This charming heirloom-style bunny is designed to look like a boutique knitted rabbit doll sitting neatly on a table, dressed in a soft mustard dress, a bright blue vest, a flower-trimmed straw-style hat, and matching blue sandals. She holds a tiny bouquet of wheat and cornflowers, and a small mouse companion sits beside her. If you love collectible knitted toys, handmade nursery decor, artisan rabbit dolls, spring bunny gifts, cottagecore stuffed animals, and premium hand knit toy patterns, this project gives you a beautiful result with the polished look knitters often search for when browsing handmade bunny dolls for sale.
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, then seamed, stuffed, and assembled. The finished bunny is proportioned to match the photo: a rounded head with long upright ears, a slim neck, a narrow upper body, a softly flared dress, long cream legs, slim cream arms, a cropped blue vest, and a flat-brimmed hat decorated with blue flowers.
The mouse is included as a separate knitted mini companion. The bouquet is made with knitted flowers tied around real or faux wheat stems. For the closest visual match, use smooth yarn with excellent stitch definition and knit firmly so the toy holds its shape cleanly.
Finished Size
- Bunny: about 14 to 15 inches tall from feet to top of ears when sitting upright
- Head: about 3 1/2 inches wide
- Body with dress: about 5 inches wide at hem
- Mouse: about 3 inches tall seated
- Hat brim: about 3 3/4 to 4 inches across
Materials
- Main bunny color: light cream DK yarn, about 85 g
- Dress color: mustard gold DK yarn, about 45 g
- Vest and shoes: cornflower blue DK yarn, about 25 g
- Hat color: warm straw gold or muted ochre DK yarn, about 20 g
- Mouse color: light brown DK yarn, about 18 g
- Flower colors: dark blue, mid blue, pale blue, and a little green DK yarn
- Inner mouse ear and teeth: pale beige or cream scraps
- Toy stuffing
- Black embroidery thread for eyes and nose detailing if needed
- Brown embroidery thread for mouse nose detail
- 3.0 mm straight needles
- 2.75 mm straight needles for firmer details if preferred
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Small amount of floral wire or pipe cleaner for shaping hat if desired
- 6 to 8 dried wheat stems or faux wheat stems
Gauge
28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on 3.0 mm needles, worked firmly.
Exact gauge is less important than keeping the fabric dense enough that stuffing does not show through.
Abbreviations
- BO = bind off
- CO = cast on
- dec = decrease 1 stitch by knitting 2 together
- inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of stitch
- k = knit
- k2tog = knit 2 together
- p = purl
- psso = pass slipped stitch over
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- ssk = slip, slip, knit
- st = stitch
- sts = stitches
- WS = wrong side
- yo = yarn over
Useful Notes Before You Begin
The bunny in the photo has a very calm, upright look. That comes from three things: firm knitting, careful stuffing, and thoughtful assembly angles. Do not overstuff the arms. Do firmly stuff the head and lower body. The neck should be lightly stuffed so the head can settle naturally without collapsing.
The ears are long and slightly inward leaning, not spread wide apart. The arms hang down naturally from the shoulder line. The legs are straight tubes with rounded feet, and the dress covers the top leg join completely. The hat sits low on the forehead and slightly forward, framing the face.
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Bunny Head
Make 2 identical head pieces in cream.
- CO 14 sts.
- Row 1 WS: p all.
- Row 2 RS: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 16 sts.
- Row 3: p all.
- Row 4: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 18 sts.
- Row 5: p all.
- Row 6: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 20 sts.
- Row 7: p all.
- Row 8: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 22 sts.
- Row 9: p all.
- Row 10: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 24 sts.
- Rows 11 to 27: begin with a purl row and work 17 rows in stockinette.
- Row 28 RS: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
- Row 29: p all.
- Row 30: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
- Row 31: p all.
- Row 32: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
- Row 33: p all.
- Row 34: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
- Row 35: p all.
- Row 36: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
- BO purlwise on next row.
Join the two head pieces around the curved edge, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff very firmly, shaping the cheeks so the face stays softly oval rather than perfectly round. The head in the image is plump but not oversized.
Muzzle Shaping
The bunny has a subtle muzzle, not a protruding snout. To create it, use cream yarn and make a small horizontal stitch pull.
