The creation of amigurumi characters is a journey that blends traditional craftsmanship with the ethereal beauty of the natural world. This project features an exquisite cream-toned rabbit adorned in a dusty rose ensemble that captures the tranquil elegance of water lilies drifting on a summer pond. Designed for the dedicated fiber artist, this character is a masterpiece of texture, featuring hand-embroidered floral clusters, a detailed sailor-style collar, and a whimsical lily pad shoulder bag. To achieve the high-definition results and professional finish seen in the inspiration, it is essential to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn and purchase professional-grade crochet hooks that offer comfort during intricate work. Many dedicated crafters choose to order amigurumi kits and high-quality polyester fiberfill through trusted online platforms like Amazon to ensure their materials meet the standards of heirloom-quality toys. This project is a magnificent investment of your artistic time, resulting in a timeless heirloom that radiates garden serenity and sophisticated charm. Every stitch contributes to a narrative of pond-side wonder, making it a perfect centerpiece for a luxury handmade collection.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Project Materials and Tool Preparation
Success in creating a high-definition character like the Water Lily Bunny depends on the consistency of your gauge and the quality of your fibers. This design relies on various textures and fine embroidery; therefore, consistency in your yarn weight is vital for ensuring all the clothing pieces fit the body perfectly. Using the correct tools is the first step toward a professional finish.
- Main Body Yarn: Cream or Off-white cotton yarn (approx. 150g). A semi-cotton blend can also be used for a softer feel.
- Dress Base: Dusty Rose or Rose Pink yarn (approx. 100g).
- Accessory Colors: Grass Green (for lily pads and bag), White (for flower petals and collar trim), Tan (for the hat), and Forest Green (for stems).
- Frog Companion: Leaf Green yarn and a small amount of Yellow for the crown.
- Crochet Hooks: A 2.25mm hook for the main body components to ensure a tight, no-gap fabric; a 2.75mm hook for the clothing to allow for a slightly softer drape.
- Safety Eyes: 12mm black safety eyes for the rabbit; 6mm for the miniature frog.
- Stuffing: Premium polyester fiberfill for firm yet soft shaping.
- Embroidery Floss: Fine thread in Dark Brown (nose), White (flower highlights), and Yellow (stamen details).
- Notions: Tapestry needle, embroidery needle, stitch markers, and pink cosmetic blush for the cheeks.
Common Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)
The instructions utilize standard United States terminology. Consistency in your tension is paramount, especially when creating the fitted bodice of the sailor dress. If your tension tends to be loose, consider moving down a hook size to maintain the structural integrity of the bunny’s limbs and ears.
- MR: Magic Ring (the foundation for all circular work).
- sc: Single crochet.
- inc: Increase (work two sc into the same stitch).
- dec: Invisible decrease (work through the front loops only).
- hdc: Half double crochet.
- dc: Double crochet.
- tr: Treble crochet.
- sl st: Slip stitch.
- ch: Chain stitch.
- BLO: Back loops only.
- 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 muzzle to provide a gentle, soulful expression. Use the Cream yarn and a 2.25mm hook. Work in a continuous spiral without joining rounds. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the start of each round.
- Round 1: Start with a MR and place 6 sc into the ring. (6)
- Round 2: Work 1 inc in every stitch around the circle. (12)
- Round 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat 6 times around. (18)
- Round 4: *sc 2, inc* repeat 6 times around. (24)
- Round 5: *sc 3, inc* repeat 6 times around. (30)
- Round 6: *sc 4, inc* repeat 6 times around. (36)
- Round 7: *sc 5, inc* repeat 6 times around. (42)
- Round 8: *sc 6, inc* repeat 6 times around. (48)
- Round 9: *sc 7, inc* repeat 6 times around. (54)
- Round 10: *sc 8, inc* repeat 6 times around. (60)
- Round 11: *sc 9, inc* repeat 6 times around. (66)
- Rounds 12-25: Work 1 sc in each of the 66 stitches around. This builds the vertical height of the face. (66)
- Round 26: *sc 9, dec* repeat 6 times around. (60)
- Round 27: *sc 8, dec* repeat 6 times around. (54)
- Round 28: *sc 7, dec* repeat 6 times around. (48)
- Round 29: *sc 6, dec* repeat 6 times around. (42)
- Placement: Insert 12mm black safety eyes between rounds 18 and 19, with approximately 12 stitches of space between them. Ensure they are level.
- Round 30: *sc 5, dec* repeat 6 times around. (36)
- Round 31: *sc 4, dec* repeat 6 times around. (30)
- Stuffing: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Focus on the sides to define the rounded cheeks.
