Knitting Tutorial: Lavender Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Lavender Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant lavender bunny set is designed to look like a boutique handmade knitted rabbit doll with heirloom charm, cottagecore nursery decor appeal, and collectible stuffed animal detail. The finished set includes the bunny, bonnet, dress, shoes, bag, parasol, floral cushion, and the tiny fox friend shown in the photo. With fine yarn, small needles, and careful shaping, the result feels like a luxury artisan soft toy, a beautiful handmade gift, or a display piece for a nursery shelf, craft booth, or seasonal toy collection.

 

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 made to reproduce the knitted figures and accessories in the image as closely as possible. The bunny has a tall oval head, narrow shoulders, slim limbs, a softly gathered dress, a lace-trimmed bonnet, Mary Jane shoes, and delicate floral detailing.

The accessories are important to the look, so they are included in full. The little fox is also included because it is part of the complete scene. The shaping is detailed and the stitch counts are given row by row or round by round so newer knitters can follow carefully.

Finished Size

  • Main bunny: about 14 inches tall from feet to top of bonnet
  • Fox: about 5 1/2 inches tall
  • Pillow: about 2 1/4 inches square
  • Parasol: about 4 1/2 inches long
  • Bag: about 1 3/4 inches tall

Materials

  • Yarn weight: light fingering or fine sport, smooth wool or wool blend with good stitch definition
  • MC Cream: bunny head, ears, arms, legs, stockings, parasol base, pillow base
  • Lavender A: dress, shoes, bonnet band
  • Lavender B: darker lavender for lower skirt band and bonnet crown contrast
  • Ivory: frills, lace trims, parasol edging
  • Leaf Green: leaves, fox vest, hat, parasol trim
  • Dusty Rose: bonnet flowers, floral embroidery
  • Plum: floral details, skirt flowers
  • Soft Lilac: extra floral accents
  • Fox Orange: fox body
  • White: fox muzzle, chest, tail tip
  • Brown: fox boots, book cover
  • Black embroidery thread: eyes and mouth
  • 2.25 mm needles or US 1
  • 2.75 mm needles or US 2 for looser trims if desired
  • Double-pointed needles or magic loop for tiny rounds
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stuffing
  • Thin craft wire or pipe cleaner for parasol handle only
  • 5 mm ribbon in lavender for bonnet tie

Gauge

In stockinette stitch on 2.25 mm needles: 8 1/2 stitches and 11 rows = 1 inch after light blocking. Exact gauge matters because the figure proportions are small and finely detailed. Keep the knitting firm enough that stuffing does not show through.

Abbreviations

  • CO = cast on
  • k = knit
  • p = purl
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
  • k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • pm = place marker
  • sm = slip marker
  • rep = repeat
  • rnd = round
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • BO = bind off

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General Notes

The bunny is made from separate pieces and sewn together. This gives the same upright silhouette seen in the image. The head is large and gently elongated. The body is narrow. The arms are slim and slightly tapered. The legs are longer than the arms and are set wide enough for the dress to sit naturally.

The clothing is removable in theory, but for the most accurate display finish, tack the bonnet, shoes, and dress lightly to the body after assembly. The floral motifs can be worked as duplicate stitch after knitting, which gives cleaner tiny flowers than stranded knitting at this scale.

Bunny Head

Using cream and smaller needles, CO 12 sts. Divide on needles and join for working in the round. Place marker for start of round.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit. 12 sts.
  2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
  3. Rnd 3: Knit.
  4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 36 sts.
  5. Rnd 5: Knit.
  6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 48 sts.
  7. Rnd 7: Knit.
  8. Rnd 8: K7, kfb 6 times. 54 sts.
  9. Rnds 9 through 18: Knit even.
  10. Rnd 19: K7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
  11. Rnd 20: Knit.
  12. Rnd 21: K6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
  13. Rnd 22: Knit.
  14. Rnd 23: K5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
  15. Rnds 24 through 26: Knit even.
  16. Rnd 27: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
  17. Rnd 28: Knit.
  18. Rnd 29: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
  19. Rnds 30 and 31: Knit even.

