The Peony Pavilion Bunny is an artistic masterpiece of soft sculpture, designed for the advanced fiber artist who finds inspiration in the lush, layered beauty of a garden in full bloom. This sophisticated character is defined by her breathtaking “Peony” gown, which features dozens of meticulously crocheted petals transitioning from deep raspberry to soft cream, mimicking the natural gradient of a prize-winning blossom. To achieve the high-definition texture and heirloom quality seen in this design, it is essential to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn and purchase professional-grade crochet hooks to ensure perfect tension across every delicate layer. Many dedicated crafters choose to order amigurumi kits and high-density fiberfill through trusted online platforms like Amazon to ensure their materials meet the standards of luxury handmade toys. This project is a significant investment of your creative time, resulting in a stunning centerpiece that showcases advanced skills in layered garment construction, color theory, and miniature accessory work. The inclusion of a graceful grey swan companion and a delicate lace fan adds a narrative of classical elegance, making this bunny a standout addition to any high-end collection.

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

Creating the Peony Pavilion Bunny requires a refined selection of materials to capture the vintage, romantic aesthetic. Because the dress is exceptionally heavy due to the multiple layers of petals, the foundation of the bunny must be stuffed very firmly to maintain her posture. Consistency in your yarn weight across all colors is vital for ensuring the garments fit the body precisely.

• Main Body Yarn: Beige or Light Tan Sport weight cotton (approx. 120g). A smooth, matte finish is preferred for the skin.
• Dress Petal Colors: Deep Raspberry/Dark Pink (approx. 50g), Rose Pink (approx. 40g), Dusty Pink (approx. 30g), and Pale Peach or Cream (approx. 30g).
• Bodice & Cardigan: Pure Cream or Off-White yarn (approx. 50g).
• Hat & Accessories: Matching Cream and Pink yarn for the hat; Light Grey for the swan and hand mirror.
• Crochet Hooks: A 2.25mm hook for the bunny body and accessories; a 2.75mm hook for the dress layers to allow for a slightly softer, more natural drape of the petals.
• Safety Eyes: 12mm solid black safety eyes for the rabbit; 5mm eyes for the swan companion.
• Stuffing: High-quality polyester fiberfill with high resilience.
• Embroidery Floss: Dark brown (for bunny nose/mouth) and light pink (for the mirror detail).
• Notions: Long tapestry needle for limb attachment, sharp embroidery needle, stitch markers, and pink cosmetic blush for the cheeks.
• Hardware: Tiny white pearls or beads for the shoe details and the cardigan cuffs.

Common Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)

The instructions utilize standard United States terminology. Please ensure your tension is firm throughout the amigurumi portions to prevent the stuffing from showing through the fabric. For the dress petals, a slightly more relaxed tension is acceptable to facilitate the “bloom” effect of the layered skirt.

• MR: Magic Ring
• sc: Single crochet
• inc: Increase (work two single crochets into the same stitch)
• dec: Invisible decrease (work through the front loops only)
• 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: A cluster of stitches (defined in the pattern) to create a petal.

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, curious expression. Use the Beige yarn and the 2.25mm hook. Work in continuous spirals. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round to avoid errors in the shaping of the cheeks. Firm stuffing is essential here.

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 to double the count. (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 build the vertical height of the face. (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. Round 29: Perform a sequence of *6 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (42)
17. Placement: Insert the 12mm safety eyes between rounds 18 and 19, leaving approximately 12 stitches of space between them. Ensure they are perfectly level.
18. Round 30: Perform a sequence of *5 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (36)
19. Round 31: Perform a sequence of *4 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (30)
20. Stuffing: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Focus on pushing the fiberfill toward the sides to define the rounded cheeks.
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) Finish stuffing the head to a firm consistency.
23. Round 34: Perform a sequence of *1 sc, 1 dec* repeat 6 times. (12)
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 Details and Muzzle Sculpting

To achieve the soulful expression of the Peony Pavilion Bunny, 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. This creates depth in the sockets. For the nose and mouth, use dark brown embroidery 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 and the tip of the nose using a soft brush. Ensure the embroidery is perfectly symmetrical to maintain the character’s refined personality.

