The Sweet Pea Garden Sash Bunny is a graceful and romantic creation, designed to capture the nostalgic beauty of a cottage garden climbing with fragrant blooms. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, cream-colored rabbit with a gentle, vintage-inspired expression, symbolizing the blissful simplicity of nature and the sweetness of floral scents. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a delicate centerpiece that celebrates pastel hues and intricate botanical details.
She is dressed in a stunning, airy ensemble that reflects the delicate structure of sweet pea flowers. Her outfit consists of a pristine white dress, distinguished by a spectacular “Garden Sash”—a wide, embroidered belt featuring climbing vines and three-dimensional pink and violet blossoms. To protect against the garden breeze, she wears a textured lavender cardigan with ribbed cuffs. Her look is completed with a soft sun hat adorned with a matching floral cluster, sturdy shoes, and a tiny bird companion.
To achieve the watercolor-like blend of the flower petals and the structural integrity of the tiny bird, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the pastel tones remain soft yet distinct, and the accessories hold their shape perfectly over time. For the most comfortable crafting experience while assembling the intricate sash and the delicate dress hem, you should purchase professional-grade ergonomic crochet hooks. These tools are essential for maintaining consistent tension without hand fatigue during the detailed assembly phases.
Many dedicated fiber artists also choose to order high-quality amigurumi supplies, such as glass-effect safety eyes and high-density polyester fiberfill, from trusted online retailers to ensure their creation feels as substantial and luxurious as it looks. This project is a significant investment of your creative energy, resulting in a breathtaking centerpiece that showcases advanced skills in surface embroidery and garment construction. Accompanied by a tiny sparrow friend and a key to the secret garden, this set is a perfect addition for those who shop for artisan handmade collectibles.
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 Sweet Pea Garden Sash 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 sash embroidery and the tiny sparrow. 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 ruffled petals of the sweet peas. Cotton is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin 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 “Cream,” “Milk,” or “Antique White.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress Yarn: 70g of “Bright White” or “Snow” cotton yarn.
- Cardigan & Shoes Yarn: 60g of “Lilac,” “Lavender,” or “Pale Orchid” cotton yarn.
- Sash & Flower Accents: Scraps of “Rose Pink,” “Violet,” “Magenta,” and various shades of “Sage Green” for the vines.
- Sparrow Companion: Brown, White, and Black scraps.
- Accessories: Bronze (key), Beige (hat).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny sparrow, and the flower centers to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress, sash, cardigan, 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 sparrow.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for cheeks; Green for fine vines.
- Notions: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, small buttons for the cardigan, small metal charm (key).
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “Sweet Pea” appliqué and the surface crochet on the sash. 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.
- Picot: Chain 3, sl st in the first chain (used for leaf tips).
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 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)
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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)
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 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. (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)
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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.
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: [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 White Dress
This dress is the canvas for the sash. It features a fitted bodice and a full skirt. Use White 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, ch 3, skip 1* around to create a delicate picot edge. Fasten off.
Part 5: The Sweet Pea Garden Sash
This is the highlight of the outfit. It is a separate piece that ties around the waist.
The Belt Base
Using Rose Pink yarn, chain 50 (or enough to wrap around the bunny’s waist with room to tie). Work 3 rows of sc. Fasten off.
Sweet Pea Flowers (Make 5-7)
Make these in Pink and Violet.
Step 1: MR, 6 sc.
Step 2 (Petals): *Ch 2, 2 dc in next st, ch 2, sl st in same st*. Repeat to make 3 petals. The sweet pea shape is irregular, so make one petal slightly larger by using tr instead of dc.
Step 3: Sew these flowers onto the sash base, clustered together.
Vines and Leaves
Vines: Use Green yarn. Chain varying lengths (10-15 ch). Slip stitch back down the chain. Twist them slightly and sew them coming out from under the flowers.
Leaves: Ch 5. sc in 2nd ch, hdc, dc, hdc. sl st. Make several and attach to the sash.
Part 6: The Lavender Cardigan
A soft layer to complement the flowers. Use Lilac 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. Fasten off.
Cuffs: Work one round of *sc, ch 1, skip 1* at the end of the sleeves for a ribbed effect.
Part 7: Accessories
The Sun Hat
Use Beige 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 9-12: sc in each st around.
Round 13 (Brim): Work in FLO. [3 sc, 1 inc] around. (60)
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Round 14: [4 sc, 1 inc] around. (72)
Round 15: sc around. Fasten off.
Decoration: Crochet a cluster of sweet peas (same pattern as sash) and sew to the side.
The Sparrow Companion
Body: Brown yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.
Head: Brown yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 2 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to body.
Wings: Dark Brown. Ch 4, sc back. Sew to sides.
Beak: Black/Yellow. Tiny stitch on face.
The Secret Key
Attach a small bronze charm key to the sparrow or the bunny’s hand with a thread.
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.
Decoration: Sew a tiny white bead or flower to the side of the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Sweet Pea Garden Sash Bunny to life.
- Head Attachment: Sew the head to the body securely.
- Dressing: Put the white dress on feet first. Tie the Sweet Pea Sash around the waist, arranging the vines to hang gracefully. Put on the shoes. Add the cardigan and the hat.
- Props: Position the sparrow at her feet or on her hand.
- 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 delicate pink and lilac 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 arrange the sweet pea vines on the sash so they flow naturally?
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 Sweet Pea Garden Sash Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a lovely tribute to the fragrant blooms of summer and the joy of a secret garden. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
