The Water Lily Pond Bunny is a breathtaking example of amigurumi artistry, designed for those who wish to bring the tranquility of a summer garden into their crafting space. This elegant character features a soft, tan-colored rabbit base dressed in a vibrant teal ensemble, reminiscent of the deep, shimmering waters of a botanical garden pond. To ensure your finished doll has the same high-definition quality seen in our inspiration, it is highly recommended to buy premium cotton yarn and purchase ergonomic crochet hooks that allow for precise stitch control during long sessions. You can easily order amigurumi supplies, including high-grade safety eyes and polyester fiberfill, from reputable online retailers like Amazon to give your bunny the structural integrity and soft finish it deserves. This project is a rewarding investment of your creative time, resulting in a stunning heirloom piece that showcases advanced techniques in garment layering, three-dimensional floral appliqué, and miniature accessory construction. Whether as a gift for a dedicated collector or a centerpiece for your nursery decor, this bunny radiates charm and artisanal excellence.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Project Materials and Preparation
Before beginning the construction of your Water Lily Pond Bunny, gather all the necessary materials to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience. The proportions of this character are designed to be substantial yet delicate, requiring a consistent gauge across all components. Using a hook size that is slightly smaller than what the yarn label recommends is the secret to creating a tight, dense fabric that keeps the stuffing completely hidden.
- Bunny Body Yarn: Beige or Light Tan Sport weight cotton (approx. 120g).
- Dress and Hat Yarn: Deep Teal or Sea Green cotton (approx. 100g).
- Shirt and Net Mesh Yarn: Crisp White cotton (approx. 40g).
- Shoes and Water Lily Accents: Light Blue or Sky Blue yarn.
- Floral Accents: Soft Pink (petals) and Moss Green (lily pads).
- Turtle Companion: Grass Green (body) and matching Teal (shell).
- Accessory Handle: Light Brown or Tan (for the net handle).
- Safety Eyes: 12mm black safety eyes for the bunny; 5mm eyes for the turtle.
- Crochet Hooks: 2.25mm for the bunny and accessories; 2.75mm for the clothing to provide a softer drape.
- Stuffing: High-density polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery: Dark brown thread for facial features and pink cosmetic blush for the cheeks.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, and sharp embroidery scissors.
Common Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project guide utilizes standard United States terminology. Accuracy in stitch placement and maintaining even tension are paramount for ensuring that the tiered garments fit the bunny’s body perfectly. If your tension tends to be loose, consider moving down half a hook size for the amigurumi limbs and head.
- 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 of two stitches 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.
The Sculpted Bunny Head
The head is designed as a large, rounded sphere with subtle tapering toward the chin to provide a gentle, soulful expression. We work in continuous spirals using the Beige 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 during the shaping of the cheeks.
- Round 1: Start with a MR and place 6 sc into the ring. (6)
- Round 2: Work 1 inc in every stitch around the circle. (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 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 19 and 20, leaving approximately 12 stitches of space between them. Ensure they are perfectly 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 seen in the image.
- 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 Details and Muzzle Embroidery
To achieve the soulful expression of the rabbit, use a long strand of Beige 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. For the nose and mouth, use dark brown thread to embroider a small “Y” shape directly in the center of the face, approximately three rounds below the eyes. Apply pink blush to the cheeks using a soft brush to add a healthy garden glow. You may also add a tiny white “sparkle” stitch at the top corner of each eye to make the bunny look alert and curious.
Long Floppy Bunny Ears
The ears are a signature feature, requiring a long, flat construction that allows them to hang naturally beside the face. We do not stuff the ears to maintain flexibility. Make two pieces using the Beige yarn and the 2.25mm hook.
- Round 1: Start with a MR and work 6 sc inside. (6)
- Round 2: Work 1 inc into every stitch around. (12)
- Round 3: Perform (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
- Round 4: Perform (2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
- Round 5: Perform (3 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
- Rounds 6-15: Work 1 sc in each of the 30 stitches around. (30)
- Round 16: Perform (8 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (27)
- Rounds 17-25: sc in each st around. (27)
- Round 26: Perform (7 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (24)
- Rounds 27-35: sc in each st around. (24)
- Round 36: Perform (6 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (21)
- Rounds 37-45: sc in each st around. (21)
- Round 46: Perform (5 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (18)
- Rounds 47-65: sc in each st around. (18) The extra length is vital for the vintage silhouette.
