Tiara-Tea Princess Bunny – Knitting

This elegant knitted bunny is designed as a soft heirloom rabbit with a princess mood, delicate textures, and a beautifully coordinated set of accessories. The finished piece makes a lovely handmade bunny doll for nursery decor, spring display, baby shower gifting, collectible toy styling, or a charming artisan rabbit gift for anyone who loves timeless knitted animals. The dress, cardigan, crown, bouquet, crossbody bag, shoes, and tiny bird companion all work together to create a polished luxury look, while the shaping stays approachable for patient beginners and enjoyable for experienced knitters.

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

Design Overview

This bunny has a tall seated proportion with a rounded head, long narrow ears, a slim neck, gentle shoulders, soft tubular arms, straight legs, and neat rounded feet.

The overall look is refined rather than chunky. The knitted fabric appears smooth and even, with firm stuffing and clean shaping lines.

The clothing is not oversized. The sweater sits close to the body with set-in shaping through the arm area, and the skirt begins directly under the sweater edge so the whole outfit looks tidy and balanced.

The color palette is soft cream with warm taupe details. The dress hem, bag motif, flower center, bouquet tones, bird coloring, and shoe accents all stay within that calm neutral story.

Finished Size

The bunny in the image appears to be approximately 13 to 15 inches tall from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet, not including the crown points.

• Bunny height: about 14 inches
• Head width: about 4 inches
• Ear length: about 4 3/4 inches
• Body from neck to lower skirt line: about 5 inches
• Leg length from hip to sole: about 5 inches
• Bird height: about 3 inches
• Bouquet width: about 2 inches
• Bag height: about 1 3/4 inches

If your gauge shifts slightly, the proportions matter more than the exact measurement. Keep the head large, the ears long and soft, the body neat, and the accessories petite.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in soft cream for bunny, sweater, dress, crown base, and bird body accents
• DK weight yarn in warm taupe for dress border, bag trim, flower layers, bird head and wings, and shoe edging
• Small amounts of dusty rose, deep rose, blush, and ivory for bouquet roses
• Small amount of medium brown embroidery yarn for nose and mouth
• Small amount of dark yarn or black embroidery floss for eyes if not using safety eyes
• 2.75 mm needles for firm toy knitting
• 3.0 mm needles for accessories if desired
• Set of double-pointed needles or magic loop needles
• Toy stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn
• Thin cardboard or felt for optional sole support
• Small pearl-style beads for crown tips if desired
• Tiny snap, hook, or hidden stitch closure for bag strap if desired

Gauge

Gauge is less important than density for a toy, but the fabric should be tight enough that stuffing does not show through.

• 28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette on 2.75 mm needles

If your fabric looks loose, go down a needle size. The bunny in the image has very smooth, compact stitching.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• K = knit
• P = purl
• St st = stockinette stitch
• Garter = knit every row
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• m1 = make 1 increase
• inc = increase 1 stitch
• dec = decrease 1 stitch
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rnd = round
• rep = repeat
• sts = stitches
• pm = place marker

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Construction Notes

The bunny is easiest to make in separate pieces, then assemble carefully. The head, body, arms, legs, ears, cardigan-style sweater front, skirt, shoes, bag, bouquet, crown, and bird are all worked individually.

The facial shaping is subtle. The cheeks are softly rounded, the muzzle narrows slightly toward the nose, and the eyes sit low and wide for a gentle expression.

The sweater texture is important. It features a central panel of diamonds and narrow cable-like twists, framed by vertical columns. You may work true cables or use mock cable texture if preferred, but the finished fabric should still look refined and symmetrical.

The skirt is smooth and slightly flared with a stranded-style geometric border close to the hem. The border is shallow, not tall.

Color Placement Summary

• Main bunny: cream
• Sweater and skirt base: cream
• Skirt border motif: taupe
• Shoes: cream with taupe edge shading
• Bag: cream with taupe strap, taupe motif, taupe edging
• Flower brooch: taupe outer petals, cream center, tiny taupe stitch center
• Crown: cream
• Bouquet wrap: cream or neutral hand-held base with rose flowers in pink, blush, ivory
• Bird: taupe head, taupe wings and tail, cream chest and dress body with taupe hem detail

Head

Work the head in the round from the crown downward for the smoothest finish.

1. CO 8 sts in cream and divide across needles.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Inc in every stitch. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: K1, m1 around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 5: Knit.
7. Rnd 6: K3, m1 around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 7: Knit.
9. Rnd 8: K4, m1 around. 48 sts.
10. Rnd 9: Knit.
11. Rnd 10: K5, m1 around. 56 sts.
12. Knit 18 rnds even.

At this point the head should look round and full, with enough depth for a softly prominent face.

