Knitting Tutorial: Flora Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Flora Bunny is a charming heirloom knit doll set designed with a soft country-house feel, a floral party dress, a tiny pearl-style handbag, a flower basket, and a woodland hedgehog friend. This project is perfect for makers who love collectible stuffed animals, handmade nursery decor, luxury knit toys, and giftable cottagecore pieces that look ready for a boutique, craft fair, or online handmade shop. The finished set has a polished display look, but each part is worked with approachable techniques, clear shaping, and small details that make the final result feel truly special.

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: Fingering or light sport weight yarn in warm cream, oatmeal, or pale stone.
• Dress yarn A: Soft ivory or pale buttercream.
• Dress yarn B: Golden yellow.
• Dress yarn C: Light moss green.
• Dress yarn D: Pale blush.
• Shoe yarn: Golden yellow.
• Hat yarn: Golden straw yellow.
• Rosette yarns: Pale cream and golden yellow, with a touch of green.
• Bag yarn: Pearl white or ivory.
• Basket yarn: Light taupe or natural brown.
• Hedgehog face, hands, feet: Warm beige.
• Hedgehog spikes: Medium brown and dark taupe held together or brushed.
• Hedgehog sweater: Pale blue.
• Hedgehog hat: Deep berry red.
• Acorn: Walnut brown and light tan.
• Tea set optional accents: Soft yellow, pale blue-gray, cream, and light taupe.
• Needles: US 1.5 / 2.5 mm double-pointed needles and US 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles, or sizes needed to match gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, waste yarn, toy stuffing, fine floral wire optional for hat brim support, small black embroidery thread for eyes, matching sewing thread, and tiny beads or pearl-look seed beads optional for the handbag handle effect.

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge is not extremely strict for toys, but keeping a tight fabric matters. Work tightly enough that stuffing does not show through.

• Bunny body gauge: 34 sts and 46 rnds = 4 inches in stockinette on smaller needles.
• Dress gauge: 32 sts and 40 rnds = 4 inches in stockinette on larger needles.
• Hedgehog gauge: Same as bunny body gauge.

The bunny in the photo stands about 10 to 11 inches tall from sole to top of head, not including the hat. The ears extend below the jawline. The dress falls just below the knees with a full skirt. The hedgehog is about 3 inches tall.

Abbreviations

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

Pattern Notes

This pattern is written for knitting in the round unless otherwise stated. Small pieces may be worked on double-pointed needles or by magic loop.

The figure in the image has a smooth, softly stuffed body with slender limbs, a slightly oversized head, long hanging ears, short arms, and small oval feet. Keep stuffing firm but not hard so the shape stays elegant.

The dress in the image has puffed sleeves, a wide collar, a fitted waistband, a full skirt, and scattered floral motifs in yellow with small green and blush accents. The easiest way to match the look is to knit the dress in ivory and add the floral motifs with duplicate stitch after the skirt is finished.

The hat has a rounded shallow crown, a gentle side tilt, a narrow brim, a fine netted veil effect, and three small rosettes. The handbag is a tiny box purse with a beaded look. The flower basket is small and rounded with rolled roses inside.

Bunny Legs

Make 2

Using bunny yarn and smaller needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly and join to work in the round, taking care not to twist.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb, k5, kfb, kfb, k5, kfb. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1, k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
5. Rnd 5 to 8: Knit.
6. Rnd 9: K2tog, k6, ssk, k2tog, k6, ssk. 16 sts.
7. Rnd 10: Knit.
8. Rnd 11: K2tog, k4, ssk, k2tog, k4, ssk. 12 sts.
9. Rnd 12 to 24: Knit.

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Stuff the foot firmly, especially the toe area. The foot should be a short soft oval, slightly wider than the ankle.

At the top of the leg, flatten the opening so the front of the foot faces forward. Leave the first leg on hold. Knit the second leg the same way.

Bunny Body

Join the legs to create a narrow body with a gentle pear shape. The bunny in the image has a small waist and a fuller lower body hidden under the dress.

