The English Rose Garden Bunny is a sophisticated design that captures the timeless elegance of a vintage countryside afternoon. This character features a soft, cream-colored rabbit dressed in a stunning teal-green pleated skirt, adorned with hand-embroidered climbing roses. The ensemble is completed with an intricate honeycomb-patterned shawl, a tilted cloche hat, and a tiny bluebird companion perched gracefully on the shoulder. For those ready to begin this artistic journey, you can buy premium mercerized cotton yarn and purchase specialized amigurumi tools through major online craft suppliers like Amazon to ensure your stitches are as crisp and defined as the original inspiration. This project is more than just a toy; it is a storytelling piece that invites you to practice advanced texture work and delicate floral embroidery. Every stitch contributes to a sense of pastoral wonder, making this bunny a perfect heirloom gift or a centerpiece for a high-end handmade collection. Prepare your hooks for a truly rewarding experience as we bring this garden scene to life.
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 Preparation
Success in creating a high-definition character like the English Rose Garden Bunny depends on selecting the correct fibers. For this rabbit, a Sport weight or DK weight yarn is recommended to maintain the delicate proportions while allowing the pleated textures of the skirt to stand out. Using a hook size that is slightly smaller than what the yarn label suggests will help you create a dense, sturdy fabric that prevents the stuffing from peeking through.
- Main Body Color: Light Beige or Cream (approximately 100g).
- Skirt Color: Deep Teal Green (approximately 50g).
- Shawl Colors: Mustard Yellow and Off-White (small amounts).
- Accessory Colors: Rose Pink (flowers/shoes), Sage Green (leaves), and Sky Blue (bird).
- Crochet Hooks: 2.25mm for the main body and 2.5mm or 2.75mm for the clothing to allow for a softer drape.
- Safety Eyes: 12mm black safety eyes for a soulful expression.
- Stuffing: Premium polyester fiberfill for firm shaping.
- Embroidery Floss: Fine thread in various shades of pink, green, and dark brown.
- Tools: Tapestry needle, embroidery needle, stitch markers, and pink blush for the cheeks.
Project Abbreviations and Terminology
This design utilizes standard United States terminology. Accuracy in your stitch counts is essential for the tailored garments to fit the bunny perfectly. Consistency in tension is the secret to ensuring the limbs and head align symmetrically during the assembly phase.
- MR: Magic Ring (the foundation for circular amigurumi).
- ch: Chain stitch.
- sc: Single crochet.
- inc: Increase (work two single crochets into the same stitch).
- dec: Invisible decrease (work through the front loops of two stitches to reduce the stitch count).
- hdc: Half double crochet.
- dc: Double crochet.
- sl st: Slip stitch.
- BLO: Back loops only (used for texture or adding garments).
- FLO: Front loops only.
- st(s): Stitch or stitches.
The Sculpted Bunny Head
The head is designed as a large, rounded sphere with subtle tapering toward the chin to provide a gentle, curious expression. Use the Cream yarn and work in a continuous spiral. It is vital to use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to maintain an accurate count.
- Round 1: Begin by creating a MR and placing 6 sc into the ring. (6)
- Round 2: Work 1 inc into every stitch around the circle. (12)
- Round 3: Perform a sequence of *1 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: Perform a sequence of *2 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (24)
- Round 5: Perform a sequence of *3 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (30)
- Round 6: Perform a sequence of *4 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (36)
- Round 7: Perform a sequence of *5 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (42)
- Round 8: Perform a sequence of *6 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (48)
- Round 9: Perform a sequence of *7 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (54)
- Round 10: Perform a sequence of *8 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (60)
- Round 11: Perform a sequence of *9 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (66)
- Rounds 12-24: sc in each of the 66 stitches around. This section builds the vertical height of the face and creates the placement area for the eyes. (66)
- Round 25: Perform a sequence of *9 sc, 1 dec* repeated 6 times. (60)
- Round 26: Perform a sequence of *8 sc, 1 dec* repeated 6 times. (54)
- Round 27: Perform a sequence of *7 sc, 1 dec* repeated 6 times. (48)
- Round 28: Perform a sequence of *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (42)
- Placement: Insert the 12mm safety eyes between rounds 18 and 19, with approximately 12 stitches of space between them. Ensure they are perfectly level.
- Round 29: Perform a sequence of *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (36)
- Round 30: Perform a sequence of *4 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (30)
- Stuffing: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Focus on pushing the fiberfill toward the sides to define the rounded cheeks seen in the image.
- Round 31: Perform a sequence of *3 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 32: Perform a sequence of *2 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 33: Perform a sequence of *1 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (12) Finish stuffing the head to its final firm shape.
- Round 34: Perform 6 dec to close. (6) Fasten off and leave a long tail. Use a tapestry needle to weave through the remaining stitches and pull the hole closed securely.
Facial Details and Muzzle Sculpting
To achieve the soulful expression of the rabbit, use a long strand of Cream yarn to perform eye sculpting. Insert the needle at the base of the head and exit near the inner corner of one eye, then re-enter a stitch away and pull back toward the base. Repeat for the other eye. For the nose, use light pink embroidery thread to stitch a small “Y” shape directly in the center of the face, approximately three rounds below the eyes. Apply pink blush to the cheeks using a soft brush to add a healthy garden glow.
Long Floppy Bunny Ears
The ears are exceptionally long and should hang down gracefully past the shoulders. We do not stuff the ears, as we want them to remain flat and flexible. Make two pieces using the Cream yarn.
- Round 1: Start with a MR and place 6 sc inside. (6)
- Round 2: Work 1 inc into every stitch around. (12)
- Round 3: Perform *1 sc, 1 inc* around. (18)
- Round 4: Perform *2 sc, 1 inc* around. (24)
- Round 5: Perform *3 sc, 1 inc* around. (30)
- Rounds 6-15: Work 1 sc in each of the 30 stitches around. (30)
- Round 16: Perform *8 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (27)
- Rounds 17-25: sc in each st around. (27)
- Round 26: Perform *7 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (24)
- Rounds 27-35: sc in each st around. (24)
- Round 36: Perform *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (21)
- Rounds 37-45: sc in each st around. (21)
- Round 46: Perform *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (18)
- Rounds 47-55: sc in each st around. (18)
- Flatten the base of the ear and perform 9 sc through both layers of the opening to close. Fasten off and leave a very long tail for sewing. These will be attached to the top of the head at rounΒ 6.
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Torso and Lower Body Construction
The body is pear-shaped to provide a stable, seated pose. We work from the neck down to ensure a clean join with the head. Use Cream yarn.
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: *1 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (18)
- Round 4: *2 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (24)
- Round 5: *3 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (30)
- Round 6: *4 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (36)
- Rounds 7-18: sc in each st around. (36)
- Round 19: *5 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (42)
- Round 20: *6 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (48)
- Round 21: *7 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (54)
- Rounds 22-32: sc in each st around. (54) Stuff firmly as you progress.
- Round 33: *7 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (48)
- Round 34: *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (42)
- Round 35: *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (36)
- Round 36: *4 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (30)
- Round 37: *3 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (24) Stuff the lower body very firmly.
- Round 38: *2 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (18)
- Round 39: sc in each st around. (18) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for assembly.
Slender Arms and Legs
The limbs are simple cylinders, but they must be stuffed correctly to maintain a natural posture. Use Cream yarn for all four components.
Bunny Arms (Make 2)
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: *1 sc, inc* repeat 3 times. (9)
- Rounds 3-25: sc in each stitch around. (9)
- Stuff the hand portion firmly, but leave the upper half of the arm empty. This allows the arms to rest flat against the body once the shawl is put on. Flatten the top and work 4 sc across to close. Sew to the sides of the body at round 37.
Bunny Legs (Make 2)
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: *1 sc, inc* repeat around. (18)
- Round 4: *5 sc, inc* repeat 3 times. (21)
- Rounds 5-25: sc in each stitch around. (21)
- Stuff the legs firmly as you progress. Flatten the top and work 10 sc across to close. Sew to the bottom sides of the torso so the bunny can sit upright.
The Deep Teal Pleated Skirt
The skirt is the focal point of the outfit, featuring a unique pleated appearance created by working in vertical rows. Use the Deep Teal yarn and a 2.5mm hook.
- Row 1: Ch 21. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, work 20 sc. (20)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Work 20 sc in the BLO. (20)
- Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Work 20 sc in the BLO. (20)
- Repeat Row 2 until the piece is long enough to wrap comfortably around the bunny’s waist. The “pleats” will be formed by the ridges of the back-loop stitches.
- Once the desired length is reached, sl st the first and last rows together to form a tube.
- The Waistband: Attach yarn to the top edge of the skirt and work a round of sc, performing decreases if necessary to fit the bunny’s torso.
- The Hem: Work a round of reverse single crochet (crab stitch) around the bottom of the skirt for a finished edge.
English Rose Embroidery Guide
Using rose-pink embroidery floss and a sharp needle, add surface floral details to the side of the teal skirt. Create three large roses using the “woven spider web” stitch. Surround the roses with thin green stems using backstitches and add small “lazy daisy” leaves. Space the roses so they appear to be climbing upward from the hem. For an extra touch of detail, add tiny pink French knots between the leaves to represent smaller rose buds.
Mustard Honeycomb Shawl
The shawl provides a beautiful contrast and features a three-dimensional grid pattern. Use Mustard Yellow and Off-White yarn.
- Row 1: Using Mustard Yellow, ch 41. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, work 40 sc. Ch 1, turn.
- Row 2-4: Work hdc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
- Honeycomb Effect: Switch to Off-White thread. Use a tapestry needle to surface-stitch vertical lines every 4 stitches. Then, work diagonal lines crossing the vertical ones to create a hexagonal grid or honeycomb appearance.
- The Ruffle: Attach Mustard Yellow to the bottom and side edges of the shawl. Work *ch 3, 2 dc in same st, sl st in next st* around to create the ruffled border seen in the photo.
- Wrap the shawl around the bunny’s shoulders and secure with a small ribbon bow at the front.
Beige Cloche Hat and Shoes
Tilted Garden Hat
- Round 1: Using Beige yarn, 6 sc in a MR. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: *1 sc, inc* repeat around. (18)
- Round 4: *2 sc, inc* repeat around. (24)
- Round 5: *3 sc, inc* repeat around. (30)
- Round 6: *4 sc, inc* repeat around. (36)
- Rounds 7-12: sc in each stitch around. (36)
- The Brim: Work 1 round of inc in the FLO. (72)
- Round 13: sc in each st around. Fasten off.
- Hat Band: Using Teal yarn, ch 40 and tie around the base of the hat crown. Position the hat tilted over one ear and secure with a few hidden stitches.
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Rose Ballet Flats (Make 2)
- Using Rose Pink yarn, Ch 7. Start in 2nd ch from hook: 5 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Turn to work on the other side of the chain: 4 sc, 1 inc. (14)
- Round 2: inc, 4 sc, 3 inc, 4 sc, 2 inc. (20)
- Round 3: BLO sc in each st around. (20)
- Round 4: sc in each st around. (20)
- Round 5: 7 sc, 3 dec, 7 sc. (17)
- Strap: Ch 8 from one side of the shoe to the other. Sl st to secure. Repeat for the second shoe and slide onto the bunny’s feet.
Rose Bouquet Accessory
The bunny holds a small gathering of roses tied with a ribbon. Make 3 to 5 roses.
- Rose: Using Rose Pink, ch 15. In 2nd ch from hook, work 3 dc in each st across. Roll the strip into a coil and sew the base.
- Leaves: Using Sage Green, ch 6. Sl st, sc, hdc, sc, sl st back down the chain.
- Sew the roses and leaves together into a cluster. Tie a small tan ribbon around the base and secure to the bunny’s right hand.
Tiny Shoulder Bluebird Companion
This miniature pet perches faithfully on the bunny’s shoulder. Use Sky Blue yarn and a 2.25mm hook.
- Body/Head: MR, 6 sc. R2: 6 inc (12). R3-R8: sc around (12). R9: *1 sc, dec* (8). R10: dec around. Stuff lightly and close.
- Wings: Make two. Ch 4, work 3 dc in the first ch. Sew to the sides.
- Beak: Embroider a tiny yellow dot for the beak and two black dots for the eyes.
- Sew the bird securely to the left shoulder of the bunny’s dress.
Final Assembly and Character Finishing
Assembling the English Rose Garden Bunny requires patience to ensure all the elements are symmetrical and securely attached. Follow these final steps to bring your character to life.
- Joining the Body: Sew the head firmly to the torso opening. Ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly so the head does not wobble under the weight of the floppy ears and cloche hat.
- Ear placement: Pin the long ears to Round 6 of the head. Check from the front to ensure they hang symmetrically behind the bunny’s shoulders before sewing them securely.
- Dressing: Slide the teal pleated skirt onto the bunny. Place the honeycomb shawl over the shoulders and tie the ribbon at the neck.
- Footwear: Put the pink ballet shoes on the feet. The straps should cross the top of the foot.
- Final Polish: Inspect your work for any loose yarn tails. Use your needle to pull any ends deep into the stuffing. Re-apply the cheek blush if it has faded during assembly. Your English Rose Garden Bunny is now complete!
Store your masterpiece in a dry area away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrant teal and rose hues. This character is designed to be a timeless companion, showcasing the very best of amigurumi craftsmanship. We hope you enjoyed every moment of this sophisticated garden journey and feel proud of the incredible artistry you have achieved with your crochet hooks.
Would you like to learn how to add a small lace edge to the cloche hat, or perhaps receive guidance on creating a matching miniature wicker basket for your bunny?