Stuff the head firmly, making the front smooth and slightly flatter than the back. Continue.

  1. Rnd 32: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
  2. Rnd 33: Knit.
  3. Rnd 34: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  4. Rnd 35: Knit.

Leave a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 12 sts, pull closed halfway to form a neck opening, and secure. Do not fully flatten. The neck should remain rounded so the head sits naturally on the body.

Muzzle Pad

Using cream, work flat.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  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 through 8: Work in stockinette.
  7. Row 9: Ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
  8. Row 10: Purl.
  9. Row 11: Ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
  10. Row 12: Purl.
  11. BO knitwise.

Lightly stuff this small pad before sewing. Place it low on the face so the eyes appear widely spaced above it, just like the image.

Ears Make 2

Using cream, work flat.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Rows 1 and 2: Stockinette.
  3. Row 3 RS: K1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 4: Purl.
  5. Row 5: K1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
  6. Rows 6 through 24: Work in stockinette.
  7. Row 25: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  8. Row 26: Purl.
  9. Row 27: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  10. Row 28: Purl.
  11. Row 29: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
  12. Row 30: Purl.
  13. Row 31: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
  14. Row 32: Purl.
  15. Row 33: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
  16. Cut yarn and pull through.

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Sew side edges together for the lower 8 rows only, leaving upper portion flat. This makes the base rounded while the upper ear stays soft and slightly drooping. Do not stuff. Fold each ear gently before attaching.

Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 10 sts and join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: K1, kfb around. 15 sts.
  3. Rnds 3 through 8: Knit even.
  4. Rnd 9: K3, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  5. Rnds 10 through 24: Knit even.
  6. Rnd 25: K4, k2tog twice. 10 sts.
  7. Rnds 26 through 28: Knit even.
  8. BO leaving a long tail.

Stuff only the lower hand portion. Flatten upper end and sew closed. Angle the seam slightly so the arm hangs inward toward the skirt. This matches the gentle pose in the image.

Legs Make 2

Using cream, CO 12 sts and join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: K2, kfb around. 16 sts.
  3. Rnds 3 through 10: Knit even.
  4. Rnd 11: K6, k2tog twice. 14 sts.
  5. Rnds 12 through 30: Knit even.
  6. Rnd 31: K5, k2tog twice. 12 sts.
  7. Rnds 32 through 34: Knit even.
  8. BO leaving a long tail.

Stuff lower foot area firmly and the upper leg lightly. Flatten top and sew closed.

Body

Using cream, CO 18 sts and join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: K2, kfb around. 24 sts.
  3. Rnds 3 through 8: Knit even.
  4. Rnd 9: K3, kfb around. 30 sts.
  5. Rnds 10 through 18: Knit even.
  6. Rnd 19: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
  7. Rnds 20 through 24: Knit even.
  8. Rnd 25: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
  9. Rnds 26 through 29: Knit even.
  10. BO leaving tail.

Stuff body firmly at lower half and a little less at upper chest. Sew neck opening of body to neck opening of head. The head should sit centered and upright with only a slight forward tilt.

Dress

The dress is worked in sections for clean shaping and accurate proportion. Make the bodice first, then sleeves, then pick up for the skirt. The collar frills and lower trims are added after.

Bodice Front

Using lavender A, work flat.

  1. CO 20 sts.
  2. Rows 1 through 4: K1, p18, k1 on RS rows; k1, k18, k1 on WS rows. This makes neat edges.
  3. Row 5 RS: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, k1. 22 sts.
  4. Row 6 WS: Work even.
  5. Rows 7 through 14: Continue in stockinette with edge sts as established.
  6. Row 15 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
  7. Rows 16 through 20: Work even.
  8. Row 21 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
  9. Rows 22 and 23: Work even.
  10. Row 24 RS: K5, BO 8, k5.

Work each shoulder separately.

  1. Row 25: Purl 5.
  2. Row 26: K1, ssk, k2. 4 sts.
  3. Row 27: Purl.
  4. BO.

Rejoin yarn for other shoulder.

