Knitting Tutorial: The Granddaughter’s Doll Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted bunny doll is designed to look like a soft heirloom nursery toy with a gentle face, long floppy ears, a blush pink pinafore dress, a striped sweater, a wide bow headband, lace-trim socks, Mary Jane-style shoes, and a tiny matching bunny in a knitted pram. The finished set is perfect for a nursery display, baby shower gift, Easter decor idea, handmade bunny doll collection, boutique toy styling, or anyone searching for a knitted stuffed rabbit, keepsake bunny toy, or handmade nursery gift with a cozy luxury look.

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 detailed US English and follows the proportions shown in the image: a large seated bunny with a slightly oversized oval head, narrow neck, rounded torso, long slim legs, soft tube-shaped arms, long hanging ears, and a full gathered pinafore-style dress.

The smaller bunny repeats the same character in a simplified scale so the entire set looks visually matched. The tiny pram is also knitted so the final display keeps the same soft texture throughout.

The sample is worked mainly in stockinette stitch with very even, small-gauge fabric. That close gauge matters because the toy in the image has a smooth, polished boutique finish rather than a loose rustic finish.

Materials

• Main bunny body color: light oatmeal, beige, or warm ivory DK yarn, about 220 yards
• Dress color: soft baby pink DK yarn, about 150 yards
• Sweater stripe color: white DK yarn, about 70 yards
• Head bow color: dusty rose or berry pink DK yarn, about 45 yards
• Socks/shoes: white DK yarn, about 45 yards
• Mini bunny body color: same beige DK yarn, about 60 yards
• Mini dress: same soft pink DK yarn, about 30 yards
• Pram: beige DK yarn, about 55 yards
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) double-point needles or magic loop for small circumferences; US 3 (3.25 mm) straight or circular needles for flat pieces
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small amount of pink embroidery floss or thin yarn for nose and mouth
• Black embroidery floss for eyes if preferred instead of safety eyes
• Very narrow white lace trim for sock edging, optional but recommended for the pictured look

Gauge and Finished Size

Gauge: 28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette on US 2 needles after light steaming.

Large bunny finished size: about 15 to 16 inches tall seated, not including ear drop below the shoulder.

Mini bunny finished size: about 4 1/2 inches tall seated.

Pram finished size: about 4 inches long, 2 3/4 inches tall to hood top, and 2 1/2 inches wide.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• m1L = make 1 left
• m1R = make 1 right
• p = purl
• pm = place marker
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• WS = wrong side

Construction Notes

The large bunny is built from separate knitted sections so the form matches the photo closely. The legs are long and slim. The body is lightly pear-shaped. The head is rounded but slightly taller than it is wide. The ears are long, narrow, and softly flattened.

The arms are attached low and sit beside the pinafore bib. The dress is a separate garment. The striped top is also separate. The headband is separate and tied around the head after assembly to create the wide centered bow shape seen in the image.

Stuff firmly but not hard. The photographed bunny looks soft and well-filled, especially in the head, but not stretched. Keep the neck firm enough to support the head.

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Large Bunny: Legs Make 2

Foot

1. Using beige and US 2 needles, CO 10 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round if desired, or work flat and seam later. The round method gives the neatest finish.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnds 8-12: K all sts.
10. Rnd 13: K5, k2tog, k2, ssk, k5. 14 sts.
11. Rnd 14: K all sts.
12. Rnd 15: K4, k2tog, k2, ssk, k4. 12 sts.
13. Rnds 16-18: K all sts.

Leg Tube

1. Continue on 12 sts.
2. Rnds 19-48: K all sts for 30 rounds.
3. Stuff foot firmly and leg lightly as you go, leaving top 1 inch unstuffed.
4. Break yarn on first leg and place sts on holder.
5. Work second leg the same, but do not break yarn after Rnd 48.

