The Gardenia Pearl Bunny is a vision of timeless elegance and vintage sophistication, capturing the essence of a high-society garden party from a bygone era. This heirloom-quality project features a pristine, creamy-white rabbit with a soft, matte finish, evoking the texture of fine porcelain or alabaster. She is dressed in a meticulously detailed ensemble that speaks of luxury and refinement. Her outfit consists of a textured cream dress with a playful bobble hem, layered beneath a structured sage green jacket. The jacket is the pièce de résistance, trimmed with lustrous faux pearls along the cuffs and hem, and adorned with dimensional white gardenia blossoms on the lapels. To achieve the crisp stitch definition of the jacket and the delicate structure of the flower petals, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the sage green contrasts beautifully with the cream, and the pearls sit securely on the fabric.

For the most comfortable crafting experience while assembling the intricate bobble clutch and the graceful swan companion, you should purchase professional-grade ergonomic crochet hooks. These tools are essential for maintaining even tension without hand fatigue, especially when working with the bead attachments. 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 substantial and luxurious as it looks. This project is a significant investment of your creative energy, resulting in a breathtaking centerpiece that showcases advanced skills in beadwork, garment construction, and miniature sculpting. Accompanied by a textured bobble clutch and a regal swan holding a pearl, this set tells a story of opulence and grace, 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 “Gardenia Pearl” aesthetic, the color palette must be restrained and elegant. You need a pure Cream or Ivory for the bunny and dress, and a muted Sage or Olive Green for the jacket to provide a sophisticated contrast. The pearls are non-negotiable for this look.

• Bunny Body Yarn: Cream, Ivory, or White Sport weight cotton yarn (approx. 150g). A matte finish is preferred to look like vintage fabric.
• Jacket & Hat Band Yarn: Sage Green, Muted Olive, or Fern Green cotton yarn (approx. 60g).
• Dress & Bag Yarn: Cream or Off-White yarn (approx. 80g).
• Gardenia Flowers: Bright White yarn.
• Swan Companion: White yarn with a scrap of Black and Orange for the face.
• Embellishments: Small white faux pearl beads (4mm to 6mm) for the jacket trim, shoes, and swan.
• 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; small beads for the swan eyes.
• Stuffing: Premium grade, anti-allergenic polyester fiberfill.
• Embroidery Floss: Dark brown or grey for the nose.
• Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, sewing needle and thread (for pearls), and cosmetic blush.

Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide

This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the “Bobble Stitch” used for the bag and dress hem, and the careful sewing of beads. Maintain a firm tension for the amigurumi parts.

• 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.
• Bobble Stitch: (Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, pull through 2 loops) x 5 times in same st, yarn over and pull through all loops. Pushes out to form a bump.

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 Cream 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 6 inc. (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 Cream 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 Lopped 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 Cream 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 Cream yarn (shoes are removable, so we make bare feet). MR, 6 sc. (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
3. Round 3: *1 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (18)
4. Rounds 4-5: sc in each st around. (18)
5. Round 6: Work in BLO. sc around. (18)
6. Rounds 7-25: 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.

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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.

Phase 4: The Cream Bobble Dress

This dress provides a textured base for the outfit. Use Cream yarn and the 2.75mm hook.

Bodice

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. Round 11 (Waist): Join to work in rounds. sc around.

Skirt

1. Round 12: *3 dc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
2. Rounds 13-20: Work dc in each st around.
3. Round 21 (Bobble Hem): *sc 1, Bobble Stitch in next, sc 1* repeat around. This creates a ring of texture at the bottom.
4. Round 22: sc around. Fasten off.

Phase 5: The Sage Green Pearl Jacket

The centerpiece of the outfit. A structured jacket with pearl trim. Use Sage Green yarn.

1. Row 1: Ch 35. sc in 2nd ch and across. (34)
2. Row 2: (sc 3, inc) across. (42)
3. Row 3: (sc 4, inc) across. (50)
4. Row 4 (Armholes): sc 7, ch 8, skip 8, sc 20, ch 8, skip 8, sc 7.
5. Row 5: sc across all sts and chains. (50)
6. Rows 6-12: Work in simple sc or hdc to create a dense, coat-like fabric. Fasten off.
7. Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 16 sc around for 10 rounds.
8. Pearl Trim: Using a needle and matching thread, sew small white pearls evenly along the cuffs of the sleeves and along the bottom hem of the jacket. Space them about 1cm apart.

Gardenia Flowers (Make 2)

For the jacket lapel and the hat.

1. Center: MR, 5 sc.
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st. (10)
3. Petals: *Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 3, sl st into same st, sl st into next st* repeat 5 times for inner petals.
4. Outer Petals: Work behind inner petals. *Ch 4, 3 tr, ch 4, sl st* repeat 5 times.
5. Assembly: Sew one flower to the jacket lapel. Sew the other to the hat band.

Phase 6: The Pillbox Hat

A sophisticated hat. Use Cream and Sage Green.

1. Round 1: With Cream, 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. Rounds 9-11: Work in BLO to create the sharp edge of the pillbox shape. sc around.
10. Band: Switch to Sage Green yarn. Work 2 rounds of sc. Fasten off.
11. Decoration: Attach the second Gardenia flower to the green band.

Phase 7: The Bobble Clutch Bag

A highly textured accessory. Use Cream yarn.

1. Base: Ch 15. sc in 2nd ch and across. (14)
2. Rows 1-12: Work in rows of sc.
3. Folding: Fold the piece in half. Sew the side seams to create a pouch.
4. Flap: Attach yarn to the top back edge. Work 6 rows of *sc, Bobble Stitch, sc* pattern to create a bubbly texture on the flap. Decrease at the corners to round it off.
5. Closure: Sew a large pearl bead to the body of the bag and a chain loop on the flap.

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Phase 8: The Swan Companion

A symbol of grace. Use White yarn.

1. Body: MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Work 6 rounds. Dec to 12. Dec to 6. Close.
2. Neck: Ch 10. sc back down the chain. Sew one end to the body.
3. Head: MR 6 sc. Work 3 rounds. Sew to the top of the neck.
4. Wings: Ch 6. Work (hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc) along the chain. Sew to the sides of the body.
5. Face: Embroider a black eye and an orange beak.
6. Pearl: Sew a single pearl bead to the tip of the swan’s beak, as if it is offering a gift.

Phase 9: Shoes

Mary Jane style. Use Cream 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. Sew across the top. Sew a pearl bead as the button on the side.

Final Assembly and Styling

Bring the Gardenia Pearl Bunny to life with these final steps.

• Dressing: Put the cream dress on the bunny. Put the sage jacket on over it. Put the shoes on the feet.
• Hat: Place the pillbox hat on the head, positioned slightly forward.
• Props: Place the clutch bag in the bunny’s hand or under her arm. Position the swan next to her.
• Finishing Touches: Check for any loose yarn tails and hide them deep inside the body. Apply a very faint dusting of blush to the cheeks.

Your Gardenia Pearl Bunny is now complete! This character serves as a stunning tribute to the elegance of pearls and the beauty of gardenia blooms. The mix of textures—from the bobbles to the smooth pearls—makes this a true heirloom piece. We hope you enjoyed this creative journey!

Would you like to learn how to create a miniature crochet jewelry box to hold extra pearls?