The Lily of the Valley Bunny is an exquisite masterpiece of artisan craft, blending the rustic charm of a woodland creature with the sophisticated details of traditional botanical aesthetics. This project features a large, soulful rabbit dressed in a pristine white pleated gown, complete with a moss-green scalloped hem and three-dimensional lily of the valley clusters. To achieve the professional results seen in this design, it is vital to buy premium cotton amigurumi yarn and purchase ergonomic crochet hooks that allow for precise tension control. Many dedicated creators choose to order high-quality crochet supplies such as high-density polyester fiberfill and specialized 12mm safety eyes 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 energy, resulting in a timeless piece that showcases advanced skills in garment layering, miniature accessory sculpting, and surface decoration. Whether intended as a centerpiece for a specialized collection or a high-end gift for a discerning collector, this bunny radiates warmth, narrative depth, and artisanal excellence.
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 List and Project Preparation
Achieving the professional aesthetic of the Lily of the Valley Bunny requires careful attention to material selection. The consistency of your yarn weight is the most critical factor in ensuring that the multi-layered clothing fits the body correctly. Using a hook size slightly smaller than the yarn manufacturer suggests will help create a dense, gap-free fabric that keeps the fiberfill completely hidden. It is best to select yarns that have a smooth, mercerized finish to make the floral applications stand out.
- Main Body Yarn: Beige or Light Oatmeal cotton yarn (approx. 150g). A Sport weight or light DK weight is ideal for maintaining delicate proportions.
- Dress Base: Pure White or Soft Cream cotton yarn (approx. 100g).
- Garment Accents: Moss Green or Forest Green yarn for the vest and dress hem (approx. 50g).
- Accessory Colors: Tan or Sand for the lantern (approx. 20g), Light Grey for the bell, and Crisp White for the miniature owl.
- Crochet Hooks: A 2.25mm hook for the main body and miniature figures; a 2.75mm hook for the clothing to allow for a slightly softer, more natural drape.
- Safety Eyes: 12mm black safety eyes for the rabbit and 6mm eyes for the miniature owl companion.
- Stuffing: High-density, anti-allergenic polyester fiberfill with high rebound.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle for limb attachment, sharp embroidery needle, stitch markers, and pink cosmetic blush for the cheeks.
- Hardware: A small LED tea light for the lantern (optional) and a thin wire if you wish to make the ears posable.
Common Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)
Maintaining an accurate stitch count is the foundation of a high-quality finish. These instructions utilize standard United States terminology. Please ensure your tension is firm throughout the amigurumi portions to prevent the stuffing from peeking through the fabric. For the clothing, a slightly more relaxed tension is acceptable to facilitate easy dressing of the doll.
- MR: Magic Ring (the essential foundation for circular work).
- sc: Single crochet.
- inc: Increase (work two single crochets into the same stitch).
- dec: Invisible decrease (work through the front loops only to reduce bulk).
- hdc: Half double crochet.
- dc: Double crochet.
- tr: Treble crochet.
- sl st: Slip stitch.
- ch: Chain stitch.
- BLO: Back loops only (used for pleating and texture).
- FLO: Front loops only.
- st(s): Stitch or stitches.
Phase 1: The Sculpted Bunny Head
The head is designed as a large, rounded sphere with subtle tapering toward the muzzle to provide a gentle, curious expression. Use the Beige yarn and the 2.25mm hook. Work in continuous spirals without joining rounds. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round to avoid errors in the shaping of the cheeks. Firm stuffing is essential here to provide a smooth base for facial features.
- 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 to double the count. (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 12-25: Work 1 sc in each of the 66 stitches around. This long section builds the vertical height of the face and creates the placement area for the safety eyes. (66)
- Round 26: Perform a sequence of (9 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (60)
- Round 27: Perform a sequence of (8 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (54)
- Round 28: Perform a sequence of (7 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (48)
- Round 29: Perform a sequence of (6 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (42)
- Placement: Insert the 12mm safety eyes between rounds 18 and 19, leaving approximately 12 stitches of space between them. Ensure they are perfectly level.
- Round 30: Perform a sequence of (5 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (36)
- Round 31: 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 32: Perform a sequence of (3 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 33: Perform a sequence of (2 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (18) Finish stuffing the head to a firm consistency.
