Knitting Tutorial: Royal Violet Empress Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

The Royal Violet Empress Bunny is a romantic heirloom-style knitted rabbit dressed in a soft white and violet gown with layered ruffles, floral trims, a rose crown, a tiny flower handbag, separate shoes, and a woodland fox companion. This collectible bunny pattern is designed for knit toy lovers who enjoy luxury handmade dolls, cottagecore decor, nursery gifts, artisan rabbit dolls, and boutique stuffed animal patterns. The finished set has a premium keepsake look that fits beautifully into handmade gift, toy shop, and collectible doll searches while still feeling warm, charming, and achievable at home.

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 exact visual balance shown in the image: a standing bunny with a large rounded head, long soft ears, a full formal dress, floral crown, flowered handbag, separate slippers, and a small dressed fox companion.

The shaping is detailed and deliberate so the silhouette looks elegant instead of bulky. The body is hidden under the dress, so most of the visible proportions come from the head, ears, sleeves, skirt volume, apron, and accessories.

The bunny is worked mostly flat and seamed, because that gives cleaner control over the sculpted face, the long ears, and the classic doll-like finish seen in the picture. Small trims may be worked flat or in tiny i-cord style details.

Finished Size

• Bunny: about 13 inches tall from sole to top of head, or 15 inches to top of tallest crown rose
• Fox: about 5 1/2 inches tall
• Shoes: fit the bunny feet snugly
• Handbag: about 2 1/4 inches tall without handle

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: DK weight in soft cream
• Dress yarn A: DK weight in white
• Dress yarn B: DK weight in light violet
• Dress yarn C: DK weight in rich purple
• Leaf yarn: fingering or light DK in sage green
• Fox yarn: orange, white, moss green, brown, and a little black
• Lace trim: narrow white lace for hem, apron, and sleeve cuffs
• Stuffing: firm polyester fiberfill
• Weighted filling: optional fine pellets in inner bag for body base
• Safety eyes or embroidery thread: black for eyes
• Embroidery thread: dark brown or taupe for nose and mouth
• Needles: US 2 and US 3 straight needles or DPNs if preferred
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small snap, hook, or hidden stitch closure for dress back if desired

Gauge

On larger needles: 24 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch after light blocking.

Important: toy knitting should be dense. If your stuffing shows through, go down a needle size. The bunny in the image has a smooth, refined surface with very little stitch spread.

Abbreviations

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

Color Notes

• The bunny itself is cream with soft blush-pink inner ears.
• The main dress is white with pale violet panels and deeper violet floral accents.
• The crown includes white, lavender, and medium purple roses.
• The handbag and separate shoes are darker violet than the lower skirt.
• The fox wears a moss green sweater and hat, with brown paws and orange body.

Bunny Body Structure

The visible bunny has a large head, a slim hidden torso, short rounded arms, long drooping ears, and stubby legs that disappear under the dress. To match the photo, keep the neck short and firm, and do not overstuff the lower body.

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The face should be gently vertical at the center, not completely round like a ball. The muzzle is defined with embroidery and slight shaping, creating a sweet rabbit look rather than a teddy bear expression.

Legs Make 2

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in g st.
2. Row 5 RS: K2, kfb, k8, kfb, k2. 16 sts.
3. Rows 6 to 12: Work in st st, ending with WS row.
4. Row 13 RS: K2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
5. Rows 14 to 24: Work in st st.
6. Row 25 RS: K1, kfb, k12, kfb, k1. 16 sts.
7. Rows 26 to 34: Work in st st.
8. Row 35 RS: K2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
9. Rows 36 to 42: Work in st st.
10. BO knitwise.

Sew each leg seam. Stuff the foot firmly, the ankle moderately, and the upper leg lightly. Flatten the top opening and sew closed. Set aside.

