The Sailor Collar Daffodil Bunny is a whimsical and charming project that perfectly marries the crisp, nautical aesthetics of the seaside with the cheerful, blooming vibrance of a spring garden. This heirloom-quality doll features a soft, cream-colored rabbit with a gentle, adventurous expression, ready to set sail or explore coastal paths. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a joyful centerpiece that celebrates stripes, bright yellow blooms, and the spirit of exploration.
She is dressed in a classic, maritime-inspired ensemble. Her outfit centers around a navy and white striped dress, evoking the traditional Breton shirt, but elevated with a skirt bordered by a spectacular garland of three-dimensional yellow daffodils. To complete the look, she wears a structured straw-style sun hat adorned with matching daffodils, white Mary Jane shoes with floral buttons, and carries a collection of travel essentials including a lifebuoy-shaped bag, binoculars, a scenic postcard, and a tiny puppy companion dressed in a matching sailor suit.
To achieve the sharp contrast of the navy stripes and the structural integrity of the miniature binoculars, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the colors do not bleed and the accessories hold their shape. For the most comfortable crafting experience while assembling the intricate daffodil trumpets and the tiny puppy, 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 first mate and travel gear, 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 Sailor Collar Daffodil 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 daffodil 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 tiny petals of the daffodils and the crisp lines of the stripes. 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 “Cream,” “Ecru,” or “Off-White.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress Yarn: 60g of “Navy Blue” and 40g of “White” cotton yarn for the stripes.
- Hat & Accessories: 50g of “Biscuit” or “Straw” color yarn.
- Daffodil Accents: Scraps of “Bright Yellow” and “Golden Orange” (for the trumpets) and “Leaf Green.”
- Lifebuoy Bag: “Red” and “White” yarn.
- Puppy Companion: “Brown,” “White,” and “Blue” scraps.
- Binoculars: “Dark Brown” and “Grey.”
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny puppy, and the flower trumpets to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress skirt 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 puppy.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for cheeks; Blue for postcard details.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, small yellow buttons for shoes.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the color changes for the stripes and the construction of the “Daffodil” appliqué. 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: Chain 3, sl st in the first chain (used for flower petal tips).
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)
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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. 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 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)
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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 White 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 Cream yarn (skin). Work in BLO. sc around. (19)
Rounds 8-25: 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 Nautical Striped Dress
This dress is the centerpiece. It features a fitted bodice and a full skirt with crisp navy and white stripes. Use the 2.75mm hook.
Bodice
Row 1: Start with White yarn. 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.
The Striped Skirt
Round 12: Switch to Navy Blue. *2 dc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
Rounds 13-22: Work dc in each st around.
Color Pattern: Alternate 2 rounds of Navy Blue and 2 rounds of White. Carry the unused yarn up the inside or cut and weave in ends for a cleaner finish.
Round 23 (Hem): Finish with a round of Navy sc. Fasten off.
The Daffodil Garland
We will create a chain of flowers to sew onto the skirt hem and the neckline.
Daffodil (Make 12-15):
1. Trumpet: With Orange/Gold yarn, MR 4 sc. Work 2 rounds up. Fasten off.
2. Petals: With Yellow yarn, MR 6 sc. *Ch 3, dc in first ch, sl st in next st* repeat around to make 6 pointy petals.
3. Assembly: Sew the orange trumpet to the center of the yellow petals.
4. Attaching: Sew these daffodils in a continuous line around the bottom hem of the skirt and around the neckline.
Part 5: The Straw Sun Hat
A structured hat to match the outfit. Use Biscuit/Straw 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 9-11: sc in each st around.
Round 12 (Brim): Work in FLO. [3 sc, 1 inc] around. (60)
Round 13: [4 sc, 1 inc] around. (72)
Round 14: sc around. Fasten off.
Band: Crochet a chain of Navy Blue yarn and tie it around the base of the brim.
Decoration: Sew a cluster of 3 Daffodils (same pattern as dress) to the side of the hat.
Part 6: Travel Accessories
The Lifebuoy Bag
Ring: Start with White yarn. Ch 6, join to form ring. Sc around (6). Work in spiral for approx 20 rounds. Stuff as you go. Fasten off and sew ends together to form a donut.
Stripes: Wrap Red yarn around the white ring in 4 distinct sections to create the classic lifebuoy look.
Backing: Crochet a flat white circle (MR 6, inc to 24) and sew to the back of the ring to make it a bag.
Strap: Navy Blue chain. Attach to sides.
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The Binoculars
Tubes (Make 2): Dark Brown yarn. MR 6 sc. BLO sc around. Work 6 rounds up. Fasten off.
Lenses: Grey/Blue yarn circles sewn to the front.
Assembly: Sew tubes together side-by-side. Wrap a strip of brown yarn around the middle. Attach a strap.
The Postcard
Card: White/Cream yarn. Ch 8. Work sc rows to make a rectangle.
Design: Embroider blue wavy lines for the “sea” and a yellow sun in the corner.
The Puppy Companion (First Mate)
Head: Brown yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6.
Body: White yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds.
Outfit: Blue yarn. Crochet a tiny shirt (tube) and a white sailor collar flap.
Hat: White yarn. Tiny flat circle.
Assembly: Sew head to body. Add tiny brown ears.
Part 7: Shoe Finishing
Finish the shoes started on the legs.
Strap: Attach White yarn to the side of the shoe. Ch 8 across the foot. Sew to the other side.
Decoration: Sew a tiny yellow flower button to the side of the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Sailor Collar Daffodil 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 striped dress on feet first. Fasten the back. Put on the shoes. Place the hat on the head.
- Props: Hang the lifebuoy bag on her shoulder. Place the binoculars and postcard in her hands or bag. 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 navy blue color 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 sew the daffodil garland securely to the skirt?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details like the floral appliqués 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 Sailor Collar Daffodil Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a joyful tribute to the sea breeze and the beauty of spring flowers. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