- Flatten the base of the ear and perform 9 sc through both layers to close the opening. Fasten off and leave a very long tail for sewing to the top of the head at round 6 during assembly.
Constructing the Sturdy Torso
The body is shaped to stand stably while providing a solid frame for the heavy tiered dress. We work from the neck down. Use Beige yarn and maintain firm tension to prevent the dress from sagging. Ensure the bottom is stuffed heavily to provide a flat base for standing.
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (18)
- Round 4: (2 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (24)
- Round 5: (3 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (30)
- Round 6: (4 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (36)
- Rounds 7-18: sc in each st around. (36)
- Round 19: (5 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (42)
- Round 20: (6 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (48)
- Round 21: (7 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (54)
- Rounds 22-38: sc in each st around. (54) Stuff firmly as you progress.
- Round 39: (7 sc, 1 dec) repeat around. (48)
- Round 40: (6 sc, 1 dec) repeat around. (42)
- Round 41: (5 sc, 1 dec) repeat around. (36)
- Round 42: (4 sc, 1 dec) repeat around. (30)
- Round 43: (3 sc, 1 dec) repeat around. (24) Stuff the lower body very firmly.
- Round 44: (2 sc, 1 dec) repeat around. (18)
- Round 45: sc in each st around. (18) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for assembly.
Slender Arms and Stable Legs
The limbs of the bunny are long and slender, matching the character’s sophisticated character. Use Beige yarn for all four components. Stuff the hands and feet firmly, but leave the upper sections softer to allow for natural movement against the dress tiers.
Bunny 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 4-30: sc in each stitch around. (12)
- Stuff the hand portion (Rounds 1-6) firmly, but leave the rest of the arm empty. Flatten the top and work 6 sc across to close. Sew to the sides of the torso at Round 6 of the body.
Bunny Legs (Make 2)
- 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)
- Rounds 5-35: sc in each stitch around. (24)
- Stuff the feet very firmly to provide balance. Flatten the top and work 12 sc across to close. Sew to the bottom sides of the torso so the bunny stands with stability.
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White Garden Shirt
The bunny wears a simple white short-sleeved shirt underneath her tiered dress to provide high contrast. Use White yarn and a 2.75mm hook.
- Row 1: Ch 33. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, work 32 sc. Ch 1, turn. (32)
- Rows 2-10: Work 1 sc in each stitch across. Ch 1, turn.
- Sleeves: At the shoulder join areas, attach White yarn and work 14 sc in a circle. Round 1: inc in each st (28). Rounds 2-6: sc around. Fasten off.
- Collar: At the neck edge, work a round of sl st to clean up the foundation chain.
The Tiered Teal Water Lily Dress
This garment is the focal point of the character’s wardrobe, featuring two overlapping tiers that mimic the layering of aquatic foliage. Use the Teal yarn and the 2.75mm hook. The dress is worked from the waist down.
Bodice Section
- Row 1: Ch 35. Work 34 sc across. (34)
- Rows 2-8: sc in each st across. (34)
- Straps: Attach yarn to the top corner. Ch 15, sl st to the back of the waistband. Repeat for the second strap.
The Skirt Tiers
- Round 1: Join Teal yarn to the bottom of the bodice. *sc 1, inc* repeat around. (51)
- Round 2: sc in each st around. (51)
- Round 3: BLO sc in each st around. (51) (Note: We will attach the top tier to the FLO of this round later).
- Round 4: sc in each st around. (51)
- Round 5: *sc 2, inc* repeat around. (68)
- Round 6: BLO sc in each st around. (68) (Note: We will attach the bottom tier to the FLO of this round).
- Round 7-15: Continue in sc for the under-layer of the skirt to provide structure.
Ruffle Tier Construction
- Top Tier: Attach Teal yarn to the FLO of Round 3. Work *ch 3, 2 dc in each st* around. This creates the heavy, ruffled petal effect. Finish with a round of sc for stability.
- Bottom Tier: Attach Teal yarn to the FLO of Round 6. Work *ch 3, 3 dc in each st* around. This tier should be even more voluminous than the first to sit wide over the legs.
