The Lily-of-the-Valley Keepsake Bunny is a stunning celebration of springtime renewal, elegance, and the delicate beauty of May’s birth flower. This heirloom-quality project features a classic, oatmeal-colored rabbit with a gentle, soulful expression, evoking the charm of vintage illustrations. She is dressed in a meticulously detailed ensemble: a cream bodice with puffed sleeves and a sage green skirt that serves as a canvas for the “Lily of the Valley” motif. The skirt features vertical embroidered vines with dangling white bell flowers, creating a mesmerizing garden effect. To achieve the crisp stitch definition for the delicate bells and the structural integrity of the accessories, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber ensures the white flowers remain bright and the green stems contrast sharply.

For the most comfortable crafting experience while assembling the tiny floral components and the miniature dove companion, you should purchase professional-grade ergonomic crochet hooks. These tools are essential for maintaining consistent tension without hand fatigue during the intricate embroidery and appliqué phases. Many dedicated fiber artists also choose to order high-quality amigurumi supplies, such as glass-effect safety eyes and high-density polyester fiberfill, from trusted online retailers like Amazon to ensure their creation feels as luxurious as it looks. This project is a significant investment of your creative energy, resulting in a breathtaking centerpiece that showcases advanced skills in floral construction, garment layering, and miniature animal sculpting. Accompanied by a tiny satchel and a peace dove holding a sprig of greenery, this set tells a story of serenity, making it a perfect addition 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 botanical aesthetic of this design, color selection is paramount. You need a soft, earthy oatmeal for the bunny, a crisp cream for the bodice, and a specific “Sage” or “Leaf” green for the skirt and hat to contrast with the bright white bell flowers.

• Bunny Body Yarn: Oatmeal, Biscuit, or Light Taupe Sport weight cotton yarn (approx. 150g). A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
• Skirt & Hat Yarn: Sage Green, Mint, or Muted Leaf Green cotton yarn (approx. 60g).
• Bodice Yarn: Cream or Off-White cotton yarn (approx. 30g).
• Flower Bells: Bright White cotton yarn (approx. 20g).
• Shoes & Dove: Bright White yarn.
• Bag: Cocoa Brown or Tan yarn.
• Embroidery: Dark Green (for leaves/stems on chest) and White (for bag detail).
• Crochet Hooks: A 2.25mm hook for the amigurumi parts to ensure a tight gauge; a 2.75mm hook for the clothing to allow for a graceful drape.
• Safety Eyes: 12mm solid black eyes for the rabbit; 5mm eyes for the dove.
• Stuffing: Premium grade, anti-allergenic polyester fiberfill.
• Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose.
• Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, cosmetic blush for shading, and two small green buttons for the shoes.

Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide

This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the surface embroidery and the attachment of the 3D flower bells. Maintain a firm tension for the amigurumi parts to prevent stuffing show-through.

• 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 hook through the fabric to pull up loops, creating a line on top of the work (used for stems).

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, welcoming expression. We work in continuous spirals using the Oatmeal yarn and the 2.25mm hook. It is vital to use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to maintain an accurate count.

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 and creates the placement area for the expressive eyes. (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)
23. Round 34: Perform a sequence of *1 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (12) Finish stuffing the head to a firm, smooth consistency.
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 Embroidery and Sculpting

To create the serene expression, use a long strand of Oatmeal 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. Using dark brown embroidery thread, embroider a small “Y” shape directly in the center of the face for the nose. Apply a soft pink blush to the cheeks.

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: *1 sc, 1 inc* repeat 6 times. (18)
4. Round 4: *2 sc, 1 inc* repeat 6 times. (24)
5. Round 5: *3 sc, 1 inc* repeat 6 times. (30)
6. Rounds 6-15: sc in each st around. (30)
7. Round 16: *8 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (27)
8. Rounds 17-25: sc in each st around. (27)
9. Round 26: *7 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (24)
10. Rounds 27-35: sc in each st around. (24)
11. Round 36: *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (21)
12. Rounds 37-45: sc in each st around. (21)
13. Round 46: *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 Oatmeal yarn. 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 5-30: sc in each st around. (24)
6. 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 31: sc 24 around the first leg, sc 3 along the chain, sc 24 around the second leg, sc 3 along the other side of the chain. (54)
2. Round 32: Perform *8 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (60)
3. Rounds 33-45: sc in each st around. (60)
4. Round 46: Perform *8 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (54)
5. Round 47: Perform *7 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (48)
6. Round 48: Perform *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (42)
7. Round 49: Perform *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (36)
8. Round 50: Perform *4 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (30) Stuff the body firmly.
9. Round 51: Perform *3 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (24)
10. Round 52: Perform *2 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (18)
11. Round 53: sc around. Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew the head to the neck.

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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.

