The Lily-of-the-Valley Keepsake Bunny is a celebration of the delicate transition from spring to early summer, capturing the essence of a secret garden in full bloom. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, oatmeal-colored rabbit with a gentle, contemplative expression, designed to be a cherished companion for generations. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a timeless piece that symbolizes the return of happiness and the beauty of nature.
She is dressed in a meticulously detailed ensemble that reflects the fresh hues of May. Her outfit consists of a sage green dress featuring a bodice embroidered with white blossoms and a skirt adorned with vertical vines of three-dimensional “bell” flowers. Underneath, she wears a blouse with voluminous white puffed sleeves. Her look is completed with a textured sage beret, sturdy brown Mary Jane shoes, and a messenger bag carrying a tiny love letter. To achieve the crisp definition of the bell flowers and the structural integrity of the miniature dove companion, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the green tones remain earthy and the white accents stay bright. 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 Lily-of-the-Valley Keepsake 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 25 to 35 hours, depending on your speed and attention to the miniature details like the letter embroidery and the tiny dove. 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 definition needed for the tiny bobbles of the lily flowers. Cotton is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin and slight sheens for the clothing to create texture contrast.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 160g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Oatmeal,” “Biscuit,” or “Sand.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress & Hat Yarn: 80g of “Sage Green,” “Leaf Green,” or “Moss” cotton yarn. This serves as the main color for the nature-inspired outfit.
- Sleeves & Flowers: 40g of “Snow White” or “Bright White” cotton yarn.
- Shoes & Bag: 30g of “Light Brown,” “Tan,” or “Toffee” yarn.
- Dove Companion: Scraps of White yarn.
- Accessories: Tiny piece of felt (for the letter), embroidery floss (red, green, black).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny dove, and the bag 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 dove.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for cheeks; Green for stems.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, small buttons for the shoes.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “Bell Bobble” stitch on the skirt and the puffed sleeves. 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: A cluster of 4 or 5 dc stitches worked into one stitch, joined at the top to create a bump (used for the lily flowers).
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 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)
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)
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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 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 13 stitches apart. Ensure they are level before snapping the back washers on. If you plan to do needle sculpting (indenting the eyes) later to give the face more depth, do not make the washers too tight against the fabric initially.
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 to give her a rosy, outdoor glow.
Part 2: The Long Lop Ears
These ears are designed to be long and hang low, framing the face. The inner ear can be tinted pink with blush. Make two using the Oatmeal 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 47-55: 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.
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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.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Brown 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: Switch to Oatmeal yarn (skin). Work in BLO. [Sc 5, dec] x 3, sc 1. (19)
Rounds 7-22: sc in each st around in Oatmeal. 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 23: 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 24: [10 sc, 1 inc] repeat around approx to get to 50 sts.
Rounds 25-35: 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: [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (35)
Round 41: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 5 times. (30)
Round 42: [3 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 43: [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 44: 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 Oatmeal 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 4-20: 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 Lily-of-the-Valley Dress
This dress is the centerpiece. It features white puffy sleeves attached to a sage green bodice, and a skirt with vertical vines of bell flowers. Use the 2.75mm hook.
Puffy Sleeves (Make 2)
Use White yarn. These are made first and attached to the bodice or body.
Round 1: Chain 14. Join to form ring.
Round 2: [1 sc, inc] around. (21)
Round 3: [2 sc, inc] around. (28)
Rounds 4-7: sc around. (28)
Round 8: [2 sc, dec] around. (21)
Round 9: [1 sc, dec] around. (14)
Round 10: sc around. Fasten off.
Bodice (Sage Green)
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.
The Bell Flower Skirt
Round 12: *2 dc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
Rounds 13-18: Work dc in each st around in Sage Green.
Round 19 (The Vines):
In this round, we will create the vertical white bells.
Pattern: *dc 5 in Green, change to White, Work a Bobble Stitch (5 dc cluster), change to Green* repeat around.
Note: Ensure the bobbles pop out on the right side.
Round 20: dc around in Green.
Round 21: Repeat Round 19, but shift the placement of the bobbles so they are staggered or directly below, depending on if you want straight vines or scattered flowers. The image suggests straight vertical lines.
Rounds 22-24: Continue pattern.
Round 25 (Hem): Work a simple sc edge. Fasten off.
Chest Embroidery
On the green bodice chest area, use White yarn to embroider 3 or 4 French Knots or Lazy Daisy stitches to create a cluster of Lily of the Valley flowers. Use Green floss to stitch the connecting stems.
Part 5: The Sage Beret
A classic artist-style hat. Use Sage Green 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)
Round 9: [7 sc, 1 inc] around. (54)
Rounds 10-12: sc in each st around.
Round 13 (Decrease for Band): *7 sc, 1 dec* around. (48)
Round 14: *6 sc, 1 dec* around. (42)
Round 15: sc around. Fasten off.
Applique: Crochet 3 tiny white bells (ch 3, 3 dc cluster) and 2 green leaves (ch 6, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc). Sew these to the side of the beret.
Part 6: Accessories
The Messenger Bag
Body: With Brown yarn, Ch 10. Sc around chain to form oval. Work 10 rounds up.
Flap: Work back and forth on the back 10 stitches for 6 rows. Round off the corners.
Decor: Embroider a small bow on the flap using cream yarn.
Strap: Chain 40. Attach to sides.
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The Love Letter
Envelope: Cut a small rectangle of beige felt. Fold up the bottom and glue sides. Fold down the top flap.
Seal: Embroider a tiny red heart on the seal.
The Dove Companion
Body: With White yarn, MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.
Head: MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 2 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to body.
Wings (Make 2): Ch 4, work 3 dc in first ch. Sew to sides.
Beak: Tiny orange stitch.
Sprig: Tack a tiny piece of green yarn with white knots to the dove’s beak.
Part 7: Shoe Finishing
Finish the shoes started on the legs.
Strap: Attach Brown yarn to the side of the shoe. Ch 8 across the foot. Sew to the other side.
Button: Sew a tiny 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 Lily-of-the-Valley Keepsake 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 Oatmeal yarn.
- Limbs: Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck.
- Dressing: Put the dress on feet first. Pull the puffy sleeves over the arms. Fasten the back. Put on the shoes. Place the beret on the head.
- Props: Hang the bag on her shoulder. Place the letter inside. Position the dove 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 green 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 align the bell flowers on the skirt vertically?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details like the bobbles and embroidery, 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 Lily-of-the-Valley Keepsake Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a serene tribute to the elegance of nature and the sweetness of spring. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
