This elegant knitted bunny set is designed for makers who love heirloom toys, collectible stuffed rabbits, nursery décor, and handmade gift ideas with a boutique look. The outfit combines a soft ivory dress with a deep ebony cardigan, matching bonnet, tiny shoulder bag, and classic strap shoes. The set also includes a miniature bunny companion, a sweet hedgehog friend, a tiny basket of vegetables, and a cozy little mat. It is a charming choice for crafters searching for knitted rabbit doll patterns, handmade toy gifts, and premium artisan-style plush projects to knit for sale or special occasions.
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: sport or light DK weight in warm ivory.
- Ebony yarn: sport or light DK weight for bonnet, cardigan, bag, and shoes.
- Hedgehog body yarn: light beige or mushroom.
- Hedgehog spines yarn: medium brown or taupe-brown.
- Green yarn: soft moss or leaf green for hedgehog sweater and tiny leaves.
- Rust orange yarn: for the tiny vegetables.
- Nut brown yarn: for the acorn and hat trim.
- Cream yarn: for the mini bunny and mat.
- Small amount of medium brown embroidery yarn: for bunny nose and mouth.
- Black embroidery thread: for eyes on the bunny, mini bunny, and hedgehog.
- Stuffing: soft toy stuffing.
- Buttons: small heart-shaped buttons in pale wood, ivory, or matte cream.
- Knitting needles: sizes needed to create a firm fabric. Double-pointed needles are helpful for small pieces.
- Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn, and scissors.
Finished Size
- Main bunny: about 12 to 14 inches tall seated, depending on yarn and tension.
- Mini bunny: about 2 1/2 to 3 inches tall.
- Hedgehog: about 3 1/2 to 4 inches tall including hat.
- Basket: about 1 1/2 inches across.
- Mat: about 4 to 5 inches wide.
Gauge and Fabric Notes
The fabric must be dense. This project looks best when the stitches are neat and slightly firm, so the toys hold their shape and the clothing has a polished finish.
The bunny in the image has a very smooth stockinette surface with only minimal texture. Choose needles smaller than usual for your yarn so the stuffing never shows through.
The cardigan, bonnet, shoes, and bag all appear tightly worked and structured. The dress is also knitted, but it drapes more softly, especially around the lower skirt.
The hedgehog has a rounded body and textured back. That effect can be created with loop stitch, short cut strands, brushed yarn, or a gently nubbly stitch pattern. Keep the face smooth and plain.
Abbreviations
- CO = cast on
- K = knit
- P = purl
- St st = stockinette stitch
- Garter = knit every row
- 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
- BO = bind off
Color Placement Overview
The main bunny uses ivory for the body, head, ears, arms, legs, and dress. The deep ebony shade is reserved for the outerwear and accessories.
The contrast is important. The dark cardigan frames the light dress, and the dark bonnet visually balances the dark shoes at the bottom.
The tiny wooden or ivory heart buttons appear in several places. They are not random decorations. They repeat across the bonnet, cardigan front, cardigan hem area, bag front, and one shoe strap.
This repeating heart detail gives the entire set its identity, so include it wherever noted.
Main Bunny Construction Order
- Make both legs.
- Join legs and knit body upward.
- Shape neck and head.
- Make ears and arms.
- Embroider the face.
- Knit the ivory dress.
- Knit shoes.
- Knit the ebony cardigan.
- Knit the bonnet.
- Knit the shoulder bag and strap.
- Make the mini bunny.
- Make the hedgehog, clothing, hat, and acorn.
- Make the basket, vegetables, and mat.
- Finish all assembly.
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Main Bunny Legs
Make 2 legs in ivory. Each leg is a straight, softly padded tube with a gentle widening toward the upper thigh. The feet are hidden inside the separate shoes, so the leg itself stays simple.
For each leg: CO a small number of stitches suitable for a narrow doll leg. Join for working in the round, or work flat and seam later.
Work several rounds in St st. Increase lightly over the first third of the leg so it looks softly column-shaped rather than pencil-thin.
