Knitting Tutorial: The “Country Bride” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

The “Country Bride” Bunny is a soft heirloom-style knitted rabbit dressed in a romantic ivory wedding gown, scalloped lace collar, tiny shoes, blush rose crown, and a light veil. This design is made for knit toy lovers who enjoy handmade nursery decor, bridal keepsakes, collectible stuffed animals, and gift-quality rabbit dolls. The finished bunny has a gentle cottage look that suits wedding table styling, spring displays, Easter decor, and handmade toy shops. If you love searching for knitted bunny pattern, bride rabbit doll, knitted wedding bunny, or heirloom rabbit plush gift ideas, this charming project is a beautiful make.

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 bunny shown in the image: a seated cream rabbit with a rounded head, tall narrow ears, slim hanging arms, a softly stuffed dress-shaped lower body, short legs, tiny Mary Jane style shoes, a floral bouquet, a petal-edged cape collar, a rose flower crown, and a short bridal veil.

The bunny is designed to sit on the edge of a cushion or shelf with the legs hanging straight down. The torso is hidden under the dress, so shaping is focused on the visible silhouette. The dress is knitted as a separate garment and sewn onto the stuffed body so the skirt keeps its crisp bell shape.

The instructions below are detailed and use standard US English knitting terms. The shaping is deliberate so the finished rabbit looks close to the sample image rather than like a generic bunny.

Finished Size

• Total height: about 15 to 16 inches / 38 to 41 cm from feet to ear tips
• Seated body height: about 10 inches / 25.5 cm
• Head width: about 3 inches / 7.5 cm
• Ear length: about 4 1/2 inches / 11.5 cm
• Dress width at hem when laid flat: about 7 1/2 to 8 inches / 19 to 20.5 cm
• Arm length: about 3 1/4 inches / 8 cm
• Leg length including shoe: about 2 3/4 inches / 7 cm

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: DK weight wool or wool blend in warm cream, about 80 to 100 g
• Dress yarn: DK weight in ivory or off-white, about 90 to 110 g
• Collar yarn: same as dress yarn, about 20 g
• Shoe yarn: same as main yarn or dress yarn, small amount
• Rose yarn: very small amounts of blush pink, dusty pink, pale shell pink, ivory, and sage green
• Veil: soft tulle or illusion net in white or ivory
• Bouquet ribbon: narrow satin ribbon in ivory, 4 pieces about 8 inches / 20 cm each
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill
• Optional weighted filling: a little fine toy pellets in a fabric pouch for the lower body
• Safety eyes or black beads: 2 pieces, 5 mm to 6 mm
• Embroidery floss: dark taupe or brown for nose and mouth
• Pearl beads: tiny seed pearls or small round beads for shoe straps and collar center if desired
• Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm for firm toy fabric
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop for small pieces
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Sewing needle and matching thread for veil attachment

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on US 2 / 2.75 mm needles, worked flat or in the round and measured after light blocking. Exact gauge matters because the proportions of the head, ears, and dress depend on a firm fabric.

The knitted toy fabric should be dense enough that stuffing does not show through. If your stitches are loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• K = knit
• P = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• m1L = make 1 left
• m1R = make 1 right
• yo = yarn over
• sl = slip
• rep = repeat
• beg = beginning

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Notes Before You Begin

This bunny is built from several separate parts. Knit the head, ears, arms, body, and legs first. Then knit the dress, lace collar, shoes, bouquet roses, and flower crown. The veil is cut from tulle and sewn on after the flowers are attached.

The rabbit in the image has a calm, centered face with small close-set eyes, a short triangular nose, and a tiny split mouth. Do not place the eyes too wide. The face should look gentle and slightly antique, not cartoon-like.

The ears are long but not oversized. They are narrow at the base, widen softly through the middle, and taper to rounded points. Keep them lightly stuffed only at the lower third so they remain upright yet still soft.

The dress is the visual focus. The hem has a large lace motif and the skirt is full without being stiff like a hoop skirt. The collar is a separate round capelet with petal edges that sits over the bodice.

Head

Work the head in the round from the nose area upward. Use the main cream yarn.

1. CO 8 sts. Divide onto needles and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Round 1: Knit.
3. Round 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Round 3: Knit.
5. Round 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Round 5: Knit.
7. Round 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Round 7: Knit.
9. Round 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rounds 9 to 16: Knit 8 rounds even.

The muzzle should now look rounded and neat. Begin stuffing the nose area lightly so shaping stays smooth.

1. Round 17: K8, m1R, K4, m1L, K16, m1R, K4, m1L, K8. 44 sts.
2. Rounds 18 to 22: Knit even.
3. Round 23: K9, ssk, K2, k2tog, K18, ssk, K2, k2tog, K7. 40 sts.
4. Round 24: Knit.
5. Round 25: K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
6. Round 26: Knit.
7. Round 27: K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.

