The Garden Rose Bunny Capelet is a stunning tribute to the romance of English cottage gardens and the timeless elegance of vintage porcelain dolls. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, biscuit-colored rabbit with a gentle, soulful expression, designed to be the centerpiece of any collection. She evokes the feeling of a slow afternoon spent among blooming rose bushes, carrying the scent of sweet florals and the comfort of nostalgia.
She is dressed in a breathtaking, multi-layered ensemble. Her outfit centers around a dusty rose dress, distinguished by a skirt featuring a spectacular hemline of three-dimensional, rolled rosebuds. To protect against the cool garden breeze, she wears a textured cream capelet (or shawl) adorned with a bobble-stitch edging that mimics pearls. Her look is completed with a structured straw-style hat, delicate pink shoes with pearl closures, and a collection of exquisite accessories including a lace fan, a vintage perfume atomizer, a clasp purse, and a tiny piglet companion dressed in a matching cape.
To achieve the structural integrity of the rose hem and the delicate drape of the capelet, 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 perfectly over time. For the most comfortable crafting experience while assembling the intricate fan and the miniature piglet, 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 and high-density polyester fiberfill, from trusted online retailers to ensure their creation feels as substantial and luxurious as it looks. This project is a significant investment of your creative energy, resulting in a breathtaking masterpiece. Accompanied by her tiny pig friend and vintage toiletries, this set is a perfect addition for those who shop for artisan handmade collectibles.
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 Garden Rose 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 40 to 60 hours, depending on your speed and attention to the miniature details like the rosebud construction and the tiny pig 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 stitch definition needed for the delicate petals of the roses and the texture of the capelet. Cotton is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin and slight sheens for the floral elements to capture the light.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 180g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Biscuit,” “Oatmeal,” or “Sand.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress & Shoes Yarn: 80g of “Dusty Rose,” “Antique Pink,” or “Blush” cotton yarn. This serves as the main color for the romantic dress.
- Capelet & Hat Yarn: 60g of “Cream,” “Ivory,” or “Bone” cotton yarn.
- Rose Accents: Scraps of “Deep Rose” and “Sage Green” for the leaves.
- Pig Companion: “Pale Pink” and “Cocoa Brown” yarn scraps.
- Accessories: “Grey/Silver” (perfume top), “Beige” (bag/fan).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny pig, and the flower buds to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress skirt, capelet, 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 pig.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for cheeks; Green for vines.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, small pearl beads for buttons and decoration.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “Rolled Rose” on the skirt hem and the textured stitches of the capelet. 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.
- Bobble Stitch: Work 5 dc into the same st, leaving the last loop of each on the hook, then yarn over and pull through all loops. (Used for the capelet edge).
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/Oatmeal 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)
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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. 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 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 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)
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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 Dusty Rose 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 28-38: 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 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 4-22: 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 Garden Rose Dress
This dress is the showstopper. It features a fitted bodice and a full skirt with a unique “rolled rose” hem. Use Dusty Rose 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 13-22: Work dc in each st around.
Round 23 (The Rose Hem Base): Work a round of sc. We will attach the roses here.
The Rolled Roses (Make 12-14)
These are made separately and sewn to the hem to create the bulky, floral border seen in the image.
Row 1: Chain 15.
Row 2: Work 3 dc in the 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. The strip will naturally curl.
Assembly: Roll the strip into a rosette shape. Stitch the base securely so it doesn’t unroll.
Attaching: Sew these roses side-by-side along the bottom edge of the skirt.
Leaves: Using Sage Green yarn, embroider small V-shapes between the roses to represent leaves.
Bodice Embroidery
Using the same rose technique but with shorter chains (Ch 8), make 3 smaller roses and sew them to the center of the bodice.
Part 5: The Cream Capelet (Shawl)
A vintage, cozy layer. Use Cream yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Row 1 (Neck): Ch 30. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (29)
Row 2: [2 sc, 1 inc] across. (38)
Row 3: [3 sc, 1 inc] across. (47)
Row 4: [4 sc, 1 inc] across. (56)
Rows 5-8: Work in hdc across to create length.
Row 9 (Decorative Edge): *sc 1, Bobble Stitch in next, sc 1* repeat across. This creates the bumpy “pearl” edge.
Ties: Attach yarn to the neck edge and chain 20 on each side for ties.
Part 6: The Straw Hat
A structured sun hat. 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 9-12: 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: Make a large rolled rose (Ch 25 base) in Dusty Pink and sew to the side. Add green leaves.
Part 7: Accessories
The Piglet Companion
Head: Pale Pink yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 12. Dec to 6. Close.
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Snout: Darker Pink. MR 6 sc. Sew to face.
Body: Pale Pink. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Work 4 rounds. Dec to 12. Dec to 6.
Capelet: Cream yarn. Mini version of the bunny’s cape.
Hat: Mini version of the bunny’s hat.
Ears: Ch 3, sc back. Sew to head.
The Vintage Perfume Bottle
Base: Dusty Rose yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 4 rounds (sphere). Stuff. Dec to 6.
Neck: Switch to Grey/Silver. Work 3 rounds on 6 sts.
Top: Work a small bobble in Grey on top.
Atomizer: Ch 4 in Grey, sew to side of neck.
The Lace Fan
Use Cream yarn.
Row 1: MR, 6 sc. Do not join, turn.
Row 2: 2 dc in each st. (12). Turn.
Row 3: *dc, ch 1* across. Turn.
Row 4: *sc, ch 3, skip 1* across to make lace loops. Fasten off.
The Clasp Bag
Body: Beige yarn. Ch 10. Sc around chain to form oval. Work 6 rounds up.
Clasp: Sew a small bead to the top center.
Strap: Chain 20. Attach to top.
Part 8: Shoe Finishing
Finish the shoes started on the legs.
Strap: Attach Dusty Rose yarn to the side of the shoe. Ch 8 across the foot. Sew to the other side.
Pearl: Sew a tiny pearl bead to the side of the strap for a button.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Garden Rose Bunny Capelet to life.
- Head Attachment: Sew the head to the body securely.
- Dressing: Put the rose dress on feet first. Fasten the back. Put on the shoes. Place the capelet over the shoulders and tie the bow. Place the hat on the head.
- Props: Place the fan and bag near her hands. Position the piglet and perfume bottle 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. 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 delicate 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 secure the rolled roses tightly so they don’t unravel?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details like the rolled roses and miniature accessories, 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 Garden Rose Bunny Capelet is now complete. This character serves as a romantic tribute to the beauty of gardens and the elegance of vintage style. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
