Knitting Tutorial: Elegant White Rose Tea Party Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant knitted bunny is designed as a collectible heirloom toy with a soft white body, long floppy ears, a pink tea party dress, layered ruffles, three statement bows, a bonnet, Mary Jane shoes, and a tiny handbag. The finished look feels perfect for shoppers searching for a handmade bunny doll, knitted rabbit plush, nursery décor gift, tea party bunny toy, or boutique stuffed animal pattern. Every section below is written to help you recreate the exact sweet silhouette shown in the image, with gentle shaping, polished finishing, and charming accessories that give it a premium handmade look.

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

Materials

• Main body yarn: sport-weight or light DK yarn in soft white, approximately 180 to 220 g
• Dress and accessories yarn: sport-weight or light DK yarn in blush pink, approximately 180 g
• Contrast trim yarn: soft white, approximately 40 g
• Small detail yarn: light brown or taupe for nose embroidery, dark brown for eyes if not using safety eyes
• Optional prop yarns: warm brown, tan, moss green, and cream for squirrel and basket props
• Needles: US 2.5 / 3.0 mm double-pointed needles or preferred method for knitting small circumferences
• Needles for dress panels and flat pieces: US 3 / 3.25 mm straight or circular needles
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Stuffing: firm polyester fiberfill
• Thin craft wire, optional: only for handbag shaping, not required
• Buttons or snaps, optional: for removable dress or shoes

Finished Size

The bunny in the image has a tall, elegant proportion rather than a round baby style. When worked at the gauge below, the finished bunny measures about 14 to 15 inches tall seated, or about 17 to 18 inches from the top of the bonnet bow to the bottoms of the shoes.

The head is large and softly oval, the torso is narrow, the arms are rounded and slightly oversized, the ears are long and relaxed, and the skirt falls in a wide bell shape with a deep ruffled hem.

Gauge

Gauge for body fabric: 8 sts and 11 rnds = 1 inch in stockinette worked in the round, lightly steamed.

Gauge for dress and accessories: 8.5 sts and 12 rnds = 1 inch in stockinette.

The fabric must be dense enough that stuffing does not show through. Adjust needle size if needed. A slightly tighter fabric helps the face and body hold the refined shape seen in the photo.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• rep = repeat

Construction Notes

This bunny is built from separate legs, a joined lower body, an upper torso, a head worked upward, separate arms, separate ears, and multiple knitted accessories. The dress is shaped to sit smoothly over the slim torso and flare over the hips.

The image shows a very polished finish. That means stuffing should be firm but even, decreases should be aligned cleanly, and embroidery should stay minimal. The face is simple, with tiny eyes and a delicately stitched nose and mouth.

The skirt design in the image includes pink-and-white colorwork with small flower motifs and a decorative lower border. The pattern below recreates that visual effect in a knitter-friendly way using a simple repeated chart logic written out in words.

Color Key

• MC = white
• CC1 = blush pink
• CC2 = white trim for collar and under-ruffle, same as MC

Legs (Make 2)

Shoe Base

Using CC1, CO 12 sts onto double-pointed needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

1. Rnd 1: k all.
2. Rnd 2: kfb, k5, kfb, kfb, k5, kfb. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k all.
4. Rnd 4: kfb, k7, kfb, kfb, k7, kfb. 20 sts.
5. Rnd 5 to 8: k all.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Shape the front of the Mary Jane shoe.

1. Rnd 9: k5, k2tog 5 times, k5. 15 sts.
2. Rnd 10: k all.
3. Rnd 11: k4, k2tog 3 times, k5. 12 sts.

Change to MC for the leg.

1. Rnd 12: knit all, picking up the tension firmly where colors meet.
2. Rnd 13 to 28: k all.

Stuff the shoe firmly and the leg lightly. The lower leg should remain soft, not rigid. Bind off the next 2 sts at beginning of round to create the ankle opening impression, then continue to form the strap visually later.

1. Rnd 29: k all around remaining sts.
2. Rnd 30 to 34: k all.

Place stitches on hold. Repeat for second leg.

