Knitting Tutorial: White Bunny with Blue Earmuffs – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted white bunny is dressed in a blue and white colorwork dress, matching blue shoes, soft blue earmuffs, and a bright yellow crossbody bag. The set also includes a removable blue hat with yellow flower accents, tiny knitted acorns, and a small red-capped mushroom prop to match the cozy woodland look in the photo.

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

Finished Size

The finished bunny measures about 10 inches tall from the bottom of the shoes to the top of the head, not including the floppy ears. The removable hat measures about 4 inches wide when laid flat. The exact size depends on yarn weight, needle size, stuffing tension, and how firmly you sew the pieces together.

• Bunny height: about 10 inches tall.
• Head width: about 3.5 inches across after stuffing.
• Body with dress: about 4.5 inches from neck to lower skirt edge.
• Ears: about 5 inches long each.
• Hat: about 4 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall.
• Bag: about 1.75 inches wide and 1.5 inches tall.

Skill Level

This pattern is written for an adventurous beginner to intermediate knitter. You will knit small pieces flat and in the round, shape with increases and decreases, work simple stranded colorwork, sew seams, and embroider facial details. The instructions are detailed so a careful beginner can follow each section step by step.

Materials

• Sport weight or light DK yarn in white for the bunny body.
• Sport weight or light DK yarn in bright sky blue for dress, shoes, earmuffs, and hat.
• Small amount of white yarn for dress motifs and shoe flowers.
• Small amount of yellow yarn for bag, flower petals, and strap.
• Small amount of dark blue yarn or embroidery floss for eyes if not using safety eyes.
• Small amount of black embroidery floss for nose, mouth, and eyebrows.
• Small amount of brown yarn for acorn caps.
• Small amount of tan yarn for acorn bodies.
• Small amount of rusty red yarn for mushroom cap.
• Small amount of cream yarn for mushroom stem.
• One pair of 3.0 mm knitting needles.
• One set of 3.0 mm double-pointed needles, or magic loop circular needle.
• One pair of 8 mm to 10 mm blue safety eyes, or yarn for embroidered eyes.
• One 6 mm black safety nose, or black yarn for embroidered nose.
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Small button for yellow bag flap.
• Optional white beads or French knots for mushroom spots.

Gauge

Gauge is important for a firm toy fabric. Work 28 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using 3.0 mm needles. Your fabric should be dense enough that stuffing does not show through. If your knitting is loose, use a smaller needle. If it is too stiff to shape, use a slightly larger needle.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• Sts: stitches.
• Rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• SSK: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
• M1R: make 1 right-leaning increase.
• M1L: make 1 left-leaning increase.
• St st: stockinette stitch.
• G st: garter stitch, knit every row when worked flat.
• PM: place marker.
• SM: slip marker.

Important Notes Before You Start

The bunny in the photo has a rounded white head, a small soft muzzle, long floppy ears, short arms, straight legs, and a flared blue dress. The shape is cute and compact, with the head slightly larger than the body. Stuff the head firmly, but keep the ears lightly filled so they hang naturally.

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When sewing the toy, use small ladder stitches and matching yarn. Pull the seams gently, not tightly. A tight seam may distort the face or make the dress sit unevenly. The outfit should look soft, cozy, and slightly rounded, like a knitted plush.

For the dress colorwork, keep floats loose on the wrong side. The white motifs should look like small hearts and little V shapes across the blue skirt. You do not need to pull the white yarn tightly. Loose floats help the skirt keep its soft bell shape.

Body and Head

Body

Work the body from the bottom upward in white. The dress will be added over the body, so the body itself should be simple, smooth, and lightly pear-shaped. Use double-pointed needles or magic loop.

1. With white yarn, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, M1L, repeat around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K2, M1L, repeat around. 36 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 10: K all sts.
7. Rnd 11: K5, M1L, repeat 6 times. 42 sts.
8. Rnds 12 to 22: K all sts.
9. Rnd 23: K5, K2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
10. Rnd 24: K all sts.
11. Rnd 25: K4, K2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
12. Rnd 26: K all sts.
13. Rnd 27: K3, K2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
14. Rnd 28: K all sts.
15. Rnd 29: K2, K2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
16. Stuff the body firmly, shaping it wider at the lower belly and narrower at the neck.
17. Rnd 30: K all sts. Leave sts live on needles for head transition.

