Knitting Tutorial: Royal Red Gown Bunny – Free Knitting Pattern

This elegant knitted set creates a collectible bunny dressed in a rich wine-red gown with floral trim, a matching hat, little shoes, a crossbody bag, a tiny fox friend, a teapot, and stacked books. It is perfect for knitters who love heirloom toys, luxury handmade gifts, cottagecore decor, nursery keepsakes, and artisan collectible dolls. The finished display has the look of a boutique pattern you would expect in a premium toy knitting book, yet it is approachable when you follow each step carefully and keep track of every stitch count.

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

Overview

This pattern is written in US English and is designed to recreate the full knitted display shown in the image: the tall bunny, the royal red overdress, cream underdress, hat, shoes, purse, the small fox, a floral teapot, and two miniature books.

The style is refined and decorative, so the pattern combines knitted shaping with embroidered finishing. The main structure of every item is knitted. Surface flowers, gold scrolls, trim chains, and tiny decorative accents are added afterward with embroidery and light couching.

The bunny is built with a long oval head, narrow neck, soft pear-shaped body, slim arms, seated-style feet, and long hanging ears. The clothing is fitted to the body rather than oversized. This is important because the photographed toy has a dressed, tailored silhouette.

The finished bunny measures about 12 inches tall from feet to top of head, or about 14 inches tall to the top of the hat. The fox is about 4 inches tall. Gauge matters because the pieces must hold shape well when stuffed.

Materials

• Main yarn for bunny: DK weight in warm cream, about 120 grams
• Dress yarn: DK weight in deep wine red, about 90 grams
• Contrast yarn: DK weight in muted gold, about 20 grams
• Fox yarn: DK weight in fox orange, cream, moss green, brown, and a small amount of wine red
• Accessories: small amounts of olive green, dusty rose, bright red, plum, and parchment beige
• Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) double-pointed needles or magic loop for tight toy knitting
• Optional trim needle: US 1 (2.25 mm) for narrow edges and tiny accessories
• Stuffing: firm polyester fiberfill
• Notions: stitch markers, row counter, tapestry needle, pins, sewing needle, matching sewing thread
• Eyes: two 4 mm black safety eyes or small French knots in black yarn
• Optional structure: light floral wire or pipe cleaner wrapped in yarn for hat brim if desired

Gauge and Finished Measurements

Gauge: 30 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches in stockinette worked in the round on US 2 needles with DK yarn. Toys should be knit firmly so stuffing does not show through.

• Bunny body with head: about 12 inches tall
• Hat diameter: about 4 inches
• Fox: about 4 inches tall
• Teapot: about 2 inches wide
• Books: about 1 inch and 1 1/4 inches wide

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• row = row
• inc = increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of stitch
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• m1L = make 1 left
• m1R = make 1 right
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• sl = slip
• ssk = left-leaning decrease
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Helpful Notes Before You Begin

All toy parts are worked with the right side facing out. If you use double-pointed needles or magic loop, most pieces are worked in the round. If you prefer knitting flat, you may work the pieces in stockinette and seam them, but the stitch counts below are written for the round.

Stuff gradually. Do not overstuff the neck, wrists, or the lower skirt. The photographed bunny has a refined silhouette with soft shaping, not a round bulky toy shape. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time and shape with your fingers often.

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The decorative floral and gold details are what create the royal look. Do not skip them. They are added after knitting, so even though the base pieces are simple, the final appearance becomes highly detailed and true to the picture.

Bunny Legs and Body

Make 2 Legs

Using cream yarn and US 2 needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly across needles and join to work in the round.

1. Rnd 1: k12.
2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k24.
4. Rnd 4: k1, m1R, k10, m1L, k1, k1, m1R, k10, m1L, k1. 28 sts.
5. Rnds 5-8: k28.
6. Rnd 9: k2tog, k10, ssk, k2tog, k10, ssk. 24 sts.
7. Rnds 10-12: k24.
8. Rnd 13: k2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2, k2tog, k6, ssk, k2. 20 sts.
9. Rnds 14-24: k20.

Lightly stuff foot and lower leg. Leave upper leg less full so the dress drapes better. Break yarn on first leg only and place stitches on holder. Knit second leg the same way but do not break yarn.

Join Legs and Knit Body

With second leg on working needle, knit across 20 sts of second leg, CO 4 sts for the crotch bridge, knit 20 sts from first leg, CO 4 sts. You now have 48 sts. Place marker for start of round.

