The Golden Autumn Marigold Bunny is a sophisticated amigurumi masterpiece that captures the essence of a tranquil harvest afternoon. This character features a large, soulful rabbit crafted in a rich ochre-tan palette, dressed in a magnificent rust-orange pinafore and a white long-sleeved shirt adorned with celestial sun embroidery. To achieve the high-definition results and crisp stitch definition seen in this character, it is essential to buy premium cotton amigurumi yarn and purchase professional-grade crochet hooks. Many dedicated crafters choose to order amigurumi kits and high-quality polyester fiberfill through trusted online platforms like Amazon to ensure their materials meet the standards of heirloom-quality toys. This project is an excellent investment of your artistic time, resulting in a stunning centerpiece that showcases advanced skills in garment construction, three-dimensional shaping, and delicate surface decoration. The inclusion of a tiny ladybug companion and an acorn-shaped shoulder bag adds a layer of narrative charm, making this a truly complete and magical artistic ensemble.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Detailed Materials and Tool Preparation
Success in creating a high-end character like the Marigold Bunny depends on the consistency of your gauge and the quality of your fibers. This design relies on various textures and fine embroidery; therefore, consistency in your yarn weight is vital for ensuring all the clothing pieces fit the body perfectly. We recommend using a Sport weight (Fine #2) or DK weight (Light #3) yarn for a balanced, elegant look. Using the correct tools is the first step toward a professional finish.
- Main Body Yarn: Golden Ochre or Dark Tan cotton yarn (approx. 150g).
- Shirt: Pure White cotton yarn (approx. 40g).
- Pinafore Dress: Rust Orange or Burnt Sienna yarn (approx. 80g).
- Head Kerchief: Cream or Off-white yarn (approx. 30g).
- Acorn Bag: Light Brown for the nut and Dark Chocolate Brown for the cap.
- Shoes: Mustard Yellow yarn (approx. 20g).
- Embroidery Floss: Fine thread in Dark Brown (nose/mouth), Yellow (sun and flower petals), Sage Green (stems), and Bright Red/Black (ladybug).
- Crochet Hooks: A 2.25mm hook for the main body and miniature accessories; a 2.75mm hook for the clothing to allow for a softer drape.
- Safety Eyes: 12mm black safety eyes for a soulful expression.
- Stuffing: High-density polyester fiberfill.
- Notions: Two small wooden buttons for the dress straps, tapestry needle, sharp embroidery needle, stitch markers, and pink cosmetic blush for the cheeks.
Common Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)
The instructions follow standard United States terminology. Maintaining a steady tension throughout the project is essential, particularly for the fitted pinafore and the structured shoes. If you tend to be a loose crocheter, consider using a smaller hook for the amigurumi portions to prevent the stuffing from showing through. Each section is designed to be assembled with a seamless look.
- MR: Magic Ring (the foundation for all circular work).
- sc: Single crochet.
- inc: Increase (work two sc 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.
The Sculpted Bunny Head
The head is designed as a large, rounded sphere with subtle tapering toward the muzzle to give the bunny a gentle and alert expression. Work in continuous spirals using the Golden Ochre yarn. Use a stitch marker at the start 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 1 inc into every stitch around the circle. (12)
- Round 3: sc 1, inc. Repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: sc 2, inc. Repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 5: sc 3, inc. Repeat 6 times. (30)
- Round 6: sc 4, inc. Repeat 6 times. (36)
- Round 7: sc 5, inc. Repeat 6 times. (42)
- Round 8: sc 6, inc. Repeat 6 times. (48)
- Round 9: sc 7, inc. Repeat 6 times. (54)
- Round 10: sc 8, inc. Repeat 6 times. (60)
- Round 11: sc 9, inc. Repeat 6 times. (66)
- Rounds 12-25: Work 1 sc in each of the 66 stitches around. This build the vertical height of the face and creates the surface for the expressive eyes. (66)
- Round 26: sc 9, dec. Repeat 6 times. (60)
- Round 27: sc 8, dec. Repeat 6 times. (54)
- Round 28: sc 7, dec. Repeat 6 times. (48)
- Round 29: sc 6, dec. Repeat 6 times. (42)
- Placement: Insert the 12mm safety eyes between rounds 18 and 19, with approximately 12 stitches of space between them. Ensure they are level.
- Round 30: sc 5, dec. Repeat 6 times. (36)
- Round 31: sc 4, dec. Repeat 6 times. (30)
- Stuffing: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Focus on pushing the fiberfill toward the sides to define the rounded cheeks seen in the image.
- Round 32: sc 3, dec. Repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 33: sc 2, dec. Repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 34: sc 1, dec. Repeat 6 times. (12) Finish stuffing.