1. Rnd 1: Knit across first leg, CO 4 sts for inner body bridge, knit across second leg, CO 4 sts. 32 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K15, m1, k2, m1, k15. 34 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Rnd 5: K16, m1, k2, m1, k16. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 6 to 10: Knit.
7. Rnd 11: K17, m1, k2, m1, k17. 38 sts.
8. Rnd 12 to 16: Knit.
9. Rnd 17: K2tog, k15, ssk, k2tog, k15, ssk. 34 sts.
10. Rnd 18: Knit.
11. Rnd 19: K2tog, k13, ssk, k2tog, k13, ssk. 30 sts.
12. Rnd 20 to 24: Knit.

Stuff the body as you work. Keep the hip area slightly rounded, but do not overstuff the waist. The neck should appear slim under the collar.

1. Rnd 25: K5, kfb, k5, kfb, k5, kfb, k5, kfb, k5, kfb. 35 sts.
2. Rnd 26: Knit.
3. Rnd 27: K6, kfb, rep around. 40 sts.
4. Rnd 28 to 31: Knit.

The upper torso should now feel rounded enough to support the head. The silhouette should look delicate rather than chunky.

Bunny Head

The head is softly oval with a broad forehead and narrow muzzle area. Work continuous rounds. Keep stuffing smooth and even.

1. Rnd 32: K4, m1, rep around. 50 sts.
2. Rnd 33: Knit.
3. Rnd 34: K5, m1, rep around. 60 sts.
4. Rnd 35 to 44: Knit.

Begin stuffing the head firmly. Focus on the cheeks and forehead so the face remains smooth for embroidery.

1. Rnd 45: K8, k2tog, rep around. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 46: Knit.
3. Rnd 47: K7, k2tog, rep around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 48: Knit.
5. Rnd 49: K6, k2tog, rep around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 50: K5, k2tog, rep around. 36 sts.
7. Rnd 51: K4, k2tog, rep around. 30 sts.

Finish stuffing before closing. Shape the face with your fingers so the lower face tapers gently toward the nose point.

1. Rnd 52: K3, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 53: K2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 54: K1, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 55: K2tog around. 6 sts.

Break yarn, thread tail through remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in securely.

Bunny Ears

Make 2

The ears in the image are long, narrow, and softly drooping. They are not heavily stuffed. A light fold at the top helps them hang close to the face.

Using bunny yarn and smaller needles, CO 8 sts. Work flat.

1. Row 1: K1, p6, k1.
2. Row 2: Knit.
3. Row 3: K1, p6, k1.
4. Row 4: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 5: K1, p8, k1.
6. Row 6: Knit.
7. Row 7: K1, p8, k1.
8. Row 8: K1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
9. Row 9 to 24: Repeat Rows 5 and 6.
10. Row 25: K1, ssk, p4, p2tog, k1. 10 sts.
11. Row 26: Knit.
12. Row 27: K1, ssk, p2, p2tog, k1. 8 sts.
13. Row 28: Knit.
14. Row 29: K1, ssk, p2tog, k1. 6 sts.
15. Row 30: Knit.
16. Row 31: K2tog, p2, ssk. 4 sts.
17. Row 32: Knit.
18. Row 33: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
19. Row 34: Knit.

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BO. Make the second ear. Fold the CO edge slightly and sew each ear to the head about 6 stitches apart across the crown line. Position them so they fall vertically along the cheeks.

Bunny Arms

Make 2

The arms are short, slim, and lightly curved. They end just below the waist when attached.

Using bunny yarn and smaller needles, CO 8 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 3: Knit.
2. Rnd 4: Kfb, k3, kfb, k3. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 5 to 7: Knit.
4. Rnd 8: K2tog, k3, k2tog, k3. 8 sts.
5. Rnd 9 to 20: Knit.

Stuff only the lower half of each arm. Flatten the top opening and sew closed. Attach at the upper body just under the neck, angled slightly downward and forward.

Face Shaping and Embroidery Base

The face in the image is minimal and sweet. The eyes are tiny black vertical dots placed wide apart. The nose and mouth are stitched with a soft Y-shape.

• Place eyes about 8 rounds down from the crown closing point.
• Space eyes about 8 stitches apart.
• Use two or three tiny vertical stitches for each eye.
• Center the nose 4 rounds below the eye line.
• Work a small triangular nose in dark taupe or brown.
• Bring one straight stitch down from the nose and split into two short angled mouth stitches.

