The Lace-Layer Chrysanthemum Bunny is a breathtaking tribute to vintage textile artistry and the serene beauty of autumn gardens. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, biscuit-colored rabbit with a gentle, soulful expression, designed to be a cherished keepsake that bridges the gap between a toy and a piece of home décor. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a sophisticated centerpiece that celebrates intricate stitch definitions, layered textures, and the romanticism of antique lace.
She is dressed in a stunning, ethereal ensemble that reflects a “shabby chic” aesthetic. Her outfit centers around a cream-colored dress, distinguished by a skirt constructed from multiple tiers of delicate crochet lace, mimicking the petals of a blooming chrysanthemum. To protect against the cool air, she wears a textured cardigan adorned with embroidered floral motifs. Her look is completed with a lace headband featuring a statement flower, sturdy shoes with button details, and a collection of nostalgic accessories including a vintage-style handbag and a tiny puppy companion. To achieve the fluid drape of the lace layers and the structural integrity of the miniature puppy, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the lace definition remains crisp 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 Lace-Layer Chrysanthemum 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 tiered skirt construction and the tiny puppy 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 lace shells of the skirt. Cotton is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin and slight sheens for the lace 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 Lace Yarn: 80g of “Cream,” “Ecru,” or “Antique White” cotton yarn. You may want a slightly thinner weight (fingering) for the lace layers to keep them light.
- Cardigan Yarn: 60g of “Sage Green,” “Dusty Pink,” or “Mauve” cotton yarn.
- Chrysanthemum Accents: Scraps of “Mustard,” “Rust,” “Deep Red,” and “Olive Green” for embroidery and appliques.
- Puppy Companion: “White” and “Beige” yarn scraps.
- Accessories: Beige (bag), Brown (shoe soles).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny puppy, and the flower centers to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress skirt layers and cardigan to allow for a graceful drape.
- 1.5mm (Steel Hook): For the finest lace details on the headband.
- Safety Eyes:
- One pair of 12mm solid black eyes for the rabbit.
- One pair of 4mm black eyes or beads for the puppy.
- 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 buttons for the cardigan.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “Tiered Shells” on the dress skirt. 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.
- Shell Stitch: 5 dc in one stitch (used for the lace tiers).
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 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.
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)
Round 46: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (18)
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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 (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 Lace-Layer Chrysanthemum Dress
This dress is the showstopper. It features a fitted bodice and a multi-tiered lace skirt that mimics the petals of a flower. 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.
Row 7: sc across all sts and chains. (38)
Rows 8-10: sc across.
Round 11 (Waist): Join to work in rounds. sc around.
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The Tiered Skirt Construction
To create the layers, we will work in Back Loops Only (BLO) for the foundation, and Front Loops Only (FLO) for the lace ruffles.
Round 12 (Foundation): Work in BLO. *2 dc, 1 inc* around. (This leaves front loops open for the first lace tier).
Round 13-16 (Underskirt): Work dc in each st around.
Round 17 (Foundation 2): Work in BLO. dc around. (Leaves front loops open for the second lace tier).
Rounds 18-20: Work dc around.
Round 21 (Foundation 3): Work in BLO. dc around.
Round 22: dc around. Fasten off the underskirt.
The Lace Layers (Ruffles)
Layer 1 (Top): Attach yarn to the Front Loops of Round 12.
Pattern: *sc, skip 2, 5 dc in next st (Shell), skip 2* repeat around. Fasten off.
Layer 2 (Middle): Attach yarn to the Front Loops of Round 17.
Pattern: *sc, skip 2, 7 dc in next st (Large Shell), skip 2* repeat around. Fasten off.
Layer 3 (Bottom): Attach yarn to the Front Loops of Round 21.
Pattern: *sc, ch 3, skip 1, dc, ch 3, sc* repeat for a picot-lace edge. Fasten off.
Part 5: The Embroidered Cardigan
A vintage-style layer. Use Sage Green/Mauve 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.
Embroidery: Using embroidery floss, stitch small Chrysanthemums (using the lazy daisy stitch for petals and French knots for centers) on the front panels of the cardigan.
Part 6: The Lace Headband
A delicate accessory to match the dress. Use Cream yarn.
Row 1: Ch 60 (check fit).
Row 2: sc in each ch across.
Row 3: *ch 3, skip 2, sc* across to create loops.
Row 4: Work *3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc* into each chain loop. Fasten off and sew ends to form a circle.
Flower: Crochet a small 3-layer flower in Dusty Pink and sew it to the side of the headband.
Part 7: Accessories
The Vintage Handbag
Body: Beige yarn. Ch 10. Sc around chain to form oval. Work 8 rounds up.
Flap: Work rows on back 10 stitches. Round off the corners.
Decoration: Sew a tiny lace motif or pearl button to the flap.
Strap: Chain 40. Attach to sides.
The Puppy Companion
Head: White yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 12. Dec to 6.
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Body: White yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6.
Ears: Beige yarn. Ch 4, sc back. Sew to head.
Outfit: Crochet a tiny lace collar (ch 12, *sk 1, dc, ch 1*) and tie around the puppy’s neck.
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.
Button: Sew a tiny pearl button to the side of the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Lace-Layer Chrysanthemum 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 Biscuit yarn.
- Limbs: Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck.
- Dressing: Put the lace dress on feet first. Fluff the layers of the skirt. Fasten the back. Put on the shoes. Add the cardigan and the headband.
- Props: Hang the handbag on her arm. Position the puppy 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 vintage 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 fluff the lace layers on the skirt for maximum volume?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details like the lace tiers, 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 Lace-Layer Chrysanthemum Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a serene tribute to the beauty of antique lace and the elegance of nature. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
