The Australian Banksia Bunny – Crochet

The Australian Banksia Bunny is a tribute to the rugged and unique beauty of the Australian bushland. This sophisticated amigurumi design captures the essence of the native flora, featuring a soft oatmeal-colored rabbit dressed in a stunning sage green gown adorned with textured orange “Banksia” blossoms. The outfit is complemented by a rust-colored bolero cardigan and matching shoes, echoing the earthy tones of the outback. To achieve the high-definition texture and professional finish seen in this project, it is highly recommended to buy premium cotton amigurumi yarn and purchase ergonomic crochet hooks. These tools are essential for maintaining consistent tension, especially when working the intricate loop stitches that mimic the fuzzy Banksia flowers. Many dedicated fiber artists choose to order high-quality crochet supplies, such as high-density fiberfill and secure safety eyes, from trusted online retailers like Amazon to ensure their creation becomes a lasting heirloom. This project is a significant investment of your creative time, resulting in a unique centerpiece that showcases advanced skills in surface texture, garment layering, and miniature animal sculpting. With the inclusion of a tiny Bilby companion and a classic wooden-style boomerang, this set tells a story of adventure and natural beauty, perfect for those who shop for artisan handmade collectibles.




Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Comprehensive Material List and Preparation

To faithfully recreate the Australian Banksia Bunny, you will need a specific color palette that reflects the muted greens and vibrant oranges of the native flowers. The dress features a unique texture that requires a yarn with good stitch definition. We recommend using a Sport weight (Fine #2) or DK weight (Light #3) cotton yarn.

  • Bunny Body Yarn: Oatmeal or Beige cotton yarn (approx. 150g). A matte finish provides a natural, fur-like appearance.
  • Dress Yarn: Sage Green or Muted Mint (approx. 80g) for the dress base.
  • Banksia Flower Yarn: Vibrant Burnt Orange or Rust (approx. 40g) for the textured flowers.
  • Cardigan & Shoes Yarn: Copper, Rust, or Terracotta Brown (approx. 50g).
  • Hat Yarn: Sand/Beige (40g) and a small amount of White/Cream Faux Fur or Bouclé yarn for the brim.
  • Bilby Companion: Light Grey, White, and Pink yarn (approx. 30g total).
  • Boomerang: Tan yarn with Rust stripes.
  • Crochet Hooks: A 2.25mm hook for the amigurumi parts; a 2.75mm hook for the clothing to allow for a softer drape.
  • Safety Eyes: 12mm solid black safety eyes for the rabbit; 5mm eyes for the bilby.
  • Stuffing: Premium grade, anti-allergenic polyester fiberfill.
  • Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the bunny nose/mouth and green for leaf details.
  • Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, and sharp scissors.

Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Technique Guide

This project utilizes standard United States terminology. Accuracy in stitch placement is vital for the dress pattern. The “Banksia” flowers are created using a loop stitch or a cluster stitch to give them a 3D, fuzzy appearance resembling the flower cone.

  • 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).
  • hdc: Half double crochet.
  • dc: Double crochet.
  • sl st: Slip stitch.
  • ch: Chain stitch.
  • BLO: Back loops only.
  • FLO: Front loops only.
  • st(s): Stitch or stitches.
  • Loop Stitch (LS): Insert hook, wrap yarn around finger to create a loop, pull through, finish as sc. (Used for the flower texture).

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 expression. We work in continuous spirals using the Oatmeal yarn and the 2.25mm hook. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.

  1. Round 1: Start with a MR and place 6 sc into the ring. (6)
  2. Round 2: Work 1 inc in 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. Round 11: Perform a sequence of *9 sc, 1 inc* repeated 6 times. (66)
  12. Rounds 12-25: Work 1 sc in each of the 66 stitches around. This long section builds the vertical height of the face. (66)
  13. Round 26: Perform a sequence of *9 sc, 1 dec* repeated 6 times. (60)
  14. Round 27: Perform a sequence of *8 sc, 1 dec* repeated 6 times. (54)
  15. Round 28: Perform a sequence of *7 sc, 1 dec* repeated 6 times. (48)
  16. Placement: Insert the 12mm safety eyes between rounds 18 and 19, leaving approximately 12 stitches of space between them. Ensure they are level.
  17. Round 29: Perform a sequence of *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (42)
  18. Round 30: Perform a sequence of *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (36)
  19. Stuffing: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Focus on pushing the fiberfill toward the sides to define the rounded cheeks.
  20. Round 31: Perform a sequence of *4 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (30)
  21. Round 32: Perform a sequence of *3 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (24)
  22. Round 33: Perform a sequence of *2 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (18) Finish stuffing the head to a firm consistency.
  23. Round 34: Perform a sequence of *1 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (12)
  24. Round 35: 6 dec to close. (6) Fasten off and leave a long tail. Use a tapestry needle to pull the hole closed securely.