Large Bunny: Body

1. With second leg still attached, k across 12 sts of second leg, CO 4 sts for center join, k across 12 sts of first leg. 28 sts.
2. Place marker for beginning of round.
3. Rnd 1: K all sts.
4. Rnd 2: K12, m1R, k4, m1L, k12. 30 sts.
5. Rnd 3: K all sts.
6. Rnd 4: K13, m1R, k4, m1L, k13. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 5: K all sts.
8. Rnd 6: K14, m1R, k4, m1L, k14. 34 sts.
9. Rnd 7: K all sts.
10. Rnd 8: K15, m1R, k4, m1L, k15. 36 sts.
11. Rnds 9-20: K all sts.
12. Rnd 21: K16, m1R, k4, m1L, k16. 38 sts.
13. Rnd 22: K all sts.
14. Rnd 23: K17, m1R, k4, m1L, k17. 40 sts.
15. Rnds 24-30: K all sts.
16. Rnd 31: K8, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k8, ssk, k8. 37 sts.
17. Rnd 32: K all sts.
18. Rnd 33: K8, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, ssk, k7. 34 sts.
19. Rnd 34: K all sts.
20. Rnd 35: K7, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, ssk, k6. 31 sts.
21. Rnd 36: K all sts.
22. Rnd 37: K6, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, ssk, k5. 28 sts.
23. Rnds 38-44: K all sts.

At this stage the body should look gently rounded at the lower half and narrower above the waist, which matches the image well because the pinafore sits over a fairly slim torso rather than a wide belly.

Neck Base

1. Rnd 45: K2tog around. 14 sts.
2. Rnd 46: K all sts.
3. Rnd 47: Kfb around. 28 sts.

Stuff body firmly before continuing. Add extra stuffing at the hip area so the bunny sits nicely and the dress hangs in soft folds.

Large Bunny: Head

1. Rnd 48: K all sts.
2. Rnd 49: K2, m1R, repeat around. 37 sts.
3. Rnd 50: K all sts.
4. Rnd 51: K3, m1R, repeat around. 46 sts.
5. Rnd 52: K all sts.
6. Rnd 53: K4, m1R, repeat around. 55 sts.
7. Rnds 54-66: K all sts.
8. Rnd 67: K9, k2tog, repeat around. 50 sts.
9. Rnd 68: K all sts.
10. Rnd 69: K8, k2tog, repeat around. 45 sts.
11. Rnd 70: K all sts.
12. Rnd 71: K7, k2tog, repeat around. 40 sts.
13. Rnd 72: K all sts.
14. Rnd 73: K6, k2tog, repeat around. 35 sts.
15. Rnd 74: K all sts while stuffing head very firmly.
16. Rnd 75: K5, k2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
17. Rnd 76: K4, k2tog, repeat around. 25 sts.
18. Rnd 77: K3, k2tog, repeat around. 20 sts.
19. Rnd 78: K2, k2tog, repeat around. 15 sts.
20. Rnd 79: K1, k2tog, repeat around. 10 sts.
21. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

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Large Bunny: Arms Make 2

1. Using beige and US 2 needles, CO 10 sts and join to work in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts.
3. Rnd 5: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 6-8: K all sts.
5. Rnd 9: K2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
6. Rnds 10-28: K all sts.
7. Stuff lower hand section only. Leave upper arm lightly stuffed.
8. Flatten top and sew closed.

The arms in the image are slim, relaxed, and not posed outward. Keep them narrow. Do not overstuff.

Large Bunny: Ears Make 2

1. Using beige and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1 (RS): K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, m1L, k6, m1R, k1. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K1, m1L, k8, m1R, k1. 12 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: K1, m1L, k10, m1R, k1. 14 sts.
9. Rows 8-34: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
10. Row 35: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
11. Row 36: P all sts.
12. Row 37: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
13. Row 38: P all sts.
14. Row 39: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
15. Row 40: P all sts.
16. Row 41: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
17. Row 42: P all sts.
18. Row 43: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
19. Row 44: P all sts.
20. Row 45: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
21. Row 46: P2tog. Fasten off.

