Violet High-Low Whisper Bunny – Knitting

This elegant bunny doll set blends a soft heirloom look with charming giftable details. The main bunny features a lilac high-low dress, a textured bodice, a cropped green cardigan, a cloche hat with a rose, lace-up shoes, a tiny purse, a flower bouquet, and a folded handkerchief. The companion penguin echoes the same palette for a beautiful coordinated display. If you love collectible knitted toys, handmade nursery decor, spring doll outfits, artisan stuffed animals, and boutique baby shower gifts, this design creates a polished handmade piece with strong handmade toy appeal and lovely gift-shop charm.

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

Materials

• Main bunny yarn: sport or light DK weight in warm beige for head, ears, arms, and legs.
• Dress yarn: soft pale lilac for skirt and shoes.
• Bodice yarn: medium violet for the upper dress panel and skirt trim.
• Cardigan yarn: muted leafy green.
• Hat yarn: pale lilac plus violet for the rose.
• Purse yarn: dusty mauve or mauve-pink.
• Bouquet yarn: violet, lavender, green, and tiny amounts of yellow or cream for flower centers.
• Penguin yarn: black, white, pale lilac, violet, green, yellow-orange.
• Gift box yarn: mauve, pale lilac, and white.
• Needles: a size that gives a dense fabric. For sport yarn, 2.25 mm to 2.75 mm is a good starting point.
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop for small circumferences.
• Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery.
• Stitch markers.
• Stuffing: fine polyester toy filling.
• Black safety eyes or black embroidery yarn for eyes.
• Fine black or dark brown yarn for nose and mouth.
• Optional wire-free shaping aid: extra stuffing and small fabric pellets sealed in a pouch for balance.

Finished Size

The main bunny is designed to sit at approximately 11 to 13 inches tall from the bottom of the feet to the top of the hat. The ears hang down beneath the hat brim and frame the face.

The penguin companion is much smaller, around 4 to 5 inches tall. The tiny gift box and accessories should scale clearly smaller than the bunny’s hands, just as shown.

Gauge and Fabric Notes

This project must be worked at a firm gauge. The stitches in the photo are neat, compact, and smooth, with no gaps showing stuffing through the fabric.

If your fabric looks open, move down a needle size. The body should feel sculpted and tidy. The dress should drape softly but still hold the high-low silhouette.

The outfit in the image relies on clean edges, well-shaped curves, and restrained stuffing. Avoid overstuffing the face and body. The rabbit’s form is rounded but refined, not puffy.

Abbreviations

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

Construction Overview

The main bunny is worked in separate pieces and then assembled. The head is round and slightly larger than the torso. The muzzle is formed by shaping and careful stuffing rather than a separate snout piece.

The torso is narrow through the waist and widens gently at the hips when seated. The legs are long, slim, and softly stuffed. The feet are enclosed by lilac shoes with crisscross ties.

The dress is a key visual feature. It has a violet textured bodice and a pale lilac skirt. The hem is longer at the back than the front, with a bold violet decorative band near the lower edge.

The cardigan is cropped, open at the front, and ends above the widest part of the skirt. The sleeves are bracelet length. The hat is a rounded cloche with a turned brim and a violet rosette placed on one side.

Main Bunny: Head

1. Using beige, CO 12 sts divided evenly for working in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit.
3. Round 2: Kfb in each st. 24 sts.
4. Round 3: Knit.
5. Round 4: K1, kfb around. 36 sts.
6. Round 5: Knit.
7. Round 6: K2, kfb around. 48 sts.
8. Round 7: Knit.
9. Round 8: K3, kfb around. 60 sts.
10. Rounds 9 to 22: Knit even.

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At this stage, add the eyes before closing the head. Place the eyes low enough to leave a broad forehead beneath the hat, but high enough to keep the muzzle area open for the embroidered nose.

The eyes in the image are small, oval-looking dark eyes with a soft inward slant created by placement. Set them about 8 to 10 stitches apart, centered on the front face.

11. Round 23: K3, k2tog around. 48 sts.
12. Round 24: Knit.
13. Round 25: K2, k2tog around. 36 sts.
14. Begin stuffing firmly at the crown and more lightly toward the lower face.
15. Round 26: Knit.
16. Round 27: K1, k2tog around. 24 sts.
17. Round 28: Knit.
18. Round 29: K2tog around. 12 sts.
19. Finish stuffing. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

Shape the face gently with your fingers. The head should be smooth and almost spherical, but slightly flatter at the lower front where the stitched nose and mouth will sit.

Main Bunny: Ears

The ears are long, narrow, and softly drooping. They hang from under the hat and fall to shoulder level. Knit 2.