To begin the lower face and chin shaping:

1. Rnd 1: K6, k2tog around. 49 sts.
2. Rnd 2: Knit.
3. Rnd 3: K5, k2tog around. 42 sts.
4. Rnd 4: Knit.
5. Rnd 5: K4, k2tog around. 35 sts.

Stuff the head firmly, especially the forehead, cheeks, and chin area. Avoid lumps. Roll small pieces of stuffing rather than placing one large mass.

Create the muzzle shaping before closing the neck area. Thread matching cream yarn on a tapestry needle and make two long sculpting passes from one lower cheek point to the other, drawing slightly inward. This creates the subtle triangular muzzle seen in the image.

Continue:

1. Rnd 6: K3, k2tog around. 28 sts.
2. Knit 3 rnds even for neck height.

Leave stitches live if you want to join directly to the body, or bind off and sew later. For the cleanest neckline under the sweater collar, keeping the neck live is ideal.

Facial Placement

The eyes in the image are very small, dark, and spaced widely. They sit below the midpoint of the head and slightly outside the muzzle shaping.

• Place eyes about 8 to 9 stitches apart
• Position eyes 4 to 5 rows above the widest muzzle line
• Use tiny satin stitches or 5 mm toy eyes

Embroider the nose in medium brown as a small inverted triangle with a short vertical line and a gentle split mouth. Keep the expression calm and neat. Do not over-enlarge the muzzle embroidery.

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Ears

The ears are long, soft, narrow at the top, and gently wider through the lower half. They hang straight down with only a mild outward flare.

Make 2.

1. CO 8 sts in cream.
2. Work flat in St st, first row WS purl.
3. Row 1 RS: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, K1. 10 sts.
4. Row 2: Purl.
5. Row 3: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, K1. 12 sts.
6. Row 4: Purl.
7. Row 5: Repeat increase row. 14 sts.
8. Row 6: Purl.
9. Row 7: Repeat increase row. 16 sts.
10. Work 22 rows even in St st.

Begin taper:

1. Row 1 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Repeat these 2 rows until 8 sts remain.
4. Work 4 rows even.
5. BO loosely.

Fold each ear lengthwise with the wrong side inside only at the top inch. Sew the base so it cups slightly. This gives the ear a natural hanging shape.

Attach ears just behind the crown line, one on each side, angled outward by a few degrees. The ear bases should sit under the tiara, not below it.

Body

The body is slim and softly tapered. It should support the sweater without looking bulky under the skirt.

Work from the neck downward in the round.

1. If joining from live neck stitches, pick up to total 28 sts around the neckline. If separate, CO 28 sts.
2. Knit 6 rnds for upper torso.
3. Rnd 7: K6, m1 around. 32 sts.
4. Knit 6 rnds.
5. Rnd 14: K7, m1 around. 36 sts.
6. Knit 10 rnds.

The torso should now be gently fuller at the lower body.

1. Rnd 25: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
2. Knit 4 rnds.
3. Rnd 30: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.

Stuff firmly, but keep the waist and lower torso smooth so the skirt hangs neatly.

1. Bind off or leave live for attaching lower body pieces depending on your preferred method.

The body itself will mostly disappear beneath the sweater and skirt, so focus on a clean silhouette rather than elaborate shaping.

Legs

The legs are straight, evenly stuffed tubes with only slight narrowing at the ankle. They are long enough that the bunny sits with feet pointed forward below the skirt.

Make 2.

1. CO 12 sts in cream and join in the round.
2. Knit 6 rnds.
3. Rnd 7: K2, m1 around. 16 sts.
4. Knit 24 rnds.
5. Rnd 32: K6, k2tog, K6, k2tog. 14 sts.
6. Knit 8 rnds.

Stuff each leg firmly but leave the top half-inch softer for sewing.

Flatten the top edge and sew to the lower body so the legs hang straight down. The gap between legs should be small. In the image they sit close together.

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Feet and Mary Jane Shoes

The shoes are built over the foot shape and finished with a strap, giving the rounded closed-toe look in the image.

Make 2 feet first.

1. CO 8 sts in cream.
2. Row 1 RS: Kfb across. 16 sts.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, m1, knit to last st, m1, K1. 18 sts.
5. Rows 4 to 12: Work in St st.

Shape toe:

1. Row 13 RS: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1.
2. Row 14: Purl.
3. Repeat rows 13 and 14 twice more. 12 sts.
4. Fold and seam to create a small oval foot.

Stuff lightly. Insert a tiny felt or thin cardboard sole if you want the feet to keep their tidy shape.

Sew each foot to the bottom of a leg, with the toe angled very slightly upward.

For the shoe overlay:

1. Pick up 14 sts around the foot opening in cream or slightly darker taupe-cream mix.
2. Knit 4 rnds.
3. Next rnd: K2tog at each side edge only to narrow the opening. 12 sts.
4. Knit 2 rnds.
5. Bind off.

