Knitting Tutorial: Hydrangea Rose Tea Party Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant knitted bunny is designed to look like a handmade heirloom rabbit doll with boutique charm, cottagecore style, and a polished tea party finish. The floral skirt, wide sun hat, matching purse, and tiny tea set give it the look of a collectible knitted bunny doll, artisan stuffed rabbit, nursery décor piece, and thoughtful spring gift for bunny lovers. Soft cream tones, lavender accents, and raised roses make this project especially pretty for display shelves, handmade gift shops, and keepsake toy collections. Every visible detail in the photo is included here so the final bunny feels refined, sweet, and complete.

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 creates a seated bunny with a cream body, long floppy ears, a lavender bodice, a full cream skirt with a lavender hem, raised roses, blue hydrangea clusters, green leaves, a floral hat, a lavender purse, cream shoes, and a miniature tea set.

The bunny is designed as a display piece and is meant to sit gracefully, just like the bunny in the photo. The proportions are intentionally soft and doll-like, with a large head, narrow shoulders, slim arms, and a very full skirt.

Skill level: Advanced beginner to intermediate.

Language: US English.

Materials

• Main bunny color: Fingering or light sport yarn in warm cream, about 60 to 80 g.
• Dress bodice, hem, purse, hat band accents: Fingering or light sport yarn in soft lavender, about 35 to 45 g.
• Rose colors: Deep rose, dusty pink, and pale pink scraps.
• Hydrangea color: Soft periwinkle blue or dusty sky blue scraps.
• Leaves: Sage green and light moss green scraps.
• Tea set: Light taupe or warm gray scraps, lavender scraps, and pale blue-lavender scraps.
• Needles: US 1 to US 2, 2.25 mm to 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or long circular for magic loop.
• Flat knitting needle: Same size for dress panels, flowers, purse, and optional accessories.
• Stuffing: Fine polyester fiberfill.
• Eyes: 2 small black beads, 4 mm to 5 mm, or black embroidery.
• Embroidery yarn: Brown for nose and mouth, cream for sculpting if needed.
• Closures: 2 to 3 tiny snaps or hooks for the back of the dress.
• Optional: Lightweight coated craft wire for poseable arms.
• Tools: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors, pins, and sewing needle.

Finished Size

• Bunny from foot to top of head: about 11 inches.
• Bunny to top of hat crown: about 13 inches.
• Skirt width across front when seated: about 9 inches.
• Tea pot height: about 2 inches.
• Purse width: about 2 3/4 inches.

Gauge

Gauge is not extremely strict for a display doll, but the fabric should be firm. Aim for about 8 to 9 stitches per inch in stockinette using your chosen yarn and needles.

If your fabric looks loose, go down one needle size. The bunny in the photo has a neat, compact fabric with almost no gaps showing through the stuffing.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• m1 = make 1 increase
• rep = repeat
• sm = slip marker
• pm = place marker

Important Construction Notes

• The bunny body is worked mostly in the round.
• The dress is worked flat with a back opening.
• The ears are worked flat in pairs and seamed for a soft, rounded look.
• The flowers are knitted separately and sewn on in the same arrangement shown in the image.
• The bunny is meant to sit. Do not overstuff the lower body.
• Stuff feet and head firmly, body moderately, and arms lightly.

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Bunny Legs and Lower Body

Make 2 legs in cream.

Leg 1

1. CO 8 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit all stitches.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every stitch. You now have 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: (k1, m1) around. You now have 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 7: Knit.
7. Rnd 8: (k4, k2tog) around. You now have 20 sts.
8. Rnds 9 to 18: Knit.
9. Rnd 19: (k3, k2tog) around. You now have 16 sts.
10. Rnds 20 to 26: Knit.

Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly. Set aside.

Leg 2

Work the same as Leg 1, but do not cut the yarn at the end.

Join the Legs

1. Knit across the 16 sts of Leg 2.
2. CO 4 sts.
3. Knit across the 16 sts of Leg 1.
4. CO 4 sts.

You now have 40 sts for the lower body.