1. Rnd 1: k48.
2. Rnd 2: k48.
3. Rnd 3: k20, kfb, k2, kfb, k20, kfb, k2, kfb. 52 sts.
4. Rnds 4-10: k52.
5. Rnd 11: k8, m1R, k10, m1L, k16, m1R, k10, m1L, k8. 56 sts.
6. Rnds 12-18: k56.

At this point the body should be widest around the lower torso. The bunny in the image has a slim waist and gentle chest, so the next rounds narrow the middle and softly build the upper body.

1. Rnd 19: k6, k2tog, k18, ssk, k6, k2tog, k18, ssk. 52 sts.
2. Rnd 20: k52.
3. Rnd 21: k5, k2tog, k17, ssk, k5, k2tog, k17, ssk. 48 sts.
4. Rnds 22-26: k48.
5. Rnd 27: k12, m1R, k12, m1L, k12, m1R, k12, m1L. 52 sts.
6. Rnds 28-32: k52.
7. Rnd 33: k11, k2tog, k12, ssk, k11, k2tog, k12, ssk. 48 sts.
8. Rnds 34-36: k48.

Stuff body firmly from feet to chest. Shape the hips gently outward and the waist inward. The body should stand under its own stuffing pressure when supported, but still feel soft.

Neck and Head

The photographed bunny has a relatively large head with a soft oval face and narrow chin. The muzzle is short, not protruding sharply. Follow the sequence closely for the right proportion.

1. Rnd 37: k4, k2tog, k16, ssk, k4, k2tog, k16, ssk. 44 sts.
2. Rnd 38: k44.
3. Rnd 39: k3, k2tog, k15, ssk, k3, k2tog, k15, ssk. 40 sts.
4. Rnd 40: k40.
5. Rnd 41: k2, k2tog, k14, ssk, k2, k2tog, k14, ssk. 36 sts.
6. Rnds 42-46: k36.

Push a small extra amount of stuffing into the chest before shaping the neck. This creates the gentle forward support needed for the head.

1. Rnd 47: k2tog around. 18 sts.
2. Rnds 48-51: k18.
3. Rnd 52: k1, m1R around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 53: k36.
5. Rnd 54: k3, m1R around. 45 sts.
6. Rnd 55: k45.
7. Rnd 56: k4, m1R around. 54 sts.
8. Rnds 57-64: k54.

Insert safety eyes between rnds 61 and 62, spaced 8 stitches apart on the front half of the head. If embroidering eyes later, mark those positions with scrap yarn instead.

1. Rnd 65: k7, k2tog, rep around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 66: k48.
3. Rnd 67: k6, k2tog, rep around. 42 sts.
4. Rnd 68: k42.
5. Rnd 69: k5, k2tog, rep around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 70: k36.
7. Rnd 71: k4, k2tog, rep around. 30 sts.

Stuff head firmly and shape the cheeks evenly. Make sure the face remains flat enough on the front for embroidery. Continue:

1. Rnd 72: k3, k2tog, rep around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 73: k2, k2tog, rep around. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 74: k1, k2tog, rep around. 12 sts.

Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull tight, and fasten. Add a tiny dimple at the crown by passing yarn through the center and back down once.

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Ears

Make 2 in cream. The ears are long, narrow, and softly tapered. They should hang close to the cheeks and fall slightly forward, just like the image.

CO 8 sts and divide to work in the round.

1. Rnds 1-4: k8.
2. Rnd 5: k1, m1R, k2, m1L, k2, m1R, k1, m1L. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 6-12: k12.
4. Rnd 13: k2, m1R, k6, m1L, k2. 14 sts.
5. Rnds 14-30: k14.
6. Rnd 31: k1, k2tog, k8, ssk, k1. 12 sts.
7. Rnds 32-40: k12.
8. Rnd 41: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
9. Rnd 42: k10.
10. Rnd 43: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
11. Rnd 44: k8.

BO loosely. Do not stuff ears. Flatten each ear and lightly steam if your yarn allows. Stitch them to the head from about rnd 53 upward, one on each side, angled slightly forward.

Arms

Make 2 in cream. The arms are slim and fall straight downward. Stuff only lightly so the lace cuffs and sleeve tops sit naturally.

CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: k8.
2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 3-5: k16.
4. Rnd 6: k2tog around. 8 sts.
5. Rnds 7-20: k8.
6. Rnd 21: k1, m1R, k2, m1L, k1, k1, m1R, k2, m1L, k1. 12 sts.
7. Rnds 22-28: k12.
8. Rnd 29: k12.

Stuff hand and lower arm lightly. Flatten top and BO using three-needle bind-off or graft closed. Sew arms to body at upper torso, about 2 rounds below neck shaping. Angle them slightly downward and forward.

