Knitting Tutorial: Cheerful Sunflower Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Cheerful Sunflower Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted bunny set is designed to recreate the warm garden scene shown in the photo, including the soft cream bunny, rust dress, brimmed sun hat, Mary Jane shoes, sunflower bag, tiny shovel, and the little brown bear with a green hat and honey jar. It is a charming choice for a handmade baby gift, knitted nursery decor piece, collectible stuffed animal, spring display, Easter bunny doll, or boutique-style toy pattern for makers who love heirloom knit toys with timeless details.

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 is designed to closely match the proportions, styling, and accessories visible in the image.

The bunny has a tall oval head, long narrow ears, a compact torso, long slim legs, short tapered arms, a rust-colored gathered dress, a small brimmed hat, matching shoes, a sunflower shoulder bag, and a simple garden shovel.

The little companion bear is also included because it appears clearly in the image and is an important part of the finished set.

The construction is detailed so beginners can follow it slowly, while experienced knitters can move through the shaping more quickly.

Materials

  • Main bunny yarn: Fingering or light sport weight cotton or cotton-wool blend in warm cream
  • Dress, shoes, and shovel handle: Fingering or light sport weight in muted rust
  • Hat brim and bag outer ring: Light tan or camel
  • Bag petals: Soft beige or light taupe
  • Sunflower petals and small dress flower: Golden yellow
  • Sunflower centers: Dark brown
  • Leaves and bear hat: Moss or olive green
  • Bear body: Medium warm brown
  • Honey jar: Pale beige, mustard yellow, and a little black for motif
  • Shovel blade: Light gray
  • Needles: 2.25 mm double-pointed needles for small circumference knitting, 2.5 mm straight needles for flat pieces if preferred
  • Stitch markers
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stuffing
  • Thin cardboard or plastic canvas for optional shoe soles and bag stability
  • Black embroidery thread for eyes
  • Brown or taupe embroidery thread for nose and mouth
  • Two tiny buttons for shoe straps if desired, or knit faux buttons

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge: 34 stitches and 46 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using 2.25 mm needles and fingering yarn.

Exact yarn substitutions may slightly change the final size, but keeping a tight gauge is important so the toy holds its shape like the sample in the image.

  • Bunny height: about 13 inches from feet to top of head, not including ears
  • Bunny total height with ears: about 16 inches
  • Bear height: about 4 inches
  • Sunflower bag diameter: about 2 inches
  • Hat brim diameter: about 3 inches

Abbreviations

  • CO = cast on
  • BO = bind off
  • k = knit
  • p = purl
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • rnd = round
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • k2tog = knit 2 together
  • p2tog = purl 2 together
  • m1 = make 1 increase
  • st st = stockinette stitch
  • g st = garter stitch
  • rep = repeat

📌Thank you for reading the article

Important Notes Before You Begin

  • This toy is worked mostly in the round to avoid extra seams and to create the smooth, polished finish seen in the photo.
  • Stuff all pieces firmly but not so tightly that the knitted fabric stretches open.
  • The head is intentionally larger than the torso to match the image.
  • The legs are long and slim, with small rounded feet.
  • The ears are tall, narrow, and slightly curved inward.
  • The dress sits high on the bunny with a gently gathered skirt and a wrapped V-neck bodice.
  • The accessories are small, but they define the character, so do not skip them if you want the same overall look.

Bunny Legs Make 2

Using cream yarn and dpns, CO 8 sts. Divide evenly 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, repeat around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 5 to 8: Knit.
  6. Rnd 9: K4, k2tog, k8, ssk, k8. 22 sts.
  7. Rnd 10: Knit.
  8. Rnd 11: K4, k2tog, k6, ssk, k8. 20 sts.
  9. Rnd 12: Knit.
  10. Rnd 13: K5, k2tog, k3, ssk, k8. 18 sts.
  11. Rnd 14 to 18: Knit.
  12. Stuff foot firmly, shaping toe area rounded and flat at sole.
  13. Rnd 19: K2tog around. 9 sts.
  14. Rnd 20: Kfb around. 18 sts.
  15. Rnd 21 to 44: Knit.

Stuff lower leg lightly. Leave upper leg less stuffed so it can sit naturally. Put sts on hold. Make second leg the same.

