Knitting Tutorial: Classic Red Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Classic Red Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted bunny set is designed to look like a boutique heirloom toy with a soft farmhouse style. The finished design includes a cream bunny wearing a deep red dress, matching shoes, a cloche-style hat with a pale bow, a crossbody bag, a tiny strawberry basket, a hedgehog friend with a mushroom, and a mini watering can. If you love collectible stuffed animals, handmade nursery decor, knitted soft toys, cottagecore gifts, rabbit dolls, and artisan toy patterns, this project is a beautiful choice for your next handmade piece.

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 worked mostly flat in small shaped pieces, then seamed and stuffed. The overall look depends on neat finishing, firm stuffing, and careful placement of each accessory.

The bunny in the photo has a long, softly rounded body, a medium-size head, slim arms, short shaped legs, long drooping ears, a gathered dress, Mary Jane-style shoes, and a fitted red hat. The hedgehog and accessories are also knitted to match the same storybook style.

For the closest visual match, use smooth DK yarn with strong stitch definition. Keep tension fairly tight so the stuffing does not show through. Most pieces are small, so double-pointed needles may be used if preferred, but the instructions below are written for flat knitting.

Materials

  • Main bunny color: DK yarn in soft cream, approximately 120 to 140 g
  • Dress, shoes, bag, hat: DK yarn in deep classic red, approximately 120 g total
  • Trim color: DK yarn in white or soft ivory, approximately 20 g
  • Hat bow: DK yarn in pale pink or pale lilac, very small amount
  • Hedgehog body: DK yarn in warm beige, approximately 15 g
  • Hedgehog spikes: DK yarn in brown-gray marl, approximately 15 g
  • Hedgehog vest: DK yarn in moss green, small amount
  • Mushroom cap: DK yarn in red
  • Mushroom stem: DK yarn in cream
  • Strawberries: small amounts of red and green
  • Basket: small amount of tan or natural brown
  • Watering can: small amount of soft gray and mint green
  • Needles: US 2.5 / 3.0 mm and US 3 / 3.25 mm
  • Tapestry needle
  • Removable stitch markers
  • Toy stuffing
  • Black embroidery floss or fine black yarn for face details
  • Small white buttons: 5 for the dress front and straps
  • Thin cardboard circle optional for stabilizing the hat brim

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge is not critically important for a decorative toy, but keeping the same proportion is important. On smaller needles, aim for approximately 26 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using DK yarn.

The finished bunny measures about 12 to 13 inches tall from feet to top of hat. The hedgehog measures about 4 inches tall. The basket, watering can, and mushroom are miniature accessories sized to fit the table display shown in the photo.

Abbreviations

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

Notes Before You Begin

The bunny is made from separate pieces: head, body front, body back, arms, legs, ears, hat, shoes, dress, and bag. The body shape is slightly tapered at the shoulders and fuller at the lower torso. The head is round but slightly longer than a perfect ball.

The dress sits high on the chest and flares outward gently. The bag is very small and rests at hip level. The hat has a rounded crown and a downward-angled brim. The ears hang beneath the hat and extend to about chest level.

When sewing pieces together, compare constantly to the photo. The charm of this design comes from proportion: a calm face, slightly long limbs, short feet, and accessories that look tiny beside the bunny.

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Bunny Head

Make 2 in cream.

  1. CO 14 sts.
  2. Row 1: Purl.
  3. Row 2: K1, inc 1, knit to last 2 sts, inc 1, k1. 16 sts.
  4. Row 3: Purl.
  5. Row 4: K1, inc 1, knit to last 2 sts, inc 1, k1. 18 sts.
  6. Row 5: Purl.
  7. Row 6: K1, inc 1, knit to last 2 sts, inc 1, k1. 20 sts.
  8. Row 7: Purl.
  9. Row 8: K1, inc 1, knit to last 2 sts, inc 1, k1. 22 sts.
  10. Row 9: Purl.
  11. Row 10: K1, inc 1, knit to last 2 sts, inc 1, k1. 24 sts.
  12. Row 11: Purl.
  13. Row 12: K1, inc 1, knit to last 2 sts, inc 1, k1. 26 sts.
  14. Rows 13 to 27: Work 15 rows in st st, beginning with a purl row.
  15. Row 28: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
  16. Row 29: Purl.
  17. Row 30: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
  18. Row 31: Purl.
  19. Row 32: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
  20. Row 33: Purl.
  21. Row 34: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
  22. Row 35: Purl.
  23. Row 36: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
  24. Row 37: Purl.
  25. Row 38: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
  26. BO knitwise.

