Crochet Tutorial: Gothic Purple Evening Gown Bunny – Free Crochet

Crochet Tutorial: Gothic Purple Evening Gown Bunny – Free Crochet

This elegant crochet bunny is designed as a handmade amigurumi bunny doll with a dramatic purple evening gown, black lace-style trims, a decorated hat, matching purse, and a tiny woodland squirrel friend. It has the charm of a collectible crochet doll, a boutique-style stuffed bunny gift, and a detailed heirloom toy pattern.

The design blends soft bunny features with a richly layered dress, floral appliqués, and classic accessories that resemble a handcrafted crochet plush you might see in a premium amigurumi shop or artisan toy boutique. The shaping is beginner-aware, but the finishing details make it especially rewarding for intermediate makers.

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 recreates the full scene as crochet pieces: the dressed bunny doll, the wide-brim hat, the purse, the small squirrel companion, the tiny yarn basket, and the little open book.

The bunny has a cream head and body, very long floppy ears, rounded cheeks, a small embroidered nose and mouth, short arms, sturdy legs, and a full skirted silhouette created by the gown.

The outfit is the focus of the design. The dress combines purple and black, with puff sleeves, front overskirt panels, black edging, floral trim at the hem, and a rose detail centered at the neckline.

The hat is broad and slightly tilted, trimmed with black lace-like crochet, a purple rose, and tiny light accents. The purse matches the hat and dress, with a curved flap and dark handle.

The squirrel is small, upright, and sweet, with a rounded head, tiny ears, cream muzzle and belly, green upper garment effect, darker lower body, and a curled tail.

Skill Level

Advanced beginner to intermediate.

  • Basic amigurumi shaping
  • Working in continuous rounds
  • Color changes
  • Simple surface embellishment
  • Appliqué flowers and leaves
  • Basic garment assembly

Materials

  • Light worsted or sport-weight cotton yarn in:
    • Cream
    • Lavender purple
    • Deep violet purple
    • Black
    • Brown
    • Tan
    • Dark olive or moss green
    • Small amount of white
    • Small amount of pink
  • 2.0 mm crochet hook for the main doll and accessories
  • 2.25 mm hook optional for skirt ruffles and floral edging
  • Black safety eyes:
    • 8 mm for bunny
    • 5 mm for squirrel
  • Polyester fiberfill
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Embroidery needle
  • Thin craft wire optional for purse handle support
  • Light cardboard or plastic canvas circle optional for hat brim stability
  • Blush or soft pink textile pencil for cheeks

Abbreviations

  • MR = magic ring
  • ch = chain
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • sc = single crochet
  • inc = 2 sc in same stitch
  • dec = invisible decrease
  • hdc = half double crochet
  • dc = double crochet
  • tr = treble crochet
  • BLO = back loop only
  • FLO = front loop only
  • st = stitch
  • sts = stitches
  • rep = repeat

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Finished Size

Using the yarn and hook above, the bunny measures about 10 to 11 inches tall from feet to top of head, not including the hat brim. With the hat on, total height is about 12 inches.

The squirrel measures about 4 inches tall. The purse is about 2 inches wide. The basket and book are miniature display accessories.

Gauge and Tension

Exact gauge is less important than firm fabric. Your stitches should be tight enough that stuffing does not show through. The doll in the image has dense, neat rounds with very little visible gap.

If your work feels loose, go down one hook size. If the fabric becomes stiff and difficult to shape, go up slightly. Consistent tension matters more than speed for this project.

Color Placement Notes

  • The bunny body is mostly cream.
  • The dress is primarily lavender purple with black edging.
  • Some roses are medium purple, some dark purple, and some black.
  • The squirrel uses brown, tan, cream, green, and dark olive.

