Knitting Tutorial: The “Froggy” Rain Walker Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted bunny is dressed for a gentle rainy day, with a mossy frog bonnet, a cozy mustard coat, striped sweater, soft green booties, a tiny umbrella, and a little snail friend. It makes a charming handmade nursery gift, collectible soft toy, or boutique-style knitted animal for shoppers searching for heirloom bunny doll patterns, hand-knit stuffed animals, seasonal toy knitting designs, and cute woodland nursery décor. The shaping is detailed but approachable, and every piece is written step by step so you can recreate the exact look with confidence.

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 creates a seated knitted bunny with long floppy ears, a rounded head, a slim neck, a softly stuffed body, narrow arms, longer legs, and layered clothing worked as separate pieces.

The finished bunny is designed to sit on an edge, just like the sample. The proportions are delicate rather than chunky, with a slightly oversized head, a small muzzle, long ears, and a relaxed outfit.

The clothing and accessories are important to the final character. The frog bonnet sits low over the forehead, the coat is open at the front, the striped sweater peeks through the opening, and the booties are intentionally soft and slightly oversized.

The umbrella is knitted as a closed folded umbrella, not an opened canopy. The snail is tiny and simple, but it adds the exact storytelling detail seen in the photo.

Finished Size

• Bunny only: about 9 inches / 23 cm tall seated, or about 12 inches / 30 cm from top of bonnet to bottom of feet if gently stretched.
• Umbrella: about 4 inches / 10 cm long.
• Snail: about 2 inches / 5 cm long.

Materials

• Main bunny color: light oatmeal or cream DK weight yarn, about 55 g.
• Frog bonnet and booties: soft leaf green DK weight yarn, about 30 g.
• Coat: mustard yellow DK weight yarn, about 30 g.
• Sweater stripes: dark navy or black DK weight yarn, 10 g, and cream DK weight yarn, 10 g.
• Umbrella handle: brown DK weight yarn, small amount.
• Snail shell: warm brown DK weight yarn, small amount.
• Snail body: beige or oatmeal DK weight yarn, very small amount.
• Small amount of black yarn: for facial embroidery.
• Toy stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
• Optional: thin floral wire or pipe cleaner for umbrella shaping.
• Optional: small pellets in a fabric pouch for weight inside the body.
• Needles: 2.75 mm and 3.0 mm double-pointed needles or magic loop needles.
• Optional straight needles: 3.0 mm for flat pieces if preferred.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, row counter, pins.

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on 3.0 mm needles, lightly blocked.

Exact gauge matters because the toy must stay firm, neat, and proportionally close to the sample. Knit tightly enough that stuffing does not show through the fabric.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• p2tog = purl 2 stitches together
• rep = repeat
• BO = bind off
• sl = slip
• pick up = pick up and knit

Construction Notes

The bunny is made from separate knitted pieces and sewn together. The head, body, arms, legs, ears, bonnet, coat, sweater, booties, umbrella, and snail are all worked individually.

Most pieces are worked in the round for clean shaping. The coat is worked flat. The striped sweater can be worked flat or in the round, but the instructions below are written flat for clarity and easy stripe control.

Leave long tails for sewing wherever possible. Stuff firmly but smoothly. The sample looks elegant because the stuffing is even and the seams are neat.

Bunny Head

Using main bunny color and 2.75 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Divide across 3 needles if working in the round. Join carefully.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb rep around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb rep around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, kfb rep around. 60 sts.

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Knit 12 rnds even. The head in the photo is softly rounded, not tall, so keep this section compact.

1. Next rnd: K8, k2tog rep around. 54 sts.
2. Knit 1 rnd.
3. Next rnd: K7, k2tog rep around. 48 sts.
4. Knit 1 rnd.

Begin shaping the lower face and jaw. Stuff the head firmly before the opening becomes small.

