The Cherry Blossom Bunny is a breathtaking celebration of the arrival of spring, capturing the ethereal beauty of “Hanami” or flower viewing. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, cream-colored rabbit with a gentle, serene expression, evocative of falling petals and warm breezes. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a culturally inspired masterpiece that symbolizes renewal and the fleeting nature of beauty.
She is dressed in a traditional-inspired ensemble reimagined for a modern doll. Her outfit consists of a textured kimono-style dress in a soft blush pink, featuring wide sleeves and a wrap front secured by a decorative obi belt. Over this, she wears a vest embroidered with intricate cherry blossom branches in dark brown and pink. Her look is completed with a floral headpiece, laced ballet shoes, and a collection of themed accessories including a fan and a jar of petals. To achieve the delicate definition of the sakura flowers and the structural integrity of the fan, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the pink tones remain soft yet distinct. 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 Cherry Blossom 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 30 to 40 hours, depending on your speed and attention to the miniature details like the branch embroidery and the tiny sheep 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 sakura flowers. Cotton is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin and slight sheens for the kimono to create texture contrast.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 170g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Cream,” “Milky White,” or “Pale Bisque.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Kimono & Shoes Yarn: 80g of “Blush Pink,” “Baby Pink,” or “Sakura” cotton yarn.
- Vest/Jacket Yarn: 40g of a slightly darker “Dusty Rose” or “Mauve” to provide contrast against the kimono.
- Obi Belt Yarn: 20g of “Deep Pink” or “Magenta.”
- Embroidery Accents: Scraps of Dark Brown (branches), White (highlights), and Green (leaves).
- Sheep Companion: Cream and Beige yarn.
- Accessories: Beige (fan base), Clear jar (optional prop).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny sheep, and the accessories to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the kimono and vest 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 sheep.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for cheeks.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, fabric glue (optional), small jar for the “petals” accessory.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the garment construction and the surface embroidery. 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.
- Sakura Stitch: A 5-dc shell used to mimic flower petals.
Part 1: The Sculpted Bunny Head
The head is the most character-defining part of the doll. We are aiming for a rounded shape, slightly wider at the cheeks to give a “kawaii” 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 12-24: Work 1 sc in each of the 66 stitches around. This substantial section (13 rounds) builds the vertical height of the face. Ensure your tension remains consistent so the fabric is smooth.
Eye Placement and Face Sculpting
Pause your crocheting here. Insert the 12mm safety eyes between Round 19 and Round 20. Position them approximately 14 stitches apart. Ensure they are level before snapping the back washers on. The wide spacing is crucial for the innocent look.
Round 25: Perform a sequence of [9 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (60)
Round 26: Perform a sequence of [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (54)
Round 27: Perform a sequence of [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (48)
Round 28: Perform a sequence of [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (42)
Round 29: 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 30: Perform a sequence of [4 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (30)
Round 31: Perform a sequence of [3 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 32: Perform a sequence of [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 33: Perform a sequence of [1 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (12)
Round 34: 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.
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 pink 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. 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
We construct the legs first and join them to create the body. This creates a seamless transition and a sturdy standing base.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Blush Pink yarn (shoes). Chain 7. 2 sc in 2nd ch, sc 4, 4 sc in last ch. Rotate. sc 4, 2 sc in last st. (16)
Round 2: Inc, sc 5, 4 inc, sc 5, inc. (22)
Round 3: Work in BLO. sc around. (22)
Rounds 4-5: sc around. (22)
Round 6 (Strap Setup): [Sc 5, dec] x 3, sc 1. (19)
Round 7: Switch to Cream yarn (skin). Work in BLO. sc around. (19)
Rounds 8-12: sc in each st around in Cream.
Lacing Detail: Before stuffing fully, use a strand of Pink yarn to embroider crisscross laces on the front of the ankle area to mimic ballet shoes.
Rounds 13-25: sc in each st around in Cream. Stuff the leg firmly as you go.
Fasten off the first leg. Do not fasten off the second leg. Chain 4 from the second leg and join to the first leg with a sc.