Bunny Head

With cream yarn:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
  3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
  4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
  5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
  6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
  7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x6. (42)
  8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x6. (48)
  9. Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) x6. (54)
  10. Rnd 10: (8 sc, inc) x6. (60)
  11. Rnd 11-20: sc around. (60)
  12. Insert 8 mm eyes between Rnds 13 and 14, with about 12 sts between them.
  13. Rnd 21: (8 sc, dec) x6. (54)
  14. Rnd 22: (7 sc, dec) x6. (48)
  15. Rnd 23: (6 sc, dec) x6. (42)
  16. Rnd 24: (5 sc, dec) x6. (36)
  17. Begin stuffing firmly, especially the cheeks and forehead.
  18. Rnd 25: (4 sc, dec) x6. (30)
  19. Rnd 26: (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)
  20. Rnd 27: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
  21. Rnd 28: (sc, dec) x6. (12)
  22. Rnd 29: dec x6. (6)
  23. Fasten off, leaving a tail for shaping if needed.

For the soft cheeky look in the image, stuff the lower face a little more than the top. This creates a rounded muzzle area without making a separate muzzle piece.

Bunny Ears Make 2

With cream yarn:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: (sc, inc) x3. (9)
  3. Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc) x3. (12)
  4. Rnd 4: (3 sc, inc) x3. (15)
  5. Rnd 5-10: sc around. (15)
  6. Rnd 11: (3 sc, dec) x3. (12)
  7. Rnd 12-28: sc around. (12)
  8. Flatten top opening and crochet 6 sc through both sides to close.
  9. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Do not stuff the ears. Lightly steam or finger-shape them so they hang long and flat. Sew them to the head between Rnds 6 and 9, angled slightly outward so they fall down past the shoulders.

Bunny Body

With cream yarn:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
  3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
  4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
  5. Rnd 5-6: sc around. (24)
  6. Rnd 7: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
  7. Rnd 8-10: sc around. (30)
  8. Rnd 11: (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)
  9. Rnd 12-14: sc around. (24)
  10. Rnd 15: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
  11. Rnd 16-17: sc around. (18)
  12. Stuff firmly.
  13. Fasten off with long tail.

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The body is intentionally compact because much of the visible silhouette comes from the dress overlay rather than the body shape itself.

Bunny Legs Make 2

Start with purple shoe sole.

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
  3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
  4. Rnd 4: BLO sc around in black. (18)
  5. Rnd 5: sc around in black. (18)
  6. Rnd 6: Change to purple, sc around. (18)
  7. Rnd 7: 5 sc, 4 dec, 5 sc. (14)
  8. Rnd 8: sc around. (14)
  9. Rnd 9: 4 sc, dec, 6 sc, dec. (12)
  10. Rnd 10-16: sc around. (12)
  11. Stuff foot firmly, upper leg lightly.
  12. Fasten off first leg.

Make second leg the same but do not fasten off.

Join Legs

  1. Ch 3 from second leg and join to first leg.
  2. Rnd 17: 12 sc around first leg, 3 sc across chain, 12 sc around second leg, 3 sc across other side of chain. (30)
  3. Rnd 18-20: sc around. (30)
  4. Rnd 21: (3 sc, dec) x6. (24)
  5. Rnd 22: sc around. (24)
  6. Fasten off.

These joined legs form the internal lower base beneath the skirt. Keep the feet aligned forward and flat, because the image shows the bunny standing straight with small, neat shoes.

Bunny Arms Make 2

With cream yarn:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: (sc, inc) x3. (9)
  3. Rnd 3-5: sc around. (9)
  4. Rnd 6: dec, 7 sc. (8)
  5. Rnd 7-16: sc around. (8)
  6. Stuff hand only.
  7. Flatten top and crochet 4 sc through both layers to close.
  8. Leave tail for sewing.

The arms in the image are simple and slim, with the sleeves providing most of the visual volume.

Neck Join

Sew the head securely to the upper body. Reinforce with a second pass if needed. The finished doll should hold the head upright even after the hat is added.

Dress Base Skirt

With lavender purple, work directly onto the joined leg/body unit at the waistline, or make separately and sew on if preferred.

  1. Rnd 1: Attach yarn around waist and sc evenly around 24 sts. (24)
  2. Rnd 2: BLO (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
  3. Rnd 3: sc around. (30)
  4. Rnd 4: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
  5. Rnd 5: sc around. (36)
  6. Rnd 6: (5 sc, inc) x6. (42)
  7. Rnd 7: sc around. (42)
  8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x6. (48)
  9. Rnd 9: sc around. (48)
  10. Rnd 10: (7 sc, inc) x6. (54)
  11. Rnd 11: sc around. (54)
  12. Rnd 12: (8 sc, inc) x6. (60)
  13. Rnd 13: sc around. (60)
  14. Rnd 14: (9 sc, inc) x6. (66)
  15. Rnd 15: sc around. (66)

The skirt should gently bell outward, not flare stiffly. Add a little extra shaping with your hands as you work so it forms a rounded evening gown silhouette.