If desired, lightly sculpt the muzzle by running strong matching thread from one side of the head to the other across the lower face and pulling gently.

Dress Bodice

The dress is a separate garment. It has a full skirt, puff sleeves, a wide rounded collar, and a yellow waistband. The photo shows a dense floral texture, so this version uses duplicate stitch flowers after knitting.

Using ivory dress yarn and larger needles, CO 56 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 4: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rnd 5: Knit.
3. Rnd 6: K7, kfb, rep around. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 7 to 12: Knit.

Separate for armholes.

1. Next row: BO 4 sts, k28, BO 4 sts, k28. Work front and back flat separately.

Back

1. Row 1 WS: Purl 28.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, ssk, k22, k2tog, k1. 26 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Knit.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: K1, ssk, k20, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
7. Row 7 to 13: Work even in stockinette.
8. Row 14 RS: K6, BO 12, k6.

Work each shoulder separately.

1. Shoulder Row 1 WS: Purl 6.
2. Shoulder Row 2 RS: K1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
3. Shoulder Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. Shoulder Row 4 RS: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
5. Shoulder Row 5 WS: Purl.
6. BO.

Repeat for second shoulder.

Front

1. Work as for back until piece matches back to Row 10.
2. Next RS row: K9, BO 6, k9.

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Work each side separately.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 7 sts.
3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. Row 4 RS: Knit.
5. Row 5 WS: Purl.
6. Row 6 RS: K1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. 5 sts.
7. Row 7 WS: Purl.
8. BO.

Repeat for other side.

Puffed Sleeves

Make 2

Using ivory yarn, pick up 24 sts evenly around armhole. Join to work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 48 sts.
3. Rnd 3 to 5: Knit.
4. Rnd 6: K2tog around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 7: Knit.
6. Rnd 8: K1, p1 rib.
7. Rnd 9: K1, p1 rib.
8. BO loosely in rib.

The sleeve should look round and puffed at the top but narrow at the edge.

Rounded Collar

With RS facing and ivory yarn, pick up 44 sts evenly around neckline.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: Knit.
3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. Row 4 RS: K2, m1, knit to last 2 sts, m1, k2.
5. Row 5 WS: Purl.
6. Row 6 RS: Knit.
7. Row 7 WS: Purl.
8. Row 8 RS: K2, m1, knit to last 2 sts, m1, k2.
9. Row 9 WS: Purl.
10. Row 10 RS: Knit.
11. Row 11 WS: Purl.
12. BO knitwise on RS.

Sew shoulder seams and back opening. Leave a short slit at upper back if needed for dressing the doll.

Waistband Belt

Using golden yellow yarn, CO 48 sts. Work 4 rows in stockinette. BO. Wrap around the waistline and sew in place. Add a tiny embroidered buckle at center front using satin stitch and one vertical bar for the prong.

Skirt

Using ivory yarn and larger needles, CO 96 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 6: Knit.
2. Rnd 7: K11, m1, rep around. 104 sts.
3. Rnd 8 to 12: Knit.
4. Rnd 13: K12, m1, rep around. 112 sts.
5. Rnd 14 to 18: Knit.
6. Rnd 19: K13, m1, rep around. 120 sts.
7. Rnd 20 to 34: Knit.
8. Rnd 35: Purl.
9. Rnd 36: Knit.
10. BO loosely.

Sew the skirt to the bodice waist, easing fullness evenly. The skirt should stand slightly away from the body just like the photo.

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Floral Duplicate Stitch for the Dress

Work the motifs after the dress is assembled. This gives the clearest control over placement and keeps the fabric smooth.

Use golden yellow for the main flowers, light moss for leaves, and a few pale blush stitches for scattered tiny buds. Arrange motifs in staggered groups around the skirt and on the sleeves.

• Large flower motif over a 5 by 5 stitch area: center stitch yellow, 4 yellow stitches around it, then 4 more yellow stitches on diagonals.
• Leaf pair: 1 green stitch on each side of lower flower edge, then 1 green stitch beneath each on the next row.
• Tiny blush bud: 1 or 2 duplicate stitches alone between flowers.