Place the two head pieces together with RS facing outward. Mattress stitch around the curved sides and top, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff firmly but smoothly. Do not overstuff the sides. The face should stay soft, not square.

Bunny Body

Make 2 in cream.

  1. CO 20 sts.
  2. Row 1: Purl.
  3. Row 2: K1, inc 1, knit to last 2 sts, inc 1, k1. 22 sts.
  4. Row 3: Purl.
  5. Row 4: K1, inc 1, knit to last 2 sts, inc 1, k1. 24 sts.
  6. Row 5: Purl.
  7. Row 6: K1, inc 1, knit to last 2 sts, inc 1, k1. 26 sts.
  8. Rows 7 to 23: Work 17 rows in st st.
  9. Row 24: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 24 sts.
  10. Row 25: Purl.
  11. Row 26: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 22 sts.
  12. Rows 27 to 31: Work 5 rows in st st.
  13. Row 32: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 20 sts.
  14. Row 33: Purl.
  15. Row 34: K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. 18 sts.
  16. Rows 35 to 39: Work 5 rows in st st.
  17. BO.

Sew body side seams and lower edge. Stuff bottom firmly and upper body a little more lightly. The body should stand straight once legs are attached but still look soft and plush.

Bunny Legs

Make 2 in cream.

  1. CO 10 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in garter stitch.
  3. Row 5: K1, inc 1, knit to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 12 sts.
  4. Row 6: Purl.
  5. Row 7: Knit.
  6. Row 8: Purl.
  7. Row 9: K1, inc 1, knit to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 14 sts.
  8. Rows 10 to 18: Work 9 rows in st st, ending with WS row.
  9. Row 19: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
  10. Row 20: Purl.
  11. Row 21: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  12. Rows 22 to 26: Work 5 rows in st st.
  13. BO.

Fold each leg lengthwise and sew seam. Lightly stuff only the upper two-thirds. Leave the lower foot area flatter so the red knitted shoes fit neatly. Attach legs evenly to lower body, spaced about 1 stitch apart in the center front.

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Bunny Arms

Make 2 in cream.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 18: Work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
  3. Row 19: K1, inc 1, knit to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 20: Purl.
  5. Rows 21 to 24: Work in st st.
  6. BO.

Sew arm seams. Stuff lightly. Flatten upper edges and sew to body just below head seam. Angle arms slightly downward so they rest naturally at the bunny’s sides as in the photo.

Bunny Ears

Make 4 in cream.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1: Purl.
  3. Row 2: K1, inc 1, knit to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 3: Purl.
  5. Row 4: Knit.
  6. Row 5: Purl.
  7. Row 6: K1, inc 1, knit to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 12 sts.
  8. Rows 7 to 19: Work 13 rows in st st.
  9. Row 20: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  10. Row 21: Purl.
  11. Row 22: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  12. Row 23: Purl.
  13. Row 24: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
  14. BO.

Sew ear pairs together around sides and tip, leaving lower edge open. Do not stuff. Lightly steam if needed so they hang smoothly. Sew ears to top sides of head, slightly behind centerline, so they fall straight down beside the face.

Red Shoes

Make 2 in red.

  1. CO 12 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in garter stitch.
  3. Row 5: Knit.
  4. Row 6: Purl.
  5. Row 7: K2tog, knit 8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  6. Row 8: Purl.
  7. Row 9: K2tog, knit 6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  8. Row 10: Purl.
  9. Rows 11 to 14: Work 4 rows in st st.
  10. BO.

Sew back seam and gather toe slightly underneath to form a rounded slipper shape. Slip shoes over flattened feet and sew in place. Embroider or knit a narrow instep strap in matching red, leaving a tiny opening at center top to mimic the Mary Jane shape from the photo.

Dress Skirt

Make 1 in red.

  1. CO 60 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 3: Work in garter stitch.
  3. Change to white trim color.
  4. Row 4: Knit.
  5. Row 5: Purl.
  6. Change back to red.
  7. Rows 6 to 21: Work 16 rows in st st.
  8. Row 22: K2tog across row. 30 sts.
  9. Row 23: Purl.
  10. Row 24: K1, k2tog across to last 2 sts, k2. 21 sts.
  11. Row 25: Purl.
  12. Rows 26 to 30: Work 5 rows in st st.
  13. BO.

Sew short side seam to form a skirt tube. The white lower edge should sit visibly above the bunny’s shoes. Gather top edge very slightly if needed and fit around the lower chest.

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Dress Bib Front

Make 1 in red.

  1. CO 11 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 10: Work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
  3. Row 11: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 9 sts.
  4. Row 12: Purl.
  5. Rows 13 to 18: Work in st st.
  6. BO.

