Knitting Tutorial: Spring Lily Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to capture the look of a collectible heirloom toy with a soft spring palette, floral embroidery, and tiny storybook accessories. The finished set makes a beautiful nursery display, seasonal shelf decoration, handmade baby shower gift, or boutique-style keepsake for shoppers searching for a knitted bunny doll, spring animal toy, Easter bunny decor, or handmade nursery gift. The project includes the bunny, dress, bonnet, cardigan, shoes, swan friend, lantern, cage, invitation card, and flower bouquet, all styled to closely match the photo.

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

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US English and uses clear step-by-step knitting instructions. Most pieces are worked flat and seamed, with small details added during finishing.

The bunny has a large rounded head, a slim neck, a narrow upper body, a softly rounded lower body, short tapered arms, and straight sturdy legs. The outfit is proportioned to create the same gentle silhouette seen in the image.

The fabric should be knitted firmly so the toy holds its shape. Keep your tension even throughout. The body and accessory pieces will look best if your stitches are compact and smooth rather than loose and stretchy.

Finished Size

• Bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including ears
• Ears: about 2 1/2 inches tall each
• Swan: about 3 inches tall
• Lantern: about 1 1/2 inches tall
• Cage: about 2 1/4 inches tall
• Bouquet: about 2 1/2 inches long

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: fingering or light sport weight in warm ivory
• Dress yarn: pale mint
• Cardigan yarn: olive green
• Bonnet yarn: pale straw or light buttercream
• Shoes yarn: muted taupe-brown
• Flower yarns: soft peach, cream, white, pale yellow, sage green
• Swan yarn: white, olive green, straw, black, and a little golden ochre
• Lantern and cage yarn: dusty mauve, olive, ivory
• Stuffing: polyester toy stuffing
• Needles: US 1 to US 2 for firm toy knitting
• Double-pointed needles or small straight needles if preferred for tiny parts
• Tapestry needle
• Small scissors
• Locking stitch markers
• Thin cardboard for the invitation card
• Battery tea-light style bead or yellow felt scrap optional for lantern glow effect
• Black embroidery thread for eyes
• Brown embroidery thread for nose and mouth

Gauge

Gauge is less important than firmness for toys, but a useful guide is about 8 to 9 stitches per inch in stockinette with your chosen yarn and needles.

If the fabric looks open, go down a needle size. The stuffing should not show through the fabric.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• K = knit
• K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• M1 = make 1 increase
• P = purl
• psso = pass slipped stitch over
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• WS = wrong side

Color Notes for an Accurate Look

To match the image closely, use muted natural colors. Avoid bright pastel shades. The bunny body should be a soft warm ivory, not pure white.

The dress should be a pale washed mint. The cardigan should be a mossy olive green. The bonnet should be creamy yellow-beige. Shoes should be dusty mushroom brown.

The flowers on the skirt are soft peach and white with green stems. The overall color story should feel antique, delicate, and slightly woodland-inspired.

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Bunny Legs Make 2

Both legs are straight, softly stuffed, and slightly shorter in proportion to the body to create the childlike look seen in the photo.

1. Using ivory, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in stockinette, beginning with a P row.
3. Row 5: K1, M1, K10, M1, K1. 14 sts.
4. Row 6: P.
5. Rows 7 to 22: Continue in stockinette.
6. Row 23: K1, ssk, K8, K2tog, K1. 12 sts.
7. Row 24: P.
8. Rows 25 to 30: Work in stockinette.
9. BO knitwise, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Sew side seam neatly. Close lower edge. Stuff firmly at foot and lightly through the upper leg. Flatten the top opening and oversew closed.

Make the second leg the same. Set aside.

Bunny Arms Make 2

The arms are slim and softly rounded at the paw. They angle slightly downward when attached.

1. Using ivory, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: Work in stockinette.
3. Row 4: K1, M1, K8, M1, K1. 12 sts.
4. Row 5: P.
5. Rows 6 to 18: Work in stockinette.
6. Row 19: K1, ssk, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
7. Row 20: P.
8. Rows 21 to 24: Work in stockinette.
9. BO, leaving tail for sewing.

Sew seam. Stuff lightly, leaving the upper half less full so the arms rest naturally against the cardigan. Close the opening flat.

Bunny Body

The body is shaped with a narrower chest and fuller lower section so the wrap dress sits correctly. Work one front-and-back body piece flat, then seam at the sides.

