Knitting Tutorial: Summer Lemon Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted bunny set is designed to look like a soft heirloom nursery toy with a fresh summer look. The main bunny wears a lemon-print dress, a yellow hat, matching Mary Jane shoes, and a tiny crossbody bag, with a little mouse friend, a fruit basket, and a folded blanket to complete the scene. This is the kind of handmade knit toy pattern knitters often search for when looking for a stuffed bunny doll, nursery decor toy, handmade gift idea, artisan rabbit doll, or collectible knitted animal design.

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 recreate the full knitted set shown in the image: the tall cream bunny, the lemon dress, yellow brim hat, yellow shoes, small lemon purse, gray mouse in blue overalls, tiny pale blue pail, produce basket, and folded striped blanket.

The shaping is gentle and rounded, with a slightly oversized head, long upright ears, narrow torso, soft tube limbs, and a flared dress. The finished bunny should look delicate and tidy rather than chunky. Keep your stuffing smooth and fairly firm, especially in the head, neck, and upper legs.

The knitting is worked mostly in the round for the toy pieces, with small decorative items worked flat or in tiny rounds. Use a firm gauge so stuffing does not show through. The lemon motifs are added with duplicate stitch for the cleanest result and best likeness to the picture.

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: sport or light DK weight in soft cream or warm ivory
• Dress and accessories yarn: white, lemon yellow, leaf green
• Hat and shoes yarn: lemon yellow
• Mouse yarn: light gray, denim blue, tan, pale blue
• Basket yarn: tan, plus small scraps of red, green, purple, orange
• Blanket yarn: cream and lemon yellow
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) double-pointed needles or long circular for magic loop
• Optional smaller needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) for tiny accessories if you naturally knit loosely
• Stuffing: polyester toy stuffing
• Eyes: 6 mm black safety eyes or embroidered French-knot eyes
• Nose and mouth: brown or taupe embroidery floss
• Buttons: 2 tiny yellow or cream buttons for the shoes, 2 tiny white buttons for dress front if desired
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Waste yarn
• Thin floral wire or pipe cleaner, optional: for ears if you want them extra upright

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge: 30 stitches and 40 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch worked in the round using US 2 (2.75 mm) needles.

Finished bunny size: approximately 12 inches tall seated, or about 14 inches to ear tips if the ears are fully upright.

Finished mouse size: approximately 3 inches tall.

Basket size: about 2 inches wide.

Blanket size: about 4 x 5 inches folded.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• m1L = make 1 left
• m1R = make 1 right
• p = purl
• pm = place marker
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• st st = stockinette stitch
• WS = wrong side

Helpful Construction Notes

• The bunny is made in separate pieces and sewn together.
• The head is slightly larger than the body and must be stuffed firmly.
• The neck should be narrow and stable so the head sits upright.
• The ears are long, slim, and slightly outward-angled, not floppy.
• The arms are straight and soft with very light shaping only.
• The legs are tube-shaped with flat yellow shoes added as separate shoe tops and straps.
• The dress is knit separately from the body and sewn or lightly tacked in place at the shoulders.
• The lemon motifs are small and evenly spaced, with green leaves pointing diagonally upward.

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Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using cream, CO 12 sts evenly over 3 needles. Join to work in the round, taking care not to twist.

1. Rnds 1-18: Knit all sts.
2. Rnd 19: K1, m1R, knit to last st, m1L, k1. 14 sts.
3. Rnds 20-22: Knit.
4. Rnd 23: K1, m1R, knit to last st, m1L, k1. 16 sts.
5. Rnds 24-30: Knit.

Stuff the lower leg lightly, keeping the top 1 inch unstuffed for easier joining. Break yarn on first leg only, leaving stitches live. Make second leg the same, but do not break yarn.

Joining Legs and Lower Body

With second leg on needle, CO 4 sts using backward loop. Knit across live sts of first leg, CO 4 sts, then continue knitting across second leg. 40 sts total.

