Sweet Violet Music-Box Bunny – Knitting

Welcome to the enchanting world of heirloom toy making. The Sweet Violet Music-Box Bunny is a project designed to evoke the nostalgia of vintage nurseries and spring gardens. This pattern allows you to create a treasured keepsake that looks as though it has stepped out of a fairy tale. When you prepare to buy knitting yarn for this project, we recommend selecting high-quality merino wool or a soft alpaca blend to ensure the bunny has a luxurious, soft texture that is perfect for cuddling.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating not just the doll, but her entire intricate wardrobe, including a structured bonnet, a detailed cardigan, and miniature accessories like a sparrow friend. Whether you are using your favorite set of needles or looking for the best knitting needles online to upgrade your kit, this project is a wonderful way to refine your skills in shaping, colorwork, and embroidery. Get ready to cast on a little bit of magic.

 

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

 

Detailed Material Selection and Project Preparation

Before we begin the actual knitting, it is crucial to gather the right supplies. The success of a knitted toy relies heavily on the tension and the quality of the materials used. Because this bunny features removable clothing, the fit is important, so checking your gauge is a step you should not skip.

Yarn Requirements

You will need DK (Double Knitting) weight yarn, also known as Light Worsted (Size 3). Avoid heavy worsted yarns as they will make the clothes too bulky for the small scale of the doll.

• Main Skin Color (Oatmeal/Cream): Approximately 100g. A smooth, tightly twisted yarn is best to prevent the stuffing from showing through.
• Dress Color A (Soft Lilac): 50g. This is for the main body of the skirt and the bonnet.
• Dress Color B (Cream/White): 30g. Used for the hem stripe and lace details.
• Cardigan Color (Powder Blue): 40g. A soft baby blue provides a beautiful contrast to the purple tones.
• Accent Colors (Deep Purple & Green): Small amounts of fingering weight or embroidery floss for the violet flowers, shoes, and bonnet trim.
• Accessories (Brown & Tan): Small scraps for the satchel bag and the sparrow.

Essential Tools

• Knitting Needles: A pair of US 2.5 (3.00mm) straight needles. We use a smaller needle than the yarn band suggests to create a dense fabric.
• Double Pointed Needles (DPNs): US 2.5 (3.00mm) for working I-cords or small circumferences if you prefer not to sew seams on the limbs.
• Tapestry Needle: A blunt-ended needle for seaming the knitted pieces.
• Embroidery Needle: A sharp-pointed needle (Chenille size 24 is good) for adding the facial features and the floral embroidery.
• Stuffing: High-quality carded polyester fiberfill.
• Safety Eyes: Two 8mm black safety eyes.
• Buttons: 4 small buttons (approx 8-10mm) for the cardigan and bag.

Part 1: The Bunny Construction

We will construct the bunny from the feet up. This method creates a stable base. The legs are knitted separately and then joined at the crotch to form the body. This avoids a messy seam between the legs and makes stuffing much easier.

Legs (Make 2)

Start with the Oatmeal/Cream yarn. We begin at the sole of the foot. Unlike the shoes, the foot is shaped to look natural.

1. Cast On: Cast on 11 stitches. Use the Long Tail Cast On method for a neat edge.
2. Row 1 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Increase Row): Knit into the front and back (kfb) of the first stitch. Knit 9 stitches. Kfb in the last stitch. (13 sts).
4. Row 3: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 4 (Increase Row): Kfb, Knit 11, Kfb. (15 sts).
6. Row 5: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 6 (Foot Height): Knit all stitches.
8. Row 7: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 8 (Toe Shaping): Knit 5 stitches. Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass slipped stitch over (skpo). Knit 1 (center stitch). Knit 2 together (k2tog). Knit 5 stitches. (13 sts).
10. Row 9: Purl all stitches.
11. Row 10 (Ankle Shaping): Knit 5, Center Double Decrease (slip 2 together as if to knit, knit 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over), Knit 5. (11 sts).
12. Row 11: Purl all stitches. You have now turned the heel and shaped the foot.
13. Rows 12 to 35: Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit one row, Purl one row) for 24 rows. This creates the long, elegant leg.
14. End of First Leg: Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, and slip the stitches onto a stitch holder.
15. Second Leg: Repeat Steps 1 through 13 for the second leg. Do not cut the yarn after the second leg. We will continue knitting to join them.