Bunny Body

With first leg on needle, knit across 18 sts. CO 4 sts. Knit across second leg 18 sts. CO 4 sts and join for body. 44 sts.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: Knit.
  3. Rnd 3: K20, m1, k4, m1, k20. 46 sts.
  4. Rnd 4 to 8: Knit.
  5. Rnd 9: K21, m1, k4, m1, k21. 48 sts.
  6. Rnd 10 to 16: Knit.
  7. Rnd 17: K6, k2tog, k16, ssk, k6, k2tog, k16, ssk. 44 sts.
  8. Rnd 18: Knit.
  9. Rnd 19: K5, k2tog, k15, ssk, k5, k2tog, k15, ssk. 40 sts.
  10. Rnd 20 to 24: Knit.
  11. Rnd 25: K4, k2tog, k14, ssk, k4, k2tog, k14, ssk. 36 sts.
  12. Rnd 26 to 30: Knit.

Stuff the body firmly, keeping the tummy soft but rounded. The torso in the photo is not bulky, so avoid overstuffing.

Bunny Head

The head is larger and smoother than the body, with a soft oval shape and a fairly flat lower face.

  1. Rnd 1: K3, m1, repeat around. 48 sts.
  2. Rnd 2: Knit.
  3. Rnd 3: K4, m1, repeat around. 60 sts.
  4. Rnd 4: Knit.
  5. Rnd 5: K5, m1, repeat around. 72 sts.
  6. Rnd 6 to 20: Knit.
  7. Rnd 21: K10, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 66 sts.
  8. Rnd 22: Knit.
  9. Rnd 23: K9, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 60 sts.
  10. Rnd 24: Knit.
  11. Rnd 25: K8, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 54 sts.
  12. Rnd 26: Knit.
  13. Begin stuffing firmly, shaping cheeks smooth and face slightly broad.
  14. Rnd 27: K7, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 48 sts.
  15. Rnd 28: Knit.
  16. Rnd 29: K6, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 42 sts.
  17. Rnd 30: K5, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 36 sts.
  18. Rnd 31: K4, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 30 sts.
  19. Rnd 32: K3, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 24 sts.
  20. Rnd 33: K2, k2tog, repeat 6 times. 18 sts.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Finish stuffing. Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull closed, and secure.

Bunny Arms Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1 to 4: Knit.
  2. Rnd 5: K1, kfb, repeat around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 6 to 8: Knit.
  4. Rnd 9: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  5. Rnd 10: Kfb around. 12 sts.
  6. Rnd 11 to 24: Knit.
  7. Rnd 25: K2tog, k4, k2tog, k4. 10 sts.
  8. Rnd 26 to 28: Knit.

Stuff only the lower half. Flatten opening and sew closed. Arms should be slim and hang naturally, ending a little above the hemline of the dress.

Bunny Ears Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Work flat.

  1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
  2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
  3. Row 3: K1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 4: Purl.
  5. Row 5: K1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
  6. Row 6: Purl.
  7. Row 7: Knit.
  8. Row 8: Purl.
  9. Row 9: K1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
  10. Row 10: Purl.
  11. Row 11 to 31: Work in st st, ending with a WS row.
  12. Row 32: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
  13. Row 33: Purl.
  14. Row 34: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  15. Row 35: Purl.
  16. Row 36: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  17. Row 37: Purl.
  18. Row 38: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
  19. Row 39: Purl.
  20. Row 40: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
  21. Row 41: Purl.
  22. Row 42: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
  23. Row 43: P2tog. 1 st.

Fasten off. Make a second ear. Do not stuff. Fold lower ear edge slightly before sewing so the ear stands upright with a gentle inward curve.

Muzzle Shaping and Face Embroidery

The bunny in the photo has tiny simple eyes and a minimal nose-mouth detail. The face is quiet, sweet, and not exaggerated.

  • Position eyes about 7 rounds above the neck join.
  • Place them 8 stitches apart.
  • Use black thread and make one short vertical satin stitch for each eye, about 2 knitted rows tall.
  • For the nose, use taupe or soft brown thread and embroider a tiny inverted triangle.
  • From the base of the triangle, stitch a short vertical line down 2 rows.
  • Add a tiny split mouth with one stitch to each side.

Rust Mary Jane Shoes Make 2

These are knitted as slip-on covers over the finished feet so they stay neat and photo-accurate.

Using rust yarn, pick up 18 sts around each foot at the line where the foot narrows into the ankle.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: Purl.
  3. Rnd 3: Knit.
  4. Rnd 4: K6, k2tog, k2, ssk, k6. 16 sts.
  5. Rnd 5: Knit.
  6. Rnd 6: K5, k2tog, k2, ssk, k5. 14 sts.
  7. Rnd 7: Knit.
  8. Rnd 8: BO 4, knit to end. Work remaining 10 sts flat for strap and upper.
  9. Row 9: Purl.
  10. Row 10: K2, k2tog, k2, ssk, k2. 8 sts.
  11. Row 11: Purl.
  12. Row 12: K2, BO 4, k2.

📌Thank you for reading the article

For the strap, pick up 5 sts at one side of opening.

