Forest Picnic Bunny – Knitting

Soft woodland colors, delicate accessories, and a charming companion make this bunny a lovely handmade project for nursery decor, gift knitting, collectible dolls, and seasonal shop listings. The finished set includes a dressed rabbit, bonnet, shoes, crossbody bag, tiny fox friend, apple, acorn, and basket. Every element is styled to feel polished and gift-worthy, making it especially appealing for shoppers searching for heirloom bunny dolls, knitted nursery toys, woodland rabbit decor, and artisan baby shower gifts.

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

Project Overview

This design creates a seated bunny with long upright ears, a rounded face, slim arms, straight legs, and a softly stuffed body. The rabbit wears a moss-green dress with a pale lace-look hem, a deep green bonnet with floral vine accents, Mary Jane style shoes, and a small shoulder bag.

The image also includes several tiny props placed beside the bunny. To match the scene closely, this article includes instructions for a miniature fox in striped overalls, a red apple, a textured acorn, and a tiny picnic basket with a checked lining effect. Each item is sized to look balanced next to the bunny.

The bunny itself should measure about 14 to 16 inches tall from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head, not including the ears. The ears add roughly 4 inches more height. The fox is much smaller, around 5 inches tall, so it reads as a companion toy rather than a second full-size doll.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: sport or light DK weight in warm cream
• Bonnet, shoes, dress trim, and bag yarn: sport or light DK weight in muted forest green
• Dress yarn: DK or sport weight in olive moss green
• Lace hem yarn: fine cotton or smooth sport weight in cream
• Fox yarn: orange-rust, cream, medium brown, taupe, and black
• Apple yarn: deep red and a tiny amount of leaf green
• Acorn yarn: tan and dark brown
• Basket yarn: straw brown and a small amount of red-and-cream for the lining effect
• Needles: double-pointed needles or magic loop needles suitable for tight toy knitting, usually 2.25 mm to 3 mm
• Optional straight needles: for flat sections if preferred
• Stuffing: high-quality polyester fiberfill
• Safety option: black toy eyes or black embroidery yarn for stitched eyes
• Embroidery yarn: dark brown or black for nose and mouth
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Tiny buttons: one small button for each shoe strap and two tiny decorative buttons for the fox overalls

Gauge and Fabric Notes

Exact gauge matters less than producing a dense fabric that keeps stuffing hidden. Knit tightly. If your stitches look open, move down a needle size. The bunny in the image has a very smooth, neat surface with almost no visible gaps, so a firm fabric is important for the polished look.

A practical target is about 8 to 9 stitches per inch in stockinette using sport yarn and small needles. The dress can be knit at the same gauge or one touch looser if you want extra drape. The fox and props should also be dense so they hold their miniature shapes.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• Kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• SSK = slip, slip, knit
• Inc = increase 1 stitch by your preferred neat method
• Dec = decrease 1 stitch by your preferred neat method
• BO = bind off
• Rep = repeat

Construction Order

1. Knit the bunny legs.
2. Knit the body and join to the legs.
3. Knit the arms, head, and ears.
4. Sew and shape the face.
5. Knit the dress, bonnet, shoes, and bag.
6. Knit the fox.
7. Knit the apple, acorn, and basket.
8. Assemble and arrange everything to match the image.

Bunny Legs

The legs in the image are long, straight, and softly plump rather than sharply shaped. They hang down from the seated body, with just enough width to look stable beneath the dress. Knit both legs first in cream. Use double-pointed needles or magic loop.

Leg 1 and Leg 2

1. CO 12 sts evenly over needles. Join for working in the round.
2. Round 1: K all.
3. Round 2: Kfb into each stitch around. 24 sts.
4. Rounds 3 to 8: K all.
5. Round 9: K3, Kfb, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Rounds 10 to 16: K all.
7. Round 17: K4, K2tog, repeat around. 25 sts.
8. Rounds 18 to 34: K all.

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Stuff the lower foot and ankle area firmly, but keep the upper leg lighter so it bends naturally when seated. The visible shape should be tidy and cylindrical. Leave the top of each leg open. Place one leg aside after fastening off. Keep stitches of the second leg live for joining.

Bunny Body

The body is pear-shaped but subtle. It is not overly round. The chest is gently narrower than the lower torso, allowing the dress to sit smoothly. Join the legs so they hang with a small gap between them. That gap helps the bunny sit in the same relaxed way as the image.

