Knitting Tutorial: Vintage Tea Party Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming vintage bunny set is designed for knitters who love heirloom-style toys, floral dresses, doll accessories, and cottage garden décor. The finished design includes a long-eared bunny in a layered tea party dress, a wide-brim hat trimmed with roses, tiny shoes, a handbag, a lamb friend, a teacup with saucer, and a petite cupcake. It is a lovely choice for anyone searching for a handmade bunny doll, knitted stuffed rabbit, collectible nursery toy, or giftable tea party animal plush with romantic floral details and soft pastel style.

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 structured as a full toy pattern with separate sections for every visible item in the image.

The bunny has a long, softly tapered head, slim arms, a rounded lower body hidden under the dress, long floppy ears, embroidered facial features, and short legs ending in pink shoes.

The dress is the main focus of the design. It has a fitted upper bodice, rounded neckline, short ruffled sleeves, floral embroidery, raised knitted roses, a peplum-like lace overskirt, and a lower wide skirt with deep lace edging and scattered floral embellishment.

The hat is broad and elegant with a soft crown, gently curved brim, pink edge trim, ribbon bow, and three dimensional rose decorations.

The accessory group includes a small handbag, a seated lamb toy in blue overalls holding a tiny book, one teacup with saucer, and one cupcake.

For the closest result, use fine sport or light DK yarn, knit at a tight gauge, and stuff firmly but smoothly. Small changes in gauge will affect scale, especially for the hat, dress tiers, and accessories.

Materials

• Main bunny color: soft ivory or warm cream
• Dress and hat contrast: dusty pink
• Accent floral shades: rose pink, blush pink, pale green
• Lace sections: white or very pale cream cotton blend
• Lamb body: cream and off-white
• Lamb outfit: medium blue, pale pink, white
• Book: pale gray or taupe
• Teacup set: cream, blush, pale blue
• Cupcake: pale blue, brown, white, pink
• Handbag: cream, pink, pale green
• Safety eyes or black embroidery thread for eyes
• Dark brown embroidery floss for nose and mouth
• Polyester stuffing
• Lightweight cardboard or plastic canvas for bag base and saucer support, optional
• Floral wire for hat brim support, optional
• Small buttons for lamb overalls
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• 2 double-pointed needle sizes: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) and US 2 (2.75 mm)
• One smaller hook or needle tip for lifting and placing embroidered floral details, optional

Gauge

Main stockinette on larger needles: 30 sts and 40 rows = 4 inches after light blocking.

Lace panels: 32 sts and 42 rows = 4 inches.

Toy knitting note: tighter gauge is better than looser gauge. The fabric should not show stuffing through the stitches.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 12 to 13 inches tall seated inside the outfit, about 14 inches including hat
• Lamb: about 4.5 inches tall seated
• Handbag: about 2 inches wide
• Teacup with saucer: about 1.25 inches across
• Cupcake: about 1 inch tall

Abbreviations

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• dec = decrease
• inc = increase
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• m1 = make 1
• p = purl
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• pm = place marker
• rep = repeat
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• WS = wrong side
• yo = yarn over

Special Stitches and Techniques

Eyelet Lace Edging Panel

1. Row 1 RS: k2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3, rep across to last 2 sts, k2.
2. Row 2 WS: p all sts.
3. Row 3 RS: k1, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k2, rep across to last st, k1.
4. Row 4 WS: p all sts.
5. Repeat Rows 1 to 4.

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Knitted Rose Coil

1. CO 26 sts in rose pink.
2. Row 1 WS: p all.
3. Row 2 RS: k1, m1 in every st across. 52 sts.
4. Row 3 WS: p all.
5. BO knitwise on RS, leaving a long tail.
6. Roll strip tightly from the CO edge to form a rose center, then looser toward the outer edge.
7. Stitch through the base to secure.

Leaf Embroidery

Use pale green and work small detached chain stitches or straight stitches in pairs around each rose.

French Knot Bud

Wrap yarn twice around needle and secure close to fabric surface for tiny floral buds.

Main Bunny

Head

Work from the top of the head downward in the round using ivory.

