The Velvet Pansy & Kitten Bunny is a sophisticated art doll that exemplifies the elegance of classic needlework combined with contemporary aesthetic storytelling. This design features a gentle bunny character in a soft cream-colored wool, dressed in a striking deep grape-purple dress with an intricate pansy border. Her ensemble is elevated by a cream bodice featuring a hand-embroidered kitten silhouette and a matching purple beret adorned with three-dimensional miniature blossoms. To achieve the professional, heirloom-quality finish seen in the photographs, it is essential to buy high-quality merino wool or a luxury alpaca blend, as these fibers provide the necessary stitch definition for the detailed intarsia and floral embroidery. When you purchase premium knitting supplies and buy specialized amigurumi eyes, the finished product possesses a museum-grade quality that lasts for decades. This project is a rewarding journey for those who wish to buy artisan yarn and invest their creative energy into a project that radiates warmth, craftsmanship, and botanical beauty.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Materials and Technical Requirements
Creating a replica that is 100% accurate to the reference image requires strict adherence to yarn weights and color palettes. The character relies on the contrast between the pale cream skin and the deep, velvet-toned purple clothing. Using a needle size slightly smaller than the yarn manufacturer suggests is a professional secret for creating a dense, opaque fabric that keeps the internal fiberfill completely concealed.
- Main Bunny Body: Approximately 100g of DK weight wool in Cream or Off-White. A natural, high-twist fiber is recommended for a smooth finish.
- Dress and Beret: 75g of DK weight wool in Deep Purple (Grape or Plum).
- Pansy Colorwork: Small amounts (15g each) of Mustard Yellow and Lavender for the floral border.
- Embroidery Details: 10g of Charcoal Grey for the kitten motif and small scraps of Forest Green for flower leaves.
- Kitten Companion: 25g of Light Grey DK weight yarn.
- Needles: US Size 2 (2.75mm) and US Size 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circulars for the magic loop method.
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 9mm deep black safety eyes for the main bunny; 4mm black beads for the tiny kitten.
- Stuffing: High-grade hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill (approx. 250g).
- Notions: A sharp tapestry needle, fine embroidery needle, stitch markers, and two tiny 4mm purple buttons for the shoes.
- Basket Prop: Small amount of Tan yarn (textured or raffia style).
Structural Gauge and Tension
Consistency in your tension is what transforms a simple project into a heirloom-quality piece. For the bunny’s body, aim for a gauge of approximately 26 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the 2.75mm needles. The fabric should feel solid and have very little stretch. The clothing is designed to fit snugly over the stuffed form; therefore, checking the fit of the bodice and skirt against the bunny’s torso as you progress is highly recommended to ensure the proportions match the image perfectly.
The Bunny Foundation: Leg and Foot Construction
The construction begins at the base of the feet and moves upward. This provides the bunny with the stability needed for its upright posture. We work the legs as seamless tubes to avoid bulky side seams that would detract from the professional finish.
The Right Leg
Using the cream-colored yarn and 2.75mm needles, cast on 12 stitches. Distribute them across your needles and join for working in the round, ensuring the stitches are not twisted. Place a marker at the start of the round.
Rnd 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) of every stitch around (24 sts).
Rnd 2: *Knit 2, kfb* repeat from * to end of round (32 sts).
Rnd 3-10: Knit every stitch across the next eight rounds. This builds the rounded base and sides of the foot.
Rnd 11: Knit 12, (knit 2 together – k2tog) 4 times, knit 12 (28 sts). This shaping creates the instep of the rabbit’s foot.
Rnd 12: Knit 10, (k2tog) 4 times, knit 10 (24 sts).
Rnd 13: Knit all stitches around.
Rnds 14-45: Continue in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the leg measures roughly 5.5 inches (14 cm) from the sole. Ensure your tension remains extremely consistent to avoid any visible “jog” in the stitches. Stuff the foot area very firmly, using your fingers to shape a rounded toe and a distinct heel. Stuff the rest of the leg moderately to allow for flexibility at the hip join. Leave these stitches on a holder or spare needle.