Muzzle and Nose Shaping

Using cream yarn, sew a horizontal muzzle line 4 stitches wide between the eyes and 5 rows below them. Pull lightly to define cheeks. With dark brown or black yarn, embroider a small Y-shaped nose and mouth centered on the muzzle.

The nose in the image is tiny and delicate. Keep the stitched triangle narrow, about 2 stitches wide and 2 rows tall. Add one short vertical stitch down and split into two tiny diagonal mouth stitches.

Cream Underdress

This section forms the visible cream dress beneath the wine-red overskirt. It includes a fitted bodice and a plain skirt section with room for floral embroidery and lace-like detailing at the hem.

Work from lower hem upward in cream. CO 80 sts. Join carefully without twisting.

1. Rnds 1-4: *k1, p1; rep around.
2. Rnd 5: k80.
3. Rnd 6: *k8, k2tog; rep around. 72 sts.
4. Rnds 7-10: k72.
5. Rnd 11: *k7, k2tog; rep around. 64 sts.
6. Rnds 12-16: k64.
7. Rnd 17: *k6, k2tog; rep around. 56 sts.
8. Rnds 18-22: k56.
9. Rnd 23: *k5, k2tog; rep around. 48 sts.
10. Rnds 24-28: k48.

Try on the bunny body. The underdress should slide over the body snugly. Continue bodice shaping:

1. Rnd 29: *k4, k2tog; rep around. 40 sts.
2. Rnd 30: k40.
3. Rnd 31: *k3, k2tog; rep around. 32 sts.
4. Rnds 32-35: k32.
5. Rnd 36: *k1, p1; rep around.
6. Rnd 37: BO loosely in pattern.

Sew the underdress up the back neatly if you worked it flat after checking fit, or leave as a tube and tack invisibly at the shoulders. Embroider three red flowers and one lace-fan motif on the lower front center exactly as shown.

Underdress Floral Embroidery

• Use deep red for flower petals, olive for stems, muted gold for centers.
• Place 3 flowers across the lower front, about 1 inch above hem.
• Work each flower with 5 small satin petals around one French knot center.
• Add a lace-fan motif beneath using duplicate stitch and straight stitches in cream and gold.

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Royal Red Overdress

The overdress is the most important clothing piece. It has a deep red skirt, fitted waist, narrow shoulder straps, and decorative gold chains and floral accents. The front is open enough to show the cream underdress panel.

Work the skirt first in wine red, from hem upward. CO 96 sts and join.

1. Rnds 1-3: k96.
2. Rnd 4: *k10, kfb; rep around. 104 sts.
3. Rnds 5-8: k104.
4. Rnd 9: *k11, k2tog; rep around. 96 sts.
5. Rnds 10-14: k96.
6. Rnd 15: *k10, k2tog; rep around. 88 sts.
7. Rnds 16-20: k88.
8. Rnd 21: *k9, k2tog; rep around. 80 sts.
9. Rnds 22-26: k80.
10. Rnd 27: *k8, k2tog; rep around. 72 sts.
11. Rnds 28-31: k72.

Now form the front opening panel by working back and forth on the skirt rather than in the round. BO 20 sts for center front opening, knit remaining 52 sts. Turn.

From now on, work rows.

1. Row 32 RS: k52.
2. Row 33 WS: p52.
3. Row 34 RS: k52.
4. Row 35 WS: p52.
5. Row 36 RS: k2tog, k48, ssk. 50 sts.
6. Row 37 WS: p50.
7. Row 38 RS: k2tog, k46, ssk. 48 sts.
8. Row 39 WS: p48.
9. Row 40 RS: k2tog, k44, ssk. 46 sts.
10. Row 41 WS: p46.
11. Row 42 RS: k46.
12. Row 43 WS: p46.
13. Row 44 RS: k2tog, k42, ssk. 44 sts.
14. Row 45 WS: p44.
15. Row 46 RS: k44.
16. Row 47 WS: p44.

Divide for upper bodice and straps:

1. Row 48 RS: k10, BO 24, k10.

Work each side separately for straps.

Left strap:

1. Row 49 WS: p10.
2. Row 50 RS: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
3. Row 51 WS: p8.
4. Rows 52-57: work even in stockinette on 8 sts.
5. Row 58: BO.

Right strap: Rejoin yarn and work same as left strap.

Sew the skirt opening around the underdress so the cream center panel remains visible. Cross the straps over the shoulders and stitch to the back bodice area.

Overdress Gold Trims and Front Decorations

With muted gold yarn, work surface embroidery and couching to copy the image. This part changes a simple red dress into the royal gown appearance.