  1. Row 25: Purl 5.
  2. Row 26: K2, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
  3. Row 27: Purl.
  4. BO.

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Bodice Back Make 2 Halves

Using lavender A, CO 12 sts for first half.

  1. Rows 1 through 14: Work stockinette with 1 edge stitch at each side.
  2. Row 15 RS: K1, ssk, knit to end. 11 sts.
  3. Rows 16 through 20: Work even.
  4. Row 21 RS: K1, ssk, knit to end. 10 sts.
  5. Rows 22 and 23: Work even.
  6. Row 24 RS: BO 5 sts at neck edge, knit to end. 5 sts.
  7. Row 25: Purl.
  8. Row 26 RS: K1, ssk, k2. 4 sts.
  9. Row 27: Purl.
  10. BO.

Make second half as mirror image, shaping the neck edge on the opposite side.

Sew shoulders. Sew side seams, leaving armholes open. Do not sew the center back completely closed. Leave a narrow opening for dressing, then tack shut after final assembly if preferred.

Neck Frill

Using ivory, pick up 32 sts evenly around neckline.

  1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
  2. Row 2 RS: Kfb in every st. 64 sts.
  3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
  4. Row 4 RS: Knit.
  5. BO loosely knitwise.

Front Bib Frill

Using ivory, CO 8 sts.

  1. Rows 1 through 18: Work in garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Gather lightly into a curved shape and sew in a U shape on the upper front bodice. Under that frill, embroider two tiny lavender buttons with duplicate stitch or attach tiny beads if desired.

Sleeves Make 2

Using lavender A, work flat.

  1. CO 16 sts.
  2. Rows 1 through 6: Work in stockinette.
  3. Row 7 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
  4. Rows 8 through 14: Work even.
  5. Row 15 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
  6. Rows 16 through 22: Work even.
  7. Row 23 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  8. Rows 24 through 26: Work even.
  9. BO.

Sew sleeve seams. Attach to armholes. Using ivory, pick up 18 sts around each cuff and work: Row 1 purl, Row 2 kfb in every st, Row 3 purl, BO loosely. This creates the small ruffle cuffs.

Skirt

Using lavender A, pick up 48 sts evenly around lower bodice edge. Join in the round.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: K3, kfb around. 60 sts.
  3. Rnds 3 through 8: Knit even.
  4. Rnd 9: K4, kfb around. 72 sts.
  5. Rnds 10 through 16: Knit even.
  6. Rnd 17: Purl ridge.
  7. Rnds 18 through 20: Knit even.

Lower floral band by duplicate stitch. On rounds 18 through 20, place 10 small flowers evenly. Each flower is worked over a 3 stitch by 3 row area.

  • Flower center: 1 stitch in dusty rose
  • Upper petals: 2 stitches in plum
  • Lower petals: 2 stitches in soft lilac
  • Leaves: 1 stitch each side in leaf green

Continue skirt.

  1. Rnd 21: Switch to ivory and knit.
  2. Rnd 22: Purl.
  3. Rnd 23: Knit.
  4. Rnd 24: Switch to lavender B and knit.
  5. Rnds 25 through 28: Knit even.

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Work lower eyelet-dot band on rnds 25 through 28 using duplicate stitch in ivory. Space dots every 4 stitches around on alternating rounds to mimic the tiny decorative border in the photo.

  1. Rnd 29: Switch to ivory, purl.
  2. Rnd 30: Knit.
  3. BO loosely.

Sew a narrow ivory lace strip or knit one if preferred for the under-petticoat. For a knitted version, CO 90 sts in ivory, work 4 rows garter, BO, then gather and sew under the skirt edge so it peeks out just below the hem.

Shoes Make 2

Using lavender A and working flat, CO 10 sts.

  1. Rows 1 through 8: Garter stitch.
  2. Row 9 RS: K3, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1. 8 sts.
  3. Row 10: Purl.
  4. Row 11: K2, k2tog, ssk, k2. 6 sts.
  5. Row 12: Purl.
  6. Row 13: Knit.
  7. BO.