Body

Using cream and US 2 needles, CO 20 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Work in g st.
2. Row 7 RS: K2, kfb, k6, kfb, k2, kfb, k6, kfb, k2. 24 sts.
3. Rows 8 to 14: Work in st st.
4. Row 15 RS: K3, kfb, k16, kfb, k3. 26 sts.
5. Rows 16 to 22: Work in st st.
6. Row 23 RS: K2tog, k22, ssk. 24 sts.
7. Rows 24 to 30: Work in st st.
8. Row 31 RS: K2tog, k20, ssk. 22 sts.
9. Rows 32 to 38: Work in st st.
10. Row 39 RS: K2tog, k18, ssk. 20 sts.
11. Rows 40 to 44: Work in st st.
12. BO.

Sew body seam, leaving lower edge partly open. Insert a little weight in the base if desired. Stuff firmly at the lower half and more lightly at the upper chest. Sew closed.

Arms Make 2

Using cream, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in g st.
2. Rows 5 to 14: Work in st st.
3. Row 15 RS: K1, kfb, k10, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
4. Rows 16 to 22: Work in st st.
5. Row 23 RS: K2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
6. Rows 24 to 28: Work in st st.
7. BO.

Sew seams. Stuff hands and lower arms firmly, upper arms lightly. Flatten the top edge for sewing. The arms in the photo angle slightly forward and inward, so do not overfill the shoulder end.

Head

Using cream, CO 24 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in g st.
2. Row 5 RS: K3, kfb, k4, kfb, k6, kfb, k4, kfb, k3. 28 sts.
3. Rows 6 to 10: Work in st st.
4. Row 11 RS: K3, kfb, k5, kfb, k8, kfb, k5, kfb, k3. 32 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 20: Work in st st.
6. Row 21 RS: K4, kfb, k6, kfb, k8, kfb, k6, kfb, k4. 36 sts.
7. Rows 22 to 34: Work in st st.
8. Row 35 RS: K4, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k4, ssk, k10, ssk, k4. 32 sts.
9. Rows 36 to 40: Work in st st.
10. Row 41 RS: K3, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k2, ssk, k9, ssk, k3. 28 sts.
11. Rows 42 to 46: Work in st st.
12. Row 47 RS: K2, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k2, ssk, k8, ssk, k2. 24 sts.
13. Rows 48 to 50: Work in st st.
14. BO.

Sew the side seam and top curve neatly. Stuff very firmly, shaping the chin slightly narrower than the cheek area. Run a gathering thread through the lower opening and pull in enough to form a neck opening about 2 inches wide.

Muzzle Shaping

To create the softly divided rabbit face, thread strong matching yarn through the lower center of the face. Enter under the chin, come out where the nose will sit, re-enter one stitch to the side, and return to the chin.

Pull gently to define the muzzle. Repeat once more if needed. Do not pull too hard. The image shows a subtle, elegant muzzle, not a deeply indented one.

Ears Make 2 Outer Ears

Using cream, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1 and 2: Knit.
2. Row 3 RS: K1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
3. Rows 4 to 10: Work in st st.
4. Row 11 RS: K1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 28: Work in st st.
6. Row 29 RS: K1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
7. Rows 30 and 31: Work in st st.
8. Row 32 RS: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
9. Rows 33 and 34: Work in st st.
10. Row 35 RS: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
11. Rows 36 and 37: Work in st st.
12. Row 38 RS: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
13. Row 39 WS: Purl.
14. Row 40 RS: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
15. BO.

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Inner Ears Make 2

Using pale blush pink or very light pink-lilac, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1 and 2: Knit.
2. Row 3 RS: K1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
3. Rows 4 to 10: Work in st st.
4. Row 11 RS: K1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
5. Rows 12 to 24: Work in st st.
6. Row 25 RS: K1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
7. Rows 26 and 27: Work in st st.
8. Row 28 RS: K1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
9. Rows 29 and 30: Work in st st.
10. Row 31 RS: K1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
11. Row 32 WS: Purl.
12. Row 33 RS: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
13. BO.

Place one inner ear on each outer ear. Oversew around edges, leaving the cast-on base open. Very lightly stuff only the lower 2 inches if desired, then fold the base slightly and sew to the head so the ears hang downward beside the face.

