Knitting Tutorial: Gingerbread Baker Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet gingerbread baker bunny is designed as a festive handmade bunny doll with a cozy holiday look, making it perfect for Christmas shelf decor, a collectible soft toy, a thoughtful knitted gift, or charming nursery decor. The design combines a warm brown bunny, a gingerbread-inspired dress, a bright red snowflake cardigan, and tiny baking accessories for a boutique-style finish. If you love heirloom-style animal dolls, seasonal rabbit decorations, or cute stuffed bunny patterns that look lovely in a craft room or gift shop, this project is made to closely match the photographed piece.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Overview

This pattern is written to create a seated knitted bunny with long upright ears, a rounded head, a softly shaped muzzle, slim arms, dangling legs, and a gingerbread-style outfit with holiday accessories.

The finished bunny is intended to sit on the edge of a shelf or table just like the bunny in the image. The legs hang down naturally, the arms sit slightly forward, and the head is proportioned large enough to give a gentle toy-like character.

The pattern is worked mostly flat and seamed. Small details such as the cardigan motifs, icing trim, candy buttons, purse, tray, cookies, and little hood decorations are added afterward.

Skill Level

Intermediate

• You should be comfortable with knit, purl, increasing, decreasing, picking up stitches, simple color placement, mattress stitch seaming, and light toy shaping.
• The actual stitch patterns are straightforward, but the finishing details are what make this bunny look accurate to the photo.

Finished Size

• Full height from feet to ear tips: about 12 inches / 30.5 cm
• Seated height from bottom to ear tips: about 10.5 inches / 26.5 cm
• Head height: about 2.75 inches / 7 cm
• Body height from neck to lower edge of skirt: about 4.25 inches / 11 cm
• Ear length: about 3 inches / 7.5 cm each

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: DK weight in warm light brown, 50 g
• Muzzle and inner neutral areas if needed: same brown yarn
• Cardigan yarn: DK weight in bright red, 25 g
• Hood yarn: DK weight in cream or white, 15 g
• Skirt and purse yarn: DK weight in gingerbread tan, 20 g
• Socks: DK weight in cream, small amount
• Shoes: DK weight in dark brown, small amount
• Icing trim: DK or sport weight in white, small amount
• Decorative bobbles and candy details: scraps of pink, green, blue, yellow, and red
• Optional cookie dots: tiny scraps of red and brown
• Needles: 2.75 mm and 3 mm straight needles or DPNs if you prefer
• Tapestry needle
• Toy stuffing
• Black embroidery thread or 6 mm safety eyes
• Thin white cord or chain stitch for neckline bow
• Tiny jingle bell
• Small metal clasp frame for purse if desired, or embroider a faux clasp
• Thin craft wire or card insert for baking tray, optional
• Stitch markers

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on 3 mm needles after light blocking.

Exact gauge matters because the proportions are a big part of matching the photographed bunny. A loose gauge will make the bunny too floppy and too large, while a tight gauge can make shaping stiff and difficult.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• st st = stockinette stitch
• g st = garter stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• M1 = make 1 increase

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Construction Notes

• The bunny is made from separate knitted pieces: 2 legs, 2 arms, front body, back body, head, 2 ears, cardigan fronts and back, sleeves, hood, skirt trim, purse, tray, and cookies.
• The head is slightly wider than the upper body.
• The body is narrow at the neck, broader at the skirt, and softly stuffed so it can sit.
• The arms are slim and lightly stuffed.
• The legs are longer than the body depth so they dangle when seated on an edge.
• The ears are long and taper gently to rounded points.
• The cardigan is short, cropped, and opens at the front.
• The hood sits low around the face and does not fully cover the ears.

Legs Make 2

Shoe Section in Dark Brown

Using 3 mm needles and dark brown yarn, CO 12 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p12.
2. Row 2 RS: k12.
3. Row 3: p12.
4. Row 4: k12.
5. Row 5: p12.
6. Row 6: k1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
7. Row 7: p14.
8. Row 8: k14.
9. Row 9: p14.
10. Row 10: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
11. Row 11: p12.

