The Lavender Butterfly Bunny is a soothing and enchanting creation, evoking the calming scent of a lavender field and the gentle flutter of butterfly wings. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, lilac-colored rabbit with a serene expression, symbolizing peace, transformation, and the beauty of nature. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a tranquil centerpiece that celebrates relaxation and grace.
She is dressed in a dreamy ensemble that reflects a palette of soft purple, cream, and hints of green. Her outfit consists of a cream dress, distinguished by a skirt adorned with an embroidered butterfly and a lavender ribbon sash. To stay warm on cool evenings, she wears a textured lavender cardigan embellished with tiny embroidered buds. Her look is completed with a soft cream headwrap featuring butterfly accents, matching shoes, and a uniquely shaped butterfly bag.
To achieve the delicate definition of the butterfly wings and the structural integrity of the miniature essential oil bottle, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the purple tones remain soothing and the accessories hold their shape perfectly over time. 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 Lavender Butterfly 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 butterfly embroidery and the tiny hummingbird 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 crispness needed for the tiny details of the butterfly wings. 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 “Lilac,” “Lavender,” or “Pale Purple.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress & Headwrap Yarn: 70g of “Cream,” “Ivory,” or “Off-White” cotton yarn. This serves as the main color for the outfit base.
- Cardigan & Shoes Yarn: 50g of a darker “Amethyst” or “Deep Lavender” cotton yarn to provide contrast.
- Butterfly Accents: Scraps of “Purple,” “Pink,” and “White.”
- Hummingbird Companion: Green, White, and Red yarn scraps.
- Accessories: Dark Purple/Brown (oil bottle), Green (stems).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny hummingbird, and the oil bottle to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress, cardigan, and headwrap 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 hummingbird.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for cheeks.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, small ribbon for the waist.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “Butterfly Appliqué” and the color changes in the hummingbird. 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.
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 Lilac 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. If you plan to do needle sculpting (indenting the eyes) later, do not make the washers too tight against the fabric.
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 purple or 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 Floppy 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 Lilac 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.
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.
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Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Lilac 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 Cream yarn (socks/skin). Work in BLO. [Sc 5, dec] x 3, sc 1. (19)
Rounds 7-25: Switch to Lilac (body color). sc in each st around. 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. (50)
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 Lilac 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 Cream Butterfly Dress
This dress is elegant and light. It features a fitted bodice and a flared skirt. 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.
Skirt
Round 12: *2 dc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
Rounds 13-22: Work dc in each st around.
Round 23 (Hem): Switch to Purple yarn. *sc, ch 3, skip 1* around to create a delicate picot edge. Fasten off.
Ribbon & Butterfly Detail
Thread a thin lavender ribbon through the stitches of Round 11 (Waist).
Butterfly Appliqué: Crochet a small butterfly (Purple center, Lavender wings) and sew it to the center of the ribbon bow.
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Part 5: The Lavender Cardigan
A textured layer for warmth. Use Deep Lavender 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.
Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 16 sc around for 10 rounds.
Decoration: Embroider tiny green stems and purple French knots (buds) along the sleeve cuffs and bottom hem.
Part 6: The Headwrap
A soft, turban-style headwrap. Use Cream yarn.
Main Band: Chain 15. Sc back and forth in BLO for 60 rows (or until it fits around the head). Join ends.
Decor: Crochet 2 small butterflies (like the dress one) in Purple. Sew them to the side of the headwrap.
Part 7: Accessories
The Butterfly Bag
Shape: This bag is shaped like a butterfly.
Wings (Make 2 sets): Use Purple yarn. Work a circle, then add shell stitches (5 dc) around one half to create scalloped wing edges.
Body: Brown yarn. Ch 8, sc back. Sew between the wing sets.
Assembly: Sew the two wing sets together leaving the top open. Add a strap (ch 40).
The Hummingbird Companion
Body: Green yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.
Head: White yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 2 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to body.
Wings: Grey yarn. Ch 5, sc back. Sew to sides.
Beak: Black yarn. Ch 3, sl st back. Sew to face.
Essential Oil Bottle
Bottle: Dark Purple/Brown yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. BLO sc around. Work 4 rounds up. Dec to 6 (neck). Work 2 rounds (neck). Inc to 8 (cap). Fasten off.
Lavender Bundle
Stems: Green yarn. Ch 10. Make 3.
Flowers: Purple yarn. Make tiny bobbles at the top of the chains. Tie the stems together.
Part 8: Shoe Finishing
Finish the shoes started on the legs.
Strap: Attach Lilac yarn to the side of the shoe. Ch 8 across the foot. Sew to the other side.
Button: Sew a tiny white button to the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Lavender Butterfly Bunny to life.
- Head Attachment: Sew the head to the body securely.
- Dressing: Put the dress on feet first. Tie the ribbon at the waist. Put on the shoes. Add the cardigan and the headwrap.
- Props: Hang the butterfly bag on her shoulder. Position the hummingbird and oil bottle nearby. Place the lavender bundle at her feet.
- Blush: Use a soft brush to apply pink cosmetic blush to the cheeks.
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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 purple 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 embroider the butterfly on the dress ribbon?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details, 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 Lavender Butterfly Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a peaceful tribute to the beauty of lavender and the grace of nature. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
