Knitting Tutorial: Mint Green Frill Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Mint Green Frill Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant knitted bunny set is designed to look like a collectible heirloom toy with a soft mint green palette, layered lace-style frills, tiny floral trims, and charming garden accessories. The finished set includes the bunny, dress, hat, shoes, drawstring purse, teddy bear, parasol, and teapot so the display feels complete and gift-ready. It is ideal for readers searching for handmade bunny doll pattern ideas, knitted soft toy tutorial projects, boutique nursery decor, Easter bunny gift inspiration, and handmade stuffed animal patterns to knit for sale, gifting, or display.

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 on straight needles, with small parts worked either flat or on double-pointed needles if you prefer. Seams are used strategically to help preserve the sculpted shape seen in the photo.

The bunny has a rounded head, narrow muzzle, long soft ears, a slim upper body, a gently weighted lower body, short curved arms, and straight seated legs hidden under the dress. The outfit is the visual focus, so the body proportions are slightly delicate rather than chunky.

The dress is made in layers. The top dress is mint green with a scalloped lower edge, short ruffled sleeves, a floral neckline garland, and embroidered flower sprays across the skirt. Underneath are two white frilled underskirt tiers that create the full bell shape shown in the image.

The hat is wide-brimmed and shallow-crowned, sitting low on the head with a soft white band and a floral cluster on one side. The purse, slippers, teddy, parasol, and teapot are intentionally miniature and decorative so the whole set matches the photograph.

Finished Size

  • Main bunny: about 12 inches tall seated, about 14 inches tall to top of hat.
  • Dress width at hem: about 10 inches across when laid flat after assembly.
  • Hat brim diameter: about 7 inches.
  • Purse: about 2.5 inches tall.
  • Shoes: about 2 inches long each.
  • Teddy bear: about 3.25 inches tall seated.
  • Parasol: about 4 inches long.
  • Teapot: about 2.5 inches wide including spout and handle.

Materials

  • Main bunny yarn: DK weight in soft cream or warm white, about 80 to 100 g.
  • Dress, hat, purse, slippers: DK weight in pale mint green, about 120 g total.
  • Underskirt and trims: lace weight or light fingering in white, about 60 g.
  • Floral embroidery: small amounts of pink, dusty rose, lavender blue, butter yellow, sage, and soft green.
  • Teddy: small amounts of light brown, medium brown, sky blue, and white.
  • Teapot: mint green, pink, white, and floral colors.
  • Parasol: mint green, white, and one wooden skewer or 4-inch toy-safe stick.
  • Needles: US 3 / 3.25 mm for most pieces, US 2 / 2.75 mm for tiny accessories if desired.
  • Tapestry needle for sewing and embroidery.
  • Polyester stuffing.
  • Toy-safe pellets or extra stuffing for body weight if desired.
  • 2 black embroidery strands or tiny black safety eyes, 4 mm to 5 mm, if you prefer.
  • Thin white ribbon for the hat band and optional purse tie.
  • Craft wire optional for parasol shaping.
  • Fabric glue optional only for fixing ribbon ends, not required.

Gauge

26 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 3 / 3.25 mm needles.

Exact gauge matters most for the body and dress. Tiny accessories may vary slightly without harming the final look.

Abbreviations

  • CO = cast on
  • BO = bind off
  • k = knit
  • p = purl
  • st(s) = stitch(es)
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of same stitch
  • k2tog = knit 2 together
  • ssk = slip, slip, knit
  • yo = yarn over
  • rep = repeat
  • sl = slip

Construction Notes

The bunny is made from separate pieces: head, muzzle shaping, ears, front body, back body, arms, and legs. The head is slightly oversized compared with the torso, just as shown in the image. The neck is narrow, but the dress collar visually broadens the upper area.

For the cleanest look, sew all body seams with mattress stitch wherever possible. Stuff the head firmly, the body moderately, and the limbs lightly. The bunny in the photo has a soft refined silhouette, so avoid overstuffing the arms and ears.

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Main Bunny Head

Make 2 pieces in cream.