Mary Jane Strap Detail

With CC1 and a tapestry needle, add a horizontal shoe strap across the front opening area. Work a duplicate stitch line 6 stitches wide around the upper instep. Add one tiny stitched knot at the outer side of each shoe to mimic the little button seen in the image.

Join Legs and Knit Lower Body

Place both legs on needles with inner leg stitches facing each other. Using MC, knit across first leg, CO 4 sts, knit across second leg, CO 4 sts to join. 32 sts total if you had 12 live sts per leg, plus bridges. Distribute evenly.

1. Rnd 1: k all.
2. Rnd 2: k all, placing markers at side seams and center front.
3. Rnd 3: M1L after first bridge stitch, knit to 1 st before second bridge end, M1R, repeat on back bridge. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 4 to 8: k all.
5. Rnd 9: M1L after each side marker and M1R before each side marker. 40 sts.
6. Rnd 10 to 16: k all.

Stuff both legs fully now and continue stuffing the joined body as you work. The lower body should be slightly pear-shaped but still gentle, because the image shows a dress covering most fullness rather than a bulky body.

1. Rnd 17: k all.
2. Rnd 18: k2tog, k16, ssk, k2tog, k16, ssk. 36 sts.
3. Rnd 19 to 24: k all.
4. Rnd 25: k2tog, k14, ssk, k2tog, k14, ssk. 32 sts.
5. Rnd 26 to 30: k all.

Upper Torso

The bunny’s torso is narrow under the dress bodice. Keep the shaping slender and smooth.

1. Rnd 31: k all.
2. Rnd 32: k2tog, k12, ssk, k2tog, k12, ssk. 28 sts.
3. Rnd 33 to 38: k all.
4. Rnd 39: M1L, k12, M1R, M1L, k12, M1R. 32 sts.
5. Rnd 40 to 44: k all.

This slight upper increase creates a chest area broad enough for the large bows and collar ruffles without making the body thick.

Head

The head is softly rounded and larger than the torso, with a gentle muzzle area formed mostly by stuffing and subtle shaping rather than dramatic short rows. Continue from torso using MC.

1. Rnd 45: kfb in every 4th st around. 40 sts.
2. Rnd 46: k all.
3. Rnd 47: kfb in every 5th st around. 48 sts.
4. Rnd 48: k all.
5. Rnd 49: kfb in every 6th st around. 56 sts.
6. Rnd 50 to 66: k all.

Begin stuffing the head firmly. The cheeks should be full, but the face front must remain smooth. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time.

To suggest the lower face area, work one subtle contour round:

1. Rnd 67: k18, k2tog, k16, ssk, k18. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 68 to 72: k all.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Place eye markers between Rnds 60 and 61, spaced 8 stitches apart across the center front. The eyes in the image are tiny, vertical, and widely calm. Do not place them too low.

Finish top of head.

1. Rnd 73: k7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 74: k all.
3. Rnd 75: k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
4. Rnd 76: k all.
5. Rnd 77: k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 78: k all.
7. Rnd 79: k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
8. Rnd 80: k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
9. Rnd 81: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
10. Rnd 82: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and close neatly.

Arms (Make 2)

The arms are rounded, slightly plump, and hang low at the sides. They are not long and slim. Use MC.

1. CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every 5th st. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3 to 18: k all.
5. Rnd 19: k2tog, k4, ssk, k4. 10 sts.
6. Rnd 20 to 24: k all.

Stuff the hand and lower arm only. Flatten top opening and sew closed. Leave a long tail for attaching. Angle each arm slightly forward and slightly downward, matching the relaxed tea party pose in the image.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are long, softly stuffed only at the base, and hang to about the upper waist. They are narrow at the top join and fuller through the center.

Using MC, work flat.

