The Winter Camellia Bunny is a cozy and heartwarming project designed to capture the quiet beauty of a snowy afternoon spent indoors with a favorite craft. This heirloom-quality doll features a soft, cream-colored rabbit with a gentle, patient expression, evoking the comfort of a warm home while the snow falls outside. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a charming centerpiece that celebrates the art of making and the joy of winter fashion.
She is dressed in a sophisticated, layered ensemble designed to keep the cold at bay. Her outfit centers around a deep cranberry-red dress, distinguished by a skirt adorned with delicate white embroidery resembling winter camellias or falling snowflakes. Over this, she wears a substantial, textured grey coat featuring a luxurious faux-fur collar and cuffs. Her look is completed with a classic grey beret topped with a white pompom, pristine white Mary Jane shoes, and a rustic basket filled with miniature yarn balls. She is accompanied by a playful grey kitten who seems eager to help with her knitting.
To achieve the rich texture of the coat and the structural integrity of the miniature knitting basket, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn and perhaps a touch of textured wool for the coat. 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 Winter Camellia 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 45 hours, depending on your speed and attention to the miniature details like the tiny yarn balls and the kitten 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 textured coat. A cotton blend is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin and a slight halo or texture for the coat to mimic wool.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 170g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Cream,” “Oatmeal,” or “Biscuit.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress Yarn: 60g of “Cranberry,” “Deep Red,” or “Burgundy” cotton yarn. This serves as the focal color for the festive dress.
- Coat & Beret Yarn: 80g of “Slate Grey,” “Charcoal,” or “Heather Grey” yarn. A yarn with a bit of wool content adds realism.
- Collar & Pompom: 20g of “Snow White” textured or faux fur yarn.
- Shoes: White cotton yarn.
- Kitten Companion: Grey yarn scraps.
- Accessories: Beige (basket), various scraps (yarn balls).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the kitten, and the basket to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress, coat, 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 5mm black eyes or beads for the kitten.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for cheeks; White for dress flowers.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, wooden toothpicks (for knitting needles), small buttons.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the texture of the coat and the miniature accessories. 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 stitch used for texture.
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 is slightly wider at the cheeks to give a sweet, inviting look. 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)
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. 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 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 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)
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)
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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 Cranberry Winter Dress
This dress is the showstopper. It features a fitted bodice and a full skirt with embroidery. Use Cranberry Red 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.
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Skirt
Round 12: *2 dc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
Rounds 13-22: Work dc in each st around.
Round 23 (Hem): *sc, skip 1, 5 dc in next, skip 1* around. Fasten off.
Embroidery
Using White embroidery floss, stitch small 5-petal flowers (camellias) and tiny “V” shapes (snowflakes or leaves) along the bottom half of the skirt. Add small French knots in yellow or gold for the flower centers.
Part 5: The Textured Grey Coat
A thick, cozy layer. Use Grey 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 5-15 (Texture): Work in “Grit Stitch” or “Lemon Peel Stitch” (alternating sc and dc across the row) to create a nubby, wool-coat texture. Work until the coat reaches the desired length (about mid-thigh on the bunny).
Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 16 sc around for 12 rounds. Fasten off.
Faux Fur Collar
Attach White textured/furry yarn to the neckline. Work 3 rows of hdc around the neck opening to create a wide, fluffy collar. Repeat for the sleeve cuffs.
Buttons: Sew 2-3 wooden or colorful buttons to the right side of the coat.
Part 6: The Grey Beret
A classic winter accessory. Use Grey 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.
Pompom: Make a small white pompom using a fork or small maker. Sew to the top center of the beret.
Part 7: Accessories
The Knitting Basket
Base: With Beige yarn, MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Inc to 24. BLO sc around. Work 5 rounds up.
Handle: Ch 20. Attach to opposite sides.
Yarn Balls: With scrap yarn colors (red, blue, yellow), MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 2 rounds. Dec to 6. Stuff. Close. Make 3-4 balls and place in the basket.
Needles: Use two wooden toothpicks. Glue tiny wooden beads to one end of each. Stick them into the yarn balls.
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The Kitten Companion
Body: Grey yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.
Head: Grey yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 2 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to body.
Ears: Ch 3, sc back. Sew to head.
Tail: Ch 8, sc back. Sew to rear.
Pose: Sew the kitten in a standing position, perhaps reaching up towards the basket or the bunny.
Part 8: 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.
Button: Sew a tiny button to the side of the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Winter Camellia 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 dress on feet first. Fasten the back. Put on the coat. Place the beret on the head (you may need to pin it slightly).
- Props: Place the knitting basket at her feet. Position the kitten reaching up towards the basket.
- 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 colors from fading, especially the red dress.
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 fluff the collar on the coat?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details like the faux fur 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 Winter Camellia Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a cozy tribute to the beauty of winter crafts and the warmth of home. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
