Knitting Tutorial: Red Poppy Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to recreate the gentle countryside scene shown in the photo: a soft cream bunny in a simple white dress, lace-up boots, a straw-style hat, a tiny fringe bag, and a little camera, sitting beside a raccoon friend holding a letter. It is a beautiful choice for a handmade nursery gift, heirloom toy, collectible knitted animal, or boutique craft fair item for shoppers looking to buy knitted bunny dolls, woodland decor, and soft handmade companions with timeless detail.

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 to closely match the proportions, posture, clothing, and accessories in the image. The bunny is tall and slim with a rounded head, long soft ears, narrow arms, long seated legs, and gently oversized shoes.

The dress is plain and lightly textured, with a clean silhouette and a small lace detail near the lower front. The hat is shaped like a soft straw fedora with a narrow brim. The raccoon is compact, short, and slightly rounded, with a striped tail and dark facial markings.

Most pieces are worked flat and seamed, which makes the shaping easy to follow for newer knitters. Small accessories are tiny, so take your time and keep your stitches firm. Accurate stuffing and careful assembly are what give this design its photo-like look.

Skill Level

• Advanced beginner to intermediate
• You should know how to cast on, bind off, knit, purl, increase, decrease, mattress stitch, pick up stitches, and work simple embroidery details
• Small accessories require patience and neat finishing

Finished Size

• Bunny: about 12 inches / 30.5 cm tall seated, excluding hat tip compression
• Raccoon: about 4.25 inches / 11 cm tall seated
• Camera: about 1.4 inches / 3.5 cm wide
• Bag: about 1.8 inches / 4.5 cm across including fringe
• Poppy: about 1.2 inches / 3 cm across

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream for bunny body
• DK weight yarn in white for dress
• DK weight yarn in oatmeal or light beige for hat, shoes, and bag
• Small amount of taupe for hat band and camera strap shading if desired
• Small amount of gray for camera body accents
• Small amount of charcoal for camera lens, raccoon markings, nose, and eye details
• DK weight yarn in medium gray for raccoon body
• Small amount of dark gray for raccoon tail stripes and mask
• Small amount of red for poppy and raccoon scarf
• Small amount of green for poppy stem
• Small amount of black for facial embroidery
• Very small amount of cream or off-white for raccoon muzzle and letter
• Pair of 2.75 mm knitting needles
• Pair of 3 mm knitting needles
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Toy stuffing
• Thin cardboard or plastic canvas scrap for bag and letter support if desired

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on 3 mm needles using DK yarn.

Gauge is not critical for a toy, but it matters for proportion. Your fabric should be firm enough that stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• st st = stockinette stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat
• sl1 = slip 1
• yo = yarn over

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Color Notes

• Use cream for the bunny head, ears, arms, and legs
• Use white for the dress body panel
• Use oatmeal for the hat, shoes, and shoulder bag
• Use red, black, and green for the poppy applique
• Use gray shades, charcoal, cream, and red for the raccoon

Bunny Head

Make 2 flat head pieces in cream on 3 mm needles. The head in the image is softly oval with full cheeks, a slightly narrow chin, and a very smooth crown. Work both pieces the same.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p across.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
4. Row 3: p across.
5. Row 4: kfb, k14, kfb. 18 sts.
6. Row 5: p across.
7. Row 6: kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
8. Row 7: p across.
9. Row 8: kfb, k18, kfb. 22 sts.
10. Row 9: p across.
11. Row 10: kfb, k20, kfb. 24 sts.
12. Rows 11-23: work 13 rows in st st, beginning with a p row.
13. Row 24 RS: k2tog, k20, ssk. 22 sts.
14. Row 25: p across.
15. Row 26: k2tog, k18, ssk. 20 sts.
16. Row 27: p across.
17. Row 28: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
18. Row 29: p across.
19. Row 30: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
20. Row 31: p across.
21. Row 32: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
22. BO knitwise on WS row after Row 32, leaving long tail.

Place the two head pieces together with RS facing out. Mattress stitch around the outer edge, leaving the lower neck edge open. Stuff firmly but smoothly. Shape the cheeks lightly with your fingers while adding stuffing.

Bunny Snout Shaping and Face Placement

The face in the image is minimal and sweet. The eyes are tiny black knots set wide apart. The nose is stitched as a long soft V with a short line below, not a round nose.