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: p all.
3. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: p all.
5. Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: p all.
7. Row 6: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
8. Row 7: p all.
9. Row 8: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 34: work in stockinette, slipping first stitch of each row for smooth edges.
11. Row 35: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
12. Row 36: p all.
13. Row 37: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
14. Row 38: p all.
15. Row 39: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
16. Row 40: p all.
17. Row 41: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
18. Row 42: p all.
19. BO knitwise.

Make a second matching ear. Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly with no hard crease. Sew the open upper edge into a slight curve, then attach to the head sides, beginning just behind the bonnet line. Leave the lower ear lengths free to drape naturally.

Face Embroidery

Use dark brown yarn or embroidery floss for eyes. Make each eye just 1 stitch long, slightly angled vertical dashes. Use taupe or medium brown for the nose. Form a small Y-shaped nose-mouth combination centered between the eyes, about 5 rows lower.

The muzzle in the image is very delicate. Keep all embroidery tiny and balanced. Do not add blush, eyelashes, or a large smile.

Bloomers or Under-Skirt Layer

The image shows a soft white underlayer peeking beneath the pink ruffle hem. You may create either a short bloomer or a decorative under-skirt ring.

For the simplest accurate version, work a separate under-ruffle ring:

1. Using CC2, CO 90 sts loosely.
2. Join carefully.
3. Rnd 1: *k1, p1; rep from * around.
4. Rnd 2: *p1, k1; rep from * around.
5. Rnd 3: k all.
6. Rnd 4: *kfb, k2; rep from * around. 120 sts.
7. Rnd 5 to 8: k all.
8. BO loosely.

Gather slightly and sew inside the lower dress so a white scalloped edge peeks beneath the pink skirt.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Dress Bodice and Skirt

The dress is the signature feature. It has puffed short sleeves, a white front inset, white ruffled collar pieces, three large pink bows at center front, a patterned lower skirt, and a deep pink hem ruffle.

You may knit the dress as a separate garment from the top down. This gives the cleanest result and lets you fit it precisely over the finished bunny.

Bodice

Using CC1, CO 36 sts flat.

1. Row 1 RS: k all.
2. Row 2 WS: p all.
3. Row 3: k5, M1R, k6, M1R, k14, M1L, k6, M1L, k5. 40 sts.
4. Row 4: p all.
5. Row 5: k all.
6. Row 6: p all.

Separate sleeve sections.

1. Row 7 RS: k6, place next 8 sts on holder, CO 2, k16, CO 2, place next 8 sts on holder, k6. 32 sts.
2. Row 8 WS: p all.
3. Rows 9 to 14: work in stockinette.

For the front white inset panel seen behind the bow area, duplicate stitch a narrow white bib shape after knitting, or work it in intarsia over the center 8 stitches from Rows 9 to 20. The bib should end just above the upper skirt line.

Waist Increase Into Skirt

1. Row 15 RS: *k3, M1R; rep from * across. 42 sts.
2. Row 16 WS: p all.
3. Row 17 RS: *k6, M1R; rep from * across. 48 sts.
4. Row 18 WS: p all.
5. Row 19 RS: *k4, M1R; rep from * across. 60 sts.
6. Row 20 WS: p all.

Join to work in the round if desired from this point, marking center back. This helps the skirt fall smoothly.

Upper Skirt

1. Rnd 1 to 8: knit all in CC1.
2. Rnd 9: increase evenly by 12 sts. 72 sts.
3. Rnd 10 to 14: knit all.

Colorwork Floral Band

Switch between CC1 and MC to create a lower floral band inspired by the image. The easiest clean method is stranded knitting with short floats.

Work the following 12-round motif sequence around 72 stitches. Repeat the flower motif 4 times around the skirt, spacing evenly.

