Knitting Tutorial: Pansy Tea Party Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to capture the look of a collectible heirloom rabbit doll, complete with a pansy-print dress, soft cream jacket, flowered hat, little crossbody bag, Mary Jane shoes, bouquet, tiny puppy friend, and lace-edged blanket. It is a lovely project for knit toy lovers, nursery decor makers, handmade gift shoppers, and readers searching for a knitted bunny doll pattern, stuffed rabbit toy, or artisan-style soft toy to make or buy as inspiration. The shaping is gentle, the details are sweet, and the finished set has a polished boutique look while still being approachable for a patient beginner.

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 makes the full knitted set shown in the photo:

• A seated cream bunny with long ears
• A lavender-and-cream dress with scattered pansy motifs
• A cropped cream jacket with rounded collar
• A soft beret-style hat with upright bunny ears
• A tiny knitted pansy cluster for the hat
• Matching lavender Mary Jane shoes
• A small crossbody bag with flower detail
• A handheld pansy bouquet
• A tiny puppy companion with floppy ears
• A bonnet and bow for the puppy
• A small decorative blanket for the puppy

The main bunny is shaped with a slightly oversized head, narrow shoulders, a softly stuffed body, slim arms, and long legs. The proportions are intentionally delicate so the finished toy looks elegant rather than chunky.

The dress sits high under the jacket and falls in a gentle bell shape. The puppy is tiny beside the bunny, with a rounded head, short muzzle, and drooping textured ears to echo the soft vintage mood of the set.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: Fingering or light sport weight yarn in warm cream, about 80 to 100 g
• Dress yarn: Fingering or light sport weight in cream, soft lavender, pale violet, deep purple, dusty yellow, and olive green scraps
• Jacket and hat yarn: Fingering or light sport weight in warm cream
• Shoes and accents: Fingering or light sport weight in lavender
• Puppy yarn: Fingering or light sport weight in biscuit beige, cream, lavender, and floral scrap colors
• Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) double-pointed needles or magic loop for toy parts
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) needles for garments and accessories
• Tapestry needle
• Removable stitch markers
• Black embroidery thread for eyes and nose
• Toy stuffing
• Thin floral wire or pipe cleaner, optional for hat ears if you want extra firmness
• Small buttons: 2 tiny pearl or cream buttons for shoes and bag, optional
• Light cardboard circle, optional for base support inside the bunny body

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge for toy fabric: 10 stitches and 14 rows = 1 inch in stockinette on US 1.5 (2.5 mm), worked firmly.

Gauge for garments: 9 stitches and 12 rows = 1 inch in stockinette on US 2 (2.75 mm).

Finished bunny size: about 14 inches tall from feet to ear tips, or about 10 inches tall seated.

Finished puppy size: about 4 inches tall seated.

The exact size depends on your yarn and how firmly you stuff the pieces. Keep your toy fabric dense so the stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• inc = any neat increase, use kfb unless noted
• dec = decrease
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rnd = round
• rep = repeat
• BO = bind off

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General Notes

Most toy parts are worked in the round to reduce seaming. The jacket, dress skirt, and some tiny decorative pieces are worked flat where it helps the shape.

The floral pansies on the dress are made with duplicate stitch after knitting the fabric. That keeps the dress smooth and makes it easier to place the motifs exactly where you want them.

Stuff the bunny firmly in the head, feet, and lower body. Keep the upper torso, arms, and ears softer so the doll has the same gentle, relaxed appearance as the photo.

Use tiny stitches for all sewing. Take time with the facial placement because the finished expression depends more on the face than on any other single detail.

Main Bunny: Legs

Make 2

Using cream and US 1.5 (2.5 mm), CO 8 sts. Divide evenly across needles and join to work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb, k6, kfb, k2, kfb, k6, kfb, k2. 24 sts.
7. Rnds 7 to 12: Knit.

This section forms the rounded foot. The foot in the photo is neat and not oversized, so keep it compact and evenly stuffed later.

1. Rnd 13: K6, k2tog, k8, ssk, k6. 22 sts.
2. Rnd 14: Knit.
3. Rnd 15: K5, k2tog, k8, ssk, k5. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 16: Knit.
5. Rnd 17: K4, k2tog, k8, ssk, k4. 18 sts.
6. Rnds 18 to 30: Knit.