Sock Section in Cream

Join cream yarn.

1. Row 12 RS: k12.
2. Row 13: p12.
3. Row 14: k12.
4. Row 15: p12.
5. Row 16: k12.
6. Row 17: p12.

Leg Section in Light Brown

Join light brown yarn.

1. Row 18 RS: k12.
2. Row 19: p12.
3. Rows 20-43: continue in st st for 24 rows total from Row 18.
4. Row 44 RS: k3, k2tog, k2, ssk, k3. 10 sts.
5. Row 45: p10.
6. Row 46: k10.
7. Row 47: p10.
8. BO knitwise.

Do not overstuff the shoe. Fill the shoe firmly, the sock lightly, and the leg moderately so the leg bends naturally when the bunny sits. Make the second leg the same.

Leg Bow Ties

Using red yarn, make 2 short cords or narrow i-cords, each about 4 inches / 10 cm long. Tie one around each ankle over the sock section and trim the ends neatly to resemble the red bows in the photo.

Arms Make 2

Using 3 mm needles and light brown yarn, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p10.
2. Row 2 RS: k10.
3. Rows 3-7: continue in st st for 5 rows.
4. Row 8 RS: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
5. Row 9: p12.
6. Rows 10-21: continue in st st.
7. Row 22 RS: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 23: p10.
9. Rows 24-27: continue in st st.
10. BO knitwise.

Seam each arm, stuff lightly, and shape the hand end so it is gently rounded. The arms in the image are slim and soft, not stiff.

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Body Front

The body front includes the gingerbread dress base. The lower portion is wider and slightly flared so it resembles a dress when the cardigan is added.

Using 3 mm needles and gingerbread tan yarn, CO 24 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p24.
2. Row 2 RS: k24.
3. Row 3: p24.
4. Row 4: k2, M1, k20, M1, k2. 26 sts.
5. Row 5: p26.
6. Row 6: k26.
7. Row 7: p26.
8. Row 8: k2, M1, k22, M1, k2. 28 sts.
9. Row 9: p28.
10. Row 10: k28.
11. Row 11: p28.
12. Row 12: k2, M1, k24, M1, k2. 30 sts.
13. Row 13: p30.
14. Rows 14-21: continue in st st.
15. Row 22 RS: k4, k2tog, k18, ssk, k4. 28 sts.
16. Row 23: p28.
17. Row 24: k4, k2tog, k16, ssk, k4. 26 sts.
18. Row 25: p26.
19. Row 26: k26.
20. Row 27: p26.
21. Row 28: k3, k2tog, k16, ssk, k3. 24 sts.
22. Row 29: p24.
23. Row 30: k24.
24. Row 31: p24.
25. Row 32: k2, k2tog, k16, ssk, k2. 22 sts.
26. Row 33: p22.
27. Rows 34-37: continue in st st.

Neck Shaping

1. Row 38 RS: k8, BO 6, k8.
2. Row 39: p8 on first shoulder, join second side and p8.
3. Row 40: k7, k2tog. On other side, ssk, k7. 7 sts each side.
4. Row 41: p7 each side.
5. Row 42: k7 each side.
6. BO both shoulders.

Body Back

Using 3 mm needles and gingerbread tan yarn, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1-37: work exactly as for Body Front through Row 37.
2. Row 38 RS: k24.
3. Row 39 WS: p24.
4. Row 40: k7, BO 10, k7.
5. Row 41: p7 each side.
6. Row 42: k7 each side.
7. BO both shoulders.

Head

The head is knitted as two matching side panels or as one front and one back. For the closest shape to the photo, make two identical pieces and seam around the edge, adding extra stuffing to the cheeks and forehead.