3D Water Lily Floral Appliqués
The dress and hat are decorated with intricate water lilies. Use Pink and Green yarn. Make 5 large flowers and 3 small buds.
The Pink Blossom
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc in Pink.
- Round 2: *ch 4, start in 2nd ch: sl st, sc, hdc. Sl st in next sc of MR* repeat 6 times to create petals.
- Assembly: Sew these flowers randomly across the two skirt tiers. Ensure the center is tight.
The Green Lily Pad
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc in Green.
- Round 2: inc in each st. (12)
- Round 3: *sc, inc* around. (18)
- Shape: Leave a small “v” gap by not joining the last stitch to the first. Sew the Pink Blossom on top of the Lily Pad before attaching to the dress.
The Scalloped Teal Sun Hat
The hat sits elegantly on the head and features a wide brim decorated with lily pads. Use Teal yarn.
- Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
- Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
- Round 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat around. (18)
- Round 4: (2 sc, inc) repeat around. (24)
- Round 5: (3 sc, inc) repeat around. (30)
- Round 6: (4 sc, inc) repeat around. (36)
- Round 7: (5 sc, inc) repeat around. (42)
- Round 8: (6 sc, inc) repeat around. (48)
- Rounds 9-13: sc in each st around. (48)
- Round 14 (Brim): FLO *sc 2, inc* repeat around. (64)
- Round 15-16: sc in each st around. (64)
- Decoration: Sew two Pink Blossoms and one Green Lily Pad to the side of the brim as seen in the image.
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The Garden Turtle Companion
This tiny pet perches next to the bunny. Use Grass Green and Teal yarn with a 2.25mm hook.
- Body/Head: MR, 6 sc in Green. R2: 12 sc. R3: 18 sc. R4-6: 18 sc. R7: 6 dec. Stuff and close. Add tiny 5mm eyes.
- Shell: MR, 6 sc in Teal. R2: 12 sc. R3: 18 sc. R4: 24 sc. R5: Work hdc around. Sew to the top of the body.
- Flower: Create a miniature Pink Blossom and sew it to the top of the teal shell.
- Limbs: Work 4 tiny ch-3 loops in green and sew to the bottom of the body.
Pond Explorer Net Accessory
The bunny carries a net for exploring the water’s edge. Use Light Brown and White yarn.
- Handle: Using Light Brown, ch 30. Starting in 2nd ch, work 29 sc. Fasten off.
- Ring: ch 15 and join into a circle. Work sc around the chain. Sew this to the top of the handle.
- Mesh Net: Using White yarn, MR, 6 sc. R2: (sc, ch 2) in each st. R3: (sc in ch-space, ch 2) around. Sew this mesh bag to the inside of the ring.
Mary Jane Light Blue Shoes
Make two shoes using Light Blue yarn to match the water lily accents.
- Round 1: Ch 7. Start in 2nd ch: 5 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Turn: 4 sc, 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 pink bead to the side.
Final Assembly and Styling
Assembling the Water Lily Pond Bunny is a process that requires patience to ensure all the elements are symmetrical. Follow these final steps to bring your character to life. Consistency in the alignment of the head and ears is the most important factor in capturing the bunny’s personality.
- Joining the Body: 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 floppy ears and hat.
- Ear Placement: Pin the long ears to Round 6 of the head. Check from the front to ensure they are symmetrical before sewing them securely. They should hang straight down behind the bunny’s shoulders.
- Dressing: Slide the white shirt onto the bunny first. Layer the teal tiered dress over the shirt and secure the straps at the back. Put the light blue shoes on the feet.
- Styling: Place the sun hat on the head. Position the net accessory in the bunny’s right hand, using a small hidden stitch to keep it in place.
- Placement: Position the miniature turtle next to the bunny’s left foot.
- 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 Water Lily Pond Bunny is now complete! This character serves as a stunning tribute to traditional handcraft and garden aesthetics. Store your finished doll in a dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrancy of the teal and pink hues. We hope you enjoyed the meticulous process of building this character and that she brings a touch of springtime magic to your home.
Would you like to learn how to add a small lace edge to the net mesh, or perhaps receive guidance on creating a matching miniature pond display for your bunny to sit on?
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