The Weeping Willow & Otter Bunny is a serene and enchanting project that captures the peaceful spirit of a riverside afternoon. This sophisticated design features a classic, oatmeal-colored rabbit base, dressed in a flowing teal gown reminiscent of calm waters, adorned with hand-embroidered weeping willow vines that cascade down the skirt. The ensemble is completed with a deep blue river cape and a delicate crown of pastel wildflowers. To achieve the high-definition finish and durability required for such a detailed piece, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn and purchase professional-grade ergonomic crochet hooks. These tools ensure that your tension remains even, particularly when working on the intricate surface embroidery of the dress. Many dedicated fiber artists choose to order high-quality amigurumi supplies, such as glass-effect safety eyes and heavy-duty polyester fiberfill, from trusted online retailers like Amazon to guarantee the longevity of their creation. This project is a wonderful investment of your creative time, resulting in a stunning heirloom that showcases advanced skills in garment construction, nature-inspired embroidery, and miniature animal sculpting. The inclusion of a playful otter companion holding a river stone adds a touch of whimsy, making this set a perfect addition for collectors who shop for unique handmade dolls.

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 riverside aesthetic of this design, color selection is paramount. You want cool, calming tones for the outfit to contrast with the warm earth tones of the bunny and the otter. Using a Sport weight (Fine #2) or DK weight (Light #3) yarn is ideal for maintaining the delicate proportions of the accessories.

• Bunny Body Yarn: Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Light Tan cotton yarn (approx. 150g). A matte finish provides a natural, fur-like texture.
• Dress Base Yarn: Aqua, Teal, or Light Turquoise cotton yarn (approx. 80g).
• Willow Embroidery: Sage Green or Olive Green yarn (approx. 20g).
• Cape Yarn: Deep River Blue or Navy cotton yarn (approx. 40g).
• Flower Crown: Scraps of Pastel Pink, Lemon Yellow, and Lilac.
• Otter Companion: Taupe or Greige (Grey-Beige) yarn (approx. 40g).
• River Stone: Charcoal or Dark Grey yarn.
• Crochet Hooks: 2.25mm for the bunny and otter; 2.75mm for the clothing to allow for a graceful drape.
• Safety Eyes: 12mm solid black eyes for the bunny; 6mm eyes for the otter.
• Stuffing: Premium grade, anti-allergenic polyester fiberfill.
• Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the bunny nose and black for the otter’s details.
• Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, and pink cosmetic blush for shading.

Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide

This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the surface embroidery on the dress and the shaping of the otter. Maintain a firm tension for the amigurumi parts to prevent stuffing show-through. For the dress skirt, a slightly looser tension helps the fabric flow like water.

• MR: Magic Ring (the 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.
• FLO: Front loops only.
• st(s): Stitch or stitches.
• Surface Slip Stitch: Inserting the hook through the fabric from the front, grabbing the yarn from behind, and pulling a loop through to “draw” on the crochet fabric.

Phase 1: The Sculpted Bunny Head

The head is a classic spherical shape with a gentle widening at the cheeks to give the bunny a sweet, youthful appearance. We work in continuous spirals using the Oatmeal yarn and the 2.25mm hook. Place a stitch marker at the start of every round.

1. Round 1: Start with a MR and work 6 sc into the ring. (6)
2. Round 2: Work 6 inc. (12)
3. Round 3: Perform (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
4. Round 4: Perform (2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
5. Round 5: Perform (3 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
6. Round 6: Perform (4 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (36)
7. Round 7: Perform (5 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (42)
8. Round 8: Perform (6 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (48)
9. Round 9: Perform (7 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (54)
10. Round 10: Perform (8 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (60)
11. Round 11: Perform (9 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (66)
12. Rounds 12-25: Work 1 sc in each st around. This builds the height of the face. Ensure your tension is consistent so the surface is smooth. (66)
13. Round 26: Perform (9 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (60)
14. Round 27: Perform (8 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (54)
15. Round 28: Perform (7 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (48)
16. Eye Placement: Insert the 12mm safety eyes between Rounds 18 and 19, spacing them approximately 12 stitches apart. Check that they are symmetrical relative to your start of the round.
17. Round 29: Perform (6 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (42)
18. Round 30: Perform (5 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (36)
19. Stuffing: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Push the fiberfill against the sides to round out the cheeks. The head should be firm but slightly squishy.
20. Round 31: Perform (4 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (30)
21. Round 32: Perform (3 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (24)
22. Round 33: Perform (2 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (18)
23. Round 34: Perform (1 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (12) Finish stuffing.
24. Round 35: 6 dec to close. Fasten off and weave in the yarn tail.