- Round 32: *sc 3, dec* repeat 6 times around. (24)
- Round 33: *sc 2, dec* repeat 6 times around. (18)
- Round 34: *sc 1, dec* repeat 6 times around. (12) Finish stuffing.
- Round 35: Perform 6 dec to close. (6) Fasten off and leave a long tail. Weave through the front loops and pull tight to close.
Facial Embroidery and Shaping
To achieve the soulful expression of the character, use a long strand of Cream yarn to perform slight eye sculpting. Insert the needle at the base of the head, exit near the inner corner of one eye, re-enter a stitch away, and pull back toward the base. For the nose and mouth, use dark brown thread to embroider 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. You may also add a tiny white “sparkle” stitch at the top corner of each eye.
Upright Bunny Ears
The ears are a signature feature, designed to stand tall and alert. We use a gradual increase method to create a wide base that supports their height. Make two pieces using the Cream yarn.
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc inside. (6)
- Round 2: 1 inc into every stitch around. (12)
- Round 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: *sc 2, inc* repeat 6 times. (24)
- Rounds 5-10: Work 1 sc in each of the 24 stitches around. (24)
- Round 11: *sc 6, dec* repeat 3 times. (21)
- Rounds 12-25: sc in each st around. (21)
- Round 26: *sc 5, dec* repeat 3 times. (18)
- Rounds 27-35: sc in each st around. (18)
- 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 sewing. These will be attached to the top of the head at round 5 during assembly.
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Constructing the Sturdy Torso
The body is shaped to sit stably while providing a solid frame for the tiered clothing. We work from the neck down. Use Cream yarn and maintain firm tension to prevent the dress from sagging.
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: *sc 2, inc* repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 5: *sc 3, inc* repeat 6 times. (30)
- Round 6: *sc 4, inc* repeat 6 times. (36)
- Round 7: *sc 5, inc* repeat 6 times. (42)
- Round 8: *sc 6, inc* repeat 6 times. (48)
- Rounds 9-22: sc in each st around. (48)
- Round 23: *sc 7, inc* repeat 6 times. (54)
- Round 24: *sc 8, inc* repeat 6 times. (60)
- Rounds 25-40: sc in each st around. (60) This builds a wide, stable base.
- Round 41: *sc 8, dec* repeat 6 times. (54)
- Round 42: *sc 7, dec* repeat 6 times. (48)
- Round 43: *sc 6, dec* repeat 6 times. (42)
- Round 44: *sc 5, dec* repeat 6 times. (36) Stuff the torso very firmly.
- Round 45: *sc 4, dec* repeat 6 times. (30)
- Round 46: *sc 3, dec* repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 47: 12 dec to close. Fasten off.
Slender Arms and Legs
The limbs are long and elegant, matching the bunny’s sophisticated character. Use Cream yarn for all four components.
Bunny Arms (Make 2)
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: *sc 1, inc* repeat 3 times. (9)
- Round 3: *sc 2, inc* repeat 3 times. (12)
- Rounds 4-30: sc in each stitch around. (12)
- Stuff the hand portion (Rounds 1-6) firmly, but leave the rest of the arm empty so it sits naturally against the dress. Flatten the top and work 6 sc across to close.
Bunny Legs (Make 2)
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: *sc 2, inc* repeat 6 times. (24)
- Rounds 5-35: sc in each stitch around. (24)
- Stuff firmly as you progress. Flatten the top and work 12 sc across to close. These will be sewn to the bottom of the body.
The Rose Sailor Dress
This garment is the focal point of the ensemble, featuring a fitted bodice, short sleeves, and a tiered skirt. Use the Dusty Rose yarn and a 2.75mm hook.
Bodice and Collar
- Row 1: Ch 33. Starting in the second ch from hook, work 32 sc. Ch 1, turn.
- Rows 2-8: Work sc in each stitch across. (32)
- Short Sleeves: At the armhole area, work 14 sc in a circle for 5 rounds. Finish with a round of White sc for the cuff.
- The Sailor Collar: Join Rose yarn to the neckline. Work a rectangular flap at the back: 10 hdc across 5 rows. Attach yarn to the front neck and work two triangular points that meet at the center.
- White Tie: Using White yarn, Ch 40. Sl st back. Tie into a small bow at the front of the collar as seen in the image.