The image shows legs that are straight, smooth, and only slightly wider near the top. Avoid dramatic shaping.
Continue until each leg measures roughly one third of the bunny’s total seated height from sole to hip. Stuff lightly as you go.
When both legs are complete, leave the stitches live or end with a tidy upper edge for joining into the body.
Joining the Legs and Knitting the Body
Place the legs side by side with a small gap between them. Join them into one body piece. The bunny in the image has a compact torso with a gentle bell line created by the dress, not by a wide stuffed body.
Work across one leg, cast on a few stitches for the center join, then work across the second leg. On the next round, work all stitches around.
Increase slowly over the hip area. The lower torso should become a little wider than the joined legs, but only modestly.
Continue in St st until the body reaches the waist. Keep the stuffing smooth and even. The body should feel firm enough to support the head without wobbling.
From the waist upward, work nearly straight. The bunny’s chest is slim and simple because the cardigan lies neatly over it.
At the neck, decrease evenly over several rounds until the opening is narrower and clearly defined. Stuff the body fully before continuing.
Head
The head is large, round, and slightly oval, with a very gentle muzzle area created by shaping and embroidery rather than a separate snout piece.
If you prefer, continue directly from the neck. Otherwise, knit the head separately and sew it to the neck later. For the smoothest silhouette, working upward from the body is a good option.
Increase steadily until the head is noticeably wider than the neck and slightly wider than the body. The image shows a calm, rounded face with full cheeks.
Work several even rounds through the widest part. This middle section is important because it gives the face its plump, soft look.
Decrease gradually toward the crown. Stuff firmly and shape by hand as you go so the face stays symmetrical.
Close the top neatly. Pull the remaining stitches tight and weave in securely.
Face Shaping and Placement Guide
The facial expression is minimal and sweet. The eyes are tiny black embroidered dots placed low on the face, with wide spacing and a calm expression.
The nose and mouth are embroidered in medium brown. The nose is a short, softly angled triangle or Y-shaped center point, with a split line continuing down into a small mouth.
Do not over-embroider. The face in the image is delicate, not cartoonish. Keep everything small.
Before stitching, place pins to test the proportions. The eyes sit slightly above the horizontal middle of the muzzle area. The nose sits low, centered, and gentle.
Ears
Make 2 ears in ivory. These ears are long, flat, and softly rounded at the tips. They hang straight downward from beneath the bonnet and frame the face on both sides.
CO enough stitches for a medium-width ear. Work in St st or a smooth flat fabric that matches the head.
Increase slightly in the early rows if needed so the ear becomes broader toward the middle. The ears in the image are not narrow strips. They are softly leaf-shaped.
Work until the ear reaches from the crown area to just below the jawline when folded into place.
Shape the tip with gradual decreases at both sides, ending in a rounded top rather than a point. BO.
Make a second matching ear. Lightly press or shape by hand if needed. Do not stuff the ears.
Arms
Make 2 arms in ivory. The sleeves of the cardigan cover most of them, so the arm shape can stay simple and slim.
CO a small number of stitches and work in St st. Increase minimally so the upper arm is only slightly fuller than the wrist.
The finished arm should end around the lower torso when attached, just visible below the cardigan sleeves.
Stuff lightly. The arms should remain soft, not stiff. Close the tops flat for easier seaming.
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Ivory Dress
The dress is clean, plain, and softly flared. It reads as a classic doll dress with a smooth bodice and a skirt that widens gently toward the hem.
The hem has a simple knitted edge rather than lace or heavy texture. Keep it refined.
Dress Skirt
Start at the lower hem in ivory. CO enough stitches to fit easily around the bunny’s widest lower body area.
Work a few rows in garter for a stable hem. Then switch to St st.
Decrease slowly as you work upward so the skirt narrows toward the waist. The flare should be visible but not dramatic.
Check the fit often. The skirt should cover the upper legs and fall to just above the shoes when the bunny is seated.
Dress Bodice
Once the waist is reached, reduce the stitch count slightly more and continue upward for the bodice.