Phase 2: 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 their flat, elegant profile. Make two pieces using the Beige yarn and the 2.25mm hook.

1. Round 1: Start with a MR and work 6 sc inside. (6)
2. Round 2: Work 1 inc into every stitch around. (12)
3. Round 3: Perform (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (18)
4. Round 4: Perform (2 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (24)
5. Rounds 5-15: Work 1 sc in each of the 24 stitches around. (24)
6. Round 16: Perform (6 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (21)
7. Rounds 17-25: sc in each st around. (21)
8. Round 26: Perform (5 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (18)
9. Rounds 27-35: sc in each st around. (18)
10. Round 36: Perform (4 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (15)
11. Rounds 37-55: sc in each st around. (15)
12. Flatten the base of the ear and perform 7 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.

Phase 3: The Sturdy Bunny Torso

The body is shaped to stand stably while providing a solid frame for the heavy petal gown. We work from the neck down. Use Beige yarn and maintain firm tension to prevent the body from sagging. Ensure the bottom is stuffed heavily to provide a flat base for standing.

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. Round 6: (4 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (36)
7. Rounds 7-18: sc in each st around. (36)
8. Round 19: (5 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (42)
9. Round 20: (6 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (48)
10. Round 21: (7 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (54)
11. Round 22: (8 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (60)
12. Rounds 23-38: sc in each st around. (60) This builds a wide, stable base.
13. Round 39: (8 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (54)
14. Round 40: (7 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (48)
15. Round 41: (6 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (42)
16. Round 42: (5 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (36) Stuff the torso very firmly.
17. Round 43: (4 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (30)
18. Round 44: (3 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (24)
19. Round 45: 12 dec to close. (12) Fasten off and weave in the tail.

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Phase 4: Slender Arms and Stable Legs

The limbs of the bunny are long and slender. Use Beige 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 heavy garments.

Bunny 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 stitch around. (12)
5. Flatten the top and work 6 sc across both layers to close. Sew to the sides of the torso at Round 6 of the body.

Stable Legs (Make 2)

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. Rounds 5-32: sc in each stitch around. (24)
6. Stuff firmly. Flatten the top and work 12 sc across to close. Sew to the bottom sides of the torso so the bunny stands securely.

Phase 5: The Peony Petal Gown

The gown is the centerpiece of the character, featuring a complex structure of overlapping petals that transition in color. This section requires extreme patience and precision. We will build a mesh foundation first, then attach the petals row by row. Use the 2.75mm hook for the petals to give them volume.

Foundation Mesh (Off-White)

1. Row 1: Ch 31. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, work 30 sc. Ch 1, turn.
2. Rows 2-8: Work sc 30 across to create the bodice.
3. Round 9 (Waist): Join with a sl st to the first st to work in rounds. (30)
4. Round 10: (sc 2, inc) around. (40)
5. Round 11: (sc 3, inc) around. (50)
6. Rounds 12-25: Work in a mesh pattern: *dc 1, ch 1, skip 1* around. This creates the lattice where we will attach the petals. (25 windows per round)

Petal Construction (Gradient Colors)

Petals are worked as follows: Attach yarn to the dc post of the foundation mesh. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) around the vertical post. This creates a single “scale” or petal. We will work 8 rows of petals, changing colors as we move up from the bottom.

1. Bottom Row (Row 1 & 2): Use Deep Raspberry. Attach to Round 25 of the mesh. Work petals in every other window around.
2. Middle Row (Row 3 & 4): Use Rose Pink. Attach to Round 21 of the mesh. Offset the petals from the previous row.
3. Upper Middle Row (Row 5 & 6): Use Dusty Pink. Attach to Round 17 of the mesh.
4. Top Row (Row 7 & 8): Use Pale Peach/Cream. Attach to Round 13 of the mesh. This creates the softest transition at the top.

Phase 6: The Cream Bolero Cardigan

The bolero provides a delicate, structured contrast to the fluffy gown. Use the Cream yarn and the 2.75mm hook. It features short sleeves with a distinctive scalloped cuff.

1. Row 1: Ch 33. Starting in the second ch, work 32 sc. Ch 1, turn.
2. Row 2: (sc 1, inc) across to increase width. (48)
3. Row 3: sc in each st across. (48)
4. Row 4 (Armholes): 8 sc, ch 10, skip 8 sts, 16 sc, ch 10, skip 8 sts, 8 sc.
5. Row 5: Work sc across the entire row, including the chains. (52)
6. Row 6-10: sc in each st across.
7. Sleeves: Join Cream yarn to the armhole. Work 15 sc in a circle for 5 rounds.
8. Sleeve Cuff: (sl st, skip 1, 5 dc in next st, skip 1) repeat around to create the scalloped edge. Sew a tiny pearl bead to each cuff.

Phase 7: Pillbox Hat and Raspberry Shoes

The Cream Pillbox Hat

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR. (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) around. (18)
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) around. (24)
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) around. (30)
6. Round 6: BLO sc in each st around. (30) This creates the sharp corner.
7. Rounds 7-10: sc in each st around. (30)
8. Pink Band: Switch to Raspberry yarn. Work 1 round of sl st around the base of the hat.

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Raspberry Buckle Shoes

Make two shoes using the Deep Raspberry yarn to match the bottom layer of the dress.

1. Round 1: Ch 7. Start in 2nd ch: 5 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Turn: 4 sc, inc. (14)
2. Round 2: inc, 4 sc, 3 inc, 4 sc, 2 inc. (20)
3. Round 3: BLO sc in each st around. (20)
4. Round 4: sc in each st around. (20)
5. Round 5: 8 sc, 2 dec, 8 sc. (18)
6. Strap: ch 8 from one side to the other. Fasten off. Sew a tiny pearl or bead to the side of the strap for the buckle detail.

Phase 8: Miniature Accessories and Companion

The Graceful Grey Swan

The swan is a tiny companion that captures the romantic mood. Use Light Grey yarn and a 2.25mm hook.

1. Body: MR, 6 sc. (R2) 12 sc. (R3) 18 sc. (R4-R10) 18 sc. (R11) 9 dec. Stuff and close.
2. Neck: Ch 10. Work 9 sc back. Sew to the front of the body, curving it into an “S” shape.
3. Wings: Make two. Ch 4, work (hdc, 2 dc, hdc) in the first ch. Sew to the sides.
4. Details: Use orange thread for the beak and add 5mm black eyes.

Miniature Lace Fan

1. Row 1: In Cream, MR 6 sc. Ch 2, turn.
2. Row 2: (2 dc in each st) across. (12) Ch 2, turn.
3. Row 3: (2 dc in each st) across. (24) Ch 3, turn.
4. Row 4: (sl st in next st, ch 3) across the curved edge to create the lace loop effect.
5. Pink Accent: Use Raspberry yarn to embroider a small ribbon bow at the center of the fan base.

The Silver Hand Mirror

1. Body: In Light Grey, MR 6 sc. (R2) 12 sc. (R3) 18 sc. Fasten off.
2. Handle: In Light Grey, ch 6, sc 5. Sew to the bottom of the circle.
3. Reflective Surface: Use light blue or white thread to embroider a smaller circle inside the grey one. Add three tiny pink rosebuds at the top corner using French knots.

Final Assembly and Sculpting Mastery

Assembling the components with precision is what gives the bunny its lifelike quality. Follow these final steps to bring your Peony Pavilion Bunny 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 the Bunny: Slide the Peony petal gown onto the bunny first. Ensure the layers of petals are fluffed outward. Layer the cream bolero cardigan over her arms.
• Styling: Place the pillbox hat on the head, pulling it slightly forward for a jaunty, vintage look. Put the raspberry shoes on her feet.
• Final Touches: Position the lace fan in the bunny’s right hand. Place the silver hand mirror near her left arm. Position the graceful grey swan next to her feet.
• Finishing Polish: Inspect your work for any loose yarn tails. Use your needle to pull any ends deep into the stuffing. Re-apply the pink cheek blush if it has faded during assembly.

Your Peony Pavilion Bunny is now complete! This character serves as a stunning tribute to traditional handcraft and romantic garden aesthetics. Store your finished doll in a dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrancy of the pink and cream 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 swan’s neck, or perhaps receive guidance on creating a matching miniature pavilion display for your bunny to sit in?