For strap, CO 12 sts, work 2 rows garter, and sew across the top opening from one side of the shoe to the other. Add a tiny wrapped nub on the outer edge if you want the suggestion of a buckle.

The shoe should look soft, rounded, and close-fitting, not bulky.

Arms

The arms are narrow tubes with slight shaping at the hand. They hang straight and end a little above the skirt line.

Make 2.

1. CO 10 sts in cream and join in the round.
2. Knit 5 rnds.
3. Rnd 6: K1, m1 around. 15 sts.
4. Knit 18 rnds.
5. Rnd 25: K3, k2tog around. 12 sts.
6. Knit 6 rnds.

Stuff lightly. The arms in the image are soft and gently flattened rather than hard cylinders.

Close the top and sew the arms to the body slightly below the neck line, then cover the join with the sweater shoulder line.

Sweater Bodice

The upper garment in the image looks like a fitted knitted bodice with an allover textured panel. It reads like a small princess sweater attached visually to the dress.

You may work it as a separate sleeveless body cover with attached sleeves already represented by the sewn arms, or as a full garment body. The cleanest version is a separate bodice tube worked flat and seamed at the back.

CO 40 sts in cream and work flat.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS and all RS texture rows: Establish pattern.

Use this simple panel arrangement:

• 4 sts seed or twisted rib border
• 8 sts left cable lattice panel
• 12 sts central diamond panel
• 8 sts right cable lattice panel
• 4 sts seed or twisted rib border

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If you enjoy true cable work, cross every 6th row with gentle 2-over-2 and 3-over-3 movements to form open diamonds and narrow columns. If you prefer a simpler texture, use knit and purl placements to mimic the same effect.

Work 20 rows total, shaping arm edges slightly on rows 15 and 16 by decreasing 1 stitch at each side. The bodice should cover from just below the neck to the waist.

Seam the back invisibly and fit it snugly around the bunny body. The neckline should sit close, like a jewel neckline. The lower edge meets the skirt cleanly.

Flower Brooch

The brooch sits high on the bunny’s right chest area. It has layered petals in taupe and a small pale center.

1. CO 24 sts in taupe.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. On next row, work K2tog, yo across for a decorative edge.
4. Work 2 more rows garter.
5. Bind off and gather into a rosette.

For center, make a tiny cream spiral strip or a stitched knot center. Sew the brooch flat onto the bodice.

Skirt

The skirt is smooth, softly flared, and ends with a broad cream lower band finished by a taupe geometric motif. It is not heavily gathered.

Pick up 56 sts around the lower bodice edge or work separately and sew on.

1. Knit 4 rnds.
2. Increase evenly to 72 sts on next rnd.
3. Knit 8 rnds.
4. Increase evenly to 84 sts on next rnd.
5. Knit 10 rnds.

Begin lower border motif. The visible design resembles soft diamonds and arches. A simple repeat that captures the look is enough.

Suggested 12-stitch repeat in taupe over cream:

• Rnd 1: K all in cream
• Rnd 2: Work taupe points at every repeat center
• Rnd 3: Extend points outward by 1 stitch each side
• Rnd 4: Fill center diamond
• Rnd 5: Narrow again toward top
• Rnd 6: Cream all

Repeat the motif around the full skirt once only. Keep the contrast section shallow, about 6 rounds high.

Finish with 6 rounds cream and then 4 rows garter worked flat after dividing at the back if preferred, or garter in the round by alternating knit and purl rounds.

Bind off loosely. The hem should curve gently and sit flat.

Crown Tiara

The tiara is delicate, pointed, and lace-like with pearl accents near the sides. It is not a full circular crown. It sits across the front top of the head like a princess headpiece.

CO 27 sts in cream and work flat.

1. Row 1 WS: Purl.
2. Row 2 RS: K1, yo, k2tog, K3, yo, ssk, K3, yo, k2tog, K3, yo, ssk, K3, yo, k2tog, K1.
3. Row 3: Purl.
4. Row 4: Knit.
5. Row 5: Form points by binding off between sections while preserving 5 raised peaks.

A simpler method is to knit 5 separate leaf points and sew them onto a narrow base band.

For leaf points, make 5:

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Increase each RS row at both edges until 9 sts.
3. Work 4 rows in a lace leaf arrangement with yo and centered decreases.
4. Decrease back to 3 sts and bind off.

Sew the 5 points to a narrow cream band sized to fit the head front. Add tiny pearl-style beads near the outer sides, then sew the tiara securely above the forehead and between the ear bases.

Crossbody Bag

The bag is a small soft rectangle with a long strap crossing from the bunny’s left shoulder to right hip. The front has a taupe heart-like motif.

1. CO 12 sts in cream.
2. Work 10 rows St st.
3. Work 1 motif row centered in taupe, building a small geometric heart over 4 to 6 rows.
4. Work until piece measures about 1 3/4 inches tall.
5. Fold lower half upward and seam sides.