1. Rnd 1: Knit, placing marker for center back.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K18, m1R, k2, m1L, k18, m1R, k2, m1L. 44 sts.
4. Rnds 4-10: Knit.
5. Rnd 11: K2tog, knit to 2 sts before first bridge center, ssk, k2tog, knit to 2 sts before second bridge center, ssk. 40 sts.
6. Rnds 12-20: Knit.

Stuff the joined legs and lower body firmly, especially around the hip join so the body looks smooth and rounded.

Upper Body and Neck

1. Rnd 21: K8, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k1. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 22: Knit.
3. Rnd 23: K7, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k1. 32 sts.
4. Rnds 24-30: Knit.
5. Rnd 31: K6, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k7, k2tog, k1. 28 sts.
6. Rnds 32-34: Knit.
7. Rnd 35: K2tog around. 14 sts.
8. Rnds 36-40: Knit.

This narrow section forms the neck. Stuff the body firmly before continuing. The neck should feel dense and stable.

Head

1. Rnd 41: Knit front and back into each st around. 28 sts.
2. Rnd 42: K1, m1R around. 42 sts.
3. Rnd 43: K6, m1R, rep around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 44: K7, m1R, rep around. 54 sts.
5. Rnds 45-60: Knit.

Insert eyes between rnds 52 and 53, spacing them 8 sts apart on the front of the face. If embroidering eyes later, mark their positions now.

1. Rnd 61: K7, k2tog, rep around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 62: Knit.
3. Rnd 63: K6, k2tog, rep around. 42 sts.
4. Rnd 64: Knit.
5. Rnd 65: K5, k2tog, rep around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 66: Knit.
7. Rnd 67: K4, k2tog, rep around. 30 sts.

Begin stuffing the head very firmly. Shape the cheeks with small tufts of stuffing placed evenly on both sides of the muzzle area. Keep the face smooth. Do not overstuff the very top yet.

1. Rnd 68: K3, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 69: K2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 70: K1, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.

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

Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 10 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnds 1-6: Knit.
2. Rnd 7: K1, m1R, k4, m1L, k3. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 8-24: Knit.
4. Rnd 25: K2tog, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
5. Rnds 26-28: Knit.

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BO loosely. Stuff only the lower two-thirds of each arm. Flatten the open edge and sew closed. The arms in the image are slim and lightly stuffed, with a soft bend where they meet the body.

Ears Make 2

Using cream, CO 8 sts and divide evenly for knitting in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: K1, m1R, k2, m1L, k1, m1R, k2, m1L. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, m1R, knit to 1 st before halfway, m1L, k2, m1R, knit to last st, m1L, k1. 16 sts.
5. Rnds 5-22: Knit.
6. Rnd 23: K2tog, k4, ssk, k2tog, k4, ssk. 12 sts.
7. Rnd 24: Knit.
8. Rnd 25: K2tog, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, ssk. 8 sts.
9. Rnds 26-30: Knit.

BO. Do not stuff. Flatten each ear gently so it becomes a tall oval shape with softly pointed tips. For extra structure, insert a very thin pipe cleaner or floral wire wrapped in yarn before sewing shut at the base.

Facial Shaping

The bunny’s face is simple and sweet. Use the eyes as the main guide for placement. The muzzle area should be softly rounded, with a tiny stitched nose and a short split mouth.

• Using matching cream yarn, add two small sculpting stitches from the lower side of one eye to the outer muzzle and repeat on the other side to create gentle cheek definition.
• Embroider the nose in brown or taupe as a tiny upside-down triangle centered about 4 rounds below the eyes.
• Add a straight vertical stitch down from the nose.
• Add a short angled mouth stitch to each side for a neat bunny expression.

Yellow Mary Jane Shoes

The shoes are made as decorative coverings over the lower feet. They should fit snugly and look rounded, with a strap across the front.

