Reshape each piece with your fingers and allow it to dry flat on a towel away from heat.
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To preserve the set for long-term display, store it in a breathable box lined with acid-free tissue. Keep the squirrel and miniature props wrapped separately so handles, ears, flower trims, and straps do not become bent or crushed during storage.


