Crochet Tutorial: Pastel Hydrangea Dream Bunny – Free Crochet Pattern

This pastel amigurumi bunny doll is designed to look like a collectible handmade heirloom, with a softly rounded face, long floppy ears, a striped dress, a hydrangea flower belt, and a wide summer hat. It has the sweet look people search for when shopping for a crochet bunny doll, nursery gift, or handcrafted spring decor.

The set also includes the matching mouse friend, hydrangea basket, lace handkerchief, and tiny watering can, so the finished display feels complete and boutique-ready. If you love making giftable amigurumi, handmade doll decor, or artisan crochet toys that look beautiful enough for a craft fair or online shop listing, this pattern is made for you.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern creates a standing bunny with a large rounded head, slim body, extra-long ears, a softly flared striped dress, flower embellishments at the waist, a scalloped brim hat, ballet-style shoes, and a tiny mouse companion.

The overall look depends on neat stitches, firm stuffing, and careful shaping. Work tightly so the stuffing does not show. Use stitch markers at the start of every round and count often.

• Skill level: Advanced beginner to intermediate
• Language: US English crochet terms
• Construction: Mostly worked in continuous spirals unless noted
• Main style: Amigurumi with attached dress and accessories

Finished Size

Using sport-weight cotton yarn and a 2.25 mm hook, the bunny is about 12 to 13 inches tall from feet to hat brim top, not counting the highest curve of the hat. The mouse is about 3 inches tall. The basket is about 2.25 inches tall.

If you use slightly thicker yarn, the proportions should stay the same, but the final size will increase. The exact look of the photo works best with smooth cotton yarn that shows clear stitch definition.

Materials

• Yarn A: Warm cream or light oatmeal for bunny and mouse body
• Yarn B: Pastel lavender
• Yarn C: Pastel baby blue
• Yarn D: Soft pastel pink
• Yarn E: Very light sage green for leaves and tiny accents
• Yarn F: Light tan or straw beige for basket and shoe soles
• Yarn G: White or ivory for lace cloth and hat edging
• Yarn H: Light gray for watering can
• Small amount: Pale blush pink embroidery thread for nose and cheek tint if desired
• Hook: 2.25 mm
• Safety eyes: 8 mm for bunny, 4 mm for mouse
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers
• Thin floral wire, optional: to help pose the hat brim or basket handle

Abbreviations

• mr = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• inc = 2 sc in same stitch
• dec = invisible decrease
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• rnd = round
• rep = repeat

Gauge and Tension Notes

Gauge is less important than proportion and firmness, but your stitches must be tight. The body should feel smooth and dense, with no gaps between stitches. If your fabric looks loose, go down one hook size.

The photo shows fine, even stitches with a compact texture. That means every part should be crocheted firmly and stuffed just enough to hold the shape without stretching the fabric.

Bunny Head

Use Yarn A. The head is large and almost perfectly round, but slightly fuller through the cheeks and gently narrowed toward the lower face. This shaping is important for the sweet expression in the photo.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
9. Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
10. Rnd 10: (8 sc, inc) x 6. (60)
11. Rnd 11: (9 sc, inc) x 6. (66)
12. Rnd 12: (10 sc, inc) x 6. (72)
13. Rnd 13-24: Sc around. (72 each round)

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Place the 8 mm eyes between rnds 17 and 18 with about 12 visible stitches between them. The eyes in the photo sit low enough to leave a broad forehead and soft cheeks. Do not place them too high.

25. Rnd 25: (10 sc, dec) x 6. (66)
26. Rnd 26: (9 sc, dec) x 6. (60)
27. Rnd 27: (8 sc, dec) x 6. (54)
28. Rnd 28: (7 sc, dec) x 6. (48)
29. Rnd 29: (6 sc, dec) x 6. (42)
30. Rnd 30: (5 sc, dec) x 6. (36)

Stuff firmly, especially the cheeks and top of head. Keep the lower face smooth and rounded. The head should look full but not stretched.

31. Rnd 31: (4 sc, dec) x 6. (30)
32. Rnd 32: (3 sc, dec) x 6. (24)

Finish stuffing. Leave a long tail for sewing. Do not close completely yet if you prefer to embroider the nose after attaching the head.

Bunny Muzzle Indent and Nose Placement

Using matching sewing thread or Yarn A split thinly, make a very light indentation from the eye area down to the nose point so the face becomes softly centered. Keep this subtle.

Embroider a tiny vertical nose in pale pink or dusty beige between rnds 19 and 21. Add a short vertical line down from the nose. The mouth in the photo is minimal, almost just a small central line.