• Embroider a narrow gold border around the lower hem.
• Add tiny gold flowers and stems spaced around the red hem.
• At the waist, embroider two central floral medallions, one on each side of the front opening.
• From each medallion, drape 3 curved gold chain lines toward the center and down, like hanging garlands.
• Add a short gold neckline edging and tiny vertical shoulder trims.

Use chain stitch, backstitch, and couched yarn. Keep all lines fine. The photographed decoration is ornate but not heavy. The red should remain dominant, while gold provides delicate definition.

Lace Sleeves or Cuffs

The bunny wears cream lace-like puffs around the lower upper arms, visible as airy sleeve frills. These may be knit as tiny flat pieces and stitched around each arm.

Make 2 in cream. CO 24 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: *k2, yo; rep across. 36 sts.
2. Row 2 WS: p36.
3. Row 3 RS: *ssk, yo; rep across. 36 sts.
4. Row 4 WS: p36.
5. Row 5 RS: k36.
6. Row 6 WS: p36.
7. BO loosely.

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Gather one long edge very lightly and stitch around the arm just below shoulder level. Let the cuff flare outward in a soft wing shape.

Shoes

Make 2 in wine red with gold embroidery. These are slip-on shoes stitched to the feet. They should be low, rounded, and elegant rather than bulky.

CO 10 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: k10.
2. Rnd 2: kfb in each st. 20 sts.
3. Rnds 3-4: k20.
4. Rnd 5: k5, k2tog 5 times, k5. 15 sts.
5. Rnd 6: k15.
6. Rnd 7: k1, k2tog, k9, ssk, k1. 13 sts.
7. Rnd 8: k13.

BO. Flatten and stitch onto each foot. Embroider a central red flower and gold leaf scrolls over the toe area. Add a fine gold edge around the opening.

Crossbody Bag

In wine red, CO 12 sts. Work flat.

1. Rows 1-14: stockinette, slipping first stitch of every row.
2. Row 15 RS: k12.
3. Rows 16-20: stockinette.
4. BO.

Fold lower 12 rows upward to form the pouch, leaving top 8 rows as flap. Sew side seams. Embroider one small flower on the flap. Add a tiny gold button or French knot closure.

Strap: Using I-cord, make 18 inches in wine red. Sew to bag sides and drape diagonally from the bunny’s left shoulder to right hip. Add one short gold chain-like embroidered loop across the bag front.

Hat

The hat is cream with a wine-red band and tiny red flowers. It has a softly flared brim, rounded crown, and a low dome. The hat sits low enough to frame the face and ears.

Using cream, CO 12 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: k12.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: k24.
4. Rnd 4: *k3, kfb; rep around. 30 sts.
5. Rnd 5: k30.
6. Rnd 6: *k4, kfb; rep around. 36 sts.
7. Rnd 7: k36.
8. Rnd 8: *k5, kfb; rep around. 42 sts.
9. Rnds 9-14: k42.

This forms the crown. Now widen for brim.

1. Rnd 15: *k6, kfb; rep around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 16: k48.
3. Rnd 17: *k7, kfb; rep around. 54 sts.
4. Rnd 18: k54.
5. Rnd 19: *k8, kfb; rep around. 60 sts.
6. Rnd 20: k60.
7. Rnd 21: *k9, kfb; rep around. 66 sts.
8. Rnd 22: k66.
9. Rnd 23: BO loosely knitwise.

Flatten the lower edge slightly outward with steam or finger shaping. Embroider a wine-red band around the hat at the join between crown and brim. Add 3 tiny red flowers with olive leaves along the front-left side. Sew hat to head with a slight forward tilt.

Fox Friend

The fox is a small companion with an orange head and tail, cream muzzle and chest, brown paws, and a green sweater with a little brown hat. Work the fox firmly and keep the body slim so it appears upright beside the bunny.

Fox Legs and Body

Using brown, make 2 legs.

CO 6 sts each, join.

1. Rnds 1-4: k6.
2. Change to orange.
3. Rnds 5-10: k6.

Break yarn on first leg. Knit second leg and join both with CO 2 sts between them. Total 14 sts.

1. Rnd 11: k14.
2. Rnd 12: k14.
3. Change to green for sweater.
4. Rnds 13-22: k14.
5. Rnd 23: *k5, k2tog; rep twice. 12 sts.
6. Rnd 24: k12.
7. Rnd 25: *k4, k2tog; rep twice. 10 sts.

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Stuff body. Change to orange for head.

1. Rnd 26: kfb around. 20 sts.
2. Rnds 27-31: k20.

Insert eyes between rnds 29 and 30, 5 stitches apart.

