The Water Lily Pond Bunny is a serene and enchanting creation, capturing the tranquil magic of a summer evening spent by a quiet lake. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, biscuit-colored rabbit with a gentle, curious expression, symbolizing the peaceful coexistence of nature’s creatures. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a refreshing centerpiece that celebrates aquatic blooms and cool, calming hues.
She is dressed in a meticulously detailed ensemble that reflects the colors of a pond at twilight. Her outfit consists of a teal blue pinafore dress, distinguished by a skirt adorned with pink water lily blossoms and green lily pads. Underneath, she wears a crisp white blouse with puffed sleeves. Her look is completed with a wide-brimmed teal sun hat decorated with flowers, sturdy blue shoes, and a collection of pond-side accessories including a vintage lantern and a fishing net. To achieve the crisp definition of the lily petals and the structural integrity of the turtle companion, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the teal tones remain deep and the accessories hold their shape perfectly. 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 Water Lily Pond 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 turtle shell motifs and the lantern construction. 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 stitch definition needed for the delicate petals of the water lilies. Cotton is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin and slight sheens for the water elements to capture the light.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 170g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Biscuit,” “Tan,” or “Sand.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress & Hat Yarn: 80g of “Teal,” “Aqua,” or “Lake Blue” cotton yarn. This serves as the main color for the outfit.
- Blouse & Petticoat: 40g of “White” cotton yarn.
- Flower Accents: Scraps of “Pale Pink,” “Blush,” “Yellow,” and “Leaf Green.”
- Turtle Companion: Teal, Tan, and Pink scraps.
- Accessories: Brown (lantern/net handle), Cream (net mesh).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny turtle, and the flower appliqués to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress skirt, hat, and net to allow for a graceful drape.
- Safety Eyes:
- One pair of 12mm solid black eyes for the rabbit.
- One pair of 5mm black eyes or beads for the turtle.
- 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, craft wire (for the net handle and lantern).
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “Water Lily” appliqué and the structural 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.
- Cluster: A group of dc stitches joined at the top (used for 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 that tapers slightly at the snout area. Use the 2.25mm hook and Biscuit/Tan 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)
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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. The wide spacing gives the bunny a gentle, 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. (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 pink cosmetic blush to the cheeks using a soft brush.
Part 2: The Long Upright Ears
These ears are tall and alert, giving the bunny a cheerful appearance. Make two using the Biscuit 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 47-52: sc in each st around. (18)
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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, standing upright, at approximately Round 4 or 5.
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 Teal 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: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times, sc 1. (19)
Round 7: Switch to Biscuit yarn (skin). Work in BLO. sc around. (19)
Rounds 8-25: sc in each st around in Biscuit. 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 28-35: sc in each st around. (50)
Round 36: [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (45)
Rounds 37-38: sc around. (45)
Round 39: [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (40)
Round 40: Switch to White yarn (undershirt). [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (35)
Rounds 41-43: sc around. (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 Biscuit 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 4-5: sc around. (12)
Round 6: Switch to White yarn (sleeves). [1 sc, inc] around. (18)
Rounds 7-10: sc around. (18)
Round 11: [1 sc, dec] around. (12)
Rounds 12-20: sc around. (12)
Lightly stuff the hand area. Flatten the top and sc closed. Sew to the shoulders.
Part 4: The Water Lily Dress
This dress is the showstopper. It features a fitted bodice and a full skirt adorned with water lilies. Use Teal yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
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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 to create a scalloped edge. Fasten off.
Water Lily Appliqués
Make 5-6 flowers.
Center: Yellow yarn. MR 6 sc.
Petals (Inner): Switch to Pink. *Ch 3, 2 tr in same st, ch 3, sl st in same st*. Repeat in each st.
Petals (Outer): Work *Ch 4, 3 dtr (double treble), ch 4, sl st* behind the inner petals.
Lily Pads: Green yarn. MR, 12 dc. Work one row not joining, but turning to create a “Pacman” shape. Border with sc.
Assembly: Sew the lily pads and flowers onto the skirt.
Part 5: The Wide Brim Hat
A classic sun hat to match the dress. Use Teal 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 9-12: 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: [5 sc, 1 inc] around. (84)
Round 16: sc around. Fasten off.
Decoration: Crochet a large Water Lily (same as dress pattern) and two pads. Sew to the side of the hat.
Part 6: Pond Accessories
The Vintage Lantern
Base: Brown yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. BLO sc around. Work 6 rounds up.
Top: Dec to 12. Work 2 rounds. Inc to 18 (rim). Fasten off.
Light: Insert a small LED tea light if desired, or crochet a yellow cylinder to stuff inside.
Handle: Use craft wire wrapped in brown yarn. Attach to the top rim.
The Fishing Net
Netting: Cream yarn. Ch 4, join. *Ch 3, sc into loop* repeat to make mesh. Increase the size of loops each round for 5 rounds.
Rim: Brown yarn. Sc around the opening of the mesh bag.
Handle: Brown yarn. Ch 20. Sc back down. Insert a wire for stiffness. Sew to the rim of the net.
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The Turtle Companion
Shell: Teal yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Inc to 24. Work 3 rounds.
Decor: Sew small Pink flower appliqués onto the shell hexagonally.
Bottom Plate: Tan yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Inc to 24.
Head: Tan yarn. MR 6. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to body.
Legs: Tan yarn. Ch 3, bobble stitch. Make 4. Sew to sides.
Assembly: Sew bottom plate to shell, stuffing before closing. Attach head and legs.
Part 7: Shoe Finishing
Finish the shoes started on the legs.
Strap: Attach Teal yarn to the side of the shoe. Ch 8 across the foot. Sew to the other side.
Button: Sew a tiny white button to the side of the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Water Lily Pond Bunny to life.
- Head Attachment: Sew the head to the body securely.
- Dressing: Put the dress on feet first. Fasten the back. Put on the shoes. Place the hat on the head.
- Props: Place the lantern and net near her hands. Position the turtle at her feet.
- 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 wire and accessories. 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 teal 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 wire the net handle securely?
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 Water Lily Pond Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a refreshing tribute to the beauty of aquatic gardens and the peace of summer evenings. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