- Round 34: Perform a sequence of (1 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (12)
- Round 35: 6 dec to close. (6) Fasten off and leave a tail to weave through the front loops.
Facial Embroidery and Muzzle Sculpting
To achieve the soulful expression of the rabbit, use a long strand of Beige yarn to perform 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. Repeat for the other eye. This creates depth in the sockets. 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. Ensure the embroidery is symmetrical to the eyes to maintain the soulful gaze.
Phase 2: Long Floppy Bunny Ears
The ears are a signature feature, requiring a long, flat construction that allows them to hang naturally beside the head. We do not stuff the ears to maintain flexibility. Make two identical pieces using the Beige yarn and the 2.25mm hook.
- Round 1: Start with a MR and work 6 sc inside. (6)
- Round 2: Work 1 inc into every stitch around. (12)
- Round 3: Perform (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: Perform (2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 5: Perform (3 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (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 47-65: sc in each st around. (18) The extra length is vital for the vintage silhouette.
- 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 to the head at round 6 during assembly.
Phase 3: The Sturdy Bunny Torso
The body is shaped to stand stably while providing a solid frame for the heavy white gown and green accessories. We work from the neck down to ensure a seamless join. Use Beige yarn and maintain firm tension to prevent the body from sagging under the weight of the dress.
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: (2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 5: (3 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
- Round 6: (4 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (36)
- Rounds 7-18: sc in each st around. (36)
- Round 19: (5 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (42)
- Round 20: (6 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (48)
- Round 21: (7 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (54)
- Round 22: (8 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (60)
- Rounds 23-38: sc in each st around. (60) This builds the wide, stable base.
- Round 39: (8 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (54)
- Round 40: (7 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (48)
- Round 41: (6 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (42)
- Round 42: (5 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (36) Stuff the lower torso very firmly.
- Round 43: (4 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (30)
- Round 44: (3 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 45: 12 dec to close. (12) Fasten off, leaving a tail for assembly.
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Phase 4: Slender Bunny Arms and Legs
The limbs of the bunny are long and slender. Use Beige yarn for all four components. Stuff the hands and feet firmly, but leave the upper halves slightly softer to allow for natural movement against the garments.
Slender Arms (Make 2)
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 3 times. (9)
- Round 3: (2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 3 times. (12)
- Rounds 4-30: sc in each stitch around. (12)
- Flatten the top and work 6 sc across both layers to close. Sew to the sides of the torso at Round 6 of the body.
Stable Legs (Make 2)
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: (2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
- Rounds 5-35: sc in each stitch around. (24)
- Stuff the feet very firmly. Flatten the top and work 12 sc across to close. Sew to the bottom sides of the torso so the bunny stands with stability.
Phase 5: The Pleated White Gown
The dress is the highlight of the wardrobe, featuring a pleated texture and a decorative floral band. Use the White yarn and the 2.75mm hook. The dress is worked from the waist down.
Bodice Construction
- Row 1: Ch 31. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, work 30 sc. Ch 1, turn.
- Rows 2-10: Work sc 30 across to build the bodice height.
- Straps: Ch 15 for each strap and secure to the back of the waistband.
Pleated Skirt
- Join White yarn to the bottom of the bodice.
- Round 1: (sc 1, inc) around. (45 sts)
- Round 2: (dc in next st, ch 1) repeat around to create the vertical foundation for pleats.
- Round 3-15: Work 2 dc in each ch-1 space and 1 dc in each dc. This creates the vertical columns seen in the photo.
- Round 16: sc in each st around.
The Green Scalloped Hem
- Switch to Moss Green yarn at the final round of the skirt.
- Round 1: sc in each st around. (approx. 90 sts)
- Round 2 (Shell Stitch): *sl st in first st, skip 2, 5 dc in next st, skip 2* repeat around to create the large scallops.
- Embroidery: Use a darker green thread to embroider vertical stems starting from the dips of each scallop, extending upward about 2 inches into the white skirt.
Phase 6: Lily of the Valley 3D Accents
The 3D flowers are worked separately and sewn onto the skirt. Use Crisp White yarn for the blossoms and Moss Green for the stems. Make 12 blossoms.