- Thread a long length of cream yarn.
- Enter at the back of the head and come out at the lower center front.
- Take a small stitch about 1/4 inch wide.
- Go back through the head and pull gently to form a tiny inward pinch.
- Repeat once if needed so the mouth area sits slightly forward below the eyes.
Ears
Make 4 ear pieces in cream, 2 for outer front and 2 for outer back.
- CO 6 sts.
- Row 1 WS: p all.
- Row 2 RS: k1, inc, k2, inc, k1. 8 sts.
- Row 3: p all.
- Row 4: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 10 sts.
- Row 5: p all.
- Row 6: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 7: p all.
- Row 8: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 14 sts.
- Row 9: p all.
- Row 10: k1, inc, k to last 1 st, inc, k1. 16 sts.
- Rows 11 to 21: work 11 rows in stockinette.
- Row 22 RS: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
- Row 23: p all.
- Row 24: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 25: p all.
- Row 26: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
- Row 27: p all.
- Row 28: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
- Row 29: p all.
- Row 30: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
- Row 31: p all.
- Row 32: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
- Row 33: p all.
- Row 34: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
- Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts.
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Sew ear pieces in pairs. Add only a whisper of stuffing or none at all. Fold the lower ear slightly lengthwise so the ear cups inward. Sew each ear to the crown of the head about 1 inch apart. Angle them almost vertical, leaning slightly inward toward each other.
Body Core
This body is slim at the shoulders and fuller through the lower half, but much of the shape is hidden under the dress. Make 2 body pieces in cream.
- CO 12 sts.
- Row 1 WS: p all.
- Row 2 RS: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 14 sts.
- Row 3: p all.
- Row 4: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 16 sts.
- Row 5: p all.
- Rows 6 to 11: work 6 rows in stockinette.
- Row 12 RS: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 18 sts.
- Row 13: p all.
- Rows 14 to 19: work 6 rows in stockinette.
- Row 20 RS: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 20 sts.
- Row 21: p all.
- Rows 22 to 29: work 8 rows in stockinette.
- Row 30 RS: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
- Row 31: p all.
- Row 32: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
- Rows 33 to 39: work 7 rows in stockinette.
- BO purlwise.
Sew body pieces together, leaving neck edge open. Stuff firmly in the lower half, moderately in the upper half. The body should not become barrel shaped. Keep the sides fairly straight and the tummy softly rounded.
Legs
Make 2 in cream. The legs are long, slim, and straight, with softly rounded feet. They should extend from beneath the dress and bend naturally over the table edge when posed.
- CO 10 sts.
- Rows 1 to 4: work in garter stitch.
- Row 5 RS: k all.
- Row 6 WS: p all.
- Row 7: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 8: p all.
- Rows 9 to 28: work 20 rows in stockinette.
- Row 29 RS: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
- Rows 30 to 38: work 9 rows in stockinette.
- BO purlwise.
Sew leg seams. Stuff the foot area firmly and the upper leg lightly to moderately so the legs remain soft enough to sit. Flatten the first 4 garter rows slightly to suggest a simple foot sole. Sew legs to the lower front of the body, spaced about 3/4 inch apart.
Arms
Make 2 in cream. The arms are narrow, slightly tapered, and relaxed at the sides.
- CO 8 sts.
- Rows 1 to 3: work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
- Row 4 RS: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 10 sts.
- Rows 5 to 20: work 16 rows in stockinette.
- Row 21 RS: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
- Rows 22 to 25: work 4 rows in stockinette.
- BO purlwise.
Sew seams. Stuff only the lower two thirds. Leave the top soft and flat for easy sewing. Attach arms at shoulder level so they angle down close to the dress rather than sticking straight outward.
Mustard Dress
The dress in the image has short sleeves, a fitted upper section, a central cable panel, and a gently flared skirt. It is easiest to make as separate front and back pieces, then seam at shoulders and sides, leaving room for the arms.
Dress Front
- CO 28 sts in mustard.
- Rows 1 to 6: work in garter stitch.
- Row 7 RS: k all.
- Row 8 WS: p all.
- Row 9: k1, k2tog, k22, k2tog, k1. 26 sts.
- Row 10: p all.
- Row 11: k1, k2tog, k20, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
- Row 12: p all.