Shoe Base Make 2

Using yellow, pick up 12 sts around the foot opening near the ankle of one leg, about 3 rounds above the leg cast-on edge.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: K1, m1R, knit to last st, m1L, k1. 14 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, m1R, knit to last st, m1L, k1. 16 sts.
5. Rnds 5-7: Knit.
6. Rnd 8: K6, k2tog, k6, k2tog. 14 sts.
7. Rnd 9: Knit.
8. Rnd 10: K5, k2tog, k5, k2tog. 12 sts.

BO and sew the sole edge under slightly so the shoe forms a rounded slipper shape over the foot.

Shoe Strap Make 2

Using yellow, CO 6 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Knit.
3. Rep Rows 1-2 until strap measures 1 1/4 inches.

BO. Sew one side of strap to shoe side, bring over top of foot, and secure other side with a tiny yellow or cream button. The strap should sit high on the foot like the picture.

Lemon Dress

The dress is a separate knitted garment worked from the lower skirt upward. The skirt is flared, the waist is neat, and the bodice is simple with a tiny open collar. The lemon motifs are added after knitting with duplicate stitch.

Skirt

Using white, CO 96 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Purl.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: Purl.

This creates a soft hem edge.

1. Rnds 5-20: Knit.
2. Rnd 21: K10, k2tog, rep around. 88 sts.
3. Rnds 22-25: Knit.
4. Rnd 26: K9, k2tog, rep around. 80 sts.
5. Rnds 27-30: Knit.
6. Rnd 31: K8, k2tog, rep around. 72 sts.
7. Rnds 32-35: Knit.
8. Rnd 36: K7, k2tog, rep around. 64 sts.
9. Rnds 37-40: Knit.
10. Rnd 41: K6, k2tog, rep around. 56 sts.
11. Rnds 42-44: Knit.

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Bodice

Switch to working flat for the opening at the back.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit 28, BO 0, turn and place remaining 28 sts on hold if preferred.

For simplicity, work back and forth across all 56 sts and seam the back opening later.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Rows 3-8: Rep Rows 1-2.
4. Row 9 RS: K2, k2tog, k22, k2tog, k2, k2, ssk, k22, ssk, k2. 52 sts.
5. Row 10 WS: Purl.
6. Row 11 RS: Knit.
7. Row 12 WS: Purl.
8. Row 13 RS: K2, k2tog, k20, k2tog, k2, k2, ssk, k20, ssk, k2. 48 sts.
9. Row 14 WS: Purl.
10. Rows 15-18: Rep Rows 11-14. 44 sts after final shaping row.

Separate for fronts and back as follows.

• Right front: 10 sts
• Back: 24 sts
• Left front: 10 sts

Right Front

1. Row 1 RS: K10.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3 RS: K8, k2tog. 9 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: Purl.
5. Row 5 RS: K7, k2tog. 8 sts.
6. Row 6 WS: Purl.
7. Rows 7-10: Work even.

BO 3 sts at armhole edge once, then work 5 sts for shoulder for 2 more rows. BO.

Left Front

Work to mirror right front, using ssk at neck edge.

Back

1. Work 24 sts even for 6 rows.
2. BO 3 sts at beginning of next 2 rows for armholes. 18 sts.
3. Work 4 rows even.
4. BO center 8 sts for neck.
5. Work each shoulder separately for 2 rows on 5 sts.
6. BO.

Collar

Using white, pick up 24 sts evenly around neck edge.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3 RS: K2, m1R, knit to last 2 sts, m1L, k2. 26 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: Purl.
5. Row 5 RS: Knit.

BO loosely. Fold collar slightly outward and tack down lightly so it sits open and soft like the image.

Dress Sleeves Tiny Cap Sleeves

Using white, pick up 14 sts around each armhole.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Purl.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.

BO loosely.

