Knitting Tutorial: Spring Lilac Dream Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Spring Lilac Dream Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant bunny doll brings together a soft heirloom look, pastel spring styling, and charming collectible details in one sweet handmade project. The design features a long-eared bunny in a lilac floral gown, a wide-brim hat, tiny shoes, a flowered crossbody bag, a miniature fox friend, and a tiny tea set. If you love handmade bunny dolls, knitted animal toys, cottagecore nursery decor, and giftable soft sculpture patterns, this design is a beautiful choice for your next project. It also fits naturally into searches for handmade bunny doll gift, knitted toy decor, and artisan spring rabbit collectible inspiration.

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 to recreate the full scene shown in the image as closely as possible in knitted form. The main focus is the tall cream bunny with long ears, a rounded head, a slim neck, softly shaped arms and legs, and a flowing lilac dress with floral trim and draped overskirt details.

The accessories are important to the finished look. The hat has a wide rolled brim and a flower cluster on one side. The small bag sits crossbody across the chest. The shoes are simple slip-on slippers. The fox is a separate miniature toy, and the teapot and cup are included as decorative side pieces.

The instructions below are detailed and beginner-friendly in structure, but the project itself is best suited to an advanced beginner or intermediate knitter because of shaping, seaming, small pieces, embroidery, and decorative flower work.

Finished Size

  • Main bunny: about 15.5 to 17 inches tall from feet to top of head, excluding hat
  • Hat: about 5.5 inches across brim
  • Dress length: about 7 inches from top edge to hem at center front
  • Fox: about 5 inches tall seated
  • Teapot: about 2.25 inches tall
  • Cup: about 1 inch tall
  • Shoes: sized to fit bunny feet snugly

Materials

  • Main bunny yarn: sport weight or light DK cotton/wool blend in cream
  • Dress yarn: light DK in pale lilac
  • Accent yarns: lavender, medium violet, deep purple, sage green, dusty pink, and white for flowers
  • Fox yarn: rust, cream, dark brown, pale blue, and red
  • Tea set yarn: lilac, pale lavender, green, pink, and cream
  • Needles: 2.25 mm and 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or magic loop needles
  • Optional straight needles: 2.75 mm for flat pieces if preferred
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Floral wire or thin millinery wire: optional for hat brim support
  • Tapestry needle
  • Locking stitch markers
  • Black embroidery floss or fine yarn for eyes and nose lines
  • Tiny amount of pink blush or pastel pencil optional for cheeks
  • Thin fabric in pale lilac for soft draped overskirt panels if desired

Gauge

For the main bunny and fox, knit tightly so stuffing does not show. The fabric in the image is smooth and compact, with visible but fine stockinette texture. Aim for approximately 8 to 8.5 stitches per inch in stockinette on 2.75 mm needles using light DK yarn.

For smaller accessories like the teapot, cup, flowers, and bag, tighter gauge is better. Use 2.25 mm needles if your normal knitting is loose.

Abbreviations

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

General Construction Notes

The bunny in the image has a soft oval head, not a perfect sphere. The face is fairly flat in front with gentle side fullness. The ears are long, narrow, and attached slightly behind the midpoint of the head so they fall down beside the face instead of sticking straight upward.

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The body is slim through the upper torso and widens gently beneath the dress. The arms are simple tapered tubes with rounded ends. The feet are oval and slightly flattened at the base so the doll can sit securely when posed against support.

Do not overstuff the neck, ears, or arms. The image shows a graceful, soft shape, not a rigid toy. The head should be firmly stuffed. The torso should be moderately stuffed. The dress should drape over the body without looking bulky.

Main Bunny: Legs

Knit the legs first in cream. Make 2.

  1. CO 8 sts on 2.75 mm needles. Divide for working in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: k all.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb into each st. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: k all.
  5. Rnd 4: k1, M1R, k6, M1R, k1, k1, M1R, k6, M1R, k1. 20 sts.
  6. Rnd 5 to 8: k all.

This creates the broad foot base. Flatten the sole slightly as you knit so the piece grows into an oval.

  1. Rnd 9: k5, k2tog, k6, ssk, k5. 18 sts.
  2. Rnd 10: k all.
  3. Rnd 11: k4, k2tog, k6, ssk, k4. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 12 to 16: k all.

Stuff the foot firmly, especially the toe and heel edge.

