Knitting Tutorial: Blue Floral Ruffle Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant knitted bunny set is designed to look like a collectible heirloom stuffed rabbit with a romantic cottage garden style. The finished pieces include the dressed bunny, ruffle bonnet, embroidered floral skirt, corset bodice, tiny purse, blue shoes, tote bag, teapot, teacup, and the little hedgehog friend with hat and mushroom. It is a lovely project for makers who enjoy handmade nursery decor, artisan toy knitting, gift knitting, and boutique-style knitted animals. The shaping is gentle, the details are refined, and the finished display has the charming look of a premium handmade bunny doll pattern.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Overview

This pattern is written to recreate the full knitted scene shown in the photo as closely as possible. The main piece is a long-eared bunny with a rounded head, slim neck, soft cylindrical arms, a bell-shaped layered skirt body, and short hidden legs that support a standing display form.

The bunny wears a white bonnet with a deeply frilled front edge, a narrow blue ribbon tie, a dark blue corset-style waistband, a two-tier white dress, blue-and-cream floral embroidery, and a tiny shoulder purse. Separate blue shoes, a small tote bag, a miniature teapot, a teacup, and a tiny hedgehog companion complete the set.

This is an advanced beginner to intermediate knitting project because the basic stitches are simple, but the finishing and embellishment are detailed. Everything is knit flat unless noted otherwise. Small pieces are seamed neatly with mattress stitch. Embroidery is added after stuffing and shaping.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 14 inches tall from foot base to bonnet top
• Visible body width at skirt: about 6 1/2 inches
• Hedgehog: about 4 inches tall
• Teapot: about 1 3/4 inches wide
• Teacup: about 7/8 inch tall
• Tote bag: about 2 1/4 inches tall including base, not handle
• Blue shoes: about 1 3/4 inches long each
• Purse: about 1 1/2 inches wide

Materials

• Main yarn A: white sport-weight yarn for bunny, bonnet, dress, teapot, and cup
• Main yarn B: denim blue sport-weight yarn for corset, shoes, bag, purse accents, bonnet ties, and embroidery accents
• Main yarn C: pale blue sport-weight yarn for floral details
• Main yarn D: cream or oatmeal sport-weight yarn for rose embroidery accents
• Main yarn E: sage or leaf green sport-weight yarn for embroidered leaves
• Main yarn F: taupe or light brown sport-weight yarn for hedgehog body
• Main yarn G: chocolate brown sport-weight yarn for hat and mushroom cap
• Main yarn H: soft mint sport-weight yarn for hedgehog sweater
• Main yarn I: red or rust sport-weight yarn for mushroom top
• Main yarn J: ivory yarn for mushroom stem
• Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm straight needles or double-pointed needles if preferred
• Optional smaller needles: US 1.5 / 2.5 mm for very firm miniatures
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill
• Armature option: a little extra stuffing or weighted pellets in a pouch for the lower bunny body if you want better balance
• Tapestry needle
• Sewing needle and matching thread
• 2 small black beads or black embroidery thread for eyes
• Thin blue ribbon: for bonnet tie and shoulder purse strap if desired, though both can also be knitted or crocheted

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using US 2 / 2.75 mm needles.

Gauge matters most for the bunny head, dress scale, and mini accessories. Knit firmly so the stuffing does not show through. The fabric in the photo looks dense and smooth, so do not work loosely.

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase by knitting into front and back of same stitch
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• p = purl
• p2tog = purl 2 stitches together
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• WS = wrong side

📌Thank you for reading the article

Pattern Notes

• All shaping is written row by row for clarity.
• The bunny is built from separate pieces: head, muzzle shaping by stuffing placement, ears, arms, lower body core, dress layers, bonnet, corset band, and accessories.
• The floral details in the photo are embroidered rather than fully knitted colorwork. This keeps the skirt smooth and lets you place flowers exactly where needed.
• The bunny feet are mostly hidden by the skirt. Keep them compact so the silhouette stays true to the image.
• Read the entire section for each piece before knitting.