Lemon Motifs on Dress

Using duplicate stitch, add 10 to 12 lemons around the skirt and upper dress front, matching the scattered placement in the image. Each lemon is worked over approximately 5 sts wide and 7 rows high.

For each lemon, stitch an oval in yellow:

• Row 1 of motif: 1 stitch
• Row 2: 3 stitches
• Row 3: 5 stitches
• Row 4: 5 stitches
• Row 5: 5 stitches
• Row 6: 3 stitches
• Row 7: 1 stitch

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Add two green leaves near the top of each lemon, angled to one side or spread slightly apart. Keep the motifs evenly spaced but not rigidly symmetrical. The image shows a soft all-over lemon print, not a formal repeating chart.

Yellow Hat

The hat is a fitted cloche-style bucket hat with a soft downward brim and one green leaf accent.

Using yellow, CO 48 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnds 1-10: Knit.
2. Rnd 11: K7, m1R, rep around. 54 sts.
3. Rnd 12: Knit.
4. Rnd 13: K8, m1R, rep around. 60 sts.
5. Rnds 14-17: Knit.
6. Rnd 18: Purl.
7. Rnd 19: Knit.
8. Rnd 20: Purl.
9. Rnds 21-24: Knit.
10. Rnd 25: K9, m1R, rep around. 66 sts.
11. Rnds 26-28: Knit.

BO loosely. The purl ridges help the brim turn gently downward. Sew a tiny green knitted or embroidered leaf on one side of the crown.

Leaf Accent

Using green, CO 3 sts.

1. Row 1: Kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, m1R, k1, m1L, k1. 7 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: Ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: Ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
8. Row 8: Purl.
9. Row 9: K3tog.

Fasten off and sew to hat.

Lemon Purse

The purse is a tiny flat-front bag with a rounded bottom and a long crossbody strap.

Bag Body

Using yellow, CO 10 sts and work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, m1R, knit to last st, m1L, k1. 12 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Rows 5-12: Work even in st st.
6. Row 13 RS: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 10 sts.
7. Row 14 WS: Purl.
8. Row 15 RS: Knit.
9. Row 16 WS: Purl.

Make a second matching piece. Sew together around sides and bottom, leaving top open.

Flap Optional

For a slight flap look, pick up 10 sts at top back edge and work 4 rows in stockinette, then BO. Fold forward.

Strap

CO 3 sts using yellow. Work i-cord for 10 inches. BO and sew to bag sides. Add a tiny duplicate-stitched lemon circle to the front if desired.

Little Mouse Friend

Mouse Legs and Body

Using gray, CO 8 sts for first leg. Knit in the round for 6 rnds. Break yarn. Make second leg the same.

Join legs with 2 CO sts between them. 18 sts total.

1. Rnds 1-6: Knit.
2. Rnd 7: K1, m1R, k7, m1L, k1, m1R, k7, m1L. 22 sts.
3. Rnds 8-12: Knit.
4. Rnd 13: K2tog around to 11 sts.
5. Rnds 14-16: Knit.

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Mouse Head

1. Rnd 17: Knit front and back into each st around, then add one extra m1 at end. 23 sts.
2. Rnds 18-23: Knit.
3. Rnd 24: K1, k2tog around. 15 sts.
4. Rnd 25: Knit.
5. Rnd 26: K2tog around, last st knit. 8 sts.

Stuff firmly. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

Mouse Arms Make 2

CO 6 sts in gray. Knit in the round for 10 rnds. BO. Stuff minimally and sew on.

Mouse Ears Make 2

Using gray, CO 10 sts. Work 4 rows st st. Gather lower edge into a small cup shape and sew to head.

Mouse Tail

Work a 3-stitch i-cord for 2 inches in gray. Sew to lower back.

Mouse Face

Add tiny black eyes, a pink-gray nose, and a few short whisker stitches.

Mouse Blue Overalls

Using blue, CO 20 sts and join.

