The “Cross-Stitch Hoop” Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

Her wardrobe reflects the natural, earthy aesthetic of a crafter’s studio. She wears a simple Linen Beige Dress, the hem of which is decorated with rows of embroidered cross-stitches, mimicking the patterns found on a sampler. To keep warm while she works, she layers a rich Burgundy Red Gilet (Vest), fastened with tiny wooden buttons. Her head is topped with an artistic Indigo Blue Beret, playfully accented with a knitted “needle” tucked into the brim. On her feet, she wears comfortable Brown Loafers.




She carries the tools of her trade: a miniature Embroidery Hoop with a partially stitched “Home” sampler. Her playful companion is a mischievous Tabby Cat, tangled happily in a spool of red embroidery thread.

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

Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • k – knit
  • p – purl
  • st(s) – stitch(es)
  • CO – cast on
  • BO – bind off
  • rnd(s) – round(s)
  • RS – right side
  • WS – wrong side
  • kfb – knit front and back (increase 1 stitch)
  • m1 – make 1 (lifted increase)
  • k2tog – knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
  • ssk – slip, slip, knit (decrease)
  • MC – Main Color (Oatmeal/Beige for bunny)
  • CC – Contrast Colors (Linen Beige, Burgundy Red, Indigo Blue, Brown, Grey/Stripes for cat)

Materials

  • Yarn: DK or Light Worsted weight yarn:
    • Oatmeal: Approx. 50g for the bunny body.
    • Linen Beige (Grey-Beige/Greige): Approx. 35g for the dress and hoop fabric.
    • Burgundy Red (Deep Red): Approx. 25g for the vest and embroidery.
    • Indigo Blue: Approx. 15g for the beret.
    • Brown: Approx. 10g for shoes.
    • Grey & Dark Grey: Scraps for the tabby cat.
  • Needles:
    • US 3 (3.25 mm) DPNs or circular needles (Bunny, Shoes, Cat, Accessories).
    • US 4 (3.5 mm) Straight or circular needles (Clothing).
  • Notions: Fiberfill stuffing, tapestry needle, stitch markers, black embroidery floss (eyes), a small wooden or plastic ring (approx 2 inches) for the embroidery hoop, wooden buttons.

Gauge & Finished Size

  • Gauge: 24 sts and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US 3 needles.
  • Finished Size: Approximately 14 inches (36 cm) tall from loafers to the top of the beret.

Construction Overview

  • Bunny: Worked in the round from the feet up. Legs are knitted separately, then joined to form the hips. The body and head are one continuous piece. Arms and ears are knitted separately and sewn on.
  • Linen Dress: Worked flat. The fabric is plain stockinette to act as a canvas for the cross-stitch embroidery added later.
  • Burgundy Vest: Worked flat in one piece to the armholes, then divided. Simple garter stitch edges.
  • Beret: Worked in the round with a ribbed brim and rapid increases for the flat top.
  • Accessories: The Hoop is a fabric disc stretched over a ring; the Cat is a shaped toy with stripes.

Bunny Body Instructions

Legs (Make 2)

With Oatmeal yarn and US 3 needles.

Rnd 1: CO 10 sts. Join in the round. k all.

Rnd 2: kfb in every st (20 sts).

Rnds 3–8: k all (Foot).

Rnd 9 (Heel): k10, turn. p10, turn. k10, turn. p10, turn. k all sts to end of rnd.

Rnds 10–35: k all. Stuff foot firmly and leg lightly.

Break yarn for the first leg and place stitches on a holder. Knit the second leg but do not break yarn.

Body

Rnd 36 (Join): k across 10 sts of second leg, CO 4 sts, k across 20 sts of first leg, CO 4 sts, k remaining 10 sts of second leg (48 sts). Join to work in the round.

Rnds 37–48: k all (Hips).

Rnd 49: *k6, k2tog* rep around (42 sts).

Rnds 50–60: k all.

Rnd 61: *k5, k2tog* rep around (36 sts).

Rnds 62–66: k all.

Rnd 67: *k4, k2tog* rep around (30 sts).

Rnd 68: *k3, k2tog* rep around (24 sts).

Rnd 69 (Neck): *k2, k2tog* rep around (18 sts).

Rnds 70–72: k all for neck. Stuff body firmly.

Head

Rnd 73: *k2, m1* rep around (27 sts).

Rnd 74: *k3, m1* rep around (36 sts).

Rnd 75: *k3, m1* rep around (48 sts).

Rnds 76–96: k all. Stuff neck very firmly.

Rnd 97: *k6, k2tog* rep around (42 sts).

Rnd 98: *k5, k2tog* rep around (36 sts).

Rnd 99: *k4, k2tog* rep around (30 sts).

Rnd 100: *k3, k2tog* rep around (24 sts).

Rnd 101: *k2, k2tog* rep around (18 sts).

Rnd 102: k2tog around (9 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight.

Arms (Make 2)

With Oatmeal yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in round.