With white trim color, work a simple embroidered chain or backstitch edging down one diagonal front edge and across the top edge to mimic the white piping seen in the photo.

Dress Back Band

Make 1 in red.

  1. CO 18 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 8: Work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
  3. BO.

This small band helps cover the upper back area beneath the straps.

Dress Straps

Make 2 in red.

  1. CO 3 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 16: Knit all rows.
  3. BO.

Sew skirt around body first. Then place bib front at center chest. Sew back band across upper back. Attach straps from upper front bib, over shoulders, to back band. Add two small white buttons on the front top corners and three tiny white buttons vertically on the bib front as shown.

Crossbody Bag

Make 2 bag pieces in red.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
  3. Row 7: K1, inc 1, knit to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 8: Purl.
  5. Rows 9 to 11: Work in st st.
  6. BO.

Make flap trim by embroidering or surface-seaming white edging around the front flap line. Sew bag front and back together around sides and lower edge. Stuff with a tiny pinch of filling only if desired.

For strap, CO 2 sts in red and knit 28 rows in garter. BO. Sew strap to bag sides and position diagonally across bunny from left shoulder to right hip, matching the photo.

Cloche Hat Crown

Make 2 in red.

  1. CO 12 sts.
  2. Row 1: Purl.
  3. Row 2: K1, inc 1, knit to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 14 sts.
  4. Row 3: Purl.
  5. Row 4: K1, inc 1, knit to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 16 sts.
  6. Row 5: Purl.
  7. Rows 6 to 16: Work 11 rows in st st.
  8. Row 17: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
  9. Row 18: Purl.
  10. Row 19: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
  11. BO.

Sew crown pieces together around sides and top curve. Lightly stuff the very top only if needed. The hat should stay soft, not rigid.

Cloche Hat Brim

Make 1 in red.

  1. CO 44 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in garter stitch.
  3. Row 5: K2, inc 1, knit to last 2 sts, inc 1, k2. 46 sts.
  4. Row 6: Knit.
  5. Row 7: K2, inc 1, knit to last 2 sts, inc 1, k2. 48 sts.
  6. Rows 8 to 10: Knit all rows.
  7. BO loosely.

Sew short ends together to form a ring. Attach one long edge to lower edge of crown, easing evenly. Turn lower edge downward to create the soft rolled cloche shape. If you want extra structure, slip a thin cardboard arc inside before final closing, but keep the finish gentle and natural.

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Hat Band and Bow

Band in pale pink or pale lilac:

  1. CO 3 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 18: Knit all rows.
  3. BO.

Bow center piece:

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: Knit all rows.
  3. BO.

Gather center of the bow piece and wrap with matching yarn. Sew onto one side of the hat band. Sew band around hat base. Place hat slightly forward on bunny’s head so the brim frames the face as in the photo.

Mini Strawberry Basket

Basket

  1. CO 10 sts in tan.
  2. Rows 1 to 6: Knit all rows.
  3. Pick up and knit 6 sts along first side, 10 sts along opposite base edge, 6 sts along second side. 32 sts total.
  4. Work 4 rounds in garter if using dpns, or 4 rows flat in garter after dividing logically.
  5. BO.

If knitting flat, seam side afterward. Shape gently into a shallow basket. For handle, CO 2 sts and knit 12 rows. BO and sew to opposite sides.

Strawberries

Make 5 to 7 in red.

  1. CO 6 sts.
  2. Row 1: Purl.
  3. Row 2: K1, inc 1, k2, inc 1, k2. 8 sts.
  4. Row 3: Purl.
  5. Row 4: Knit.
  6. Row 5: P2tog across. 4 sts.
  7. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight.

Add tiny green tops by embroidering short leaf stitches. Stuff very lightly if desired. Place berries inside basket.

Hedgehog Body Front and Back

Make 2 body pieces in beige.

  1. CO 10 sts.
  2. Row 1: Purl.
  3. Row 2: K1, inc 1, knit to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 12 sts.
  4. Row 3: Purl.
  5. Row 4: K1, inc 1, knit to last 1 st, inc 1, k1. 14 sts.
  6. Rows 5 to 13: Work 9 rows in st st.
  7. Row 14: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
  8. Row 15: Purl.
  9. Row 16: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  10. Row 17: Purl.
  11. BO.

Make 1 head-back piece in spike color using same instructions, but work rows 5 to 13 in garter or reverse stockinette for more texture. Add extra short loop stitches or brushed yarn texture if desired.

Sew hedgehog body together, placing spiky section at back and top. Stuff firmly. The hedgehog should be plump and upright.