- Row 13: k1, k2tog, k18, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
- Row 14: p all.
- Row 15: k1, k2tog, k16, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
- Row 16: p all.
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Now establish the cable panel.
- Row 17 RS: k5, p2, k6, p2, k5.
- Row 18 WS: p5, k2, p6, k2, p5.
- Row 19: k5, p2, k6, p2, k5.
- Row 20: p5, k2, p6, k2, p5.
- Row 21: k5, p2, slip 3 sts to cable needle and hold front, k3, k3 from cable needle, p2, k5.
- Row 22: p5, k2, p6, k2, p5.
- Rows 23 to 26: rep Rows 17 to 20.
- Row 27: k5, p2, slip 3 sts to cable needle and hold back, k3, k3 from cable needle, p2, k5.
- Row 28: p5, k2, p6, k2, p5.
- Rows 29 to 34: rep Rows 17 to 22.
Shape armhole and shoulders.
- Row 35 RS: BO 3 sts, work to end. 17 sts.
- Row 36 WS: BO 3 sts, work to end. 14 sts.
- Row 37: k all.
- Row 38: p all.
- Row 39: BO 3 sts, k to end. 11 sts.
- Row 40: BO 3 sts, p to end. 8 sts.
- Row 41: k2, BO 4 sts, k2. 4 sts.
- Row 42: p2.
- BO remaining shoulder sts on next row.
Dress Back
- CO 28 sts.
- Rows 1 to 6: garter stitch.
- Rows 7 to 16: work exactly as Dress Front through Row 16 so you have 20 sts.
- Rows 17 to 34: work in stockinette without cable.
- Row 35 RS: BO 3 sts, knit to end. 17 sts.
- Row 36 WS: BO 3 sts, purl to end. 14 sts.
- Rows 37 to 40: work 4 rows in stockinette.
- Row 41 RS: k4, BO 6 sts, k4.
- Row 42 WS: p4, join second yarn, p4.
- Work each side separately for 2 rows.
- BO shoulder sts.
Dress Sleeves
Make 2 in mustard.
- CO 14 sts.
- Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
- Row 5 RS: k1, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 6 WS: p all.
- Rows 7 to 12: work 6 rows in stockinette.
- BO purlwise.
Sew shoulders. Sew sleeves into arm openings. Sew side seams. Dress the bunny before fully closing side seams if that feels easier. The hem should reach a little below mid-thigh on the seated doll, just as in the image.
Blue Vest
The vest is short, open at the front, and finishes just above the waistline of the dress. Make 2 fronts and 1 back in blue.
Vest Back
- CO 18 sts.
- Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
- Rows 5 to 18: work in stockinette.
- Row 19 RS: BO 2 sts, knit to end. 16 sts.
- Row 20 WS: BO 2 sts, purl to end. 14 sts.
- Rows 21 to 24: stockinette.
- Row 25: k4, BO 6 sts, k4.
- Row 26: p4, join second yarn, p4.
- Work each side separately for 2 more rows.
- BO shoulders.
Vest Fronts
Make 2, reversing shaping for second front.
- CO 8 sts.
- Rows 1 to 4: garter stitch.
- Rows 5 to 10: stockinette.
- Row 11 RS: k1, k2tog, k to end. 7 sts.
- Row 12 WS: p all.
- Rows 13 to 16: stockinette.
- Row 17 armhole edge: BO 2 sts at side edge only. 5 sts.
- Rows 18 to 22: continue stockinette.
- BO shoulder sts.
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Sew shoulders and side seams. With RS facing, knit up around all outer vest edges and work 2 rows of garter stitch for the neat turned edge seen in the photo. BO loosely.
Hat Crown and Brim
The hat is soft and shallow with a rounded crown and a modest downward brim. It sits close to the bunny’s head, not like a large floppy sunhat. Make 2 side crown pieces, 1 top circle, and 1 brim strip in straw gold.
Hat Side Band
Make 2.
- CO 8 sts.
- Rows 1 to 24: work in garter stitch.
- BO.
Sew the two strips together end to end to form one longer band. Join short ends into a ring.
Hat Top
- CO 8 sts.
- Row 1 WS: p all.
- Row 2 RS: k1, inc in each st to end. 16 sts.
- Row 3: p all.
- Row 4: k1, inc, rep to end. 24 sts.