The Left Leg
Repeat the exact instructions provided for the right leg. After reaching Round 45, do not break the yarn. This working yarn will be used to initiate the joining process for the torso in the next section. Ensure the lengths are identical before proceeding.
Building the Plump Torso and Hips
Joining the legs correctly is vital for the bunny’s posture. Place the legs side-by-side with the toes pointing forward. We will create a gap between the legs to give her the wide, rounded hips required for the purple velvet skirt to sit elegantly. This part must be stuffed very firmly to prevent the character from leaning or sagging over time.
Rnd 46 (Joining): Knit across the 24 stitches of the left leg, cast on 4 stitches for the center gap, knit across the 24 stitches of the right leg, and cast on another 4 stitches for the back gap (56 sts total).
Rnds 47-62: Knit every stitch in the round. This section establishes the seat and lower abdomen. Maintain a firm tension to ensure the fabric is smooth and dense.
Rnd 63: *Knit 12, k2tog* repeat around (52 sts).
Rnds 64-68: Knit all stitches around.
Rnd 69: *Knit 11, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnds 70-74: Knit all stitches around. At this stage, begin stuffing the lower body firmly. Focus on pushing the stuffing toward the sides to define the rounded hip silhouette seen in the image.
Rnd 75: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (42 sts).
Rnds 76-80: Knit all stitches around.
Rnd 81: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (36 sts).
Rnd 82: Knit all stitches around.
Rnd 83: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (30 sts).
Rnd 84: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts). This forms the narrow neck area. Do not bind off, as the head is worked directly from these stitches to ensure structural strength and prevent a wobbly head.
Shaping the Bunny Head and Facial Sculpting
The head requires specific increases to define the broad, sweet cheeks and the slightly tapered bridge of the nose. This part must be stuffed very firmly to maintain its shape over time, especially since the purple beret will add significant weight to the crown.
The Snout and Face
Rnd 85: *Knit 2, make 1 stitch (m1)* repeat around (32 sts).
Rnd 86: *Knit 3, m1* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 87: *Knit 4, m1* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 88: *Knit 5, m1* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 89: *Knit 6, m1* repeat around (64 sts).
Rnds 90-110: Knit all stitches in stockinette. This vertical growth creates the main volume of the face and forehead. It should look like a rounded, slightly elongated dome.
Position the 9mm safety eyes between rounds 100 and 101, leaving approximately 12 stitches between them. Ensure they are centered relative to the front of the feet for a balanced, thoughtful gaze.
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Closing the Crown
Rnd 111: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around (56 sts).
Rnd 112: Knit all stitches.
Rnd 113: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around (48 sts).
Rnd 114: *Knit 4, k2tog* repeat around (40 sts).
Rnd 115: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (32 sts).
Begin stuffing the head very firmly at this point. Focus on creating symmetrical cheeks. Use small amounts of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps.
Rnd 116: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (24 sts).
Rnd 117: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (16 sts).
Rnd 118: k2tog around (8 sts). Break the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and weave in the end securely inside the head.
Long Floppy Ears and Slender Arms
Detailed Ears (Make 2)
The ears are a defining feature, standing tall at the crown before showing a natural floppy drape. They are worked flat to provide a slightly concave shape that mimics the internal ear flap. Use the cream yarn and 3.0mm needles.
Cast on 12 stitches. Work flat on two needles.
Rows 1-45: Work in stockinette stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS). This creates a long, elegant rectangle.
Row 46: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk) (10 sts).
Row 47: Purl all stitches.
Row 48: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (8 sts).
Row 49: Purl all stitches.
Row 50: k2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk (6 sts).
Bind off all stitches. Fold the bottom edge of the ear slightly in half to create depth and sew them to the top of the head at Round 114, spacing them about 4 stitches apart. They should stand upright but have the flexibility to flop naturally backward as shown.
Slender Arm Construction (Make 2)
The arms should be stuffed lighter than the legs so they can rest naturally at the bunny’s side or hold accessories. Join cream yarn in the round on 2.75mm needles.