Facial Details

Using dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between the eyes. To achieve the look in the photo, create slight indentations for the eyes by pulling a strand of yarn through the head from the neck opening to the eye corners and back. Apply a small amount of pink blush to the cheeks.

Phase 2: Long Lopped Ears

The ears are long and hang down beside the face. Make two using the Oatmeal yarn.

  1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
  2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
  3. Round 3: *1 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (18)
  4. Round 4: *2 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (24)
  5. Rounds 5-15: sc in each st around. (24)
  6. Round 16: *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (21)
  7. Rounds 17-25: sc in each st around. (21)
  8. Round 26: *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (18)
  9. Rounds 27-35: sc in each st around. (18)
  10. Round 36: *4 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (15)
  11. Rounds 37-50: sc in each st around. (15)
  12. Flatten the opening and sc across through both layers to close. Sew to the head at Round 7.

Phase 3: The Sturdy Body

The body is pear-shaped to support the dress. Work from the bottom up or neck down depending on your preference; these instructions are for neck-down to ensure a smooth join.

  1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
  2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
  3. Round 3: *1 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (18)
  4. Round 4: *2 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (24)
  5. Round 5: *3 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (30)
  6. Round 6: *4 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (36)
  7. Rounds 7-15: sc in each st around. (36)
  8. Round 16: *5 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (42)
  9. Round 17: *6 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (48)
  10. Round 18: *7 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (54)
  11. Round 19: *8 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (60)
  12. Rounds 20-35: sc in each st around. (60) This builds the wide base.
  13. Round 36: *8 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (54)
  14. Round 37: *7 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (48)
  15. Round 38: *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (42)
  16. Round 39: *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (36) Stuff firmly.
  17. Round 40: *4 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (30)
  18. Round 41: *3 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (24)
  19. Round 42: 12 dec. Fasten off.




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Phase 4: Limbs – Arms and Legs

Arms (Make 2)

  1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
  2. Round 2: *1 sc, 1 inc* repeat 3 times. (9)
  3. Round 3: *2 sc, 1 inc* repeat 3 times. (12)
  4. Rounds 4-28: sc in each st around. (12)
  5. Stuff the hand firmly and the arm lightly. Flatten top and sew closed. Attach to the shoulders.

Legs (Make 2)

  1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
  2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
  3. Round 3: *1 sc, 1 inc* repeat 6 times. (18)
  4. Round 4: *2 sc, 1 inc* repeat 6 times. (24)
  5. Rounds 5-35: sc in each st around. (24)
  6. Stuff firmly. Flatten top and sew closed. Attach to the bottom of the body.

Phase 5: The Sage Banksia Dress

This dress mimics the Australian native flower. It features a sage green base with textured orange “blooms”. Use the 2.75mm hook.

Bodice

  1. Row 1: In Sage Green, ch 35. sc in 2nd ch and across. (34)
  2. Rows 2-8: sc across.
  3. Straps: Ch 12 from top corners, attach to back.
  4. Waist: Join the bottom of the bodice in the round. Work 1 round of sc.

Skirt

  1. Round 1: *3 sc, 1 inc* around. (Increase to desired width).
  2. Round 2: *4 sc, 1 inc* around.
  3. Rounds 3-5: sc around in Sage Green.
  4. Round 6 (Flower Round): Use Orange yarn. *sc 5 in Green, work a Loop Stitch Cluster (or Bobble) in Orange* repeat around.
  5. Rounds 7-9: sc around in Green.
  6. Round 10 (Staggered Flower Round): *sc 2 in Green, Loop Stitch Cluster in Orange, sc 3 in Green* repeat around.
  7. Rounds 11-25: Continue alternating plain green sections with staggered orange flower rounds.
  8. Embroidery: Use dark green yarn to embroider small leaves next to the orange flowers.