  1. CO 14 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: p all.
  3. Row 2 RS: k1, inc, k10, inc, k1. 16 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all.
  5. Row 4: k1, inc, k12, inc, k1. 18 sts.
  6. Row 5: p all.
  7. Row 6: k1, inc, k14, inc, k1. 20 sts.
  8. Row 7: p all.
  9. Row 8: k1, inc, k16, inc, k1. 22 sts.
  10. Row 9: p all.
  11. Row 10: k1, inc, k18, inc, k1. 24 sts.
  12. Row 11: p all.
  13. Row 12: k1, inc, k20, inc, k1. 26 sts.
  14. Rows 13 to 27: begin with a purl row and work 15 rows in stockinette.
  15. Row 28: k1, ssk, k20, k2tog, k1. 24 sts.
  16. Row 29: p all.
  17. Row 30: k1, ssk, k18, k2tog, k1. 22 sts.
  18. Row 31: p all.
  19. Row 32: k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1. 20 sts.
  20. Row 33: p all.
  21. Row 34: k1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1. 18 sts.
  22. Row 35: p all.
  23. Row 36: k1, ssk, k12, k2tog, k1. 16 sts.
  24. Row 37: p all.
  25. BO knitwise.

Place the two head pieces together and sew around, leaving the lower edge open. Stuff very firmly, especially through the forehead and cheek area. The shape should be round but slightly longer than wide.

Muzzle Shaping

The face in the photo is simple and sweet, with a tiny split nose and short downward mouth. To create that gentle muzzle, use soft sculpting after the head is stuffed.

  • Thread a long cream strand and take one small stitch horizontally across the lower center face, about 1 inch above the bottom head edge.
  • Pull gently to create a shallow muzzle indentation.
  • Secure inside the head.
  • Do not over-sculpt. The face should remain smooth and minimal.

Ears

Make 2 in cream.

  1. CO 6 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: p all.
  3. Row 2 RS: k1, inc, k4, inc, k1. 8 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all.
  5. Row 4: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. 10 sts.
  6. Row 5: p all.
  7. Row 6: k1, inc, k8, inc, k1. 12 sts.
  8. Rows 7 to 21: work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
  9. Row 22: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  10. Row 23: p all.
  11. Row 24: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  12. Row 25: p all.
  13. Row 26: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
  14. Row 27: p all.
  15. Row 28: k1, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1. 4 sts.
  16. Row 29: p all.
  17. BO.

Sew side seams lightly. Stuff only the lower third very lightly, or leave unstuffed for a flatter drape. Fold each ear base inward once so the ear hangs down close to the cheeks as in the image.

Front Body

Make 1 in cream.

  1. CO 14 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: p all.
  3. Row 2 RS: k1, inc, k12, inc, k1. 16 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all.
  5. Row 4: k1, inc, k14, inc, k1. 18 sts.
  6. Row 5: p all.
  7. Row 6: k1, inc, k16, inc, k1. 20 sts.
  8. Row 7: p all.
  9. Rows 8 to 17: stockinette.
  10. Row 18: k2tog, k16, k2tog through back loop of last 2 if needed for symmetry. 18 sts.
  11. Row 19: p all.
  12. Row 20: k2tog, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
  13. Row 21: p all.
  14. Rows 22 to 29: stockinette. This narrow section forms the waist and upper torso.
  15. Row 30: BO 3 sts, k10, BO 3 sts. 10 sts.
  16. Rows 31 to 36: stockinette on center 10 sts.
  17. BO.

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Back Body

Work the same as Front Body.

Sew front and back together at shoulders and sides, leaving lower edge and neck open. Stuff moderately. Add a tablespoon of pellets in a fabric pouch at the bottom if you want the bunny to sit more securely on display.

Legs

Make 2 in cream. The legs are mostly hidden under the dress, but they must be neat and slender.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 10: stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
  3. Row 11 RS: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 12: p all.
  5. Rows 13 to 18: stockinette.
  6. BO.

Sew each leg into a slim tube. Stuff lightly. Flatten the upper edge and sew to the lower body so the bunny sits with both feet pointing forward under the skirt. Angle the legs outward only slightly.

Arms

Make 2 in cream.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 12: stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
  3. Row 13 RS: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 14: p all.
  5. Rows 15 to 18: stockinette.
  6. BO.

