The Scabiosa Button Bouquet Bunny is a whimsical and charming tribute to the timeless arts of sewing and gardening. This heirloom-quality project captures the serene beauty of a seamstress’s garden, where pincushion flowers bloom alongside baskets of thread and buttons. The centerpiece of this design is a soft, cream-colored rabbit with a gentle, studious expression, perhaps contemplating her next embroidery project. She is dressed in a stunning Cornflower Blue dress, the color of summer skies, featuring a hemline adorned with three-dimensional, puff-stitch Scabiosa flowers that resemble soft buttons.
To keep warm while working in her garden studio, she wears a classic cream cardigan with a clean, open front. Her ensemble is completed with a structured cloche hat adorned with a matching blue band and flower. To achieve the intricate definition of the puff flowers and the structural integrity of the miniature sewing accessories, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the blue tones remain vibrant and the tiny details do not fuzz over time. If you love to shop for artisan handmade collectibles supplies, this project is a wonderful way to utilize your high-end stash.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Project Overview and Material Selection
Before we begin the actual stitching, it is vital to understand the scope of this project. The Scabiosa Button Bouquet Bunny is designed to be a timeless piece of art. We are aiming for a tight, consistent gauge that prevents the stuffing from showing through, which is the hallmark of professional amigurumi.
The total time to complete this project can range from 20 to 30 hours, depending on your speed and attention to the miniature details like the needle book and the mouse companion. It is a labor of love intended to result in a collectible item or a cherished gift for a loved one.
Choosing Your Yarn
Selecting the right materials is the first step to success. While acrylic yarn is affordable, it often lacks the crispness needed for the tiny petals of the flowers. Cotton is superior here. When you order high-quality amigurumi supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin and slight sheens for the clothing.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 150g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Cream,” “Oatmeal,” or “Off-White.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress & Shoes Yarn: 70g of Cornflower Blue, Periwinkle, or Hydrangea Blue cotton yarn. This serves as the main color for the gown.
- Cardigan & Hat Yarn: 60g of Cream or Ivory cotton yarn.
- Flower Accents: Scraps of White (centers) and Light Blue (petals).
- Accessories: White (bag), Grey (mouse), Silver/Grey (needles), Multi-colored scraps (threads).
- Needle Book: Scraps of white and cardboard.
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny mouse, and the bag to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress, cardigan, and hat to allow for a graceful drape and easier fit over the body.
- Safety Eyes:
- One pair of 12mm solid black eyes for the rabbit.
- One pair of 5mm black eyes or beads for the mouse.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for cheeks.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, small buttons for decoration.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “Puff Stitch” flowers and the detailed accessories. Maintain a firm tension for the amigurumi parts.
- 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.
- Puff Stitch: (Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop) x 4 times in same stitch, yarn over and pull through all loops.
Part 1: The Sculpted Bunny Head
The head is the most character-defining part of the doll. We are aiming for a rounded shape that tapers slightly at the top and widens at the cheeks to give a “baby face” look. Use the 2.25mm hook and Cream yarn.
Round 1: Start with a Magic Ring. Crochet 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the hole securely. (6)
Round 2: Work 1 inc (2 sc) in every stitch around. (12)
Round 3: Perform a sequence of [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 4: Perform a sequence of [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (24)
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Round 5: Perform a sequence of [3 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (30)
Round 6: Perform a sequence of [4 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (36)
Round 7: Perform a sequence of [5 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (42)
Round 8: Perform a sequence of [6 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (48)
Round 9: Perform a sequence of [7 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (54)
Round 10: Perform a sequence of [8 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (60)
Round 11: Perform a sequence of [9 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (66)
Rounds 12-25: Work 1 sc in each of the 66 stitches around. This substantial section (14 rounds) builds the height of the face. Ensure your tension remains consistent so the fabric is smooth. (66)
Eye Placement and Face Sculpting Preparation
Pause your crocheting here. Insert the 12mm safety eyes between Round 19 and Round 20. Position them approximately 12 stitches apart. Ensure they are level before snapping the back washers on. If you plan to do needle sculpting (indenting the eyes) later, do not make the washers too tight against the fabric.
Round 26: Perform a sequence of [9 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (60)
Round 27: Perform a sequence of [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (54)
Round 28: Perform a sequence of [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (48)
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 Step: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Focus on pushing the fiberfill outwards toward the cheeks to create a rounded shape. The head should be firm to the touch, not squishy.
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)
Round 35: Work 6 dec. Fasten off and leave a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. (6)
Embroidering the Features
Using the dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a small “Y” shape between the eyes to form the nose and mouth. The top of the “Y” should span about 3 stitches. Apply a small amount of cosmetic blush to the cheeks using a soft brush.
Part 2: The Long Lopped Ears
These ears are designed to be long and hang low, framing the face beautifully. They are not stuffed, which gives them a fabric-like drape. Make two using the Cream yarn.
Round 1: Magic Ring, 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. Position the ears on the top of the head, slightly to the sides, at approximately Round 5 or 6.