1. With Leg 2 live, K across its 25 sts. CO 4 sts. K across Leg 1. CO 4 sts and join. 58 sts.
2. Rounds 1 to 4: K all.
3. Round 5: K6, Kfb, repeat around. 66 sts.
4. Rounds 6 to 14: K all.
5. Round 15: K9, K2tog, repeat around. 60 sts.
6. Rounds 16 to 20: K all.
7. Round 21: K8, K2tog, repeat around. 54 sts.
8. Rounds 22 to 26: K all.
9. Round 27: K7, K2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
10. Rounds 28 to 31: K all.

Start stuffing as you go. Fill the lower body firmly enough to hold the seated form, but not so hard that the fabric stretches. Shape the tummy gently forward. The image shows a calm, elegant silhouette, so avoid a round ball shape.

To form the upper chest:

1. Round 32: K6, K2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
2. Rounds 33 to 36: K all.

If you prefer a neck shelf for extra stability, work one decrease round here. That will help the head sit cleanly above the body without wobbling.

1. Round 37: K5, K2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
2. Rounds 38 to 40: K all.

Bunny Arms

The arms are slim and slightly curved inward. They fall naturally at the bunny’s sides and end just above the dress waistline. They should not be overly stuffed. A soft arm looks more realistic and sits better beneath the flower decorations and bag strap.

Make 2

1. CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Round 1: K all.
3. Round 2: Kfb into each stitch around. 16 sts.
4. Rounds 3 to 6: K all.
5. Round 7: K2tog around. 8 sts.
6. Rounds 8 to 24: K all.

Stuff only the hand and lower forearm lightly. Flatten the upper end and sew closed later. Before sewing in place, curve each arm slightly so the hands point toward the front of the body. This angle matters because the bag and flowers sit best when the arms are not sticking straight out.

Head

The head is large, smooth, and softly oval, with a fuller muzzle area. The face is gentle rather than cartoonish. The eyes are small and set wide apart. The nose and mouth create a natural rabbit expression, with a short split line and a subtle Y-shaped finish.

1. With cream yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Kfb into each stitch around. 24 sts.
3. Round 2: K all.
4. Round 3: K3, Kfb, repeat around. 30 sts.
5. Round 4: K all.
6. Round 5: K4, Kfb, repeat around. 36 sts.
7. Round 6: K all.
8. Round 7: K5, Kfb, repeat around. 42 sts.
9. Round 8: K all.
10. Round 9: K6, Kfb, repeat around. 48 sts.
11. Rounds 10 to 24: K all.

At this stage, if using safety eyes, position them between Rounds 16 and 17, spaced about 10 to 12 stitches apart. The image shows tiny black eyes that sit low on the face and slightly to the outer sides, not centered too close to the nose.

Create a fuller muzzle by adding a small extra tuft of stuffing to the lower front of the head. Keep the crown and back smooth. The finished head should look refined and symmetrical under the bonnet.

1. Round 25: K6, K2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
2. Round 26: K all.
3. Round 27: K5, K2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
4. Round 28: K all.
5. Round 29: K4, K2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
6. Round 30: K all.
7. Round 31: K3, K2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.

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Stuff firmly, shaping the cheeks and muzzle carefully. The head must be smooth because it remains mostly visible inside the bonnet frame. Continue:

1. Round 32: K2, K2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
2. Round 33: K all.
3. Round 34: K2tog around. 9 sts.

Break yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and close tightly.

Muzzle Sculpting and Face Embroidery

Thread strong matching yarn through the lower half of the face to define the muzzle. Make one gentle horizontal pull from side to side, then a vertical anchoring stitch down the center. Do not over-tighten. The rabbit in the image has a soft nose bridge and rounded mouth area.

Using dark brown or black embroidery yarn, stitch a small inverted triangle nose. Extend a short vertical line downward from the center. Split that line into two tiny curved mouth strokes. Keep the entire embroidered feature compact. A large mouth would change the calm expression too much.

Ears

The ears are long, narrow, and softly pointed. They stand upright, close together, and slightly angled outward at the tips. Each ear is cream and smooth, with only light shaping. They are not floppy. A thin inner seam and firm base sewing will help them hold the upright silhouette.