Using 3 mm needles and light brown yarn, CO 16 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p16.
2. Row 2 RS: k16.
3. Row 3: p16.
4. Row 4: k1, M1, k14, M1, k1. 18 sts.
5. Row 5: p18.
6. Row 6: k18.
7. Row 7: p18.
8. Row 8: k1, M1, k16, M1, k1. 20 sts.
9. Row 9: p20.
10. Row 10: k20.
11. Row 11: p20.
12. Row 12: k1, M1, k18, M1, k1. 22 sts.
13. Row 13: p22.
14. Rows 14-25: continue in st st.
15. Row 26 RS: k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
16. Row 27: p20.
17. Row 28: k20.
18. Row 29: p20.
19. Row 30: k1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
20. Row 31: p18.
21. Row 32: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
22. Row 33: p16.
23. Row 34: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
24. Row 35: p14.
25. Row 36: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
26. BO.

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Make 2 identical head pieces.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, narrow, and softly pointed with rounded tips. They should stand upright but still look soft. For extra stability, place a tiny strip of felt or very light pipe cleaner inside only if desired, though stuffing alone usually works.

Using 3 mm needles and light brown yarn, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p8.
2. Row 2 RS: k1, M1, k6, M1, k1. 10 sts.
3. Row 3: p10.
4. Row 4: k10.
5. Row 5: p10.
6. Row 6: k1, M1, k8, M1, k1. 12 sts.
7. Row 7: p12.
8. Rows 8-21: continue in st st.
9. Row 22 RS: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
10. Row 23: p10.
11. Row 24: k10.
12. Row 25: p10.
13. Row 26: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
14. Row 27: p8.
15. Row 28: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
16. Row 29: p6.
17. Row 30: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
18. BO.

Make 2 pieces for each ear if you prefer a double-layer ear, or make one piece and seam into a flattened tube. The photographed ears look softly padded and thick enough to hold shape, so a double-layer ear is recommended.

Simple Muzzle Shaping

The bunny’s face in the image is not exaggerated. The muzzle is only slightly raised. You can create this by adding a small oval of stuffing under the lower center face when assembling the head, or by lightly drawing in the cheek area with thread after stuffing.

Cardigan Back

Using 3 mm needles and red yarn, CO 22 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p22.
2. Row 2 RS: k22.
3. Rows 3-7: continue in st st.
4. Row 8 RS: k22.
5. Row 9: p22.
6. Rows 10-15: continue in st st.
7. Row 16 RS: k6, BO 10, k6.
8. Row 17: p6 each side.
9. Row 18: k6 each side.
10. BO.

Snowflake Motifs

Duplicate stitch small white snowflake-like crosses on the lower half of the cardigan back. Place one motif on each side, centered about 4 rows above the hem.

Cardigan Fronts Make 2

Using 3 mm needles and red yarn, CO 12 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p12.
2. Row 2 RS: k12.
3. Rows 3-13: continue in st st.
4. Row 14 RS: k8, k2tog, k2. 11 sts.
5. Row 15: p11.
6. Row 16: k11.
7. Row 17: p11.
8. Row 18: k7, k2tog, k2. 10 sts.
9. Row 19: p10.
10. Row 20: k10.
11. BO.

For the second front, reverse the shaping so the neckline mirrors properly.

Add one small white snowflake motif to each front near the lower outer side. The photographed cardigan also has a white patterned accent near the sleeve ends, so add short duplicate stitched white dashes near the cuff edge after assembly.

Cardigan Sleeves Make 2

Using 3 mm needles and red yarn, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: p10.
2. Row 2 RS: k10.
3. Row 3: p10.
4. Row 4: k1, M1, k8, M1, k1. 12 sts.
5. Row 5: p12.
6. Rows 6-17: continue in st st.
7. BO.

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Add white duplicate stitch near the lower sleeve to create the small snowy patterned bands seen in the image.

Hood

The hood is a low bonnet-like cap that sits around the face and under the ears, with a soft red edge trim. It does not cover the ears. It frames the face and gives the bunny the gingerbread baker look.

Using 2.75 mm needles and cream yarn, CO 36 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: work in g st.
2. Rows 5-18: work in st st, beginning with a knit row.
3. Row 19 RS: k10, k2tog, k12, ssk, k10. 34 sts.
4. Row 20 WS: p34.
5. Row 21: k9, k2tog, k12, ssk, k9. 32 sts.
6. Row 22: p32.
7. Row 23: k8, k2tog, k12, ssk, k8. 30 sts.
8. Row 24: p30.
9. Row 25: k7, k2tog, k12, ssk, k7. 28 sts.
10. Row 26: p28.
11. BO.