Tail

Using cream, CO 10 sts. Work 8 rows in st st. Thread yarn through live stitches, stuff lightly, draw up into a ball, and sew to the back body. The dress will cover most of it, so keep it small.

Headband Base

Using sage green, CO 42 sts on US 2 needles.

1. Rows 1 and 2: Knit.
2. BO knitwise.

This narrow band will sit across the top of the head and slightly down the sides, under the roses.

Rose Motifs for Crown and Dress

You will need several roses in three sizes. Make them in white, pale lavender, medium lavender, and deep violet. The crown in the image looks lush and full, with the largest flower centered at the top front.

Small Rose Make 10 to 14

Using chosen color, CO 26 sts.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, kfb across. 51 sts.
3. Row 3 WS: Purl.
4. Row 4 RS: Knit.
5. BO loosely.

Roll strip from one short end into a rose spiral. Sew securely at base.

Medium Rose Make 6 to 8

CO 34 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, kfb across. 67 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Knit.
5. BO loosely.

Roll into a slightly wider rose with visible layered petals. Secure the underside well.

Large Rose Make 3 to 4

CO 42 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, kfb across. 83 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Knit.
5. BO loosely.

Shape into a full, open rose. One large purple rose should sit front center on the crown. Another white rose and one lavender rose are placed beside it.

Leaf Motifs

Using sage green, CO 3 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, kfb, k1, kfb, k1. 7 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: Ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
7. Row 7: Purl.
8. Row 8: Ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
9. Row 9: Purl.
10. Row 10: K3tog. 1 st.

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Fasten off. Make 20 or more for crown, dress, handbag, and apron clusters.

Neck Ruffle

Using pale lavender, CO 48 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, kfb across. 95 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Knit.
5. BO loosely.

Gather slightly and sew around neck base under the dress neckline. This creates the soft ornamental fullness seen near the shoulder line.

Dress Bodice Front

Using white, CO 26 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in g st.
2. Rows 5 to 14: Work in st st.
3. Row 15 RS: K2, k2tog, k18, ssk, k2. 24 sts.
4. Rows 16 and 17: Work in st st.
5. Row 18 RS: K2, k2tog, k16, ssk, k2. 22 sts.
6. Rows 19 and 20: Work in st st.
7. Row 21 RS: K2, k2tog, k14, ssk, k2. 20 sts.
8. Rows 22 and 23: Work in st st.
9. Row 24 RS: K2, k2tog, k12, ssk, k2. 18 sts.
10. Rows 25 to 28: Work in g st.
11. BO.

This piece should fit snugly over the upper body front. Later, lace trim and floral decorations create the ornate corseted look from the image.

Dress Bodice Back Make 2

Using white, CO 14 sts for each back half.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in g st.
2. Rows 5 to 14: Work in st st.
3. Neck edge shaping Row 15 RS: K2, k2tog, k10. 13 sts.
4. Row 16: Purl.
5. Row 17 RS: K2, k2tog, k9. 12 sts.
6. Rows 18 to 22: Work straight.
7. Rows 23 to 26: Work in g st.
8. BO.

Reverse shaping for second piece.

Bodice Side Panels Make 2

Using pale lavender, CO 6 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 20: Work in st st.
2. BO.

Sew these vertically along the front sides to imitate the pale violet inset panels visible on the gown.

Sleeves Make 2

Using white, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Work in st st.
2. Row 7 RS: K1, kfb across to last st, k1. 34 sts.
3. Row 8 WS: Purl.
4. Rows 9 to 14: Work in st st.
5. Row 15 RS: K2tog across. 17 sts.
6. Rows 16 to 20: Work in st st.
7. Rows 21 to 24: Work in g st.
8. BO.

Sew sleeve seams. Add narrow lace at cuff edge. Attach one tiny purple rose and leaf cluster at the outer upper cuff area on each sleeve, as shown in the photo.

Shoulder Wing Ruffles Make 2

Using pale lavender, CO 18 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, kfb across. 35 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Knit.
5. BO loosely.