Joining the Body

This step transforms two legs into one torso.

1. Row 36 (Joining Row): With the second leg on your right needle, Knit across the 11 stitches. Cast on 3 stitches using the backward loop method (this fills the gap between the legs). Knit across the 11 stitches of the first leg from the holder. You now have 25 stitches.
2. Row 37: Purl all stitches. When you reach the center 3 stitches, purl them tightly to ensure there are no holes.
3. Rows 38 to 55: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch. This forms the tummy area. It is a good idea to stuff the legs now, while the opening is still accessible.
4. Row 56 (Waist Decrease): *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat across to the last stitch, Knit 1. (21 sts).
5. Row 57: Purl all stitches.
6. Rows 58 to 62: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch.
7. Row 63 (Chest Increase): *Knit 2, kfb* repeat across to the last 3 stitches, Knit 3. (27 sts).
8. Row 64: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 65 (Shoulder Shaping): Knit 6, k2tog, Knit 11, ssk, Knit 6. (25 sts).
10. Row 66: Purl all stitches.
11. Row 67: Knit 5, k2tog, Knit 11, ssk, Knit 5. (23 sts).
12. Row 68: Purl all stitches.
13. Row 69: Knit 2, k2tog across to last 3 stitches, Knit 3. (Decrease evenly to 14 sts).
14. Row 70: Purl all stitches. Do not bind off. We continue to the head.

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The Head and Face

The head shape is characteristic of this bunny, with wide, chubby cheeks.

1. Row 71 (Neck Expansion): Kfb in every stitch across the row. (28 sts).
2. Row 72: Purl all stitches.
3. Row 73 (Cheek Expansion): *Knit 1, kfb* repeat across. (42 sts).
4. Rows 74 to 92: Work straight in Stockinette Stitch for 18 rows. This provides the height of the face.
5. Row 93 (Crown Decrease): *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat across. (35 sts).
6. Row 94: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 95: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across. (28 sts).
8. Row 96: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 97: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat across. (21 sts).
10. Row 98: Purl all stitches.
11. Row 99: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat across. (14 sts).
12. Row 100: Purl all stitches.
13. Row 101: k2tog across the row. (7 sts).
14. Finish: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through the remaining loops and pull tight to close the top of the head.

The Arms (Make 2)

The arms are knitted separately and sewn on.

• Cast on 9 stitches.
• Work 24 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
• Decrease Row: k2tog at each end of the next row. (7 sts).
• Purl one row.
• Cast off. Sew the side seam and stuff lightly.

The Long Lop Ears (Make 2)

These ears are the signature of the “Sweet Violet” bunny. They are double-sided or bordered to prevent curling.

• Cast on 12 stitches.
• Rows 1-4: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) to create a firm base.
• Row 5: Knit 2 (border), Knit 8, Knit 2 (border).
• Row 6: Knit 2, Purl 8, Knit 2.
• Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until the ear measures 5.5 inches long.
• Shaping the Tip: Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the next 3 Knit rows.
• Cast off remaining stitches.

Part 2: The Violet Wardrobe

The clothing makes this bunny a true music-box ballerina style figure. The fit should be snug but removable.

The Embroidered Skirt Dress

The dress is knitted from the hem up. It features a color-block design with embroidery.