Main Bunny Head

Make 2 identical head pieces in white.

1. CO 26 sts.
2. Row 1: P.
3. Row 2: K.
4. Row 3: P.
5. Row 4: Kfb, k24, kfb. 28 sts.
6. Row 5: P.
7. Row 6: Kfb, k26, kfb. 30 sts.
8. Row 7: P.
9. Row 8: Kfb, k28, kfb. 32 sts.
10. Rows 9-19: Work 11 rows in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
11. Row 20: K1, ssk, k26, k2tog, k1. 30 sts.
12. Row 21: P.
13. Row 22: K1, ssk, k24, k2tog, k1. 28 sts.
14. Row 23: P.
15. Row 24: K1, ssk, k22, k2tog, k1. 26 sts.
16. Row 25: P.
17. BO knitwise on Row 26.

Place the two head pieces together with RS facing out. Sew around the curved edge, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff firmly, but do not overstuff the front center. The face in the image is smooth and softly rounded rather than bulbous.

Create the muzzle shape by placing a little extra stuffing in the lower center front. Pinch the face gently so the nose area projects slightly. Run a horizontal gathering thread about 5 rows above the bottom center if needed to define the muzzle line very softly.

Face Detailing

The face is minimal and delicate. The eyes are very small black dots placed wide apart. The nose and mouth are stitched in dark brown or soft black thread with a short vertical line and a shallow Y shape.

• Place eyes about 7 stitches apart at the front center line, slightly below head midpoint.
• Embroider a tiny inverted triangle or short V for the nose.
• Add a vertical stitch down 1/4 inch.
• Work a short split mouth in two tiny diagonal stitches.

Ears

Make 4 ear pieces in white, 2 for each finished ear.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: P.
3. Row 2: K.
4. Row 3: P.
5. Row 4: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Row 5: P.
7. Row 6: K.
8. Row 7: P.
9. Row 8: Kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
10. Rows 9-21: Work 13 rows in stockinette.
11. Row 22: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
12. Row 23: P.
13. Row 24: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
14. Row 25: P.
15. Row 26: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
16. Row 27: P.
17. Row 28: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
18. Row 29: P.
19. Row 30: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
20. Row 31: P.
21. Row 32: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
22. Row 33: P2tog. Fasten off.

Sew the ear pieces in pairs around the edges, leaving the lower edge open. Use only a whisper of stuffing or none at all. Flatten lightly. The ears in the image are long, relaxed, and drape straight down. Sew them low on the sides of the head, slightly behind the face line, so they hang beneath the bonnet.

Neck and Upper Body Core

This inner body supports the dress. Make 2 pieces in white.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
3. Row 7: Kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
4. Row 8: P.
5. Row 9: Kfb, k14, kfb. 18 sts.
6. Row 10: P.
7. Row 11: Kfb, k16, kfb. 20 sts.
8. Rows 12-18: Work 7 rows even in stockinette.
9. Row 19: Kfb, k18, kfb. 22 sts.
10. Row 20: P.
11. Row 21: Kfb, k20, kfb. 24 sts.
12. Rows 22-30: Work 9 rows even.
13. BO.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Sew pieces together, leaving lower edge open. Stuff neck firmly and body moderately. This body should be narrow at the top and widen enough to support the skirt overlay.

Lower Body Base and Hidden Legs

The image shows almost no visible legs, so keep these compact. Make 2 small legs in white.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-10: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
3. Row 11: K2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
4. Row 12: P.
5. BO.

Fold each leg lengthwise, sew side seam, stuff lightly, and close lower edge flat. Sew both legs under the body core, spacing them about 1 inch apart. They act mostly as support inside the skirt.

If desired, add a small flat oval base inside the skirt hem from felt or card wrapped in fabric. This helps the bunny stand for display, but it is optional.

Arms

Make 4 arm pieces in white.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
3. Row 5: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 6-18: Work 13 rows even.
5. Row 19: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
6. Row 20: P.
7. Row 21: K.
8. BO.

