Knitting Tutorial: The “Radish Gardener” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted bunny set is designed to look like a collectible heirloom rabbit doll, perfect for nursery decor, a handmade baby shower gift, a spring table display, or a soft toy pattern for makers who love boutique-style knitted animals. The main bunny wears a cream dress with tiny red seed dots, a mossy green apron with pockets, a rose cardigan, and a matching headwrap bow, while carrying a market basket full of radishes. A tiny companion bunny completes the scene and gives the finished set the same cozy, storybook look shown in the photo.

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 yarn: DK weight yarn in warm oatmeal or pale beige for the large bunny body.
• Contrast yarn A: Soft cream for the underdress and mini bunny body.
• Contrast yarn B: Dusty rose for the cardigan and headwrap.
• Contrast yarn C: Muted leaf green for the apron dress and mini bunny overalls.
• Contrast yarn D: Light brown for the large bunny shoes.
• Contrast yarn E: Radish pink/red for the radish bulbs and red seed dots.
• Contrast yarn F: Mid green for radish tops.
• Contrast yarn G: Natural flax, biscuit, or tan for the basket.
• Needles: 2.75 mm and 3.0 mm straight needles or DPNs if you prefer working small circumferences in the round.
• Notions: Toy stuffing, tapestry needle, stitch markers, row counter, small buttons in rose or cream, matching sewing thread, black or charcoal embroidery thread for facial features.

Finished Size

• Large bunny: about 13 to 14 inches tall seated, from bottom of shoes to top of ears.
• Mini bunny: about 4 inches tall.
• Basket: about 2 inches high excluding handle.

Gauge

Gauge matters because the look in the photo depends on a firm fabric with very little stuffing show-through. On 3.0 mm needles in stockinette stitch, aim for approximately 28 stitches and 38 rows = 4 inches.

If your fabric looks loose, go down a needle size. The stitches should look neat and compact so the bunny keeps its sculpted form.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• yo = yarn over
• rep = repeat
• sl1 = slip 1 stitch purlwise
• M1 = make 1 increase

Construction Overview

The large bunny is knitted mostly in separate pieces and sewn together. This gives the toy the same upright, slightly old-fashioned silhouette as the photo, with a broad oval head, narrow shoulders, a softly rounded lower body, long ears, and dangling legs.

The clothing is knitted separately so the layers sit properly: cream underdress first, then green apron dress, then cardigan, then headwrap. The mini bunny is made in the same style, but much simpler and smaller.

Large Bunny Body Pattern

Head Make 2

The head in the photo is slightly taller than wide, with a gentle cheek curve and a narrowed lower muzzle. Knit two matching head pieces flat.

1. Using body color and 3.0 mm needles, cast on 18 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: purl.
3. Row 2 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 20 sts.
4. Row 3: purl.
5. Row 4: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 22 sts.
6. Row 5: purl.
7. Row 6: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 24 sts.
8. Row 7: purl.
9. Row 8: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 26 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 23: continue in stockinette.
11. Row 24: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
12. Row 25: purl.
13. Row 26: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
14. Row 27: purl.
15. Row 28: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
16. Row 29: purl.
17. Row 30: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
18. Rows 31 to 34: stockinette.
19. Cast off knitwise on RS.

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Sew the two pieces together around the edge, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff firmly, but not rock hard. Shape the cheeks with your fingers as you stuff so the front remains smooth.

Muzzle Shaping

Before attaching the head, run a short horizontal gathering thread about 7 rows up from the lower edge to pull in the lower face slightly. This makes the small, centered muzzle seen in the image. Do not over-tighten. The face should stay soft and natural.

Ears Make 4

Each ear is long, narrow, and gently pointed. Two ear layers are joined together for each finished ear.

1. Using body color, cast on 6 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: purl.
3. Row 2 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: purl.
5. Row 4: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: purl.
7. Row 6: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 12 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 19: stockinette.
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. Row 25: purl.
15. Row 26: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
16. Row 27: purl.
17. Row 28: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
18. Row 29: p2tog. Fasten off.