- Cast on 10 stitches. Join in the round.
- Rnds 1-40: Knit all stitches in stockinette. Maintain a consistent gauge.
- Rnd 41: *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat across (8 sts).
- Rnd 42: k2tog around (4 sts).
Break yarn and pull through. Stuff the hand area (bottom) firmly and the upper arm very lightly. Sew the arms to the body just below the neck line at Round 84.
The Velvet Pansy Dress
This dress is the artistic centerpiece of the project. It features a flared A-line silhouette with a complex intarsia border of pansies and a cream bodice with embroidered details. We use the deep purple yarn and 3.25mm circular needles.
The Skirt and Pansy Border
Cast on 90 stitches in Deep Purple. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: Knit all stitches for a clean hem. This prevents the skirt from rolling too much.
Rnd 5: *Knit 2, m1* repeat around to increase the flare (135 sts).
Rnds 6-10: Knit all stitches in purple.
Pansy Colorwork Chart (Text Version): Join Yellow and Lavender yarn. Each pansy spans 15 stitches.
Rnd 11: *K6 purple, K3 yellow, K6 purple* around.
Rnd 12: *K5 purple, K5 yellow, K5 purple* around.
Rnd 13: *K4 purple, K7 yellow, K4 purple* around.
Rnd 14: *K3 purple, K3 yellow, K3 lavender, K3 yellow, K3 purple* around.
Rnd 15: *K4 purple, K2 yellow, K3 lavender, K2 yellow, K4 purple* around.
Rnd 16: *K6 purple, K3 lavender, K6 purple* around.
Rnds 17-30: Continue in purple stockinette only. The skirt should fall to the bunny’s mid-calf.
Rnd 31 (Waist Shaping): *Knit 3, k2tog* repeat around (108 sts).
Rnd 32: *Knit 2, k2tog* repeat around (81 sts).
Rnd 33: *Knit 1, k2tog* repeat around (54 sts). This gathers the waist.
The Bodice and Kitten Embroidery
Change to Cream yarn for the bodice. Maintain the 54 stitches.
Rnds 34-45: Knit all stitches in Cream.
Divide for armholes: Knit 12, bind off 5 stitches, knit 22, bind off 5 stitches, knit 10.
Work the front and back panels separately flat for 10 rows. Bind off. Sew the shoulder seams.
Kitten Embroidery: On the front cream panel, use Charcoal Grey yarn and a split stitch to embroider the silhouette of a sitting cat. Place three small purple French knots next to the cat to represent blooming flowers. Add a small purple collar around the neck using three rows of garter stitch in deep purple.
Dress Sleeves
Pick up 18 stitches around the armhole opening using the Deep Purple yarn. Knit in the round for 25 rounds. Finish with 3 rounds of *K1, P1* ribbing. Repeat for the second sleeve. The sleeves should reach the bunny’s wrists.
The Purple Beret andmary Jane Shoes
The Floral Beret
The hat frames the bunny’s face and creates the garden theme. Use the Deep Purple yarn.
Cast on 46 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnds 1-4: *Knit 1, Purl 1* ribbing for a firm brim.
Rnd 5: *Kfb, knit 1* repeat around (69 sts). This creates the “puffy” volume of a beret.
Rnds 6-20: Continue in stockinette stitch.
Rnd 21: *Knit 6, k2tog* repeat around.
Rnd 22: *Knit 5, k2tog* repeat around.
Continue decreasing in this pattern until 6 stitches remain. Pull the yarn through and fasten off.
Side Accents: Knit three tiny 3D flowers. Cast on 10 stitches in Lavender, *K1, bind off 1* repeat across, join into a circle. Sew these three small flowers to the side of the beret. Use yellow French knots for the centers.
Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)
Using Deep Purple yarn and 3.0mm needles, cast on 20 stitches. Join in the round.
Rnd 1-4: Knit all stitches. This forms the side of the shoe.
Rnd 5: k7, (k2tog) 3 times, k7 (17 sts). This shapes the rounded toe box.