  1. Row 1: Knit.
  2. Row 2: Purl.
  3. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 three more times.
  4. BO.

Sew strap to opposite side and add tiny decorative button if desired.

Dress Skirt

The dress has a softly gathered skirt with a deep rust tone and a clean hem. It reaches just above the bunny’s ankles.

Using rust yarn and 2.5 mm needles, CO 96 sts. Join carefully, being sure not to twist.

  1. Rnd 1 to 4: Knit.
  2. Rnd 5: Purl.
  3. Rnd 6 to 28: Knit.
  4. Rnd 29: K2tog around. 48 sts.
  5. Rnd 30: Knit.
  6. Rnd 31: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 32 sts.
  7. Rnd 32 to 34: Knit.

Leave stitches live for bodice.

Dress Bodice

The bodice is made as overlapping front sections and a plain back to mimic the wrap-front style in the image.

Back Bodice

Using 16 back stitches, work flat.

  1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
  2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
  3. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 1 inch from waist shaping.
  4. BO all sts.

Left Front Bodice

Using next 8 sts, work flat.

  1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
  2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
  3. Row 3: K to last 2 sts, k2tog. 7 sts.
  4. Row 4: Purl.
  5. Row 5: K to last 2 sts, k2tog. 6 sts.
  6. Row 6: Purl.
  7. Row 7: Knit.
  8. Row 8: Purl.
  9. BO.

Right Front Bodice

Using remaining 8 sts, work flat.

  1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
  2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
  3. Row 3: Ssk, knit to end. 7 sts.
  4. Row 4: Purl.
  5. Row 5: Ssk, knit to end. 6 sts.
  6. Row 6: Purl.
  7. Row 7: Knit.
  8. Row 8: Purl.
  9. BO.

Sew shoulders lightly, leaving arm openings. Fold fronts over each other to create the V-neck wrap effect. Stitch in place invisibly at waist.

Dress Sleeves Make 2

Pick up 18 sts evenly around each armhole using rust yarn.

  1. Rnd 1 to 5: Knit.
  2. Rnd 6: K2tog around. 9 sts.
  3. Rnd 7: Knit.
  4. BO.

Sew side underarm seam if needed. Sleeves should look short and gently rounded, not puffy.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Sunflower Applique for Dress

This small sunflower is attached to the lower center front of the dress exactly as shown in the image.

Flower Center

With dark brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
  2. Rnd 2: Knit.
  3. Rnd 3: K1, kfb, repeat around. 18 sts.
  4. BO loosely.

Petals

Using yellow yarn, work 8 separate petals.

  1. CO 3 sts.
  2. Row 1: Knit.
  3. Row 2: Purl.
  4. Row 3: Kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
  5. Row 4: Purl.
  6. Row 5: K2tog, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  7. Row 6: Purl.
  8. Row 7: K2tog, k1. 2 sts.
  9. Row 8: P2tog. 1 st.

Make 2 leaves in green using the same petal shape but a little longer by inserting two extra stockinette rows before decreases.

Sew petals around center. Add stem with green yarn and attach leaves. Sew applique to front skirt.

Sunflower Shoulder Bag

This round bag is an important detail in the photo. It hangs crossbody and sits at the bunny’s right side.

Bag Front

With dark brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
  2. Rnd 2: Knit.
  3. Rnd 3: K1, kfb, repeat around. 18 sts.
  4. Rnd 4: Knit.
  5. Rnd 5: K2, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
  6. BO.

Sew 12 yellow petals around edge, each made as for dress petals.

With tan yarn, pick up 24 sts around outer edge and knit 2 rounds. BO.

Bag Back

Make another tan circle.

  1. CO 6 sts and join.
  2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Knit.
  4. Rnd 3: K1, kfb, repeat around. 18 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: Knit.
  6. Rnd 5: K2, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
  7. Rnd 6: Knit.
  8. BO.

Sew front and back together, leaving top slightly open. Add a tiny scalloped beige edge if desired with small sewn loops to resemble the soft floral rim in the image.

Bag Strap

Using tan yarn, make an i-cord 16 inches long or work a narrow knitted strip.

  1. CO 3 sts.
  2. Knit 1 row.
  3. Without turning, slide sts to other end of needle and knit again.
  4. Repeat until cord is desired length.
  5. BO and sew securely to bag sides.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Sun Hat

The hat in the image has a softly flared brim in tan and a deeper rust crown section.

Brim

With tan yarn, CO 48 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: K1, kfb, repeat around. 72 sts.
  3. Rnd 3 to 6: Knit.
  4. Rnd 7: K10, k2tog, repeat around. 66 sts.

Crown

Switch to rust yarn.