- Round 35: Perform 6 dec to close. (6) Fasten off and leave a long tail. Weave through the front loops and pull tight to close.
Facial Embroidery and Sculpting
To achieve the soulful expression of the character, use a long strand of body yarn to perform slight 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. For the nose and mouth, use dark brown thread to embroider a small “Y” shape approximately three rounds below the eyes. Apply pink blush to the cheeks and the center of the muzzle area for a healthy garden glow.
Long Floppy Bunny Ears
The ears are a signature feature, designed to hang naturally beside the head. We do not stuff the ears to maintain flexibility. Make two pieces using the Golden Ochre yarn.
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc inside. (6)
- Round 2: 1 inc into every stitch around. (12)
- Round 3: sc 1, inc. Repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: sc 2, inc. Repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 5: sc 3, inc. Repeat 6 times. (30)
- Rounds 6-15: Work 1 sc in each of the 30 stitches around. (30)
- Round 16: sc 8, dec. Repeat 3 times. (27)
- Rounds 17-25: sc in each st around. (27)
- Round 26: sc 7, dec. Repeat 3 times. (24)
- Rounds 27-35: sc in each st around. (24)
- Round 36: sc 6, dec. Repeat 3 times. (21)
- Rounds 37-45: sc in each st around. (21)
- Round 46: sc 5, dec. Repeat 3 times. (18)
- Rounds 47-60: sc in each st around. (18) The extra length provides the vintage silhouette.
- Flatten the base of the ear and perform 9 sc through both layers to close. Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing to the top of the head at round 6 during assembly.
The Seated Sturdy Torso
The body is shaped to sit stably while providing a solid frame for the tiered clothing. We work from the neck down. Use Golden Ochre yarn and maintain firm tension.
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: sc 1, inc. Repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: sc 2, inc. Repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 5: sc 3, inc. Repeat 6 times. (30)
- Round 6: sc 4, inc. Repeat 6 times. (36)
- Rounds 7-20: sc in each st around. (36)
- Round 21: sc 5, inc. Repeat 6 times. (42)
- Round 22: sc 6, inc. Repeat 6 times. (48)
- Round 23: sc 7, inc. Repeat 6 times. (54)
- Round 24: sc 8, inc. Repeat 6 times. (60)
- Rounds 25-40: sc in each st around. (60) This wider base allows for a seated posture.
- Round 41: sc 8, dec. Repeat 6 times. (54)
- Round 42: sc 7, dec. Repeat 6 times. (48)
- Round 43: sc 6, dec. Repeat 6 times. (42)
- Round 44: sc 5, dec. Repeat 6 times. (36) Stuff firmly.
- Round 45: sc 4, dec. Repeat 6 times. (30)
- Round 46: sc 3, dec. Repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 47: 12 dec to close. (12) Fasten off.
Slender Arms and Legs
The limbs are long and slender, matching the bunny’s sophisticated character. Use Golden Ochre yarn for all four components. Stuff the hands and feet firmly, but leave the upper halves slightly softer to allow for natural movement against the garments.
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Bunny Arms (Make 2)
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: sc 1, inc. Repeat 3 times. (9)
- Round 3: sc 2, inc. Repeat 3 times. (12)
- Rounds 4-28: sc in each stitch around. (12)
- Flatten the top and work 6 sc across to close. Sew to the sides of the torso just below the neck join.
Bunny Legs (Make 2)
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: sc 1, inc. Repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: sc 2, inc. Repeat 6 times. (24)
- Rounds 5-32: sc in each stitch around. (24)
- Stuff firmly and sew to the bottom sides of the torso so the bunny sits upright with legs stretched forward.
White Celestial Sun Shirt
This garment features long sleeves and a beautiful embroidered sun motif. Use White yarn and a 2.75mm hook.
Shirt Bodice
- Row 1: Ch 31. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, work 30 sc. Ch 1, turn.
- Rows 2-8: Work 1 sc in each stitch across. (30)
- Row 9: 5 sc, ch 10, skip 5 sts, 10 sc, ch 10, skip 5 sts, 5 sc. This creates the armholes.
- Row 10: sc in each st and ch space across. Fasten off.
Long Sleeves
- Join white yarn to the armhole loops.
- Round 1: sc 14 around.
- Rounds 2-20: sc in each st around.
- Round 21: Work a round of sl st to finish the cuff. Fasten off.
- Sun Embroidery: Use Yellow and Golden thread to embroider a small sun in the center of the chest. Create a small satin stitch circle and add radiating straight stitches for the rays.