1. CO 8 sts and distribute over needles. Join carefully. 8 sts.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all.
7. Rnd 6: k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all.
9. Rnd 8: k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all.
11. Rnd 10: k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: k all.
13. Rnd 12: k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13 to 28: k all.
15. Rnd 29: k12, kfb 4 times evenly. 60 sts.
16. Rnds 30 to 36: k all.
17. Rnd 37: k8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
18. Rnd 38: k all.
19. Rnd 39: k7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
20. Rnd 40: k all.
21. Rnd 41: k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
22. Rnd 42: k all.
23. Rnd 43: k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.

Stuff the upper head firmly, smoothing the forehead and cheeks so the face stays broad and softly oval.

1. Rnd 44: k all.
2. Rnd 45: k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
3. Rnd 46: k all.
4. Rnd 47: k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.

The lower face should now taper slightly toward the neck, but not sharply. Add stuffing gradually to keep the muzzle area smooth.

Neck and Upper Body

1. Rnd 48: k3, kfb around. 30 sts.
2. Rnd 49: k all.
3. Rnd 50: k4, kfb around. 36 sts.
4. Rnds 51 to 58: k all.
5. Rnd 59: k5, kfb around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 60: k all.
7. Rnd 61: k6, kfb around. 48 sts.
8. Rnds 62 to 72: k all.
9. Rnd 73: k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
10. Rnd 74: k all.
11. Rnd 75: k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
12. Rnds 76 to 80: k all.

This section forms a slim torso because most body volume is hidden by the dress. Keep the shape cylindrical with a slight tummy curve.

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Lower Body Close

1. Rnd 81: k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
2. Rnd 82: k all.
3. Rnd 83: k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 84: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 85: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Finish stuffing firmly.
7. Rnd 86: k2tog around. 6 sts.
8. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and close.

Legs Make 2

Begin at sole in pink for the shoe.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: k all.
3. Row 2 WS: p all.
4. Row 3: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
5. Rows 4 to 8: work in stockinette.
6. Row 9 RS: k5, turn.
7. Work 10 rows on these 5 sts only for sole flap.
8. Rejoin and pick up 5 sts along one side of sole flap, knit across remaining 11 sts, pick up 5 sts along other side. 26 sts.
9. Work 4 rnds even.
10. Rnd 5: k2tog at each side of picked-up section, 4 dec total. 22 sts.
11. Rnd 6: k all.
12. Rnd 7: repeat side dec. 18 sts.
13. Change to ivory.
14. Rnd 8: p all for turning ridge.
15. Rnds 9 to 22: k all.
16. Rnd 23: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
17. Rnds 24 to 28: k all.
18. Lightly stuff foot and lower leg.
19. Flatten opening and seam closed.

The legs should be short and mostly hidden beneath the skirt, with only the pink shoes visible at the bottom front.

Arms Make 2

Use ivory.

1. CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 18: k all.
3. Rnd 19: k3, k2tog twice. 8 sts.
4. Rnds 20 to 26: k all.
5. Lightly stuff only the lower half.
6. Flatten top and seam closed.

The arms should remain slim and flexible, hanging straight downward beside the skirt.

Ears Make 2

Use ivory and work flat.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1 WS: p all.
3. Row 2 RS: k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all.
5. Row 4: k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. 12 sts.
6. Row 5: p all.
7. Row 6: k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. 14 sts.
8. Row 7: p all.
9. Row 8: k1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1. 16 sts.
10. Rows 9 to 26: work in stockinette.
11. Row 27 RS: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
12. Row 28: p all.
13. Row 29: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
14. Row 30: p all.
15. Row 31: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
16. Row 32: p all.
17. Row 33: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
18. Row 34: p all.
19. Row 35: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
20. Row 36: p all.
21. BO.

Make a second matching piece for each ear if you want a fully lined ear, or use one layer and seam lightly. The ears in the image are soft, long, and droop downward from beneath the hat brim.

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Facial Embroidery

Place the eyes 9 rows below the top center of the head and 8 stitches apart. Use small black satin stitches or 5 mm safety eyes.

For the nose, mark a small upside-down triangle centered 5 rows below the eyes. Satin stitch over 3 rows high and 4 stitches wide in dark brown.