Make a second ear the same. Do not stuff. Seam side edges if desired, but leave ears soft and flat. Lightly steam so they drape naturally downward just like the picture.

Striped Sweater

The sweater is simple, fitted, and mostly hidden under the pinafore. Its most visible feature is the narrow pink-and-white horizontal stripe pattern on the sleeves and upper chest.

Body

1. Using white and US 3 needles, CO 36 sts. Work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: K1, p1 rib.
3. Begin stripe sequence: 2 rows white, 2 rows pink, repeating.
4. Rows 5-24: Continue stripe sequence in stockinette.
5. Row 25: K9, BO 18, k9.
6. Row 26: P9, CO 18, p9. 36 sts.
7. Rows 27-34: Continue stripe sequence in stockinette.
8. Rows 35-38: Work 4 rows white in k1, p1 rib.
9. BO loosely.

Sleeves Make 2

1. Using white, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rows 5-28: Work stockinette in same 2-row white, 2-row pink stripe sequence.
4. Increase 1 st each side on Row 9, Row 15, and Row 21. 24 sts.
5. BO loosely.

Seam sleeves and body into a simple pullover. The neckline should remain open enough to pull over the head. It is fine to leave one back seam partially open and stitch it closed after dressing the bunny.

Pinafore Dress

This dress is the key garment in the image. It has a rounded bib, high waistline, softly flared skirt, and two front patch pockets. The proportions should reach to just above the ankle when the bunny is seated.

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Skirt

1. Using pink and US 3 needles, CO 72 sts. Work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: K all rows for garter hem.
3. Row 5 (RS): K all sts.
4. Row 6: P all sts.
5. Rows 7-28: Continue in stockinette.
6. Row 29 (RS): K2, k2tog, rep from across to last 2 sts, k2. 54 sts.
7. Row 30: P all sts.
8. Rows 31-42: Stockinette.
9. Row 43 (RS): K3, k2tog, rep from across to last 3 sts, k3. 44 sts.
10. Row 44: P all sts.
11. Rows 45-48: Stockinette.

Bib Front

1. Row 49 (RS): K10, BO 24, k10. 20 sts total separated into 2 sections.
2. Work left strap first on 10 sts.
3. Rows 50-58: Stockinette.
4. Row 59: K2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
5. Rows 60-70: Stockinette.
6. Rows 71-74: K all rows for garter strap edge.
7. BO.
8. Rejoin yarn to remaining 10 sts and work other side to match, reversing shaping.

Back Waistband and Straps

1. Using pink, CO 28 sts.
2. Rows 1-8: Stockinette.
3. Row 9: K8, BO 12, k8.
4. Work each strap separately for 18 rows in stockinette, then 4 rows garter, then BO.

Pockets Make 2

1. CO 8 sts in pink.
2. Rows 1-8: Stockinette.
3. Row 9: K all sts.
4. BO knitwise.

Sew pockets to the lower front skirt, angling the top outer corners slightly downward so they resemble the soft rounded pocket shape in the photo.

Headband and Bow

The bow is large, thick, and centered high on the forehead. It is not a tiny decorative bow. It has width, loft, and clear side loops.

Headband Strip

1. Using berry pink and US 3 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-42: K all rows.
3. BO.

Bow Center Panel

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-18: K1, p16, k1 on RS rows; k all sts on WS rows to create a softly textured center.
3. BO.

Bow Wrap

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-10: K all rows.
3. BO.

Fold the bow center panel accordion-style, wrap with the small strip, and secure tightly. Sew the finished bow to the middle of the headband strip. Wrap headband around bunny head and stitch ends together at the back.

Socks and Shoes

Socks Make 2

1. Using white and US 2 needles, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-8: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rnds 9-12: K all sts.
4. BO loosely.