Head

The head is worked directly from the neck stitches. The photo shows a rounded head with full cheeks and a smooth forehead. Add extra stuffing to the cheeks before closing the head.

1. Rnd 31: K1, M1L, repeat around. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 32: K all sts.
3. Rnd 33: K5, M1L, repeat 6 times. 42 sts.
4. Rnd 34: K all sts.
5. Rnd 35: K6, M1L, repeat 6 times. 48 sts.
6. Rnds 36 to 47: K all sts.
7. Rnd 48: K6, K2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
8. Rnd 49: K all sts.
9. Rnd 50: K5, K2tog, repeat around. 36 sts.
10. Rnd 51: K all sts.
11. Rnd 52: K4, K2tog, repeat around. 30 sts.
12. Pause and place the eyes between Rnds 42 and 43, about 8 sts apart. Place the nose between Rnds 39 and 40, centered below the eyes.
13. Stuff the head firmly. Add small extra tufts of stuffing to the cheek area under each eye.
14. Rnd 53: K3, K2tog, repeat around. 24 sts.
15. Rnd 54: K2, K2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
16. Rnd 55: K1, K2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
17. Rnd 56: K2tog around. 6 sts.
18. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in securely.

Muzzle Shaping and Face Base

The bunny has a soft rounded muzzle rather than a separate long snout. To create this look, sculpt the lower face with yarn after stuffing. Thread white yarn through a tapestry needle and insert it at the bottom of the head near the neck.

1. Bring the needle out just below the nose position.
2. Take a tiny horizontal stitch under the nose and return to the neck.
3. Pull gently to create a shallow indentation.
4. Repeat once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek, always pulling gently.
5. Do not over-tighten. The face should remain soft and rounded.

Embroider a vertical black line from the nose down for about 3 rounds. Add a tiny split at the bottom if desired. Embroider two short curved eyebrows above the eyes, angled gently upward toward the center to match the sweet worried expression in the photo.

Long Floppy Ears

Make two ears in white. Each ear is long, flat, and softly rounded at the lower end. The top of each ear is sewn to the side of the head under the earmuff band, so the ears hang down beside the face.

1. With white yarn and straight needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, M1L, K to last st, M1R, K1. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K1, M1L, K to last st, M1R, K1. 12 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: K1, M1L, K to last st, M1R, K1. 14 sts.
9. Rows 8 to 42: Work in St st, beginning with a purl row.
10. Row 43: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. 12 sts.
11. Row 44: P all sts.
12. Row 45: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
13. Row 46: P all sts.
14. Row 47: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
15. Row 48: P all sts.
16. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

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Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly and sew only the bottom 1 inch closed to create a narrow attachment point. Do not stuff the ears firmly. Add only a whisper of stuffing to the very top if you want them slightly rounded.

Arms

The arms are short, white, and rounded at the ends. They sit partly under the dress sleeves, with the lower white paws visible at each side.

1. With white yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, M1L, repeat around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 12: K all sts.
5. Rnd 13: K2, K2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
6. Rnds 14 to 18: K all sts.
7. Stuff lightly, keeping the arm soft and slightly tapered.
8. Rnd 19: K2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, and close.

Make a second arm the same way. Sew the arms to the upper body at the sides, about 2 rounds below the neck. Angle them slightly downward so they rest beside the dress.

Legs

The bunny legs are straight white legs with blue shoes added separately. The legs should be visible below the skirt and should hang evenly.

1. With white yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, M1L, repeat around. 20 sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 18: K all sts.
5. Rnd 19: K3, K2tog, repeat around. 16 sts.
6. Rnds 20 to 22: K all sts.
7. Stuff firmly, but do not make the leg too bulky.
8. Rnd 23: K2tog around. 8 sts.
9. Cut yarn, draw through sts, and fasten off.