1. Next rnd: K6, k2tog rep around. 42 sts.
2. Knit 1 rnd.
3. Next rnd: K5, k2tog rep around. 36 sts.
4. Knit 2 rnds.

Break yarn, thread tail through remaining stitches, draw up halfway, add final stuffing, then close tightly. Do not flatten the face. The face should stay gently oval from front view.

Muzzle Shaping

The sample has a very subtle muzzle, not a protruding one. Use matching sewing yarn or split strands of the main yarn.

• Mark eye placement first: each eye sits about 8 to 9 rows down from the crown shaping and about 6 stitches away from the center line.
• Insert needle under the fabric at one eye point, pass through the head, and come out at the opposite eye point.
• Pull lightly to indent both eye areas just a little.
• For the nose area, take a small horizontal stitch about 4 rows below the eyes and gently pinch the center of the face with one tiny anchoring stitch.

This keeps the face sweet and simple, very close to the image.

Body

Using main bunny color and 2.75 mm needles, CO 10 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 20 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb rep around. 30 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb rep around. 40 sts.

Knit 10 rnds even.

If using weight pellets, place them now inside a small fabric pouch and insert into the lower body. Add stuffing around them.

1. Next rnd: K8, k2tog rep around. 36 sts.
2. Knit 3 rnds.
3. Next rnd: K7, k2tog rep around. 32 sts.
4. Knit 3 rnds.
5. Next rnd: K6, k2tog rep around. 28 sts.

Knit 4 rnds. Stuff firmly. The body should be narrower than the head and slightly pear-shaped.

BO all stitches loosely, leaving a long tail for attaching the head. Flatten the top edge slightly when sewing so the neck area remains slim.

Arms Make 2

Using main bunny color and 2.75 mm needles, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1 to Rnd 12: Knit.

The arms in the image are narrow tubes with minimal paw shaping.

1. Rnd 13: K2, k2tog rep twice, k2. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 14 to Rnd 16: Knit.

Stuff only the lower half lightly. Flatten top edge and sew closed. Leave long tail for attaching. Angle the arms downward when sewing so they rest naturally beside the coat opening.

Legs Make 2

Using main bunny color and 2.75 mm needles, CO 10 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: K1, kfb rep around. 15 sts.
3. Rnd 3 to Rnd 5: Knit.

This creates the slightly rounded upper foot base hidden inside the booties.

1. Rnd 6: K3, k2tog rep around. 12 sts.
2. Rnd 7 to Rnd 22: Knit.

Stuff firmly through the foot and lower leg, then lightly through the upper leg. The legs should bend easily for seated positioning.

Flatten the top opening and sew closed. Leave long tails for attachment.

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Ears Make 2

Using main bunny color and 2.75 mm needles, CO 8 sts and work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: Knit.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: K1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 12 sts.
8. Row 8: Purl.

Continue in stockinette for 20 more rows.

1. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
2. Next WS row: Purl.
3. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
4. Next WS row: Purl.
5. Next RS row: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
6. Next WS row: Purl.
7. Next RS row: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
8. Next WS row: Purl.
9. Next RS row: K2tog twice. 2 sts.

Cut yarn and pull through. Sew side edges together lightly at the base only for 1 inch / 2.5 cm so the ears cup slightly. Do not stuff.

Striped Sweater

The sweater sits under the coat and shows mostly at the chest and neck. It is fitted and short.

Using dark color and 3.0 mm needles, CO 30 sts and work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: K1, p1 across for 30 sts.
2. Row 2 WS: P1, k1 across for 30 sts.
3. Rows 3 to 4: Change to cream and work stockinette.
4. Rows 5 to 6: Change to dark and work stockinette.
5. Rows 7 to 8: Change to cream and work stockinette.
6. Rows 9 to 10: Change to dark and work stockinette.
7. Rows 11 to 12: Change to cream and work stockinette.
8. Rows 13 to 14: Change to dark and work stockinette.

This gives the narrow horizontal striping seen in the picture.

Shape armholes.