1. Using ivory, CO 24 sts.
2. Row 1: P.
3. Row 2: K.
4. Row 3: P.
5. Row 4: K1, M1, K22, M1, K1. 26 sts.
6. Row 5: P.
7. Row 6: K1, M1, K24, M1, K1. 28 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 14: Continue in stockinette.
9. Row 15: K2, ssk, K20, K2tog, K2. 26 sts.
10. Row 16: P.
11. Row 17: K2, ssk, K18, K2tog, K2. 24 sts.
12. Row 18: P.
13. Rows 19 to 24: Work in stockinette.
14. Row 25: K2, ssk, K16, K2tog, K2. 22 sts.
15. Row 26: P.
16. Rows 27 to 30: Work in stockinette.
17. BO, leaving long tail.

Fold the piece in half with RS facing outward in tube form. Seam sides, leaving top and bottom open.

Insert the finished legs into the lower opening so they sit with a slight gap between them. Sew securely. Stuff body firmly at the lower area and slightly less firmly near the chest.

Bunny Head

The head is large compared with the body, almost spherical but slightly flatter at the face. This proportion is very important for matching the image.

1. Using ivory, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: P.
3. Row 2: K1, M1, K16, M1, K1. 20 sts.
4. Row 3: P.
5. Row 4: K1, M1, K18, M1, K1. 22 sts.
6. Row 5: P.
7. Row 6: K1, M1, K20, M1, K1. 24 sts.
8. Row 7: P.
9. Row 8: K1, M1, K22, M1, K1. 26 sts.
10. Row 9: P.
11. Row 10: K1, M1, K24, M1, K1. 28 sts.
12. Rows 11 to 26: Work in stockinette.
13. Row 27: K2, ssk, K20, K2tog, K2. 26 sts.
14. Row 28: P.
15. Row 29: K2, ssk, K18, K2tog, K2. 24 sts.
16. Row 30: P.
17. Row 31: K2, ssk, K16, K2tog, K2. 22 sts.
18. Row 32: P.
19. Row 33: K2, ssk, K14, K2tog, K2. 20 sts.
20. Row 34: P.
21. Row 35: K2, ssk, K12, K2tog, K2. 18 sts.
22. BO loosely.

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Sew side seam and one end closed. Stuff very firmly, shaping the face so the front is smooth and rounded. Pull in the lower opening slightly to create a gentle neck base, then sew to close.

Attach head to body with the chin sitting low and the back of the head slightly proud. This gives the sweet forward-facing posture seen in the image.

Bunny Ears Make 4 Pieces Total

Each ear is made from two matching pieces. The ears are medium length, narrow at the tip, and attached upright with a subtle outward flare.

1. Using ivory, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: P.
3. Row 2: K1, M1, K6, M1, K1. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: P.
5. Row 4: K1, M1, K8, M1, K1. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 12: Work in stockinette.
7. Row 13: K1, ssk, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
8. Row 14: P.
9. Row 15: K1, ssk, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
10. Row 16: P.
11. Row 17: K1, ssk, K2, K2tog, K1. 6 sts.
12. Row 18: P.
13. Row 19: K2tog, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
14. Row 20: P.
15. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and pull tight.

Make 4 pieces. Sew 2 pieces together for each ear, leaving the base open. Stuff very lightly or leave unstuffed. Pinch the base into a shallow fold and sew.

Attach ears near the upper sides of the head, not too close together. Angle them slightly outward and forward.

Dress

The dress is one of the most important visual features. It has a wrap-style bodice, a softly flared skirt, and embroidered flowers growing upward from the hem. Keep the bodice neat and the skirt smooth.

Dress Skirt

1. Using pale mint, CO 44 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
3. Row 5: K.
4. Row 6: P.
5. Row 7: K2, K2tog, rep to last 2 sts, K2. 34 sts.
6. Row 8: P.
7. Rows 9 to 16: Work in stockinette.
8. Row 17: K2, ssk, K26, K2tog, K2. 32 sts.
9. Row 18: P.
10. Rows 19 to 24: Work in stockinette.
11. BO loosely.

Sew center back seam, leaving a short opening at top for dressing if you prefer a removable garment. For a fixed garment, seam fully closed.

Dress Bodice Front Left

1. Using pale mint, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: P.
3. Row 2: K.
4. Row 3: P.
5. Row 4: K2, K2tog, K to end. 13 sts.
6. Row 5: P.
7. Row 6: K2, K2tog, K to end. 12 sts.
8. Row 7: P.
9. Row 8: K2, K2tog, K to end. 11 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 12: Continue in stockinette.
11. BO.

Dress Bodice Front Right

1. Using pale mint, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: P.
3. Row 2: K.
4. Row 3: P.
5. Row 4: K to last 4 sts, ssk, K2. 13 sts.
6. Row 5: P.
7. Row 6: K to last 4 sts, ssk, K2. 12 sts.
8. Row 7: P.
9. Row 8: K to last 4 sts, ssk, K2. 11 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 12: Continue in stockinette.
11. BO.