Make a second leg the same way. Sew the legs under the body, spaced about 1 inch apart. Make sure the bunny can sit neatly or lay flat for display.

Blue Colorwork Dress

The dress is worked from the neckline downward. It has a fitted blue yoke with white colorwork around the chest, then a flared skirt with white heart-like motifs. The skirt should sit over the body and widen gently toward the hem.

Dress Yoke

1. With blue yarn and double-pointed needles, CO 36 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: P all sts to make a small rolled neckline edge.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K5, M1L, repeat 6 times. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts in blue.
7. Rnd 6: With white, K1; with blue, K2; repeat around.
8. Rnd 7: With blue, K1; with white, K1; with blue, K1; repeat around.
9. Rnd 8: With blue, K all sts.
10. Rnd 9: With white, K2; with blue, K4; repeat around.
11. Rnd 10: With blue, K all sts.
12. Rnd 11: K6, M1L, repeat around. 49 sts.
13. Rnd 12: Increase 1 st at end of round. 50 sts.

Dress Skirt

1. Rnd 13: K all sts in blue.
2. Rnd 14: K4, M1L, repeat 10 times. 60 sts.
3. Rnd 15: K all sts in blue.
4. Rnd 16: With white, K1; with blue, K4; repeat around.
5. Rnd 17: With blue, K1; with white, K1; with blue, K3; repeat around.
6. Rnd 18: With blue, K2; with white, K1; with blue, K2; repeat around.
7. Rnd 19: K all sts in blue.
8. Rnd 20: K5, M1L, repeat around. 72 sts.
9. Rnd 21: K all sts in blue.
10. Rnd 22: With white, K2; with blue, K4; repeat around.
11. Rnd 23: With blue, K1; with white, K2; with blue, K3; repeat around.
12. Rnd 24: With blue, K2; with white, K1; with blue, K3; repeat around.
13. Rnd 25: K all sts in blue.
14. Rnd 26: K all sts in blue.
15. Rnd 27: P all sts in blue to form a neat lower ridge.
16. Rnd 28: K all sts in blue.
17. BO loosely knitwise. The hem should flare softly, not pull tight.

Slide the dress over the bunny body from the feet upward. Position the neckline at the base of the head. Use blue yarn to tack the neckline in place with a few hidden stitches. Tack the skirt at the side seams only, leaving the front and back free enough to flare.

Dress Sleeves

The blue sleeves are tiny caps over the upper arms. They help the arms look connected to the dress, as shown in the photo.

1. With blue yarn, pick up and knit 12 sts around the top of one arm opening area after the dress is placed.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. Rnd 3: K2, K2tog, repeat around. 9 sts.
5. BO loosely.

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Repeat for the second sleeve. Use the yarn tail to stitch the sleeve edge neatly to the arm, leaving the lower white paw visible.

Blue Shoes

The shoes are rounded blue Mary Jane style shoes with a strap across the front and small white flower accents near the outer sides. Make two.

1. With blue yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, M1L, K6, M1R, K1. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K1, M1L, K8, M1R, K1. 12 sts.
7. Rows 6 to 12: Work in St st.
8. Row 13: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
9. Row 14: P all sts.
10. Row 15: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
11. BO, leaving a long tail.

Sew the shoe into a shallow slipper shape around the bottom of the white foot. For the strap, CO 12 sts in blue, K 2 rows, then BO. Sew one strap across the top of each shoe.

White Shoe Flowers

1. With white yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight to form a tiny petal cluster.
4. Make two flowers for each shoe if desired, or one flower per shoe as shown near the side edge.
5. Sew flowers to the outer side of each strap.

Blue Earmuffs

The earmuffs are a key feature of the photo. They sit over the sides of the head, with soft round blue and white ear pads and a blue band that arches over the top of the head between the ears.

Earmuff Pads

Make two round pads. Each pad has a white outer edge and a blue center, giving the same cozy blue-and-white look as the image.