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Part 3: Legs and Body Construction
The body is constructed by making two legs and joining them together. This creates a stable base for the bunny to stand (with support). Use the 2.25mm hook.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Cornflower Blue yarn (for the shoes). Magic Ring, 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: Work in BLO (Back Loop Only). sc around. This creates a defined edge for the sole of the foot. (18)
Round 7: Switch to White (socks). sc around. (18)
Round 8: sc around. (18)
Round 9: Switch to Cream yarn (skin). Work in BLO. sc around. (18)
Rounds 10-25: sc in each st around in Cream. (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 at this point.
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.
Arms (Make 2)
Round 1: With Cream yarn, 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.
Part 4: The Scabiosa Garden Dress
This dress is the centerpiece of the design. It features a blue bodice and a skirt adorned with 3D puff flowers resembling Scabiosa blooms. Use Cornflower Blue yarn and 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 with Puff Flowers
Round 12: *2 dc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
Rounds 13-20: Work dc in each st around.
Round 21 (Flower Base): *sc 3, ch 2, skip 2* around. This creates gaps for our flowers.
Round 22 (The Flowers): Into each ch-2 space, work a Puff Stitch Flower:
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Flower Instructions: (Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop) x 3, pull through all loops (Petal 1). Ch 2. Repeat this 4 more times in the same space to create a 5-petal puff flower. Sc in the sc stitches between flowers.
Round 23: Work a simple sc round behind the petals to stabilize the hem. Fasten off.
Centers: Using White yarn and a needle, embroider a thick French Knot or a small stitched circle in the center of each blue puff flower to create the “pincushion” look.
Part 5: The Cream Cardigan
This jacket adds a layer of warmth and texture. Use Cream yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Row 1: Ch 37. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 1, turn. (36)
Row 2: [5 sc, 1 inc] across. Ch 1, turn. (42)
Row 3 (Armholes): sc 6, ch 8, skip 8, sc 14, ch 8, skip 8, sc 6. Ch 1, turn.
Row 4: sc across all sts and chains. Ch 1, turn. (42)
Rows 5-10: Work in “Grit Stitch” (*sc, dc* repeat) across to create a pebbled texture. Fasten off.
Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 16 sc around for 10 rounds. Fasten off.
Decor: Sew small blue flower buttons to the cuffs of the sleeves.
Part 6: The Cloche Hat
A structured hat to match the dress. Use Cream 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: sc in each st around.
Round 12 (Brim): Work in FLO. *3 sc, 1 inc* around. (60)
Round 13: *4 sc, 1 inc* around. (72)
Round 14: sc around. Fasten off.
Band: Chain 50 in Blue. Sew around the base of the crown. Attach a large Puff Stitch Flower (same as dress) to the side.
Part 7: Sewing Room Accessories
The Mouse Companion
Head/Body: With Grey yarn, MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 9 (Neck). Inc to 12 (Body). Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.
Ears: MR 4 sc. Sew to head.
Tail: Ch 10. sc back down. Sew to rear.
Spool: Glue or sew a small wooden spool or a crocheted cylinder (Brown yarn) to the mouse’s hands.
The Bobble Bag
Body: With Cream yarn, Ch 12.
Row 1: sc across.
Row 2: *sc 1, Bobble stitch, sc 1* repeat across.
Row 3: sc across.
Row 4: Repeat Row 2.
Continue until you have a rectangle. Fold in half and sew sides.
Flap: sc rows decreasing to a point. Sew a blue button on top.
Handle: Ch 20. Attach to sides.
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The Needle Book
Cover: Crochet a small white rectangle (Ch 10, sc 8 rows).
Pages: Cut a small piece of white felt slightly smaller than the cover.
Assembly: Sew the felt inside the crochet cover down the center “spine.” Insert plastic or blunt needles into the felt.
Part 8: Shoe Finishing
Finish the shoes started on the legs.
Strap: Attach Blue yarn to the side of the shoe. Ch 8 across the foot. Sew to the other side.
Button: Sew a tiny white button or bead to the side of the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Scabiosa Button Bouquet Bunny to life.
- Head Attachment: Pin the head to the neck opening. Ensure the nose is aligned with the center of the body. Whipstitch securely using Oatmeal yarn. Add extra stuffing to the neck as you close the gap to prevent a floppy head.
- Limbs: Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck.
- Dressing: Put the dress on feet first. Then put on the shoes. Add the jacket and the hat.
- Props: Place the needle book and the mouse near the bunny. Hang the bobble bag on her shoulder. Place the bouquet of extra puff flowers in her hand.
- Blush: Use a soft brush to apply pink cosmetic blush to the cheeks.
Care Notes
To ensure your bunny lasts a lifetime, handle with care. Do not machine wash. If the bunny gets dusty, use a lint roller. For stains, spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Store out of direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Are all yarn ends woven in securely?
- Is the head firmly attached and not wobbling?
- Are the safety eyes secure?
- Did you embroider the centers of the Scabiosa flowers?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details, it is considered an art doll. If deep cleaning is absolutely necessary, submerge gently in cool water with wool wash. Do not wring. Squeeze out water with a towel and reshape to dry. Store in a cotton dust bag when not on display to protect it from dust and light.
Congratulations! Your Scabiosa Button Bouquet Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a cozy tribute to the beauty of crafting and gardening. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