1. Rnds 1-6: Knit.
2. Rnd 7: K2tog around. 10 sts.
3. Rnds 8-10: Knit.

BO. Add two tiny straps by picking up 2 sts at front, knitting 8 rows garter for each strap, and sewing to back. The overalls should stop below the mouse chin and leave the small gray arms visible.

Mouse Hat

Using tan, CO 20 sts and join.

1. Rnds 1-4: Knit.
2. Rnd 5: K4, m1R, rep around. 24 sts.
3. Rnds 6-7: Knit.
4. Rnd 8: Purl.
5. Rnd 9: Knit.

BO loosely and place low on the mouse head.

Mini Pail

Using pale blue, CO 12 sts and join.

1. Rnds 1-4: Knit.
2. Rnd 5: Purl.
3. Rnd 6: Knit.

BO. Make a short handle from a 2-st i-cord and sew to sides.

Fruit Basket

Basket Body

Using tan, CO 24 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Purl.
3. Rnds 3-8: Knit.

Flatten slightly into an oval and sew base closed if needed. For a firmer shape, stitch through the inside base with matching yarn. Add a handle with a 3-stitch i-cord about 4 inches long.

Tiny Fruit and Vegetables

Make several tiny stuffed shapes to fill the basket.

• Strawberry: CO 6 sts in red, increase to 12 sts, knit 4 rnds, decrease to close, add green top.
• Pear: CO 6 sts in green, increase to 14 sts, knit 5 rnds, decrease, add brown stem.
• Eggplant: CO 6 sts in purple, increase to 12 sts, knit 6 rnds, decrease, add green cap.
• Carrot: CO 6 sts in orange, knit 1 rnd, then decrease gradually over 6 rnds, add green top.

Keep each piece about 3/4 inch tall so the basket remains in scale with the bunny.

Folded Blanket

The folded blanket is a small rectangle with simple stripes in cream and yellow.

Using cream, CO 28 sts.

1. Rows 1-8: Knit every row in cream.
2. Rows 9-16: Knit every row in yellow.
3. Rows 17-24: Knit every row in cream.
4. Rows 25-32: Knit every row in yellow.
5. Rows 33-40: Knit every row in cream.

BO. Fold neatly into thirds, then once again, and place beside the mouse as shown.

Assembly

1. Sew the arms to the bunny body about 2 rounds below the neck narrowing.
2. Sew the ears to the top of the head, spaced about 6 stitches apart, angled slightly outward.
3. Dress the bunny in the lemon dress and tack the back closed neatly.
4. Put on the yellow hat so it sits low, just above the eyes and below the ear bases.
5. Add the purse diagonally across the body from shoulder to opposite hip.
6. Attach or position the shoes so the straps face outward.
7. Seat the bunny with the legs forward and the arms relaxed at the sides.
8. Place the mouse on the table edge beside the bunny.
9. Set the mini pail beside the mouse.
10. Arrange the basket on the opposite side and the folded blanket nearby.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the bunny head sits straight and does not wobble. Add a few hidden stitches through the back neck if extra support is needed. Shape the cheeks gently with your fingers after stuffing. Keep the nose tiny, centered, and slightly lower than halfway between the eyes and chin. The face should stay minimal and calm.

Care Notes

Display toys like this are best kept away from strong sunlight, dust buildup, and constant handling. If the piece is meant for gentle play, make sure all sewn parts are extra secure and avoid removable small buttons for young children.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both ears the same height and angle?
• Is the head stuffed firmly and centered?
• Do the eyes sit evenly?
• Does the dress flare naturally?
• Are the lemon motifs balanced across the front?
• Does the hat sit low and rounded?
• Is the purse strap the correct crossbody length?
• Do the mouse, basket, and blanket match the bunny’s scale?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a lightly damp cloth and mild soap only when needed. Blot instead of rubbing. Reshape while damp and let dry flat on a towel. Do not machine wash, wring, or tumble dry. For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and keep in a breathable cotton bag in a cool, dry place.