1. With white yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, M1L, repeat around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Change to blue, K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K2, M1L, repeat around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 6: K all sts in blue.
7. Rnd 7: K2, K2tog, repeat around. 18 sts.
8. Rnd 8: K1, K2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
9. Add a little stuffing.
10. Rnd 9: K2tog around. 6 sts.
11. Cut yarn and close.

Earmuff Band

1. With blue yarn and straight needles, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 34: K all sts for garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.

Sew one pad to each end of the band. Place the band across the top of the head, curving behind the forehead and between the ears. Sew the pads to the sides of the head, partly covering the ear bases. The long ears should hang down from under the band.

Removable Blue Hat

The matching blue hat lies beside the bunny in the photo. It is rounded, slightly slouchy at the top, with a simple folded-look edge and three yellow flowers near one side.

1. With blue yarn, CO 56 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: K2, P2 around for ribbing.
3. Rnds 5 to 22: K all sts.
4. Rnd 23: K6, K2tog, repeat around. 49 sts.
5. Rnd 24: K all sts.
6. Rnd 25: K5, K2tog, repeat around. 42 sts.
7. Rnd 26: K all sts.
8. Rnd 27: K4, K2tog, repeat around. 35 sts.
9. Rnd 28: K all sts.
10. Rnd 29: K3, K2tog, repeat around. 28 sts.
11. Rnd 30: K2, K2tog, repeat around. 21 sts.
12. Rnd 31: K1, K2tog, repeat around. 14 sts.
13. Rnd 32: K2tog around. 7 sts.
14. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, and pull closed.

Weave in ends. Lightly steam block the hat only if your yarn allows it. Do not flatten the crown completely; it should look softly rounded like the photo.

Yellow Flowers for Hat and Hair

Make five yellow flowers total: three for the hat and two for the bunny’s head near one ear. Each flower has five small petals and a blue center.

1. With yellow yarn, CO 15 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K3, pass the first 2 sts over the third st; repeat across to form 5 petal bumps.
4. Cut yarn and pull through remaining loops.
5. Shape into a small flower and sew the base closed.
6. With blue yarn, make one French knot or tiny stitch in the center.

Sew three flowers to the lower right side of the blue hat. Sew two flowers near the bunny’s left ear at the top of the head, slightly overlapping the earmuff band for the same decorative effect shown in the image.

Yellow Crossbody Bag

The yellow bag is small, bright, and rectangular with a flap and a round button. It sits across the blue dress on a diagonal yellow strap. Knit the bag firmly so it keeps its shape.

Bag Body

1. With yellow yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: K all sts.
3. Rows 5 to 16: Work in St st.
4. Row 17: K all sts to create a fold ridge.
5. Rows 18 to 24: Work in St st for the flap.
6. Row 25: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1. 12 sts.
7. Row 26: P all sts.
8. Row 27: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
9. BO all sts.

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Fold the lower section up to form the bag pocket. Sew both side seams with yellow yarn. Fold the flap down. Sew a tiny button to the front center, or embroider a small round button with beige yarn.

Bag Strap

1. With yellow yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work I-cord for 13 inches, or knit garter stitch for 13 inches if you prefer a flat strap.
3. BO and sew each end to the upper sides of the bag.

Place the strap over one shoulder and across the dress diagonally. Tack the strap lightly at the shoulder and bag side so it stays positioned like the image.

Tiny Acorns

The photo includes small knitted acorns on the wooden surface. Make two or more for a woodland display. Each acorn has a tan body and a darker brown textured cap.

Acorn Body

1. With tan yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, M1L, repeat around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K2, M1L, repeat around. 18 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 9: K all sts.
7. Rnd 10: K1, K2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
8. Stuff lightly.
9. Rnd 11: K2tog around. 6 sts.
10. Cut yarn and close.

Acorn Cap

1. With brown yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: P all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. Rnd 3: P all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, K2tog, repeat around. 12 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2tog around. 6 sts.
8. Cut yarn and close, leaving a short tail at the top as the acorn stem.

Sew the brown cap over the wider end of the tan body. Shape the top with your fingers so it tilts slightly, just like the acorns beside the bunny in the photo.

