Bluebell Market Bunny – Knitting

Bluebell Market Bunny is a sweet knitted rabbit dressed for a charming outdoor market day, complete with a deep blue spotted dress, matching hat, tiny crossbody bag, blue shoes, a miniature fox friend, a small basket of vegetables, and a little watering can. This design is perfect for knitters who love handmade bunny doll patterns, heirloom stuffed animal projects, collectible nursery decor, and gift-worthy soft toys. The finished set has the polished look of a boutique knitted rabbit, making it especially appealing for anyone searching for a handmade baby shower gift, nursery bunny, or artisan knitted keepsake.

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

Overview

This pattern is written to recreate the full knitted scene shown in the image as closely as possible. The bunny has a long, softly oval head, long drooping ears, a slim neck, a gently rounded body, straight legs, soft cylindrical arms, and simple embroidered facial features.

The clothing and accessories are essential to the look. The royal blue dress has a white dot motif scattered across the bodice, sleeves, and skirt. The hat is rounded with a rolled brim and the same white motif. The shoes are bright blue Mary Jane style. A tiny pouch hangs crossbody at the front.

The little fox wears a green top and brown overalls. Beside the bunny sits a small market basket filled with vegetables and a gray watering can. Nothing in this pattern should be skipped if you want the final result to match the image closely.

Finished Size

• Bunny: about 13 to 15 inches tall seated, not including the height added by the hat brim
• Fox: about 4 to 5 inches tall
• Basket: about 2 inches wide
• Watering can: about 2 inches from spout to handle
• Shoulder bag: about 1 1/2 inches tall

The size may vary slightly depending on gauge, stuffing density, and yarn choice. Keep the fabric firm enough that the stuffing does not show through.

Skill Level

Intermediate, but an adventurous beginner can complete it by working slowly and checking each section carefully.

The shaping is straightforward, but the pattern includes several small parts, color placement, embroidery, seaming, finishing, and styling details that matter to the final look.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: light beige or warm cream DK weight
• Dress, hat, shoes, and bag yarn: rich royal blue DK weight
• Motif contrast: white DK or lightweight embroidery yarn
• Fox yarn: rusty orange, cream, black, grass green, and medium brown DK weight
• Basket yarn: tan or natural brown DK cotton or wool blend
• Vegetable yarn: orange, cream, pink, and leafy green scraps
• Watering can yarn: light gray DK weight
• Needles: size suitable for knitting DK fabric firmly, usually US 2 to US 4
• Double-pointed needles: helpful for narrow tubes and tiny pieces
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Polyester stuffing
• Small pellets or extra stuffing: optional for adding weight in the bottom
• Small black embroidery thread: for eyes and facial detail
• Brown embroidery thread: for nose and mouth
• Tiny button or knitted button: for the bag flap

Gauge

Exact gauge is less important than firmness. Your knitted fabric should be dense, smooth, and able to hold shape after stuffing. If the stitches look loose, go down a needle size.

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 stitches together
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• BO = bind off

Design Notes

• Work the bunny pieces in smooth stockinette unless stated otherwise.
• Seams should be neat and narrow so the shape stays refined.
• Stuff in small amounts and shape as you go.
• The face is simple. Keep it delicate and centered.
• The blue pieces should look polished and matched in color.
• The white dot motif is small and evenly spaced, never oversized.

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Bunny Legs Make 2

Each leg is long, slim, softly stuffed, and straight. The feet are covered later by the separate blue shoes, so the leg itself stays in the beige main color.

1. Cast on 12 sts.
2. Work 2 rows in garter stitch.
3. Begin stockinette and shape the tube by increasing 1 stitch at each side on the next row. You now have 14 sts.
4. Work 18 rows straight.
5. Increase 1 stitch at each side once more. You now have 16 sts.
6. Work 20 more rows straight.
7. Lightly stuff the lower half first, keeping the top edge unstuffed for joining.
8. Flatten the top and leave a long tail for sewing.

The legs should be equal in length and not too chunky. They hang straight down in the photo, so avoid bending them at the knee.

Bunny Body

The body is modestly rounded, with a narrower upper section under the dress and a fuller lower section that gives the seated bunny a stable shape. It should not look oversized. The dress provides much of the volume you see in the finished image.

1. Cast on 16 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. Begin stockinette. Increase 1 stitch at each side every 4th row, 5 times. You now have 26 sts.
4. Work 12 rows straight.
5. On the next row, attach the two legs at the lower edge spacing them evenly. Sew if you prefer, but check alignment carefully first.
6. Continue working the body for 10 rows.
7. Decrease 1 stitch at each side every 6th row, 3 times. You now have 20 sts.
8. Work 8 rows straight for the chest.
9. Stuff firmly at the base and moderately through the center. Keep the upper chest smooth, not overly puffed.
10. Bind off, leaving a tail for attaching the head.