1. Rnds 27 to 34: Knit.
2. Rnd 35: (k8, k2tog) around. You now have 36 sts.
3. Rnd 36: Knit.
4. Rnd 37: (k7, k2tog) around. You now have 32 sts.
5. Rnds 38 to 42: Knit.
6. Rnd 43: (k6, k2tog) around. You now have 28 sts.
7. Rnds 44 to 46: Knit.
8. Rnd 47: (k5, k2tog) around. You now have 24 sts.
9. Rnds 48 to 50: Knit.

At this point, the seated lower body should look softly rounded. Keep the front of the body smooth because the dress will rest over it cleanly.

Head

Continue in cream from the body.

1. Rnd 51: (k3, m1) around. You now have 30 sts.
2. Rnd 52: Knit.
3. Rnd 53: (k4, m1) around. You now have 36 sts.
4. Rnd 54: Knit.
5. Rnd 55: (k5, m1) around. You now have 42 sts.
6. Rnd 56: Knit.
7. Rnd 57: (k6, m1) around. You now have 48 sts.
8. Rnds 58 to 68: Knit.
9. Rnd 69: (k6, k2tog) around. You now have 42 sts.
10. Rnd 70: Knit.
11. Rnd 71: (k5, k2tog) around. You now have 36 sts.
12. Rnd 72: Knit.
13. Begin stuffing the head firmly and evenly.
14. Rnd 73: (k4, k2tog) around. You now have 30 sts.
15. Rnd 74: (k3, k2tog) around. You now have 24 sts.
16. Rnd 75: (k2, k2tog) around. You now have 18 sts.
17. Rnd 76: (k1, k2tog) around. You now have 12 sts.
18. Rnd 77: k2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
19. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and close tightly.

The head should be slightly oval rather than perfectly round. Gently shape the muzzle area forward with your fingers while adjusting stuffing.

Ears

Make 4 ear panels in cream, then seam them into 2 ears.

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb, k1, kfb. You now have 5 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: k1, m1, k1, m1, k1. You now have 7 sts.
6. Row 5: Purl.
7. Row 6: k1, m1, k3, m1, k1. You now have 9 sts.
8. Row 7: Purl.
9. Row 8: k1, m1, k5, m1, k1. You now have 11 sts.
10. Continue in this increase style on every RS row until you have 19 sts.
11. Work 24 rows in stockinette with no shaping.
12. Next RS row: ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. You now have 17 sts.
13. Purl the next WS row.
14. Repeat the previous 2 rows until 3 sts remain.
15. Final RS row: k3tog.

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Make a second matching panel for the same ear. Place the two panels WS together and mattress stitch around the edge, leaving the bottom open.

Add a tiny amount of stuffing only to the lower half. Make a second ear the same way. The ears should be slim, softly padded, and able to drape downward under the hat.

Arms

Make 2 arms in cream.

1. CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every stitch. You now have 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 4: Knit.
5. Rnd 5: (k2, k2tog) around. You now have 12 sts.
6. Rnds 6 to 22: Knit.
7. Rnd 23: (k1, k2tog) around. You now have 8 sts.
8. Rnd 24: Knit.
9. BO loosely.

Stuff the lower arm lightly. Leave the top flat for sewing. If you want a gentle bend like the photo, place a small piece of coated craft wire inside before closing.

Dress Bodice

The bodice is worked flat in lavender with a back opening. Make 1.

1. CO 48 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 12: Work stockinette, starting with a WS purl row.
3. Row 13 RS: k11, BO 4, k18, BO 4, k11.

You now have back left, front, and back right sections.

Back Left

1. Rows 14 and 15: Work in stockinette on these 11 sts.
2. Row 16 RS: k9, k2tog. You now have 10 sts.
3. Row 17 WS: Purl.
4. Row 18 RS: k8, k2tog. You now have 9 sts.
5. Row 19 WS: Purl.
6. Row 20 RS: k7, k2tog. You now have 8 sts.
7. Row 21 WS: Purl.
8. Row 22 RS: k6, k2tog. You now have 7 sts.
9. Row 23 WS: Purl.
10. Row 24 RS: k5, k2tog. You now have 6 sts.
11. Row 25 WS: Purl.
12. BO 6 sts.

Front

1. Return to the front 18 sts.
2. Rows 14 and 15: Work in stockinette.
3. Row 16 RS: k6, BO 6, k6.
4. Work each shoulder separately on 6 sts.
5. Rows 17 to 25: Work straight in stockinette.
6. BO 6 sts for each shoulder.

