Knitting Tutorial: Picnic Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Picnic Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted picnic set features a soft bunny in a beige polka-dot dress, a cloche-style hat, tiny strap shoes, a crossbody bag, a small woven picnic basket, a carrot, and a little fox friend holding an acorn. It makes a charming handmade gift, nursery display piece, collectible toy, or boutique-style knitted decor item for shoppers searching for artisan bunny dolls, knitted animal toys, heirloom nursery gifts, cottagecore decor, and handmade soft toy patterns.

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 in simple shaped pieces, then seamed and stuffed. The finished bunny is designed to match the proportions in the photo as closely as possible, with a rounded head, long soft ears, a compact body, short legs, slim arms, a gathered dress, and a gently flared cloche hat.

The bunny stands approximately 11 inches tall from feet to the top of the hat. The fox is approximately 4 inches tall. The basket is about 2 inches wide, and the carrot is about 1.5 inches long. Gauge matters because the look of this set depends on a dense, smooth fabric with very little visible stuffing.

Materials

  • Main bunny yarn: light worsted or DK weight in warm cream
  • Dress, hat, shoes, bag, and basket yarn: light worsted or DK weight in oatmeal beige
  • Polka dot accents: black yarn or black embroidery thread
  • Fox yarn: rust orange, white, dark brown, burgundy red, and muted blue
  • Carrot yarn: orange and green
  • Optional basket lining: gingham fabric if you want to copy the photo styling
  • Knitting needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) for main pieces, US 1 (2.25 mm) for smaller accessories if needed
  • Tapestry needle
  • Toy stuffing
  • Small buttons: 3 tiny dress-front buttons and 1 tiny bag button if desired
  • Black embroidery thread: for eyes and facial detail
  • Brown embroidery thread: for mouth and nose lines
  • Stitch markers
  • Sewing needle and thread: if attaching decorative buttons

Gauge

With US 2 needles in stockinette stitch, 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches after light blocking. The fabric should feel firm. If your knitted fabric looks loose or shows stuffing through the stitches, go down one needle size.

Abbreviations

  • BO = bind off
  • CO = cast on
  • dec = decrease
  • inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of stitch
  • K = knit
  • K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
  • P = purl
  • psso = pass slipped stitch over
  • rem = remaining
  • rep = repeat
  • RS = right side
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • St st = stockinette stitch
  • WS = wrong side

Notes Before You Begin

The bunny in the image has a soft sculpted appearance rather than a stiff geometric toy shape. To recreate that look, keep your stuffing firm in the lower body and head, but lighter in the ears, arms, bag flap, and hat brim.

Most pieces are worked flat and seamed because that gives excellent control over the exact width, taper, and shaping seen in the image. When sewing pieces together, use mattress stitch where possible for a neat invisible join.

The dress is made separately and then sewn onto the bunny. The bag strap is attached after the dress and bag are finished. The black dots on the dress are embroidered after assembly so they sit exactly where you want them.

Bunny Head

Using cream, CO 34 sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): P all sts.
  2. Row 2 (RS): K all sts.
  3. Rows 3-18: Work in St st, ending with a WS row.
  4. Row 19 (RS): K1, inc, K to last 2 sts, inc, K1. 36 sts.
  5. Row 20: P all sts.
  6. Row 21: K1, inc, K to last 2 sts, inc, K1. 38 sts.
  7. Row 22: P all sts.
  8. Rows 23-30: Work in St st.
  9. Row 31 (RS): K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 36 sts.
  10. Row 32: P all sts.
  11. Row 33: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 34 sts.
  12. Row 34: P all sts.
  13. Row 35: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 32 sts.
  14. Row 36: P all sts.
  15. Row 37: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 30 sts.
  16. Row 38: P all sts.
  17. Row 39: K2tog across. 15 sts.
  18. Row 40: P all sts.
  19. Break yarn, thread through live sts, pull tight.

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Make 2 identical head pieces. Sew side and top edges together, leaving lower edge open. Stuff firmly, especially through the crown and cheeks. The face in the photo is softly oval with very slight cheek fullness, so do not overstuff into a perfect sphere.

