This charming knitted bunny set is designed to look like a boutique handmade toy with a rich blackberry dress, matching hat, tiny purse, Mary Jane shoes, and sweet picnic-style extras. It has the appeal of a collectible stuffed rabbit, nursery décor piece, heirloom gift, and handmade toy shoppers often search for when they want a knitted bunny doll with accessories. The finished set is soft, polished, and expressive, with a classic face, gentle colors, and several delightful small pieces that make the display feel complete.
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: Cream or warm ivory DK yarn for head, body, arms, legs, and ears.
- Dress, shoes, purse, and hat: Deep blackberry or dark berry DK yarn.
- Polka dots and hat band: Very dark plum, charcoal, or black DK yarn.
- Collar: White DK yarn.
- Rose: Dusty pink DK yarn.
- Cup and saucer: Pale blue-gray DK yarn.
- Cupcake: Chocolate brown, pale pink, and bright pink DK yarn.
- Hedgehog body: Light beige DK yarn.
- Hedgehog spines: Taupe, brown, and dark brown DK yarn scraps.
- Hedgehog sweater: Moss or leaf green DK yarn.
- Hedgehog pants: Denim blue DK yarn.
- Toy stuffing: Fine polyester filling.
- Eyes: Small black safety eyes or black embroidery thread.
- Nose and mouth: Brown or black embroidery thread.
- Hat trim support: Optional thin millinery wire or leave softly shaped.
- Buttons: One tiny berry button for each shoe strap, two very small pale buttons for hedgehog sweater.
- Needles: 2.75 mm and 3.25 mm straight needles or DPNs for small circumference knitting.
- Finishing tools: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, waste yarn, scissors, sewing pins.
Gauge and General Notes
Gauge: 26 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on 3.25 mm needles with DK yarn.
Knit all toys firmly so the stuffing does not show through. If you usually knit loosely, go down a needle size. The sample bunny has a smooth, dense surface with clearly defined shaping and very even stitches.
Most pieces may be worked flat and seamed, or in the round if that is your preference. The shaping directions below are written in a way that stays clear for newer knitters. Keep the stuffing smooth and light in smaller areas.
The bunny in the image has a long seated body with a large rounded head, narrow shoulders, slim arms, long dangling legs, and very soft drooping ears. The accessories are not oversized. They look refined and proportional.
Finished Size
- Main bunny: About 14 to 16 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including hat.
- Hat: Sized to sit low over the forehead and slightly over the ears.
- Purse: About one-third the width of the bunny’s torso.
- Rose: About 2 inches across.
- Cup and saucer: Small display scale, about 1.5 inches wide together.
- Cupcake: About 1.75 inches tall.
- Hedgehog: About 4 inches tall seated.
Abbreviations
- 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
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Color Placement Overview
The bunny itself is cream. The dress, hat, purse, and shoes are all worked in the same rich blackberry shade. Small dotted accents are placed across the dress and purse in a dark contrasting shade.
The collar is crisp white and shaped as two rounded flaps. The hat has a dark band and a tiny side bow. The little picnic extras include a pink rose, a pale cup and saucer, a chocolate-and-pink cupcake, and a seated hedgehog friend.
Main Bunny Body
Legs (Make 2)
Using cream yarn and 3.25 mm needles, cast on 18 stitches. Work 6 rows in stockinette, beginning with a knit row. Increase 1 stitch at each end of the next knit row. Repeat this increase row every 8th row 3 more times. You will have 26 stitches.
Continue straight until the leg measures about 5.5 inches. The legs in the image are long, slim, and softly filled, not chunky. Keep the shaping narrow through the calf, then slightly fuller at the upper leg.
Shape the top of the leg by binding off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Then decrease 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 3 times. End with 16 stitches. Work 4 more rows straight. Place stitches on waste yarn.
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Body
Join the two legs onto one needle with the front sides facing the same direction. Work across the first leg, cast on 6 stitches for the crotch, then work across the second leg. You now have 38 stitches.
Work 8 rows straight in stockinette. Increase 1 stitch at each side on the next RS row. Repeat every 10th row 3 times. You will have 46 stitches. This creates the rounded lower torso seen beneath the dress.
Continue straight until the body from join measures about 3 inches. Begin waist shaping. Decrease 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row, then every 8th row 3 more times. You will have 38 stitches.
Work 10 rows straight. For the upper chest, increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row, then every 8th row once more. You will have 42 stitches. This gives the bunny a soft but not broad upper body.
Shape the shoulders by binding off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Then decrease 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 4 times. You will have 28 stitches. Work 2 rows straight.