Stuff the foot and lower ankle firmly. The leg above the ankle should be slimmer and only lightly stuffed.

1. Rnd 31: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
2. Rnds 32 to 58: Knit.

Bind off the second leg. For the first leg, do not bind off. Leave stitches live. The long legs should look slender, soft, and slightly dangling when assembled.

Main Bunny: Body

With first leg stitches live, knit across 12 sts of first leg, CO 4 sts for crotch, knit across 12 sts of second leg, CO 4 sts. 32 sts total.

Join carefully so the center front and center back line up neatly.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: K12, kfb in each of next 4 sts, k12, kfb in each of next 4 sts. 40 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K4, kfb, knit to last 4 sts, kfb, k4. Repeat once more at opposite side if using markers for sides. 44 sts.
5. Rnds 5 to 14: Knit.

This lower body should be softly rounded, not barrel-shaped. Add a little stuffing as you go.

1. Rnd 15: K7, k2tog, k12, ssk, k7, k2tog, k12, ssk. 40 sts.
2. Rnd 16: Knit.
3. Rnd 17: K6, k2tog, k12, ssk, k6, k2tog, k12, ssk. 36 sts.
4. Rnds 18 to 24: Knit.

If using a small cardboard base for seated stability, insert it now into the lower body. Cover it well with stuffing.

1. Rnd 25: K4, k2tog, k10, ssk, k4, k2tog, k10, ssk. 32 sts.
2. Rnds 26 to 30: Knit.
3. Rnd 31: K3, k2tog, k8, ssk, k3, k2tog, k8, ssk. 28 sts.
4. Rnds 32 to 36: Knit.

The body narrows gently into the neck. The rabbit in the photo has a graceful little neck hidden partly by the dress and jacket collar.

1. Rnd 37: K2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2, k2tog, k6, ssk. 24 sts.
2. Rnds 38 to 40: Knit.

Break yarn and place body sts on hold if you prefer knitting the head separately. You may also continue directly into the head for a smoother neck.

Main Bunny: Head

Using the 24 body sts, continue in cream.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb in every st. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K3, kfb around. 60 sts.
4. Rnds 4 to 16: Knit.

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The head should be rounded and slightly larger than the body width. This is important for the sweet toy proportion in the image.

1. Rnd 17: K8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 18: Knit.
3. Rnd 19: K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 20: Knit.
5. Rnd 21: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.

Start stuffing firmly. Shape the muzzle area with extra stuffing placed toward the lower center front.

1. Rnd 22: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 23: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
3. Rnd 24: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 25: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.

Finish stuffing. Thread yarn through remaining sts, pull tight, and close.

Main Bunny: Muzzle Shaping

With cream yarn and a tapestry needle, make two tiny sculpting stitches from the base of the head toward the front center to define a soft muzzle. Do not over-pull.

The face in the image is minimal. The nose is small, the mouth is simple, and the eyes are tiny black points set low and fairly wide apart.

Main Bunny: Arms

Make 2

Using cream and US 1.5 (2.5 mm), CO 8 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
2. Rnds 2 to 4: Knit.
3. Rnd 5: K2tog around. 8 sts.
4. Rnds 6 to 28: Knit.

Stuff only the hand area lightly. Leave the rest of the arm mostly unstuffed so it hangs naturally by the sides.

Flatten opening and sew closed later to the body just below the neck line.

Main Bunny: Ears

Make 2

Using cream and US 1.5 (2.5 mm), CO 20 sts.

Work flat in stockinette.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: Knit.
3. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 3 inches.

Now shape top.

1. Row 1 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Repeat these 2 rows until 8 sts remain.
4. Next RS: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
5. Next WS: Purl.
6. Next RS: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
7. Next WS: Purl.
8. Next RS: K2tog twice. 2 sts.

Break yarn and pull through. Make a second identical ear.

Fold each ear lengthwise with WS together and mattress stitch along the side seam. Lightly stuff only the base quarter of each ear. Leave the top mostly flat.