Sew in pairs, stuff lightly, and close upper edges flat. Attach arms just below the neck and angle them downward. In the image, the arms hang naturally at the sides and do not bend sharply outward.

Main Dress Underlayer

This section forms the first visible skirt tier. Make in white. Knit flat as one rectangle, then seam at the back.

1. CO 72 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K every row for garter hem.
3. Row 5: P.
4. Row 6: K.
5. Repeat Rows 5-6 until piece measures 3 inches from cast-on edge.
6. Next RS row: K2tog across. 36 sts.
7. WS row: P.
8. RS row: K.
9. Continue in stockinette for 1 1/4 inches.
10. BO loosely.

Sew the short seam at the back. Gather the top edge gently to fit the lower body core. Attach so the skirt flares outward smoothly. This first tier should form the lower wide bell of the dress.

Upper Overskirt

Make in white.

1. CO 58 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: K every row.
3. Then work 18 rows in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
4. Next RS row: K2tog across to end. 29 sts.
5. WS row: P.
6. Work 8 more rows in stockinette.
7. BO loosely.

Sew back seam. Gather top edge and place above the first skirt tier so the lower floral band remains visible beneath it. The upper overskirt should sit around the waist and flare softly over the lower layer.

Ruffle Sleeve Cuffs

Make 2 in white.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: K every row.
3. Row 3: P.
4. Row 4: K2tog across. 9 sts.
5. Rows 5-8: Work in stockinette.
6. BO.

Sew into rings and place around each arm near the lower arm area. Add tiny blue embroidered dots or French-knot style stitches along the cuff edge to match the image.

Corset Bodice Band

This dark blue section is fitted and vertical. Make in blue.

1. CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K every row.
3. Rows 5-18: Work k2, p2 rib across every row as established.
4. Rows 19-22: K every row.
5. BO loosely.

Wrap around the waist over the upper overskirt and body. Overlap slightly at the back and sew in place. The corset should look snug and slightly taller in the center front than at the side once shaped by hand.

To imitate the laced front seen in the image, embroider two vertical rows of tiny eyelets in pale blue or white thread. Then cross a short strand between them in X shapes down the center front.

Bonnet

The bonnet is a defining feature. It frames the face with a full white ruffle and sits close to the head. Make 1 bonnet crown and 1 ruffle in white. Ties are blue.

Bonnet Crown

1. CO 42 sts.
2. Rows 1-6: Work in garter stitch.
3. Rows 7-22: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
4. Row 23: K1, k2tog, k36, ssk, k1. 40 sts.
5. Row 24: P.
6. Row 25: K1, k2tog, k34, ssk, k1. 38 sts.
7. Row 26: P.
8. Continue decreasing in this way on every RS row 8 more times until 22 sts remain.
9. Work 3 rows even.
10. BO.

Fold bonnet crown so the narrower area shapes the back of the head. Sew back seam lightly. Test fit before attaching ruffle.

Bonnet Ruffle

1. CO 86 sts.
2. Rows 1-3: K every row.
3. Row 4: P.
4. Row 5: K.
5. Repeat Rows 4-5 for 8 more rows.
6. Next RS row: K2tog across. 43 sts.
7. WS row: P.
8. BO loosely on RS row.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Gather the BO edge slightly if needed and sew to the front opening of the bonnet crown so the full ungathered edge ripples outward around the face. The ruffle should be dense and frame the entire face.

Bonnet Ties and Side Bows

• Knit two narrow ties: CO 3 sts in blue and knit every row for 8 inches. BO.
• Sew one tie to each bonnet lower front corner.
• Make 2 tiny blue bows and attach near the bonnet sides above the ears.

Sew bonnet to the head with a few hidden stitches after the ears are attached. Let the ears fall below it.

Tiny Shoulder Purse

Make in white with blue edging and a blue button detail.