Insert the eyes now between Rounds 13 and 14, spaced 8 stitches apart across the front. If embroidering instead of using safety eyes, leave this for later. Add more stuffing, firm but not hard.

1. Round 28: K1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
2. Round 29: Knit.
3. Round 30: K2tog around. 8 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and fasten off. Shape the head with your hands so it is slightly taller than wide, not perfectly round like a ball.

Ears Make 2

Work flat. The inner side and outer side are the same color because the sample image is monochrome cream. The ears are seamed and then lightly stuffed at the base.

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, kfb, K2, kfb, K1. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: K1, kfb, K4, kfb, K1. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: K1, kfb, K6, kfb, K1. 12 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 21: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row, for 15 rows.
9. Row 22 RS: K1, ssk, K6, k2tog, K1. 10 sts.
10. Row 23: Purl.
11. Row 24: K1, ssk, K4, k2tog, K1. 8 sts.
12. Row 25: Purl.
13. Row 26: K1, ssk, K2, k2tog, K1. 6 sts.
14. Row 27: Purl.
15. Row 28: Ssk, K2, k2tog. 4 sts.
16. Row 29: Purl.
17. Row 30: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
18. Row 31: P2tog. 1 st.

Fasten off. Make a second matching ear.

Fold each ear lengthwise with WS together so the lower section naturally cups inward. Mattress stitch the side edges together from the base to about two thirds of the ear, leaving the top portion flatter. Add only a narrow strip of stuffing in the lower third.

Arms Make 2

The arms are slim tubes with gentle tapering and a soft bend at the shoulder. Work in the round using main cream yarn.

1. CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 4: Knit.
3. Round 5: K2, k2tog twice, K2. 6 sts.
4. Rounds 6 to 18: Knit 13 rounds even.
5. Round 19: K1, m1R 3 times. 9 sts.
6. Rounds 20 to 22: Knit.

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Break yarn leaving a long tail. Stuff only lightly, keeping the wrists very soft. Flatten the top opening and sew closed later when attaching. Before stuffing fully, place a tiny pinch more filling in the hand end so the arm hangs with a rounded paw shape.

Legs Make 2

The visible legs are short and mostly hidden by the dress. Work the upper leg first in cream, then add the shoe later or knit the shoe directly as part of the leg. The version below gives the neatest shape and matches the image well.

1. CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 8: Knit.
3. Round 9: K3, k2tog, K3, k2tog. 8 sts.
4. Rounds 10 to 12: Knit.

Stuff lightly. Cut yarn with a long tail. Leave the top open for joining to body.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes in the image are tiny cream wedding shoes with a rounded toe and a delicate strap effect. Work flat and seam underneath.

1. CO 8 sts using dress or shoe yarn.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: Kfb, K6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: Kfb, K8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 8: Work 4 rows in stockinette.
7. Row 9 RS: K2, ssk, K4, k2tog, K2. 10 sts.
8. Row 10: Purl.
9. Row 11: K2, ssk, K2, k2tog, K2. 8 sts.
10. Row 12: Purl.
11. Row 13: Knit.
12. Row 14: P2tog 4 times. 4 sts.
13. Row 15: Knit.

BO all sts. Fold shoe around lower leg and seam back and sole neatly. Embroider or sew a tiny strap across the instep. Add one small pearl bead at the outer side of each strap if desired.

Body

The body sits underneath the dress and should be compact, pear-shaped, and stable. Work from the neck down in the round with main cream yarn.

1. CO 16 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 4: Knit.
3. Round 5: K3, m1R around. 20 sts.
4. Round 6: Knit.
5. Round 7: K4, m1R around. 24 sts.
6. Round 8: Knit.
7. Round 9: K5, m1R around. 28 sts.
8. Rounds 10 to 16: Knit even.
9. Round 17: K6, m1R around. 32 sts.
10. Rounds 18 to 22: Knit even.
11. Round 23: K7, m1R around. 36 sts.
12. Rounds 24 to 28: Knit even.
13. Round 29: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
14. Round 30: Knit.
15. Round 31: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
16. Round 32: Knit.
17. Round 33: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.

Stuff firmly through the lower opening. If using weight, place it at the lower center before finishing. Shape the body so it is wider at the seat and narrower at the neck.

1. Round 34: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
2. Round 35: Knit.

Do not close completely yet if you prefer to attach the legs from the inside. Otherwise, cut yarn, thread through stitches, and pull closed after sewing on the legs.

Joining the Base Bunny

Sew the head to the neck opening with strong matching yarn. The head should sit upright and centered, with only a slight forward tilt. Too much tilt will hide the collar and make the flower crown sit awkwardly.

Attach the ears to the top of the head, about 3/4 inch / 2 cm apart at the inner bases. Angle them slightly outward at the base and then let them rise almost vertically. The photo shows ears that are open and elegant, not floppy to the sides.