Facial Embroidery and Sculpting

To create the bunny’s expression, use a long strand of Oatmeal yarn. Insert the needle at the base of the neck, come out at the inner corner of the eye, go in at the outer corner, and back down to the neck. Pull gently to indent the eyes. Repeat for the other eye. Using dark brown floss, embroider a “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between the eyes. Apply a soft pink blush to the cheeks and the inside of the ears.

Phase 2: Long Floppy Ears

The ears are designed to be long and draped, framing the face beautifully. They are not stuffed, which allows them to lie flat against the body. Make two using the Oatmeal yarn.

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
3. Round 3: Perform (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
4. Round 4: Perform (2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
5. Round 5: Perform (3 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
6. Rounds 6-15: sc in each st around. (30)
7. Round 16: Perform (8 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (27)
8. Rounds 17-25: sc in each st around. (27)
9. Round 26: Perform (7 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (24)
10. Rounds 27-35: sc in each st around. (24)
11. Round 36: Perform (6 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (21)
12. Rounds 37-45: sc in each st around. (21)
13. Round 46: Perform (5 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (18)
14. Rounds 47-55: sc in each st around. (18)
15. Flatten the open end of the ear and sc across through both layers to close. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Attach the ears to the top of the head at approximately Round 6.

Phase 3: The Body and Limbs

We will construct the legs first and join them to create the body. This method creates a seamless transition and a sturdy standing base.

Legs (Make 2)

1. Round 1: Start with Teal/Aqua yarn (for the shoe/slipper base). MR, 6 sc. (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
3. Round 3: Perform (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (18)
4. Rounds 4-6: sc in each st around. (18)
5. Round 7: Switch to Oatmeal yarn. Work in BLO. sc around. (18)
6. Rounds 8-25: sc in each st around. (18)
7. Fasten off the first leg. Do not fasten off the second leg. Chain 3 and join to the first leg with a sc.

Body Construction

1. Round 26: sc 18 around the first leg, sc 3 along the chain, sc 18 around the second leg, sc 3 along the other side of the chain. (42)
2. Round 27: Perform (6 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (48)
3. Rounds 28-38: sc in each st around. (48)
4. Round 39: Perform (6 sc, 1 dec) repeat around. (42)
5. Rounds 40-41: sc around. (42)
6. Round 42: Perform (5 sc, 1 dec) repeat around. (36)
7. Rounds 43-44: sc around. (36)
8. Round 45: Perform (4 sc, 1 dec) repeat around. (30) Stuff the body firmly.
9. Round 46: Perform (3 sc, 1 dec) repeat around. (24)
10. Round 47: Perform (2 sc, 1 dec) repeat around. (18)
11. Round 48: sc around. Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew the head to the neck.

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. Lightly stuff the hand area but leave the upper arm empty for mobility. Flatten the top and sc closed. Sew to the shoulders.

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Phase 4: The Weeping Willow Dress

This dress mimics the flow of water and the hanging vines of a willow tree. Use the Teal yarn and the 2.75mm hook. The dress is worked from the top down.

Bodice

1. Row 1: With Teal yarn, ch 35. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (34)
2. Rows 2-6: sc across. (34)
3. Row 7 (Join): Join to the first stitch with a sl st to begin working in rounds.
4. Round 8: Perform (4 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (42)
5. Round 9: Perform (5 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (49)
6. Round 10: Perform (6 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (56)
7. Rounds 11-25: Work dc in each st around. This creates a smooth fabric ideal for embroidery. (56)
8. Round 26 (Hem): Work a scalloped edge: *skip 1, 5 dc in next st, skip 1, sl st in next* repeat around. Fasten off.