1. Hem: Using Cream yarn, cast on 44 stitches.
2. Rows 1-3: Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for a non-rolling edge.
3. Rows 4-10: Switch to Stockinette Stitch. Continue in Cream. This white band is where the horizontal floral embroidery will go.
4. Change Color: Switch to Soft Lilac.
5. Rows 11-30: Work in Stockinette Stitch.
6. Vertical Detail Note: In the photo, there are vertical purple lines. You can achieve this by knitting a “Purl 1” column every 10 stitches to create a ditch, which you can later embroider over with a chain stitch in darker purple.
7. Waist Decrease: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat across. (33 sts).
8. Next Row: Purl all stitches.
9. Waistband: Change to Powder Blue (to mimic a bodice under the cardigan, though mostly hidden). Work 2 rows ribbing (K1, P1).
10. Bodice: Work 6 rows Stockinette.
11. Armholes: Cast off 4 stitches at the start of the next 2 rows.
12. Work 4 rows on remaining stitches. Cast off loosely.

Dress Decoration:

1. Hem Flowers: Using purple embroidery thread, stitch small “V” shapes along the white band of the skirt. Add a tiny yellow dot in the center of each V.

2. Vertical Lines: Use a chain stitch or a surface slip stitch in dark purple yarn to create the vertical lines running up the lilac section of the skirt.

3. Lace trim: If you are handy with a crochet hook, add a simple scallop edge to the bottom hem in purple. If not, a blanket stitch with a needle looks lovely.

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The Blue Cardigan

This cardigan features a raglan style construction for a neat fit over the arms.

• Back: Cast on 20 sts in Blue. Work 4 rows K1 P1 rib. Work 14 rows stockinette. Cast off 2 sts at each end for armholes. Decrease 1 st at each end of every RS row until 8 sts remain. Cast off.
• Left Front: Cast on 12 sts. Work 4 rows rib. Work 14 rows stockinette. Cast off 2 sts at armhole edge. Decrease at armhole edge as for back. At the same time, dec 1 st at neck edge every 4th row. Cast off.
• Right Front: Mirror the Left Front.
• Sleeves: Cast on 16 sts. Work 4 rows rib. Work 12 rows stockinette. Cast off 2 sts at each end. Decrease 1 st at each end of every RS row until 4 sts remain. Cast off.
• Button Band: Pick up stitches along the front edges and knit 3 rows of Garter Stitch. Remember to make small yarn-over buttonholes on the Right Front band.
• Embroidery: On the Left Front chest, embroider a cluster of 3 violet flowers. Use satin stitch for the petals in dark purple and a lighter lilac center. Add green lazy-daisy stitches for leaves.

The Violet Bonnet

The bonnet frames the face and must have holes for the ears to pass through.

1. Cast On: Using Soft Lilac, cast on 40 stitches.
2. Front Band: Work 4 rows in Garter Stitch.
3. Head Section: Work 6 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
4. Ear Holes (Crucial Step):

   Knit 10, Cast off 6 stitches, Knit 8, Cast off 6 stitches, Knit 10.

   Next Row: Purl 10, Cast on 6 stitches over the gap, Purl 8, Cast on 6 stitches, Purl 10.

5. Back of Head: Work 6 more rows in Stockinette.
6. Crown Shaping: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across. Purl row. *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat across. Purl row. *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat across.
7. Finish: Draw yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight. Sew the back seam down to the neck.
8. Ties: Braided yarn strands or ribbon sewn to the corners.
9. Top Decoration: Knit two tiny bobbles in purple and sew them to the top of the bonnet to represent flower buds.

Purple Mary Jane Shoes

These shoes are removable.

• Using Deep Purple yarn, cast on 16 stitches.
• Rows 1-2: Knit (Garter Sole).
• Row 3: Knit 1, Make 1, Knit 14, Make 1, Knit 1. (18 sts).
• Row 4: Purl.
• Rows 5-7: Stockinette Stitch.
• Row 8 (Toe): Knit 6, Cast off 6 stitches loosely, Knit 6.
• Row 9: Purl across the first group. Cut yarn. Rejoin at second group, Purl across.
• Row 10: Cast off remaining stitches.
• Strap: Crochet a small chain or make a thread loop across the foot.
• Details: Embroider a tiny white flower on the toe of each shoe.

Part 3: Accessories

The Music-Box Sparrow

This tiny bird sits by the bunny’s side.