Sew the arms high on the body just under the neck line. Let them hang down straight with a slight inward curve toward the skirt front.

Sew the legs at the lower front of the body so they hang vertically when the bunny sits. Place them close together with a gap of about 3/8 inch / 1 cm between them.

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Wedding Dress Skirt

The skirt is full and heavily featured in the image. It begins with a fitted waist and opens into a lace hem. Work in the round from the waist downward using the dress yarn.

1. CO 48 sts and join in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 6: K1, P1 rib.
3. Round 7: Knit.
4. Round 8: K7, m1R around. 54 sts.
5. Round 9: Purl.
6. Round 10: Knit.
7. Round 11: K8, m1R around. 60 sts.
8. Round 12: Purl.
9. Round 13: Knit.
10. Round 14: K9, m1R around. 66 sts.
11. Rounds 15 to 20: Work stockinette, alternating knit and purl rounds as established for smooth flat knitting-in-the-round appearance, with knit rounds on RS-facing side if preferred.

Now begin the lace panel repeat. The hem in the image has strong diamond-leaf structure. Use the following 22-stitch repeat. Place markers for 3 repeats; 66 stitches total.

Skirt Lace Pattern

Repeat the following 12 rounds 3 times around the skirt. This creates the broad leaf diamonds seen near the hem. If you prefer charts, convert from the written form, but the written version below is fully workable.

1. Round 1: K2, yo, ssk, K6, k2tog, yo, K2, yo, ssk, K6, k2tog, yo, K2.
2. Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit all sts.
3. Round 3: K1, yo, ssk, K8, k2tog, yo, K1, K1, yo, ssk, K8, k2tog, yo, K1.
4. Round 5: Yo, ssk, K10, k2tog, yo, K2, yo, ssk, K10, k2tog, yo.
5. Round 7: K1, yo, ssk, K3, yo, ssk, K2, k2tog, yo, K3, k2tog, yo, K1, then repeat second half of repeat as established.
6. Round 9: K2, yo, ssk, K2, yo, ssk, K4, k2tog, yo, K2, k2tog, yo, K2, then repeat second half of repeat as established.
7. Round 11: K3, yo, ssk, K1, yo, ssk, K6, k2tog, yo, K1, k2tog, yo, K3, then repeat second half of repeat as established.

After working the full 12-round lace sequence once, repeat it 2 more times. The skirt should now flare softly and show the decorative motifs.

To finish the hem with a gentle wave, work these final rounds:

1. Next round: K2tog around once every 10 stitches evenly spaced, decreasing 6 sts total. 60 sts.
2. Next round: Knit.
3. Picot edge round: K2tog, yo around.
4. Next 3 rounds: Knit.
5. BO loosely knitwise.

Lightly steam or wet block the skirt so the lace opens but the fabric still keeps body. Do not overstretch.

Bodice

The bodice is plain and high-waisted under the collar. Work flat in one piece, then seam at the back.

1. CO 34 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
3. Rows 5 to 12: Stockinette.
4. Row 13 RS: K2, k2tog, K26, ssk, K2. 32 sts.
5. Row 14: Purl.
6. Row 15: Knit.
7. Row 16: Purl.
8. Row 17 RS: K2, k2tog, K24, ssk, K2. 30 sts.
9. Row 18: Purl.
10. Rows 19 to 22: Stockinette.
11. BO all sts.

Wrap around the upper body, overlapping slightly at the back. Seam invisibly. Sew the skirt upper edge to the lower edge of the bodice. Slip the entire dress onto the bunny and stitch in place around the waist and back.

Petal Lace Collar

The collar is one of the most visible details in the image. It sits like a small cape with rounded scalloped points. Work from the neck outward in rows, then seam the short edges at the back.

1. CO 48 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Garter stitch.
3. Row 5 RS: K2, yo, K2tog to last 2 sts, K2.
4. Row 6: Knit.
5. Row 7: K2, K1, yo, ssk, K1, k2tog, yo, K1 rep across center section, end K2.
6. Row 8: Knit.
7. Row 9: Purl.
8. Row 10: Knit.
9. Repeat Rows 7 to 10 two more times.

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Now shape scallops. Divide visually into 6 petal sections of 8 stitches each.

1. Scallop Row 1 RS: K6, turn for first petal. Work short-row scallop: Purl back. K5, turn. Purl back. K4, turn. Purl back. K3, turn. Purl back. Knit to petal edge and resume main row. Repeat for each 8-stitch petal section.
2. Next row WS: Purl all sts across.
3. Next row RS: Knit all sts across.
4. BO loosely.

Lightly block and curve around the neckline. Sew the collar to the dress neck so the petal points spread evenly over the shoulders and upper chest. Add one tiny pearl or French knot at the center front neck if desired.