Sew into tubes and stuff lightly. Curve the hand end slightly while sewing closed. Sew to body just below the neck, angled downward and slightly forward so one arm rests near the purse and the other hangs softly to the side.

Joining Head and Body

Sew the head to the neck opening using small firm stitches. The head should sit upright but with a soft toy character feel, not stiffly vertical. Attach the ears before or after sewing the head to the body, whichever you find easier.

Position the ears low on the sides of the head, not on the very top. They should fall down the front shoulders, just visible beneath the hat brim.

Facial Features

  • Place the eyes about 6 rows down from the top center curve of the head and about 5 stitches apart.
  • Use two tiny vertical black embroidered dots rather than round large eyes.
  • Embroider the nose in brown or taupe with a small upside-down triangle or tiny Y shape.
  • Add a short vertical stitch below the nose and two short angled stitches to form the mouth.

Keep the expression understated. The image shows a delicate antique-style face rather than a cartoon one.

White Lower Petticoat Tier

Make 1 in white. This piece forms the deepest visible frill.

  1. CO 80 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: p all.
  3. Rows 2 to 8: stockinette.
  4. Row 9 RS lace edge: k1, yo, k2tog rep to last st, k1.
  5. Row 10: p all.
  6. Rows 11 to 22: stockinette.
  7. Row 23 gathering row: k2tog across. 40 sts.
  8. Row 24: p all.
  9. BO knitwise.

Sew short ends together. This tier will be attached inside the dress at the lower underskirt line.

White Upper Petticoat Tier

Make 1 in white.

  1. CO 68 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: p all.
  3. Rows 2 to 7: stockinette.
  4. Row 8 RS lace edge: k1, yo, k2tog rep to last st, k1.
  5. Row 9: p all.
  6. Rows 10 to 18: stockinette.
  7. Row 19 gathering row: k2tog across. 34 sts.
  8. Row 20: p all.
  9. BO.

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Sew short ends together. This tier sits above the lower petticoat and must peek out clearly beneath the mint overskirt.

Mint Green Dress Bodice and Overskirt

This is the main garment. Work flat in one piece from lower edge upward. The hemline is soft and rounded, so a scalloped finishing round is added later.

  1. CO 72 sts in mint green.
  2. Row 1 WS: p all.
  3. Rows 2 to 10: stockinette.
  4. Row 11 shaping: k6, k2tog, k12, k2tog, k12, k2tog, k12, k2tog, k12, k2tog, k6. 67 sts.
  5. Row 12: p all.
  6. Row 13: k all.
  7. Row 14: p all.
  8. Row 15 shaping: k5, k2tog, k11, k2tog, k11, k2tog, k11, k2tog, k11, k2tog, k5. 62 sts.
  9. Row 16: p all.
  10. Rows 17 to 22: stockinette.
  11. Row 23 shaping: k4, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k4. 57 sts.
  12. Row 24: p all.
  13. Rows 25 to 28: stockinette.
  14. Row 29 shaping: k3, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k3. 52 sts.
  15. Row 30: p all.
  16. Rows 31 to 34: stockinette.
  17. Row 35 waist shaping: k2, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k2. 47 sts.
  18. Row 36: p all.
  19. Rows 37 to 42: stockinette.
  20. Row 43: k all.
  21. Row 44: p all.
  22. Row 45 armhole row: BO 4 sts, k39, BO 4 sts. 39 sts.

Now divide for back, neck, and front sections.

  1. Row 46 WS: p10, join second ball and BO 19 sts for front neck opening, p10.
  2. Work each back section separately for 6 rows in stockinette.
  3. On neck edge of each section, decrease 1 st once. 9 sts each side.
  4. Work until armhole depth measures about 1.5 inches.
  5. BO both shoulder sections.

Sew side seams and shoulder seams. The front remains open in a deep rounded neckline so the white collar and flower garland can sit across it exactly as shown.

Dress Hem Scallop Finish

With RS facing and mint yarn, pick up 1 stitch in each cast-on stitch around lower dress edge.

  1. Round 1: knit all.
  2. Round 2: k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk in same 5-st group across as evenly as possible to create gentle shell points.
  3. Round 3: knit all.
  4. BO loosely.