Neck Base
To support the large head, shape a neat neck. Work 6 rows straight on 28 stitches. Then decrease 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row. Work 3 rows even. Repeat this decrease row once more. You will have 24 stitches.
Do not bind off. Continue directly into the head if knitting seamlessly, or bind off and make the head separately if you prefer. A separate head gives easier stuffing and more precise face shaping.
Head
Cast on 24 stitches in cream if working separately. Work 6 rows stockinette. Increase 1 stitch at each end of the next RS row, then every 4th row 6 times. You will have 38 stitches.
Work 12 rows straight. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row, then every 6th row 2 times. You will have 44 stitches. The head should become large, rounded, and slightly taller than it is wide.
The bunny in the image has a very gentle muzzle. To create that effect, work 8 rows straight, then place a marker at the center front. On the next 4 RS rows, increase 1 stitch one stitch each side of the center marker. This creates a subtle nose area.
Work 6 rows even. Begin crown shaping. Decrease 1 stitch at each end and also work k2tog at each side of the center marker on the next RS row. Work 1 WS row. Repeat this shaping 4 times.
Continue decreasing 1 stitch at each end on every RS row until 16 stitches remain. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and draw up tightly. Close the seam. Stuff very firmly, especially around the cheeks and lower head.
Ears (Make 2)
Using cream yarn, cast on 10 stitches. Work 2 rows stockinette. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row. Repeat every 4th row 5 times. You will have 22 stitches.
Work 10 rows straight. The ears are long, slim, and floppy. They are not upright. Begin tapering by decreasing 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row, then every 4th row 5 times. You will have 10 stitches.
Work 6 rows straight, then decrease 1 stitch at each end on every RS row until 4 stitches remain. Bind off. Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly at the base to help it drape downward along the sides of the head.
Arms (Make 2)
Using cream yarn, cast on 14 stitches. Work 4 rows stockinette. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row, then every 8th row twice. You will have 20 stitches.
Work straight until the arm measures about 4 inches. Shape the top by binding off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then decreasing 1 stitch at each end on the next 4 RS rows. Bind off remaining stitches.
These arms should be softly stuffed and slightly bent inward during sewing. In the image, one arm hangs close to the purse and the other rests near the hedgehog.
Dress
The dress is a separate garment with short puffed sleeves, a softly flared skirt, and small dark dots. It falls just below the bunny’s knees when seated. The neckline is simple and rounded, with a white collar stitched on top.
Dress Skirt and Bodice
Using blackberry yarn, cast on 70 stitches. Work 4 rows in garter stitch for the hem. Then change to stockinette. On the next RS row, place markers so the front has 24 stitches, each side has 11 stitches, and the back has 24 stitches.
Decrease 1 stitch before and after each side marker on every 8th row 5 times. This gradually draws the skirt inward without losing the soft drape. You will have 50 stitches.
Work straight until the piece measures about 5 inches from cast-on edge. The dress in the image is smooth, not gathered heavily. The flare is gentle and elegant rather than wide.
For the bodice, work 8 rows straight. On the next RS row, divide for armholes: 12 stitches for one back side, bind off 4, work 18 front stitches, bind off 4, work final 12 back stitches.
Work each section separately. For each back side, decrease 1 stitch at the armhole edge every RS row 2 times. Work straight to shoulder height. Bind off 5 shoulder stitches, then work 5 neckline stitches for 2 more rows and bind off.
For the front, decrease 1 stitch at each armhole edge every RS row 2 times. Work 4 rows straight. Then shape neckline by binding off the center 6 stitches and working each side separately.
Decrease 1 stitch at neckline edge every RS row 3 times. Work to same height as back. Bind off shoulder stitches. Seam shoulders neatly.
Sleeves (Make 2)
Cast on 24 stitches in blackberry. Work 4 rows stockinette. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row, then every 4th row twice. You will have 30 stitches.
Work 4 rows straight. Shape sleeve cap by binding off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then decreasing 1 stitch at each end on every RS row until 12 stitches remain. Bind off.
Lightly gather the top edge only enough to give the soft rounded puff seen in the photo. The sleeves should be short and curved, with a sweet childlike look.
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Polka Dots
Using duplicate stitch in very dark yarn, place small evenly spaced dots across the skirt front, lower bodice, and sleeves. Each dot should cover roughly a 2-stitch by 2-row area.
Do not overcrowd the dots. Leave the neckline clear so the collar stands out. The purse also carries matching dots. Keep the spacing tidy but not mathematically rigid. The handmade effect should stay charming.