1. Rnd 15: With MC, k all.
2. Rnd 16: With CC1, *k8, with MC k10; rep from * to end.
3. Rnd 17: With MC, k all.
4. Rnd 18: With CC1, work 4 flower centers over the white sections by placing 5 pink stitches centered in each 10-stitch white panel.
5. Rnd 19: With MC, knit, preserving the pink petal placements by working 7 pink stitches per flower panel.
6. Rnd 20: With MC and CC1, reduce flower back to 5 pink stitches in each flower panel.
7. Rnd 21: With MC, k all.
8. Rnd 22: With CC1, add small vertical decorative pink dashes between flower panels, 1 stitch wide and 3 rounds tall.
9. Rnd 23: With MC, k all.
10. Rnd 24: With CC1, work a soft zigzag border: *k2 CC1, k2 MC; rep around, offset visually in next round.
11. Rnd 25: Continue zigzag with 1-stitch shift.
12. Rnd 26: With MC, k all.

This sequence produces the same overall impression as the photographed skirt: white lower field, pink flowers, delicate vertical accents, and a geometric pink border near the hem.

Hem Ruffle

1. Rnd 27: Change to CC1, k all.
2. Rnd 28: *k1, M1R; rep around. 144 sts.
3. Rnd 29 to 34: work in seed stitch as follows: *k1, p1; rep around, shifting pattern each round.
4. BO very loosely in pattern.

The hem must curve outward into a pronounced frill. Light steam and finger-shape the edge to encourage the flounce.

Sleeves

Return held sleeve stitches to needles. Pick up 4 stitches at underarm. 12 sts each sleeve.

1. Rnd 1 to 4: knit all in CC1.
2. Rnd 5: *k1, M1R; rep around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 6 to 8: seed stitch.
4. BO loosely.

📌Thank you for reading the article

This creates the short frilled sleeves shown in the image.

Collar Ruffles and White Shoulder Flounces

The bunny has prominent white ruffled pieces along both front shoulder lines, framing the pink bows. These should be crisp but soft.

Make 2 identical strips using CC2.

1. CO 36 sts.
2. Row 1: k all.
3. Row 2: p all.
4. Row 3: *kfb; rep across. 72 sts.
5. Row 4: p all.
6. Row 5: *k1, p1; rep across.
7. BO loosely in pattern on next row.

Gather each strip gently along one long edge and sew from shoulder to waist front, one on each side of center opening. Let the outer edge curl and ripple.

Front Bows (Make 3)

The image clearly shows three pink bows down the center front: one at the neckline, one at the upper bodice, and one at the waist. Each bow is plump and structured.

For each bow:

1. Using CC1, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 10: work in stockinette, slipping first stitch of each row.
3. BO.

Fold short ends to center and sew together. Wrap the center with a 10-inch yarn strand 8 to 10 times, then stitch securely on the back. Shape bow loops by lightly stuffing with a whisper of fiberfill if desired.

Sew one smaller bow at the neckline and two larger bows below it. The lowest bow should sit just above the skirt flare.

Bonnet

The bonnet is pink with a deep ruffled face frame and a large top bow. It sits high on the head, leaving the ears to fall through the sides and back. The front opening is wide enough to show the full face.

Main Bonnet Cap

Using CC1, CO 56 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: work in stockinette.
2. Row 9 RS: k10, k2tog, k22, ssk, k20. 54 sts.
3. Row 10 WS: p all.
4. Row 11: k9, k2tog, k22, ssk, k19. 52 sts.
5. Continue decreasing 1 stitch each side of center every RS row 8 more times until 36 sts remain.
6. Rows 28 to 34: work even.
7. BO.

Sew back seam lightly to form a shallow cap. Try on the head before fastening fully.

Bonnet Face Ruffle

Pick up 48 stitches evenly around the front opening edge in CC1.

1. Row 1 WS: p all.
2. Row 2 RS: *kfb; rep across. 96 sts.
3. Row 3 WS: p all.
4. Row 4 RS: *k1, p1; rep across.
5. Row 5 WS: *p1, k1; rep across.
6. BO loosely in pattern.

This gives the bonnet the soft gathered halo shown in the image.

Top Bonnet Bow

Make one large bow as for the dress bows, but CO 24 sts and work 14 rows. Cinch center tightly and sew to the top front of the bonnet. The bow in the image is wide and sits horizontally.