Body
Round 26: sc 19 around the first leg, sc 4 along the chain, sc 19 around the second leg, sc 4 along the other side of the chain. (46)
Round 27: [10 sc, 1 inc] repeat 4 times approx. (50)
Rounds 28-38: sc in each st around. (50)
Round 39: [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (45)
Rounds 40-41: sc around. (45)
Round 42: [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (40)
Round 43: [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (35)
Round 44: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (30)
Round 45: [3 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 46: [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 47: sc around. (18)
Fasten off. Stuff the neck area very firmly to support the head. Sew the head to the body.
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 4-22: 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 Sakura Kimono
This dress is constructed to look like a wrapped kimono. Use Blush Pink yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
The Main Robe
Row 1: Ch 35. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (34)
Row 2: [3 sc, 1 inc] across. (42)
Row 3 (Armholes): sc 6, ch 8, skip 8, sc 14, ch 8, skip 8, sc 6.
Row 4: sc across all sts and chains. (42)
Rows 5-10: Work in hdc across to create a smooth fabric.
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Row 11 (Skirt Flare): *3 dc, 1 inc* across.
Rows 12-20: Work dc across. The front should remain open.
Trim: Attach Dark Pink yarn to the front opening edge. Work sc all the way up the right side, around the neck, and down the left side.
Wide Sleeves
Join yarn to the armhole. Work 18 sc around.
Rounds 2-8: Work dc around, increasing by 2 stitches every round to create a bell/kimono sleeve shape.
Round 9: Work a sc border in Dark Pink.
The Obi Belt
Row 1: With Dark Pink yarn, Ch 50 (long enough to wrap around waist).
Row 2-4: sc across.
Decor: Crochet 3 small Sakura flowers (MR, *ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st* x 5) and sew them to the center of the belt.
Part 5: The Embroidered Vest
This vest adds a layer of warmth and detail. Use Dusty Rose/Mauve yarn.
Row 1: Ch 37. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (36)
Row 2: [5 sc, 1 inc] across. (42)
Row 3 (Armholes): sc 6, ch 8, skip 8, sc 14, ch 8, skip 8, sc 6.
Row 4: sc across all sts and chains. (42)
Rows 5-10: Work in “Moss Stitch” (*sc, ch 1, skip 1*) across. Fasten off.
Embroidery: This is the most crucial detail. Using Dark Brown thread, backstitch “branches” growing up the sides of the vest. Using Pink yarn, make French Knots or tiny straight stitches along the branches to represent cherry blossoms.
Part 6: The Floral Headband
A crown of cherry blossoms. Use Pink yarn.
Band: Chain 60. Join to form ring (check fit). Sc around for 3 rows.
Flowers: Make 3 large Sakura flowers and 2 smaller ones.
Large: MR, *ch 3, 2 tr, ch 3, sl st* x 5.
Small: MR, *ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st* x 5.
Sew the flowers in a cluster on the side of the band.
Part 7: Accessories
The Paper Fan
Row 1: Ch 4, join to ring.
Row 2: 12 dc in ring. Turn.
Row 3: *dc, ch 1* across. Turn.
Row 4: *sc in space, ch 3, sc in space* across. Fasten off.
Detail: Embroider tiny pink flowers on the fan blades.
The Sheep Companion
Head/Body: With Cream yarn (textured/boucle if possible), MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Work 4 rounds. Dec to 12. Dec to 6. Close.
Face: Beige yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Sew to front of head. Embroider eyes and nose.
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Legs: Beige yarn. Ch 3, sc back. Make 4. Sew to body.
Heart: Cut a tiny pink felt heart and glue/sew to the sheep’s hands.
Petal Jar
Jar: Use a small glass vial or crochet one with clear/grey yarn (MR 6, inc to 12, BLO sc up 5 rows).
Petals: Fill with tiny scraps of pink, yellow, and blue yarn.
Part 8: Final Assembly and Styling
Now, bring your scene to life.
- Head Attachment: Sew the head to the body securely.
- Dressing: Wrap the kimono around the bunny (left over right). Secure with a stitch if needed. Tie the Obi belt around the waist. Put on the vest.
- Headpiece: Place the floral headband on the head.
- Props: Place the fan in one hand (tack with a stitch). Position the sheep and jar at her feet.
- Blush: Apply a little cosmetic blush to the bunny’s 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 pink 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 cherry blossom branches on the vest?
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 Cherry Blossom Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a serene tribute to the beauty of spring and the elegance of tradition. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