For the closest visual match, place about 18 to 22 yellow flower motifs around the skirt. Keep the lower half denser than the upper half. Add 2 small motifs on each puff sleeve. Add 1 tiny yellow rosette at the center front of the collar.

Shoes

Make 2

The shoes are separate slip-on Mary Jane style shoes in rich yellow. They are short, rounded, and slightly deeper at the toe than the heel.

Using yellow yarn and smaller needles, CO 14 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb, k5, kfb, kfb, k5, kfb. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 3 to 5: Knit.
4. Rnd 6: K6, k2tog four times, k4. 14 sts.
5. Rnd 7: Knit.
6. Rnd 8: K4, BO 3, k4, BO 3. 8 sts remain.

Work upper strap flat over first 4 sts only.

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

Sew back seam and tack the strap across the instep. Slide onto the bunny feet and stitch discreetly in place if the piece is meant for display only.

Straw Hat

The hat sits at a tilt over the bunny’s right ear and forehead. It is shallow rather than deep.

Using straw yellow yarn and larger needles, CO 60 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 6: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rnd 7: Knit.
3. Rnd 8: K8, k2tog, rep around. 54 sts.
4. Rnd 9 to 14: Knit.
5. Rnd 15: K7, k2tog, rep around. 48 sts.
6. Rnd 16 to 20: Knit.
7. Rnd 21: K6, k2tog, rep around. 42 sts.
8. Rnd 22: Knit.
9. Rnd 23: K5, k2tog, rep around. 36 sts.
10. Rnd 24: Knit.
11. Rnd 25: K4, k2tog, rep around. 30 sts.
12. Rnd 26: Knit.

Now work brim.

1. Rnd 27: Kfb around. 60 sts.
2. Rnd 28 to 31: Knit.
3. Rnd 32: Purl.
4. Rnd 33: Knit.
5. BO loosely.

Stuff the crown very lightly with a bit of batting or leave unstuffed and block over a rounded form. A thin wire may be slipped into the brim fold if you want a stronger curve.

Hat Rosettes and Veil

Make 3 rosettes. Two are pale cream and one is golden yellow.

For each rosette, CO 18 sts in chosen color.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, kfb across row. 35 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. BO.

Roll tightly from one end and stitch the base. Add 2 small green leaves beneath the group using simple embroidered chain stitches or knitted leaf tabs made from 3 stitches over 4 rows.

For the veil effect, use very fine cream thread. Sew a light crisscross mesh over one side of the hat front in a loose diamond pattern. Keep it airy and decorative, not dense.

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Pearl-Style Handbag

The handbag is a tiny structured purse with a short rounded handle. To mimic the beaded texture in the image, use seed stitch and optional tiny beads.

Using pearl white yarn, CO 14 sts and work flat.

1. Row 1: K1, p1 across.
2. Row 2: P1, k1 across.
3. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 3 inches.

Fold into a narrow box shape with front, base, back, and flap. Sew side seams. For the clasp frame, embroider two short metallic or beige bars at the flap edge.

For the handle, pick up 12 sts along one side top, BO in the next row, and shape into an arc before sewing the ends down. If you want stronger dimension, make an i-cord of 14 rounds and stitch it on as a handle.

Flower Basket

The basket is small, round, and low with rolled roses filling the top.

Using taupe yarn and smaller needles, CO 6 sts and divide to work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Through back loops only, knit.
8. Rnd 8 to 13: Knit.
9. Rnd 14: Purl.
10. BO.

For the handle, CO 20 sts and work 2 rows of i-cord or narrow garter strip. Sew to opposite sides.

Make 7 to 9 mini roses as for the hat rosettes but smaller. For each mini rose, CO 10 sts, knit 1 row, purl 1 row, kfb across, BO on next row, then roll and sew. Fill the basket opening with the roses and tiny green leaves.

Hedgehog Body

The hedgehog has a short oval body, pale face and tummy, textured dark back, a blue sweater, berry hat, and tiny acorn. It should stand low next to the bunny, reaching around the bunny’s shin.