Back Right

Work as a mirror of Back Left, using ssk at the neck edge instead of k2tog.

Sew the shoulder seams neatly. The neckline should sit close to the bunny neck, just like the photo.

Sleeves

Make 2 short sleeves in lavender.

1. CO 26 sts.
2. Rows 1 and 2: Knit.
3. Rows 3 to 8: Work stockinette.
4. Row 9 RS: k2tog, k22, ssk. You now have 24 sts.
5. Row 10 WS: Purl.
6. Row 11 RS: k2tog, k20, ssk. You now have 22 sts.
7. Row 12 WS: Purl.
8. BO 22 sts.

Sew the sleeves into the armholes with the slight rounded fullness at the top. The sleeve edge should look soft and puffed, not stiff.

Skirt

The skirt is full and dramatic, with a lavender lower band and a cream main section. Work flat.

1. With lavender, CO 220 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Knit every row.
3. Change to cream.
4. Rows 9 to 38: Work stockinette.
5. Row 39 RS: (k9, k2tog) across. You now have 200 sts.
6. Rows 40 to 44: Work stockinette.
7. Row 45 RS: (k8, k2tog) across. You now have 180 sts.
8. Rows 46 to 50: Work stockinette.
9. Row 51 RS: (k7, k2tog) across. You now have 160 sts.
10. Rows 52 to 56: Work stockinette.
11. Row 57 RS: (k6, k2tog) across. You now have 140 sts.
12. Rows 58 to 62: Work stockinette.
13. Row 63 RS: (k5, k2tog) across. You now have 120 sts.
14. Rows 64 to 68: Work stockinette.
15. Row 69 RS: (k4, k2tog) across. You now have 100 sts.
16. Row 70 WS: Purl.
17. Row 71 RS: (k3, k2tog) across. You now have 80 sts.
18. Row 72 WS: Purl.
19. BO loosely.

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Sew the skirt back seam, leaving the top back opening unseamed for dressing. Gather the upper edge evenly until it matches the lower edge of the bodice.

Sew the skirt to the bodice. The fullness should be concentrated slightly toward the center front and both sides so the skirt sits like the photo when the bunny is seated.

Rose Appliqué Pattern

The roses in the photo are large, layered, and soft. Make roses in three sizes so the hem looks full and natural.

Large Rose

1. Using rose pink, CO 24 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb in every stitch. You now have 48 sts.
4. Row 3 WS: Purl.
5. Row 4 RS: kfb in every stitch. You now have 96 sts.
6. BO all stitches loosely knitwise.

Roll the strip from one short end into a rose spiral. Stitch the base securely.

Medium Rose

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: kfb in every stitch. You now have 36 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: kfb in every stitch. You now have 72 sts.
6. BO loosely and roll into shape.

Small Rose

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: Purl.
3. Row 2: kfb in every stitch. You now have 28 sts.
4. Row 3: Purl.
5. Row 4: kfb in every stitch. You now have 56 sts.
6. BO loosely and roll into shape.

For the photographed version, make:

• 3 large deep rose roses
• 3 medium dusty pink roses
• 4 small pale pink roses
• 1 medium rose for the bodice
• 1 small rose for the purse
• 2 small roses and 1 medium rose for the hat

Leaf Pattern

Make leaves in sage and moss green.

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb, k1, kfb. You now have 5 sts.
4. Row 3 WS: Purl.
5. Row 4 RS: k1, m1, k1, m1, k1. You now have 7 sts.
6. Row 5 WS: Purl.
7. Row 6 RS: ssk, k3, k2tog. You now have 5 sts.
8. Row 7 WS: Purl.
9. Row 8 RS: ssk, k1, k2tog. You now have 3 sts.
10. Row 9 WS: Purl.
11. Row 10 RS: k3tog.

Make about 26 to 30 leaves for the skirt front and sides, 4 leaves for the bodice spray, 4 leaves for the hat, and 2 leaves for the purse.

Hydrangea Cluster Pattern

The hydrangeas are built from many tiny knitted nubs sewn together. This gives the rounded clustered texture shown in the image.

Cluster Base

1. Using blue, CO 9 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Cut yarn, thread through the stitches, and pull into a small circle.

Tiny Blossom Nub

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: kfb in each stitch. You now have 6 sts.
3. BO all stitches very loosely.