For the upright hat ears shown in the picture, you may slip a thin pipe cleaner into the hat ears only. The actual head ears can stay soft.

Tail

Using cream, CO 6 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 12 sts.
2. Rnds 2 to 4: Knit.
3. Rnd 5: K2tog around. 6 sts.

Stuff lightly, draw closed, and sew to lower back of body.

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Dress: Bodice

Using lavender and US 2 (2.75 mm), CO 36 sts. Work flat.

1. Rows 1 and 2: K1, p34, k1.
2. Row 3 RS: K1, knit to last st, k1.
3. Row 4 WS: K1, purl to last st, k1.
4. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 for 10 rows total.

This forms the upper bib section visible beneath the jacket.

1. Next RS: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 38 sts.
2. Next WS: K1, purl to last st, k1.
3. Repeat these 2 rows 3 more times. 44 sts.

Bind off. Sew short back seam neatly, leaving a small opening at top back if you want the dress removable. Otherwise sew fully and dress the bunny before final neck finishing.

Dress: Skirt

Using cream and US 2 (2.75 mm), pick up 44 sts evenly along lower edge of bodice. Work flat.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: Knit.
3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. Row 4 RS: K3, m1, repeat across to last 2 sts, k2. 58 sts.
5. Row 5 WS: Purl.
6. Row 6 RS: Knit.
7. Row 7 WS: Purl.
8. Row 8 RS: K4, m1, repeat across to end. 72 sts.

Continue in stockinette, keeping a garter edge of 2 sts at each side if desired, until skirt measures 3 inches from pickup row.

Change to lavender for hem.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Work in garter stitch.
2. Bind off knitwise on RS.

Sew side seam. The skirt should flare softly and sit just below the bunny knees when seated, matching the image.

Dress: Pansy Motifs

Use duplicate stitch after the dress is finished. Place the motifs in two scattered rows, one around mid-skirt and one close to the hem. Add one tiny flower near the lower bodice if desired.

Each small pansy uses 5 stitches across and 4 rows high. Work petals in pale violet and deep purple, with a tiny dusty yellow center and one or two green base stitches for leaves.

• Row 1: 1 green leaf stitch, 1 pale violet, 1 yellow, 1 deep purple, 1 green leaf stitch
• Row 2: 1 pale violet, 1 pale violet, 1 yellow, 1 deep purple, 1 deep purple
• Row 3: 1 pale violet, 1 pale violet, 1 pale violet, 1 deep purple, 1 deep purple
• Row 4: 1 pale violet, 0 center, 0 center, 1 deep purple

Do not make every flower identical. The photographed dress has a hand-finished look, with motifs softly varied in color and spacing.

Cropped Jacket

Using cream and US 2 (2.75 mm), CO 48 sts. Work flat.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Knit every row for garter border.
2. Row 5 RS: K6, knit to last 6 sts, k6.
3. Row 6 WS: K6, purl to last 6 sts, k6.
4. Repeat Rows 5 and 6 for 16 more rows.

Now shape fronts and arm openings.

1. Row 23 RS: K10, BO 4, k20, BO 4, k10.
2. Row 24 WS: K6, p4, k6, p20, k6, p4, k6.

Continue each section as one piece with garter borders for 8 more rows.

For the softly rounded cropped fit in the image, bind off 2 sts at each front neck edge every RS row 3 times. Then knit straight until back neck height matches fronts.

Join shoulders with three-needle bind off or sew neatly.

Jacket Sleeves

Pick up 20 sts around each arm opening.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Purl.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnds 4 to 12: Stockinette.
5. Rnd 13: Purl.
6. Rnd 14: Knit.
7. BO loosely.

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Jacket Collar

With RS facing, pick up 28 sts evenly around neckline and front opening tops.

1. Row 1 WS: Knit.
2. Row 2 RS: Knit.
3. Row 3 WS: Knit.

Now shape pointed Peter Pan style collar.

1. Row 4 RS: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2.
2. Row 5 WS: Knit.
3. Repeat Rows 4 and 5 twice more.
4. BO loosely.

Fold and tack collar so it sits flat. The collar should be petite and rounded, not wide.

Hat Base

The hat is a soft beret-like cap that sits low on the forehead. The ears rise from the top of the hat rather than from the head itself.