If you want the seated body to rest more securely, place a tiny pouch of weighted pellets inside the lower body before the final stuffing. Keep the weight minimal so the toy remains soft.

Bunny Arms Make 2

The arms are slim and gentle, with no dramatic shaping. They fall close to the body and angle downward slightly. One arm sits near the bag, and the other rests close to the fox.

1. Cast on 10 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. Continue in stockinette for 22 rows.
4. Increase 1 stitch at each side once for a subtle upper arm curve. You now have 12 sts.
5. Work 6 rows straight.
6. Bind off.
7. Sew the seam, stuff lightly, and flatten the top edge for attachment.

Do not overstuff the arms. They should remain soft and slightly flexible.

Bunny Head

The head is one of the defining features of this design. It is taller than it is wide, with a softly rounded forehead, gentle cheeks, and a mild taper at the chin. The face must remain calm and uncluttered.

1. Cast on 18 sts.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. Begin stockinette. Increase 1 stitch at each side every 2nd row, 6 times. You now have 30 sts.
4. Work 18 rows straight.
5. Shape the upper head by decreasing 1 stitch at each side every 2nd row, 6 times. You now have 18 sts.
6. Work 2 rows straight.
7. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull closed.
8. Sew side seam, stuff gradually, and shape the muzzle area with your fingers as you fill.

The lower front of the head should be gently rounded, not sharply pointed. Add a little extra stuffing in the cheek area, but do not create a snout that projects too far.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, flat, and softly drooping. They are set low enough that the hat sits naturally above them. The ear tips are rounded and relaxed.

1. Cast on 8 sts.
2. Work in stockinette for 6 rows.
3. Increase 1 stitch at each side every 4th row, 3 times. You now have 14 sts.
4. Work 16 rows straight.
5. Decrease 1 stitch at each side every 4th row, 3 times. You now have 8 sts.
6. Work 4 rows.
7. Bind off.
8. Sew the edges neatly, leaving the lower edge open. Lightly steam if needed so the ears lie flat.

These ears should not be stuffed heavily. A very light fill at the base only is enough if you want a touch more structure.

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Tail

The tail is mostly hidden by the dress, but adding it improves the finished shape.

1. Cast on 8 sts.
2. Work a tiny circular or flat oval piece about 6 rows deep.
3. Gather, stuff lightly, and close.

Dress Bodice

The dress is a separate garment in deep blue. It has short sleeves, a fitted waist, and a flared skirt. The white motif is small and frequent, similar to tiny petals or seed-like dots spread evenly across the surface.

You may work the dots using duplicate stitch after knitting, or use a simple contrast stitch while knitting if you prefer. Duplicate stitch gives the cleanest placement and best control for matching the image.

1. Cast on 28 sts in blue.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch for a neat lower bodice edge.
3. Continue in stockinette for 10 rows.
4. On rows 4 and 8, begin placing tiny white duplicate-stitch dots, spaced about 4 to 5 stitches apart and staggered from one row area to the next.
5. Divide for armholes and shoulders as needed for your preferred construction. Keep the neckline modest and rounded.
6. Make 2 short sleeves separately or pick them up around the armholes.

Dress Sleeves Make 2

The sleeves are short, rounded, and slightly puffed. They do not extend far down the arm.

1. Cast on 18 sts in blue.
2. Work 2 rows garter stitch.
3. Work 6 rows stockinette.
4. Add 2 or 3 tiny white motifs.
5. Shape a very light sleeve cap by decreasing at each edge over the next few rows.
6. Bind off and sew into place.

Dress Skirt

The skirt is full and gently bell shaped. It falls to just below the bunny’s knees when seated, creating the rounded dress silhouette seen in the image. The hem is crisp and slightly structured with a garter edge.

1. Pick up or cast on 40 sts for the skirt lower to the bodice waist.
2. Increase evenly across the first skirt row to 56 sts.
3. Work in stockinette for 24 to 28 rows.
4. Place white motifs across the skirt in vertical staggered spacing. Keep the dots small and evenly scattered.
5. Work 4 rows garter stitch for the hem.
6. Bind off loosely.

The skirt should have enough volume to cover the upper legs and body, but not so much that it becomes heavy. It should spread softly when seated.

Waist Tie

A narrow blue tie or belt defines the waist and helps the dress look finished.