Make 4 ear panels, then sew into 2 ears

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K.
3. Row 2: P.
4. Row 3: K1, Inc, K to last 2 sts, Inc, K1. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P.
6. Row 5: K.
7. Row 6: P.
8. Row 7: K1, Inc, K to last 2 sts, Inc, K1. 12 sts.
9. Continue in stockinette until piece measures about 4.75 inches.

Now taper the tip.

1. Next RS row: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
2. Next WS row: P.
3. Repeat these 2 rows until 4 sts remain.
4. Next RS row: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
5. BO.

Sew two panels together for each ear, leaving the base open. Add only a whisper of stuffing or none at all. Flatten slightly. Attach to the top of the head close together, with the lower bases leaning gently outward. That placement is important for the bonnet opening to frame the face correctly.

Joining Head and Body

Sew the head securely onto the neck opening. Add extra stuffing to the neck area if needed before closing. The head should sit upright, not tipped back. The bunny in the image looks composed and balanced, with the face directed slightly forward rather than upward.

Sew the arms to the upper body just below the neck. Angle them down and slightly inward. Check the fit of the dress before making the arm stitches final, because the dress shoulder flowers need room to sit neatly on both sides.

Dress

The dress is olive green with a narrow fitted upper section, a gently gathered skirt, and a cream lace-look hem peeking below. In the image, the dress appears simple and clean, with the waist loosely tied using a cream cord. The neckline is straight and modest.

You may knit the dress as a separate garment from the top down, then slip it onto the bunny. This gives the cleanest fit and makes dressing easier.

Upper Bodice

1. CO 36 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in K1, P1 rib.
3. Next row: K all.
4. Work 10 rows stockinette.

This bodice should fit closely around the upper torso. Check the width around the bunny before continuing. If needed, add 2 or 4 stitches. The image shows a tidy upper dress, not oversized or slouchy.

Skirt Section

1. Next RS row: K1, M1, repeat across. Double the stitch count to 72 sts.
2. Work 26 rows in stockinette.

For a more textured fabric similar to the gathered look in the image, you may work the skirt in very fine vertical rib instead.

1. Alternative skirt rows: K1, P1 for all rows to desired length.

The image suggests a subtle vertical texture, so this ribbed option is a strong match. If you use ribbing, do not pull it too tight. The skirt should still spread softly over the seated body.

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Cream Lace-Look Hem

Join cream yarn.

1. Row 1: K all.
2. Row 2: P all.
3. Row 3: K2tog, yo, repeat across.
4. Row 4: P all.
5. Row 5: K1, yo, K2tog, repeat across.
6. Row 6: P all.
7. BO loosely.

This creates a delicate eyelet edge that mimics the pale decorative hem visible beneath the dress. It should peek out modestly, not flare dramatically. Sew the side seam if you knit flat, and leave arm openings neat.

Dress Cord Tie

Make a long cream cord using i-cord, twisted cord, or tight braiding. The cord should wrap around the waist and tie in a soft bow at the front left of center. Let the ends hang down. In the image, the tie is casual and slightly asymmetrical.

Bonnet

The bonnet is one of the defining features of this design. It is deep forest green and frames the face closely, covering the head while leaving the ears free. It ties under the chin in a soft bow. One side features a pale floral vine worked as small decorative blossoms.

To achieve the shape, knit the bonnet as a fitted cap with an open face border.

1. CO 56 sts.
2. Work 6 rows in garter stitch.
3. Continue in stockinette for 18 rows.

Now shape the back of the bonnet.

1. Divide stitches into three sections: 18, 20, 18.
2. Work short rows or simple center-back decreases until the bonnet cups around the back of the head.
3. A simple method: On RS rows, knit to 2 sts before each section marker and K2tog. On WS rows, purl to 2 sts before each section marker and P2tog.
4. Repeat for 8 rows, then BO.

Sew the back seam if needed. Work a narrow i-cord or garter edging all around the face opening for structure. Add two narrow ties at the lower corners. The bonnet should sit snugly around the cheeks and under the chin, just as shown.

Bonnet Floral Vine

Using cream yarn, embroider or appliqué a short vine on one outer side of the bonnet. Keep it delicate. Add three to four tiny flower clusters, each with small petals and a centered knot. The vine should travel diagonally upward, not cover the entire bonnet.

Even though the rest of the design is knitted, the floral vine may be created from tiny knitted petals sewn in place. For each flower, make a mini 5-petal piece by knitting a tiny strip and gathering it into a blossom, or form petals with embroidered loops if you prefer a lighter finish.