This should create a soft petal-like lower edge rather than a hard straight hem.

White Collar Ruffle

Make 1 in white.

  1. CO 50 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
  3. Row 5 lace edge: k1, yo, k2tog rep to last st, k1.
  4. Row 6: p all.
  5. Row 7 gathering row: k2tog across to last 0 or 1 st, knit last st if needed. About 25 sts.
  6. BO loosely.

Sew around neckline with the lace edge facing outward. The collar should sit flat and soft, not upright.

Short Sleeve Frills

Make 2 in white.

  1. CO 24 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 3: stockinette.
  3. Row 4 lace edge: k1, yo, k2tog rep to last st, k1.
  4. Row 5: p all.
  5. Row 6 gathering row: k2tog across. 12 sts.
  6. BO.

Gather lightly and sew into the armhole edge so a white ruffle peeks under the mint sleeve line.

Flower Embroidery for Dress

The dress in the image has clusters of tiny raised flowers at the neckline, right waist, lower front skirt, and left lower skirt. Use duplicate stitch, French-knot-style wraps, or tiny knitted rosettes. The easiest method is the rosette method below.

Mini Knitted Rosette

  1. Using pink, lavender, yellow, or blue, CO 12 sts.
  2. Row 1: p all.
  3. Row 2: k all.
  4. BO.
  5. Roll tightly from one end and sew base to secure.

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Make about 18 to 24 rosettes in mixed sizes and colors. Smaller flowers can be made from 8 stitches instead of 12. Add a few green straight stitches underneath each as leaves.

  • Neckline garland: sew a dense line of pink-centered rosettes across the collar seam.
  • Right bodice cluster: place one pink, one blue, one yellow, and one small bud with green stems.
  • Lower skirt sprays: place two larger clusters near each front side of the hem.

Hat Crown

Work 1 in mint green.

  1. CO 36 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 14: stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
  3. Row 15 RS: k4, k2tog across. 30 sts.
  4. Row 16: p all.
  5. Row 17: k3, k2tog across. 24 sts.
  6. Row 18: p all.
  7. Thread yarn through remaining sts and pull tight.
  8. Sew side seam to form a shallow cylinder-tulip crown.

Hat Brim

Work 1 in mint green.

  1. CO 24 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: p all.
  3. Row 2 RS: k1, inc in each st to last st, k1. 46 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all.
  5. Row 4: k1, inc every 2nd st across, k1. About 68 sts.
  6. Row 5: p all.
  7. Rows 6 to 14: stockinette.
  8. Row 15 edge row: k all.
  9. BO loosely.

Sew cast-on edge into a ring to fit the lower crown. Join brim to crown carefully. The brim should droop slightly and spread wide around the face.

Sew a white ribbon band around the hat base and tie or stitch a bow at the right side. Add 3 to 5 tiny rosettes in pink, cream, and pale yellow beside the bow.

Drawstring Purse

Work 2 flat pieces in mint green.

  1. CO 12 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 10: stockinette, beginning with a purl row.
  3. Row 11 RS eyelet row: k1, yo, k2tog, k6, yo, k2tog, k1.
  4. Rows 12 to 18: stockinette.
  5. BO.

Sew sides and bottom. Thread a white cord through the eyelet row. Add a few tiny floral embroidery stitches on one side to match the photo. Stuff very lightly so the bag looks gently full.

Slippers

Make 2 in mint green.

  1. CO 10 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 6: stockinette.
  3. Row 7: k3, k2tog, k2, ssk, k1. 8 sts.
  4. Row 8: p all.
  5. Rows 9 to 12: stockinette.
  6. BO.

Sew into tiny slipper shapes by closing back seam and gathering toe slightly. Embroider or sew one tiny white flower on each top front. These are decorative in the image, so place them beside the bunny rather than on the feet.

Teddy Bear Head

Make 2 in light brown.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1: p all.
  3. Row 2: k1, inc, k4, inc, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all.
  5. Row 4: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. 12 sts.
  6. Rows 5 to 11: stockinette.
  7. Row 12: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  8. Row 13: p all.
  9. Row 14: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  10. BO.