Make four. Sew two together for each ear with WS facing inward, leaving the bottom open. Lightly stuff only the lower third so the ears stay soft and upright, not bulky.

Body Front and Back Make 2

The body is softly tapered at the top, fuller through the skirted lower section, and flat enough at the base for the seated pose.

1. Using body color, cast on 20 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: stockinette, starting with a purl row on WS.
3. Row 5 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 22 sts.
4. Row 6: purl.
5. Row 7: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 24 sts.
6. Row 8: purl.
7. Row 9: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 26 sts.
8. Rows 10 to 24: stockinette.
9. Row 25: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
10. Row 26: purl.
11. Row 27: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
12. Rows 28 to 31: stockinette.
13. Row 32: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 20 sts.
14. Rows 33 to 36: stockinette.
15. Cast off.

Sew body front and back together, leaving neck edge open. Stuff the lower body firmly so it can sit on the table edge like the bunny in the image.

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim, straight, and attached slightly angled downward. They are not too long; the wrists end just above the hem area.

1. Using body color, cast on 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: stockinette.
3. Row 5 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 10 sts.
4. Rows 6 to 18: stockinette.
5. Row 19: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
6. Rows 20 to 24: stockinette.
7. Cast off.

Sew each arm along the side seam. Stuff lightly so the arms stay slim. Flatten the top edge before attaching.

Legs Make 2

The large bunny’s legs are long and slender with softly rounded knees and brown Mary Jane style shoes. Knit the shoe first, then continue the leg in body color.

1. Using shoe color, cast on 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: stockinette.
3. Row 7 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 12 sts.
4. Rows 8 to 12: stockinette.
5. Change to body color.
6. Rows 13 to 30: stockinette.
7. Row 31: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Rows 32 to 34: stockinette.
9. Cast off.

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Sew each leg into a tube and stuff firmly through the foot, then lightly through the upper leg so the legs can hang. To form the rounded shoe, place extra stuffing in the toe. Embroider one narrow strap across each shoe in a slightly lighter or matching brown.

Assembling the Large Bunny Base

1. Sew the head closed and finish stuffing.
2. Sew the body closed and stuff firmly.
3. Attach the head centered on the neck opening.
4. Attach the ears on top of the head, close together, with a slight outward angle.
5. Attach the arms at the upper side body, angled gently downward.
6. Attach the legs at the lower front body so they dangle when seated.

At this stage, compare the silhouette to the image. The top of the head should sit large and rounded, the neck short, the body compact, and the legs visually longer than the arms.

Large Bunny Clothing

Cream Underdress With Red Seed Dots

This layer creates the white dress visible under the green apron. The shape is a simple sleeveless dress with a slightly flared skirt and tiny embroidered red seed dots near the hem.

1. Using cream yarn and 2.75 mm needles, cast on 44 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Row 5 RS: knit.
4. Row 6 WS: purl.
5. Row 7: k1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 46 sts.
6. Rows 8 to 14: stockinette.
7. Row 15: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 44 sts.
8. Rows 16 to 20: stockinette.
9. Row 21: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 42 sts.
10. Rows 22 to 26: stockinette.
11. Row 27: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 40 sts.
12. Rows 28 to 31: stockinette.
13. Row 32 RS: k8, cast off 4, knit 16, cast off 4, knit 8.
14. Row 33 WS: p8, turn. Work first back strap only for 4 rows in stockinette. Cast off.
15. Rejoin yarn to center 16 sts for front bib. Work 6 rows stockinette. Cast off center 8 sts on next RS row, work each shoulder strap separately for 4 rows. Cast off.
16. Rejoin yarn to final 8 sts and work 4 rows for second back strap. Cast off.

Sew side seams, leaving arm openings clear. Add tiny red French knots or duplicate stitch dots spaced every 4 to 5 stitches around the lower skirt. Make the dots small and sparse, matching the delicate scale in the photo.

Green Apron Dress

This piece sits over the cream dress and is the most important clothing layer after the face. The photo shows a dark sage green pinafore-style apron with two front patch pockets and a high waist.