1. Using beige, CO 8 sts.
2. Work flat in stockinette, slipping the first stitch of each row for neat edges.
3. Row 1: Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 2: Purl.
5. Row 3: Kfb, knit to last st, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 4 to 30: Work even in stockinette.
7. Row 31: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 32: Purl.
9. Row 33: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 8 sts.
10. Rows 34 to 38: Work even.
11. Row 39: Ssk, knit to last 2 sts, k2tog. 6 sts.
12. Row 40: Purl.
13. Row 41: K2tog, k2, k2tog. 4 sts.
14. Row 42: Purl.
15. Row 43: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
16. Row 44: P2tog. Fasten off.

Make a second matching ear. Fold each ear lengthwise very lightly and seam the side edges only if needed. Do not stuff. The ears in the image are flat, supple, and slightly curved inward.

For a softly lined look, embroider or lightly shade the inner ear with a faint mauve thread, or simply keep the ear plain beige if you want the clean knitted finish visible in the photo.

Main Bunny: Torso

The torso is slim and doll-like, with a seated finish under the dress. It should be narrower than the head and slightly weighted at the base.

1. Using beige, CO 12 sts in the round.
2. Round 1: Knit.
3. Round 2: Kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Round 3: Knit.
5. Round 4: K1, kfb around. 36 sts.
6. Rounds 5 to 10: Knit even.
7. Round 11: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
8. Rounds 12 to 16: Knit even.
9. Round 17: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
10. Rounds 18 to 24: Knit even.

Stuff the torso firmly at the lower half and moderately at the upper half. The shoulders should be gentle, not broad.

11. Round 25: K2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
12. Round 26: Knit.
13. Leave a long tail for sewing to the head.

Main Bunny: Arms

The arms are slim and relaxed, hanging beside the skirt. Knit 2.

1. Using beige, CO 8 sts in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 16: Knit even.
3. Round 17: K2tog, k2 twice. 6 sts.
4. Rounds 18 to 20: Knit.
5. Stuff lightly, mostly near the hand end.
6. Flatten opening and graft or seam closed.

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Do not make the arms too thick. In the image, they are delicate and slightly curved inward from the shoulder attachment.

Main Bunny: Legs

The bunny’s legs are long, straight, and visible below the raised front hem. Knit 2.

1. Using beige, CO 10 sts in the round.
2. Rounds 1 to 26: Knit even.
3. Stuff evenly but keep the top inch softer for shaping.
4. Flatten the upper opening and leave a long tail for attaching.

The legs should sit close together and extend downward from beneath the skirt. They must not splay too widely, or the elegant seated pose will be lost.

Main Bunny: Shoes

The shoes are pale lilac ballet-style slippers with long ties crossing over the front of the leg. Knit 2.

1. Using lilac, CO 10 sts.
2. Work 4 rows in garter stitch.
3. Pick up stitches around the sides to create a small slipper base, or knit a tiny rectangular sole and seam around it.
4. Continue in stockinette for the upper shoe, shaping a shallow instep opening.
5. Work short rows or decreases at the toe so the front rounds neatly.
6. Seam underfoot and at heel.

For each tie, make a long narrow knitted cord or twisted cord in lilac. Thread one tie through each shoe side, cross over the foot, wrap around the ankle, and finish in a small bow at the outer side.

The ties in the photo are fine and graceful, not bulky. Keep them narrow so they look like ribbons translated into knitting.

Dress: Bodice

The bodice is violet and fitted, with a central vertical lace-like motif. This section is important because it creates the refined look seen in the image.

1. Using violet, CO enough stitches to fit around the upper torso snugly. For the sample proportions, begin with 24 sts worked flat or in the round.
2. Work 2 rows of 1×1 rib.
3. Continue in stockinette, placing a centered 8-stitch motif panel at the front.

A simple textured leaf panel that matches the image can be made like this:

• Rows 1 and 3: k2, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k2
• Rows 2 and all WS rows: purl the motif stitches
• Rows 5 and 7: k1, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k1
• Rows 9 and 11: yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo

Repeat the motif vertically until the bodice reaches from underarm level to waist level. The panel should look delicate and centered, not oversized.

Shape the arm openings lightly if you are working the bodice flat. If working in the round, leave openings or attach the bodice as an overlay after assembly. The easiest clean result is a separate bodice sewn neatly to the body.

Dress: High-Low Skirt

The skirt is pale lilac and falls lower at the back than at the front. This silhouette is one of the strongest details in the image and should be preserved carefully.

1. Using lilac, pick up or join yarn at the bodice waist edge.
2. Increase evenly around to create a generous skirt. A full ratio works best here, roughly doubling the waist stitch count.
3. Work in stockinette for several rounds or rows.

To create the high-low shape, work the skirt flat from this point and use short rows, adding depth at the back half.