• Position eyes about 7 rows below the crown center line and 6 stitches apart
• Use small French knots or satin stitches in black
• Embroider the nose in taupe or charcoal as an upside-down Y with a soft split mouth
• Keep the expression calm and neutral

Bunny Ears

Make 4 ear pieces in cream on 3 mm needles. The ears are long, narrow, and softly drooping from under the hat brim. They are not overly wide and should fall to about shoulder level.

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: p across.
3. Row 2: kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts.
4. Row 3: p across.
5. Row 4: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
6. Row 5: p across.
7. Row 6: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
8. Rows 7-21: work 15 rows in st st, beginning with a p row.
9. Row 22: k1, k2tog, k4, ssk, k1. 8 sts.
10. Row 23: p across.
11. Row 24: k1, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1. 6 sts.
12. Row 25: p across.
13. Row 26: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
14. Row 27: p across.
15. BO.

Sew 2 ear pieces together for each ear, leaving lower edge open. Stuff very lightly or not at all. Flatten gently. Sew ears to the sides of the head slightly behind eye line so they fall down from beneath the hat.

Bunny Body

The body is slim and mostly hidden under the dress. It needs enough structure to support the seated shape without becoming bulky. Make 2 body pieces in cream on 3 mm needles.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1: p across.
3. Row 2: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
4. Row 3: p across.
5. Row 4: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
6. Rows 5-19: work 15 rows in st st, beginning with a p row.
7. Row 20: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
8. Row 21: p across.
9. Row 22: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
10. Rows 23-29: work 7 rows in st st.
11. BO.

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Sew body front and back together, leaving neck and lower edge openings. Stuff moderately. Close lower edge after attaching legs if preferred. The neck should be narrow enough to sit neatly under the head without wobble.

Bunny Arms

Make 4 arm pieces in cream. The arms in the image are long, slim, and relaxed straight down, with very little hand shaping.

1. CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: p across.
3. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
4. Rows 3-19: work 17 rows in st st, beginning with a p row.
5. Row 20: k2tog, k3, ssk. 5 sts.
6. Row 21: p across.
7. BO.

Sew arm pairs together. Stuff only the upper two-thirds, leaving the lower part soft so the arms rest naturally against the dress. Sew to the upper body just below the neck seam.

Bunny Legs

Make 4 leg pieces in cream. These are long and straight, with only a little widening at the thigh. The seated pose comes from assembly, not heavy shaping.

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: p across.
3. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Rows 3-23: work 21 rows in st st, beginning with a p row.
5. Row 24: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
6. Row 25: p across.
7. BO.

Sew leg pieces together and stuff firmly but not stiffly. Leave top edge open for sewing to the lower body. Position the legs to angle forward from the body so the bunny sits with feet hanging over the edge, just like the image.

Bunny Dress

The dress is sleeveless, off-white, and simple, with a slight A-line shape. There is a delicate eyelet-like detail near the center lower front. Make 1 front and 1 back in white on 3 mm needles.

Dress Front

1. CO 22 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: work in garter stitch.
3. Row 5 RS: k.
4. Row 6 WS: p.
5. Row 7: k1, k2tog, yo, k16, yo, ssk, k1.
6. Row 8: p.
7. Rows 9-13: continue in st st.
8. Row 14: k.
9. Row 15: p2, k2, p14, k2, p2.
10. Row 16: k.
11. Row 17: p.
12. Rows 18-28: continue in st st.
13. Row 29 RS: k2tog, k18, ssk. 20 sts.
14. Row 30: p.
15. Row 31: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
16. Row 32: p.
17. Row 33: k2, BO 3, k8, BO 3, k2. 12 sts remain over shoulders and neckline sections.
18. Row 34 WS: p2, join yarn and p8 center, join yarn and p2.
19. Row 35: work first shoulder only, k2. Turn.
20. Row 36: p2. BO.
21. Rejoin yarn to opposite shoulder and repeat.
22. For center section, BO 8 loosely.

Dress Back

1. CO 22 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: garter stitch.
3. Rows 5-28: work in st st.
4. Row 29: k2tog, k18, ssk. 20 sts.
5. Row 30: p.
6. Row 31: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
7. Row 32: p.
8. Row 33: k5, BO 8, k5.
9. Row 34: p5, rejoin yarn, p5.
10. Rows 35-36: work each shoulder in st st.
11. BO shoulders.