Fold and seam the back of the hood. Crochet or embroider a red edging around the face opening, or pick up stitches with red yarn and work 1 row of tiny scallops. The photo shows a red textured trim, so a simple bobble-like edging or chain embroidery is ideal.

Cookie Buttons on Hood

Make 2 tiny flat circles in tan yarn.

• CO 6 sts, join if working in the round, or make tiny knitted circles by wrapping yarn and drawing up stitches.
• Embroider darker brown dots like chocolate chips.
• Sew both cookies to one side of the hood front.

Dress Skirt Icing Trim

The lower dress has white icing-like loops around the hem. This is a major visual detail in the photo and should not be skipped.

Option 1 is to chain-stitch the loops using white yarn after assembly. Option 2 is to make a narrow cord and couch it down in swirls.

For the closest look, use white yarn and embroider continuous looping swirls all around the lower front hem only, keeping the loops rounded and evenly spaced.

Decorative Candy Buttons

The front dress has several colorful candy-like dots placed vertically and slightly scattered, not in a perfect straight line. Use tiny French knots, tiny felt circles, or embroidered satin stitches in red, green, blue, pink, and yellow.

• Place one near the upper center chest.
• Place 4 to 5 more from upper waist to lower skirt.
• Keep them small so they look like candy drops, not large buttons.

Neck Tie Detail

The neckline under the cardigan has a tiny pale tie or bow. Make a short white or blush cord and tie it into a delicate bow at the center neck.

Baking Tray

The bunny holds a small rectangular baking tray in the left side of the image.

Using gray or taupe yarn, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1-4: work in g st.
2. BO.

Make a second identical piece. Place a thin piece of card between the layers if desired, then seam around. Add a slightly raised edge with surface stitching. The tray should be about 1.5 inches / 4 cm wide.

Mini Gingerbread Cookies

Make 5 to 7 tiny cookies in tan yarn for the tray.

• For each cookie, CO 4 sts.
• Knit 2 rows in g st.
• BO.
• Pull the little shape into a rounded biscuit or tiny gingerbread form with stitching.
• Embroider brown dots or tiny red centers if desired.

Sew the cookies to the tray so they do not fall off. The photo shows small biscuit-like shapes grouped on the tray rather than perfect character cookies, so keep them simple and tiny.

Purse

The purse hangs on the bunny’s right side and is knitted in the same gingerbread tan as the dress.

Using 3 mm needles and tan yarn, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1-8: work in st st, beginning with a purl row.
2. Row 9 RS: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
3. Row 10: p8.
4. BO.

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Make 2 pieces, seam, lightly stuff, and attach a small clasp frame or embroider a fake metal clasp at the top. Sew to the side of the body under the cardigan edge.

Bell Accessory

The bell sits on the table in the photo rather than hanging from the bunny. If you want the full styled display, add a tiny gold bell beside the finished doll when photographing or displaying. It does not need to be attached to the bunny.

Making Up the Main Bunny

Leg Assembly

• Seam each leg neatly from top to bottom.
• Stuff the shoe firmly so the foot shape stays rounded.
• Stuff the leg lightly to medium firmness so it can bend when seated.
• Close the top edge.

Body Assembly

• Sew the front and back body together at the shoulders first.
• Attach the tops of both legs to the lower body edge before closing the side seams if that is easier for you.
• Seam the body sides.
• Stuff the lower body firmly enough to support sitting, but keep the upper body slightly softer.

Head Assembly

• Sew the 2 head pieces together, leaving the lower edge open.
• Add extra stuffing to the lower face and cheek area.
• Shape the muzzle slightly by pinching the center lower face.
• Close the neck edge only after checking the face placement.