Marigold Pinafore Dress
The dress is the centerpiece, featuring a fitted bodice and a wide skirt for embroidery. Use Rust Orange yarn.
Dress Base
- Row 1: Ch 36. Join with sl st to form a ring. (36)
- Round 1: sc 5, inc. Repeat 6 times. (42)
- Round 2: sc 6, inc. Repeat 6 times. (48)
- Round 3: Switch to dc. dc 1, dc-inc. Repeat around to create volume.
- Rounds 4-18: dc in each st around. (approx. 72 sts)
- Round 19: sc in each stitch around. Fasten off.
Bib and Straps
- Attach orange yarn to the front waistband.
- Rows 1-6: Work 12 sc across. Ch 1, turn.
- Straps: At the top corners of the bib, ch 20. Fasten off and sew to the back of the waistband. Add two tiny wooden buttons where the straps meet the bib.
Marigold Embroidery Guide
Using Yellow, Dark Orange, and Sage Green embroidery floss, decorate the bottom of the skirt. Follow these steps for the floral effect:
- Flowers: Use Yellow and Orange thread to create clusters of three marigolds. Use a “bullion knot” or “lazy daisy” stitch to create petals radiating from a center.
- Stems and Leaves: Using Sage Green thread, work vertical backstitched stems connecting the flowers to the hem. Add small “V” shapes for leaves.
- Placement: Space 3 to 5 floral clusters evenly around the front of the skirt.
Floral Cream Head Kerchief
This accessory features a cream base with intricate floral vine embroidery. Use Cream yarn.
- Row 1: Ch 2. In 2nd ch from hook, work 3 sc. Ch 1, turn.
- Row 2: inc in each st. (6)
- Row 3: (sc 1, inc) repeat across. (9)
- Row 4: sc across.
- Continue increasing at the edges until the triangle is large enough to cover the bunny’s head.
- Edging: Work sc around the entire perimeter. At the bottom corners, ch 30 for ties.
- Embroidery: Use various colors to embroider tiny floral vines across the surface of the kerchief to match the theme of the dress.
Mustard yellow Buckle Shoes
Make two shoes using Mustard Yellow yarn. These feature a small strap and a button.
- Round 1: Ch 7. Start in 2nd ch: 5 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Turn: 4 sc, 1 inc. (14)
- Round 2: inc, 4 sc, 3 inc, 4 sc, 2 inc. (20)
- Round 3: BLO sc in each st around. (20)
- Round 4: sc in each st around. (20)
- Round 5: 8 sc, 3 dec, 6 sc. (17)
- Strap: ch 8 from one side of the shoe opening to the other. Fasten off and sew a tiny bead or button for the buckle.
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Accessories: Acorn Bag and Ladybug
The Acorn Shoulder Bag
- Nut (Light Brown): MR, 6 sc. R2: 12 sc. R3: 18 sc. R4-R10: 18 sc. R11: 9 dec. Stuff and close.
- Cap (Chocolate Brown): MR, 6 sc. R2: 12 sc. R3: 18 sc. R4-R5: 18 sc. Work in BLO for the last round to create a ridge.
- Assembly: Sew the cap onto the nut. Ch 50 for the strap and attach to the sides.
Miniature Ladybug
- Body: In Bright Red, MR, 4 sc. R2: 4 sc. Fasten off.
- Details: Use black thread to embroider a line down the center and four tiny dots. Sew to the bunny’s right hand.
Final Assembly Mastery
Precision during assembly is what separates a good project from a great one. Follow these final steps to ensure your character matches the reference perfectly.
- Joining the Head: Sew the head firmly to the torso opening. Ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly so the head does not wobble under the weight of the ears.
- Ear placement: Pin the long ears to Round 5 of the head. Check from the front to ensure they are symmetrical and centered before sewing them securely. They should hang naturally.
- Dressing: Put the white shirt on first, then the marigold pinafore. Secure the buttons. Place the kerchief over the head and tie it under the chin.
- Final Styling: Put the mustard shoes on the feet. Sling the acorn bag over the shoulder. Place the ladybug on the hand.
- Final Polish: Inspect your work for any loose yarn tails. Use your needle to pull any ends deep into the stuffing. Re-apply the cheek blush if it has faded during assembly.
Your Golden Autumn Marigold Bunny is now complete! This character is a celebration of texture, color, and woodland storytelling. Store your masterpiece in a dry area away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrant rust and ochre hues. We hope you enjoyed every moment of this sophisticated garden journey and feel proud of the incredible artistry you have achieved with your crochet hooks.
Would you like to learn how to add a matching floral-embroidered harvest basket for your bunny, or perhaps receive guidance on creating a coordinating garden fence backdrop?