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Skirt Lower Texture Band

Continue in lavender:

  1. Rnd 16-19: hdc around. (66)

This subtle stitch height change creates the layered look visible in the image and gives the lower skirt a fuller drape.

Black Hem Edging

Attach black to lower edge.

  1. Rnd 1: sc around. (66)
  2. Rnd 2: (sl st, ch 2, 2 dc in next st, skip 1 st) around for a small scallop finish.

This edging should stay delicate. Keep it narrow so the roses remain the main visual feature at the hem.

Upper Dress Bodice

With lavender purple, work rows for the fitted front bodice panel:

  1. Row 1: Ch 13, starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 12. Turn.
  2. Row 2: ch 1, 12 sc. Turn.
  3. Row 3: ch 1, dec, 8 sc, dec. (10) Turn.
  4. Row 4: ch 1, 10 sc. Turn.
  5. Row 5: ch 1, dec, 6 sc, dec. (8) Turn.
  6. Row 6-8: ch 1, 8 sc. Turn.

Make one back strip:

  1. Row 1: Ch 18, sc 17 from 2nd ch. Turn.
  2. Row 2-4: ch 1, 17 sc. Turn.

Sew the front panel centered over the chest and attach the back strip around the upper torso to create the dress top line. Leave room at the sides for arms.

Front Black Decorative Center Panel

With black yarn:

  1. Ch 7.
  2. Row 1: sc 6. Turn.
  3. Row 2-8: ch 1, sc 6. Turn.

Sew vertically down the center front. Add a second narrow black surface line on each side if desired to mimic the dark inset panel seen on the dress.

Overskirt Front Panels Make 2

These are the curved purple panels falling from the waist over the main skirt.

With lavender:

  1. Ch 9.
  2. Row 1: sc 8. Turn.
  3. Row 2: ch 1, inc, 6 sc, inc. (10) Turn.
  4. Row 3: ch 1, 10 sc. Turn.
  5. Row 4: ch 1, inc, 8 sc, inc. (12) Turn.
  6. Row 5: ch 1, 12 sc. Turn.
  7. Row 6: ch 1, inc, 10 sc, inc. (14) Turn.
  8. Row 7-12: ch 1, 14 sc. Turn.
  9. Shape lower edge by working 1 round of sc evenly around panel, placing 3 sc in each lower corner.

Edge each panel with black:

  1. Attach black and work sc evenly around.
  2. Then work a fine scallop: (sl st, ch 2, 2 dc in next st, skip 1 st) along outer curved edge only.

Sew the panels at the waist so they open slightly at center front and angle outward toward the skirt hem.

Puff Sleeves Make 2

Start in purple:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
  3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
  4. Rnd 4-5: sc around. (18)
  5. Rnd 6: Change to black, sc around. (18)
  6. Rnd 7: Change to purple, (sc, dec) x6. (12)
  7. Rnd 8-10: sc around. (12)
  8. Rnd 11: black edging, sc around. (12)

Slip each sleeve over the arm before sewing the arm to the body, or sew the sleeve closed around the arm afterward.

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The shoulder section should look rounded and full. Lightly stuff just the upper puff if needed, but keep the forearm slim.

Rose Appliqués for Dress Hem

Make a mixture of purple, deep purple, and black roses. The image shows a dense floral band around the skirt front, with medium and large blooms.

Small Rose

  1. Ch 16.
  2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, work 2 sc in each ch across. (30)
  3. Roll strip from one end into a spiral.
  4. Sew base firmly to secure.

Medium Rose

  1. Ch 21.
  2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch, (sc, hdc) in first ch, (2 dc in next ch) across remaining stitches, ending with hdc in last. This creates a ruffled strip.
  3. Roll into a flower and sew base.