1. CO 12 sts in white.
2. Rows 1-10: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
3. Row 11: K.
4. Row 12: P.
5. Rows 13-16: K every row for flap.
6. BO.

Fold lower section up to form a pouch with a flap. Sew side seams. With blue yarn, embroider a neat blanket-style edge or simple whipstitch around flap and pouch front edge. Add one tiny blue knot or bead for the button.

For the strap, either use a narrow blue ribbon or knit an i-cord style strip equivalent. Sew one side of strap to the top back corner of the purse and the other side high on the bunny shoulder so the purse rests at the front left side as shown.

Blue Shoes

Make 2 in blue. These are display accessories and may be lightly stuffed or left hollow.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K every row for sole edge.
3. Rows 5-10: Work stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
4. Row 11: K4, k2tog, k2, ssk, k4. 12 sts.
5. Row 12: P.
6. Row 13: K3, k2tog, k2, ssk, k3. 10 sts.
7. Row 14: P.
8. Rows 15-18: Work even.
9. BO.

Sew heel seam and gather toe slightly. Add a narrow gray or white stitched sole line if desired. The shoes in the image are rounded at the toe, low-cut, and soft, so avoid making them stiff or pointed.

Blue Tote Bag

Make 2 bag sides in blue.

1. CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-12: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
3. Rows 13-16: K every row.
4. BO.

Sew side and bottom seams, leaving top open. Make 2 handles by CO 3 sts and knitting every row for 18 rows. BO. Sew one handle to front and one to back, matching the arch shown in the photo.

Embroider a dark blue front lacing motif in the center of one side to echo the corset detail.

Mini Teapot

Make 2 body sides in white.

1. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: P.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: P.
5. Row 4: Kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
6. Rows 5-10: Work even in stockinette.
7. Row 11: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
8. Row 12: P.
9. Row 13: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
10. Row 14: P.
11. BO.

Sew around sides, lightly stuff, and close. Make a tiny base circle by gathering one end flat with thread. For the lid, CO 6 sts in pale blue and work 4 rows in stockinette. Sew into a shallow dome and attach on top. Add a tiny knob as one wrapped stitch.

📌Thank you for reading the article

For the spout, CO 4 sts in white and knit 6 rows. Taper by k2tog, k2; then purl back. Sew into a narrow cone and attach to one side. For the handle, make a twisted cord or narrow knitted strip and sew to the opposite side.

Embroider a small pale blue floral sprig on the body front.

Mini Teacup

Make in white.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Work stockinette.
3. Row 5: Kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 6-8: Work stockinette.
5. BO.

Sew side seam into a tiny cup. Close base lightly with thread. Add a tiny loop handle in white at one side. If desired, knit a small saucer by CO 10 sts, knitting 2 rows, then BO.

Little Hedgehog

The hedgehog stands beside the bunny and has a beige face and body, darker spines around the back, a mint sweater, a brown hat, and a red mushroom. Make carefully because the charm comes from the proportions.

Hedgehog Front Body

Make 1 in taupe.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1: P.
3. Row 2: Kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
4. Rows 3-10: Work stockinette.
5. Row 11: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
6. Row 12: P.
7. Row 13: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Row 14: P.
9. Row 15: K2tog, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. Row 16: P.
11. BO.

Hedgehog Back with Spines

Make 1 in brown. Knit same shaping as front body. Before sewing, add loop stitches or short cut strands across the back section to imitate tiny spines. Keep them short and soft so the hedgehog remains neat and miniature.

Sew front and back together, stuff firmly, and shape into a slightly pear-like body with a rounded belly and narrower head.

Hedgehog Arms

• CO 4 sts, knit 8 rows in taupe, BO. Make 2.
• Roll or fold and stitch into tiny tubes.

Hedgehog Sweater

1. CO 14 sts in mint.
2. Rows 1-2: K every row.
3. Rows 3-10: Work stockinette.
4. BO.

Wrap around body, sew at back, and leave a small arm opening effect at upper sides. The sweater should sit high and snug.