Willow Vine Embroidery

This step brings the “Willow” theme to life. Use the Sage Green yarn and a tapestry needle.

• Main Vines: Using a surface slip stitch or a stem stitch, create 6 to 8 vertical lines running from the waistline down to the hem. These lines should not be perfectly straight; give them a slight wave to mimic swaying branches.
• Leaves: Along each vertical vine, stitch small “V” shapes or lazy daisy stitches pointing downwards. This creates the weeping effect of willow leaves.
• Sleeves: Reattach Teal yarn to the top corners of the bodice. Chain 12 and attach to the back to create shoulder straps. Or, for the cap-sleeve look, work 15 sc into the armhole gap created when seaming the bodice.

Phase 5: The River Blue Cape

A simple yet elegant cape that represents the river water. Use the Deep Blue yarn.

1. Row 1: Ch 30. sc in 2nd ch and across. (29)
2. Row 2: *3 sc, 1 inc* across. (36)
3. Row 3: *4 sc, 1 inc* across. (43)
4. Row 4: *5 sc, 1 inc* across. (50)
5. Rows 5-15: dc in each st across.
6. Edging: Work (ch 3, sl st in next st) across the bottom hem for a picot border.
7. Ties: Attach yarn to the top corners and chain 25 to create ties.

Phase 6: The Wildflower Crown

A delicate accessory to sit atop the bunny’s head. Use scraps of pink, yellow, and lilac.

1. Vine Base: With Green yarn, ch 50. Work sl st back down the chain. Fasten off. Join ends to form a circle sized to fit the head.
2. Flowers (Make 5): MR, (ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st into ring) x 5. Pull tight.
3. Assembly: Sew the small flowers onto the green vine base.

Phase 7: The Otter Companion

The otter is designed to look like it is floating on its back, holding a stone. Use Taupe/Greige yarn.

1. Head: MR, 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Stuff.
2. Body: MR, 6 sc.

   R2: 6 inc (12).

   R3: (1 sc, 1 inc) around (18).

   R4-12: sc around.

   R13: (1 sc, 1 dec) around (12).

   R14: 6 dec. Stuff and close.

3. Tail: Ch 10. sc back down. Sew to the bottom of the body.
4. Limbs (Make 4): MR, 5 sc. Work 2 rounds. Sew to the body. Position them facing upwards as if the otter is floating on its back.
5. Ears: MR, 3 sc. Do not close. Sew to sides of head.
6. Face: Insert 6mm eyes. Embroider a black triangular nose.
7. River Stone: With Charcoal yarn, MR 6 sc. R2: 6 inc (12). R3-4: sc around. R5: 6 dec. Stuff firmly and close. Sew the stone to the otter’s front paws/chest.

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Phase 8: Footwear

Simple ballet-style slippers to match the dress.

1. Round 1: With Teal yarn, 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. Straps: Ch 12. Criss-cross over the foot and attach to the opposite side.

Final Assembly and Styling

Bring the Weeping Willow & Otter Bunny to life with these final steps.

• Dressing: Put the teal dress on the bunny. Ensure the embroidered vines are visible at the front. Tie the blue cape around her neck.
• Crown: Place the flower crown on the head, positioning it slightly in front of the ears.
• Shoes: Slip the teal shoes onto the bunny’s feet.
• Companion: Place the otter next to the bunny. You can pose the otter lying on its back with the stone on its belly.
• Finishing Touches: Apply a little more blush to the bunny’s cheeks if needed. Check all yarn tails are hidden.

Your Weeping Willow & Otter Bunny set is now complete! This project captures the tranquil beauty of a riverbank ecosystem. The combination of the botanical embroidery and the charming otter companion makes this a unique and storytelling piece. We hope you enjoyed this creative journey into nature.

Would you like to learn how to create a miniature crochet dragonfly to attach to the flower crown, or perhaps a small reed mat for the otter to float on?