Bunny Muzzle Shaping

The bunny in the image has a very subtle muzzle, created more by stitching than by a separate stuffed snout. Once the head is stuffed, lightly pinch the center-lower face and take 2 small anchoring stitches horizontally about 1/2 inch apart. This creates the gentle central vertical plane needed for the embroidered mouth.

Bunny Ears

Using cream, CO 12 sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): P all sts.
  2. Row 2 (RS): K all sts.
  3. Rows 3-8: Work in St st.
  4. Row 9: K1, inc, K to last 2 sts, inc, K1. 14 sts.
  5. Row 10: P all sts.
  6. Rows 11-22: Work in St st.
  7. Row 23: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 12 sts.
  8. Row 24: P all sts.
  9. Row 25: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 10 sts.
  10. Row 26: P all sts.
  11. Row 27: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 8 sts.
  12. Row 28: P all sts.
  13. Row 29: K1, K2tog, K2, ssk, K1. 6 sts.
  14. Row 30: P all sts.
  15. Row 31: K2tog, K2, ssk. 4 sts.
  16. Row 32: P all sts.
  17. Row 33: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
  18. Row 34: P2tog. 1 st.
  19. Fasten off.

Make 4 ear pieces. Sew 2 pieces together for each ear, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff very lightly only in the bottom third. The upper section should stay soft and draped. Flatten each ear gently with your fingers so it hangs long and narrow like the photo.

Bunny Body

Using cream, CO 28 sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): P all sts.
  2. Row 2 (RS): K all sts.
  3. Rows 3-10: Work in St st.
  4. Row 11: K1, inc, K to last 2 sts, inc, K1. 30 sts.
  5. Row 12: P all sts.
  6. Row 13: K1, inc, K to last 2 sts, inc, K1. 32 sts.
  7. Row 14: P all sts.
  8. Rows 15-22: Work in St st.
  9. Row 23: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 30 sts.
  10. Row 24: P all sts.
  11. Row 25: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 28 sts.
  12. Row 26: P all sts.
  13. Rows 27-34: Work in St st.
  14. BO loosely.

Make 2 body pieces. Sew side seams and shoulders, leaving the neck opening partly open if needed. Stuff firmly at the base and medium-firm through the chest. The body should look compact and slightly cylindrical, not wide.

Bunny Legs

Each leg is made in 2 pieces and seamed, then slightly flattened at the ankle to match the upright standing look.

Using cream, CO 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1-10: Work in St st, beginning with a WS purl row.
  2. Row 11 (RS): K1, inc, K to last 2 sts, inc, K1. 16 sts.
  3. Row 12: P all sts.
  4. Rows 13-20: Work in St st.
  5. BO.

Make 4 leg pieces. Sew 2 pieces together for each leg, leaving the top open. Stuff firmly in the foot and lower leg, lighter at the top edge. Before closing, flatten the foot slightly from front to back so the bunny can sit or pose like the photo.

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Bunny Arms

Using cream, CO 10 sts.

  1. Rows 1-12: Work in St st, beginning with a WS purl row.
  2. Row 13 (RS): K1, inc, K to last 2 sts, inc, K1. 12 sts.
  3. Row 14: P all sts.
  4. Rows 15-20: Work in St st.
  5. Row 21: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 10 sts.
  6. Row 22: P all sts.
  7. Rows 23-26: Work in St st.
  8. BO.

Make 4 arm pieces. Sew in pairs, stuff lightly, and close the upper edge flat. The arms should look slim and relaxed, with only light stuffing so they angle downward naturally.

Bunny Shoes

The photo shows soft beige Mary Jane-style knit shoes with a narrow strap. These are decorative covers stitched over the lower feet.

Using beige, CO 16 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: Work in St st, beginning with a WS purl row.
  2. Row 7 (RS): K2tog, K12, ssk. 14 sts.
  3. Row 8: P all sts.
  4. Row 9: K2tog, K10, ssk. 12 sts.
  5. Row 10: P all sts.
  6. Rows 11-12: Work in St st.
  7. BO.

Make 2. Sew each shoe around the front and underside of the stuffed foot. For each strap, CO 5 sts and knit 8 rows in garter stitch. BO and sew across the ankle. Add a tiny stitched nub or bead-like knot at one side to suggest the buttoned closure seen in the image.