Handbag

The tiny pink handbag has a rounded rectangular shape and one centered bow. It is small enough to fit the bunny’s hand without overpowering the figure.

Using CC1, work flat.

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 18: stockinette.
3. BO.

Fold in half with right sides together and sew side seams. Turn right side out. For the base, lightly flatten corners and stitch tiny tucks. Make a handle by knitting an I-cord 18 rows long on 3 stitches, then attach neatly.

Add one mini bow to center front. If you want the bag to hold shape better, insert a tiny felt rectangle before closing the top.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Optional Tiny Slippers or Socks

The image includes a small pair of pink knitted mini slippers beside the bunny. These are optional tea party props.

For each mini slipper:

1. Using CC1, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: stockinette.
3. Row 5: k2tog, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
4. Rows 6 to 8: stockinette.
5. BO and seam into a tiny rounded slipper shape.

Add a short twisted cord if you want the tied appearance.

Optional Basket With Yarn Balls

A small basket with pastel yarn balls appears beside the squirrel. This is optional but completes the table scene beautifully.

For the basket, knit a tiny rectangle 10 by 20 rows in tan, seam into a shallow basket, and add a curved I-cord handle. Roll tiny cream, pink, and mint scraps into miniature yarn balls and secure lightly inside.

Optional Companion Squirrel

The squirrel is a charming extra prop, holding an acorn and wearing a green sweater. It does not need to be large. A height of about 4 inches looks balanced next to the bunny.

• Body: knit a small brown pear-shaped body in the round, starting with 8 sts, increasing to 20 sts, then narrowing toward the neck.
• Head: knit a separate small brown head, starting with 8 sts, increasing to 24 sts, then shaping closed.
• Tail: knit flat in brown, shaped like a curved teardrop, then seam and lightly stuff.
• Sweater: make a tiny green tube with 2 arm holes and short sleeves.
• Acorn: knit a tiny tan oval and a darker top cap.

This optional companion helps match the full image composition, but the main pattern remains the bunny.

Assembly Order

1. Sew and finish head opening.
2. Attach ears symmetrically.
3. Embroider face.
4. Attach arms low on torso sides.
5. Dress bunny in under-ruffle and main dress.
6. Sew collar flounces.
7. Sew all three bows to front.
8. Fit bonnet and secure with a few hidden stitches.
9. Place handbag over one arm or tack it lightly in place.
10. Steam accessories lightly and shape.

Exact Styling Notes for Image Accuracy

• Body color: keep the bunny body a warm soft white, not stark bright white.
• Head shape: round-oval with full cheeks, no sharp muzzle.
• Ears: long, narrow, and drooping naturally.
• Dress pink: use a dusty pastel blush, not hot pink.
• Front center: three bows are essential for the same visual identity.
• Collar: use white gathered flounces on both sides of the bodice front.
• Hem: deep pink ruffle with a white layer peeking below.
• Shoes: rounded Mary Jane style with a visible strap impression.
• Bonnet: must include both the face ruffle and large top bow.
• Expression: very calm and sweet, with minimal embroidery.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head sits straight and the ears fall evenly before securing the bonnet permanently. Add the eyes first, then stitch the tiny nose and short mouth lines. Keep all facial embroidery centered and very small. Sew the bows after the collar so the front stays balanced and layered neatly.

Care Notes

Spot clean when possible. If deeper cleaning is needed, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap, press in a towel, reshape, and air dry flat. Avoid twisting the bonnet bow, sleeve ruffles, or hem frill while wet.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Both ears attached at the same height
• Eyes placed evenly and not too large
• Three center bows aligned vertically
• Dress hem flares evenly all around
• White under-ruffle visible below pink hem
• Bonnet sits high and frames the face
• Shoes and straps match left to right
• Handbag scale looks petite beside the arm

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished bunny away from direct sunlight to protect the blush pink color. For long-term display, keep it upright with light support under the skirt so the ruffles do not crush. Do not hang the handbag by itself for storage, and avoid heavy pressure on the face embroidery.