1. Make an I-cord or narrow knitted strip about 8 inches long.
2. Wrap around the waist and secure at the back or side.

In the image, the waistline is tidy and slightly emphasized, so do not skip this narrow band.

White Dress Motif Placement

The white motifs are tiny and regular, not random blobs. They look like small upward-pointing marks or little petals. Keep them consistent in size.

• Place several on the chest area without crowding the neckline.
• Add a few to each sleeve.
• Scatter them down the skirt in neat staggered columns.
• Do not make the motifs too large or too close together.

The dress should read as a blue dress with delicate white speckles, not as a heavily patterned garment.

Blue Hat

The hat is rounded on top with a softly flared brim. It sits low on the head, framing the face, but leaves the bunny’s eyes and nose fully visible. The hat uses the same royal blue yarn and the same tiny white motif as the dress.

1. Cast on 12 sts in blue and work the crown in the round or as a flat piece with shaping.
2. Increase evenly until the crown reaches the width needed to sit comfortably on the head.
3. Work several rounds or rows straight for the dome.
4. Add tiny white motifs across the top section.
5. Increase outward for the brim over several rounds or rows.
6. Work 4 rows or rounds in garter stitch or a rolled edge finish to create the smooth brim seen in the image.
7. Bind off loosely.

Test the fit before finishing. The hat should sit neatly over the ears without crushing the head shape. Sew it lightly in place after final styling so it keeps the same angle as the image.

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Blue Shoes Make 2

The shoes are bright blue Mary Jane style with a rounded toe and a single strap across the instep. They should fit snugly over the lower part of each leg.

1. Cast on 10 sts in blue.
2. Work a rounded sole with a few increases to form the toe.
3. Continue upward in stockinette for the side walls.
4. Decrease slightly over the top foot area, leaving an open instep.
5. Make a narrow strap and sew across one side to create the Mary Jane shape.
6. Finish the opening edge neatly so the shoes look polished.

The shoes should not appear oversized. Their charm comes from the simple, smooth fit and vivid color.

Crossbody Bag

The tiny bag is one of the key visual details. It rests at the front left side of the dress and hangs from a thin blue strap crossing the chest diagonally.

1. Cast on 10 sts in blue.
2. Work 10 rows in stockinette.
3. Fold the piece to create a small pouch and sew the sides.
4. Knit a small flap with a rounded end and attach it to the upper back of the pouch.
5. Add a tiny button or knitted nub at the front center.
6. Make a thin I-cord strap long enough to cross from shoulder to hip.
7. Sew the strap securely to the pouch.

The bag should sit flat, not bulging. A touch of stuffing or a folded scrap of felt inside can help it hold shape if needed.

Mini Fox Head

The fox has a rounded triangular head with small pointed ears, a cream muzzle, tiny black eyes, and a dark nose. Keep the expression sweet and simple.

1. Cast on 10 sts in rusty orange.
2. Increase gradually to create a rounded head.
3. Work a few straight rows.
4. Decrease to shape the top.
5. Sew the seam, stuff lightly, and close.
6. Add a tiny cream muzzle patch at the lower face.
7. Embroider black eyes and a small nose.

Mini Fox Ears Make 2

1. Knit two tiny triangles in orange.
2. Add a small inner contrast detail if desired using cream or pale pink stitching.
3. Sew to the top of the head at a slight outward angle.

Mini Fox Body

The body is small, straight, and lightly stuffed. The clothing gives most of the character.

1. Knit a narrow torso in brown or neutral underlayer yarn.
2. Shape gently at the shoulders and hips.
3. Stuff firmly enough to stand supported when leaning.

Mini Fox Arms and Legs

1. Knit 2 short orange arms with darker paws.
2. Knit 2 short orange legs with darker feet.
3. Sew neatly to the body so the fox can sit or lean upright.

Mini Fox Green Top

The fox wears a soft green shirt or sweater visible at the upper body and sleeves. Keep it fitted and plain so the overalls remain the main feature.

1. Knit a tiny green torso covering.
2. Add tiny short sleeves or stitched sleeve bands.
3. Sew in place smoothly.

Mini Fox Brown Overalls

The overalls are warm brown and slightly textured in appearance. They cover the lower body and have small straps over the shoulders.

1. Knit a small front bib panel.
2. Knit a back section or use a wraparound lower body piece.
3. Add two narrow straps over the shoulders.
4. Sew at the waist and shoulders.

The fox should look rustic and market-ready, matching the outdoor garden mood of the set.

Market Basket

The basket is shallow, rounded, and natural brown with a curved handle. It holds small vegetables in soft pastel and earth tones. This detail adds a strong market theme, so make it carefully.