- Row 5: p all.
- Row 6: k2, inc, rep to end. 32 sts.
- Row 7: p all.
- Row 8: k3, inc, rep to end. 40 sts.
- Work 3 more rows in stockinette.
- Row 12 RS: k3, k2tog, rep to end. 32 sts.
- Row 13: p all.
- Row 14: k2, k2tog, rep to end. 24 sts.
- BO loosely on WS row.
Ease top into the side band ring and sew.
Hat Brim
- CO 48 sts.
- Rows 1 to 6: garter stitch.
- Row 7 RS: k all.
- Row 8 WS: p all.
- Row 9 RS: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, k2tog. 46 sts.
- Rows 10 to 12: stockinette.
- BO loosely.
Sew the brim strip into a ring and attach around lower crown. Lightly steam or hand shape the brim so it tips gently downward at the front and sides. Sew hat to the head at a slight forward angle.
Hat Flower Trim
Make 7 to 9 tiny flowers in mixed blues. The photo shows a fuller cluster across the front half of the hat, with the darkest flowers near the center and softer blue flowers filling outward.
Small Five-Petal Knitted Flower
Make several in dark blue, medium blue, and pale blue.
- CO 25 sts.
- Row 1 WS: p all.
- Row 2 RS: rep across row: k1, yo, k2tog, k1, yo. You will form petal eyelets and shaping.
- Row 3 WS: p all.
- BO knitwise on Row 4.
Gather cast-on edge tightly into a circle and sew ends together. Add a tiny center knot with matching yarn if desired.
Leaf
- CO 3 sts in green.
- Row 1: p all.
- Row 2: k1, inc, k1, inc, k1. 5 sts.
- Row 3: p all.
- Row 4: k1, inc, k1, inc, k1, inc, k1. 8 sts.
- Row 5: p all.
- Row 6: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
- Row 7: p all.
- Row 8: ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
- Row 9: p all.
- Row 10: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
- Draw yarn through.
Sew flower cluster to hat front. Tuck a few green leaves under the flowers. Keep the trim low and close to the brim, not standing high.
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Blue Sandals
Make 2 in blue. These are decorative overlays sewn onto the feet after assembly.
- CO 18 sts.
- Work 2 rows in i-cord style or narrow garter strip.
- BO.
Cut strip into three lengths for each foot: one toe strap, one instep strap, and one ankle crossing strap. Sew into crisscross sandal shapes over the knitted feet exactly as shown in the image. The front toe opening should remain visible.
Cornflower Bouquet
The bouquet contains several blue flowers tied around wheat stems. For the best look, use 3 to 4 knitted flowers and 6 to 8 dried or faux stems. The bouquet is small enough to fit the bunny’s left hand.
Mini Cornflower Puff
- CO 12 sts in blue.
- Rows 1 to 3: stockinette.
- Row 4: k2tog across. 6 sts.
- Cut yarn and gather tightly.
Wrap gathered piece into a puff blossom and stitch at base. Make several in mixed blues. Tie to wheat stems with brown or natural twine. Add a tiny blue flower closer to the bow, matching the image.
Mouse Companion
The mouse is very small, plump, and seated upright, holding a wheat stem. Its ears are rounded and fairly large compared with the head. The body is one continuous simple form with a separate tail and ears.
Mouse Body
Make 2 in light brown.
- CO 8 sts.
- Row 1 WS: p all.
- Row 2 RS: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 10 sts.
- Row 3: p all.
- Row 4: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 5: p all.
- Rows 6 to 11: work 6 rows in stockinette.
- Row 12 RS: k1, inc, k to last 2 sts, inc, k1. 14 sts.
- Row 13: p all.
- Rows 14 to 18: work 5 rows in stockinette.
- Row 19 RS: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
- Row 20: p all.
- Row 21: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
- Row 22: p all.
- Row 23: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
- BO on next row.
Sew pieces together, leaving base slightly flat so the mouse sits. Stuff firmly but not hard. Shape the lower body round and the top narrower.
Mouse Ears
Make 4 in brown.
- CO 4 sts.
- Row 1: p all.
- Row 2: k1, inc, k2, inc, k1. 6 sts.
- Row 3: p all.
- Row 4: k1, inc, k2, inc, k1. 8 sts.
- Row 5: p all.