4. Mark center front and center back.
5. Work across to 6 sts before center front, turn.
6. Wrap and turn, or use your preferred short-row method.
7. On the next pass, work farther each time so the front remains shorter and the back grows deeper.
8. Continue until the back hem is about 1 to 1.5 inches longer than the front hem.

After the shape is set, continue knitting the full skirt length. The front should end around ankle height when the bunny is seated. The back should drape noticeably lower and reveal the richly colored underside edging.

Dress: Lower Decorative Hem Band

Near the bottom of the skirt, add the bold violet trim. In the photo, this looks like a leafy plait or looping vine worked horizontally around the hem.

You can create a close visual effect by knitting a separate decorative braid strip in violet and sewing it around the skirt, about half an inch above the edge.

1. Using violet, CO 6 sts.
2. Work an i-cord braid or narrow cable strip long enough to wrap around the hem circumference.
3. For a leafy movement, alternate 2 rows stockinette with small lateral twists every few stitches.
4. Steam lightly and stitch the strip onto the skirt with invisible sewing.

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Finish the very hem edge in lilac. Under the skirt, you may add a narrow violet lace border or eyelet texture so the underside shows extra detail when the front lifts, just as in the image.

Cardigan

The cardigan is short, open-front, and green with violet wave accents at the sleeve and lower edge. It ends just above the skirt’s fullest section.

1. Using green, CO for the back panel. Work from lower back upward in stockinette.
2. Create a shallow curved neckline and gentle shoulder slope.
3. Knit two front panels separately, mirroring them.
4. Each front panel should narrow slightly toward the neck and remain open with no buttons.
5. Seam shoulders.

Sleeves are slim, slightly tapered, and bracelet length.

6. Pick up or sew sleeves at armholes.
7. Work downward or upward in stockinette, decreasing toward the wrist.
8. At the cuff, switch briefly to violet for a small wave accent, then finish in green or sew on a violet embroidered wave if needed.

For the lower cardigan fronts and back edge, add the same violet wave detail. Keep the cardigan open and relaxed. It should not overlap fully in front.

The cardigan in the image has soft rolled front edges rather than thick ribbing. Avoid heavy borders.

Hat

The hat is a rounded cloche in pale lilac with a softly rolled brim and a violet knitted rose placed on one side above the ear.

1. Using lilac, CO 12 sts in the round.
2. Increase gradually to form a dome, similar to the head start but slightly smaller.
3. Work even until the hat reaches just above eyebrow depth on the bunny head.
4. Increase lightly again over one or two rounds to create the brim.
5. Work several rounds even, then let the brim roll naturally or add a turned edge.

The hat should sit low and neat, not oversized. It frames the face closely and rests over the top of the hanging ears.

Rose for Hat

1. Using violet, CO 40 sts.
2. Work 2 rows stockinette.
3. Next row: K1, kfb across to create a gentle frill.
4. Work 2 more rows.
5. BO loosely.
6. Roll the strip into a spiral rose and stitch the base securely.

Sew the rose to one side of the hat, slightly forward rather than centered. The flower in the photo is noticeable but not large enough to dominate the hat.

Purse

The tiny purse is dusty mauve and shaped like a soft heart or rounded teardrop with a narrow handle.

1. Using mauve, knit two small matching shapes in stockinette.
2. Start with 2 or 3 sts, increase to a rounded center, then decrease back to a point.
3. Seam around the edge, stuff lightly, and close.
4. Make a narrow cord handle and attach it near the top.

The purse should hang from the bunny’s left side and rest against the dress without covering the floral bouquet.

Flower Bouquet

The bouquet is small but very important visually. It brings life to the palette and fills the hand area beautifully.

Make several tiny layered flowers in violet and lavender with green leaves. Each flower can be knitted as a tiny strip flower or a five-petal flat motif.

• Flower centers: tiny French-knot style stitches in yellow or cream.
• Leaves: small pointed green shapes worked from 2 stitches up to 5 or 6, then back down.
• Stems: twisted green cords or embroidered strands.

Arrange the bouquet asymmetrically. The image shows clustered blossoms with more violet than pale lavender. Keep the bouquet compact so it nestles at the bunny’s left side.

Folded Handkerchief or Small Booklet

On the bunny’s right side sits a tiny folded lilac accessory edged with violet. It reads like a handkerchief, mini booklet, or small folded cloth. To match the picture closely, make it as a folded square cloth.

1. Using lilac, CO a small square.
2. Work in garter or stockinette with a neat violet border on one or two edges.
3. BO and fold once or twice into a compact rectangle.
4. Secure the fold with one or two hidden stitches.
5. Add a tiny embroidered sprig or stitch detail if desired.

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Tuck it beside the right hand so it looks intentionally placed, not tightly gripped.

Companion Penguin

The small penguin echoes the bunny’s outfit colors and makes the entire display feel curated. It should be simple, charming, and clearly smaller than the bunny.

