Heart Parade Bunny is a knitted bunny doll dressed in a warm peach outfit: long-sleeved heart-patterned dress with a white collar, matching beret, peach Mary Jane shoes, a little crossbody bag, and a tiny pink heart held in her paw.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Materials
- Yarn weight: DK / light worsted, smooth plied yarn
- Fiber: Wool or wool blend toy yarn works well
Suggested colors (any DK brand):
- MC (Bunny body): Warm light beige
- CC1 (Peach): Soft salmon/peach for dress, beret, shoes, and bag
- CC2 (Cream): Collar and heart motifs on dress
- CC3 (Pink): Small heart in paw (slightly lighter than CC1)
- CC4 (Features): Dark brown for nose and mouth
- CC5 (Eyes): Black
Other supplies:
- US 2 (2.75 mm) double-pointed needles or long circular for magic loop
- Optional: second set of needles in same size for flat pieces
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- k – knit
- p – purl
- kfb – knit front and back (increase 1)
- m1 – make one (increase 1)
- k2tog – knit 2 together (decrease 1)
- ssk – slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rnd – round
- RS / WS – right side / wrong side
- CO – cast on
- BO – bind off
- pm – place marker
- sm – slip marker
Unless otherwise stated, work in stockinette in the round (knit every rnd).
Gauge & Finished Size
- Approx. 28 sts x 36 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in stockinette in the round, worked firmly.
- Finished bunny stands about 8.5–9 in (22–23 cm) tall including beret.
Aim for a tight fabric so stuffing does not show.
General Notes
- Stuff the head and feet very firmly; stuff the limbs more lightly so they stay soft.
- Leave long tails for sewing whenever you bind off limbs or small parts.
- Dress, beret, bag, and heart are separate pieces; you may tack them in place after assembly.
- Heart motifs on the dress are added with duplicate stitch to keep the fabric smooth.
Head & Body
Head
Using MC, CO 8 sts, divide on needles, join in the round, and pm.
Rnd 1: kfb around – 16 sts
Rnd 2: k1, kfb around – 24 sts
Rnd 3: k2, kfb around – 32 sts
Rnd 4: k3, kfb around – 40 sts
Rnd 5: k4, kfb around – 48 sts
Rnds 6–20 (15 rnds): Knit straight for a round head.
Begin shaping:
Rnd 21: k6, k2tog around – 42 sts
Rnd 22: k5, k2tog around – 36 sts
Rnd 23: k4, k2tog around – 30 sts
Stuff the head firmly, shaping a smooth ball.
Rnd 24: k3, k2tog around – 24 sts
Rnd 25: k2, k2tog around – 18 sts
Add more stuffing if needed.
Rnd 26: k1, k2tog around – 12 sts
This narrow section becomes the neck.
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Body
Continue with MC.
Rnd 27: k1, kfb around – 18 sts
Rnd 28: k2, kfb around – 24 sts
Rnd 29: k3, kfb around – 30 sts
Rnd 30: k4, kfb around – 36 sts
Rnds 31–41 (11 rnds): Knit straight for the upper torso.
Shape lower torso and hips:
Rnd 42: k5, kfb around – 42 sts
Rnds 43–46: Knit
Rnd 47: k5, k2tog around – 36 sts
Rnd 48: k4, k2tog around – 30 sts
Rnd 49: k3, k2tog around – 24 sts
Stuff torso firmly into a gentle oval.
Rnd 50: k2, k2tog around – 18 sts
Rnd 51: k1, k2tog around – 12 sts
Rnd 52: k2tog around – 6 sts
Cut yarn, pull tail through remaining sts, draw tight and weave in.
Legs & Peach Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)
Shoes & Feet
Using CC1 (peach), CO 10 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb around – 20 sts
Rnd 2: Knit
Rnd 3: k4, kfb around – 25 sts
Rnds 4–5: Knit for the rounded toe.
Shape heel:
Rnd 6: k3, k2tog around – 20 sts
Rnd 7: Knit
Lightly stuff shoe toe.
Switch to MC for socks and legs.
Rnd 8: k2, k2tog around – 15 sts
Rnds 9–22 (14 rnds): Knit for leg shaft.
Rnd 23: k3, k2tog around – 12 sts
Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts and close. Leave long tail for sewing.
Strap Detail
Using CC1 and tapestry needle, embroider a Mary Jane strap by working several horizontal stitches across the top of the shoe, just above the toe, from one side opening to the other. Add a small vertical bar on one side for a “buckle” if you like.
Make 2 legs.