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Fold each piece gently and sew at the shoulder line so it lifts upward like a decorative petal. The image shows these sitting beside the neckline roses.

Main Skirt

Using pale lavender, CO 96 sts on US 3 needles.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Work in g st.
2. Rows 7 to 26: Work in st st.
3. Row 27 RS: K2tog across. 48 sts.
4. Rows 28 to 34: Work in st st.
5. Row 35 RS: K2, k2tog, k40, ssk, k2. 46 sts.
6. Rows 36 to 42: Work in st st.
7. BO.

Sew seam. Gather top edge to fit bodice waist. This skirt forms the underskirt visible at the hem and lower side volume.

White Overskirt Front Panel

Using white, CO 54 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in g st.
2. Rows 5 to 26: Work in st st.
3. Row 27 RS: K2tog, k50, ssk. 52 sts.
4. Rows 28 to 34: Work in st st.
5. Row 35 RS: K2tog, k48, ssk. 50 sts.
6. Rows 36 to 40: Work in st st.
7. BO.

Attach this to the front waist over the lavender skirt. Let the sides remain free enough to show movement and to support the cascading side ruffles.

Side Cascade Ruffles Make 2

Using pale lavender, CO 30 sts.

1. Row 1: Purl.
2. Row 2: K1, kfb across. 59 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: K1, kfb across. 117 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. BO loosely knitwise.

Steam lightly so the edge ripples but does not flatten. Sew one on each front side of the skirt, starting at the waist and curving downward. These are essential to the exact look of the dress in the image.

Apron Panel

Using white, CO 34 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 20: Work in st st.
2. Rows 21 to 24: Work in g st.
3. BO.

Trim lower and side edges with narrow lace. Add a central cluster of one medium lavender rose, one deep violet rose, one white rose, and several small buds with leaves. Sew onto the front waist over the overskirt.

Corset Lacing Panel

Using narrow white lace or a knitted strip, create two vertical trims for the bodice front center. Embroider crisscross lacing between them using pale lavender yarn.

Place three roses along the top neckline edge of the bodice front: one medium purple in the center and one lighter rose on either side. This detail is prominent in the photo.

Hem Decoration

Along the lower white skirt front, sew alternating floral clusters. Use one large central lavender rose, one white rose to each side, and several small purple buds spaced evenly with green leaves.

The bottom edge should also have lace trim over the white layer, with the lavender underskirt visible beneath. This layered contrast is a key feature of the design.

Handbag

Using rich violet, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 18: Work in st st.
2. BO.

Fold piece in half to make a rectangle and seam sides. For gusset depth, sew with a tiny boxed base. Add a flap if desired by picking up 8 sts along back top edge and working 4 rows in g st, then BO.

For handle, CO 24 sts, work 2 rows in g st, BO, and attach to bag sides. Decorate front with two tiny flowers and leaves. The bag in the image hangs from the bunny’s left arm and sits against the side of the dress.

Separate Shoes Make 2

Using rich violet, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in g st.
2. Rows 5 to 10: Work in st st.
3. Row 11 RS: K2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
4. Rows 12 and 13: Work in st st.
5. Row 14 RS: K2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
6. Rows 15 and 16: Work in st st.
7. BO.

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Sew back seam and sole seam to shape a tiny slipper. Make a soft instep opening. These shoes are displayed beside the bunny in the image, so they may remain removable.

Fox Companion Legs Make 2

Using brown, CO 8 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 6: Work in st st.
2. Change to orange.
3. Rows 7 to 18: Work in st st.
4. BO.

Sew and stuff lightly.

Fox Body

Using orange, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 14: Work in st st.
2. Row 15 RS: K2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
3. Rows 16 to 20: Work in st st.
4. BO.

Sew and stuff. Attach legs before fully closing if easier.

Fox Arms Make 2

Using brown, CO 6 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in st st.
2. Change to orange.
3. Rows 5 to 10: Work in st st.
4. BO.