  1. Rnd 17: k2, k2tog, k8, ssk, k2. 14 sts.
  2. Rnd 18 to 34: k all.

Lightly stuff the leg shaft. Keep the upper 1 inch less stuffed for easier joining.

BO loosely or leave live stitches on waste yarn. Make the second leg the same.

Main Bunny: Body

Join the two legs into one body. Use the same cream yarn.

  1. Place both legs on needles, 14 sts each.
  2. Rnd 1: k around first leg, CO 2 sts, k around second leg, CO 2 sts. 32 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all, knitting across the bridge stitches firmly.
  4. Rnd 3: k all.
  5. Rnd 4: k14, M1R, k2, M1L, k14, M1R, k2, M1L. 36 sts.
  6. Rnd 5 to 10: k all.

This area creates the lower torso hidden under the dress. The body in the image is not wide. Keep shaping controlled.

  1. Rnd 11: k6, k2tog, k14, ssk, k12. 34 sts.
  2. Rnd 12: k all.
  3. Rnd 13: k6, k2tog, k12, ssk, k12. 32 sts.
  4. Rnd 14 to 18: k all.
  5. Rnd 19: k5, k2tog, k11, ssk, k12. 30 sts.
  6. Rnd 20 to 24: k all.

Stuff the hips and belly moderately. Shape with your fingers so the tummy remains smooth and neat.

  1. Rnd 25: k4, k2tog, k10, ssk, k12. 28 sts.
  2. Rnd 26 to 29: k all.
  3. Rnd 30: k all.

For the neck transition:

  1. Rnd 31: k2, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k2. 24 sts.
  2. Rnd 32 to 35: k all.

Stuff firmly at the chest but do not overfill the neck.

Main Bunny: Head

The head is worked upward from the neck in cream.

  1. Rnd 36: k1, M1R, k5, M1R, k1, k1, M1R, k5, M1R, k1, rep once more. 32 sts.
  2. Rnd 37: k all.
  3. Rnd 38: k3, M1R, k10, M1R, k3, M1R, k10, M1R. 36 sts.
  4. Rnd 39: k all.
  5. Rnd 40: k4, M1R, k13, M1R, k4, M1R, k13, M1R. 40 sts.
  6. Rnd 41 to 52: k all.

Stuff the head firmly as you go, especially the muzzle area. The face should appear smooth and slightly forward.

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To create a subtle face plane, place a small extra wad of stuffing at the front center before closing.

  1. Rnd 53: k4, k2tog, k8, ssk, k4, k4, k2tog, k8, ssk, k4. 36 sts.
  2. Rnd 54: k all.
  3. Rnd 55: k3, k2tog, k8, ssk, k3, k3, k2tog, k8, ssk, k3. 32 sts.
  4. Rnd 56: k all.
  5. Rnd 57: k2, k2tog, k8, ssk, k2, k2, k2tog, k8, ssk, k2. 28 sts.
  6. Rnd 58: k all.
  7. Rnd 59: k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1, k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1. 24 sts.

Finish stuffing firmly.

  1. Rnd 60: k2tog around. 12 sts.
  2. Thread yarn through remaining sts, pull tight, and close.

Main Bunny: Arms

Make 2 in cream.

  1. CO 8 sts and join in rnd.
  2. Rnd 1: k all.
  3. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3 to 5: k all.
  5. Rnd 6: k2, k2tog, k8, ssk, k2. 14 sts.
  6. Rnd 7 to 20: k all.
  7. Rnd 21: k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1. 12 sts.
  8. Rnd 22 to 24: k all.

Stuff only the lower half and keep the upper arm soft and flat for sewing.

BO, leaving a long tail.

Main Bunny: Ears

Make 2 in cream. The ears in the image are long, narrow, and softly tapered with rounded tips.

  1. CO 4 sts.
  2. Row 1: k.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k2, kfb. 6 sts.
  4. Row 3: p.
  5. Row 4: k1, M1R, k2, M1L, k1. 8 sts.
  6. Row 5: p.
  7. Row 6: k1, M1R, k4, M1L, k1. 10 sts.
  8. Row 7: p.
  9. Row 8: k all.

Continue in stockinette for 34 rows more.

Begin taper:

  1. Row 43: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
  2. Row 44: p.
  3. Row 45: k all.
  4. Row 46: p.
  5. Row 47: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
  6. Row 48: p.
  7. Row 49: k all.
  8. Row 50: p.
  9. Row 51: ssk, k2tog. 4 sts.
  10. Row 52: p.
  11. BO knitwise.