1. Using green yarn, cast on 30 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
3. Rows 5 to 16: stockinette.
4. Row 17 RS: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 32 sts.
5. Rows 18 to 20: stockinette.
6. Row 21: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 34 sts.
7. Rows 22 to 24: stockinette.
8. Row 25: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 32 sts.
9. Row 26: purl.
10. Row 27: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 30 sts.
11. Rows 28 to 32: stockinette.
12. Row 33 RS: knit 10, cast off 10, knit 10.
13. Rows 34 to 40: work first strap on 10 sts in stockinette. Cast off.
14. Rejoin yarn and work second strap on remaining 10 sts for 7 rows. Cast off.

Pockets Make 2

1. Using green yarn, cast on 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: stockinette.
3. Row 7: knit.
4. Cast off loosely.

Sew one pocket on each lower front side of the apron, placing the top edge about 5 rows below the waist narrowing. The pockets should sit low and slightly outward, just like the photo.

Rose Cardigan

The cardigan is short, open at the front, and sits just at the waist. Sleeves are full enough to cover the upper arms without looking oversized.

1. Using rose yarn and 2.75 mm needles, cast on 34 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5 to 10: stockinette.
4. Row 11 RS: knit 8, cast off 4, knit 10, cast off 4, knit 8.
5. Row 12 WS: p8 and continue first front for 8 rows. Work 2 stitches garter at front edge on every row to create the neat opening band. Cast off.
6. Rejoin yarn to center 10 sts for back. Work 10 rows stockinette. Cast off.
7. Rejoin yarn to final 8 sts and match first front. Cast off.

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Cardigan Sleeves Make 2

1. Cast on 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5 to 15: stockinette.
4. Row 16: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 10 sts.
5. Rows 17 to 20: stockinette.
6. Cast off.

Sew sleeve seams and set sleeves into armholes. Sew shoulder seams. Add one tiny rose button near the neckline on the right front edge. Leave the cardigan mostly open so the green apron remains visible.

Rose Headwrap and Bow

This headwrap sits low around the head and ties in a centered knot bow between the ears.

1. Using rose yarn, cast on 7 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 42: k1, p1 rib across, ending with k1 on every row.
3. Cast off loosely.

Wrap around the head, crossing at the front or slightly above the forehead, then stitch closed at the back. For the bow, cast on 12 sts and work 10 rows stockinette. Cast off. Pinch the center, wrap yarn tightly 6 times, and stitch at the center front of the band between the ears.

Basket and Radishes

Basket Base and Sides

The basket in the photo is small, open, and loosely textured. To mimic that look in knitting, work a simple eyelet texture.

1. Using tan yarn, cast on 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: garter stitch.
3. Row 7 RS: k1, yo, k2tog, repeat to last stitch, k1.
4. Row 8: purl.
5. Repeat Rows 7 and 8 four more times.
6. Rows 17 to 18: garter stitch.
7. Cast off.

Sew into a cylinder. Gather one end firmly to make the base. For the handle, make an I-cord of 3 sts for 16 rows or braid three yarn strands and stitch to each side of the basket.

Radish Make 3 Large

1. Using radish pink/red, cast on 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: stockinette.
3. Row 5: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 10 sts.
4. Rows 6 to 10: stockinette.
5. Row 11: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 8 sts.
6. Row 12: purl.
7. Row 13: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 6 sts.
8. Row 14: purl.
9. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight.

Sew side seam and stuff lightly. Make a tiny cream point at the root if desired by taking one stitch of cream yarn at the base.

Radish Leaves Make 3 Sets

For each radish, make 3 leaves.

1. Using green yarn, cast on 3 sts.
2. Row 1: purl.
3. Row 2: k1, inc, k1, inc, k1. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: purl.
5. Row 4: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 5: purl.
7. Row 6: k3tog. Fasten off.

Stitch three leaves to the top of each radish. Place three radishes into the basket and tack them in place lightly so they stay visible.

Mini Bunny Pattern

The little bunny is a simplified echo of the large one. It stands beside the big bunny, wears green overalls, and holds one radish.