Leaf Make Many

With black:

  1. Ch 6.
  2. Work along chain: sl st in 2nd ch, sc, hdc, sc, sl st in last.
  3. Work opposite side of chain: sl st, sc, hdc, sc, sl st.
  4. Fasten off.

Make about:

  • 6 medium roses in purple tones
  • 3 to 4 medium roses in black
  • 2 small roses for sleeves and bodice
  • 12 to 16 leaves

Arrange the roses across the lower front of the skirt, concentrating the largest cluster at the center front and tapering toward the sides.

Neckline Rose

Make 1 small purple rose and sew it at the center neckline over the black front panel. This detail is important because it anchors the visual balance of the bodice.

Hat Crown

With lavender purple:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
  3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
  4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
  5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x6. (30)
  6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x6. (36)
  7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x6. (42)
  8. Rnd 8-15: sc around. (42)

Hat Brim

  1. Rnd 16: BLO (6 sc, inc) x6. (48)
  2. Rnd 17: sc around. (48)
  3. Rnd 18: (7 sc, inc) x6. (54)
  4. Rnd 19: sc around. (54)
  5. Rnd 20: (8 sc, inc) x6. (60)
  6. Rnd 21: sc around. (60)
  7. Rnd 22: (9 sc, inc) x6. (66)
  8. Rnd 23: sc around. (66)
  9. Rnd 24: (10 sc, inc) x6. (72)
  10. Rnd 25: sc around. (72)

For a slightly downward brim like the photo, lightly steam the brim and shape it while warm. You may insert a thin hidden ring of plastic canvas between inner and outer brim rounds if extra support is needed.

Hat Band and Trim

With black:

  1. Attach around the base of the crown and work 1 round of surface sl st.
  2. Then crochet a decorative lace strip: ch 28.
  3. Row 1: starting in 2nd ch, sc across. (27)
  4. Row 2: ch 1, (sl st, ch 3, sl st in next st) across for a picot lace effect.

Sew this strip around the front half of the hat band, slightly gathered for a leafy, gothic lace look.

Hat Flowers

  • Make 1 medium purple rose
  • Make 1 small deep purple rose
  • Make 2 tiny white knots or mini buds:
    • 4 sc in MR, pull tight

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Sew the rose cluster to one side of the brim, with a few black leaf appliqués beneath it.

Purse

With purple:

  1. Rnd 1: Ch 8. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 6, 3 sc in last ch, work opposite side 5 sc, 2 sc in last ch. (16)
  2. Rnd 2: inc, 5 sc, 3 inc, 5 sc, 2 inc. (22)
  3. Rnd 3-8: sc around. (22)
  4. Rnd 9: sc 11, turn.
  5. Rows 10-13: ch 1, sc 11. Turn.
  6. Row 14: dec, 7 sc, dec. (9)
  7. Row 15: dec, 5 sc, dec. (7)

This creates the body and flap in one piece. Fold the flap forward.

Purse Edge

With black, work sc evenly around flap edge and top opening.

Purse Handle

  1. With black, ch 22.
  2. Row 1: sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across. (21)

Sew one end to each upper side of the purse so it hangs like the image. Add a tiny black knot or embroidered dot to the flap as the clasp.

Bunny Shoes Strap Detail

To mimic the little openings on the front shoes, embroider or crochet a tiny horizontal bar in cream across each shoe top. You can also stitch a small black bead or knot at the outer shoe side for the button-like accent.

Squirrel Head

With brown:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
  3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
  4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6. (24)
  5. Rnd 5-8: sc around. (24)
  6. Insert 5 mm eyes between Rnds 5 and 6, about 6 sts apart.
  7. Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) x6. (18)
  8. Rnd 10: (sc, dec) x6. (12)
  9. Stuff.
  10. Rnd 11: dec x6. (6)

Squirrel Muzzle

With cream:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
  3. Rnd 3: sc around. (12)

Flatten lightly and sew to lower face. Embroider brown nose and a short white-brown snout line.

Squirrel Ears Make 2

With brown:

  1. Rnd 1: 4 sc in MR. (4)
  2. Rnd 2: (sc, inc) x2. (6)

Pinch base and sew to head. Add a few tuft stitches at each ear tip.