1. Row 15 RS: BO 2 sts, knit to end. 28 sts.
2. Row 16 WS: BO 2 sts, purl to end. 26 sts.
3. Row 17: Knit.
4. Row 18: Purl.
5. Row 19: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
6. Row 20: Purl.
7. Row 21: Knit.
8. Row 22: Purl.

Neck shaping.

1. Row 23 RS: K8, BO 8, knit to end. Work each side separately.
2. Row 24 WS: Purl.
3. Row 25 RS: K1, ssk, knit to end. 7 sts on each side.
4. Row 26 WS: Purl.
5. BO both shoulders.

Make a second identical piece for the back, but on Row 23 simply knit straight without neck shaping. Work 4 more rows, then BO all 24 sts.

Sew shoulders first, then side seams. Slip onto bunny before attaching arms if that is easier for you.

Mustard Rain Coat

This coat is one of the key visual details. It is open-fronted, hip length on the bunny, with small patch pockets and a folded collar created by picked-up ribbing.

Using mustard yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 40 sts and work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: K2, p36, k2.
2. Row 2 WS: K2, p36, k2.

These garter edges create the front bands.

1. Rows 3 to 20: Continue with k2 edge stitches at both sides and stockinette on center 36 sts.

Shape armholes.

1. Row 21 RS: BO 3 sts, work in pattern to last 3 sts, BO 3 sts. 34 sts.
2. Row 22 WS: Work in pattern.
3. Row 23 RS: K2, ssk, work to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 32 sts.
4. Row 24 WS: Work in pattern.
5. Row 25 RS: K2, ssk, work to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 30 sts.

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Work 6 rows even.

Shape front neckline and shoulders.

1. Row 32 RS: K7, BO 16, knit to end. Work left and right fronts separately.

Left front:

1. Row 33 WS: Work back.
2. Row 34 RS: K2, ssk, knit to end. 6 sts.
3. Row 35 WS: Work back.
4. BO all sts.

Right front:

1. Attach yarn to remaining 7 sts with RS facing.
2. Row 33 WS: Work back.
3. Row 34 RS: Knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. 6 sts.
4. Row 35 WS: Work back.
5. BO all sts.

Back section:

Using the 16 center held stitches from the body section below the neck split, pick up stitches across the armhole level so the coat back is full and straight. An easier method is to make a separate back piece.

Separate back piece: CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 11: Stockinette.
2. Row 12 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
3. Row 13 WS: Purl.
4. Row 14 RS: Knit.
5. Row 15 WS: Purl.
6. BO all sts.

Sew coat shoulders and side seams, leaving armholes open.

Coat Sleeves Make 2

CO 14 sts and work in stockinette for 10 rows. BO. Sew into narrow tubes and attach into armholes. These sleeves are short and slightly loose, exactly as shown.

Patch Pockets Make 2

Using mustard yarn, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
2. Row 7: Knit.
3. BO knitwise.

Sew one pocket to each front, placing them low and slightly outward.

Collar

With RS facing, pick up and knit about 24 stitches evenly around the neckline of the coat, including front edges near the neck.

1. Row 1 WS: K2, p20, k2.
2. Row 2 RS: K2, p20, k2.
3. Row 3 WS: K2, p20, k2.
4. BO loosely in pattern.

Fold the collar gently outward.

Frog Bonnet

This bonnet is fitted and rounded, sitting low over the bunny’s forehead with two stuffed frog eyes on top. It should frame the face neatly and allow the ears to emerge from the sides or sit tucked under, depending on preference. In the sample, the ears fall out from beneath the bonnet.

Using green yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 48 sts and join.

1. Rnds 1 to 4: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rnd 5: Knit.
3. Rnd 6: K6, k2tog rep around. 42 sts.
4. Rnd 7: Knit.
5. Rnd 8: K5, k2tog rep around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 9: Knit.
7. Rnd 10: K4, k2tog rep around. 30 sts.
8. Rnd 11: Knit.
9. Rnd 12: K3, k2tog rep around. 24 sts.

Try on the bonnet. It should cup the head rather than sit tall.