- Row 6: k2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
- Row 7: p all.
- Row 8: k2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
- Draw yarn through.
Sew into two pairs. Add tiny pale inner ear stitches if desired. Attach high on the head.
Mouse Arms
Make 2.
- CO 4 sts.
- Work 8 rows in stockinette.
- BO.
Roll and sew into tiny tubes. Attach to front so the mouse appears to cradle a wheat stem.
Mouse Tail
- CO 20 sts.
- BO all on next row.
Twist lightly into a cord and sew to lower back. Curve the tail gently to one side.
Face Embroidery
The bunny’s face is simple and sweet. Do not overwork it. The eyes are tiny black vertical almond shapes, placed fairly wide apart. The nose is a small stitched “Y” style nose and mouth in brown thread, centered low on the face.
- Eyes: place about 7 to 8 rows down from the top shaping and about 10 to 12 stitches apart
- Nose: embroider a tiny triangle or vertical stitch cluster in brown
- Mouth: add a short vertical stitch and two tiny angled stitches below
The mouse can have tiny knot eyes, a little brown nose, and two small front teeth in cream worked with very short straight stitches.
Assembly Order
- Sew and stuff head.
- Sew and attach ears.
- Sew and stuff body.
- Attach head securely to body with ladder stitch.
- Sew and stuff legs, then attach.
- Sew and lightly stuff arms, then attach.
- Make dress and place on bunny.
- Make vest and sew in place or leave removable.
- Make hat and flower trim, then sew hat to head.
- Add sandals.
- Make bouquet and tack to one hand.
- Make mouse and place beside bunny.
Styling Details to Match the Photo
To make the final toy look as close as possible to the image, pay attention to proportion. The head is a little larger than the body width at the shoulders. The ears are tall but not exaggerated. The dress hem is plain and softly curved by gravity rather than sharply flared.
The vest should not cover the cable panel on the dress. Keep the vest fronts narrow and open. The hat sits just above the eyes and below the base of the ears. The flower crown effect comes from attaching blossoms only across the front half of the hat.
The bouquet should be slim, not oversized. The wheat stems must extend above the bunny’s hand and slightly left of the body. The mouse should be placed close to the bunny’s right foot so the composition feels balanced.
Detailed Knitting Notes for Beginners
If you are new to toy knitting, the neatest result comes from sewing slowly and stuffing in very small pinches. Large clumps of filling create lumps. Use the blunt end of a knitting needle to push stuffing into the ear bases, neck, and feet.
When making flat toy pieces, keep your edge stitches even. That helps the seams disappear. Sew mattress stitch for visible outer seams whenever possible. For tiny pieces like the mouse and flowers, whip stitch is perfectly fine.
If your fabric feels loose, switch to the smaller needle size. Toys almost always look better when knitted more firmly than garments. The image shows smooth, compact fabric with very visible stitch structure, especially on the dress cable, vest edges, and face.
Optional Finishing Touches
- Add a tiny hidden stitch at the elbow area so the bunny can hold the bouquet more naturally.
- Insert a small amount of weighted filling in the bunny’s lower body to help the seated pose.
- Use a little diluted fabric-safe glue only on the wheat stem tie if your twine tends to slip.
- Very lightly steam the vest and hat before dressing the bunny, but do not flatten the stuffed parts.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Sew the head to the body with extra strength and check that it faces straight ahead. Embroider the eyes first, then the nose, then the tiny mouth. Test the face placement with pins before stitching. Attach the ears last if you want to fine-tune their angle after seeing the hat position.
Care Notes
Display this bunny indoors away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Because the bouquet includes delicate stems and the hat has applied flowers, this toy is best treated as decorative nursery or shelf decor rather than rough-play plush.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Head stuffed firmly and evenly
- Ears matched and symmetrically placed
- Dress centered with cable in front
- Vest edges lying flat
- Hat angled slightly forward
- Flower trim balanced across front brim
- Sandals sewn neatly on both feet
- Bouquet secure in left hand
- Mouse sits upright beside bunny
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Dust gently with a soft dry brush. Spot clean only with a lightly damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak, machine wash, or tumble dry. Reshape by hand while drying flat. Store in acid-free tissue or a breathable cotton bag to preserve stitch texture, color, and shaping over time.