Bunny Neck Joining

Position the lower edge of the head over the upper body opening and sew evenly all around. The head should be centered and upright, but with a soft handmade tilt rather than a rigid toy posture. In the image, the bunny’s face looks calm and symmetrical, so check alignment from the front before securing completely.

Bunny Dress Bodice

Using beige, CO 26 sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): P all sts.
  2. Row 2 (RS): K all sts.
  3. Rows 3-6: Work in St st.
  4. Row 7: K3, P20, K3.
  5. Row 8: K all sts.
  6. Row 9: K3, P20, K3.
  7. Row 10: K all sts.
  8. Rows 11-14: Repeat Rows 7-10 once more.
  9. Row 15 (RS): K4, BO 4, K10, BO 4, K4.
  10. Row 16 (WS): P4, CO 4, P10, CO 4, P4. 26 sts.
  11. Rows 17-22: Work in St st.
  12. BO.

This piece forms the upper bodice with short sleeves. The little collar is added separately. The center front can be lightly overlapped or stitched straight, depending on your preferred look.

Bunny Collar

Using beige, CO 18 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Knit all rows in garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Fold this strip around the neckline and tack it in place so the two front points angle outward softly, matching the rounded collar seen in the photo.

Bunny Skirt

Using beige, CO 56 sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): P all sts.
  2. Row 2 (RS): K all sts.
  3. Rows 3-20: Work in St st.
  4. Row 21 (RS): K2tog across. 28 sts.
  5. Row 22: P all sts.
  6. Rows 23-26: Work in St st.
  7. BO.

Sew the short side seam to form a tube. Gather the upper edge slightly if needed and sew it to the lower edge of the bodice. The skirt in the image is gently flared, not highly gathered, so keep the fullness soft and controlled.

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Dress Belt

Using beige, CO 4 sts.

  1. Knit 32 rows in garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Wrap around the waist and sew in place. Add a tiny vertical stitch at center front or slightly off center to hold the belt neatly.

Dress Front Buttons

Sew 3 tiny buttons down the center front of the bodice. If you do not want to use actual buttons, make French knots with matching beige thread or embroider tiny circles.

Dress Polka Dots

Use black yarn or black embroidery thread. Add approximately 20 to 24 dots across the bodice sleeves and skirt. The photo shows medium-sized dots spaced fairly evenly, with a natural handmade irregularity.

  • Place 2 dots on each sleeve.
  • Place 2 to 3 dots on the upper bodice.
  • Place the remaining dots across the skirt, keeping some near the hem and some near the center.
  • Each dot can be made with a small satin stitch circle, a wrapped knot, or a tiny crocheted nub sewn on.
  • Keep them flat, dark, and visible, but not oversized.

Crossbody Bag

Using beige, CO 12 sts.

  1. Rows 1-10: Work in St st, beginning with a WS purl row.
  2. Rows 11-12: Knit both rows.
  3. BO.

Fold in half and sew sides to form a small rectangular pouch.

For flap, CO 12 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Work in St st, beginning with a WS purl row.
  2. Row 5 (RS): K2tog, K8, ssk. 10 sts.
  3. Row 6: P all sts.
  4. Row 7: K2tog, K6, ssk. 8 sts.
  5. Row 8: P all sts.
  6. Rows 9-10: Knit both rows in garter stitch.
  7. BO.

Sew flap to back top of pouch. Add a tiny button or embroidered button to front center.

For strap, CO 3 sts and knit 52 rows in garter stitch. BO. Sew one end to each top side of the pouch. Position the strap diagonally across the bunny from right shoulder to left hip, matching the image.

Cloche Hat Crown

Using beige, CO 42 sts.

  1. Row 1 (WS): P all sts.
  2. Row 2 (RS): K all sts.
  3. Rows 3-18: Work in St st.
  4. Row 19 (RS): K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 40 sts.
  5. Row 20: P all sts.
  6. Row 21: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 38 sts.
  7. Row 22: P all sts.
  8. Row 23: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 36 sts.
  9. Row 24: P all sts.
  10. Row 25: K2tog across. 18 sts.
  11. Row 26: P all sts.
  12. Break yarn and draw through stitches.