- Blossom: MR, 5 sc. (5)
- Round 2: inc in each st around. (10)
- Rounds 3-4: sc in each st around. (10)
- Round 5: (sl st, ch 2, sl st) in each stitch around to create the ruffled bell opening. Fasten off.
- Assembly: Sew clusters of three blossoms onto the tops of the green embroidered stems on the skirt. Position them so they appear to be hanging downward naturally.
Phase 7: The Moss Green Bolero Vest
This accessory adds a vintage contrast. Use the Moss Green yarn and 2.75mm hook. It is worked in rows to create an open front.
- Row 1: Ch 33. Starting in the second ch, work 32 sc. Ch 1, turn.
- Row 2: *sc 1, inc* repeat 16 times. (48)
- Row 3: sc in each st across. (48)
- Row 4 (Armholes): 8 sc, ch 10, skip 8 sts, 16 sc, ch 10, skip 8 sts, 8 sc.
- Row 5: Work sc across the entire row, including the chains. (52)
- Rows 6-12: sc in each st across. Fasten off and use sc to border the entire vest for a clean finish.
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Phase 8: Inverted Bell Hat
The hat is shaped like an inverted lily of the valley flower. Use White yarn for the body and Green for the stem.
- Round 1: 6 sc in a MR. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: (2 sc, inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 5: (3 sc, inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
- Round 6: (4 sc, inc) repeat 6 times. (36)
- Round 7: (5 sc, inc) repeat 6 times. (42)
- Round 8: (6 sc, inc) repeat 6 times. (48)
- Rounds 9-18: sc in each st around. (48)
- Round 19 (The Ruffle): (sl st, ch 3, 3 dc in next st, ch 3, sl st) repeat around to create the flared bell edge.
- Stem: Using Moss Green, MR 6 sc. Work 5 rounds of 6 sc. Sew to the top center of the hat.
Phase 9: Miniature Accessories and Companion
The Miniature Owl
This tiny pet perches on the bunny’s head. Use White yarn and a 2.25mm hook.
- Body & Head: Work as one piece. MR, 6 sc. (R2) 12 sc. (R3) 18 sc. (R4-R10) 18 sc. (R11) dec around. Stuff and close.
- Wings: Make two. Ch 4, work 3 dc in the first ch. Sew to the sides.
- Details: Use dark brown thread to embroider “V” shapes on the chest. Add 6mm eyes and a tiny yellow beak.
The Glowing Lantern
Use Tan yarn for the frame and Yellow for the center.
- Center: MR, 6 sc. R2-5: 6 sc. In Yellow.
- Frame: MR, 6 sc. R2: 12 sc. R3: BLO sc around. R4-6: sc around. In Tan.
- Assembly: Place the yellow core inside the tan frame. Add a wire or yarn loop for the handle.
Phase 10: Integrated Footwear
Make two shoes using White yarn with a green sole. These feature a small buckle detail.
- Round 1: Ch 7. Start in 2nd ch: 5 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Turn: 4 sc, inc. (14)
- Round 2: inc, 4 sc, 3 inc, 4 sc, 2 inc. (20)
- Round 3: BLO sc around. (20)
- Round 4: sc around. (20)
- Strap: ch 8 from one side to the other. Fasten off and sew a tiny green bead for the button.
Final Assembly and Finishing Touches
Assembling the components with precision is what gives the bunny its lifelike quality. Follow these final steps to bring your Lily of the Valley Bunny to life. Consistency in the alignment of the head and ears is the most important factor in capturing the character’s personality.
- 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 the miniature owl.
- Ear placement: Pin the long ears to Round 6 of the head. Check from the front to ensure they are symmetrical before sewing them securely. They should hang straight down behind the bunny’s shoulders.
- Dressing: Put the white pleated dress on first, ensuring the straps sit neatly on the shoulders. Layer the green bolero vest over the top.
- Styling: Place the bell hat on the head. Secure the miniature owl to the top of the hat or the bunny’s head.
- Final Touches: Position the lantern and the silver bell next to the bunny’s feet. 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 Lily of the Valley Bunny is now complete! This character serves as a stunning tribute to traditional handcraft and garden aesthetics. Store your finished doll in a dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrancy of the white 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 bolero vest, or perhaps receive guidance on creating a matching miniature garden bench for your bunny to sit on?