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For edging, pick up stitches around the flap and knit 1 or 2 rows in taupe.

For strap:

1. CO 36 to 40 sts in taupe.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. Bind off.

Sew strap from upper left side of the bag, across the bunny body, to upper right back area. Position bag to rest on the bunny’s right hip exactly as in the image.

Mini Bouquet

The bouquet is made of tiny rolled roses in blush, rose, deep rose, and ivory. The stems are hidden, so you only need compact floral heads grouped together.

Make 5 to 7 mini roses.

For each rose:

1. CO 14 sts in chosen color.
2. Work 2 rows garter.
3. Next row: Kfb in every stitch. 28 sts.
4. Work 1 row purl.
5. Bind off loosely.
6. Roll strip into a rose spiral and stitch base closed.

For smaller buds, CO 10 sts and follow the same method.

Group flowers tightly into a round bouquet. Wrap the base with a small cream knitted strip or simply stitch them together into a handheld cluster.

Sew or tack lightly to the bunny’s left hand area so it looks naturally held.

Tiny Bird Companion

The little bird is perched upright and wears a cream dress with a taupe border, visually echoing the bunny’s skirt. Its head and wings are brown-taupe, and it has a tiny pointed beak and a small crown.

Bird Body

1. CO 8 sts in cream and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Inc evenly to 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: Inc evenly to 16 sts.
5. Knit 8 rnds.
6. Add a simple taupe hem motif over 3 to 4 rnds near the lower edge.
7. Knit 2 rnds cream.

Stuff lightly. The base should be wide enough for the bird to stand.

Bird Head

1. With taupe, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Increase to 14 sts over several rnds.
3. Knit 6 rnds.
4. Decrease to 8 sts.

Stuff lightly and sew to the top of the cream body. The head should tilt just slightly to the bunny.

Bird Wings

Make 2 in taupe.

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Work 8 rows St st, increasing at one edge every other row to make a teardrop wing.
3. Bind off and sew flat to the sides.

Bird Beak and Tail

• Beak: embroider or knit a tiny orange-brown point
• Tail: make a tiny taupe triangle and sew at back

Bird Crown

Make a miniature version of the bunny tiara with 3 points and sew to the bird head.

Assembly Order

1. Sculpt and finish the head
2. Attach ears
3. Join or sew head to body
4. Attach legs
5. Attach feet and shoe straps
6. Attach arms
7. Fit and sew bodice
8. Attach skirt
9. Sew on flower brooch
10. Add crown
11. Attach bag strap and bag
12. Position bouquet
13. Assemble bird and place beside bunny

Take your time with spacing. The charm of this design comes from exact balance between all the little elements.

Styling Notes for Accuracy

• The bunny should remain mostly monochrome cream
• The contrast color should stay soft taupe, never harsh dark brown
• The bodice texture should be the visual focus at the chest
• The skirt flare should be gentle, not gathered into a tutu shape
• The ears should hang lower than the jawline
• The crown should be airy and pointed
• The bag should be small and tidy, not oversized
• The bouquet should be rounded and pastel
• The bird should echo the bunny’s outfit so the pair looks coordinated

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all pieces are attached, check the bunny from the front. Make sure the head is centered, the ears are even, the arms hang symmetrically, and the skirt sits level.

Revisit the face last. If needed, deepen the eye placement with a tiny stitch pull from the back of the head. Keep the nose small, the mouth soft, and the cheeks rounded. A little shading under the nose with matching thread can add depth without changing the calm expression.

Care Notes

This knitted bunny is best treated as a decorative soft toy or gentle keepsake. It can be handled, displayed, and gifted, but delicate accessories such as the crown, bouquet, and bag strap should be handled carefully.

• Store away from direct sunlight
• Keep dry and dust-free
• Avoid rough pulling on the ears, crown, or strap
• If gifting to a small child, secure all embellishments firmly

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and evenly shaped
• Eyes low, small, and evenly spaced
• Nose centered with tidy mouth embroidery
• Ears attached under the crown line
• Sweater texture centered on the chest
• Flower brooch placed high on one side
• Skirt border visible and level
• Shoes rounded with clear straps
• Bag resting at the right hip
• Bouquet compact and balanced in color
• Bird standing neatly with matching outfit details

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean with a soft cloth, cool water, and a very small amount of mild soap. Do not soak unless absolutely necessary.

If full cleaning is needed, hand wash gently in cool water, press out moisture with a towel, reshape carefully, and dry flat away from heat. Never twist or wring the toy.

For long-term preservation, wrap loosely in clean tissue and store in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags for long periods, especially in warm or humid spaces.

If the crown or bouquet becomes misshapen, lightly steam nearby air around the piece without touching it directly, then reshape with your fingers and let it dry completely.