The Verbena Veranda Garland Bunny is a delightful and sophisticated project that captures the essence of a relaxing afternoon spent on a sun-drenched porch, surrounded by cascading baskets of summer blooms. This heirloom-quality doll features a soft, biscuit-colored rabbit with a gentle, welcoming expression, symbolizing hospitality and the vibrant beauty of trailing flowers. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a colorful centerpiece that celebrates the intricate textures of nature and the joy of outdoor living.
She is dressed in a lively ensemble that reflects the vivid hues of trailing verbena flowers. Her outfit consists of a crisp white dress, distinguished by a skirt adorned with a “garland” of embroidered vines and three-dimensional purple and magenta blossom clusters. To keep comfortable as the evening breeze sets in, she wears a textured lavender cardigan with ribbing details.
Her look is completed with a structured sun hat featuring a matching floral wreath, sturdy purple shoes, and a charming basket filled with “freshly cut” yarn flowers. To achieve the distinct definition of the tiny verbena petals and the structural integrity of the miniature watering can accessory, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the colors remain bright and the accessories hold their shape. 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 Verbena Veranda Garland 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 garland embroidery and the tiny sparrow 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 tiny petals of the verbena flowers. 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 “Biscuit,” “Oatmeal,” or “Sand.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Dress Base Yarn: 60g of “White” or “Cream” cotton yarn. This serves as the canvas for the colorful flowers.
- Cardigan & Hat Yarn: 70g of “Lavender,” “Lilac,” or “Periwinkle” cotton yarn.
- Verbena Flowers: Scraps of “Magenta,” “Deep Purple,” “Violet,” and “White.”
- Vines & Leaves: 20g of “Leaf Green” or “Emerald.”
- Shoes: Matching Purple yarn.
- Bird Companion: Blue, White, and Grey scraps.
- Accessories: Beige (basket), Silver (watering can).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny bird, and the flower clusters to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress skirt, 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 bird.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown 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 “Verbena Cluster” and the surface embroidery on the skirt. 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.
- Cluster: A group of stitches worked together to form a petal.
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 Biscuit 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. 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 Lop 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 Biscuit 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 Purple 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 Biscuit yarn (skin). Work in BLO. sc around. (19)
Rounds 8-25: sc in each st around in Biscuit. 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 Biscuit 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 Veranda Garland Dress
This dress is the centerpiece. It features a fitted bodice and a full skirt that serves as a canvas for the floral garland embroidery. 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.
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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.
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 to create a scalloped edge. Fasten off.
Embroidery: The Verbena Garland
This step brings the dress to life. You will embroider a draping garland around the middle of the skirt.
- Step 1 (Vines): Using Green yarn or floss, stitch a wavy line horizontally across the skirt, about halfway down. Add small loops and offshoots for leaves.
- Step 2 (The Verbena Clusters): Verbena grows in tight clusters of tiny flowers. Using Magenta and Purple yarn, create clusters of 5-6 French Knots grouped tightly together along the green vine.
- Step 3 (Leaves): Stitch small lazy-daisy loops in green along the vine to represent foliage.
Part 5: The Lavender Cardigan
A cozy layer for porch sitting. Use 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 “Ribbed Stitch” (alternating Front Post and Back Post dc) if possible, or simple hdc for a smoother look. Fasten off.
Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 16 sc around for 10 rounds. Fasten off.
Decoration: Embroider tiny purple flowers on the lapels.
Part 6: The Floral Sun Hat
A structured hat to match the outfit. Use Lavender 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.
Decoration: Crochet 3 small 5-petal flowers in Magenta, Purple, and White. Sew them to the band of the hat with green leaves.
Part 7: Accessories
The Hanging Basket
Basket: With Beige yarn, MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Inc to 24. BLO sc around. Work 6 rounds up. Fasten off.
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Handle: Ch 30. Attach to sides.
Flowers: Fill the basket with small crochet flowers (simple chains curled up or tiny pom-poms) in purple and pink.
The Tiny Bluebird
Body: Blue yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6. Close.
Head: Blue yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 2 rounds. Dec to 6. Sew to body.
Wings: White yarn. Ch 4, sc back. Sew to sides.
Beak: Grey yarn. