The Ocean Coral & Seahorse set is a magnificent display of aquatic fantasy brought to life through fiber art. This intricate project features a soft, sandy-beige bunny character transformed into an underwater princess, wearing a stunning mermaid-silhouette gown. The dress transitions through a sunset of reef colors—vibrant orange, soft coral, and deep violet—ending in three luxurious tiers of ruffles that mimic the organic flow of sea anemones. To achieve the high-definition stitch clarity and the structural elegance required for the coral headpiece and the seahorse companion, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This type of yarn provides a lustrous sheen that mimics the wet, glistening look of marine life and ensures your stitches remain sharp and defined.

For the most comfortable experience while creating these detailed ruffles and miniature creatures, you should purchase professional-grade ergonomic crochet hooks. These tools are essential for maintaining consistent tension without hand fatigue. Many advanced crafters also prefer to order high-quality amigurumi supplies, such as glass-effect safety eyes and heavy-duty polyester fiberfill, from trusted online retailers like Amazon to ensure the finished piece has the weight and feel of a luxury item. This project is a significant investment of your time and skill, resulting in a breathtaking heirloom that captures the magic of the ocean depths. Whether displaying it in a nursery or adding it to a collector’s shelf, this ensemble is a testament to the beauty of handmade artistry.

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 underwater aesthetic of this design, color selection is paramount. You want the colors to resemble a vibrant coral reef. The transition from the orange of the seahorse to the purple of the dress hem creates a cohesive visual flow. Using a Sport weight (Fine #2) or DK weight (Light #3) yarn is ideal for maintaining the delicate proportions of the bunny and her accessories.

• Bunny Body Yarn: Sand, Beige, or Biscuit cotton yarn (approx. 150g). A matte finish is preferred for the skin tone.
• Dress Main Color: Coral or Salmon Pink cotton yarn (approx. 60g).
• Ruffle Gradient Yarns: Vibrant Orange (30g), Deep Coral (30g), and Royal Purple/Violet (30g).
• Coral Headpiece: Matching Orange and Purple yarns.
• Seahorse Companion: Bright Orange yarn (approx. 25g).
• Giant Shell Prop: Cream or Off-White yarn with a pearlescent finish if possible (approx. 40g).
• Shell Bra: Light Peach or Champagne yarn.
• Crochet Hooks: 2.25mm for the bunny, seahorse, and shell; 2.75mm for the dress to allow for a fluid drape.
• Safety Eyes: 12mm solid black eyes for the bunny; 6mm eyes for the seahorse.
• Stuffing: Premium grade, anti-allergenic polyester fiberfill.
• Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the bunny nose; Pink for the cheeks.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, and small white pearl beads for the shoes and dress detailing.

Stitch Abbreviations and Techniques (US Terms)

This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the ruffle construction and the small details of the coral headpiece. Maintain a firm tension for the amigurumi parts to prevent stuffing show-through. For the dress ruffles, a looser tension helps them cascade naturally.

• 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 (crucial for attaching ruffles).
• FLO: Front loops only.
• st(s): Stitch or stitches.
• Shell Stitch: 5 dc in one stitch (used for the bra and sea shell).
• Picot: Chain 3, sl st back into the first chain (used for coral texture).

Phase 1: The Sculpted Bunny Head

The head is a classic spherical shape with a gentle widening at the cheeks to give the bunny a sweet, youthful appearance. We work in continuous spirals using the Sand yarn and the 2.25mm hook. Place a stitch marker at the start of every round.

1. Round 1: Start with a MR and work 6 sc into the ring. (6)
2. Round 2: Work 6 inc. (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. Round 5: Perform (3 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
6. Round 6: Perform (4 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (36)
7. Round 7: Perform (5 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (42)
8. Round 8: Perform (6 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (48)
9. Round 9: Perform (7 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (54)
10. Round 10: Perform (8 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (60)
11. Round 11: Perform (9 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (66)
12. Rounds 12-25: Work 1 sc in each st around. This builds the height of the face. Ensure your tension is consistent so the surface is smooth. (66)
13. Round 26: Perform (9 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (60)
14. Round 27: Perform (8 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (54)
15. Round 28: Perform (7 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (48)
16. Eye Placement: Insert the 12mm safety eyes between Rounds 19 and 20, spacing them approximately 12 stitches apart. Check that they are symmetrical relative to your start of the round.
17. Round 29: Perform (6 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (42)
18. Round 30: Perform (5 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (36)
19. Stuffing: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Push the fiberfill against the sides to round out the cheeks. The head should be firm but slightly squishy.
20. Round 31: Perform (4 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (30)
21. Round 32: Perform (3 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (24)
22. Round 33: Perform (2 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (18)
23. Round 34: Perform (1 sc, 1 dec) repeat 6 times. (12) Finish stuffing.
24. Round 35: 6 dec to close. Fasten off and weave in the yarn tail.

Facial Embroidery

To create the bunny’s expression, use a long strand of dark brown embroidery floss. Stitch a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth centered between the eyes, about 2 or 3 rounds below the eye line. For a soft touch, use a little bit of pink blush on a small brush and gently dab it onto the cheeks to simulate a rosy glow.

Phase 2: Long Floppy Ears

The ears are designed to be long and draped, framing the face beautifully like sea kelp swaying in the current. They are not stuffed, which allows them to lie flat against the body. Make two using the Sand yarn.

1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc. (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc. (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. Round 5: Perform (3 sc, 1 inc) repeat 6 times. (30)
6. Rounds 6-15: sc in each st around. (30)
7. Round 16: Perform (8 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (27)
8. Rounds 17-25: sc in each st around. (27)
9. Round 26: Perform (7 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (24)
10. Rounds 27-35: sc in each st around. (24)
11. Round 36: Perform (6 sc, 1 dec) repeat 3 times. (21)
12. Rounds 37-45: sc in each st around. (21)
13. Round 46: Perform (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 or 7.

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 Coral yarn (for the shoe base). MR, 6 sc. (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
3. Round 3: Perform (1 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (18)
4. Rounds 4-6: sc in each st around. (18)
5. Round 7: Switch to Sand yarn. Work in BLO. sc around. (18) (The front loops will be used later for a shoe strap).
6. Rounds 8-25: 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.

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: 6 inc. (12)
3. Rounds 3-20: sc in each st around. (12)
4. Lightly stuff the hand area but leave the upper arm empty for mobility. Flatten the top and sc closed. Sew to the shoulders.

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Phase 4: The Coral Reef Mermaid Gown

This dress is the showstopper. It features a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares dramatically into three tiers of ruffles, resembling the layers of a coral reef. Use the 2.75mm hook.

Bodice

1. Row 1: With Coral yarn, ch 35. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (34)
2. Rows 2-6: sc across. (34)
3. Row 7 (Join): Join to the first stitch with a sl st to begin working in rounds.
4. Round 8: Perform (4 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (42)
5. Round 9: Perform (5 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (49)
6. Round 10: Perform (6 sc, 1 inc) repeat around. (56)
7. Rounds 11-20: Work sc in each st around. This section covers the hips and upper thighs.
8. Round 21: Work in BLO. sc around. (This loop is for the top ruffle).
9. Round 22: Work normal sc around.
10. Round 23: Work in BLO. sc around. (This loop is for the middle ruffle).
11. Round 24: Work normal sc around.
12. Round 25: Work in BLO. sc around. (This loop is for the bottom ruffle). Fasten off.

The Ruffles (The Coral Reef)

We will now attach yarn to the BLO rounds to create the ruffles. Work with the dress upside down.

• Top Ruffle (Orange): Attach Orange yarn to the front loops of Round 21. Chain 2. Work 3 dc in each stitch around. This creates a very full, wavy ruffle. Join and fasten off.
• Middle Ruffle (Deep Coral): Attach Deep Coral yarn to the front loops of Round 23. Chain 2. Work 3 dc in each stitch around. Join and fasten off.
• Bottom Ruffle (Purple): Attach Purple yarn to the front loops of Round 25. Chain 2. Work 3 dc in each stitch around. Join and fasten off.

Shell Bra Applique (Make 2)

Use Light Peach yarn.

1. Foundation: MR.
2. Row 1: Ch 2, 5 dc into ring. Ch 2, sl st into ring. Pull tight to form a scallop shape.
3. Assembly: Sew these two shells onto the front of the bodice.

Phase 5: The Coral Crown

This headpiece mimics the organic growth of coral. It is built on a simple headband base. Use Orange and Purple yarns.

1. Band: Chain 50 (or enough to fit around the head). Join. sc around. Fasten off.
2. Coral Growth: Attach Orange yarn. *Ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, hdc in next. Ch 3 (branch), sl st back down branch, continue sc down main chain. Sl st to band.* Repeat this organic branching process randomly along the front half of the band.
3. Accents: Switch to Purple yarn. Add small picots (ch 3, sl st in first ch) in between the orange branches to look like small polyps.

Phase 6: The Seahorse Companion

This tiny creature adds a touch of whimsy. Use Bright Orange yarn and the 2.25mm hook.

1. Head/Body: MR, 6 sc.

   R2: 6 inc (12).

   R3-5: sc around (12).

   R6: (dec) x 3, sc 6 (9) (Neck).

   R7: sc around (9).

   R8: (inc) x 3, sc 6 (12) (Chest).

   R9: (1 sc, 1 inc) around (18).

   R10-13: sc around (18).

   R14: dec around to 12. Stuff head and body.

   R15: dec to 6.

   R16-20: sc around (6). This is the tail.

   R21: Curl the tail up and sew it in a spiral position.

2. Snout: MR, 4 sc. Work 2 rounds. Sew to face.
3. Dorsal Fin: Ch 5. In 2nd ch, sc, hdc, dc, hdc. Sew to back.
4. Eyes: Insert 6mm eyes.

Phase 7: The Giant Pearl Shell

A prop for the bunny to sit next to. Use Cream/ Pearlescent yarn.

1. Base: MR, 6 sc. Do not join, turn.
2. Row 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st. (12) Turn.
3. Row 3: Ch 2, (1 dc, 1 inc) across. (18) Turn.
4. Row 4: Ch 2, (2 dc, 1 inc) across. (24) Turn.
5. Row 5: Work in Front Post Double Crochet across to create ridges.
6. Row 6: sc across. Fasten off.
7. Assembly: Make two of these. Sew the bottom edges together to form a clam. You can place a large bead inside as a pearl.

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Final Assembly and Styling

Now, bring the underwater magic together.

• Dressing: Slide the mermaid dress onto the bunny. It should fit snugly. Ensure the ruffles are fluffed out to show the gradient.
• Shoes: Using Coral yarn, create a chain of 10 and sew it to the BLO ridge left on the feet to create a shoe strap. Sew small pearl beads onto the strap for elegance.
• Crown: Place the coral crown on the head, positioning it slightly forward in front of the ears.
• Seahorse: Use a small dab of glue or a stitch to attach the seahorse to the bunny’s hand, or simply pose it nearby.
• 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 Ocean Coral & Seahorse set is now complete! This character serves as a stunning tribute to the mysteries of the deep sea. The vibrant ruffles and intricate accessories make this a standout piece in any collection. We hope you enjoyed diving into this creative journey!

Would you like to learn how to create a miniature starfish to add to the display, or perhaps receive guidance on creating a “seaweed” wrap for the bunny’s shoulders?