Steam lightly and fold lengthwise just a touch so each ear curves naturally. Do not stuff.

Face Embroidery

The face in the image is simple and delicate. The eyes are tiny vertical black ovals placed low on the face and spaced evenly. The nose line is a stitched Y-shape in dark brown or black, centered on the muzzle.

  • Place eyes about 8 rows above the neck join
  • Space eyes about 8 stitches apart
  • Use satin stitches or French knot style wraps to create small narrow eyes
  • Embroider a 5-stitch vertical nose bridge
  • Add two slant lines downward for the mouth

Keep expression calm and gentle. This bunny should look sweet, not cartoonish.

Underdress and Main Skirt

The gown in the image is a full lilac dress with a smooth knitted base skirt and additional draped overskirt effect. Start with the knitted main dress in pale lilac.

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You may knit the dress separately and sew it on, or knit it directly onto the body. A separate garment gives cleaner finishing and easier dressing. The instructions below are for a separate dress.

Bodice

  1. CO 28 sts in pale lilac.
  2. Work flat.
  3. Row 1: k1, p26, k1.
  4. Row 2: k all.
  5. Rep Rows 1 and 2 for 10 rows total.

This creates a neat bodice with side edges for seaming or closure.

Shape armholes:

  1. Row 11: BO 2 sts, work to last 2 sts, BO 2 sts. 24 sts.
  2. Row 12: k all.
  3. Row 13: k1, p to last st, k1.
  4. Row 14: k all.
  5. Repeat Rows 13 and 14 for 6 more rows.

Neck shaping:

  1. Row 21: k7, BO 10, k7.
  2. Work each shoulder separately for 2 rows.
  3. BO shoulder sts.

Sew shoulder seams lightly.

Main Skirt

Pick up 56 sts evenly around the lower bodice edge.

  1. Rnd 1: k all.
  2. Rnd 2: k all.
  3. Rnd 3: k7, M1R, rep around. 64 sts.
  4. Rnd 4 to 8: k all.
  5. Rnd 9: k8, M1R, rep around. 72 sts.
  6. Rnd 10 to 16: k all.
  7. Rnd 17: k9, M1R, rep around. 80 sts.
  8. Rnd 18 to 24: k all.
  9. Rnd 25: k10, M1R, rep around. 88 sts.
  10. Rnd 26 to 36: k all.

For a gentle flare without ruffles, this shaping is enough. The skirt in the image falls in soft folds rather than sharp pleats.

Hem finish:

  1. Rnd 37: p all.
  2. Rnd 38: k all.
  3. BO loosely knitwise.

Overskirt Panels

The image shows sheer lilac draped panels around the skirt. To recreate the look most accurately, use soft lilac fabric for two drapes and tack them beneath floral trim. If you prefer all-knit construction, knit two lightweight side panels as follows.

Make 2 in very pale lilac.

  1. CO 22 sts.
  2. Work 28 rows in stockinette with 1-stitch garter edge each side.
  3. Row 29: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk.
  4. Work 4 rows even.
  5. Repeat this decrease row every 5th row 3 more times. 14 sts.
  6. Work until panel measures about 7 inches.
  7. BO loosely.

Gather slightly at the top and sew at the side fronts so the panels drape diagonally across the skirt.

Floral Shoulder Garland and Dress Flowers

The floral decoration is essential to matching the image. You need many small knitted roses and leaves. Use medium violet, deep purple, pale lavender, dusty pink, white, and sage green.

Small Rose

  1. CO 24 sts.
  2. Row 1 WS: p all.
  3. Row 2 RS: k1, kfb, rep across. 36 sts.
  4. Row 3 WS: p all.
  5. Row 4 RS: k all.
  6. BO loosely.

Roll strip tightly from one end to form a rose. Sew base securely.

Make:

  • 6 deep purple roses
  • 8 medium violet roses
  • 6 pale lavender roses
  • 3 dusty pink roses

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Tiny Blossom

  1. CO 12 sts.
  2. Row 1: p.
  3. Row 2: kfb in each st. 24 sts.
  4. BO loosely.

Roll into a looser blossom. Make 8 to 10.

Leaves

Make approximately 24 leaves in sage.

  1. CO 3 sts.
  2. Row 1: p.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
  4. Row 3: p.
  5. Row 4: k1, M1R, k1, M1L, k1. 7 sts.
  6. Row 5: p.
  7. Row 6: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
  8. Row 7: p.
  9. Row 8: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  10. BO.