Phase 6: The Rust Bolero Cardigan

The cardigan adds a warm, earthy layer. Use Rust/Copper yarn and 2.75mm hook.

  1. Row 1: Ch 33. sc across. (32)
  2. Row 2: *sc 3, inc* across. (40)
  3. Row 3: *sc 4, inc* across. (48)
  4. Row 4 (Armholes): sc 7, ch 8, skip 8, sc 18, ch 8, skip 8, sc 7.
  5. Row 5: sc across all sts and chains.
  6. Rows 6-12: sc across. Fasten off.
  7. Sleeves: Attach yarn to armhole. Work 15 sc in rounds for 10 rounds.

Phase 7: The Bush Hat

A classic bucket hat with a fuzzy brim. Use Sand yarn.

  1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc.
  2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
  3. Round 3: *1 sc, 1 inc* (18)
  4. Round 4: *2 sc, 1 inc* (24)
  5. Round 5: *3 sc, 1 inc* (30)
  6. Round 6: *4 sc, 1 inc* (36)
  7. Round 7: *5 sc, 1 inc* (42)
  8. Round 8: *6 sc, 1 inc* (48)
  9. Rounds 9-13: sc around.
  10. Round 14 (Brim): Switch to White Faux Fur or Bouclé yarn. *2 sc, 1 inc* around to create a fluffy, textured brim.
  11. Round 15: sc around in fur yarn. Fasten off.

Phase 8: The Bilby Companion

The Bilby is an iconic Australian marsupial with long ears and a pointy nose. Use Grey, White, and Pink yarn.

  1. Head: In Grey, MR 6 sc. inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Change to White for the muzzle/bottom half. Dec to 6.
  2. Body: In Grey, MR 6 sc. Inc to 18. Work 6 rounds. Dec to 12. Stuff. Sew head to body.
  3. Ears: In Grey, ch 6. sc back down. Make 2. Sew to top of head. Paint inner ears pink.
  4. Tail: Ch 8 in Black. sc back. Sew to rear.
  5. Limbs: Tiny ch-3 loops in white.




📌Thank you for reading the article.

Phase 9: Accessories – Boomerang and Shoes

The Boomerang

  1. Row 1: In Tan yarn, ch 15.
  2. Row 2: sc in 6 sts, 3 sc in next st (the bend), sc in 6 sts.
  3. Row 3: sc in 7 sts, 3 sc in next, sc in 7 sts. Fasten off.
  4. Decoration: Wrap Rust yarn around the ends to create stripes.

Rust Mary Jane Shoes

Make two shoes using Rust yarn.

  1. Round 1: Ch 7. 2 sc in 2nd ch, sc 4, 4 sc in last. Rotate. sc 4, 2 sc in last. (16)
  2. Round 2: inc, sc 5, 4 inc, sc 5, inc. (22)
  3. Round 3: BLO sc around. (22)
  4. Rounds 4-5: sc around.
  5. Round 6: sc 6, 5 dec, sc 6. (17)
  6. Strap: Ch 6 across the top of the foot. Fasten off.

Final Assembly and Styling

Bring the Australian Banksia Bunny to life with careful assembly.

  • Dressing: Place the sage dress on the bunny first. The orange flowers should provide a beautiful texture. Layer the rust cardigan over the top. Put the rust shoes on the feet.
  • Hat: Place the hat on the head, pulling it down slightly to frame the face. The fuzzy brim adds a wintery bush feel.
  • Props: Place the boomerang near the bunny’s feet. Position the Bilby companion standing next to the bunny.
  • Finishing Polish: Check all seams. Use a needle to hide yarn tails inside the body. Ensure the blush on the cheeks is fresh.

Your Australian Banksia Bunny is now complete! This character serves as a stunning tribute to the unique flora and fauna of Australia. Store your finished doll in a dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the earthy tones of the rust and sage yarns. We hope you enjoyed this journey into the bushland!

Would you like to learn how to create a miniature eucalyptus branch for your bunny to hold, or perhaps receive guidance on creating a matching koala companion?

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