Mini Head Make 2

1. Using cream yarn, cast on 10 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 2: stockinette.
3. Row 3: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 12 sts.
4. Rows 4 to 9: stockinette.
5. Row 10: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 10 sts.
6. Rows 11 to 12: stockinette.
7. Cast off.

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Sew two pieces together and stuff very lightly.

Mini Ears Make 4

1. Cast on 4 sts.
2. Row 1: purl.
3. Row 2: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 6 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 7: stockinette.
5. Row 8: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
6. Row 9: p2tog. Fasten off.

Sew pairs together and attach upright.

Mini Body

1. Using cream yarn, cast on 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: stockinette.
3. Row 4: k1, inc, knit to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 14 sts.
4. Rows 5 to 10: stockinette.
5. Row 11: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 12 sts.
6. Rows 12 to 14: stockinette.
7. Cast off.

Sew and stuff. Keep the lower body slightly wider than the chest.

Mini Arms Make 2

1. Cast on 4 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: stockinette.
3. Cast off.

Mini Legs Make 2

1. Cast on 5 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 9: stockinette.
3. Cast off.

Sew, stuff lightly, and attach to body.

Mini Overalls

1. Using green yarn, cast on 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: garter stitch.
3. Rows 4 to 8: stockinette.
4. Row 9 RS: knit 4, cast off 6, knit 4.
5. Rows 10 to 14: work each strap separately on 4 sts in stockinette. Cast off.

Sew side seam around the mini bunny body and stitch the straps over the shoulders. Add one tiny radish to the hand.

Embroidery and Surface Details

Now add the details that make the whole set look like the photo rather than a generic bunny.

• Eyes: use black or charcoal thread and make tiny straight embroidered eyes, placed low on the head, roughly 5 stitches apart.
• Nose: stitch a very small inverted triangle at the center lower face.
• Mouth: work a short vertical line under the nose and split it into a tiny Y-shape.
• Cheek shaping: add a discreet sculpting stitch from the back of the head into each side of the muzzle if needed.
• Seed dots on dress: keep them tiny and evenly spaced, especially near the lower cream hem.
• Shoe straps: embroider one band across each large shoe.

Fit and Styling Notes

The photo has a very balanced, layered look. To get that same effect, keep the cream dress hem visible below the green apron by about 1 to 1.25 inches. The cardigan should stop above the pocket line, and the headwrap should sit just above the eyes, never high on the forehead.

The basket should hang from the bunny’s left arm and rest against the skirt, while the mini bunny stands on the right side of the large bunny. Tack the mini bunny gently in place if you want a display setup that stays exactly arranged.

Detailed Making Sequence

1. Knit and assemble the large bunny body parts.
2. Embroider the large face before adding the headwrap.
3. Knit the cream underdress and sew it onto the body if you want a permanent outfit, or leave it removable.
4. Knit the green apron and attach the pockets.
5. Knit and sew the rose cardigan.
6. Knit the headwrap and center bow.
7. Knit the basket, radishes, and leaves.
8. Knit and assemble the mini bunny.
9. Knit the mini overalls and add the single radish.
10. Arrange all pieces and make final tacking stitches where needed.

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Attach the ears first, then test the headwrap placement, then embroider the face if you have not already done so. Keep the eyes tiny and calm, with the nose centered low on the face. The expression should be gentle and neutral, not cartoonish. Add the cardigan button last so the front opening sits neatly.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If deeper cleaning is needed, hand wash very gently in cool water with mild wool-safe soap. Press out water in a towel and reshape while damp. Lay flat to dry away from direct heat or strong sun.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both ears the same height and angle?
• Does the head sit centered on the body?
• Is the cream hem visible below the green apron?
• Are the cardigan fronts even?
• Are the pockets matched in height?
• Is the basket secure in the left hand?
• Is the mini bunny scaled small enough beside the large bunny?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished set in a clean, dry place. Avoid hanging the bunny by the ears or arms for long periods. If displayed seasonally, wrap in acid-free tissue between uses. Keep away from damp storage, rough brushing, and prolonged direct sunlight to preserve the yarn color, stuffing shape, and embroidered facial details.