Squirrel Body

Start with dark olive:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
  3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
  4. Rnd 4-5: sc around. (18)
  5. Rnd 6: Change to green, sc around. (18)
  6. Rnd 7-9: sc around. (18)
  7. Rnd 10: (sc, dec) x6. (12)
  8. Rnd 11: sc around. (12)
  9. Stuff.
  10. Fasten off with tail.

Squirrel Belly Patch

With cream:

  1. Ch 5.
  2. Row 1: sc 4. Turn.
  3. Row 2: ch 1, inc, 2 sc, inc. (6)
  4. Row 3-4: ch 1, 6 sc.

Sew to front center.

Squirrel Arms Make 2

With tan:

  1. Rnd 1: 5 sc in MR. (5)
  2. Rnd 2-5: sc around. (5)

Stuff lightly and sew to front sides.

Squirrel Legs Make 2

With tan:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: sc around. (6)
  3. Rnd 3-5: sc around. (6)

Sew under body so the squirrel stands upright.

Squirrel Tail

With brown:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: (sc, inc) x3. (9)
  3. Rnd 3-10: sc around. (9)
  4. Rnd 11: (2 sc, inc) x3. (12)
  5. Rnd 12-18: sc around. (12)

Stuff lightly. Bend into a soft curve and sew to the back so it rises upward behind the squirrel.

Mini Yarn Basket

With tan:

  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
  2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
  3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6. (18)
  4. Rnd 4: BLO sc around. (18)
  5. Rnd 5-8: sc around. (18)

Basket Handle

  1. Ch 16.
  2. Sl st back across.

Sew handle to opposite upper sides. Add tiny yarn balls by wrapping small scraps into mini spheres and stitching closed, or crochet tiny 6 sc MR balls in pastel shades.

Mini Open Book

With purple for cover:

  1. Ch 13.
  2. Row 1: sc 12. Turn.
  3. Row 2-5: ch 1, sc 12. Turn.

With white for pages, make 2:

  1. Ch 6.
  2. Row 1: sc 5. Turn.
  3. Row 2-4: ch 1, sc 5. Turn.

Sew the page pieces side by side onto the center of the cover, then fold cover slightly upward at both sides. Embroider a few short page lines and a tiny ball-of-yarn icon if desired.

Dress Embellishment Placement

Before sewing anything permanently, place all roses and leaves on the skirt and bodice first. This helps balance the color distribution.

  • Center one rose at neckline
  • Add one rose near each upper sleeve
  • Cluster large roses around the lower skirt front
  • Tuck black leaves between all major flowers
  • Keep more decoration at the front than the back, matching the image

Assembly Order

  1. Sew head to body
  2. Sew ears to head
  3. Sew arms to upper torso
  4. Add puff sleeves
  5. Crochet and attach bodice and skirt details
  6. Sew overskirt panels
  7. Add floral appliqués and leaves
  8. Make and decorate hat
  9. Make purse and place on one arm
  10. Make squirrel
  11. Make basket and book

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Embroider the bunny nose in soft pink as a small horizontal triangle. Add a short vertical line and tiny mouth split beneath it. Stitch fine curved brows in brown or taupe above the eyes.

Lightly tint the cheeks with pink blush. Keep the blush soft and round, placed low on the cheeks for the sweet expression shown in the image.

Sew the hat at a slight angle so one brim side dips lower. Position the purse in the bunny’s right hand area, and place the squirrel beside the feet for a storybook display.

Care Notes

  • Display indoors away from direct sun
  • Spot clean when possible
  • Handle floral appliqués gently
  • Do not machine wash if the hat brim has internal support
  • Store upright to preserve dress shape

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head centered and secure
  • Ears even and softly draped
  • Skirt balanced all around
  • Front panels symmetrical
  • Roses placed densely at hem front
  • Hat trim secure
  • Purse handle firmly attached
  • Squirrel able to stand with support or lean neatly for display

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a clean dry brush or low-suction hand vacuum with fabric barrier to remove dust. For marks, dab gently with cool water and mild soap on a cloth, then blot dry.

Do not soak embellished pieces unless absolutely necessary. Reshape while damp and dry flat. Keep tissue inside the hat crown and under the skirt during storage to maintain the silhouette.

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