Sew shoulder seams and side seams, leaving arm openings. Slip dress over the body before final head attachment if that is easier for you. The dress should sit straight and slightly loose, ending around the upper shin when the bunny is seated.

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Bunny Shoes

The shoes are soft lace-up ankle boots in oatmeal. They are slightly oversized and rounded, which helps the seated pose look charming. Make 2 soles and 2 uppers for each shoe.

Sole, make 2

1. CO 6 sts in oatmeal.
2. Row 1: p across.
3. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: p across.
5. Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
6. Rows 5-9: work in st st.
7. BO.

Upper, make 4

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-10: work in st st, beginning with a p row.
3. Row 11: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
4. Row 12: p.
5. BO.

Sew 2 upper pieces together around toe and ankle top, then attach to one sole. Lightly stuff the toe area only. Sew onto foot end of leg. Embroider laces with matching yarn, crossing them up the front and tying a small bow. Keep the lace placement vertical and neat.

Hat

The hat is a soft knitted imitation of a straw fedora. It has a rounded crown, a modest pinch shape, and a narrow brim that tilts down slightly. Work flat in oatmeal on 2.75 mm needles for a firmer texture.

Hat Crown Side Band

1. CO 36 sts.
2. Rows 1-14: work in st st, beginning with a p row.
3. BO, leaving long tail.

Sew short ends together to form a ring.

Hat Top Circle

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb across. 16 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Row 5: p.
7. Row 6: k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Row 7: p.
9. BO loosely.

Hat Brim Strip

1. CO 52 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: garter stitch.
3. BO loosely.

Sew the top circle to one side of the crown band, easing evenly. Sew the brim strip around the lower edge, slightly gathering at the join so the brim sits softly rather than fully flat. Add a narrow taupe embroidered band around the base of the crown.

Lightly steam with care if needed, then shape by hand so the front brim dips gently and the crown sits naturally on the bunny head.

Fringe Shoulder Bag

The tiny side bag is oatmeal with a long strap and noticeable fringe hanging from the lower left side. Make 2 rectangles.

1. CO 7 sts.
2. Rows 1-8: garter stitch.
3. BO.

Sew the two rectangles together on three sides. Insert a tiny bit of stuffing or a thin stiffener. For the strap, cut a long yarn length about 14 inches / 36 cm, twist lightly, and stitch diagonally from the bunny shoulder to the bag.

For fringe, cut 10 strands about 2.5 inches / 6.5 cm long. Lark’s head or sew them into the lower bag edge. Trim unevenly so the fringe falls in a natural fan shape.

Mini Camera

The camera sits across the front of the dress and is essential for the exact look in the photo. It is mostly rectangular with a darker lower section and a raised circular lens.

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Camera Body

1. CO 8 sts in light gray.
2. Rows 1-3: garter stitch.
3. Rows 4-5: switch to charcoal or dark taupe and work st st.
4. Row 6: switch to gray and knit.
5. BO.

Make 2 identical pieces. Sew together and add the tiniest touch of stuffing.

Lens

1. CO 4 sts in charcoal.
2. Work 4 rows in st st.
3. BO.

Roll into a tiny coil or fold into a small circle and stitch to the front left side of the camera. Add a pale gray ring around the lens with duplicate stitch. Add one tiny black stitch on the top for a button. Sew a thin strap from shoulder to camera top corners.

Red Poppy Applique

The poppy on the dress is bright red with a black center and a green stem. It should sit on the lower right side of the bunny dress from the viewer’s perspective.

Poppy Petals

• Make 4 tiny petals by CO 3 sts in red
• Work 2 rows in st st
• On next RS row: k2tog, k1
• Next row: p
• BO

Arrange petals in a cross-like flower. Stitch together at the center. Add a black French knot or stitched circle in the middle. Embroider a green stem with one small side stitch for a leaf.

Raccoon Body

The raccoon is squat, neat, and slightly narrower at the neck. Make 2 body pieces in medium gray on 3 mm needles.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: p across.
3. Row 2: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: p across.
5. Row 4: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
6. Rows 5-15: work in st st, beginning with a p row.
7. Row 16: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
8. Row 17: p across.
9. Row 18: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
10. Rows 19-23: work in st st.
11. BO.

Sew together, leaving lower edge open briefly if desired for stuffing. Shape the tummy rounder than the head. The raccoon should sit upright next to the bunny leg.