Arrange flowers thickly across the neckline and shoulder line. Add several down the bodice front and along the left front skirt drape just as seen in the image.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is a small purple knitted pouch with flower applique and a long strap crossing from the bunny’s right shoulder to left hip.

  1. CO 14 sts in medium lilac.
  2. Work flat in stockinette with 1 garter stitch at each edge for 20 rows.
  3. BO.

Fold in half and seam sides.

For depth:

  • Pinch bottom corners and stitch tiny boxed corners about 0.25 inch deep

Strap:

  1. CO 3 sts.
  2. Work i-cord for 22 inches.
  3. BO.

Sew strap to bag sides.

Decorate with 3 tiny flowers and 3 small leaves on front. Use one pale pink, one lavender, and one white blossom for the closest visual match.

Hat

The hat is a wide-brim lilac cloche style garden hat with a gently rounded crown and a floral cluster on one side. It must sit low over the ears and forehead.

Crown Top

  1. CO 8 sts on dpns in lilac.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all.
  4. Rnd 3: k1, M1R, rep around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: k all.
  6. Rnd 5: k2, M1R, rep around. 32 sts.
  7. Rnd 6: k all.
  8. Rnd 7: k3, M1R, rep around. 40 sts.
  9. Rnd 8 to 18: k all.

Side Wall

  1. Rnd 19: p all.
  2. Rnd 20 to 26: k all.

Brim

  1. Rnd 27: k4, M1R, rep around. 48 sts.
  2. Rnd 28: k all.
  3. Rnd 29: k5, M1R, rep around. 56 sts.
  4. Rnd 30: k all.
  5. Rnd 31: k6, M1R, rep around. 64 sts.
  6. Rnd 32: k all.
  7. Rnd 33: p all.
  8. Rnd 34: k all.
  9. BO loosely.

If you want a firmer brim, thread thin wire through the final round before closing. Shape brim slightly downward in front and level at sides.

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Add a twisted cord band around the hat base and sew on a cluster of 5 small roses and 2 leaves to one side.

Shoes

Make 2 in purple. These tiny slip-on shoes sit in front of the bunny in the image. They are not worn on the feet in the final scene, but they should fit if desired.

  1. CO 8 sts.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
  3. Rnd 2 to 4: k all.
  4. Rnd 5: k5, k2tog, k6, ssk, k1. 14 sts.
  5. Rnd 6: k all.
  6. Rnd 7: k4, k2tog, k4, ssk, k2. 12 sts.
  7. Rnd 8 to 10: k all.

For opening:

  1. Work 1 flat row across 8 center sts only for instep top.
  2. Pick up side stitches neatly and knit 3 rounds all around.
  3. BO.

Add tiny pale lavender flower appliques on top.

Mini Fox Friend

The small fox has a rust head, dark ears, white muzzle, blue overalls, and a tiny red hat. It is seated and slightly shorter than the bunny’s skirt width at center front.

Fox Legs and Body

Using pale blue for overalls, make 2 legs.

  1. CO 6 sts, join in rnd.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb in each st. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2 to 5: k all.
  4. BO one leg. Make second leg but do not BO.

Join body:

  1. Rnd 6: k around leg 1, CO 2, k around leg 2, CO 2. 28 sts.
  2. Rnd 7 to 11: k all.
  3. Change to rust.
  4. Rnd 12: k all.
  5. Rnd 13: k6, k2tog, k12, ssk, k6. 26 sts.
  6. Rnd 14 to 18: k all.
  7. Rnd 19: k5, k2tog, k12, ssk, k5. 24 sts.

Stuff body.

Fox Head

  1. Rnd 20: k3, M1R, rep around. 30 sts.
  2. Rnd 21 to 28: k all.
  3. Embroider or duplicate stitch white muzzle area on front lower half.
  4. Rnd 29: k3, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 30: k all.
  6. Rnd 31: k2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
  7. Stuff head.
  8. Rnd 32: k2tog around. 9 sts.
  9. Close.

Fox Arms

Make 2 in rust with dark brown paw ends.

  1. CO 5 sts.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 10 sts.
  3. Rnd 2 to 3: dark brown, k all.
  4. Change to rust and knit 8 more rounds.
  5. Stuff lightly and sew on.

Fox Ears

Make 2 in rust with dark brown tips.