For the mouth, bring the thread out at the nose base and stitch a straight line down 2 rows. Split into two short slanting lines, one to each side, forming a gentle rabbit mouth.

Very lightly indent the face with soft sculpting thread if needed so the muzzle looks centered and refined.

Dress

Bodice

Work from the top down in ivory with pink trim added later.

1. CO 36 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: work in 1×1 rib.
3. Row 5 RS: k all, increasing 6 sts evenly. 42 sts.
4. Row 6 WS: p all.
5. Row 7 RS: k6, m1, k9, m1, k12, m1, k9, m1, k6. 46 sts.
6. Row 8 WS: p all.
7. Row 9 RS: k7, m1, k10, m1, k12, m1, k10, m1, k7. 50 sts.
8. Row 10 WS: p all.
9. Row 11 RS: k8, m1, k11, m1, k12, m1, k11, m1, k8. 54 sts.
10. Row 12 WS: p all.

These increase rows shape the shoulders and upper chest while keeping the bodice close fitting.

1. Row 13 RS: k8, place next 11 sts on holder for sleeve, CO 2, k12, CO 2, place next 11 sts on holder for sleeve, k10. 34 sts.
2. Rows 14 to 22: work even in stockinette.
3. Row 23 RS: switch to pink and k all.
4. Row 24 WS: p all.
5. Row 25 RS: switch back to ivory and k all.
6. Row 26 WS: p all.

This creates the pink neckline line visible around the top of the dress.

Bodice Floral Surface Decoration

Before continuing the skirt, embroider the front bodice with a central cluster of pink roses and green stems.

• Add one medium rose at the center chest.
• Add two small white rosettes to either side near the upper neckline.
• Add several tiny rose-pink buds and green stitched leaves spreading downward in a shallow V shape.
• Keep the embroidery dense on the upper front only, leaving the back mostly plain.

Sleeves Make 2

Return held 11 sleeve sts to needles, pick up 3 sts at underarm. 14 sts.

1. Rnd 1: k all.
2. Rnd 2: p all.
3. Rnd 3: k all.
4. Rnd 4: k1, kfb around. 21 sts.
5. Rnd 5: k all.
6. Rnd 6: p all.
7. Rnd 7: knit a picot-look edge as follows: k1, yo, k2tog around.
8. Rnd 8: k all.
9. BO loosely in pink if desired, or BO in ivory and embroider rose buds around the sleeve edge.

The sleeves should sit as short ruffled caps, not long sleeves.

Upper Peplum Lace Flounce

From the lower edge of the bodice, pick up 68 sts in ivory.

1. Rnd 1: p all.
2. Rnd 2: k1, m1 around. 136 sts.
3. Rnd 3: p all.
4. Rnds 4 to 15: work Eyelet Lace Edging Panel.
5. Rnd 16: p all.
6. Rnd 17: BO loosely knitwise.

This flounce forms the scalloped lace layer that falls over the upper skirt.

Main Skirt Base

Pick up 72 sts from the bodice base underneath the peplum section in ivory.

1. Rnd 1: k all.
2. Rnd 2: p all.
3. Rnd 3: k5, m1 around. 84 sts.
4. Rnd 4: p all.
5. Rnd 5: k all.
6. Rnd 6: p all.
7. Rnd 7: k6, m1 around. 96 sts.
8. Rnd 8: p all.
9. Rnd 9: k all.
10. Rnd 10: p all.
11. Rnd 11: k7, m1 around. 108 sts.
12. Rnd 12: p all.
13. Rnds 13 to 24: continue stockinette, increasing 12 sts evenly every 4th rnd twice more. 132 sts.

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This lower skirt must be full but still soft enough to drape. Do not overstuff the body beneath it.

Lower Lace Border

1. Rnd 25: p all.
2. Rnd 26: k1, m1 around. 264 sts.
3. Rnd 27: p all.
4. Rnds 28 to 43: work Eyelet Lace Edging Panel.
5. Rnd 44: switch to pink and k all.
6. Rnd 45: p all.
7. BO loosely knitwise.

The lace hem should ripple in a rounded scallop. Lightly block before attaching roses.

Skirt Floral Decoration

This dress is heavily embellished and the floral placement is essential for the correct look.