The bodice is plain, sleeveless under the cardigan, and fitted neatly to the body. It does not need decorative shaping beyond a smooth fit.
Work to the upper chest. BO for a simple neckline, or leave a back opening if you want the dress removable.
If making it removable, work flat after the waist and add a narrow back edge for seaming or tiny closures. If not, stitch the dress directly onto the stuffed bunny.
Ebony Shoes
The shoes are rounded Mary Jane-style shoes with a strap across the top. They are dark, solid, and slightly oversized in the charming way many toy shoes appear.
Make 2 soles in ebony. The sole shape should be oval with a wider toe than heel.
Pick up stitches around each sole and work upward for the shoe wall. Shape the toe with decreases so the front looks rounded and enclosed.
Leave a top opening that shows the ivory foot and lower leg. The shoe should sit snugly but not tightly.
For each strap, make a narrow strip in ebony. Sew one end to one side of the opening, bring it across the instep, and secure to the other side.
Add one tiny heart button to the outer side of one strap, matching the visible detail in the image. If you like symmetry, add a second button to the other shoe, but keep the front view balanced exactly like the photo.
Ebony Cardigan
The cardigan is a key feature of the set. It is dark, open at the front, gently oversized, and decorated with small heart buttons along the opening and lower edge.
The shoulders are soft and slightly dropped. The sleeves are roomy but not bulky. The lower fronts hang open and reveal the ivory dress beneath.
Back
CO for the back width in ebony. Work a small lower border, then continue in St st.
Keep the back mostly straight. Shape very slight armholes if desired, but the cardigan can also be worked with a relaxed toy-garment shape.
Work to shoulder height and BO.
Fronts
Make 2 mirror-image fronts. Begin each with a narrow edge band so the front opening looks tidy.
Work straight for most of the length. The neckline is modest and rounded only near the top.
The fronts should meet visually near the top but remain open below, as seen in the image.
Sleeves
CO from the wrist end and work upward. The sleeves are straight and slightly loose, ending around the bunny’s wrists.
Increase a little toward the upper sleeve. BO when the sleeve length matches the arm.
Assembly and Details
Sew shoulders, join sleeves, and close side and sleeve seams. Try the cardigan on the bunny before final securing.
Arrange the lower fronts so one side overlaps only slightly at the chest and then falls open below. This open-front effect is important to the look.
Sew heart buttons down one front edge and near the lower hem corner areas. The photo shows a small scattering of repeated heart accents, not a dense row.
Keep the cardigan neat and tailored. It should frame the dress rather than hide it.
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Ebony Bonnet
The bonnet sits low over the head and covers the crown, with the ears emerging from underneath at each side. It looks like a soft cap with a snug fit and small decorative heart buttons across the front.
Begin at the face edge or crown, depending on your preferred bonnet construction. Work in ebony.
Create a rounded cap that hugs the upper half of the head. The front edge should sit just above the embroidered eyes and forehead line, without shading the face too heavily.
The bonnet needs enough depth to hold its shape but not so much that it slouches.
Leave the lower side area open enough for the floppy ears to fall freely beneath the edge. The bonnet does not cover the ears completely.
Add three small heart buttons across the front top area, spaced evenly. This detail is very visible and should be included.
Shoulder Bag
The small ebony shoulder bag hangs at the bunny’s side and holds the tiny cream bunny. The strap crosses the chest diagonally.
Make a small rectangular or softly rounded pouch in ebony. Work two flat pieces and seam them, or knit a tiny pouch in one piece.
The bag should be deep enough that the mini bunny can peek out while remaining secure. The opening stays open.
Make a long, narrow i-cord or knitted strap. Sew it firmly to both upper sides of the bag.
Attach the strap so it crosses from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Position the bag slightly off-center at the bunny’s right side from the viewer’s perspective.
Add three tiny heart accents across the front of the bag, grouped near the lower front edge.
Mini Bunny for the Bag
This little companion is cream or soft ivory and very simple. It has a tiny rounded head, small body, little ears, dot eyes, and a tiny brown nose detail.
Because it is so small, keep shaping minimal and clean.