Each nub will curl into a tiny petal-like puff. Sew them densely onto the circular base.

For a large hydrangea cluster, use 12 tiny blossom nubs.

For a small hydrangea cluster, use 6 tiny blossom nubs.

Make the photographed arrangement with:

• 3 large blue hydrangea clusters for the skirt front
• 1 small blue hydrangea cluster for the bodice
• 1 small blue cluster for the hat

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Bodice Floral Placement

The front bodice has one central rose and one blue hydrangea detail, placed slightly asymmetrically just like the image.

1. Sew 1 medium rose at the center chest, about 3 rows below the neckline.
2. Sew 1 small blue hydrangea cluster to the bunny’s right side of the rose.
3. Add 2 leaves to the left of the rose and 2 leaves to the right.
4. Using pale blue or cream yarn, embroider 3 tiny descending seed dots below the motif.

Keep this motif compact. It should look sweet and refined, not oversized.

Skirt Floral Placement Map

The visible front of the skirt shows a dense floral garden running along the lower cream section just above the lavender hem. Arrange the pieces before stitching permanently.

1. At the far left front, sew 1 medium dusty pink rose.
2. To its right, add 1 large blue hydrangea cluster with 3 leaves.
3. Near center front, sew 1 large deep rose rose as the main focal flower.
4. Tuck 1 small pale pink rose to the left of the large center rose.
5. Tuck 1 small pale pink rose to the right of the large center rose.
6. Add 4 to 5 leaves around this center grouping.
7. To the bunny’s right side of center, sew 1 large blue hydrangea cluster.
8. Place 1 medium dusty pink rose just to the right of that cluster.
9. At the far right front, sew 1 large deep rose rose.
10. Fill all visible gaps with remaining leaves, keeping the leaf tips angled outward.
11. Near each side edge, allow a little of the floral border to continue so the skirt looks wrapped in flowers rather than flatly decorated only in the middle.

For the closest visual match, keep the flowers concentrated across the lower front half of the skirt, with the largest deep rose flower near center front and the blue hydrangeas balancing both sides.

Hat

The hat is cream with a wide, soft brim and a small lavender band. The front right side is decorated with flowers.

1. With cream, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. You now have 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: (k1, m1) around. You now have 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: Knit.
7. Rnd 6: (k2, m1) around. You now have 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: Knit.
9. Rnd 8: (k3, m1) around. You now have 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: Knit.
11. Rnd 10: (k4, m1) around. You now have 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: Knit.
13. Rnd 12: (k5, m1) around. You now have 56 sts.
14. Rnd 13: Knit.
15. Rnd 14: (k6, m1) around. You now have 64 sts.
16. Rnds 15 to 30: Knit.
17. Rnd 31: (k7, m1) around. You now have 72 sts.
18. Rnd 32: Knit.
19. Rnd 33: (k8, m1) around. You now have 80 sts.
20. Rnd 34: Knit.
21. Rnd 35: (k9, m1) around. You now have 88 sts.
22. Rnd 36: Knit.
23. Rnd 37: (k10, m1) around. You now have 96 sts.
24. Rnd 38: Knit.
25. Rnd 39: (k11, m1) around. You now have 104 sts.
26. Rnds 40 to 46: Knit.
27. BO loosely.

Make a narrow lavender band by casting on 50 sts, knitting 2 rows, and binding off. Sew it around the base of the crown.

Hat Flower Placement

• 2 small cream daisy-like blossoms with yellow centers
• 1 small blue hydrangea cluster
• 2 small pink roses
• 1 medium lavender-pink rose
• 4 green leaves

Sew the floral group on the front right side of the brim and crown intersection. Angle it upward so the flowers sweep gently across the hat, just like the photo.

Purse

The purse is a small lavender handbag with a curved flap and a short handle. Make 1.

1. With lavender, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 30: Work in stockinette, beginning with a WS purl row.
3. Row 31 RS: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. You now have 22 sts.
4. Row 32 WS: Purl.
5. Row 33 RS: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. You now have 20 sts.
6. Row 34 WS: Purl.
7. Row 35 RS: k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. You now have 18 sts.
8. Row 36 WS: Purl.
9. Rows 37 to 40: Work straight.
10. BO all stitches.

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Fold the lower portion upward so the bag body measures about 10 rows deep. Sew both side seams.