Make 2 crown pieces. Sew together and lightly shape over the bunny head. The hat should sit low over the forehead and leave the face fully visible.

Cloche Hat Brim

Using beige, CO 64 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Knit all rows in garter stitch.
  2. Row 5 (RS): K all sts.
  3. Row 6 (WS): P all sts.
  4. Rows 7-12: Repeat Rows 5-6 three times.
  5. BO loosely.

Sew the short ends of the brim together. Gather or ease the inner edge to fit around the lower edge of the crown. Attach securely. The hat in the image has a soft, rounded brim that turns slightly downward all around. Steam lightly and shape by hand if needed.

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Hat Band

Using slightly darker beige if available, or the same beige, CO 4 sts.

  1. Knit 34 rows in garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Wrap around the hat at the base of the crown and sew in place. This gives the neat band detail visible in the photo.

Fox Head

Using rust orange, CO 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1-8: Work in St st, beginning with a WS purl row.
  2. Row 9 (RS): K1, inc, K to last 2 sts, inc, K1. 16 sts.
  3. Row 10: P all sts.
  4. Rows 11-16: Work in St st.
  5. Row 17: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 14 sts.
  6. Row 18: P all sts.
  7. Row 19: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, ssk, K1. 12 sts.
  8. Row 20: P all sts.
  9. Row 21: K2tog across. 6 sts.
  10. Thread yarn through live sts and pull tight.

Make 2 head pieces. Sew and stuff lightly.

Fox Muzzle Patch

Using white, CO 8 sts.

  1. Row 1: P all sts.
  2. Row 2: K all sts.
  3. Row 3: P all sts.
  4. Row 4: K2tog, K4, ssk. 6 sts.
  5. Row 5: P all sts.
  6. Row 6: K2tog, K2, ssk. 4 sts.
  7. BO.

Sew to lower face. Add a tiny black nose and simple eyes.

Fox Ears

Using rust orange, CO 6 sts.

  1. Row 1: P all sts.
  2. Row 2: K all sts.
  3. Row 3: P all sts.
  4. Row 4: K2tog, K2, ssk. 4 sts.
  5. Row 5: P all sts.
  6. Row 6: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
  7. Row 7: P2tog. 1 st.
  8. Fasten off.

Make 4 ear pieces, using cream or white for 2 inner pieces if preferred. Sew together in pairs and attach. Add tiny white inner tips if desired with a single stitched triangle.

Fox Body

Using rust orange, CO 12 sts.

  1. Rows 1-10: Work in St st, beginning with a WS purl row.
  2. Row 11: K1, inc, K to last 2 sts, inc, K1. 14 sts.
  3. Row 12: P all sts.
  4. Rows 13-18: Work in St st.
  5. BO.

Make 2 body pieces and sew together, stuffing lightly. The fox body is narrow and upright in the image.

Fox Sweater

Using muted blue, CO 16 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Knit all rows in garter stitch.
  2. Rows 5-12: Work in St st, beginning with a WS purl row.
  3. BO.

Sew around the upper fox body like a simple pullover. Leave openings for arms.

Fox Legs

Using dark brown for lower legs and rust orange above if desired, CO 6 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Work in St st.
  2. Change to rust orange.
  3. Rows 5-10: Work in St st.
  4. BO.

Make 4 leg pieces, sew in pairs, lightly stuff, and attach. Front legs should angle inward slightly so the fox can hold the acorn.

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Fox Tail

Using rust orange, CO 8 sts.

  1. Rows 1-8: Work in St st.
  2. Row 9: K2tog, K4, ssk. 6 sts.
  3. Row 10: P all sts.
  4. Rows 11-14: Work in St st.
  5. BO.

Make 2 pieces. Sew, lightly stuff, and attach behind the body, curving it to one side. Add a white tail tip if wanted by working the final 4 rows in white instead.

Fox Hood

Using burgundy red, CO 18 sts.

  1. Rows 1-12: Work in St st, beginning with a WS purl row.
  2. BO.

Fold around the fox head like a bonnet hood. Stitch gently under the chin and behind the ears. Keep the top soft and rounded.