• Attach one medium pink rose at the center waist front where the peplum meets the lower skirt.
• Attach one medium blush rose slightly to the right waist front.
• Add one medium rose at each side lower skirt panel.
• Add several tiny roses and buds scattered across the front of the lower skirt.
• Use pale green straight stitches for leaves around each rose.
• Use tiny French knots for mini buds between larger flowers.
• Add a few white rosettes near the bodice and upper skirt.

The image shows a balanced arrangement rather than random placement. Keep the front dense, sides moderate, and back light.

Shoes Make 2

The shoes are soft pink Mary Jane style slippers with rounded toes.

1. CO 8 sts in pink.
2. Rows 1 to 2: stockinette.
3. Row 3 RS: kfb in each st. 16 sts.
4. Rows 4 to 10: stockinette.
5. Row 11: k5, turn. Work 6 rows on these 5 sts.
6. Pick up and shape as for foot section, maintaining 18 sts total after first reduction round.
7. Work 4 rnds even.
8. Rnd next: k2tog at toe center 4 times evenly. 14 sts.
9. Work 2 rnds even.
10. BO 5 sts at instep center for opening.
11. Next row: work remaining sts, CO 3 over gap. 12 sts.
12. Work 3 rnds in 1×1 rib.
13. BO loosely.

Sew each shoe around the lower foot and add a tiny stitched strap effect across the front if desired.

Hat

Crown Top

Use ivory. Work in the round.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Rnd 1: k all.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all.
5. Rnd 4: k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all.
7. Rnd 6: k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all.
9. Rnd 8: k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all.
11. Rnd 10: k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnds 11 to 20: k all.

Crown Sides

1. Rnd 21: p all for turning ridge.
2. Rnds 22 to 32: k all.

Brim

1. Rnd 33: k5, m1 around. 56 sts.
2. Rnd 34: k all.
3. Rnd 35: k6, m1 around. 64 sts.
4. Rnd 36: k all.
5. Rnd 37: k7, m1 around. 72 sts.
6. Rnd 38: p all.
7. Rnd 39: k8, m1 around. 80 sts.
8. Rnd 40: k all.
9. Rnd 41: k9, m1 around. 88 sts.
10. Rnds 42 to 46: k all.
11. Rnd 47: switch to pink and p all.
12. Rnd 48: k all.
13. BO loosely.

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The brim should softly slope downward and outward. Steam lightly over a bowl or use hidden millinery wire if you want a stronger shape.

Hat Band and Flowers

• Knit an i-cord or narrow band in pink long enough to circle the crown base.
• Sew in place around the hat.
• Make 3 roses: 2 medium pink and 1 blush pink.
• Add small green leaf stitches beneath each rose.
• Place the flower cluster at one side front.
• Add a narrow pink ribbon bow trailing slightly downward.

Handbag

Use ivory with pink trim.

Bag Body

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 20: work in stockinette with 1 edge stitch at each side for seaming.
3. Fold so lower 8 rows form front, next 4 rows form base, upper 8 rows form back.
4. Sew side seams.

Flap

1. Pick up 12 sts across upper back edge.
2. Row 1 WS: p all.
3. Row 2 RS: k all.
4. Row 3: p all.
5. Row 4: k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: p all.
7. Row 6: repeat dec row. 8 sts.
8. Row 7: p all.
9. BO.

Handle and Decoration

• Make a 20 row i-cord handle and sew one end to each side top.
• Work a pink edging stitch around the flap and upper bag opening.
• Embroider tiny pink buds and green leaves on the front panel.
• Add one small rose to the flap center.
• Insert thin card in the base if desired.

Lamb Friend

Head

Use beige-cream for face and white textured yarn for top wool cap if desired.

1. CO 8 sts and join.
2. Increase as for bunny head to 40 sts by adding 8 sts every other rnd across 8 shaping rnds.
3. Work 10 rnds even.
4. Dec evenly every other rnd to 24 sts.
5. Stuff firmly.
6. Close as for bunny.

Add a white woolly cap by picking up stitches over the top third of the head and working short rows or loop texture for a fleece effect.

