The Canterbury Bells Daydream Bunny is a whimsical and enchanting creation, designed to transport you to a magical English garden where fairies might hide among the blooms. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, cream-colored rabbit with a gentle, wistful expression, symbolizing the magic of daydreams and the delicate beauty of nature. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a romantic centerpiece that celebrates the charm of bell-shaped flowers and the soft hues of twilight.
She is dressed in a meticulously detailed ensemble that reflects the graceful form of the Canterbury Bell flower. Her outfit consists of a cream-colored dress, distinguished by a spectacular “Bell Garland” skirt. This skirt features a chain of handcrafted purple bell flowers, each tipped with a tiny silver jingle bell that chimes softly with movement. To keep warm in the cool garden air, she wears a textured purple cardigan with ribbed cuffs and silver bell accents.
Her look is completed with a soft cream bucket hat adorned with a matching floral cluster, sturdy cream shoes, and a tiny crossbody bag. To achieve the delicate definition of the flower trumpets and the structural integrity of the miniature hummingbird companion, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the purple tones remain regal and the accessories hold their shape perfectly over time.
For the most comfortable crafting experience while assembling the intricate flower chains and the tiny bird, you should purchase professional-grade ergonomic crochet hooks. These tools are essential for maintaining consistent tension without hand fatigue during the detailed assembly phases. Many dedicated fiber artists also choose to order high-quality amigurumi supplies, such as glass-effect safety eyes, high-density polyester fiberfill, and miniature metal jingle bells from trusted online retailers. This project is a significant investment of your creative energy, resulting in a breathtaking centerpiece that showcases advanced skills in surface decoration and miniature sculpting.
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 Canterbury Bells Daydream 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 45 hours, depending on your speed and attention to the miniature details like the bell garland construction and the tiny hummingbird 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 definition needed for the delicate flared petals of the bell flowers. Cotton is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin and slight sheens for the flowers to capture the light.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 180g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Cream,” “Milk,” or “Antique White.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress & Hat Yarn: 70g of “Cream” or “Ivory” cotton yarn (same as body or slightly lighter).
- Cardigan & Flower Yarn: 60g of “Lavender,” “Lilac,” or “Periwinkle” cotton yarn. This serves as the main accent color.
- Hummingbird: Scraps of “Emerald Green,” “White,” “Black,” and “Ruby Red.”
- Accessories: Scraps of Brown (vines/twigs).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny hummingbird, and the flower bells to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress skirt, 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 4mm black eyes or beads for the hummingbird.
- Embellishments: Approx. 20 tiny silver jingle bells (6mm) to sew onto the flower tips and shoes.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown or grey for the nose; Pink for cheeks.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, small buttons for the cardigan.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “Bell Flower” and the attachment of the jingle bells. 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.
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 to give a vintage toy appearance. 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)
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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)
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. (66)
Eye Placement and Face Sculpting
Pause your crocheting here. Insert the 12mm safety eyes between Round 18 and Round 19. Position them approximately 14 stitches apart. Ensure they are level before snapping the back washers on. If you plan to do needle sculpting (indenting the eyes) later to give the face more depth, do not make the washers too tight against the fabric initially.
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 or grey 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 to give her a rosy glow.
Part 2: The Long Lop 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)
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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 seamless method ensures the doll is sturdy and can stand with support. Use the 2.25mm hook.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Cream yarn (for the 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: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times, sc 1. (19)
Rounds 7-25: 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 to reach 50 sts.
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 Cream Dress and Bell Garland
This dress is the canvas for the garland. It features a fitted bodice and a full skirt. Use Cream 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.
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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 13-20: Work dc in each st around.
Round 21 (Hem): *sc, skip 1, 5 dc in next, skip 1* around to create a scalloped edge. Change to Purple yarn for the final round to outline the scallops if desired, or keep it cream as per image.
The Canterbury Bell Garland
This is a separate chain adorned with flowers that drapes around the skirt.
The Vine: With Brown yarn, chain 60 (or enough to wrap loosely around the skirt). Sc back down the chain to make it thicker. Fasten off.
The Bell Flowers (Make 10-12):
Use Lavender/Purple yarn.
1. MR, 4 sc.
2. [1 sc, 1 inc] x 2. (6)
3. [2 sc, 1 inc] x 2. (8)
4. [3 sc, 1 inc] x 2. (10)
5. Sc around. (10)
6. *Ch 2, sl st in next st* around to create the flared lip. Fasten off.
Assembly:
1. Sew a tiny silver jingle bell to the center bottom edge of each purple flower.
2. Sew the top of each flower to the brown vine chain, spacing them evenly.
3. Drape the garland around the dress skirt and tack it in place with small stitches.
Part 5: The Purple Cardigan
A soft layer to complement the flowers. Use Lavender 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.
Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 16 sc around for 10 rounds. Fasten off.
Bell Accents: Sew tiny silver bells along the bottom hem of the cardigan, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Part 6: The Cream Bucket Hat
A vintage-style 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)
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Round 8: [6 sc, 1 inc] around. (48)
Rounds 9-12: sc in each st around.
Round 13 (Brim): Work in FLO. [3 sc, 1 inc] around. (60)
Round 14: [4 sc, 1 inc] around. (72)
Round 15: sc around. Fasten off.
Decoration: Crochet a cluster of 3 Purple Bell Flowers (same pattern as above) and sew them to the side of the hat.
Part 7: Accessories
The Tiny Hummingbird
Body: Emerald Green yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.
Head: White yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 2 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to body.
Throat: Embroider a patch of Ruby Red on the neck.
Wings: Grey/Black yarn. Ch 5, sc back. Sew to sides.
Beak: Black yarn. Ch 3, sl st back. Sew to face.
The Crossbody Bag
Body: Purple yarn. Ch 8. Sc around chain to form oval. Work 6 rounds up.
Flap: Cream yarn. Work 4 rows on back stitches. Round off.
Fastener: Sew a silver bell to the flap.
Strap: Chain 45. Attach to sides.
The Lace Doily
Use White thread or thin yarn.
Round 1: MR, 12 dc.
Round 2: 2 dc in each st. (24)
Round 3: *dc, ch 1, skip 1* around.
Round 4: *sc, ch 3, skip 1* around to make lace loops. Fasten off.
Part 8: Shoe Finishing
Finish the shoes started on the legs.
Strap: Attach Cream yarn to the side of the shoe. Ch 8 across the foot. Sew to the other side.
Decoration: Sew a tiny silver bell to the side of the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Canterbury Bells Daydream 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.
- Limbs: Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck.
- Dressing: Put the dress on feet first. Arrange the bell garland so it hangs evenly. Put on the shoes. Add the cardigan and the hat.
- Props: Hang the bag on her shoulder. Position the hummingbird near her hand or on the doily.
- 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 due to the metal bells. If the bunny gets dusty, use a lint roller or compressed air. For stains, spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Store out of direct sunlight to prevent the purple colors from fading.
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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 sew the silver bells securely to the flowers?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details like metal bells and fine embroidery, 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 Canterbury Bells Daydream Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a magical tribute to the music of the garden and the peace of nature. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