Rnd 1: kfb around (16 sts).

Rnds 2–24: k all.

Rnd 25: k2tog, k to last 2 sts, ssk (14 sts).




BO. Stuff lightly and sew to body.

Ears (Make 2)

With Oatmeal yarn, worked flat. CO 12 sts.

Rows 1–35: Stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS).

Row 36: ssk, k8, k2tog (10 sts).

Row 37: p all.

Row 38: ssk, k6, k2tog (8 sts).

Row 39: p all.

Row 40: ssk, k4, k2tog (6 sts).

Row 41: ssk, k2, k2tog (4 sts).

BO. Sew to head.

Linen Dress with Cross-Stitch Hem

Worked flat from the bottom up using Linen Beige yarn and US 4 needles.

Skirt: CO 60 sts.

Rows 1–4: Garter stitch (Hem).

Rows 5–30: Stockinette stitch. This smooth fabric mimics linen cloth.

Waist Decrease (RS): *k2, k2tog* rep across (45 sts).

Waistband: Work 4 rows k1, p1 rib.

Bodice: Work 8 rows Stockinette.

Armhole Shaping:

Row 1: k10 (Back), BO 4, k17 (Front), BO 4, k10 (Back).

Work the three sections separately for 8 rows. BO all sections.

Embroidery:

Using Burgundy Red yarn, work a row of cross-stitches (X) just above the garter hem of the skirt. You can add a second row in Indigo Blue for a sampler effect.

Finishing: Sew shoulder seams and back seam.

Burgundy Red Gilet (Vest)

Worked flat using Burgundy Red yarn and US 4 needles.

Body: CO 48 sts.

Rows 1–2: Garter stitch.

Rows 3–14: Stockinette stitch (keep first/last 3 sts in Garter for front bands).

Divide for Armholes:

Next Row: k10 (Front), BO 4, k20 (Back), BO 4, k10 (Front).

Work Back for 12 rows. BO.

Work Fronts for 12 rows. BO.

Finishing: Sew shoulder seams. Sew 3 small wooden buttons to the left front band (decorative or with loop closures).

Indigo Blue Beret

With Indigo Blue yarn and US 3 needles.

Brim: CO 42 sts. Join in round.

Rnds 1–5: k1, p1 rib.

Increase (Crown):

Rnd 6: *k1, m1* around (84 sts).

Rnds 7–12: Knit all.

Decrease:

Rnd 13: *k5, k2tog* around.

Rnd 14: Knit.

Rnd 15: *k4, k2tog* around.

Continue decreasing every round until 6 sts remain. Draw yarn through.

Needle Detail: Use a toothpick or a small piece of light wood. Glue a bead to one end. Tuck it through the brim of the beret.

Brown Loafers

Make 2. With Brown yarn and US 3 needles.

Sole: CO 10 sts. Knit 12 rows Garter. Round toe. BO.

Upper: Pick up 34 sts around sole.

Rnds 1–2: Knit all.

Rnd 3: Purl (Sole ridge).

Rnd 4 (Toe): k11, (k2tog) 6 times, k11 (28 sts).

Rnd 5: k11, (k2tog) 3 times, k11 (25 sts).

Rnd 6: BO all sts.

Tongue: Pick up 4 sts at the front center of the shoe opening. Knit 4 rows Garter. BO. This creates the loafer flap.

Craft Accessories

Embroidery Hoop

The Frame: Use a plastic ring or bracelet (approx 2 inch diameter). Or knit a thin I-cord in Brown and sew it into a circle.

The Canvas:

With Linen Beige yarn.

CO 4 sts. Inc to 16 sts circular (or flat square).

Knit until the piece is slightly larger than your ring.

Embroidery: Before attaching, use Red yarn to backstitch the word “Home” or a small heart in the center.

Assembly: Sew the knitted canvas onto the back of the ring, stretching it taut.

Tabby Cat

With Grey yarn (MC) and Dark Grey (Stripes).

Body: CO 10 sts. Inc to 20.

Knit 12 rounds, alternating 2 rounds Grey, 2 rounds Dark Grey.

Dec to 10. Stuff. Close.

Head: With Grey. CO 8 sts. Inc to 16. Knit 5 rounds. Dec to 8. Close.

Embroider ‘M’ shape on forehead in Dark Grey.

Legs: Make 4 small I-cords in Grey.

Tail: Striped I-cord.

Playful Prop: Make a tiny “spool” (a cylinder of cardboard wrapped in Red yarn) and sew it near the cat’s paws.

Final Assembly

  • Face: Embroider focused, creative eyes. Use brown thread for a nose.
  • Dressing: Put on the linen dress. Layer the red vest over it. Put on the brown loafers. Place the beret on the head.
  • Props: Place the embroidery hoop in the bunny’s hand or hang it from her arm. Position the tabby cat playing with the thread spool by her feet.




Your “Cross-Stitch Hoop” Bunny is ready to create a masterpiece! Happy knitting.

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