Penguin Body

1. Using black, CO 8 sts in the round.
2. Increase to about 24 or 28 sts.
3. Knit lower body, then introduce a white front panel by intarsia or duplicate stitch later.
4. Shape into a plump oval body with a narrower upper section.
5. Stuff firmly and close.

Penguin Wings

1. Knit two tiny black flat wings.
2. Each wing should be narrow, tapered, and lightly curved.
3. Attach at the side seams low enough to remain visible under the cardigan.

Penguin Beak and Feet

• Beak: a tiny yellow-orange triangle, lightly stuffed or embroidered.
• Feet: two small flat yellow-orange shapes attached at the base front.

Penguin Dress and Cardigan

Dress the penguin in a mini lilac skirt with a violet upper section, plus a tiny green cropped cardigan. Add a miniature lilac hat with a violet rose to mirror the bunny’s hat.

The penguin’s skirt also has a darker violet trim near the hem. Keep the details simplified but unmistakably coordinated.

Gift Box

The tiny knitted box at the left side of the image is mauve with vertical lilac ribbon and a white bow. It works as a sweet decorative extra.

1. Knit a small cube or rectangular box using mauve.
2. Stuff lightly so the shape stays boxy.
3. Wrap a narrow lilac knitted strip vertically and horizontally like ribbon.
4. Add a tiny white bow on top.

This piece can be placed beside the bunny rather than attached.

Assembly

1. Sew the head to the torso, keeping the neck centered and firm.
2. Attach the legs close together at the lower torso so the bunny sits naturally with feet forward.
3. Sew the arms high on the shoulder line, angled slightly downward.
4. Attach the ears to the head sides, a little behind the eye line.
5. Place the hat over the crown and stitch it discreetly in place over the ear tops.
6. Sew the dress bodice neatly to the torso if made separately.
7. Wrap and secure the skirt so the shorter front reveals the legs and shoes.
8. Add the cardigan last, keeping the fronts open.
9. Place the bouquet, purse, and folded cloth exactly where shown.

Before fixing the accessories permanently, sit the bunny on a flat surface and adjust the skirt spread. The front arc should rise gracefully, while the back falls lower in a soft semicircle.

Facial Expression Placement Guide

The rabbit’s face is gentle and understated. A large expression will break the elegant look, so keep all embroidery small and precise.

• Eyes: small and almond-like through placement.
• Nose: a tiny inverted triangle embroidered in dark brown or black.
• Mouth: a short vertical line from the nose, then a tiny split curve.

The muzzle should look calm and slightly wistful. Keep the mouth narrow and centered. Do not add blush unless extremely subtle.

Styling Notes for Accuracy

• The head is larger than the torso, but not dramatically oversized.
• The hat brim is rounded and soft, not floppy.
• The cardigan is cropped and open.
• The skirt is the widest visual shape and must feel airy.
• The darker violet trim near the hem should be prominent.
• The shoes are refined slippers, not chunky boots.
• The bouquet should stay compact with visible green leaves.
• The penguin should mirror the bunny’s palette clearly.

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Helpful Tips for New Knitters

Work slowly and check proportions often. This design depends more on shape balance and finishing than on difficult stitch complexity.

Lay your pieces against each other before sewing. Compare head size to body size, cardigan length to bodice depth, and skirt width to seated leg placement.

When in doubt, pin first and sew second. Small changes in eye placement, ear height, or skirt angle can completely change the personality of the finished doll.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all major seams are complete, check that the bunny sits upright with the front skirt lifted enough to show both legs and the crossed shoe ties. Reposition the bouquet, purse, and folded cloth until the composition feels balanced.

Embroider the nose and mouth last. Pull the stitches gently into the stuffing so the face looks refined and settled rather than raised. Secure all ends firmly inside the head.

Care Notes

Display this piece as a decorative knitted toy rather than rough playwear. Gentle handling will preserve the hat flower, bouquet, and small accessories.

Keep the doll away from prolonged direct sunlight to protect the soft lilac and green shades.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head centered and secure
• Ears even and softly drooping
• Hat stitched in place
• Face balanced and symmetrical
• Skirt shorter in front and longer in back
• Hem trim attached evenly
• Cardigan fronts open and neat
• Shoe ties crossed cleanly
• Bouquet, purse, and folded cloth positioned well
• Penguin and gift box matching the main palette

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean first with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking unless absolutely necessary, especially if the doll includes stitched-on flowers and layered accessories.

If a full wash is needed, hand wash gently in cool water, press out moisture with a towel, reshape carefully, and dry flat. Do not wring, twist, or hang dry.

For storage, wrap the doll in clean tissue and place it in a breathable box. Keep heavy objects away from the hat brim, cardigan edges, and bouquet so the shaping stays crisp.