Hedgehog Arms and Feet

Arms, make 2 in beige:

  1. CO 4 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 8: Knit all rows.
  3. BO.

Feet, make 2 in beige:

  1. CO 4 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: Knit all rows.
  3. BO.

Sew tiny rolled arms to sides and feet to base front.

Hedgehog Vest

Make 1 in green.

  1. CO 14 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 2: Knit.
  3. Rows 3 to 8: Work in st st.
  4. BO.

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Wrap around shoulders like a tiny open vest and tack in place at sides only.

Mushroom

Stem

  1. CO 5 sts in cream.
  2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in st st.
  3. BO.

Sew into a tiny tube and stuff lightly.

Cap

  1. CO 8 sts in red.
  2. Rows 1 to 2: Work in st st.
  3. Row 3: K2tog, knit 4, k2tog. 6 sts.
  4. Row 4: Purl.
  5. BO.

Sew cap seam, place over stem, and add two or three white embroidered dots.

Watering Can

Main Body

  1. CO 10 sts in gray.
  2. Rows 1 to 8: Work in st st.
  3. BO.

Sew into a short cylinder. Gather one side partially for the base and lightly stuff. Flatten the upper opening so it looks like a tiny can.

Spout

  1. CO 3 sts in gray.
  2. Rows 1 to 8: Knit all rows.
  3. BO.

Roll into a narrow tube and sew at front angle.

Handle

  1. CO 2 sts in gray.
  2. Rows 1 to 7: Knit all rows.
  3. BO.

Sew as a curved handle at back. Add a tiny mint-green knitted nub or embroidered tip at end of spout for the soft whimsical look shown in the image.

Facial Embroidery Placement

The bunny face is minimal and calm. Use black embroidery floss split to a fine strand if needed. Eyes are tiny vertical oval knots or satin stitches, spaced wide apart and placed slightly below head center.

The nose is formed with two short diagonal stitches meeting at a point. From that center point, embroider a short vertical line downward, then a tiny split mouth. Keep the expression neutral and gentle. The face should not look cartoonish.

The hedgehog has two tiny black eyes, a small dark nose, and one short curved smile line. Keep the features very small so the hedgehog remains delicate beside the bunny.

Assembly Order

  • Sew and stuff head
  • Sew and stuff body
  • Attach legs to body
  • Attach arms angled slightly downward
  • Sew head to body with firm ladder stitch
  • Attach ears to head
  • Fit and sew shoes in place
  • Dress bunny with skirt, bib, back band, and straps
  • Add buttons and white trim details
  • Sew crossbody bag across torso
  • Make hat, add band and bow, then secure on head
  • Make basket, strawberries, hedgehog, mushroom, and watering can

Styling Tips for a Photo-Accurate Finish

Head-to-body proportion: The head is only slightly wider than the upper body. Do not make the head oversized.

Ear length: Ears should reach approximately to the top of the dress bib when hanging freely.

Arm placement: Arms begin just below the shoulder seam and end around the dress waist level.

Leg length: Legs are short compared with the body, which helps the bunny look seated or standing softly rather than rigid.

Dress shape: The skirt should flare, but not too widely. It should hang close to the bunny body with a gentle bell shape.

Hat angle: Tilt the brim slightly downward in front. This is one of the most important details for matching the image.

Bag size: The bag is tiny. Keep it proportional so it looks decorative, not functional.

Accessory scale: The hedgehog reaches only to about the bunny’s knee or slightly above. The basket and watering can should be much smaller than the hedgehog.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the head securely to the stuffed body using a strong matching yarn and small stitches all the way around the neck seam. Shape the cheeks gently with your fingers before closing fully. Embroider the bunny’s face last so you can adjust the eye level after the hat and ears are attached.

For the best likeness, keep all facial features small, centered, and calm. Avoid large eyes or a wide smile. Lightly tack the ears behind the hat brim and secure the hat at two or three hidden points so it stays forward-facing.

Care Notes

Display toys like this one are best suited to gentle handling. Spot clean whenever possible. If the toy is for décor, keep it away from direct sunlight for long periods so the red yarn stays rich and even.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Both ears are even in length and sewn at the same height
  • Arms angle slightly downward and match each other
  • Dress bib is centered and straps are symmetrical
  • Buttons are evenly spaced
  • Hat sits low and slightly forward
  • Bag rests diagonally across the body at hip height
  • Face embroidery is balanced and minimal
  • Accessories are scaled small beside the bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a clean damp cloth with mild soap for spot cleaning. Never twist or wring the knitted pieces. Pat gently with a towel and air dry flat, reshaping the hat brim, ears, and dress while damp. Store in a breathable cotton bag or on a clean shelf away from dust, moisture, and strong heat.

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