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Dress Back Bodice

1. Using pale mint, CO 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Work in stockinette.
3. BO.

Join skirt to bodice pieces so the fronts overlap in a wrap shape. Sew back bodice in place. The neckline should form a soft V at center front, just like the image.

The lower edge of the bodice should sit slightly above the natural waist of the bunny so the skirt looks longer and fuller.

Flower Embroidery on the Dress

This detail gives the dress its signature look. Use duplicate stitch, tiny knitted petals, or embroidered lazy-daisy petals depending on your preferred method. For the closest visual result, combine knitted flower heads with embroidered stems.

• Place 5 main flower groups around the lower front skirt.
• The tallest stems should rise from the hem upward about one-third of the skirt height.
• Use sage green straight stitches for stems.
• Add small vertical seed stitches in pale gray-lavender between flowers.
• Work French knots or wrapped knots in ivory for the tiny buds.

Make 3 peach flowers and 2 white flowers. The center of each flower should be slightly raised. Add tiny center knots in a peach or pale yellow shade.

Knitted Flower Petals Optional Method

1. CO 3 sts in flower color.
2. Row 1: K.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K1, Kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: K.
5. Row 4: ssk, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
6. Cut yarn and draw through sts.

Make 5 petals per flower and sew in a star formation.

Cardigan

The cardigan is short, olive green, and sits like a small shoulder cape with short sleeves. It does not close at the front and should frame the dress without covering the embroidered flowers.

Back and Fronts in One Piece

1. Using olive green, CO 32 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
3. Row 5: K.
4. Row 6: P.
5. Rows 7 to 10: Continue in stockinette.
6. Row 11: K8, BO 4, K8, BO 4, K8.
7. Row 12: P8, CO 4, P8, CO 4, P8. 32 sts.
8. Rows 13 to 18: Work in stockinette.
9. Rows 19 to 22: Garter stitch.
10. BO loosely.

Fold and seam underarm edges lightly to create short sleeves. The cardigan should sit cropped, ending near the upper waist. Stretch the front edges gently so they fall open like the image.

Bonnet

The bonnet frames the face and sits behind the ears. It has a soft scalloped front edging and ties or side anchoring stitches hidden behind the head.

Bonnet Crown

1. Using straw-colored yarn, CO 36 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Garter stitch.
3. Rows 7 to 18: Stockinette.
4. Row 19: K2, K2tog across. 27 sts.
5. Row 20: P.
6. Row 21: K1, K2tog across to last 2 sts, K2. 19 sts.
7. Row 22: P.
8. Row 23: K2tog across, end K1 if needed. About 10 sts.
9. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, and pull tight.

Sew back seam to form a rounded cap.

Bonnet Front Frill

1. Pick up 28 sts evenly around the front face edge.
2. Row 1: K.
3. Row 2: P.
4. Row 3: K1, M1 across. 56 sts.
5. Row 4: P.
6. Row 5: K.
7. BO purlwise for a soft edge.

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The frill should gently ripple around the face, not stand stiffly. Position the bonnet so the ears come through or sit just behind the upper bonnet line depending on your preferred finishing.

Shoes Make 2

These are tiny Mary Jane style shoes in muted taupe. They should cover the foot neatly without appearing bulky.

1. Using taupe-brown, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
3. Rows 5 to 8: Stockinette.
4. Row 9: K3, K2tog, K2, ssk, K3. 10 sts.
5. Row 10: P.
6. Row 11: K.
7. BO.

Sew into a tiny shoe shape and slip onto the feet. Secure with a few hidden stitches. Add a tiny strap stitch across the front if desired.

Swan Friend

The swan is a small seated companion with a white body, black face markings, ochre beak, olive shawl, and matching bonnet. It should sit low and slightly rounded.

Swan Body

1. Using white, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Stockinette.
3. Row 5: K1, M1, K12, M1, K1. 16 sts.
4. Row 6: P.
5. Rows 7 to 14: Stockinette.
6. Row 15: K2, ssk, K8, K2tog, K2. 14 sts.
7. Row 16: P.
8. Row 17: K2, ssk, K6, K2tog, K2. 12 sts.
9. BO.

Sew and stuff into an oval seated shape.

Swan Neck and Head

1. Using white, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 10: Stockinette.
3. Row 11: K1, M1, K4, M1, K1. 8 sts.
4. Rows 12 to 16: Stockinette.
5. Row 17: K1, ssk, K2, K2tog, K1. 6 sts.
6. Row 18: P.
7. Cut yarn and draw through sts.

Sew into shape. Add black stitching to upper head sides and golden ochre stitching for the beak. Attach to body in a curved upright position.

Swan Shawl

1. Using olive green, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Garter stitch.
3. BO.

Drape around the swan body and sew lightly.