Flower Crown

The crown is made from small knitted roses and leaves sewn to a narrow knitted band. The arrangement in the image shows one ivory rose centered, flanked by blush and pale pink roses, with smaller side blossoms and sage leaves.

Crown Band

1. CO 36 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: Garter stitch.
3. BO knitwise.

Join into a ring that fits around the head just in front of the ears. Do not stretch it tightly.

Large Rose Make 1 Ivory and 2 Pink

1. CO 24 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: K1, yo across. 47 sts.
4. Row 3 WS: Purl.
5. Row 4 RS: K2tog across to end, leaving final st knit. About 24 sts.

Leave long tail. Roll strip from CO edge to BO edge into a spiral flower, sewing through base to secure.

Small Rose Buds Make 4

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: K1, yo across. 31 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. BO loosely.

Roll tightly for small buds and stitch at base.

Leaves Make 8 to 10

1. CO 3 sts in sage yarn.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: Kfb, K1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: K1, kfb, K1, kfb, K1. 7 sts.
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: Ssk, K3, k2tog. 5 sts.
8. Row 7: Purl.
9. Row 8: Ssk, K1, k2tog. 3 sts.
10. Row 9: P3tog.

Arrange the crown with the ivory rose in the middle, one blush pink rose on each side, then the smaller buds and leaves tucked around them. Sew the flowers to the band. Attach the finished crown to the bunny head just in front of the ears.

Veil

Cut a semicircle or soft rectangle of tulle about 8 inches / 20 cm wide and 5 inches / 12.5 cm long. Gather one long edge with hand stitches until it fits the back half of the flower crown.

Sew the gathered edge to the back of the crown so the veil falls behind the head and spreads lightly over the shoulders. In the image the veil is short and airy, not floor length.

Bouquet

The bouquet echoes the crown colors and is tied with long ivory ribbons. Make 5 to 7 tiny roses using the small rose bud instructions above in ivory, blush, and pale pink. Make 6 tiny leaves in sage.

Bundle the flowers into a round nosegay with the ivory flowers near the center. Stitch together at the base. Wrap with matching yarn or thread, then sew on 4 narrow ribbon tails. Attach the bouquet to the bunny’s left side at the waist so it rests over the front of the skirt like the image.

Optional Little Birds Make 2

The image includes two tiny white birds placed on each side of the bunny. These can be knitted as simple decorative companions.

1. CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit.
3. Round 2: Kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rounds 3 to 5: Knit.
5. Round 6: K2, k2tog around. 9 sts.
6. Rounds 7 to 8: Knit.
7. Round 9: K1, k2tog around. 6 sts.

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Stuff lightly. Draw remaining stitches closed. Shape a small tail by sewing a pinch at the back. Embroider a tiny beak and use a black French knot eye. Make small knitted wings by CO 6 sts, work 2 rows garter, BO, then fold slightly and sew to sides.

Face Embroidery

Using dark taupe embroidery floss, make a tiny inverted triangle nose centered about 1/2 inch / 1.25 cm below the eye line. The nose should be narrow, not broad. Add a short vertical stitch down from the center and a very small split mouth.

Do not overwork the face. The image shows minimal features. A little shading with blush or pastel around the cheeks and inside ear bases can add softness.

Blocking and Shaping

Steam or wet block the dress skirt, collar, and flower pieces before final sewing. Do not soak the stuffed bunny. If needed, you can lightly steam the assembled dress from a distance while protecting the stuffing from excess moisture.

Shape the skirt by hand so it forms a smooth dome when the bunny is seated. The hem should spread nicely without flattening completely.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Head placement: keep the chin centered above the collar and do not let the head sink into the body.
• Ear angle: attach nearly upright with only a gentle outward flare.
• Eyes: small, dark, and close enough to keep the face sweet and quiet.
• Nose and mouth: use short neat stitches only.
• Crown and veil: crown first, veil second, so the flowers stay visible from the front.
• Bouquet: tack at waist and lightly at the skirt front so it does not swing away.

Care Notes

• Display indoors away from direct strong sunlight.
• Handle the veil gently to avoid snags.
• Do not hang the bunny by the ears or arms.
• Keep away from pets and very rough play if used as decor.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both ears match in height and angle.
• Eyes are level and evenly spaced.
• Dress hem is blocked and lace is visible.
• Collar points are spread evenly.
• Flower crown is centered between the ears.
• Veil is attached behind the flowers, not over them.
• Bouquet ribbons hang freely and neatly.
• Legs hang straight when seated on an edge.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

• Dust gently with a clean dry makeup brush or soft cloth.
• Spot clean yarn areas only with mild soap and cool water.
• Do not machine wash because the veil, flowers, and stuffing may distort.
• Dry flat and reshape immediately if any damp cleaning is needed.
• Store wrapped in acid-free tissue in a breathable box if keeping long term.