The Magnolia Sunday Bunny is a vision of quiet elegance and pastoral charm, capturing the serenity of a peaceful Sunday afternoon spent in a blooming garden. This sophisticated fiber art project features a soft, sandy-beige rabbit base with a sweet, gentle expression, evoking the nostalgia of vintage storybooks. She is dressed in her “Sunday best”: a lovely dusty rose dress adorned with large, three-dimensional white magnolia blossoms and green leaves. Over her shoulders, she wears a delicate, lacy white capelet that drapes like angel wings, adding an ethereal touch to her silhouette. To achieve the crisp definition of the lace and the structural beauty of the flower petals, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the white remains bright and the rose tones stay soft and romantic.
For the most comfortable crafting experience while assembling the miniature accessories like the tiny book and the envelope, you should purchase professional-grade ergonomic crochet hooks. These tools are essential for maintaining even tension without hand fatigue during the meticulous assembly process. 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 appliqué, garment layering, and miniature sculpting. Accompanied by a tiny journal, a love letter, and a magical fairy mouse companion, this set tells a story of contemplation and beauty, 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 “Magnolia Sunday” aesthetic, selecting the right color palette is paramount. You need a muted, vintage “Dusty Rose” or “Antique Pink” for the dress, a crisp White for the cape and flowers, and a soft Sage Green for the hat and leaves.
- Bunny Body Yarn: Sand, Biscuit, or Warm Beige Sport weight cotton yarn (approx. 150g). A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress Yarn: Dusty Rose, Antique Pink, or Muted Coral cotton yarn (approx. 60g).
- Capelet & Flowers: Bright White cotton yarn (approx. 50g).
- Hat & Leaves: Sage Green or Olive Green yarn (approx. 30g).
- Shoes: White yarn.
- Companion & Accessories: Beige (mouse), White (envelope), Tan (book cover).
- 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; 6mm eyes for the mouse.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, anti-allergenic polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, and cosmetic blush for shading.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the lace stitch of the capelet and the layered petals of the magnolia flowers. 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.
- Shell Stitch: (5 dc in same st) – used for the capelet and dress hem.
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 Sand 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.
- Round 1: Start with a MR and place 6 sc into the ring. (6)
- Round 2: Work 6 inc. (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 expressive eyes. (66)
- Round 26: Perform a sequence of *9 sc, 1 dec* repeated 6 times. (60)
- Round 27: Perform a sequence of *8 sc, 1 dec* repeated 6 times. (54)
- Round 28: Perform a sequence of *7 sc, 1 dec* repeated 6 times. (48)
- Placement: Insert the 12mm safety eyes between rounds 18 and 19, leaving approximately 12 stitches of space between them. Ensure they are level.
- Round 29: Perform a sequence of *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (42)
- Round 30: Perform a sequence of *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (36)
- Stuffing: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Focus on pushing the fiberfill toward the sides to define the rounded cheeks.
- Round 31: Perform a sequence of *4 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (30)
- 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)
- Round 34: Perform a sequence of *1 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (12) Finish stuffing the head to a firm, smooth consistency.
- 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 Sand 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 Sand yarn.
- 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)
- Rounds 6-15: sc in each st around. (30)
- Round 16: *8 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (27)
- Rounds 17-25: sc in each st around. (27)
- Round 26: *7 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (24)
- Rounds 27-35: sc in each st around. (24)
- Round 36: *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (21)
- Rounds 37-45: sc in each st around. (21)
- Round 46: *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat 3 times. (18)
- Rounds 47-55: sc in each st around. (18)
- 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)
- Round 1: Start with White yarn (for the shoe base). MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: *1 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (18)
- Rounds 4-5: sc in each st around. (18)
- Round 6: Switch to Sand yarn. Work in BLO. sc around. (18)
- Rounds 7-25: sc in each st around in Sand. (18)
- 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
- 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)
- Round 27: Perform *6 sc, 1 inc* repeat around. (48)
- Rounds 28-38: sc in each st around. (48)
- Round 39: Perform *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (42)
- Rounds 40-41: sc around. (42)
- Round 42: Perform *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (36)
- Rounds 43-44: sc around. (36)
- Round 45: Perform *4 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (30) Stuff the body firmly.
- Round 46: Perform *3 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (24)
- Round 47: Perform *2 sc, 1 dec* repeat around. (18)
- Round 48: sc around. Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew the head to the neck.
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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 4-28: sc in each st around. (12)
- 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 Dusty Rose Dress
The dress is a beautiful, textured garment in a soft Dusty Rose. It features a fitted bodice and a skirt with a decorative hem. Use the 2.75mm hook.