Ears Make 2

1. CO 6 sts in beige.
2. Work 8 rows stockinette.
3. Decrease 1 st each side every other row twice. 2 sts.
4. BO.

Body

1. CO 18 sts in beige and join.
2. Increase evenly to 28 sts over 4 rnds.
3. Work 12 rnds even.
4. Decrease evenly to 16 sts.
5. Stuff and close.

Arms and Legs

Make 2 arms and 2 legs as tiny tubes over 6 sts, working 10 to 14 rnds each. Stuff lightly.

Striped Shirt

• Use white and pink.
• Work torso cover flat or in the round over body width.
• Make narrow horizontal stripes every 2 rows.

Blue Overalls

1. CO 20 sts in blue.
2. Work 8 rows stockinette for bib base.
3. Divide for leg openings if preferred, or wrap as a front panel and short back.
4. Make 2 straps, each 3 sts wide and 10 rows long.
5. Sew straps to front bib and back.
6. Add 2 tiny buttons.

Book

1. CO 10 sts in gray.
2. Knit 12 rows garter.
3. Fold in half around a tiny felt insert.
4. Stitch spine.
5. Add pale page lines with cream thread.

Sew the lamb into a seated pose with book held upright between the hands.

Teacup and Saucer

Saucer

1. CO 6 sts in cream and join.
2. Increase evenly to 24 sts.
3. Work 1 rnd purl.
4. Work 2 rnds knit.
5. BO loosely.

Cup

1. CO 12 sts in cream and join.
2. Rnds 1 to 6: k all.
3. Rnd 7: switch to blush and p all.
4. Rnd 8: cream, k all.
5. Stuff with a little filling.
6. Close lower end if worked as a tube, or sew to a tiny knitted base circle.

Handle

Make a 6 stitch i-cord 8 rows long and stitch to the side.

Tea Surface

Embroider or needlefelt a warm beige spiral on the top opening to imitate tea.

Cupcake

Base

1. CO 12 sts in pale blue and join.
2. Work 5 rnds k1, p1 rib.
3. Change to brown and work 3 rnds stockinette.

Frosting

1. Change to white.
2. Increase evenly to 16 sts.
3. Work 2 rnds.
4. Rnd next: k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
5. Stuff lightly.
6. Close.

Top Rose

Make one miniature pink rose coil and stitch at the top center.

Assembly

1. Sew legs to the lower body, positioned slightly forward so the shoes are visible below the skirt front.
2. Sew arms to the upper side body at shoulder level.
3. Attach ears high on the head, but angle them down so they fall under the hat brim.
4. Dress the bunny before securing the hat permanently.
5. Slide the skirt and bodice into place and stitch the back opening closed if you chose to work it open.
6. Sew shoes neatly to the feet.
7. Place the hat so the brim dips low around the forehead and frames the face softly.
8. Attach handbag near one side of the bunny, either by stitching lightly to the hand or resting it as a separate accessory.
9. Arrange lamb, teacup, and cupcake beside the bunny for display.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the face remains centered after the hat is added. The eyes should sit low enough to create a gentle, calm expression. The nose should be very small and neat. Keep the mouth short and delicate.

Before finishing, adjust the ears so they hang evenly. Smooth the dress layers with your fingers. The rose clusters should sit mainly across the neckline, waist, and lower skirt front for the same balanced look shown in the image.

Care Notes

• Display indoors away from direct sunlight.
• Do not machine wash.
• Keep accessories together in one storage box when not displayed.
• Handle the hat brim and floral trims gently.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Are both ears the same length and angle?
• Are the eyes evenly placed?
• Does the hat sit low and wide?
• Does the dress have both lace layers visible?
• Are the roses distributed across bodice, waist, and skirt?
• Do the shoes peek out under the hem?
• Are the lamb, cup, cupcake, and bag scaled to the bunny?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust the finished set with a soft dry brush. If needed, spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry completely. Do not soak stuffed parts. Store flat or upright with tissue support inside the hat and skirt to preserve shape.

For long-term preservation, wrap small accessories separately, avoid heavy compression, and keep the bunny in a clean dry space with stable temperature. A breathable cotton bag or glass-front cabinet works especially well for protecting the lace and rose details.