Phase 4: The Lily-of-the-Valley Dress

This dress is a masterpiece of texture. It features a cream bodice with puffed sleeves and a sage green skirt adorned with vertical vines and 3D bell flowers. Use the 2.75mm hook.

Bodice (Cream)

1. Row 1: Ch 35. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (34)
2. Rows 2-5: sc across. (34)
3. Row 6 (Armholes): sc 5, ch 8, skip 6, sc 12, ch 8, skip 6, sc 5.
4. Row 7: sc across all sts and chains. (38)
5. Rows 8-10: sc across.
6. Sleeves: Join Cream yarn to the armhole. Work *1 sc, 1 inc* around to create a puff (approx 12 sts to 18 sts). Work 3 rounds. Work *1 sc, 1 dec* to cinch. Fasten off.
7. Embroidery: On the chest of the bodice, use Green and White yarn to embroider a small cluster of Lily of the Valley (green curved stems, french knot white flowers).

Skirt (Sage Green)

Attach Green yarn to the waist of the bodice.

1. Round 1: *3 sc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
2. Round 2: *4 sc, 1 inc* around.
3. Rounds 3-15: Work dc in each st around. This creates a smooth canvas for the vines.
4. Round 16 (Hem): Work sc around. Fasten off.

Creating the Vines and Bells

This is done using surface crochet and appliqué.

1. Vines: With Dark Green yarn and a tapestry needle (or surface slip stitch with hook), create 8-10 vertical lines running from the waist down to the hem. Add small “V” stitches along the lines to represent leaves.
2. Bell Flowers (Make 25-30): With White yarn, MR 4 sc.
   • Round 2: sc around (4).
   • Round 3: (sc, ch 2, sc) in each stitch. This creates the flared, bell-like opening. Fasten off.
3. Assembly: Sew 3 or 4 bell flowers along each vertical vine on the skirt. They should dangle downwards.

Phase 5: The Green Beret

A chic, slouchy hat to match the skirt. Use Sage Green yarn.

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc.
2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
3. Round 3: *1 sc, 1 inc* around. (18)
4. Round 4: *2 sc, 1 inc* around. (24)
5. Round 5: *3 sc, 1 inc* around. (30)
6. Round 6: *4 sc, 1 inc* around. (36)
7. Round 7: *5 sc, 1 inc* around. (42)
8. Round 8: *6 sc, 1 inc* around. (48)
9. Round 9: *7 sc, 1 inc* around. (54)
10. Rounds 10-12: sc in each st around.
11. Round 13 (Decrease for Band): *7 sc, 1 dec* around. (48)
12. Round 14: *6 sc, 1 dec* around. (42)
13. Round 15: sc around. Fasten off.
14. Decoration: Crochet a cluster of larger white lilies (ch 5, work petal cluster) and green leaves. Sew this arrangement to the side of the beret.

Phase 6: White Mary Jane Shoes

Classic footwear. Use White 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. Strap: Ch 8 across the top. Sew a small green button to the side of the strap.

Phase 7: The Satchel Bag

A tiny bag for collecting treasures. Use Brown yarn.

1. Body: Ch 11. sc in 2nd ch and across. Work 18 rows. Fold up the bottom third to form the pocket. Sew sides.
2. Flap: The remaining top third is the flap.
3. Detail: Embroider a small white bow or flower on the flap.
4. Strap: Ch 40. Attach to sides.

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Phase 8: The Peace Dove Companion

A symbol of hope and spring. Use White yarn.

1. Body: MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Work 4 rounds. Dec to 12. Dec to 6. Close.
2. Head: MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Stuff. Sew to top of body.
3. Wings (Make 2): Ch 5. In 2nd ch, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc. Sew to sides.
4. Tail: Ch 4. Work fan of 5 dc in first ch. Sew to rear.
5. Beak: Tiny stitch of orange/brown.
6. Prop: Tack a small piece of green yarn (a sprig) to the beak.

Final Assembly and Styling

Bring the Lily-of-the-Valley Keepsake Bunny to life with these final steps.

• Dressing: Put the dress on the bunny. Ensure the bodice fits snugly and the skirt flares out to show the vines. Put the white shoes on the feet.
• Hat: Place the beret on the head, tilting it to the side to display the flower cluster.
• Props: Hang the satchel over the bunny’s shoulder. Place the dove next to her feet.
• Finishing Touches: Check for any loose yarn tails and hide them deep inside the body. Apply a fresh dusting of blush to the cheeks.

Your Lily-of-the-Valley Keepsake Bunny is now complete! This character serves as a stunning tribute to the delicate beauty of May flowers. The intricate embroidery and the charming accessories make this a true heirloom piece. We hope you enjoyed this creative journey!

Would you like to learn how to create a miniature crochet garden gate backdrop for your bunny to stand in front of?