1. Rnd 32: *k3, k2tog; rep around. 16 sts.
2. Rnd 33: k16.
3. Rnd 34: *k2, k2tog; rep around. 12 sts.

Stuff head and pull closed.

Fox Muzzle

In cream, CO 8 sts and work flat.

1. Rows 1-3: stockinette.
2. Row 4: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
3. Row 5: p6.
4. BO.

Sew to lower fox face and stuff very lightly. Embroider black nose.

Fox Arms

Make 2. Using brown, CO 4 sts.

1. Rnds 1-3: k4.
2. Change to green.
3. Rnds 4-8: k4.
4. BO and sew to sides.

Fox Ears

Make 2 in orange.

1. CO 6 sts flat.
2. Row 1 RS: k.
3. Row 2 WS: p.
4. Row 3: k1, k2tog, k1, ssk, k1. 4 sts.
5. Row 4: p4.
6. Row 5: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
7. BO.

Fold and sew to top of head. Add a tiny dark edge with one strand of brown yarn if desired.

Fox Tail

Using orange, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnds 1-6: k8.
2. Change to cream.
3. Rnds 7-8: k8.
4. Rnd 9: k2tog around. 4 sts.

Stuff lightly and sew to back at an angle curving outward.

Fox Hat and Apple

Hat: In brown, CO 6 sts and join. Work 4 rounds knit. Increase to 10 sts on next round, knit 2 rounds, BO loosely. Embroider green band. Sew to head.

Apple: In cream or pale yellow, CO 6 sts. Knit 4 rounds, k2tog around to 3 sts, pull closed. Add red duplicate stitch on one side and a tiny brown stem.

Teapot

Using cream, CO 12 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: k12.
2. Rnd 2: kfb around. 24 sts.
3. Rnds 3-6: k24.
4. Rnd 7: *k2, k2tog; rep around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 8: k18.
6. Rnd 9: *k1, k2tog; rep around. 12 sts.

Stuff lightly and pull closed. For the lid, CO 8 sts, knit 3 rounds, k2tog around to 4 sts, close. Sew on top. Add a tiny burgundy knob.

Spout: CO 4 sts, knit I-cord for 6 rows, taper with k2tog twice. Sew to one side angled upward.

Handle: CO 10 sts flat, BO. Curve into a loop and stitch to opposite side.

Embroider three small red flowers and olive stems around the pot. Add a burgundy edge around the lid and lower rim.

Books

Make 2 books in different sizes. Work each as a flat rectangle and fold around stuffing or a felt insert.

Small Book

With olive green, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: garter stitch.
2. BO.

With cream yarn, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1-5: garter stitch.
2. BO.

Wrap green cover around cream pages and stitch closed. Add one gold line on the cover.

Large Book

With wine red, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1-7: garter stitch.
2. BO.

With cream, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1-6: garter stitch.
2. BO.

Assemble the same way. Stack books with a little offset, just like the picture.

Dress Placement and Styling Notes

The bunny’s final look depends on neat placement. Dress the bunny in the cream underdress first. Then position the red overdress so the cream front panel is centered and clearly visible. The straps should sit near the outer shoulders.

The lace cuffs should sit below the short sleeves of the overdress. The purse strap crosses from the bunny’s left shoulder to the right hip. Shoes should point slightly outward. The hat sits low, with flowers facing front-left.

Embroidery Placement Map

• Hat: 3 red flowers on band, front-left side
• Bodice: 2 floral medallions near waistline, one on each side of front opening
• Skirt hem: spaced gold stems and tiny flowers all around
• Cream front panel: 3 red flowers centered low on skirt
• Shoes: one flower on each toe with gold leaf sprays
• Bag flap: 1 small flower centered
• Teapot: 3 floral motifs around body

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew ears first, then arms. Dress the bunny fully before attaching the purse permanently. Add the hat last. For the face, keep features minimal: two small black eyes, a tiny brown-black nose, and a short split mouth. A slight muzzle indent gives the same calm expression seen in the photo.

Care Notes

Display pieces are best kept as decorative knitted toys rather than rough-play toys. Handle the hat brim, purse strap, and teapot spout gently. If gifting to a child, embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes and secure every small decorative stitch firmly.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and shaped evenly
• Ears attached symmetrically and angled forward
• Cream underdress centered and visible
• Red overdress opening balanced on both sides
• Gold embroidered garlands added at front waist
• Shoes stitched securely and matched
• Hat tilted slightly forward
• Fox, teapot, and books scaled neatly beside bunny

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with cool water and a soft cloth whenever possible. Do not twist or wring the knitted pieces. Reshape while damp and dry flat away from direct sunlight. For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and keep in a dry box to protect the embroidery, stuffing shape, and deep red color.