Small Mushroom Prop

The mushroom has a cream stem and a rusty red cap with small white dots. It is a tiny accessory, but it helps recreate the woodland display.

Mushroom Stem

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 8: K all sts.
3. Rnd 9: K1, M1L, repeat around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 10: K all sts.
5. Stuff lightly.
6. BO loosely.

Mushroom Cap

1. With rusty red yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, M1L, repeat around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K2, M1L, repeat around. 18 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K3, M1L, repeat around. 24 sts.
8. Rnds 7 to 8: K all sts.
9. Rnd 9: P all sts to make the cap edge turn downward.
10. BO loosely.

Sew the cap to the top of the cream stem. Add small white French knots across the red cap, spacing them unevenly for a natural look. Keep the mushroom small so it remains in scale with the bunny.

Optional Eyelashes

The bunny in the photo has long delicate eyelashes around the blue eyes. To copy this look, use black sewing thread or one strand of black embroidery floss. Work carefully so the stitches do not pull the eye area out of shape.

1. Insert the needle near the outer corner of one eye.
2. Make 4 to 5 tiny straight stitches radiating outward and slightly upward.
3. Repeat on the other eye, mirroring the direction.
4. Add 2 shorter lower lashes if desired.
5. Knot securely inside the head or under the nearest seam.

Assembly Order

Follow this order for the cleanest result. Small toys look neater when each piece is positioned before final sewing. Pin pieces first, check the expression, then sew permanently.

1. Knit and stuff the body and head.
2. Add eyes, nose, muzzle shaping, mouth, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
3. Knit the ears and sew them to the sides of the head.
4. Knit arms and legs, stuff them, and sew them to the body.
5. Knit the dress, place it on the body, and tack it neatly.
6. Add sleeves over the arm tops.
7. Knit and sew the blue shoes to the feet.
8. Knit the earmuff pads and band, then sew them over the ear bases.
9. Knit the hat and yellow flowers.
10. Knit the yellow bag and place the strap diagonally across the dress.
11. Knit the acorns and mushroom for the display scene.

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the bunny from the front before fastening final knots. The eyes should sit evenly, the nose should be centered, and the mouth line should be vertical. The ears should hang at the sides of the face and remain visible below the earmuffs.

Sew the dress neckline to the body with small blue stitches. Smooth the skirt so the white motifs face forward. Add the yellow bag over the right side of the dress, letting the strap run from the opposite shoulder down to the bag.

Place the blue hat beside the bunny or gently on top of the head. The flowers should sit to one side. Arrange the acorns and mushroom around the bunny for the same cozy handmade woodland style.

Care Notes

• Spot clean gently with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, button, or delicate embroidery are used.
• Press moisture out with a towel instead of wringing.
• Allow the bunny and accessories to air dry completely.
• Reshape the ears, dress, hat, and bag while damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Face: eyes even, nose centered, mouth straight, eyebrows softly curved.
• Ears: sewn under the earmuffs and hanging naturally.
• Dress: blue skirt flares evenly with white motifs visible.
• Shoes: straps secure and white flowers attached.
• Accessories: yellow bag, blue hat, yellow flowers, acorns, and mushroom complete.
• Safety: all buttons, eyes, and small parts firmly attached.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the bunny in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. Long sunlight exposure may fade the blue, yellow, and red yarns. If the toy is displayed on a shelf, dust it lightly with a soft cloth or clean makeup brush.

For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth and gently press the stained area. Avoid soaking the toy, because heavy water can shift the stuffing and distort the shaped face. Let the bunny dry flat with the ears arranged neatly.

If the dress hem curls after cleaning, smooth it with your fingers while damp. Do not iron the toy directly. If needed, place a cloth over the dress and use very light steam, keeping the iron above the fabric rather than pressing hard.

Keep the removable hat, mushroom, and acorns together in a small cloth bag when not displayed. This prevents the tiny accessories from being lost and helps the complete knitted scene stay ready for photos, gifting, or seasonal decoration.