Sew side and heel seams to make a tiny slipper. For strap, CO 6 sts, knit 6 rows in garter, BO, and sew across instep. Embroider a tiny ivory edge around the opening. Tack shoes onto feet with a slight upward toe angle.

Bonnet

The bonnet has a cream frill at the face opening, a deeper lavender crown section, and a cluster of knitted flowers on one side.

Using lavender B, CO 56 sts and work flat.

  1. Rows 1 through 6: Work in stockinette, first and last st knit every row for tidy edges.
  2. Row 7 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 54 sts.
  3. Rows 8 through 12: Work even.
  4. Row 13 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 52 sts.
  5. Rows 14 through 18: Work even.
  6. Row 19 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 50 sts.
  7. Rows 20 through 24: Work even.

Now change to lavender A for the lower band.

  1. Rows 25 through 32: Work even in stockinette.
  2. Row 33 RS: K2tog across. 25 sts.
  3. Row 34 WS: Purl.
  4. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight to gather back of bonnet.

Sew back seam. Using ivory, pick up 52 sts around face opening.

  1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
  2. Row 2 RS: Kfb in each st. 104 sts.
  3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
  4. Row 4 RS: Knit.
  5. BO loosely.

For the small scalloped lower side trim, pick up 28 sts along each lower side edge in ivory, work 2 rows garter, BO. Thread lavender ribbon through lower edge and tie in a neat bow under the chin.

Bonnet Flowers

Make 3 rosettes and 2 small flowers.

  • Rosette: CO 16 sts in dusty rose, work 4 rows stockinette, BO, roll tightly and sew.
  • Small flower: CO 5 sts in ivory, work i-cord for 1 inch, coil into a tiny knot flower and stitch down.
  • Leaves: CO 3 sts in leaf green, kfb in first and last on next RS row to 5 sts, work 2 rows, then ssk, k1, k2tog to 3 sts, next row purl, then k3tog.

Attach flowers to the right side of bonnet as shown in the image, clustering them near the temple rather than at the top center.

Small Shoulder Bag

Using cream, CO 14 sts and work flat.

  1. Rows 1 through 18: Stockinette.
  2. Row 19 RS: K2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2. 12 sts.
  3. Row 20: Purl.
  4. Row 21: K2, k2tog, k4, ssk, k2. 10 sts.
  5. Row 22: Purl.
  6. Rows 23 through 26: Stockinette.
  7. BO.

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Fold lower half up and sew side seams. Make strap by CO 3 sts and knitting i-cord for 16 inches. Sew to bag. Embroider 3 tiny plum flowers and leaf green leaves on the front.

Parasol

Using cream, CO 18 sts and work flat.

  1. Rows 1 through 20: Stockinette.
  2. Row 21 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
  3. Row 22: Purl.
  4. Row 23: Repeat decrease row. 14 sts.
  5. Continue decreasing every RS row in this manner until 4 sts remain.
  6. Next RS row: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
  7. Cut yarn and pull through.

Sew into a long cone around a thin pipe cleaner or wire stem. Wrap extra cream yarn around lower stem for thickness. Add an ivory ruffle at the top opening by picking up 24 sts and working one purl row, one increase row with kfb all around, one purl row, then BO. Embroider tiny lavender flowers near the lower half.

Floral Cushion

Make 2 identical squares in cream.

  1. CO 14 sts.
  2. Rows 1 through 18: Stockinette with first and last st knit every row.
  3. BO.

Sew three sides together, lightly stuff, sew final side. Work a lavender edging by picking up 16 sts along each side and knitting 2 garter rows, then BO. Duplicate stitch a central flower cluster with one dusty rose bloom, one plum bloom, one lilac bud, and four green leaves.

Tiny Fox Friend

The fox is knitted in the same fine gauge so it looks scaled correctly beside the bunny. The body is slim with a white muzzle and tail tip, dark feet, green vest, hat, and a tiny brown book.