Arms (Make 2)
Using MC, CO 8 sts, join in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb around – 16 sts
Rnds 2–4: Knit (paw).
Rnd 5: k2, k2tog around – 12 sts
Rnds 6–16 (11 rnds): Knit straight for arm length.
Stuff the paw and lower arm lightly; leave upper arm soft.
Rnd 17: k2tog around – 6 sts
Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts and fasten. Leave long tail for sewing.
Upright Ears (Make 2)
Worked flat.
Using MC, CO 8 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k
Row 2 (WS): p
Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb – 10 sts
Row 4: p
Row 5: kfb, k8, kfb – 12 sts
Rows 6–18: Work in stockinette (knit RS, purl WS).
Shape ear top:
Row 19: ssk, k8, k2tog – 10 sts
Row 20: p
Row 21: ssk, k6, k2tog – 8 sts
Row 22: p
Row 23: ssk, k4, k2tog – 6 sts
Row 24: p
Row 25: k2tog, k2, k2tog – 4 sts
Row 26: p
Row 27: k2tog twice – 2 sts
Cut yarn, pull tail through remaining sts.
Fold the base slightly to give a gentle curve so ears stand upright when sewn on.
Tail
Using MC, CO 6 sts in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb around – 12 sts
Rnd 2: Knit
Rnd 3: k2tog around – 6 sts
Stuff lightly, pull yarn through remaining sts, and close into a puff.
Peach Heart Dress with Cream Collar
Dress is worked from neckline downward in the round, with long sleeves and an A-line skirt.
Bodice
Using CC1 (peach), CO 48 sts, join in the round, pm.
Rnds 1–4: k1, p1 rib for neckline.
Rnds 5–10: Knit straight for the upper yoke.
Separate sleeves:
Rnd 11:
- Knit 8 sts (front shoulder),
- place next 6 sts on holder (left sleeve),
- CO 2 sts under arm,
- knit 20 sts (front and back),
- place next 6 sts on holder (right sleeve),
- CO 2 sts under arm,
- knit remaining 8 sts – total 40 sts on body.
Continue in the round for the bodice.
Rnds 12–22 (11 rnds): Knit.
Skirt
Rnd 23: k4, m1 around – 50 sts
Rnds 24–26: Knit
Rnd 27: k5, m1 around – 60 sts
Rnds 28–30: Knit
Rnd 31: k4, m1 around – approx. 75 sts (exact multiple is not crucial).
Rnds 32–38: Knit for length; adjust so skirt ends just above the shoes.
Rnds 39–42 (hem): k1, p1 rib.
Rnd 43: BO loosely in rib.
Long Sleeves
Return to the 6 held sts for one sleeve.
Using CC1, place sts on needles, pick up and knit 4 sts from the underarm area – 10 sts total.
Rnds 1–18: Knit in the round for a slim sleeve reaching the wrist.
Rnd 19: k2, k2tog around – 8 sts
Rnd 20: k1, p1 rib around.
Rnd 21: BO in rib.
Repeat for second sleeve.
Cream Peter Pan Collar
Collar is worked flat in cream and sewn to neckline.
Using CC2, CO 34 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k
Row 2 (WS): p
Short-row shaping to form a soft curve:
Row 3: k to last 4 sts, turn.
Row 4: p to last 4 sts, turn.
Row 5: k across all sts.
Row 6: p across all sts.
Begin scalloped outer edge:
Row 7: (k2tog, k2, kfb, k1, kfb, k2, ssk) repeat across – form gentle bumps (exact count may vary slightly; keep pattern flowing).
Row 8: purl all sts.
BO loosely knitwise on RS.
Wrap collar around neckline so edges meet at center front; it should sit flat over the shoulders. Sew inner edge neatly to the dress neckline, leaving the scalloped outer edge free.
Embroider a tiny vertical line of peach at the front center to suggest a small button.
Heart Motifs on Dress
With CC2 (cream) and tapestry needle, use duplicate stitch to add small V-shaped hearts all around the skirt and lower bodice:
- Each heart is two diagonal stitches meeting at a point, forming a small V.
- Work staggered rows, concentrating more densely on the skirt and a few up the bodice, similar to the photo.
Keep spacing even so the pattern feels like a scattered heart field.
Peach Beret
Using CC1, CO 72 sts, join in the round.
Rnds 1–6: k1, p1 rib for the band.
Increase for beret body:
Rnd 7: k5, kfb around – 84 sts
Rnds 8–16: Knit straight for a smooth dome that overhangs the band slightly.