Bodice
- Row 1: Ch 35. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (34)
- Rows 2-5: sc across. (34)
- Row 6 (Armholes): sc 5, ch 8, skip 6, sc 12, ch 8, skip 6, sc 5.
- Row 7: sc across all sts and chains. (38)
- Rows 8-10: sc across.
- Round 11 (Waist): Join to work in rounds. sc around.
Skirt
- Round 12: *3 dc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
- Rounds 13-22: Work dc in each st around.
- Round 23 (Hem): Switch to White yarn. Work a scallop edge: *skip 2, 7 dc in next, skip 2, sc in next* repeat around. Fasten off.
Magnolia Flowers (Make 3)
Large, elegant blooms for the dress. Use White yarn.
- Center: With Yellow/Green yarn, MR 6 sc.
- Petals: Switch to White. *Ch 6, tr, dtr, tr, ch 6, sl st into same st* in each of the 6 center stitches. Overlap the petals slightly for a full look.
- Assembly: Sew these flowers onto the skirt. Embroider Sage Green leaves around them using satin stitches.
Phase 5: The White Lace Capelet
A delicate accessory that drapes over the shoulders like wings. Use White yarn and 2.75mm hook.
- Row 1: Ch 40 (measure around neck/shoulders). sc across.
- Row 2: *dc 2, ch 1, skip 1* around to create eyelets.
- Row 3: *5 dc in next st (Shell), skip 2, sc in next, skip 2* repeat across.
- Row 4: *Shell in center of previous Shell, sc in sc* repeat across.
- Rows 5-8: Continue shell pattern, increasing the number of dc in each shell to 7 to make it flare out. Fasten off.
- Ties: Attach yarn to the neck corners and chain 20 for ties.
Phase 6: The Sage Pillbox Hat
A structured, vintage-style hat. Use Sage Green yarn.
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc.
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: *1 sc, 1 inc* around. (18)
- Round 4: *2 sc, 1 inc* around. (24)
- Round 5: *3 sc, 1 inc* around. (30)
- Round 6: *4 sc, 1 inc* around. (36)
- Round 7: *5 sc, 1 inc* around. (42)
- Round 8: *6 sc, 1 inc* around. (48)
- Rounds 9-11: Work sc in BLO to create the flat top edge.
- Rounds 12-14: Work sc in both loops. Fasten off.
- Decoration: Crochet a large white Magnolia flower (same as dress) and sew it to the side of the hat.
Phase 7: The Fairy Mouse Companion
A magical little friend. Use Beige yarn.
- Head: MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Stuff.
- Body: MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 4 rounds. Dec to 6. Stuff. Sew head to body.
- Ears: MR, 4 sc. Sew to head.
- Wings: With White yarn, Ch 4. Work 3 dc in 1st chain. Fasten off. Make 2. Sew to the back of the mouse.
- Prop: Tack a small white flower to the mouse’s hands.
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Phase 8: Miniature Accessories
The Journal
- Cover: With Tan yarn, Ch 8. sc across for 10 rows.
- Pages: Cut small rectangles of white felt or crochet a white rectangle slightly smaller than the cover. Sew inside.
- Closure: Sew a tiny button on the front and a chain loop on the back.
The Envelope
- Main: With White yarn, Ch 12. sc across for 12 rows.
- Flap: Decrease at the start and end of rows until you have a point.
- Assembly: Fold the bottom up to form a pocket. Sew sides. Sew a tiny button on the flap point.
Phase 9: Shoes
White shoes to match the capelet. Use White yarn.
- Round 1: Ch 7. 2 sc in 2nd ch, sc 4, 4 sc in last. Rotate. sc 4, 2 sc in last. (16)
- Round 2: inc, sc 5, 4 inc, sc 5, inc. (22)
- Round 3: BLO sc around. (22)
- Rounds 4-5: sc around.
- Strap: Ch 8. Sew across the top. Sew a tiny white flower to the side.
Final Assembly and Styling
Bring the Magnolia Sunday Bunny to life with these final steps.
- Dressing: Put the dusty rose dress on the bunny. Drape the white lace capelet over her shoulders. Put the white shoes on the feet.
- Hat: Place the sage pillbox hat on the head, tilting it slightly.
- Props: Place the journal and envelope near the bunny. Position the fairy mouse with wings 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 Magnolia Sunday Bunny is now complete! This character serves as a stunning tribute to the quiet joy of a Sunday afternoon. The elegant lace, the bold magnolia blooms, and the magical companion make this a true heirloom piece. We hope you enjoyed this creative journey!
Would you like to learn how to create a miniature crochet quill pen to go with the journal?