Fox Head

Using orange, CO 10 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st. 20 sts.
  3. Rnd 3: Knit.
  4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 30 sts.
  5. Rnds 5 through 10: Knit even.
  6. Rnd 11: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
  7. Rnd 12: Knit.
  8. Rnd 13: Switch to white for front 8 sts and keep orange for back 16 sts. Knit maintaining colors.
  9. Rnds 14 through 16: Continue in color placement.
  10. Rnd 17: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
  11. Rnd 18: Knit.
  12. Rnd 19: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.

Stuff and close.

Fox Ears Make 2

Using orange, CO 6 sts.

  1. Row 1: Knit.
  2. Row 2: Purl.
  3. Row 3: K1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 8 sts.
  4. Row 4: Purl.
  5. Row 5: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
  6. Row 6: Purl.
  7. Row 7: Ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
  8. Pull through.

Fox Body

Using orange, CO 14 sts and join.

  1. Rnd 1: Knit.
  2. Rnd 2: K1, kfb around. 21 sts.
  3. Rnds 3 through 8: Knit even.
  4. Rnd 9: Switch front center 5 sts to white for chest.
  5. Rnds 10 through 14: Maintain color placement.
  6. Rnd 15: K5, k2tog around. 18 sts.
  7. Rnds 16 through 18: Knit even.
  8. Rnd 19: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
  9. BO and leave tail.

Stuff lightly and attach head.

Fox Arms and Legs

Using brown for feet, CO 6 sts for each leg and knit 4 rounds. Change to orange and knit 8 rounds more. BO. For arms, CO 6 sts in orange and knit 8 rounds. BO. Stuff very lightly.

Fox Tail

Using white, CO 6 sts and join. Knit 4 rounds. Change to orange and knit 10 rounds. On next round work K1, k2tog around to 4 sts. Knit 2 rounds, then k2tog twice. Pull through.

Fox Vest

Using leaf green, CO 16 sts and work flat 10 rows in stockinette. BO. Wrap around body and sew at back. Embroider 2 tiny ivory buttons on front.

Fox Hat

Using leaf green, CO 20 sts and join. Knit 3 rounds. Round 4: K2tog around. 10 sts. Knit 3 rounds. Pull closed. For brim, pick up 20 sts around base and knit 2 garter rounds, BO.

Book

Using brown, CO 8 sts and knit 10 rows in garter. BO. Fold in half and sew spine. Slip a tiny piece of felt or folded fabric inside if you want a firmer book shape.

Embroidery Placement

For the bunny face, place eyes 8 rows above the top edge of the muzzle pad and 7 stitches apart. Use one horizontal stitch and one vertical stitch for each tiny eye so they look like the neat pin-dot eyes in the image.

Embroider the nose and mouth with black thread. Bring the thread out at the center lower edge of the muzzle. Make a short vertical line up 2 knitted rows. Then work a shallow upside-down V to each side to form the split mouth. Keep it delicate.

The floral dress embroidery should stay concentrated around the lower skirt and not climb too high. The bonnet flowers should sit on one side only. The bag, parasol, and pillow should echo the same purple and green palette so the whole set feels coordinated.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

  • Sew legs to lower body first, spacing them so the bunny stands or sits with balance.
  • Sew arms at shoulder level, angled down and slightly forward.
  • Attach ears behind the bonnet line, not too high.
  • Sew muzzle pad in place, then embroider eyes and mouth last.
  • Dress the bunny, add shoes, tie bonnet, then tack accessories lightly for display.

Care Notes

  • Handle gently because the fine details are small and decorative.
  • Keep away from rough play if made as a display toy.
  • Store out of direct sunlight to protect the lavender tones.
  • Do not hang the bunny by the bonnet ribbon or bag strap.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head centered and firmly attached
  • Muzzle placed low enough for the correct sweet expression
  • Bonnet frill full and even
  • Skirt gathered and sitting just below the knees
  • Petticoat peeking below hem
  • Shoes matched and level
  • Fox scaled smaller than bunny and standing near knee height

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

  • Spot clean with cool water and a tiny amount of mild wool wash.
  • Do not twist or scrub the knitted fabric.
  • Blot in a towel and reshape while damp.
  • Lay flat to dry completely.
  • For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and keep in a breathable box.

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