Acorn

Using dark brown, CO 6 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Work in St st.
  2. Row 5: K1, inc, K2, inc, K1. 8 sts.
  3. Row 6: P all sts.
  4. Rows 7-8: Work in St st.
  5. Row 9: K2tog, K4, ssk. 6 sts.
  6. Row 10: P all sts.
  7. Row 11: K2tog, K2, ssk. 4 sts.
  8. Thread yarn through sts and pull tight.

Make 2 pieces if you want a flatter acorn, or seam one shaped piece over itself. Add a tiny cap line with a few horizontal stitches.

Picnic Basket

Using beige, CO 10 sts.

  1. Rows 1-14: Knit all rows in garter stitch.
  2. BO.

This forms the main basket strip. Fold to make a shallow rectangular basket and sew side seams. For base, CO 8 sts and knit 10 rows. BO and sew into the bottom.

For handle, CO 3 sts and knit 20 rows in garter stitch. BO and attach to basket sides. The basket in the photo is softly textured and rounded, so do not overstuff. If desired, add a small folded gingham fabric insert to match the styling.

Carrot

Using orange, CO 8 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Work in St st.
  2. Row 5: K2tog, K4, ssk. 6 sts.
  3. Row 6: P all sts.
  4. Row 7: K2tog, K2, ssk. 4 sts.
  5. Row 8: P all sts.
  6. Row 9: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
  7. Fasten off and sew seam.

Stuff lightly.

For carrot top, using green, CO 3 sts and knit 5 rows. BO. Make 2 or 3 little strips and sew into the top opening.

Assembly Order

  1. Sew and stuff the bunny head, body, ears, arms, and legs.
  2. Attach legs evenly at the lower body.
  3. Attach arms at shoulder height so they angle downward.
  4. Sew head to body.
  5. Attach ears high on the head but slightly out toward the sides so they hang beside the face.
  6. Dress the bunny with shoes, dress, belt, bag, and hat.
  7. Make and assemble the fox fully, including sweater, hood, tail, and acorn.
  8. Place basket and carrot as props.

Facial Embroidery Placement

The bunny face is very minimal. This is one of the most important parts of the entire pattern because the photo shows a calm, sweet expression with tiny stitched features.

  • Place the eyes about 1 inch apart.
  • Position them slightly below the midpoint of the head.
  • Each eye should be a small vertical satin stitch or a French knot cluster.
  • Embroider a short vertical nose line in brown or taupe thread.
  • From the bottom of that line, stitch a tiny split “Y” mouth with two short angled lines.
  • Keep the expression simple and delicate.

Styling Tips to Match the Photo

Use warm neutrals rather than cool beige shades. The overall palette in the image is soft oatmeal, cream, tan, rust, and muted cottage colors. Avoid bright tones. The pieces should look handmade, cozy, and lightly vintage.

The bunny hat sits low and wide. The dress should look slightly oversized but still tailored through the shoulders. The bag is small and boxy. The fox should be noticeably smaller than the bunny, reaching just above the bunny’s ankle height.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the bunny from the front before securing the last stitches on the hat and bag. Straighten the ears so they fall evenly. Add the facial embroidery last, working slowly and symmetrically. A tiny adjustment in eye spacing can change the whole personality of the toy, so place features lightly first and secure only when satisfied.

Care Notes

Spot clean whenever possible. If full washing is needed, hand wash gently in cool water with mild wool-safe soap. Do not wring. Press excess moisture in a towel and reshape while damp. Lay flat to dry away from direct heat or sunlight.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head centered on body
  • Ears matched in length and angle
  • Legs level and balanced
  • Dress dots evenly distributed
  • Bag strap lying diagonally across the front
  • Hat brim curved downward softly
  • Face embroidered evenly
  • Fox small enough beside the bunny
  • Basket handle secure
  • Carrot top stitched firmly

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished set in a dry, clean space away from dust and prolonged sun exposure. If displaying for long periods, support the bunny upright so the legs and neck do not strain. Avoid hanging by the bag strap or ears. For heirloom storage, wrap loosely in acid-free tissue and keep in a breathable cotton bag.

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