Ear Assembly

• Sew each ear piece together or fold and seam if made as tubes.
• Stuff very lightly only at the lower half.
• Flatten the upper half so the ears look soft and knitted rather than bulky.
• Sew to the top of the head, close together, tilting slightly outward.

Clothing Assembly

Cardigan

• Sew shoulder seams.
• Set in sleeves.
• Sew sleeve seams and side seams.
• Slip the cardigan onto the bunny and tack it at the shoulder and side underarm area so it stays open in front.
• The cardigan should end around the waist and not cover the lower skirt fully.

Hood

• Place the hood low around the face.
• The front edge should frame the forehead and cheeks.
• Leave the ears emerging freely from behind the hood.
• Sew in place with tiny hidden stitches at the back and near the side head.

Dress Surface Details

After the body is assembled, add the dress details on the front.

1. Embroider the white icing loops around the lower front hem.
2. Add the tiny white neck bow.
3. Sew or embroider 5 to 6 colorful candy dots from chest to hem.
4. Make sure the dots are slightly uneven for a handmade gingerbread cookie effect.

Positioning the Arms and Accessories

The arms should be attached just below the cardigan shoulders and angled forward. The left arm in the photo lifts slightly to hold the baking tray. The right arm rests lower near the purse.

• Sew the left arm so the hand comes across the front body.
• Sew the tray onto the left hand with a few hidden stitches.
• Sew the right arm slightly downward.
• Attach the purse to the right side at hip height.

Facial Placement Guide

The face is simple and sweet. The eyes are small black dots set fairly wide apart, with the nose and mouth stitched low on the muzzle.

• Place the eyes about 9 to 10 rows down from the top of the head.
• Space them about 7 to 8 stitches apart.
• Embroider a small inverted Y shape for the nose and mouth using dark brown or black thread.
• Keep the expression gentle and understated.

Shaping Tips for an Accurate Look

To match the image closely, focus on proportion more than decoration. The head must be rounded but not oversized. The body should be slim under the cardigan, with the skirt widening only slightly. The ears must be tall and dominant. The cardigan should look cropped and cozy, not long.

The bunny should appear as a shelf-sitter, so the legs need enough length to drape over an edge. The feet should be rounded and slightly heavier than the legs. The arms must be slim, with one arm lifted to support the tray.

The hood should sit around the face without hiding it. It acts more like a soft bonnet than a deep hat. The two cookie decorations on the hood are important because they echo the gingerbread baker theme immediately.

The white icing loops on the skirt hem are one of the clearest details in the photo. Keep them visible, playful, and rounded. The colorful candy dots also matter, but they should remain tiny so the knitted fabric remains the star of the design.

Optional Finishing Enhancements

• Add a faint blush to the cheeks with textile-safe pencil or pastel.
• Insert a discreet weighted pouch in the lower body if you want more stable sitting.
• Use duplicate stitch on the cardigan motifs rather than intarsia for cleaner miniature detail.
• Block the clothing pieces lightly before sewing for a smoother fit.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the head firmly to the body so it sits upright. Add the ears before attaching the hood if you want easier positioning. Embroider the eyes first, then the nose and mouth, and adjust the muzzle shape with a couple of tiny sculpting stitches if needed. Attach the cardigan, hood, tray, purse, and ankle bows last so the bunny keeps the same balanced pose as the reference image.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If a full wash is necessary, wash gently by hand in cool water with mild detergent, reshape while damp, and dry flat away from heat. Do not wring or hang the bunny, as the stuffed shape and accessories may distort.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are the ears tall, narrow, and slightly angled outward?
• Is the cardigan cropped and open at the front?
• Does the hood frame the face without covering the ears?
• Are the icing loops visible on the front hem?
• Is the left arm raised to hold the tray?
• Are the candy dots and cookie details small and tidy?
• Do the legs dangle naturally when the bunny sits?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the bunny in a dry, clean place away from prolonged direct sunlight to prevent fading. Keep it out of damp storage boxes and avoid crushing the ears or tray under heavy items. For long-term display, dust lightly with a soft brush and check accessories occasionally to make sure all stitched details remain secure.