Mini Bunny Body and Head
CO a tiny number of stitches and work a small tube or oval body. Increase gently for the belly, then narrow toward the neck.
Knit the head directly above, increasing to a small round shape and decreasing at the top. Stuff very lightly with tiny bits of filling.
Mini Ears and Arms
Make 2 tiny flat ears in cream and sew them upright on the head. They should stand close together.
Add 2 tiny arm nubs or simple side stitches to suggest arms.
Mini Face
Embroider dot eyes in black and a tiny brown nose. Keep the expression minimal and sweet.
Place the mini bunny inside the bag so the head and upper body remain visible.
Hedgehog Friend
The hedgehog is short, round, and charming, with a pale face, brown textured spines, tiny black eyes, a dark nose, and a green sweater. It also wears a brown hat with green trim and holds an acorn.
This companion should look slightly plump and woodland-inspired.
Hedgehog Body
Start with the lower body in pale beige. Knit a rounded oval base, then work upward for the tummy and face area.
The front face panel should stay smooth. Once you reach the side and back region, begin your chosen spine texture in brown.
You may use loop stitch rows, brushed yarn, or small purl bumps to suggest spines. Keep the texture soft and toy-friendly.
Shape the top into a rounded head. Stuff firmly enough that the hedgehog stands or sits upright without collapsing.
Hedgehog Face
Embroider two tiny black eyes on the light face panel. Add a small dark nose centered lower on the face.
The mouth may be omitted or indicated with one tiny soft stitch. The image reads best with a minimal face.
Hedgehog Arms and Feet
Make tiny pale arms and tiny pale feet or lower body nubs. These details are subtle, so keep them small.
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The arms are mainly needed to help hold the acorn against the sweater front.
Hedgehog Sweater
The sweater is green, simple, and cozy. It covers the upper body and has short sleeves or arm openings.
Work from the hem upward in one small piece. Begin with a neat border, then continue in St st.
Shape small openings or attach later with a back seam. The sweater should fit close to the round body but not stretch tightly.
It stops around the upper belly, leaving the lower pale body visible.
Hedgehog Hat
The hat is brown with a soft, rustic look and a green leafy trim around the base. It sits slightly angled on the hedgehog’s head.
Begin with a small brim. Work a few rounds or rows to create a tiny outward edge.
Then decrease toward the crown for a shallow rounded hat shape. It should resemble a little woodland cap rather than a tall pointed hat.
Add a thin green band or leaf trim around the lower edge. Small knitted leaves can be stitched on individually if desired.
Acorn
The hedgehog holds a brown acorn with a darker cap and a tiny green leafy accent behind it.
Knit a tiny nut shape in warm brown. Work a few rows in a darker shade or textured stitch for the cap.
Add one or two tiny green leaf pieces. Sew the acorn into the hedgehog’s hands so it stays centered against the sweater.
Tiny Basket
The basket sits beside the bunny and holds miniature orange vegetables. It is beige, rustic, and softly rounded with a curved handle.
Use beige or straw-colored yarn. Knit a tiny circular base, then pick up stitches around it and work the sides upward.
The basket should flare just slightly at the top. BO neatly.
For the handle, knit or twist a narrow strip and stitch it from one rim side to the other.
Mini Vegetables
The little orange shapes in the basket resemble tiny pumpkins or rounded carrots with green tops. To match the image, keep them plump and very small.
Make 3 miniature orange pieces. Each one can be a small sphere or squat oval.
Use a few green stitches at the top to suggest stems or leafy tops. Tuck them into the basket so they cluster together naturally.
Speckled Mat
The folded mat on the table is cream with scattered green and brown embroidered or knitted speckles. It looks like a soft little blanket or resting cloth.
CO enough stitches for a small rectangle. Work mainly in garter or a flat stable fabric so the edges do not curl.
Keep the shape simple and neat. The mat in the image is folded, so perfection is less important than a soft handmade look.
Add tiny scattered color spots using duplicate stitch or small embroidered dashes in green and brown. Keep them sparse.