Bunny Ears Make 2

Use Yarn A. The ears are long, narrow, and softly curved downward. They are not heavily stuffed. Only the bottom section needs a touch of stuffing or folded support.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4-8: Sc around. (18 each round)
5. Rnd 9: (4 sc, dec) x 3. (15)
6. Rnd 10-22: Sc around. (15 each round)
7. Rnd 23: (3 sc, dec) x 3. (12)
8. Rnd 24-30: Sc around. (12 each round)
9. Rnd 31: Flatten top slightly and crochet 6 sc through both layers to close.

Do not stuff the upper ear. Add only a whisper of stuffing or a folded scrap of felt at the lower ear if you want a gentle shaped drape.

Sew the ears to the sides of the head between rnds 10 and 13, slightly behind the eye line, so they fall straight down beside the face. The ear bases angle outward just a little before dropping.

Bunny Arms Make 2

Use Yarn A. The arms are slim, lightly tapered, and soft. They reach to the flower belt area when attached.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. Rnd 2: (Sc, inc) x 3. (9)
3. Rnd 3-5: Sc around. (9 each round)
4. Rnd 6: (Sc, dec) x 3. (6)
5. Rnd 7-18: Sc around. (6 each round)
6. Rnd 19: (2 sc, inc) x 2. (8)
7. Rnd 20-21: Sc around. (8 each round)
8. Rnd 22: Flatten and sc through both layers 4 times to close.

Stuff only the lower half lightly. The upper arms should remain soft and flat for easy sewing. Leave a tail for attaching.

Bunny Legs Make 2

Start with Yarn B or Yarn D for shoes if you want the pastel footwear to show. Change to Yarn A for the legs. The legs in the photo are short compared with the skirt, and the feet are neat and small.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: Sc around in BLO. (18)
5. Rnd 5: 5 sc, 4 dec, 5 sc. (14)
6. Rnd 6: 4 sc, 3 dec, 4 sc. (11)

Change to Yarn A.

7. Rnd 7: BLO, sc around. (11)
8. Rnd 8-18: Sc around. (11 each round)
9. Rnd 19: (4 sc, inc) x 2, sc. (13)
10. Rnd 20-22: Sc around. (13 each round)

Stuff firmly from foot through lower leg. Fasten off first leg. Make second leg but do not fasten off.

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Bunny Body

The body is slim through the chest and slightly widened at the hips, but the dress covers most shaping. The photo shows a sweet doll-like silhouette rather than a realistic animal body.

Continue from second leg.

1. Join legs with 4 ch. Attach to first leg with sc. Continue around first leg: 13 sc, 4 sc across chain, 13 sc around second leg, 4 sc on other side of chain. (34)
2. Rnd 2: Sc around. (34)
3. Rnd 3: (16 sc, inc) x 2. (36)
4. Rnd 4-6: Sc around. (36 each round)
5. Rnd 7: (4 sc, dec) x 6. (30)
6. Rnd 8-10: Sc around. (30 each round)
7. Rnd 11: (3 sc, dec) x 6. (24)
8. Rnd 12-14: Sc around. (24 each round)
9. Rnd 15: (2 sc, inc) x 8. (32)
10. Rnd 16-18: Sc around. (32 each round)
11. Rnd 19: (2 sc, dec) x 8. (24)
12. Rnd 20-22: Sc around. (24 each round)

Stuff firmly, especially the lower body, but keep the upper torso neat so the dress sits smoothly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew the head on.

Joining Head and Body

Pin the head so the face looks directly forward. Sew securely all around. Add extra stuffing into the neck area if needed while sewing, because the large head must stay upright under the hat.

Bunny Dress Bodice

The dress is worked directly onto the body and has pastel stripes, a slightly raised waist, and small shoulder ruffles. Start at the waistline where you want the bodice to begin.

Use Yarn C first.

1. Rnd 1: Attach yarn around body at upper torso. Work 24 sc evenly around. Join with sl st if you prefer joined rounds. (24)
2. Rnd 2-3: Sc around. (24 each round)

Change to Yarn D.

4. Rnd 4-5: Sc around. (24 each round)

Change to Yarn C.

6. Rnd 6-7: Sc around. (24 each round)

The bodice should sit fitted and straight. If you need more height because your bunny torso is longer, add one extra round in the last bodice color.

Shoulder Ruffles Make 2

Use Yarn D for one round and Yarn C for the next if you want the soft two-tone feel from the photo, or use one pastel shade for each small ruffle. Attach at the top of the bodice where arms will later sit.