For the handle, make a 3-stitch i-cord for 52 rows. Sew each end inside the upper side edges.

Decorate the flap with 1 small pink rose and 2 green leaves.

Shoes

Make 2 cream slippers. These sit neatly on the front feet and should remain soft and rounded.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: Purl.
3. Row 2 RS: kfb in every stitch. You now have 16 sts.
4. Row 3 WS: Purl.
5. Row 4 RS: (k3, kfb) across. You now have 20 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 10: Work stockinette.
7. Row 11 RS: k2tog across. You now have 10 sts.
8. Row 12 WS: Purl.
9. BO all stitches.

Sew the sole and back seam to create a rounded slipper. Add a tiny lavender bow to each shoe using a short strip of knitted fabric or wrapped yarn.

Mini Tea Set

These accessories finish the tea party scene. They are small, simple, and meant for display.

Teapot Base

1. With taupe, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. You now have 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: (k1, m1) around. You now have 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: Knit.
7. Rnd 6: (k3, m1) around. You now have 30 sts.
8. Rnds 7 to 12: Knit.
9. Rnd 13: (k3, k2tog) around. You now have 24 sts.
10. Rnd 14: Knit.
11. Rnd 15: (k2, k2tog) around. You now have 18 sts.
12. Rnd 16: Knit.
13. Rnd 17: (k1, k2tog) around. You now have 12 sts.
14. Stuff lightly.
15. Rnd 18: k2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
16. Close firmly.

For the spout, knit a 3-stitch i-cord for 10 rows. Slightly stretch one end and sew it on at an upward angle.

For the handle, knit a 3-stitch i-cord for 14 rows, curve it into a loop, and sew it to the opposite side.

Teapot Lid

1. With lavender, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. You now have 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: (k1, m1) around. You now have 18 sts.
5. Rnds 4 and 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: (k1, k2tog) around. You now have 12 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: k2tog around. You now have 6 sts.
9. For the top knob, draw the yarn tight and leave a tiny nub.

Cup

1. With pale blue-lavender, CO 18 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1 to 6: Knit.
3. BO loosely.

Make a tiny handle with a 2-stitch i-cord for 6 rows. Sew to the side.

Saucer

1. With pale blue-lavender, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. You now have 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: (k1, m1) around. You now have 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4: Knit.
6. Rnd 5: (k2, m1) around. You now have 24 sts.
7. BO loosely.

Cookies

Make 4 tiny cookie discs in beige and brown.

1. CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: kfb around. You now have 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: (k1, m1) around. You now have 18 sts.
5. BO loosely.

For sandwich cookies, make 2 discs and sew together with a tiny line of darker yarn between them.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the ears to the head slightly below the crown line so they hang down the sides of the face. The bottoms of the ears should sit under the hat brim.

Sew the arms to the upper body so one arm can rest a little forward, matching the gentle posed look in the photo.

Place the eyes about 8 to 9 rows down from the top of the head and about 9 to 10 stitches apart. Keep them small and simple.

Embroider the nose and mouth in dark brown with a soft Y shape. Add a very slight vertical line from nose to mouth. Pull the stitches gently to create a sweet rabbit expression.

Dress the bunny, close the back of the bodice with snaps, add the shoes, place the hat slightly tilted, and loop the purse over the arm.

Care Notes

Keep this bunny as a decorative knit doll or gentle heirloom toy. Because it includes beads, small flowers, and hand-sewn accessories, it is best suited for display or supervised handling.

Store it away from direct sunlight to protect the cream, lavender, and floral colors from fading.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head stuffed firmly and shaped smoothly
• Ears attached evenly and draping naturally
• Dress centered with fullness balanced in front
• Chest rose motif sewn slightly off-center as shown
• Hem flowers arranged densely along the lower skirt
• Hat brim soft and wide, not stiff
• Purse flap centered and rose added
• Shoes matched and bows secured
• Tea set scaled neatly to the bunny
• Face calm, sweet, and symmetrical

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Do not machine wash. Do not twist or wring the knitted fabric.

If the hat brim or flowers flatten, reshape them gently with clean fingers. Let the bunny air dry fully on a towel.

For long-term storage, wrap the bunny loosely in acid-free tissue and keep it in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags, heavy stacking, and damp spaces.