Using cream and US 2 (2.75 mm), CO 72 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnds 1 to 6: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rnd 7: Knit.
3. Rnd 8: K8, kfb around. 80 sts.
4. Rnds 9 to 18: Knit.
5. Rnd 19: K8, k2tog around. 72 sts.
6. Rnd 20: Knit.
7. Rnd 21: K7, k2tog around. 64 sts.
8. Rnd 22: Knit.
9. Rnd 23: K6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
10. Rnd 24: K5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 25: K4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
12. Rnd 26: K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
13. Rnd 27: K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.

Break yarn, draw through remaining sts, and close top. Steam lightly if needed.

Hat Ears

Make 2

Using cream and US 2 (2.75 mm), CO 14 sts. Work flat in stockinette with first and last stitch knit on every row for neat edges.

1. Work straight for 18 rows.
2. Next RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
3. Next WS: Purl.
4. Repeat these 2 rows until 6 sts remain.
5. Next RS: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
6. Next WS: Purl.
7. Next RS: K2tog twice. 2 sts.

Pull through. Sew side seam. Lightly stuff or insert a thin flexible support. Sew both ears to top of hat so they angle slightly outward, just like the photo.

Hat Flower Cluster

Make 3 tiny pansies and 2 leaves. Sew them into a small cluster on the right front side of the hat.

Tiny Pansy Petals

Each flower has 3 upper petals and 2 lower petals. Make petals as knitted tabs.

Upper petal, make 3 per flower:

1. Using pale violet or deep purple, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: Knit.
5. Row 4: K2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 5: Knit.
7. Row 6: Slip 1, k2tog, psso. 1 st.

Lower petal, make 2 per flower in cream-tinted yellow:

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: Knit.
5. Row 4: K2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 5: Slip 1, k2tog, psso. 1 st.

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Gather petals together at base and sew. Add one French-knot style yellow center with yarn if desired. Make small leaves with 3 sts and two quick increase and decrease rows. Sew cluster to hat.

Mary Jane Shoes

Make 2

Using lavender and US 2 (2.75 mm), CO 18 sts. Work flat.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Garter stitch.
2. Row 7 RS: K6, k2tog, k2, ssk, k6. 16 sts.
3. Row 8 WS: Knit.
4. Row 9 RS: K5, k2tog, k2, ssk, k5. 14 sts.
5. Rows 10 to 16: Garter stitch.

Fold around foot and seam sole and heel. Pick up 4 sts at each instep side and work a narrow strap for 10 rows in i-cord or garter. Sew strap across and add a tiny button or embroidered button dot.

Sew the shoes onto the feet after the bunny is dressed so the position stays correct.

Crossbody Bag

Using cream and US 2 (2.75 mm), CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 14: Stockinette with edge sts knit.
2. Rows 15 to 18: Garter stitch.
3. BO.

Fold bottom up, leaving top flap. Sew side seams. For strap, make a 24-inch i-cord or twisted cord and sew firmly to both upper corners.

Embroider a tiny lavender flower on front. Add a tiny button bead if desired. Place the strap diagonally across the bunny body.

Handheld Bouquet

Make 3 tiny pansies using the same flower instructions from the hat cluster, but make them slightly fuller by adding an extra upper petal to one flower.

Wrap stems with green yarn or knit a narrow i-cord stem with 2 stitches for 1 inch. Bundle flowers and stitch together at base. Sew lightly into the bunny hand so it looks held, not glued stiffly in place.

Tiny Puppy: Legs

Make 4

Using biscuit beige and US 1.5 (2.5 mm), CO 6 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 12 sts.
2. Rnds 2 to 4: Knit.
3. Rnd 5: K2tog around. 6 sts.
4. Rnds 6 to 14: Knit.

Stuff only lower paw. Bind off, leaving tail for sewing.

Tiny Puppy: Body

Using biscuit beige, CO 20 sts and join.

1. Rnds 1 to 8: Knit.
2. Rnd 9: K3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 10 to 14: Knit.
4. Rnd 15: K2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 16: Knit.