Hand stitch narrow white lace trim along the top edge if desired. This step gives the closest visual match to the image.

Shoes Make 2

1. Using white, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts.
3. Rnd 5: K3, k2tog, k2, ssk, k3. 10 sts.
4. Rnds 6-8: K all sts.
5. Flatten and seam sole opening to form a neat slipper shape.
6. For strap, CO 8 sts, knit 2 rows, BO, and sew across upper instep on each shoe.

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Mini Bunny

The mini bunny should clearly echo the main doll without adding heavy detail. Keep the same beige body, long ears, and pink dress. The miniature proportions matter more than extra complexity.

Mini Body and Head

1. Using beige and US 2 needles, CO 8 sts for each leg. Work 16 rounds plain for each leg.
2. Join legs with CO 2 sts between them. 18 sts.
3. Work 10 rounds even.
4. Increase evenly to 24 sts over next 2 rounds.
5. Work 8 rounds even for body.
6. Decrease to 12 sts for neck over 2 rounds.
7. Increase to 24 sts for head over next 2 rounds.
8. Work 10 rounds even.
9. Decrease evenly every other round to 8 sts, stuff firmly, close top.

Mini Arms and Ears

• Arms: CO 6 sts each, knit 12 rounds, lightly stuff hand only, sew flat at top.
• Ears: CO 4 sts each, work 10 rows stockinette, increase to 6 sts, work 8 rows, then decrease to 2 sts and fasten off.

Mini Dress

1. CO 24 sts in pink.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. Work 10 rows stockinette.
4. Decrease evenly to 16 sts.
5. Separate center 8 sts for bib opening and work side straps for 8 rows each.
6. Sew around mini bunny.

Mini Pram

The pram is a soft basket style with a curved hood and tiny knitted wheels. It should cradle the mini bunny snugly and sit upright on a flat surface.

Pram Base

1. Using beige and US 3 needles, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1-18: Work in garter stitch.

Pram Side Wall

1. Pick up and knit 12 sts along each long side and 6 sts along each short side. 36 sts.
2. Work 8 rounds in stockinette.
3. For front edge, BO 10 center sts on one short side next round.
4. Continue remaining sts back and forth for hood.

Hood

1. Work 10 rows stockinette on remaining 26 sts.
2. Decrease 1 st each side every RS row 5 times. 16 sts.
3. Work 6 rows even.
4. BO.

Wheels Make 4

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Work 4 rows stockinette.
3. Break yarn, thread through sts, gather into a tiny circle, and secure.

Stuff pram base lightly, add a cardboard insert if you want a firmer display piece, then sew wheels to lower sides.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew ears to the head slightly behind the crown line so they fall beside the face instead of sticking straight up. Attach arms just below the neck and angled down. Dress the bunny in the sweater first, then add the pinafore and stitch straps in place.

For the face, place two small black embroidered eyes with about 7 to 8 stitches between them. Embroider a small pale pink triangle nose centered low on the face. Add a short vertical line and two tiny slanted mouth stitches below it. Very lightly indent the eye area with matching thread if you want a softer sculpted expression.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Use a gentle wool-safe cleanser.
• Do not machine wash if facial embroidery or shaping details are delicate.
• Reshape ears, bow, and dress while damp.

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Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head stuffed firmly and centered
• Neck stable with no wobble
• Ears sewn evenly and hanging at matching length
• Pockets attached symmetrically
• Bow centered on forehead
• Shoes and socks aligned neatly on feet
• Mini bunny fits inside pram comfortably

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished bunny away from direct sunlight to keep the pink shades from fading. If displaying long-term, support the body in a seated position so the legs do not overbend. For cleaning, blot gently with cool water and mild soap, rinse with a damp cloth, and air dry flat over a towel.

For heirloom storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and keep in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic. Avoid hanging the bunny by the ears or bow. If needed, lightly steam the dress and headband from a distance to refresh the boutique finish without flattening the knitted texture.