1. Ch 10.
2. Row 1: Starting in second ch from hook, 9 sc. Ch 1, turn. (9)
3. Row 2: Inc in each st across. (18)
4. Fasten off, leaving tail.

Fold each strip slightly and sew as a gathered ruffle over the shoulder seam area. The ruffles should point gently outward and upward, not lie flat.

Skirt Base

The skirt is striped in wide pastel bands and gently flares. It is more bell-shaped than gathered, which helps match the clean silhouette in the photo.

Attach yarn to the waist directly under the bodice.

1. Rnd 1: In FLO of waist round, (2 sc, inc) around evenly to 32 sts. (32)
2. Rnd 2-4: Sc around. (32 each round)

Change to Yarn C.

5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 8. (40)
6. Rnd 6-9: Sc around. (40 each round)

Change to Yarn D.

10. Rnd 10: (4 sc, inc) x 8. (48)
11. Rnd 11-15: Sc around. (48 each round)

Change to Yarn B.

16. Rnd 16: (5 sc, inc) x 8. (56)
17. Rnd 17-21: Sc around. (56 each round)
18. Rnd 22: Sl st loosely around, or work a clean sc edging.

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The bottom band should flare lightly without becoming frilly. Steam very gently if needed, but do not flatten the rounded shape too much.

Hydrangea Waist Flowers

This detail is the visual center of the design. Make clustered bobble flowers in blue, lavender, and pink. You need enough to cover the front waist from one side seam to the other.

Small Bobble Flower Cluster

Make 8 to 10 clusters total in mixed colors Yarn B, C, and D.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. Join with sl st. (6)
2. Rnd 2: (Bobble, ch 1) in each st around. Join. (6 bobbles)

For each bobble: yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2, repeat 4 more times in same stitch, yarn over and pull through all loops, ch 1 to lock.

Make some flowers with 5 bobbles and some with 6 bobbles if you want a more natural clustered effect. Add a tiny leaf behind several flowers using Yarn E.

Leaf

1. Ch 4.
2. In second ch from hook: sl st, sc, hdc, then working on opposite side of chain: hdc, sc, sl st.

Sew the flowers tightly across the front waist in a rounded garland shape. Layer them slightly so the cluster looks lush and three-dimensional like hydrangea blooms.

Hat Crown

The hat has a softly domed crown in pastel stripes. Use Yarn B, C, and G in the same order as the photo: lavender, blue, then ivory at the edge area. The crown should sit low over the ears.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
8. Rnd 8-10: Sc around. (42 each round)

Change to Yarn C.

11. Rnd 11-13: Sc around. (42 each round)

Change to Yarn G.

14. Rnd 14: (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
15. Rnd 15: (7 sc, inc) x 6. (54)
16. Rnd 16: (8 sc, inc) x 6. (60)
17. Rnd 17: (9 sc, inc) x 6. (66)
18. Rnd 18: (10 sc, inc) x 6. (72)
19. Rnd 19: Sc around in BLO. (72)

Hat Brim

Work from the brim edge with Yarn G. The brim is wide, drooping, and softly rippled. The outer edge has a shallow scallop.

1. Rnd 1: In FLO of rnd 19, (5 sc, inc) x 12. (84)
2. Rnd 2: Sc around. (84)
3. Rnd 3: (6 sc, inc) x 12. (96)
4. Rnd 4: Sc around. (96)
5. Rnd 5: (7 sc, inc) x 12. (108)

Scalloped edge:

1. Rnd 6: (Sl st in next st, sc in next, hdc in next, 2 dc in next, hdc in next, sc in next), rep around.

If you want the brim to hold a soft curve, weave very thin wire into the final round. In the photo, the brim is flexible and gently ruffled, not stiff.

Shoes and Cross Straps

With Yarn D or B, embroider or surface crochet a small strap across each shoe. Add crossing laces in pale pink embroidery thread to imitate ballet flats. Keep the detail tiny and centered.

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Lace Handkerchief

Use Yarn G. This small cloth hangs from the bunny hand and should look delicate.

1. Ch 11.
2. Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and across. Ch 1, turn. (10)
3. Row 2: Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (10)
4. Row 3: Sc 8, dec. Ch 1, turn. (9)
5. Row 4: Sc 9. Ch 1, turn.
6. Row 5: Sc 7, dec. Ch 1, turn. (8)
7. Continue decreasing one stitch every other row until you have 5 stitches.
8. Work 2 rows even.

Edge all around with (sl st, ch 3, sl st in next st) to form tiny lace points. Sew or tie lightly into one bunny hand.