Hedgehog Hat

1. CO 14 sts in brown.
2. Rows 1-4: K every row.
3. Rows 5-8: Work stockinette.
4. Row 9: K2tog across. 7 sts.
5. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight.

Sew seam. Add a narrow green band around the crown. Shape the brim softly. Place slightly tilted on the hedgehog head.

Mushroom

• Stem: CO 4 sts in ivory, knit 5 rows, sew into a tiny tube.
• Cap: CO 6 sts in rust red, knit 1 row, purl 1 row, increase to 8 sts on next knit row, work 2 more rows, then BO.

Sew cap over top of stem. Add 1 tiny white spot if desired. Sew mushroom into hedgehog hand area.

Hedgehog Face

Use 2 tiny black eye stitches and a small dark nose knot. The face should be very simple and sweet.

Floral Embroidery Placement

The flowers are essential to matching the image. Work them after the bunny dress is fully assembled. Use pale blue, denim blue, cream, and leaf green yarn split into finer strands if needed. Keep all embroidery low profile.

The lower skirt tier has the densest floral band. The upper overskirt has a slightly lighter floral arrangement. Each grouping should feel hand-placed, with blue blossoms and cream roses linked by green leaves and short stems.

• Lower tier center front: one cream rose, one dark blue flower, several pale blue blossoms, and leaf clusters
• Lower tier side areas: smaller blue flowers trailing outward
• Upper skirt front: one medium floral spray on each side of center
• Sleeve cuffs: tiny blue knot details only
• Teapot: one tiny blue floral sprig

For each flower, use detached chain or small petal loops. For cream roses, wrap the yarn in a spiral stitched down at the center. For leaves, use long straight stitches meeting at a point. Keep the motif scale miniature and refined.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and stuff the head.
2. Make and attach ears.
3. Embroider face.
4. Sew and stuff body core.
5. Attach hidden legs.
6. Attach arms angled downward.
7. Sew on lower skirt tier.
8. Sew on upper overskirt.
9. Wrap and attach corset band.
10. Add sleeve cuffs.
11. Make bonnet and sew in place.
12. Add blue bonnet ties and side bows.
13. Make and attach purse and strap.
14. Knit accessories: shoes, tote, teapot, cup, hedgehog, hat, mushroom.
15. Embroider all floral motifs last so placement stays balanced.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Styling Tips for a Close Match

The image has a polished boutique finish. Spend time on shaping. Steam very lightly if your yarn allows, but do not flatten the ruffles. The bonnet front should be crisp and wavy, the corset should sit smoothly, and the skirt should spread into a gentle bell rather than a stiff cone.

Use smaller stitches and firm tension. Avoid oversized stuffing in the head. The bunny face must remain calm and narrow. The eyes are tiny and low-contrast against the cream face, which gives the toy its soft expression.

Arrange the accessories near the bunny rather than attaching them permanently, except for the purse. The shoes should sit in front, the tote slightly to one side, and the tea set near the center. The hedgehog should stand at the bunny’s left side.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the ears hang evenly and that the bonnet frames the face without covering the eyes. Re-shape the muzzle with small hidden stitches if needed. Keep the nose tiny, the mouth short, and the eyes symmetrical. A little blush thread shading can be added very lightly, but it is optional.

Care Notes

Display pieces are best kept out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. Handle the embroidered flowers gently. If the bunny is used decoratively, support it from the body rather than pulling on the bonnet, purse strap, or ears.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head smoothly stuffed, not overfilled
• Ears attached low and hanging straight
• Bonnet ruffle full and even around face
• Corset centered at front
• Floral embroidery balanced across both skirt tiers
• Purse, shoes, tote, teapot, cup, and hedgehog all scaled to match
• Face details tiny and gentle

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust lightly with a soft dry brush. Spot clean only with a barely damp cloth and mild soap if necessary. Do not soak, machine wash, or wring the pieces. Reshape while drying flat. Store with tissue support around the bonnet and skirt to preserve the silhouette and protect the embroidery.