• Body: With Brown yarn, cast on 10 sts. Work 8 rows stockinette. Decrease to 5 sts. Draw tight (tail). Sew the seam up the belly, stuffing as you go.
• Head: Pick up 8 stitches around the neck opening. Knit 4 rows in Cream/White. Decrease to close.
• Wings: Cast on 4 sts in darker brown. Knit 4 rows. Decrease. Sew to sides.
• Bow: Tie a tiny piece of purple yarn around the bird’s neck.

The Satchel Bag

• Using Tan/Light Brown yarn, cast on 12 stitches.
• Work 2 inches in Garter Stitch (for sturdiness).
• Cast off.
• Fold the bottom third up and sew the sides to make a pocket. Fold the top third down as a flap.
• Sew a small button to the front.
• Make a twisted cord handle and attach to the sides.

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Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

The assembly is where your knitting becomes a character.

1. Seaming and Stuffing

Using the mattress stitch, sew the leg seams starting from the sole. Ensure you switch yarn colors if you used different colors for the soles (though this pattern used one color). Sew up the back of the body.

Stuffing: Stuff the feet very firmly. This is essential if you want the bunny to stand. Stuff the legs moderately. Stuff the body firmly. Stuff the neck extremely firmly to support the head.

2. The Face

The face is the most important part.

Eye Indentation: Before attaching the eyes, use a long needle with strong thread. Enter from the back of the neck, come out at the left eye position, go back in a stitch over, through to the right eye position, back in a stitch over, and out the neck. Pull tight to create sockets. This creates the chubby cheeks.

Attaching Eyes: Insert safety eyes into these sockets.

Nose: Use pink or light brown embroidery thread. Stitch a “Y” shape.

Cheeks: You can apply a tiny amount of real blush makeup to the cheeks for a rosy glow.

3. Ears and Arms

Sew the ears to the sides of the head. Position them slightly lower than the top of the head for a “lop” look. The holes in the bonnet should align with where you sew the ears.

Sew the arms to the shoulders. Pin them first to ensure they are even.

4. Dressing

Put the dress on the bunny. Button it at the back. Put the cardigan on over the dress. Carefully pull the ears through the bonnet holes and tie the bonnet under the chin. Put the shoes on.

Care Notes

This bunny is an heirloom piece and should be treated with care.

• Washing: Spot clean only with a damp cloth and mild wool wash. Do not submerge the whole doll unless absolutely necessary, as drying the stuffing completely can be difficult.
• Lint: Use a small lint roller to keep the dark purple yarn free of dust.
• Display: Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the violet colors from fading.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

Before gifting or displaying:

1. Loose Ends: Are all yarn tails woven in and hidden inside the body?
2. Security: Are the buttons and eyes attached securely? (If for a child under 3, consider embroidering eyes instead of using plastic ones).
3. Symmetry: Is the face symmetrical? Adjust the stuffing with a needle if needed.
4. Outfit: Does the bonnet sit correctly around the ears?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the “Sweet Violet” bunny for years to come:

Dusting and Cleaning

Dust can settle into the knit stitches. Use a soft makeup brush to gently dust the face and the crevices of the ears. If the clothes get dusty, they can be removed and hand-washed separately in cool water. Lay them flat on a towel to dry; hanging them may stretch the wool.

Storage

If the bunny needs to be stored, place it in a cotton pillowcase or a breathable storage box. Add a sachet of dried lavender—not only does it smell lovely and fit the theme, but it also naturally repels moths which can damage wool fibers. Do not store in plastic bags or airtight containers, as trapped moisture can lead to mildew.

Repair

If a snag occurs, use a crochet hook to pull the loose loop to the inside of the fabric. Do not cut it. If the embroidery becomes loose over time, simply snip the loose thread and re-embroider that small section. The beauty of a handmade toy is that it can always be mended with love.

We hope you enjoy the peaceful rhythm of knitting this Sweet Violet Music-Box Bunny. May it bring a song to your heart and joy to your home.