Rnd 6: Bind off 17 stitches.
The Strap: Pick up 10 stitches across the top opening of the shoe and bind off immediately. Sew the small purple button to the side of the strap for a functional look. Slip onto the bunny’s feet.
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Accessories: Grey Kitten and Yarn Basket
Miniature Kitten Companion
This tiny pet is worked in one piece and requires very careful assembly to achieve the realistic sitting pose.
Body: Using Light Grey yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Join in round. kfb into every stitch (12). Knit 10 rounds. Rnd 11: k2tog around (6). Stuff firmly and close.
Head: Cast on 6 stitches, increase to 12. Knit 5 rounds. Use a pink thread to embroider a tiny nose. Add 4mm black beads for eyes. Close and sew to the body.
Tail: Knit a 2-inch I-cord using 3 stitches. Sew to the rear. Add tiny pointed ears by picking up 2 stitches on the head and knitting 2 rows.
Woven Yarn Basket
Using the Tan yarn, we will use a textured “Seed Stitch” to mimic wicker weaving.
Base: Cast on 6, kfb to 12, *k1, kfb* to 18.
Sides: Rnd 1: *K1, P1* around. Rnd 2: *P1, K1* around. Continue for 12 rounds. Bind off.
Handle: Knit a 5-inch I-cord and sew to the sides. Place small balls of leftover yarn in purple, yellow, and blue inside the basket. Secure two toothpicks (as mini needles) inside to complete the scene.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
The personality of your bunny emerges during the final assembly stage. Follow these steps for a professional finish:
Face Detail: Use dark purple or charcoal embroidery thread to stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered exactly between the safety eyes. The nose should be positioned low on the face to create a sweet, innocent expression. Use a single stitch of white yarn at the outer edge of each safety eye to create a “sparkle” effect.
Cheek Blush: Using a cotton swab, apply a very small amount of actual pink cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks in a circular motion. This adds a youthful, healthy glow that mimics the soft lighting in the photo.
Dressing: Place the pansy dress on the bunny first, ensuring the intarsia border is centered. Layer the cream sleeves down to the wrists. Slip the Mary Jane shoes onto the feet. Position the beret between her ears, tilting it slightly to one side for a fashionable flair. Finally, place the tiny grey kitten at her feet and position the yarn basket nearby.
Detailed Cleaning and Care Guidelines
Because this project features intricate embroidery, colorwork, and delicate 3D appliques, proper care is essential to preserve its heirloom quality. This bunny is an art doll intended for display and should be handled with care to prevent pilling or snagging of the deep purple fibers.
Washing Instructions: Hand washing is the only recommended method. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of a gentle detergent designed for wool or fine fibers. Submerge the bunny slowly, avoiding aggressive scrubbing. Do not scrub the embroidered kitten motif or the delicate pansy border, as this can distort the stitches or cause the yellow centers to fray. Let the doll soak for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Drying Process: To dry, place the bunny between two clean, thick towels and press down gently to remove excess moisture. Never wring or twist the doll, as this will distort the internal fiberfill and ruin the shape of the head and the A-line skirt. Lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant purple and yellow colors. You can use a fabric softener in the final rinse if you wish to keep the skin and dress feeling exceptionally soft. Once dry, you may need to gently massage the stuffing to restore her original plump shape.
Long-term Preservation: If the bunny is intended for long-term display, keep her in a dust-free environment, such as a glass-fronted cabinet. Avoid placing her in direct sunlight for extended periods, as natural wool can be sensitive to UV rays. By following these maintenance steps, your Velvet Pansy & Kitten Bunny will remain a cherished masterpiece for many years to come.
Knitting a project of this scale and detail is a labor of love. Every stitch in the purple skirt and every petal on the pansies contributes to a narrative of patience and artistic expression. Whether this bunny is intended for a personal collection or as a significant gift, the effort and quality materials invested in her creation make her truly priceless. Enjoy the process of bringing this garden-dwelling rabbit to life!