Raccoon Head Markings

Before final closure, embroider or duplicate stitch the dark eye mask on the front face. Make two downward slanting dark patches beginning above the eyes and tapering toward the muzzle. Keep the center muzzle cream and narrow.

• Eyes should be small black knots
• Nose should be a tiny black triangle
• Mouth should be minimal
• Add small dark ear tips

Raccoon Ears

Make 4 tiny ear pieces.

1. CO 3 sts in gray.
2. Row 1: p.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: p.
5. Row 4: k2tog, k1, ssk. 3 sts.
6. BO.

Sew ear pairs together and attach to top head corners.

Raccoon Arms and Legs

These are very small and mostly hidden. Make 4 arm pieces and 4 leg pieces in gray, each as simple narrow tabs.

• CO 4 sts
• Work 6 rows in st st for arms
• Work 7 rows in st st for legs
• BO

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Sew pairs together and lightly stuff or leave flat. Attach arms to hold the letter. Attach legs low on the body so the raccoon sits balanced.

Raccoon Tail

The tail is curved and striped, extending to the right side in the image. Make 2 tail pieces.

1. CO 5 sts in gray.
2. Rows 1-4: st st.
3. Rows 5-6: switch to dark gray.
4. Rows 7-10: gray.
5. Rows 11-12: dark gray.
6. Rows 13-15: gray.
7. Row 16: k2tog, k1, ssk. 3 sts.
8. Row 17: p.
9. BO.

Sew together and stuff lightly. Curve before attaching so it rests beside the raccoon body.

Raccoon Scarf

The scarf is a small red bandana with tiny pale dots in the image. Knit a narrow strip, then fold into a triangle effect.

1. CO 10 sts in red.
2. Rows 1-4: garter stitch.
3. BO.

Wrap around the neck and stitch in place at the front. Add tiny cream duplicate stitches if you want the dotted look, but keep them sparse.

Mini Letter

The raccoon holds a small cream letter or postcard with stitched lines and a red stamp block.

1. CO 8 sts in cream.
2. Rows 1-5: garter stitch.
3. BO.

Embroider two short horizontal lines on the left side and one tiny red square on the upper right corner. Insert a thin stiffener if you want it to hold flat. Sew lightly into the raccoon paws.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff bunny head
2. Embroider bunny face
3. Sew bunny ears and attach
4. Sew and stuff bunny body
5. Sew and stuff bunny arms and legs
6. Attach legs first, angled forward for seated pose
7. Attach body to head securely
8. Attach arms so they hang naturally
9. Sew bunny shoes to leg ends
10. Dress the bunny and tack dress in place if desired
11. Add poppy applique to dress
12. Make and attach bag and camera
13. Place hat on head and tack with a few invisible stitches
14. Make raccoon body, ears, limbs, tail, scarf, and letter
15. Assemble raccoon and place beside bunny

Positioning Tips for the Photo Look

• The bunny head is slightly larger than the body, which creates the gentle toy-like charm
• The ears should fall straight down, not stick out
• The dress should remain smooth and not overly flared
• The hat should sit low enough to frame the face but not cover the eyes
• The bag should hang to the bunny’s left side
• The camera should sit across the chest and upper waist area
• The poppy should be low on the skirt front
• The raccoon should be shorter than the bunny knee height when seated

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the face before knotting off any embroidery. Tiny eye placement changes the whole expression, so keep the eyes low, small, and evenly spaced. Pull the nose stitches gently so the muzzle remains soft. Add a few hidden tacking stitches behind the ears, hat, camera strap, bag strap, and raccoon tail to keep everything in its exact display position.

Care Notes

Display toys like this are best suited for gentle handling and decorative use. If the piece will be used by a child, make sure all parts are firmly attached and avoid loose embellishments. Store away from direct sunlight to protect the soft neutral shades and the bright red poppy.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Eyes even and securely stitched
• Nose centered
• Ears matched and symmetrical
• Legs angled for seated posture
• Shoes tied neatly
• Dress smooth and centered
• Hat balanced with slight front dip
• Bag fringe trimmed
• Camera lens attached firmly
• Raccoon mask, scarf, and letter clearly visible

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a lightly damp cloth and a tiny amount of mild soap. Do not soak, machine wash, or tumble dry, especially because the stuffing and miniature accessories may lose shape. Reshape by hand while damp and let air dry flat. For long-term preservation, wrap in acid-free tissue and keep in a breathable box in a cool, dry place.