Shoes

The bunny wears dark green Mary Jane shoes with a rounded toe and a small side button fastening. The shoes are soft, simple, and fitted around the knitted feet. They cover the front of the foot and leave a strap across the upper instep.

Make 2

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: K.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K to last st, Kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: K.
5. Row 4: Kfb, K to last st, Kfb. 14 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 12: Work in stockinette.

Shape the toe by sewing and drawing in the front edge. Wrap the shoe around the foot and sew underneath. For the strap, make a narrow band about 8 to 10 rows long and 3 stitches wide. Attach one side, then sew a tiny button on the outer side of each shoe.

The shoes should sit close to the feet without slumping. Because the image shows a neat rounded silhouette, lightly pad the toe with a tiny amount of stuffing if your shoe yarn is especially soft.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is a small forest-green pouch worn diagonally across the front of the dress. It has a flap with a single cream flower decoration. The strap is slender, and the bag sits low at the bunny’s right side. This detail adds a storybook picnic feel and should not be skipped.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Work 16 rows in garter stitch.
3. Fold into a pouch and sew side seams.
4. For the flap, pick up 10 sts from the back upper edge.
5. K 6 rows, then decrease 1 stitch at each end every RS row until 4 sts remain.
6. BO.

For the strap, make a long i-cord or twisted cord. Sew it to both upper sides of the bag. Position the bag so the strap crosses from the bunny’s left shoulder to the right hip. Add one tiny cream flower to the flap center.

Decorative Flowers at Neckline

There are two small pale flowers near the top of the dress, one on each side beneath the bonnet ties. These are tiny but visually important. They soften the join between head and dress and make the entire outfit look finished.

Make 2

1. CO 12 sts in cream.
2. Knit 1 row.
3. Thread yarn through all stitches and gather into a rosette.
4. Add a tiny center knot in pale yellow, cream, or beige if desired.

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Sew the flowers symmetrically near the top front of the dress, just outside the center line. Keep them small. They should decorate, not overpower.

Mini Fox Companion

The fox is rust orange with a white muzzle, dark ear tips, small black eyes, striped chest, and taupe overalls with tiny buttons. It stands upright beside the bunny. Its proportions are compact and slightly playful, with a large head, slim limbs, and a narrow body.

Fox Legs and Body

Make 2 legs

1. With dark brown or taupe, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Round 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rounds 2 to 5: K all.
4. Change to orange-rust and work 10 rounds.

Join legs:

1. K across one leg, CO 2 sts, K across second leg, CO 2 sts. 28 sts.
2. Rounds 1 to 8: K all.
3. Work 4 rounds of chest stripes by alternating 2 rounds cream and 2 rounds rust.
4. Continue 4 more rounds in rust.

Stuff lightly as you knit. The body should stay narrow and vertical.

Fox Arms

Make 2

1. CO 6 sts and join.
2. Round 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rounds 2 to 10: K all in rust.

Stuff the hands only lightly and sew flat at top.

Fox Head

1. With rust, CO 8 sts and join.
2. Round 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Round 2: K all.
4. Round 3: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Round 4: K all.
6. Round 5: K2, Kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Rounds 6 to 14: K all.

Add small black eyes. Switch to cream for a few front lower rows if you want a built-in muzzle zone, or add a separate muzzle patch. Continue shaping:

1. Round 15: K2, K2tog around. 24 sts.
2. Round 16: K all.
3. Round 17: K1, K2tog around. 16 sts.
4. Round 18: K2tog around. 8 sts.

Stuff and close.

Fox Ears

Make 4 ear pieces

1. CO 5 sts.
2. Work in stockinette, increasing 1 stitch at each side on every RS row twice.
3. Work 4 rows even.
4. Decrease 1 stitch at each side on every RS row until 3 sts remain.
5. BO.

Sew two together for each ear. Add black at the tips using duplicate stitch or a small knitted section. Attach upright to the head.

Fox Overalls

The overalls are taupe-brown with a bib front, shoulder straps, and tiny decorative buttons. They should fit snugly around the fox’s slim torso.

1. CO 20 sts.
2. Work 10 rows in K1, P1 rib.
3. Join short seam around the fox body.
4. For bib, pick up 6 center front sts and work 8 rows.
5. BO.
6. For straps, make 2 narrow i-cords and attach to back waist and bib top.