Sew, stuff firmly, and close.

Teddy Ears

Make 4 in medium brown.

  1. CO 4 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 3: stockinette.
  3. BO.

Fold each in half and sew in pairs onto the teddy head.

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Teddy Body

Make 2 in medium brown, with sweater section in blue if desired.

  1. CO 10 sts in blue.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: stockinette.
  3. Change to medium brown.
  4. Rows 5 to 11: stockinette.
  5. Row 12: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  6. Row 13: p all.
  7. BO.

Teddy Arms and Legs

Make 4 tubes total, 2 arms and 2 legs, in medium brown.

  1. CO 4 sts.
  2. Rows 1 to 6: stockinette.
  3. BO.

Sew and stuff lightly. Attach legs seated forward and arms slightly bent inward. Embroider tiny black eyes and nose. Add a tiny blue hat by gathering a 10-stitch stockinette strip into a dome. Knit a tiny open book shape in white or cream if you want to match the photo more closely.

Parasol Canopy

Work 6 wedges in mint green.

  1. CO 2 sts.
  2. Row 1: p all.
  3. Row 2: k1, inc, k1. 3 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all.
  5. Continue increasing 1 st at each RS row after first stitch until you have 8 sts.
  6. Work 4 rows straight in stockinette.
  7. BO.

Sew 6 wedges together into a dome. Add a white lace-style edging by picking up stitches around the outer edge and working: yo, k2tog across one round, then BO loosely on the next round. Insert the stick through the center and secure. Add a small mint top knot if desired.

Teapot Body

Make 2 side pieces in mint green.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Row 1: p all.
  3. Row 2: k1, inc, k6, inc, k1. 10 sts.
  4. Row 3: p all.
  5. Row 4: k1, inc, k8, inc, k1. 12 sts.
  6. Rows 5 to 12: stockinette.
  7. Row 13: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
  8. Row 14: p all.
  9. Row 15: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  10. BO.

Teapot Spout

  1. CO 4 sts in mint green.
  2. Rows 1 to 8: stockinette.
  3. BO.

Sew into a tapered tube and lightly stuff or insert pipe cleaner.

Teapot Handle

  1. CO 4 sts in mint green.
  2. Rows 1 to 10: stockinette.
  3. BO.

Sew into tube and bend into a curved handle.

Teapot Lid

  1. CO 6 sts in pink.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: stockinette.
  3. Row 5: k2tog across. 3 sts.
  4. BO.

Sew body sides together with the spout and handle inserted at the seams. Stuff lightly. Add embroidered flowers on one side and place the pink lid on top with a tiny knob.

Detailed Placement Guide for a Photo-Matched Look

  • Hat: place low so the brim frames the face and partly overlaps the ears.
  • Purse: set at the bunny’s lower left side, touching the dress hem.
  • Slippers: position in front left of the bunny, slightly angled outward.
  • Teddy: place at front right, seated upright and holding the little book against the tummy.
  • Parasol: rest behind the teddy, leaning leftward.
  • Teapot: place at far right with the spout pointing left.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Dress the bunny first, then attach the collar, sleeve frills, floral garland, and skirt flower clusters. Add the hat last so you can judge ear position. Embroider the eyes as tiny vertical dashes and keep the nose very small. A soft brown stitched nose and short split mouth will best match the elegant look in the image.

Care Notes

Display pieces are best kept out of prolonged direct sunlight. If this set is intended for children, replace ribbon and miniature accessories with securely stitched alternatives. The parasol stick and tiny decorations are best for decorative use rather than rough play.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head firmly stuffed and centered on neck
  • Ears attached low and drooping softly
  • Two white underskirt tiers visible
  • Collar and sleeve ruffles sewn neatly
  • Flower clusters added to neckline, bodice, and skirt
  • Hat brim wide and slightly drooping
  • Purse, slippers, teddy, parasol, and teapot all completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a lightly damp cloth and mild soap only when needed. Blot rather than rub. Reshape the hat brim, dress ruffles, and ears while damp, then air dry flat. Store in acid-free tissue or a clean cotton bag to reduce dust, fading, and compression over time.

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