Collar
Make 2 matching collar pieces in white. Cast on 12 stitches. Work 1 row knit. Then begin a rounded petal shape by increasing 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row, then every 4th row twice. You will have 18 stitches.
Work 4 rows straight. Decrease 1 stitch at each end on every RS row until 8 stitches remain. Bind off. Make a second identical piece.
Sew both collar pieces to the neckline with the rounded points lying over the front bodice. The collar in the image is flat, crisp, and modest in size. It should not spread too far over the shoulders.
Hat
The hat is a close-fitting cloche style in the same blackberry shade. It sits low on the bunny’s forehead and curves outward into a short brim. A narrow dark band wraps around the crown and ends in a small bow.
Hat Crown
Using blackberry yarn, cast on 56 stitches and join for working in the round, or work flat and seam later. Knit 10 rounds in stockinette. Increase 8 stitches evenly around the next round. You have 64 stitches.
Work 14 more rounds straight. Begin top shaping by placing 8 markers evenly. On the next decrease round, work k2tog before each marker. Knit 1 round plain. Repeat until 16 stitches remain. Thread yarn through and pull closed.
Hat Brim
Pick up 64 stitches around the lower edge. Work 4 rounds stockinette. Increase 8 stitches evenly in the next round. Work 4 more rounds. Increase 8 stitches evenly again. Work 6 rounds, then bind off loosely.
The brim should roll and tilt slightly downward at the front and sides. Steam very lightly or hand shape while damp. If desired, add soft support inside the brim edge, but keep the look natural.
Hat Band and Bow
Using dark contrast yarn, make an I-cord or narrow knitted strip about 14 inches long. Wrap around the crown where it meets the brim. Sew in place. Form a tiny flat bow and attach at one side.
Shoes (Make 2)
The shoes are rounded Mary Jane style in blackberry yarn. They should fit over the lower foot and have a slim strap across the top with a tiny side button.
Cast on 20 stitches. Work 2 rows garter stitch, then continue in stockinette for 8 rows. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row, then every 4th row twice. You will have 26 stitches.
Work 6 rows straight. Shape the toe by decreasing 1 stitch at each end and working one centered k2tog on every RS row 5 times. Work 2 rows even. Fold and seam the sole and heel.
For the strap, pick up 6 stitches at one side opening. Knit 10 rows in garter stitch. Bind off. Sew to opposite side and add a tiny decorative button at the outer edge. Make the second shoe to mirror the first.
Purse
Using blackberry yarn, cast on 22 stitches. Work 18 rows stockinette. Shape the bottom corners very slightly by decreasing 1 stitch each end on the next RS row only. Work 10 more rows and bind off.
Fold with right sides facing, seam sides, turn, and lightly stuff the base if you want a plumper bag. Add duplicate-stitch dark dots across the front. Make a narrow I-cord handle and sew securely to each upper side.
The purse hangs from the bunny’s left arm in the image. Keep it soft and small, with a gentle rounded silhouette rather than a stiff boxy one.
Rose
Using dusty pink yarn, cast on 60 stitches. Work 4 rows in garter stitch. On the next knit row, work k1, kfb across. Work 3 more garter rows. Bind off loosely.
Roll the strip tightly at first, then more loosely toward the outer layers to form a blooming rose. Stitch the base securely. Add a small green knitted circle or tiny leaf if you like, but keep it subtle.
Teacup and Saucer
Saucer
Using pale blue-gray yarn, cast on 6 stitches and distribute onto DPNs. Increase evenly every round until you have 24 stitches. Work 2 rounds even. Increase to 32 stitches and work 2 more rounds. Bind off loosely.
Flatten gently into a shallow saucer shape. The saucer should sit low and wide, just visible beneath the cup.
Cup
Cast on 18 stitches and join. Work 6 rounds stockinette. Increase to 24 stitches and work 4 rounds. Bind off. Gather the cast-on edge to close the base. Add a tiny handle by making a 10-stitch I-cord loop.
Stuff the cup only at the bottom so it keeps an open upper edge. A little brown felt or knitted circle may be tucked inside to suggest tea or coffee.
Cupcake
For the base, use chocolate yarn. Cast on 18 stitches and work 10 rows stockinette. Seam into a small cylinder and close the bottom. Stuff lightly. For the top, use pale pink yarn and knit a small domed cap.
Gather the pink cap over the brown base. Add a tiny bright pink bobble or knitted nub at the very top. The cupcake should be cute and compact, about the same height as the teacup.