  1. CO 3 sts.
  2. Row 1: p.
  3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
  4. Row 3: p.
  5. Row 4: k all in dark brown.
  6. Row 5: p.
  7. Row 6: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
  8. BO.

Fox Tail

  1. CO 6 sts in rust.
  2. Work 10 rows stockinette.
  3. Change to cream for 4 rows.
  4. Taper by decreasing 1 st each side every other row twice.
  5. BO and seam lightly.

Fox Overalls Bib and Straps

Using pale blue:

  1. Pick up 8 center sts on front body.
  2. Work 6 rows stockinette flat.
  3. BO.

For straps, make two short i-cords of 8 rows each and sew to bib top and back. Add tiny brown embroidered buttons.

Fox Hat

Using red:

  1. CO 20 sts, join.
  2. Rnd 1 to 3: k all.
  3. Rnd 4: k2tog around. 10 sts.
  4. Rnd 5: k all.
  5. Close top.

Add a tiny blue knot or bead-like stitched accent on one side.

Mini Teapot

The teapot is pale lilac with floral details and a knobbed lid.

  1. CO 6 sts in pale lilac, join.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all.
  4. Rnd 3: k1, M1R, rep around. 18 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: k all.
  6. Rnd 5: k2, M1R, rep around. 24 sts.
  7. Rnd 6 to 10: k all.
  8. Rnd 11: k2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
  9. Rnd 12: k all.
  10. Rnd 13: k1, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.
  11. Stuff lightly.
  12. Rnd 14: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  13. Close.

Lid:

  1. CO 6 sts.
  2. Rnd 1: kfb around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: k all.
  4. Rnd 3: k2tog around. 6 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: k all.
  6. Draw closed to form knob.

Spout:

  1. CO 4 sts.
  2. Knit i-cord for 8 rows.
  3. Taper last 2 rows with k2tog.

Handle:

  1. CO 3 sts.
  2. Knit i-cord 10 rows.
  3. Bend into handle and sew.

Add small pink and white blossoms and tiny green leaves on the body.

Mini Cup

  1. CO 8 sts in pale lavender, join.
  2. Rnd 1 to 4: k all.
  3. BO loosely.

Base:

  • Draw up lower opening with thread over a tiny cardboard or knitted circle insert

Handle:

  1. CO 2 sts.
  2. Knit i-cord for 4 rows.
  3. Sew as a small loop to side.

Add cream stitched center to suggest tea.

Detailed Placement Guide

  • Hat: sits low, covering upper forehead, with flower cluster slightly to bunny’s left side
  • Ears: attached behind side crown of head, falling straight down
  • Arms: sewn low enough that shoulders look relaxed, not lifted
  • Bag strap: from bunny’s right shoulder across chest to left hip
  • Main flower garland: dense at neckline with blossoms extending onto shoulders
  • Front bodice flowers: vertical grouping centered slightly to bunny’s right
  • Skirt flowers: concentrated along left front panel and hem drape
  • Shoes: placed neatly in front of dress hem
  • Fox: seated at bunny’s right side
  • Tea set: placed to fox’s right, near table edge

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the ears first, then the arms. Dress the bunny before fixing the bag and hat permanently. Add the facial embroidery only after the head is fully shaped and balanced.

Use tiny stitches for the eyes and mouth so the expression stays soft. A small touch of pink on the cheeks is enough. Do not overdo blush or lashes because the original look is clean and simple.

Care Notes

Display pieces like this are best treated as decorative knitted collectibles. Spot clean when possible, and keep away from heavy moisture, strong sunlight, and rough handling.

If the hat brim contains wire, avoid bending it repeatedly. Store the flowers and small accessories so they are not crushed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head firmly stuffed and evenly shaped
  • Ears attached symmetrically and hanging naturally
  • Dress centered and smooth at the waist
  • Overskirt drapes placed softly
  • Flowers balanced across neckline and skirt
  • Bag strap lying diagonally across chest
  • Hat brim shaped and floral trim secured
  • Fox seated steadily
  • Teapot and cup finished neatly

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust gently with a clean, dry makeup brush or soft cloth. For light marks, dab carefully with cool water and mild soap, then air dry fully. Never twist or wring the knitted pieces.

Store flat or upright in a covered display area. Acid-free tissue can be tucked inside the skirt and hat when storing long-term. Keep all small decorative items together so the full set remains complete.

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