The Tiered Skirt
- Round 1: Join Rose yarn to the bottom of the bodice. *sc 3, inc* repeat around. (40)
- Round 2: *sc 4, inc* repeat around. (48)
- Round 3: BLO sc in each st around. (48)
- Round 4: sc in each st around. (48)
- Round 5: *sc 5, inc* repeat around. (56)
- Round 6: BLO sc in each st around. (56)
- Rounds 7-15: sc in each st around. (56)
- The Ruffles: Join Rose yarn to the FLO of Round 3 and Round 6. Work *ch 3, 3 dc in next st, ch 3, sl st in next st* around. This creates the overlapping tiered effect of the gown.
- White Lace Hem: Attach White thread to the bottom edge. Work *sc, skip 1, shell (5 dc in one st), skip 1* repeat around.
Water Lily Embroidery Guide
This is the most detailed part of the project. Use your embroidery floss and a sharp needle to decorate the front of the skirt.
- Lily Pads: Use Grass Green thread to work a satin stitch in a circle, leaving a small “v” slit open to represent the iconic lily pad shape. Place three on the bodice and five on the skirt.
- Water Lilies: Using White thread, embroider five pointed petals radiating from a center. Use Yellow thread to place three tiny French knots in the center for the stamen.
- Vines: Use Forest Green thread and a stem stitch to connect the flowers and pads across the dress, creating a winding pond-side scene.
The Tan Straw Hat
The hat sits elegantly on the head and carries a matching floral accent. Use the Tan yarn.
- Round 1: 6 sc in a MR. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat around. (18)
- Round 4: *sc 2, inc* repeat around. (24)
- Round 5: *sc 3, inc* repeat around. (30)
- Round 6: *sc 4, inc* repeat around. (36)
- Round 7: *sc 5, inc* repeat around. (42)
- Round 8: *sc 6, inc* repeat around. (48)
- Rounds 9-13: sc in each st around. (48)
- Round 14 (Brim): Work in the FLO. *sc 2, inc* repeat around. (64)
- Round 15: sc in each st around. (64) Fasten off.
- Hat Detail: Wrap a Green yarn band around the base of the crown. Crochet one miniature pink water lily and one green leaf and sew them to the left side of the brim.
Lily Pad Shoulder Bag
The bag is a statement accessory, shaped like a giant lily pad. Use Grass Green yarn.
- The Pad: MR, 6 sc. (R2) 12 sc. (R3) 18 sc. (R4) 24 sc. (R5) 30 sc. (R6) 36 sc.
- Details: Work a slit by turning back and forth for the last round instead of joining. Embroider light green lines radiating from the center to represent veins.
- Strap: Ch 50 (or length needed to cross the bunny’s body). Attach to the sides of the pad.
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The Royal Pond Frog Companion
This tiny pet perches next to the bunny. Use Leaf Green yarn and a 2.25mm hook.
- Body: MR, 6 sc. (R2) 12 sc. (R3) 18 sc. (R4-R8) 18 sc. (R9) 9 dec. Stuff firmly and close.
- Limbs: Work small ch-6 loops for the arms and legs. Sew to the sides of the body.
- The Crown: In Yellow, Ch 10. Join in a circle. Work *ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch, sl st in next st of base* repeat around to create 5 tiny points. Sew to the frog’s head.
Dusty Rose Mary Jane Shoes
Make two shoes using the Rose yarn to match the dress.
- Round 1: Ch 7. Start in 2nd ch: 5 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Turn: 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: 8 sc, 3 dec, 6 sc. (17)
- Strap: ch 8 from one side of the shoe opening to the other. Fasten off and sew a tiny white bead to the side.
Final Assembly and Finishing Touches
Assembling the Serene Pond Water Lily Bunny requires patience to ensure all elements are symmetrical. 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 upright ears and hat.
- Limbs: Attach the arms at round 5 of the body. The legs should be sewn to the bottom of the torso, angled slightly forward so the bunny sits stably.
- Ear placement: Pin the ears to Round 5 of the head. Check from the front to ensure they are symmetrical before sewing them securely.
- Dressing: Slide the rose dress onto the bunny. Secure the back with a small button. Place the hat on the head, pulling the ears up through the center if you choose or letting the hat sit in front of them.
- Styling: Sling the lily pad bag over the shoulder. Place the crowned frog next to the bunny’s right foot. Put the rose shoes on the feet.
- 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 Serene Pond Water Lily Bunny is now complete! This character serves as a stunning tribute to traditional handcraft and the quiet beauty of a garden pond. Store your finished doll in a dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrancy of the rose and green hues. We hope you enjoyed the meticulous process of building this character and that she brings a touch of springtime magic to your home.
Would you like to learn how to add a small lace edge to the lily pad bag, or perhaps receive guidance on creating a matching miniature pond display for your bunny to sit on?
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