Sew two tiny buttons to the bib lower corners to match the image.

Apple

The apple is tiny, rounded, and deep red with a small green leaf. It sits near the basket and adds a picnic accent. Because it is so small, tight knitting and careful shaping matter more than complicated construction.

1. With red, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Round 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Round 2: K all.
4. Round 3: K1, Kfb around. 18 sts.
5. Rounds 4 to 8: K all.
6. Round 9: K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.
7. Round 10: K2tog around. 6 sts.

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Stuff firmly. Pull closed. Add a short brown stem and a tiny green leaf. To create the natural apple dip, run thread through top and bottom center and pull lightly.

Acorn

The acorn is knit in two colors, with a textured brown cap and smooth tan nut. It should be slightly larger than the apple in height but narrower. Place it near the fox so the woodland story feels complete.

Acorn Base

1. With tan, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Round 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Round 2: K all.
4. Round 3: K1, Kfb around. 18 sts.
5. Rounds 4 to 7: K all.
6. Round 8: K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.

Acorn Cap

1. With dark brown, pick up 12 sts around the top.
2. Work 3 rounds in seed stitch.
3. Round 4: K2tog around. 6 sts.

Add a tiny stem at the top. Stuff before fully closing. The cap should sit clearly over the tan base and read as a separate top section.

Mini Picnic Basket

The basket is straw brown with a small handle. The lining in the image suggests a checked cloth inside, visible as a red-and-cream top edge. Since the piece is miniature, a simple striped lining effect is enough to capture the look.

Basket Base and Sides

1. With brown, CO 8 sts and join.
2. Round 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Round 2: K all.
4. Round 3: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rounds 4 to 6: K all.

To turn the sides upward:

1. Round 7: P all.
2. Rounds 8 to 14: K all.

For a woven look, use seed stitch on some rounds or add surface lines afterward. The image shows a handwoven basket feel, so light texture is helpful.

Lining Edge

1. Change to cream and red for 2 rounds of tiny stripe work.
2. Example: K1 cream, K1 red around for 1 round, then reverse colors on the next round.
3. BO loosely.

This produces the impression of checked fabric peeking from inside. It does not need to be an exact plaid.

Basket Handle

1. Make a firm i-cord about 3 inches long in brown.
2. Sew each end to opposite inner sides of the basket.

Stuff the bottom lightly or insert a small cardboard circle if this is for display only. Keep the top open.

Assembly Layout Notes

Dress the bunny first. Tie the waist cord in a slightly loose bow. Add the bonnet and tie it beneath the chin with short tails. Sew the two neckline flowers in place. Put on the shoes and fasten the tiny buttons at the outer sides.

Place the bag across the front from the bunny’s left shoulder to the right hip. The bag should rest over the skirt rather than tuck behind the arm. Adjust the strap so it looks natural and slightly snug.

Seat the bunny with legs hanging downward. Position the fox at the bunny’s right side. Set the basket and apple to the bunny’s left, and the acorn near the fox on the right. This arrangement recreates the image closely.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Check that the head is centered and does not lean.
• Confirm both ears stand upright and match in height.
• Keep the eyes small and low on the face for a gentle expression.
• Shape the muzzle softly so the nose sits slightly forward.
• Tie the bonnet neatly without hiding the cheek line.
• Angle the arms inward so the front view stays tidy.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Handle decorative flowers and tiny props gently.
• Store flat or seated to preserve the shape of the legs and bonnet.
• Keep away from rough play if using small buttons or removable props.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Bunny: body, head, arms, legs, ears completed and evenly stuffed
• Face: eyes, nose, and mouth placed symmetrically
• Clothing: dress, bonnet, shoes, waist tie, bag attached
• Decorations: bonnet vine and neckline flowers added
• Companions and props: fox, apple, acorn, basket finished
• Styling: all pieces arranged to match the woodland picnic scene

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a soft cloth with cool water and mild soap for surface cleaning. Avoid soaking if the toy includes buttons, tightly stuffed details, or decorative stitching. Gently reshape ears, bonnet, and shoes while damp. Let all pieces dry naturally away from direct heat or strong sunlight.

For long-term storage, wrap the bunny and small props in clean tissue and place them in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags for long periods in humid spaces. Store the fox and accessories separately if you want to protect delicate straps, flowers, and the tiny basket handle.