Mouse Head

Use Yarn A. The mouse is tiny with a rounded head, small pointed body, and circular ears. It should sit near the bunny shoe and feel charming but simple.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5-8: Sc around. (24 each round)

Insert 4 mm eyes between rnds 5 and 6 with 6 stitches between them.

9. Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) x 6. (18)
10. Rnd 10: (Sc, dec) x 6. (12)
11. Rnd 11: Sc around. (12)

Stuff firmly. Leave tail.

Mouse Body

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. Rnd 2: (Sc, inc) x 3. (9)
3. Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc) x 3. (12)
4. Rnd 4-6: Sc around. (12 each round)
5. Rnd 7: (2 sc, dec) x 3. (9)
6. Rnd 8-9: Sc around. (9 each round)
7. Rnd 10: (Sc, dec) x 3. (6)

Stuff lightly and sew to head.

Mouse Ears Make 2

Outer ear with Yarn A, inner ear spiral in Yarn D if desired.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Fasten off, leaving tail.

Flatten slightly and sew to head high on the sides. Embroider a tiny pink nose. Add a thin pink tail: ch 18, sl st back or simply braid embroidery thread.

Mouse Arms and Legs

For each limb, ch 6 and starting in second ch from hook, sl st back along chain. Sew arms high on body and legs near base. Keep them small and understated.

Mouse Bib or Dress Front

Use Yarn C with Yarn D trim.

1. Ch 7.
2. Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and across. (6)
3. Row 2-4: Ch 1, turn, sc across. (6)

Edge the top with Yarn D using a row of sl sts or tiny sc. Sew to mouse front.

Mouse Cap

Use Yarn B.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4-5: Sc around. (18 each round)
5. Rnd 6: Sl st around loosely.

Sew lightly between the ears.

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Hydrangea Basket Base

Use Yarn F. The basket is shallow and round with a soft handle.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: BLO, sc around. (24)
6. Rnd 6-8: Sc around. (24 each round)
7. Rnd 9: Sl st around.

Lightly stuff the bottom or insert a felt circle if you want the basket to hold shape.

Basket Handle

1. Ch 18.
2. Starting in second ch from hook, sl st 17.

Make 2 if you want a thicker handle and twist them together before sewing to opposite sides of basket.

Basket Flowers

Make 7 to 9 hydrangea clusters in Yarn B, C, and D using the same flower cluster instructions from the bunny waist. Add a few Yarn E leaves. Sew tightly into the basket opening so the flowers mound upward.

Watering Can

Use Yarn H. This tiny accessory is simple and cute. It should sit beside the mouse.

Can Body

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr. (6)
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. (18)
4. Rnd 4-6: Sc around. (18 each round)
5. Rnd 7: (Sc, dec) x 6. (12)
6. Rnd 8: Sc around. (12)

Stuff lightly and flatten the base so it sits. Fasten off.

Spout

1. Ch 7.
2. Starting in second ch from hook, 6 sc back. Fasten off.

Sew at an upward angle to the side of the can.

Handle

1. Ch 10.
2. Starting in second ch from hook, sl st back. Fasten off.

Sew both ends to the opposite side of the can body.

Top Rim

With Yarn H, embroider a small ring opening on top or crochet 6 sc in mr and sew flat to the top with a slight center opening.

Arm Attachment and Pose

Sew the bunny arms at the sides of the upper body just below the shoulder ruffles. Angle them slightly forward so one hand can hold the lace cloth and the other rests naturally beside the dress.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Sew the bunny ears before fitting the hat so the brim settles naturally around them.
• Attach the shoulder ruffles, then the arms, then the flower waist cluster.
• Add very soft cheek tint under the eyes using blush or pastel pencil.
• Keep the embroidered nose tiny and centered for the same gentle expression as the photo.
• Position the hat low enough to frame the eyes without hiding them.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Do not machine wash if the hat brim contains wire.
• Store away from direct sunlight to protect the pastel shades.
• If used as decor, dust gently with a soft dry brush.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and centered on body
• Ears attached evenly and hanging at matching lengths
• Dress stripes balanced and skirt flaring softly
• Hydrangea flowers layered across front waist
• Hat brim rippled, not flat or stiff
• Mouse, basket, cloth, and watering can placed to match the display look

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

• For light dirt, dab with cool water and mild soap using a cloth, then blot dry.
• Reshape the hat brim, ears, and flowers while still slightly damp.
• Never wring the doll or accessories.
• Dry flat on a towel away from heat.
• For long-term storage, wrap in acid-free tissue and keep in a breathable box.