  1. Rnd 8 to 14: Knit.
  2. Rnd 15: K9, k2tog, repeat around. 60 sts.
  3. Rnd 16: Knit.
  4. Rnd 17: K8, k2tog, repeat around. 54 sts.
  5. Rnd 18: Knit.
  6. Rnd 19: K7, k2tog, repeat around. 48 sts.
  7. Rnd 20: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
  8. Rnd 21: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
  9. Rnd 22: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
  10. Rnd 23: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
  11. Rnd 24: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
  12. Rnd 25: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
  13. Thread yarn through stitches and close.

Lightly steam and shape. The hat should sit low on the forehead between the ears.

Shovel

Blade

With gray yarn, CO 6 sts.

  1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
  2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
  3. Row 3: K1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 8 sts.
  4. Row 4: Purl.
  5. Row 5: Knit.
  6. Row 6: Purl.
  7. Row 7: K2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
  8. Row 8: Purl.
  9. Row 9: K2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
  10. Row 10: Purl.
  11. Row 11: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
  12. BO.

Handle

With rust yarn, make a 3-stitch i-cord 2 inches long and sew to blade.

Little Bear Body

The little bear is compact with a rounded head, short ears, plump tummy, small muzzle, and seated shape.

Using brown yarn, CO 8 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
  2. Rnd 2: Knit.
  3. Rnd 3: K1, kfb, repeat around. 24 sts.
  4. Rnd 4 to 8: Knit.
  5. Rnd 9: K2, kfb, repeat around. 32 sts.
  6. Rnd 10 to 14: Knit.
  7. Rnd 15: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 28 sts.
  8. Rnd 16: Knit.
  9. Rnd 17: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
  10. Rnd 18 to 22: Knit.
  11. Rnd 23: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 20 sts.
  12. Rnd 24: Knit.
  13. Rnd 25: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
  14. Rnd 26: Knit.
  15. Rnd 27: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.

Stuff firmly and close.

Bear Arms Make 2

CO 6 sts, join, knit 8 rounds, stuff lightly, sew closed.

Bear Legs Make 2

CO 6 sts, join, knit 10 rounds, stuff lightly, sew flat to bottom front so bear sits upright.

Bear Ears Make 2

CO 4 sts. Work flat 4 rows in st st. BO. Fold and sew to head.

Embroider small black eyes, tiny nose, and short mouth.

Bear Hat

Using olive green yarn, CO 24 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: K1, kfb, repeat around. 36 sts.
  3. Rnd 3 to 5: Knit.
  4. Rnd 6: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
  5. Rnd 7 to 9: Knit.
  6. Rnd 10: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
  7. Rnd 11: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
  8. Rnd 12: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
  9. Close top.

Honey Jar

With beige yarn, CO 12 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1 to 4: Knit.
  2. Rnd 5: Switch to mustard, knit.
  3. Rnd 6: Purl.
  4. Rnd 7: Knit.
  5. Rnd 8: Switch back to beige, knit.

Stuff lightly. Draw top closed. Embroider a small black leaf-like motif on front to echo the decorative detail in the image.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

  • Sew ears to top of head, spaced fairly close together and angled slightly inward.
  • Sew arms at upper body sides, just below the neckline.
  • Dress the bunny in shoes, dress, hat, and crossbody bag.
  • Tack the hat lightly so it stays between the ears.
  • Place the sunflower bag so it sits at the right hip.
  • Sew the small shovel to one paw with a few hidden stitches if you want a permanent display version.
  • Sew the little bear’s limbs, hat, and honey jar in place so it sits beside the bunny.

Care Notes

  • Spot clean whenever possible.
  • Handle the sunflower petals and bag strap gently.
  • If gifting to a child, secure all accessories firmly and avoid removable tiny buttons.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head larger than body
  • Ears tall and slim
  • Dress gathered with wrap-front neckline
  • Rust shoes with strap detail
  • Small sunflower applique on skirt
  • Round sunflower shoulder bag
  • Two-tone brimmed hat
  • Little bear with green hat and honey jar
  • Minimal embroidered face

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

  • Use cool water and mild soap only if deeper cleaning is needed.
  • Do not twist or wring the knitted toy.
  • Press gently in a towel and reshape while damp.
  • Dry flat away from direct sunlight.
  • Store in a clean dry place to keep colors fresh and stuffing even.

Related Posts

Knitting Tutorial: Christmas Deer – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Christmas Deer – Free Knitting Pattern

May 10, 2026
Knitting Tutorial: Pink Panther in Floral Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Pink Panther in Floral Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

May 10, 2026
Knitting Tutorial: Grey Tabby Cat – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Grey Tabby Cat – Free Knitting Pattern

May 10, 2026

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *