The Midnight Pansy Bunny is a sophisticated design that combines the rustic charm of a woodland rabbit with the elegance of a midnight garden aesthetic. This character is distinguished by her rich, cocoa-brown fur and a deeply pigmented plum pinafore dress that serves as a canvas for delicate floral embroidery. Crafting this piece requires a thoughtful approach to color and texture, making it an ideal project for those who enjoy character-driven amigurumi. Before you begin this journey, ensure you have the highest quality materials on hand. You may wish to purchase premium cotton yarn and buy ergonomic crochet hooks from a reliable source like Amazon to ensure your tension remains consistent and your hands stay comfortable. This project is a beautiful investment of your creative energy, resulting in a timeless companion that captures the quiet magic of a moonlit meadow. The inclusion of a tiny frog companion, absorbed in a miniature book, adds a layer of whimsy and storytelling that elevates this set into a true work of fiber art.

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 Guide

To achieve the exact look of the Midnight Pansy Bunny, selecting the correct fiber is paramount. For this project, a semi-cotton or 100% mercerized cotton yarn in Sport or DK weight is recommended. Cotton provides the structural integrity needed for the bunny to sit upright and allows the intricate embroidery on the hem of the dress to remain sharp and defined over time. Using a hook size that is slightly smaller than what the yarn label suggests will help you create a dense fabric, which is essential for keeping the stuffing completely hidden.

• Main Body Color: Cocoa Brown (approximately 100g).
• Dress Color: Deep Plum or Midnight Purple (approximately 50g).
• Shirt Color: Crisp White (approximately 30g).
• Headband and Bow Color: Matching Deep Plum (small amount).
• Shoe Color: Onyx Black (small amount).
• Companion Frog Color: Moss Green (small amount).
• Embroidery Colors: Small amounts of Yellow, Lilac, Sage Green, and Dark Brown for floral details and facial features.
• Crochet Hooks: 2.25mm for the body and companion, 2.5mm for the clothing components.
• Safety Eyes: 10mm black safety eyes for the bunny; 5mm safety eyes or black embroidery thread for the frog.
• Stuffing: Premium polyester fiberfill for firm shaping.
• Tools: Long tapestry needle, sharp embroidery needle, stitch markers, and pink cosmetic blush for the cheeks.

Project Abbreviations and Terminology

This design utilizes standard United States crochet terminology. Consistency in your stitch height is essential, especially when transitioning between the bunny’s body and her fitted clothing ensemble.

• 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 seamlessly).
• 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 of the bunny is designed as a rounded sphere with a gentle taper toward the muzzle. We will work in continuous spirals using the Cocoa Brown yarn. It is vital to use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to maintain an accurate count throughout the shaping process.

1. Round 1: Begin by creating a MR and placing 6 sc into the ring. (6)
2. Round 2: Work 1 inc into every stitch around the circle. (12)
3. Round 3: Perform a sequence of *1 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (18)
4. Round 4: Perform a sequence of *2 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (24)
5. Round 5: Perform a sequence of *3 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (30)
6. Round 6: Perform a sequence of *4 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (36)
7. Round 7: Perform a sequence of *5 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (42)
8. Round 8: Perform a sequence of *6 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (48)
9. Round 9: Perform a sequence of *7 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (54)
10. Round 10: Perform a sequence of *8 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (60)
11. Rounds 11-22: Work 1 sc in each of the 60 stitches around. This section builds the height of the face and the placement area for the eyes. (60)
12. Round 23: Perform a sequence of *8 sc, 1 dec* repeated 6 times. (54)
13. Round 24: Perform a sequence of *7 sc, 1 dec* repeated 6 times. (48)
14. Round 25: Perform a sequence of *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (42)
15. Placement: Insert the 10mm safety eyes between rounds 17 and 18, with approximately 11 stitches of space between them. Ensure they are perfectly level to give the bunny a sweet, balanced expression.
16. Round 26: Perform a sequence of *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (36)
17. Round 27: Perform a sequence of *4 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (30)
18. Stuffing: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Focus on pushing the fiberfill toward the sides to define the rounded cheeks seen in the image.
19. Round 28: Perform a sequence of *3 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (24)
20. Round 29: Perform a sequence of *2 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (18)
21. Round 30: Perform a sequence of *1 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (12) Finish stuffing the head to its final firm shape.
22. Round 31: Perform 6 dec. (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 Embroidery and Sculpting

The bunny’s facial details are minimal but expressive. Using a long strand of Cocoa Brown yarn, you can perform slight eye sculpting by inserting the needle at the base of the head and exiting near the inner corner of one eye, then re-entering a stitch away and pulling back toward the base. Repeat for the other eye to create depth. For the nose, use Dark Brown 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 of this bunny are exceptionally long and should hang down past the shoulders. We do not stuff the ears, as we want them to remain flat and flexible for a realistic drape. Make two pieces using the Cocoa Brown yarn.

1. Round 1: Start with a MR and place 6 sc inside. (6)
2. Round 2: Work 1 inc into every stitch around. (12)
3. Round 3: Perform *1 sc, 1 inc* around. (18)
4. Round 4: Perform *2 sc, 1 inc* around. (24)
5. Rounds 5-10: Work 1 sc in each of the 24 stitches around. (24)
6. Round 11: Perform *10 sc, 1 dec* repeated twice. (22)
7. Rounds 12-20: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (22)
8. Round 21: Perform *9 sc, 1 dec* repeated twice. (20)
9. Rounds 22-30: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (20)
10. Round 31: Perform *8 sc, 1 dec* repeated twice. (18)
11. Rounds 32-45: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (18) The length is the key to this design.
12. Flatten the base of the ear and perform 9 sc through both layers to close the opening. Fasten off and leave a very long tail for assembly. These will be sewn to the top of the head at round 6.

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Constructing the Torso and Limbs

The body is shaped to be a sturdy, seated figure. We work the legs first and join them to form the foundation of the torso. This method ensures the bunny sits stably on a flat surface. Use Cocoa Brown yarn.

Bunny Legs (Make 2)

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
3. Round 3: *1 sc, inc* around. (18)
4. Rounds 4-8: sc in each st around. (18)
5. Round 9: 6 sc, 3 dec, 6 sc. (15) This creates the foot bend.
6. Rounds 10-22: sc in each st around. (15)
7. Stuff the feet firmly and the rest of the leg moderately. Fasten off the first leg. Do not cut the yarn on the second leg.

Joining the Legs and Body

1. Round 23: From the second leg, ch 3 and join to the first leg with a sc. This counts as the first stitch of the new round. Work 14 sc around the first leg, 3 sc along the chain, 15 sc around the second leg, and 3 sc on the other side of the chain. (36)
2. Round 24: *5 sc, inc* around. (42)
3. Round 25: *6 sc, inc* around. (48)
4. Rounds 26-35: sc in each st around. (48)
5. Round 36: *6 sc, dec* around. (42)
6. Round 37: sc in each st around. (42)
7. Round 38: *5 sc, dec* around. (36)
8. Round 39: sc in each st around. (36)
9. Round 40: *4 sc, dec* around. (30)
10. Round 41: sc in each st around. (30)
11. Round 42: *3 sc, dec* around. (24) Stuff the body very firmly.
12. Round 43: sc in each st around. (24) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing the head to the body.

Bunny Arms (Make 2)

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
2. Round 2: *1 sc, inc* repeat around. (9)
3. Rounds 3-25: sc in each st around. (9)
4. Stuff the hands firmly but leave the top of the arms empty so they sit flat against the body. Flatten the top and sew to the sides of the body at round 41.

The Garden Ensemble: White Shirt and Plum Dress

The clothing provides the character with her sophisticated aesthetic. The t-shirt is simple and classic, while the plum pinafore features a voluminous skirt perfect for embroidery. Use a 2.5mm hook for these items to allow for a slightly more relaxed fabric than the body.

White T-Shirt

This shirt is worked in rows to allow for easy dressing of the bunny. We will join it at the back later.

1. Row 1: Ch 31. Starting in the second ch from hook, work 30 sc. Ch 1, turn. (30)
2. Rows 2-5: Work 30 sc across.
3. Row 6 (Armholes): Work 5 sc, ch 8, skip 6 sts, work 8 sc, ch 8, skip 6 sts, work 5 sc.
4. Row 7: Work sc in each stitch and chain across. (34)
5. Row 8: Work sc across. Fasten off.
6. Frog Applique: On the front center of the white shirt, use Moss Green yarn to crochet a small oval (6 sc in MR). Use black thread to embroider two dots for eyes and two tiny lines for the “v” of the mouth. Sew this to the chest of the shirt.

Deep Plum Pinafore Dress

The dress consists of a bib with straps and a flared skirt. Use the Deep Plum yarn.

1. The Skirt: Ch 40. Join with a sl st to form a ring. (40)
2. Round 1: *sc 4, inc* around. (48)
3. Round 2: Work 1 dc into every stitch around. (48)
4. Round 3: *dc 1, dc-inc* repeat around. (72)
5. Rounds 4-15: dc in each stitch around. (72) Using double crochet for the skirt provides a softer drape and builds length quickly.
6. Round 16 (Hem): *ch 3, skip 1 st, sl st in next* repeat around to create the delicate scalloped border seen in the image. Fasten off.
7. The Bib: Locate the center 12 stitches of the waistline. Attach plum yarn. Work 5 rows of 12 sc.
8. Straps: At the top corners of the bib, ch 18 (or the length needed to reach the back waist). Work sc back down the chain and secure to the back of the skirt.

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Pansy Embroidery Guide

The pansies along the hem of the dress are the highlight of this design. Follow these steps to add the floral detail using an embroidery needle and thread.

• Pansy Heads: Use Lilac and Yellow yarn. Start with a yellow French knot in the center. Surround it with five small loops of lilac thread to represent the petals. Alternate some flowers with a combination of white and purple to mimic the variety of real pansies.
• Stems and Leaves: Using Sage Green thread, work small vertical backstitches from the hem up to each pansy head. Add two small straight stitches at the base of each stem to represent leaves.
• Placement: Space the flowers approximately 1.5 inches apart around the entire circumference of the plum skirt.

Headband and Bow

The bunny wears a simple purple headband with a large, dramatic bow tied to one side.

1. Headband: Ch 60 (or the length needed to wrap around the bunny’s head). Fasten off.
2. The Bow: Using Plum yarn, ch 20. Work 8 rows of sc. Fasten off. Wrap a strand of yarn around the center to pinch it into a bow shape. Sew the bow onto the headband.
3. Place the headband on the head, ensuring the bow sits slightly to the right, just in front of the ear.

Onyx Black Mary Jane Shoes

The shoes are worked in black yarn to give them a velvet-like appearance. Make two.

1. Round 1: Ch 7. Start in 2nd ch from hook: 5 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Work on the other side of the chain: 4 sc, 1 inc. (14)
2. Round 2: inc, 4 sc, 3 inc, 4 sc, 2 inc. (20)
3. Round 3: BLO sc in each st around. (20)
4. Round 4: sc in each st around. (20)
5. Round 5: 7 sc, 3 dec, 7 sc. (17)
6. 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.

Tiny Frog Companion

This miniature frog is a standalone piece. It is designed to sit upright and hold a small book. Use Moss Green yarn and a 2.25mm hook.

Frog Body and Limbs

1. Body: MR, 6 sc. R2: 6 inc (12). R3-R8: sc around (12). R9: 6 dec. Stuff and close.
2. Limbs: For the arms and legs, attach yarn to the body. Ch 5, sl st back down. Work 4 of these.
3. Eyes: Use 5mm safety eyes or black embroidery thread to create two prominent eyes on the top of the head.
4. Lily Pad Hat: Using Sage Green, MR, 6 sc. R2: 6 inc (12). R3: *sc 1, inc* (18). Fasten off. Sew to the top of the frog’s head.

The Miniature Book

Using Dark Brown yarn, ch 6. Work 4 rows of 5 sc. Fasten off. Fold the rectangle in half to resemble a book. You can insert a small piece of white paper or felt inside to act as pages. Place the book between the frog’s arms as if he is reading.

Final Assembly and Finishing Touches

The assembly phase is where you ensure every proportion matches the reference perfectly. Carefully join the parts to capture the gentle personality of the Midnight Pansy Bunny.

• Head to Body: Sew the head to the body torso using the tail from the body. Add extra stuffing to the neck area as you sew to ensure the head does not wobble under the weight of the long ears.
• Ear Placement: Pin the ears to round 6 of the head. Check for symmetry from the front before sewing them firmly. They should hang naturally beside the face.
• Dressing: Place the white t-shirt on first, then slide the plum pinafore over the top. Cross the straps in the back and secure them. Ensure the frog applique is centered on the bunny’s chest.
• Companion Placement: The tiny frog is designed to sit next to the bunny. You can use a small dab of fabric glue or a single stitch to secure the frog to the surface the bunny is sitting on for a permanent display.
• Blushing: For a final lifelike detail, use a soft brush and a tiny amount of pink blush to add rosy circles to the bunny’s cheeks and the tips of the green frog’s cheeks.

Your Midnight Pansy Bunny is now complete! This character is a celebration of texture, color, and fine needlework. By combining the structured amigurumi base with delicate clothing and embroidery, you have created a unique heirloom piece that showcases your skills as a fiber artist. Store your completed work in a dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain the vibrancy of the plum and sage green colors. We hope you enjoyed every stitch of this magical garden journey!

Would you like to learn how to add a small lace edge to the white t-shirt, or perhaps receive instructions for a matching garden stool for your bunny to sit on?