1. Cast on a few stitches in tan and form a small circular or oval base.
2. Pick up around the edge and knit upward for a low basket wall.
3. Keep the sides slightly flared.
4. Bind off neatly.
5. Make a narrow handle and sew from side to side.

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If you want more structure, line the inside lightly with a scrap of fabric or felt, but keep it hidden.

Basket Vegetables

The basket contains tiny market vegetables. In the image, the most visible ones are orange carrots with green tops and round root vegetables in pink and cream tones.

Carrots Make 2

1. Knit a tiny orange cone for each carrot.
2. Stuff lightly.
3. Add small green leafy tops using short knitted tabs or yarn tassels.

Round Root Vegetables Make 2 or 3

1. Knit small balls or ovals in pink, cream, or pale blush.
2. Add tiny green tops.
3. Arrange them so they peek out of the basket naturally.

The vegetables should look full but not crowded. Let one carrot lean outward as shown.

Watering Can

The watering can is knitted in soft gray and sits near the fox. It has a round body, a top opening, a handle, and a long spout ending in a small sprinkler head.

1. Knit a small rounded cylinder in gray.
2. Close the bottom firmly and keep the upper opening slightly defined.
3. Knit or crochet a narrow tube for the spout and attach it at an upward angle.
4. Add a curved handle from the upper back to the side.
5. Create a tiny end cap or seed-stitch nub at the tip to suggest the watering head.

Stuff lightly or use a rolled scrap inside to keep the can from collapsing. It should remain soft but recognizable.

Facial Embroidery

The bunny face is delicate. The eyes are tiny black stitched dots placed evenly and not too low. The nose and mouth are stitched in brown thread, forming a small Y-shaped expression.

1. Mark the face center lightly before stitching.
2. Place the eyes with several rows between them, keeping the expression calm.
3. Embroider a tiny nose at the lower center of the face.
4. Extend a short vertical stitch downward.
5. Add two angled mouth stitches to form a soft Y shape.

The muzzle detail must remain minimal. Do not overwork the face or add extra blush, lashes, or heavy features that are not shown in the image.

Assembly

1. Sew the head securely to the body, keeping the chin slightly forward and centered.
2. Attach the ears low on each side so they fall beside the face.
3. Sew the arms to the upper body, angled slightly downward.
4. Attach the tail at the back.
5. Dress the bunny in the blue dress and secure discreetly if needed.
6. Add the waist tie.
7. Put on the shoes.
8. Position and sew the bag strap diagonally from shoulder to opposite hip.
9. Place the hat low and level, then tack it invisibly in place.
10. Assemble the fox and dress it.
11. Arrange the basket vegetables inside the basket.
12. Complete the watering can and set all props beside the bunny.

Styling for a Close Match

• Keep the bunny seated with legs straight and parallel.
• Let the ears fall naturally below the hat brim.
• Position the bag so it rests on the front of the skirt, slightly left of center.
• Place the fox close to the bunny’s right side.
• Set the basket on the bunny’s left side.
• Set the watering can near the fox on the right.

These placements help the whole set capture the market-day scene that makes the design special.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Before closing the final seams, check the proportions from the front. The head should look slightly larger than the body, but not oversized. The ears should match in length and hang evenly.

Adjust the dress so the waist sits high and neat. Make sure the skirt spreads gently. Recheck the face after the hat is added, because the brim can visually change the eye placement if the hat sits too low.

The fox should be small enough to look companion-sized rather than toy-sized beside the bunny. Keep the props tidy and simple. Small details matter more than heavy decoration in this design.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Use cool water and a mild wool-safe soap.
• Do not twist or wring the knitted pieces.
• Reshape gently while damp.
• Dry flat away from direct heat or strong sun.

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Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Bunny head: softly oval and centered
• Ears: long, even, and drooping
• Dress: rich blue with small white motifs
• Hat: matching blue with a rounded brim
• Shoes: blue Mary Jane shape
• Bag: tiny, front resting, crossbody strap visible
• Fox: orange head, green top, brown overalls
• Basket: tan with mixed vegetables
• Watering can: gray with clear spout and handle

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term care, store the set in a clean, dry place away from moisture. Avoid hanging the bunny by the hat or bag strap, since that can stretch the knitted fabric over time.

If the pieces are displayed in a nursery or on a shelf, dust them gently with clean hands or a very soft dry cloth. Do not scrub the embroidered face or the tiny white motifs.

When washing becomes necessary, clean the large and small pieces separately. Support the fox, basket, and watering can carefully so their shapes stay intact. After drying, restuff lightly if needed and reshape the brim, skirt, and ears by hand.