Fox Head

Using orange, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 8: Work in st st.
2. Row 9 RS: K1, kfb, k14, kfb, k1. 20 sts.
3. Rows 10 to 16: Work in st st.
4. Row 17 RS: K2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
5. Rows 18 to 20: Work in st st.
6. BO.

Use white yarn to duplicate-stitch or appliqué the muzzle and lower face. Add tiny black eyes and nose. Sew a narrow muzzle line.

Fox Ears Make 2

Using orange, CO 6 sts.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: K1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1. 8 sts.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
5. Row 5: Purl.
6. Row 6: Ssk, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
7. Row 7: Purl.
8. Row 8: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
9. BO.

Add a little white inner ear stitch if desired.

Fox Tail

Using orange, CO 8 sts. Work 12 rows in st st, change to white for 4 rows, then BO. Sew into a narrow tail, stuff lightly, and attach at a slight outward angle.

Fox Sweater

Using moss green, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 3: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rows 4 to 14: Work in st st.
3. BO.

Wrap around body and seam at back. Leave arm openings. Add two or three vertical purl columns or duplicate-stitched details to mimic the tiny sweater texture seen in the image.

Fox Hat

Using moss green, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 to 4: Work in st st.
2. Row 5 RS: K2tog across. 7 sts.
3. Thread yarn through stitches and draw up.

Sew seam. Create a tiny pointed woodland cap and attach slightly to one side.

Assembly Order

1. Sew bunny legs to lower body, keeping them parallel and flat enough for the skirt to fall evenly.
2. Sew body to head with a very firm ladder stitch.
3. Attach ears low enough to frame the face and hang just below the shoulder line.
4. Sew arms at shoulder level angled slightly downward and inward.
5. Add tail to back body.
6. Attach bodice, sleeves, shoulder ruffles, and neck ruffle.
7. Attach main skirt, then white overskirt, then side cascade ruffles.
8. Add apron, neckline roses, hem roses, cuff flowers, and handbag.
9. Sew crown base onto head and attach flowers densely across the top and sides.
10. Place bunny shoes beside the doll or lightly tack them on if desired.
11. Assemble fox and dress it.

Facial Placement Guide

• Eyes: position 8 to 9 rows above muzzle center, spaced about 9 stitches apart
• Nose: embroider a small Y-shaped rabbit nose in dark taupe
• Mouth: extend one short vertical stitch downward, then split softly into two tiny curves
• Expression: keep minimal and delicate

The image shows tiny, understated eyes and a refined stitched muzzle. Avoid oversized plastic eyes or a large triangular nose.

Dress Styling Notes

What makes this bunny look true to the photo is not only the pieces themselves, but the exact layering. The pale lavender skirt must show beneath the white front layer. The side ruffles should curve outward and downward.

The bodice should look fitted and ornate. The floral crown must sit broad and low, not tall like a tiara. The handbag should look soft and decorative. The fox should stand close to the bunny’s right side as a companion figure.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the head angle before sewing permanently. The bunny should face forward with only a very slight downward softness to the muzzle. Add the eyes first, then the nose, then the mouth line. After that, attach the crown so it frames the face evenly.

Steam the skirt lightly from a distance. Finger-shape the side ruffles and apron roses. Adjust the handbag strap so it hangs naturally from the left arm. Place the fox near the hem and check that the whole composition feels balanced.

Care Notes

• Display indoors away from prolonged direct sun
• Do not machine wash
• Avoid pulling on floral trims, ear edges, or the handbag handle
• Store with acid-free tissue if packed away

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly attached and centered
• Ears hanging evenly on both sides
• Dress layers balanced front and back
• Neckline roses and cuff flowers matched
• Crown full across top and sides
• Handbag attached to left arm
• Separate shoes completed
• Fox sweater and hat fitted neatly

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust gently with a soft dry brush. For light marks, spot clean with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry fully. Do not soak the toy, lace, or floral trims. Keep away from rough storage surfaces that may catch the knitted stitches.

If the skirt or ruffles flatten over time, reshape them with clean hands and use a little cool steam held at a safe distance. Store flat or upright in a dust-free cabinet to preserve the heirloom finish.