1. Rnd 13: K2, k2tog rep around. 18 sts.
2. Rnd 14: Knit.

Cut yarn and thread through the stitches. Pull closed snugly.

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Bonnet Face Edge

Pick up 44 stitches around the face opening.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: Knit.
3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. BO knitwise on RS.

This makes a softly rolled face opening, matching the image.

Frog Eyes Make 2

Using green yarn, CO 6 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, k2tog rep around. 8 sts.

Add a tiny pinch of stuffing.

1. Rnd 5: K2tog around. 4 sts.

Thread yarn through remaining stitches and close.

For the eye fronts, using cream yarn, CO 4 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb in each st. 8 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one cream circle to each green eye bump. Add a tiny black embroidered dot pupil in the center. Sew frog eyes to the top of the bonnet, spaced about 1 inch / 2.5 cm apart.

Embroider a short dark green or black horizontal smile line between the eyes with one tiny upward curve.

Booties Make 2

These booties are soft, rounded, and slightly oversized over the bunny’s feet. They look like little rain booties but remain knitted and cozy.

Using green yarn and 3.0 mm needles, CO 18 sts and work flat.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
2. Row 5 RS: K6, k2tog, k2, ssk, k6. 16 sts.
3. Row 6 WS: Knit.
4. Row 7 RS: K5, k2tog, k2, ssk, k5. 14 sts.
5. Row 8 WS: Knit.

Fold piece around foot. Sew sole seam and back seam to form the bootie. Slide onto foot and tack lightly to the leg.

For the cuff, pick up 14 stitches around the ankle opening and knit 6 rnds. BO loosely. Fold cuff downward.

Umbrella

The umbrella in the image is closed and narrow, with a green folded fabric section and a small brown curved handle.

Umbrella Body

Using green yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 14 sts and work flat.

1. Rows 1 to 16: Stockinette.
2. Row 17 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
3. Row 18 WS: Purl.
4. Row 19 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
5. Row 20 WS: Purl.
6. Row 21 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
7. Row 22 WS: Purl.
8. Row 23 RS: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
9. Row 24 WS: Purl.

BO. Sew into a narrow cone-like folded tube. Add a very small bit of stuffing or insert a wrapped wire or skewer core for shape.

Umbrella Strap Detail

Using matching green yarn, embroider 2 or 3 shallow vertical wrap lines along the umbrella body to suggest folded panels.

Handle

Using brown yarn, CO 3 sts and work i-cord for 12 rows. Bind off. Bend one end into a hook shape and sew firmly. If using wire, insert it inside the i-cord before closing the final end.

Attach handle to umbrella body. The umbrella should lie at a slight diagonal when placed beside the bunny.

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Snail

The tiny snail is a charming extra detail and should stay small compared with the bunny and umbrella.

Snail Body

Using beige yarn, CO 8 sts and work flat.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Stockinette.
2. Row 5 RS: K1, inc, knit to last 1 st, inc, k1. 10 sts.
3. Row 6 WS: Purl.
4. Rows 7 to 10: Stockinette.
5. Row 11 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
6. Row 12 WS: Purl.

BO. Sew into a tiny tube, stuffing lightly. Shape one end slightly narrower for the tail and keep the front rounded. Embroider two short feelers with fine yarn if desired.

Snail Shell

Using brown yarn, CO 3 sts and work i-cord for 18 rows. BO.

Coil the i-cord tightly into a spiral shell and sew through the layers to hold. Attach to the top of the snail body.

Making the Bunny Sit Like the Sample

The charm of this pattern depends heavily on the sitting posture.

• Sew the legs low on the body front rather than directly underneath.
• Angle both legs forward.
• Let one leg sit slightly more centered and the other angle outward if you want a relaxed natural pose.
• Sew the head securely but tilt it forward just a touch.
• Attach the ears so they fall down on either side of the face.

The sample has a gentle, calm expression. Avoid overstuffing the neck or positioning the head too upright.

Facial Embroidery

Use black embroidery yarn or split black DK yarn into thinner strands.