Shape crown:
Rnd 17: k5, k2tog around – 72 sts
Rnd 18: Knit
Rnd 19: k4, k2tog around – 60 sts
Rnd 20: Knit
Rnd 21: k3, k2tog around – 48 sts
Rnd 22: Knit
Rnd 23: k2, k2tog around – 36 sts
Rnd 24: k1, k2tog around – 24 sts
Rnd 25: k2tog around – 12 sts
Cut yarn, pull tail through remaining sts and secure.
Top Stem
With CC1, pick up 3 sts from the very center at the top of the beret.
Work i-cord:
- Knit 3 sts, slide to other end of needle, bring yarn across back.
- Repeat for 4–5 rows.
BO and pull end to inside, forming the little stem.
Crossbody Bag
Bag Body
Using CC1, CO 16 sts, join in the round.
Rnds 1–10: Knit straight to form a small rectangular pouch.
Rnd 11: k2tog around – 8 sts
Rnd 12: Knit
Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts to close the base.
Turn so a flat side becomes the front.
Flap
With CC1 and RS facing, pick up 10 sts from the back top edge of bag.
Rows 1–6: Stockinette (knit RS, purl WS).
Row 7 (WS): p2tog, p6, p2tog – 8 sts
Row 8: k
Row 9: p2tog, p4, p2tog – 6 sts
Row 10: k
BO. Fold flap over front of bag.
Embroider a small spiral or circle on the flap using CC1 in a tighter wrap to mimic a little button.
Strap
Using CC1, CO 3 sts and work i-cord for about 7 in (18 cm).
BO and sew each end to the sides of the bag opening, forming a crossbody strap.
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Tiny Pink Heart
Using CC3 (pink), work flat.
CO 4 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k
Row 2: p
Work first bump:
Row 3: kfb, k2, kfb – 6 sts
Row 4: p
Row 5: kfb, k4, kfb – 8 sts
Row 6: p
Leave these 8 sts on needle; break yarn and set aside.
Make a second identical bump:
CO 4 sts with CC3 and repeat Rows 1–6. You now have two sets of 8 sts.
Next row (joining bumps, RS):
Knit across first 8 sts, then knit across second 8 sts – 16 sts total.
Row 8 (WS): p
Shape point:
Row 9: k2tog, k4, k2tog, k2tog, k4, k2tog – 12 sts
Row 10: p
Row 11: k2tog, k2, k2tog, k2tog, k2, k2tog – 8 sts
Row 12: p
Row 13: k2tog, k4, k2tog – 6 sts
Row 14: p
Row 15: k2tog, k2, k2tog – 4 sts
Row 16: p
Row 17: k2tog twice – 2 sts
Cut yarn, pull through remaining sts.
Sew heart edges together from top down, stuffing lightly before closing point. Attach to the inside of one paw so it peeks out just as in the photo.
Face Embroidery
Using CC5 (black):
- Place two small vertical stitches for eyes, slightly above the midline of the head, spaced about 5–6 sts apart.
Using CC4 (dark brown):
- Embroider a small rounded triangle nose centered between the eyes, a couple of rows below.
- Add a short vertical stitch under the nose, then two curved stitches to each side for the smile.
Secure all ends inside the head.
Assembly
- Attach ears: Pin ears to the top sides of the head so they stand upright and slightly angled outward. Sew along the base with MC.
- Join legs: Pin legs to the base of the body and check that the bunny stands flat. Sew firmly around each leg opening with several passes through body fabric and leg top.
- Attach arms: Sew arms at shoulder level. Angle one slightly forward to hold the pink heart.
- Tail: Sew the puff tail to the center back near the lower edge, helping the bunny balance.
- Dress: Slide dress up from the feet, easing it over the hips. Position the cream collar flat around the neckline. If desired, add a few hidden stitches at shoulders and side seams to keep the dress from turning.
- Beret: Place beret so the band sits just above the eyes and the stem stands upright. Tilt slightly for character and tack in place with a few invisible stitches if you prefer it non-removable.
- Bag & Heart: Put the bag strap across the bunny’s body from one shoulder to the opposite hip and secure strap with a few small stitches at shoulder and side. Stitch the pink heart into the chosen paw so it sits just in front of the body.
Finishing
- Adjust stuffing in feet and tail until the bunny stands securely on a flat surface.
- Gently steam or block the dress hem if needed to smooth any curl.
- Trim any visible ends and tidy embroidery.
Heart Parade Bunny is now ready for photo shoots, shelves, or special gifts, bringing a little parade of knitted hearts wherever she goes. Enjoy your finished bunny and have fun making more in different color palettes.