Swan Bonnet

1. Using straw-colored yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
3. Row 5: K1, M1 across. 18 sts.
4. Row 6: P.
5. Row 7: K.
6. BO.

Gather one long edge slightly and fit over the swan head like a tiny frill bonnet.

Lantern

The lantern in the image is small, squat, and softly rounded with a glowing center. This can be made entirely in knitting and lightly stuffed.

1. Using dusty mauve, CO 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
3. Change to ivory for center window.
4. Rows 5 to 10: Stockinette.
5. Change to dusty mauve.
6. Rows 11 to 14: Garter stitch.
7. BO.

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Sew side seam. Gather top and bottom slightly into a lantern shape. Add a small knitted loop at the top with 6 chain-like stitches or an i-cord. Insert a tiny yellow felt roll or faux light center before closing.

Birdcage

The cage is a decorative tiny prop in pale olive and ivory. It should appear airy and rounded.

Base

1. Using pale olive, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
3. BO.

Cage Sides

1. Using ivory, CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: K.
3. Row 2: P.
4. Rep Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures about 2 inches.
5. BO.

Use vertical running stitches in olive to suggest cage bars. Shape into a cylinder and sew to the base.

Cage Top

1. Using pale olive, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 2: Garter stitch.
3. Row 3: K2, K2tog across to end. 11 sts.
4. Row 4: P.
5. Row 5: K2tog across, end K1 if needed.
6. Gather closed.

Attach top to cage sides. Add a tiny loop at the peak.

Invitation Card

Cut a small rectangle of thin card or felt-backed fabric about 1 inch wide. Cover with ivory fabric if desired.

Using embroidery or fabric pen, add the word Invitation in small lettering and a short decorative line beneath it. Keep it slightly angled and handmade-looking to match the scene.

Flower Bouquet

This bouquet includes cream and yellow daffodil-like flowers with green wrapped stems.

Small Petaled Flower Make 3

1. Using cream or white, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: Kfb, K1, Kfb. 5 sts.
3. Row 2: P.
4. Row 3: ssk, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
5. Draw yarn through sts.

Make 6 petals per flower and sew around a yellow center knot.

Daffodil Trumpet Center Make 3

1. Using pale yellow, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: Stockinette.
3. BO.

Sew into a tiny ring and attach at flower center.

Leaves and Stems

1. Using sage green, make 5 narrow i-cords or embroidered wrapped stems about 2 inches long.
2. Add one or two flat leaves by CO 3 sts, knit 4 rows, then K2tog, K1 and draw through.

Gather bouquet stems together and wrap lower ends with a strand of cream yarn.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff both legs and both arms.
2. Sew body and insert legs.
3. Sew, stuff, and attach head.
4. Make and attach ears.
5. Dress the bunny in the mint dress.
6. Add embroidered flowers to the skirt.
7. Attach cardigan.
8. Add shoes.
9. Fit bonnet and secure invisibly.
10. Make swan and accessories.
11. Arrange all props to match the photo composition.

Placement Notes for a Photo-Accurate Result

• Head size: large and dominant, about one-third of the bunny’s total height without ears
• Arms: attached just below neckline and angled slightly downward
• Legs: spaced narrowly, straight, and sturdy
• Dress: hem should fall just above the ankles
• Cardigan: cropped and open, ending above most of the flower embroidery
• Bonnet: framing the face closely with soft ruffle
• Swan: placed at bunny’s lower right side
• Cage and lantern: placed at bunny’s lower left side
• Invitation card: near center front on table
• Bouquet: front right foreground

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Embroider two tiny vertical eyes in black thread, spaced widely apart and placed low on the face. Stitch a small brown triangular nose at center, then extend a short vertical line downward and split into a gentle Y-shaped mouth. Keep the expression minimal and calm.

Lightly pinch the face while stitching so the features sit slightly indented rather than flat on the surface. This helps recreate the sweet handmade look in the image.

Care Notes

Display the finished set away from direct sunlight and excess humidity. Handle the props gently, especially the bonnet frill, flower bouquet, and cage loop. Spot clean whenever possible instead of full washing.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both ears upright and evenly angled?
• Does the dress sit smoothly with a clear wrap front?
• Are the floral stems and blossoms balanced across the skirt?
• Does the cardigan stay short and open?
• Are the facial features centered and soft?
• Do the swan and props match the color mood of the bunny?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For dust, use a clean dry makeup brush or soft cloth. For marks, dab gently with cool water and mild soap, then blot dry. Do not twist, machine wash, or tumble dry. Store flat in acid-free tissue if packing away seasonally. Keep away from moths by storing with clean natural lavender sachets nearby, not touching the toy directly.