• Eyes: make two tiny straight or slightly oval satin stitches, placed symmetrically.
• Nose: make a small upside-down triangle or narrow Y-shaped stitch in dark brown or black.
• Mouth: stitch a short vertical line down from the nose, then two tiny angled stitches for the soft bunny mouth.

Keep the features small. The image shows a minimalist face with lots of softness and no heavy outlining.

Dressing Order

1. Finish and assemble bunny head, body, arms, legs, and ears.
2. Slide sweater onto body and stitch closed if needed.
3. Attach arms over or just through sweater arm area.
4. Put on booties and tack them in place.
5. Dress bunny in coat and sew coat lightly at shoulders and underarms if necessary.
6. Place bonnet over head and tack behind ears and under chin area with a few invisible stitches.
7. Position umbrella and snail as display props.

Detailed Step-by-Step Assembly

First sew the body closed and shape it into a gentle pear form with the broader area at the lower half. Add extra stuffing to the lower front so the bunny sits well.

Sew the head to the body using a ladder stitch. Add small stitches around the entire neck opening, then tighten gradually so the join stays smooth and firm.

Attach arms one row below the neck line, angled slightly downward. The coat sleeves should cover the upper arm join, which helps produce the same clean finish shown in the sample.

Attach the legs to the lower front of the body with strong stitches passing through the body and both legs if you want them to be lightly jointed. Pull just enough for the legs to sit forward.

Sew each ear to the sides of the head, a little behind the eye line. The ears should hang long and flat, not stick outward. This placement is important for the exact silhouette.

Slide the sweater on before final head tightening if needed. Because the sweater is slim, it should fit closely without bulk. Stitch the back seam invisibly.

Place the coat on top so the striped sweater remains visible in the center opening. Sew the coat in only a few places: at shoulders, underarms, and perhaps one tiny tack near the lower fronts if the coat spreads too wide.

Set the bonnet on the head low enough that the frog eyes sit clearly above the forehead. The face opening should frame the bunny’s cheeks. Do not place the bonnet too far back.

Tack the bonnet with a few hidden stitches near the base of each ear and at the back of the head. If desired, add a tiny stitch under the chin area to keep it from shifting.

Helpful Tips for an Accurate Look

• Keep the head smooth: uneven stuffing will make the face look lumpy.
• Make the eyes tiny: oversized eyes will change the character completely.
• Use restrained embroidery: one small nose and short mouth lines are enough.
• Do not make the coat too long: it should end around the hip area while seated.
• Keep the sweater narrow: too bulky a sweater will hide the graceful body shape.
• Use soft green for bonnet and boots: this keeps the rainy-day palette gentle and natural.

Optional Finishing Touches

If you want the display to look even closer to the photograph, lightly brush the finished knitted fabric with clean fingertips after assembly so the stitches settle and the toy looks softer.

You can also steam the coat and bonnet very lightly from a distance before dressing the bunny. Do not soak the finished toy unless all embroidery and stuffing are fully secured.

For photography or display, seat the bunny on a ledge with the umbrella resting diagonally against one leg and the snail near the foot area.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Sew head to body securely with even tension.
• Attach ears low and let them drape naturally.
• Embroider tiny eyes, a delicate nose, and a short mouth only.
• Dress in sweater, coat, bonnet, and booties in that order.
• Tack each clothing piece lightly so the pose stays neat.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Handle the frog eyes, snail shell, and umbrella gently.
• Keep away from rough play if made as a display piece.
• Store out of direct sunlight to protect color.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and smooth.
• Eyes evenly placed.
• Ears matched in length.
• Coat centered with pockets aligned.
• Bonnet sitting low and symmetrical.
• Booties secure.
• Umbrella and snail completed for the full scene.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

• Use a damp cloth with mild soap for surface cleaning.
• Do not machine wash if the umbrella contains wire.
• Dry flat on a towel and reshape while damp.
• Store in a breathable cotton bag, not sealed plastic.
• For long-term keepsake storage, add acid-free tissue around delicate accessories.