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Hedgehog Friend
This tiny companion sits at the bunny’s right side. It has a beige face and body, clustered brown spines, a green sweater, blue pants, tiny pale feet, and simple stitched features.
Head and Body
Using beige yarn, cast on 14 stitches. Work 4 rows stockinette. Increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row, then every 4th row 3 times. You will have 22 stitches.
Work 8 rows straight. Shape the neck with a decrease row at each end. Work 2 rows. Then increase 1 stitch at each end on the next RS row and once more 4 rows later to form the lower body.
Work 8 rows straight. Begin lower shaping by decreasing 1 stitch at each end every RS row until 10 stitches remain. Bind off. Seam and stuff firmly but keep the finished hedgehog small and upright.
Spines
Cut short lengths of brown and taupe yarn. Hook or knot them densely into the back of the head and upper back, then trim to a fuzzy halo. The spines in the photo are tousled and rounded, not sharply pointed.
Arms, Legs, Sweater, and Pants
Knit 2 tiny beige arms on 6 stitches each, and 2 tiny beige feet on 6 stitches each. Keep them very small and simple. Sew arms at the side seam and feet at the lower body front.
For the sweater, knit a tiny green tube or flat panel to wrap around the chest and upper body. Add two miniature pale buttons on the front. For the pants, knit a blue lower body wrap that covers the base neatly.
Embroider tiny black eyes and a small nose. Add a short downward stitch and two tiny side stitches to form a subtle mouth. The expression should be calm and sweet.
Making Up the Main Bunny
Sew the body and head seams carefully. Stuff the legs first, then the body, then the head. Use enough stuffing for shape but avoid hardness in the limbs. The sample bunny has a gentle, cuddly finish rather than a stiff toy look.
Sew the head to the neck with strong matching thread. Add extra stitches around the join so the large head stays stable. Attach the arms slightly below shoulder level, angled downward.
Sew the legs so they extend straight from the lower body and hang forward when seated. The feet should point naturally outward just a little, matching the relaxed pose in the image.
Attach the ears high on the head but not at the very crown. Let them fall downward along each side of the face. The visible ear length should frame the cheeks without hiding them.
Dressing and Accessory Placement
Slip the dress onto the bunny and close the back neatly. Sew the white collar in place after the dress is fitted so the collar lies correctly over the neckline.
Put the shoes onto the feet and tack them lightly at the heel or strap if needed. Place the purse handle over the left arm and secure with a few hidden stitches so it hangs beside the skirt.
Set the hat low over the forehead. It should cover the upper head and slightly overlap the top of the ears. The side bow should sit off-center, echoing the reference image.
Arrange the rose, teacup, and cupcake near the bunny for display. Sit the hedgehog close to the bunny’s right side, leaning very slightly inward so the grouping looks friendly and balanced.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Mark the eye placement before stitching or inserting eyes. The eyes sit fairly wide apart and a little above the center of the face. They are tiny, dark, and simple.
Shape the muzzle lightly with a few sculpting stitches if desired. Embroider a small Y-shaped nose and mouth in dark brown or black. Keep the lines fine. The face should look calm, gentle, and classic.
Add a faint blush only if you like, but it is optional. The original look stays very clean and understated, with expression created mostly through shape rather than heavy facial detail.
Care Notes
- Display pieces with small accessories are best for décor and gentle handling.
- Keep away from rough play if safety eyes, buttons, or wired brim support are used.
- Store the hat separately only if the brim needs protection.
- Do not hang the bunny by the ears or purse strap.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head: Firmly stuffed, round, and centered on the neck.
- Ears: Long, soft, and evenly drooping.
- Dress: Blackberry color with evenly spaced dark dots.
- Collar: Two white rounded flaps lying flat.
- Hat: Low cloche shape with dark band and side bow.
- Shoes: Matching Mary Jane style with straps.
- Purse: Small, dotted, and hanging from left arm.
- Extras: Rose, teacup, cupcake, and hedgehog all completed.
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Spot clean first whenever possible. Use a soft cloth with cool water and a small amount of mild soap. Dab gently instead of rubbing. Allow all pieces to dry flat on a towel.
If the toy needs a deeper clean, hand wash very carefully in cool water. Press out moisture in a towel and reshape while damp. Keep the hat brim, collar, purse handle, and tiny accessories neatly positioned as they dry.
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Store away from direct sun to protect the rich blackberry shade. For long-term keeping, wrap the set in clean tissue and place it in a breathable cotton bag or box. Avoid plastic storage if moisture may build up.