Stuff body lightly. Close top, leaving enough opening to sew head later. Sew legs in seated position so front paws sit close together and back paws splay slightly outward.

Tiny Puppy: Head

Using biscuit beige, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 16 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 4 to 9: Knit.
5. Rnd 10: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
6. Rnd 11: Knit.
7. Rnd 12: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.

Stuff firmly. Close. Embroider tiny black eyes and a small nose. The puppy face should be very small and low on the head.

Tiny Puppy: Ears

Make 2

Using biscuit beige, CO 10 sts and work flat in seed stitch for 16 rows.

1. Row 1: K1, p1 across.
2. Row 2: P1, k1 across.
3. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for 16 rows.

Shape tip with one decrease at each end every RS row until 4 sts remain. Bind off. Sew to sides of head so ears hang down softly. This texture gives the curly, floppy feel seen in the image.

Tiny Puppy Bonnet

Using cream and US 2 (2.75 mm), CO 28 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
2. Rows 5 to 14: Stockinette with knit edge stitches.
3. Row 15 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
4. Row 16 WS: Purl.
5. Repeat these 2 rows 4 more times. 18 sts.
6. Rows 25 to 28: Garter stitch.
7. BO.

Sew back seam to make a hood. Add one tiny pansy to one side.

Tiny Puppy Bow

Using lavender, CO 6 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 10: Garter stitch.
2. BO.

Wrap center with yarn to make a bow. Sew under puppy chin.

Tiny Puppy Blanket

Using cream and US 2 (2.75 mm), CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
2. Rows 5 to 24: Stockinette with 3 garter sts at each edge.
3. Rows 25 to 28: Garter stitch.
4. BO.

Embroider a lavender V motif and one tiny flower near one corner. For a frilled edge like the photo, crochet would normally be easiest, but to keep this fully knitted, pick up along the edge and work one short ruffle row:

1. Pick up 1 st in each edge bump.
2. Next row: Kfb in every st.
3. Next row: BO loosely knitwise.

Facial Embroidery for Bunny

Use black embroidery thread. Place eyes about 9 to 10 rows above the neck line and 8 stitches apart. Make each eye as one tiny horizontal stitch or a wrapped knot.

For the nose, make a tiny upside-down triangle in brownish cream or soft taupe at the center front of muzzle. Add a short vertical line below and two tiny angled mouth stitches.

Do not add eyelashes or blush if you want the clean heirloom look from the photo.

Final Assembly and Dressing Order

1. Sew head to body if worked separately.
2. Sew arms to sides just below neck.
3. Sew ears to head, angled slightly outward.
4. Sew tail to lower back.
5. Dress bunny in bodice-and-skirt dress.
6. Place jacket on top and tack closed lightly at neckline if desired.
7. Sew shoes to feet.
8. Place hat on head at a slight tilt to the bunny’s right side.
9. Sew flower cluster on hat if not attached already.
10. Add crossbody bag across torso.
11. Stitch bouquet into one hand.
12. Assemble puppy and place blanket beneath it.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Keep all facial embroidery very small. The bunny should look calm and gentle, with eyes placed low enough to feel childlike but not so low that the face looks sleepy. Pull the muzzle shaping only a little.

Before fixing the hat permanently, test the angle. In the image, the hat sits low and slightly diagonal, with the flower cluster on the bunny’s right side. That small tilt adds a lot of character.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If the toy needs fuller washing, place it in a mesh bag and hand wash in cool water with a mild wool-safe soap. Press out water gently and reshape while damp.

Dry flat away from direct sun. Do not hang while wet, because the long limbs and garments can stretch.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and smooth
• Legs evenly aligned and same length
• Dress hem level when bunny is seated
• Jacket collar lying flat
• Hat ears symmetrical
• Eyes small, even, and centered
• Bag strap secure
• Bouquet attached lightly but firmly
• Puppy bonnet snug and balanced
• Loose ends woven in completely

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished set in a clean, dry place with good airflow. Acid-free tissue paper under the hat brim and dress hem helps the shape stay crisp during storage.

If displaying long term, keep the toy away from strong sunlight, damp rooms, and rough handling. For heirloom preservation, occasional gentle dusting with a soft dry brush is better than frequent washing.