The Rosebud Tea Bunny is a delightful and sophisticated creation, evoking the charm of a classic English garden party or a quiet afternoon spent in a cozy tearoom. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, cream-colored rabbit with a gentle, inviting expression, ready to pour a cup of tea and share a plate of cookies. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a timeless keepsake that celebrates the warmth of hospitality and the beauty of floral details.
She is dressed in a romantic ensemble featuring a dusty pink dress with a skirt adorned with vertical vines of embroidered rosebuds. To ward off the gentle breeze, she wears a cream cardigan embellished with matching tiny roses along the collar. Her look is completed with a wide headwrap featuring a large statement flower and elegant cream shoes. To achieve the delicate definition of the embroidery and the structural integrity of the tea set, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the pink tones remain soft yet distinct and the accessories hold their shape. 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 Rosebud Tea 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 25 to 35 hours, depending on your speed and attention to the miniature details like the tea cup construction and the surface embroidery. It is a labor of love intended to result in a collectible item or a cherished gift.
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 and the sharp edges of the tea cup. Cotton is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin and slight sheens for the clothing to create texture contrast.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 160g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Cream,” “Milk,” or “Off-White.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress & Headband Yarn: 80g of “Dusty Pink,” “Mauve,” or “Antique Rose” cotton yarn. This serves as the main color for the elegant gown.
- Cardigan & Tea Set Yarn: 60g of “Cream” or “Ivory” cotton yarn.
- Embroidery Accents: Scraps of Sage Green (stems/leaves) and Dark Pink (rosebuds).
- Shoes: Cream yarn.
- Puppy Companion: Beige and Brown yarn.
- Accessories: Brown (cookies/tea), White (tea bag).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny puppy, and the tea set to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress, cardigan, and headband 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 puppy.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for cheeks.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, cardboard (for saucer base).
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the surface embroidery on the dress and the shaping of the tea 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.
- Picot: Ch 3, sl st in first ch.
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 snout area. 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)
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)
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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 builds the vertical height of the face. Ensure your tension remains consistent so the fabric is smooth. (66)
Eye Placement and Face Sculpting
Pause your crocheting here. Insert the 12mm safety eyes between Round 18 and Round 19. Position them approximately 13 stitches apart. Ensure they are level before snapping the back washers on. If you plan to do needle sculpting later, do not attach the washers too tightly.
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.
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 Floppy 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.
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 Cream yarn. Magic Ring, 6 sc. (6)
Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
Round 3: [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat around. (18)
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Rounds 4-6: sc in each st around. (18)
Round 7: [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 2 times. (16)
Rounds 8-25: sc in each st around. Stuff the leg firmly as you go.
Fasten off the first leg. Do not fasten off the second leg. Chain 3 from the second leg and join to the first leg with a sc.
Body
Round 26: sc 16 around the first leg, sc 3 along the chain, sc 16 around the second leg, sc 3 along the other side of the chain. (38)
Round 27: [18 sc, 1 inc] repeat 2 times. (40)
Rounds 28-38: sc in each st around. (40)
Round 39: [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat 4 times. (36)
Rounds 40-41: sc around. (36)
Round 42: [4 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (30)
Rounds 43-44: sc around. (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 Rosebud Dress
This dress is the centerpiece. It features a fitted bodice and a full skirt that serves as a canvas for embroidery. Use Dusty Pink 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
Round 12: *2 dc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
Rounds 13-22: Work dc in each st around.
Round 23 (Hem): *sc, skip 1, 5 dc in next, skip 1* around. Fasten off.
Embroidering the Rosebuds
This step brings the dress to life. You will embroider directly onto the skirt.
- Step 1 (Stems): Using Sage Green yarn or thick floss, stitch vertical lines rising from the hem upwards. Add small leaves on either side of the stem.
- Step 2 (Buds): Using Dark Pink yarn, create the rosebuds at the top of each stem. Use a French Knot or a small cluster stitch. Wrap the yarn around the needle 3-4 times for a plump bud.
- Placement: Space these vines evenly around the skirt, about 1 inch apart.
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Part 5: The Cream Cardigan
A delicate layer for tea time. 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 hdc across to create a smooth fabric. Fasten off.
Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 16 sc around for 10 rounds. Fasten off.
Decoration: Embroider or crochet tiny pink rosebuds along the front opening and neckline of the cardigan.
Part 6: The Rose Headwrap
A vintage-style wide headband. Use Dusty Pink yarn.
Band: Chain 12. Sc in 2nd ch and across. Work back and forth in BLO for 60 rows (or until it fits around the head). Join ends.
Large Rose:
1. Ch 30.
2. In 4th ch from hook, (dc, ch 1, dc). *Skip 1 ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch*. Repeat across. Turn.
3. In each ch-1 space work (sc, 5 dc, sc). Fasten off.
4. Roll the strip into a rosette shape and sew the base.
5. Sew the rose to the side of the headwrap.
Part 7: Tea Time Accessories
The Tea Cup and Saucer
Cup: With Cream yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. BLO sc around. Work 6 rounds up.
Rim: Switch to Pink. Sc around. Fasten off.
Handle: Ch 8. Sew to side of cup.
Tea: Crochet a small flat brown circle (18 sts) and sew inside the cup.
Saucer: With Cream yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Inc to 24. Inc to 30. [1 sc, inc] around. Fasten off. (Optional: Cut a cardboard circle to glue to the bottom for flatness).
Tea Bag
Bag: White yarn. Ch 5. Sc 6 rows. Fold in half, sew sides.
String: Attach a piece of white thread.
Tag: Small green or brown square attached to string.
Cookies
With Brown yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Fasten off. Embroider dark brown chips.
Tiny Puppy Companion
Head: Beige yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.
Body: Beige yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to head.
Ears: Brown yarn. Ch 4, sc back. Sew to head.
Legs: Ch 3, sc back. Sew 4 legs to body.
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Part 8: Shoes
Mary Jane style. Use Cream yarn.
Round 1: Ch 7. 2 sc in 2nd ch, sc 4, 4 sc in last. Rotate. sc 4, 2 sc in last. (16)
Round 2: inc, sc 5, 4 inc, sc 5, inc. (22)
Round 3: BLO sc around. (22)
Rounds 4-5: sc around.
Strap: Ch 6. Sew across the top.
Decoration: Sew a tiny pink rosebud to the side of the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Rosebud Tea 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 Cream 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 cardigan and the headwrap.
- Props: Place the tea cup and saucer on a surface or in her lap. Arrange the cookies and puppy nearby.
- 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 rosebuds on the dress?
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 Rosebud Tea Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a charming tribute to the elegance of tea time and the beauty of friendship. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