Using beige yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3 to 6: Knit.
4. Rnd 7: K6, place next 12 sts on a separate needle for face front, k6.

Continue back in spike yarn for the 12 back stitches and beige for face stitches. Work all stitches in the round for 10 rounds.

To make the spikes look fuller, alternate one knit round with one loop-texture round on the back 12 stitches only. For a simple loop round, knit into front of stitch, do not drop old stitch, wrap yarn around thumb once, knit again into same stitch, then drop old stitch. Keep face stitches plain knit.

1. Rnd 18: K2tog every 6th and 7th stitch around. 21 sts.
2. Rnd 19: Knit.
3. Rnd 20: K2tog around except last 1 st. 11 sts.

Stuff firmly. Break yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and close.

Hedgehog Face, Arms, and Feet

Embroider two tiny black eyes on the beige face. Add a small brown nose at the point. Sew two tiny arm nubs if desired by making 2 little tubes: CO 4 sts, knit 6 rounds, BO. Add 2 tiny foot nubs the same way and stitch under the body.

Hedgehog Sweater

Using pale blue yarn, CO 20 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 3: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rnd 4 to 8: Knit.
3. Rnd 9: BO 2, k8, BO 2, k8.

Work front and back flat for 4 rows in stockinette, then join shoulders with sewing. This creates simple arm openings. Slip onto hedgehog and tack under the chin and belly.

Hedgehog Hat

Using berry red yarn, CO 18 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1 to 4: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rnd 5 to 8: Knit.
3. Rnd 9: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 10: Knit.
5. Rnd 11: K2tog around. 6 sts.

Break yarn, gather closed, and add a tiny top nub by tying the yarn tail into a small knot cluster. Tilt the hat forward slightly.

Acorn

Using brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join.

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

Stuff lightly. Change to tan yarn.

1. Rnd 7: Kfb around. 12 sts.
2. Rnd 8: Purl.
3. Rnd 9: Knit.
4. Rnd 10: K2tog around. 6 sts.

Close. Add a tiny stem with one short i-cord or embroidered straight stitch.

Optional Tiny Tea Set

These props are small but visible in the image. Add them if you want the full display scene.

Yellow Lidded Pot

• CO 6 sts, increase evenly to 18 sts over 3 rounds.
• Knit 4 rounds.
• Decrease back to 6 sts over 3 rounds and close.
• Add a tiny separate lid disk and a 3-stitch knob.
• Embroider or knit a short spout and curved handle.

Blue Teapot

• Work as for yellow pot but slightly longer in the body.
• Use pale blue-gray for body and light taupe for lid.
• Add one small cream flower motif on the side with duplicate stitch.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Dress the bunny first, then sew the back of the bodice closed if needed. Slide on the shoes and stitch them invisibly to the feet for a display finish. Sew the arms so the handbag can rest naturally at one side.

Place the hat at a slight angle over the right side of the head. Let one ear fall behind the hat and one ear hang freely. Sew the rosettes at the front side of the brim. Add the veil lightly across the forehead area.

Attach the handbag to the bunny’s hand with a few hidden stitches. Place the flower basket near the other side. Position the hedgehog near the front hem so the scene matches the photo balance.

Care Notes

• Display pieces are best kept out of direct sun to protect the pale yarns.
• Spot clean whenever possible instead of fully soaking.
• Do not machine wash if the piece includes veil thread, beads, or wire.
• Reshape the hat brim and ears gently after handling.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Eyes are level and evenly spaced.
• Nose sits centered below the eye line.
• Ears are sewn symmetrically and hang close to the cheeks.
• Dress flowers are denser on the lower skirt than the upper skirt.
• Waistband sits neatly at the natural waist.
• Hat tilts softly and does not cover both eyes.
• Hedgehog height looks proportional next to the bunny.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a barely damp cloth with mild soap for small marks. Blot, never rub. Let the toy dry flat on a towel away from heat. If the piece becomes dusty, use a clean soft brush and sweep lightly in the direction of the stitches.

For long-term storage, wrap the doll and accessories in acid-free tissue and keep them in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags in humid spaces. Add a note to remind future handling that the veil, flowers, and tiny props are decorative and should be treated gently.