The Morning Glory Bunny is a serene and enchanting tribute to the quiet beauty of early dawn in an English cottage garden. This heirloom-quality project features a unique, periwinkle-blue rabbit with a gentle, contemplative expression, symbolizing the fleeting magic of morning blooms and the peaceful start of a new day. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a tranquil centerpiece that celebrates cool tones and botanical elegance.
She is dressed in a sophisticated, nature-inspired ensemble. Her outfit centers around a cream-colored skirt featuring a spectacular hemline of three-dimensional, trumpet-shaped morning glory flowers in varying shades of blue and violet. To ward off the morning chill, she wears a textured sage green cardigan with a collar. Her look is completed with a matching sage beret adorned with a large flower, sturdy cream shoes with floral accents, and a rustic woven bag filled with vines. To achieve the vivid blues of the flowers and the structural integrity of the tiny snail companion, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the colors remain deep 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 Morning Glory 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 30 to 40 hours, depending on your speed and attention to the miniature details like the flower trumpet construction and the tiny snail 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 definition needed for the delicate trumpets of the morning glory flowers. Cotton is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin (to look like soft fur) and slight sheens for the flowers to capture the light.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 170g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Periwinkle,” “Lavender Blue,” or “Hydrangea.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Skirt & Shoes Yarn: 60g of “Cream,” “Ivory,” or “Off-White” cotton yarn.
- Cardigan & Hat Yarn: 70g of “Sage Green,” “Moss,” or “Leaf Green” cotton yarn.
- Morning Glory Flowers: Scraps of “Royal Blue,” “Violet,” and “White” (for the centers).
- Bag & Snail Shell: 30g of “Cocoa Brown” or “Bark” yarn.
- Snail Body: Beige or Cream yarn.
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny snail, and the flower trumpets to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the skirt, cardigan, and beret 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 snail.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown or grey for the nose; Pink for cheeks.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, small buttons for the cardigan.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “Trumpet Flower” appliqué and the textured cardigan. 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 Periwinkle/Lavender Blue 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 (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 a lighter purple or pink thread, embroider 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 Periwinkle 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 Periwinkle 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. Use the 2.25mm hook.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Cream yarn (for the 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 Periwinkle yarn (skin). Work in BLO. sc around. (19)
Rounds 8-25: sc in each st around in Periwinkle. 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 Periwinkle 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 Morning Glory Dress
This dress is the showstopper. It features a fitted bodice and a full skirt with a unique hem of trumpet flowers. 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 13-20: Work dc in each st around.
Round 21 (Hem Base): sc around. Fasten off Cream.
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The Morning Glory Flowers
These are made separately and sewn to the hem, or worked directly onto it.
Trumpet Shape:
1. With White yarn, MR 4 sc.
2. Inc to 8. Work 2 rounds even.
3. Switch to Blue/Purple yarn. [1 sc, 1 inc] around. (12)
4. [1 sc, 1 inc] around. (18)
5. *Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next st*. Repeat around to create a flared, ruffled edge. Fasten off.
Assembly: Make 10-12 flowers in varying shades of blue and purple. Sew them along the hemline of the skirt.
Vines
Using Sage Green yarn, surface crochet or embroider connecting vines between the flowers along the hem of the skirt.
Part 5: The Sage Cardigan
A cozy, textured layer. Use Sage Green 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 simple, clean texture. Fasten off.
Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 16 sc around for 10 rounds. Fasten off.
Decoration: Crochet two small Morning Glory trumpets (mini versions of the skirt flowers) and sew them to the collar as a closure or brooch.
Part 6: The Morning Glory Beret
A classic artist hat to match the cardigan. 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)
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.
Applique: Crochet a large Morning Glory flower (Blue) and two leaves (Green). Sew to the side of the beret.
Part 7: Accessories
The Vine Bag
Body: With Brown yarn, Ch 10. Sc across for 16 rows. Fold up bottom to make a pocket. Sew sides.
Flap: Crochet a rounded flap on the top back.
Decoration: Using Green yarn, crochet a chain and sew it onto the flap in a loop pattern to look like vines. Add Green leaves.
Strap: Chain 45. Attach to sides.
The Snail Companion
Shell: Brown yarn. Work a long strip of sc (ch 4, sc 20 rows). Roll it up tightly and sew to secure the spiral shape.
Body: Cream yarn. Ch 6. Sc around chain to form oval. Work 3 rounds even. Stuff lightly.
Head: Increase on one end of the body oval to form a small head bump.
Antennae: Ch 3, sl st back. Make 2 on head.
Assembly: Sew the shell onto the back of the body.
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Potted Plant
Pot: Brown yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. BLO sc around. Work 4 rounds up.
Soil: Dark Brown circle sewn inside.
Plant: Green wire or stiffened yarn stems with Blue trumpet flowers attached.
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.
Decoration: Sew a tiny blue trumpet flower to the side of the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Morning Glory 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 Periwinkle yarn.
- Limbs: Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck.
- Dressing: Put the dress on feet first. Fasten the back. Put on the shoes. Add the cardigan and the beret.
- Props: Hang the bag on her shoulder. Position the snail and the potted plant 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 vibrant blue 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 vines connecting the flowers on the skirt?
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 Morning Glory Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a serene tribute to the beauty of dawn and the elegance of climbing vines. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