Optional Display Props
The photo also shows a yarn ball and knitting needles placed on the table. These appear to be styling props rather than part of the knitted character set.
You do not need to include them in the finished project unless you want a decorative display scene.
Main Bunny Assembly
- Sew the head to the neck if worked separately.
- Attach the ears high on the head, slightly behind the side face line.
- Sew the arms to the upper body.
- Fit the dress onto the bunny and secure if desired.
- Slip on the shoes and stitch them in place invisibly.
- Dress the bunny in the cardigan.
- Place the bonnet on the head and stitch lightly so it stays positioned.
- Add the shoulder bag across the body.
- Place the mini bunny inside the bag.
When positioning the ears, let them fall straight down at each side of the head. They should extend below the bonnet and soften the face shape.
The cardigan should sit open enough that the center of the ivory dress is clearly visible. Do not close it completely.
The bag strap should cross diagonally and feel natural, not tight. Stitch the bag in place after checking the angle from the front.
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Detailed Proportion Notes
- Head: large and round, slightly wider than the torso.
- Ears: long, soft, and hanging.
- Body: compact and slim.
- Legs: straight and medium length.
- Arms: slim and understated.
- Dress: smooth and lightly flared.
- Cardigan: relaxed, open front, hip length.
- Bonnet: snug and rounded.
- Shoes: rounded with a visible strap.
- Bag: small but deep enough for the mini bunny.
- Hedgehog: short, round, and slightly squat.
Tips for a Close Visual Match
Use restrained shaping. The charm of this set comes from simple, classic silhouettes rather than complicated construction lines.
Keep the face tiny. Large eyes or a large nose will change the character immediately and move it away from the image.
Choose a true deep ebony shade. A softer charcoal will still work, but the strongest result comes from a rich near-black yarn.
Use the heart details consistently. They create the visual link between bonnet, cardigan, bag, and shoe.
Do not overstuff the dress area. The body needs structure, but the clothing should still lie smoothly.
Let the hedgehog stay small. It should feel like a secondary woodland companion, not equal in height to the bunny’s torso.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Embroider the bunny’s eyes first, checking that both are level and evenly spaced. Add the brown nose and the small split mouth only after the eyes look balanced.
Gently pinch the face while stitching to create a soft muzzle curve. Avoid a raised stuffed snout. The expression should remain calm, quiet, and sweet.
After dressing the bunny, sew the bonnet lightly at the sides and back so it stays in place while leaving the long ears free. Secure the cardigan only where needed so the front keeps its natural open drape.
Position the shoulder bag on the bunny’s side, then place the mini bunny inside before the final anchoring stitches. Set the hedgehog nearby with the acorn centered in its hands, and arrange the basket and mat as companion pieces.
Care Notes
- Spot clean whenever possible.
- Use cool water and mild soap for gentle hand washing.
- Do not twist or wring the knitted pieces.
- Reshape while damp and dry flat on a towel.
- Keep dark yarns away from prolonged harsh sunlight.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Main bunny is firmly stuffed and sits neatly.
- Face is centered and delicate.
- Both ears hang evenly.
- Dress, cardigan, bonnet, bag, and shoes are all included.
- Heart buttons are placed on the bonnet, cardigan, bag, and shoe.
- Mini bunny fits inside the bag.
- Hedgehog has sweater, hat, and acorn.
- Basket, vegetables, and mat are finished.
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
For long-term display, store the set in a clean, dry space with stable airflow. Avoid damp shelves, sealed plastic containers, or direct window light, especially for the dark cardigan and bonnet.
If the toys are displayed seasonally, wrap each piece in soft acid-free tissue. Keep the tiny accessories in a labeled fabric pouch so the mini bunny, acorn, and basket pieces stay together.
To freshen the toys, use a soft dry brush or a low-suction hand vacuum through a clean mesh layer. This helps remove dust without pulling on stitches or textured hedgehog spines.
If washing becomes necessary, handle each item individually, support the stuffing carefully, and allow plenty of drying time. Make sure every piece is fully dry before storing to preserve shape, color, and softness.
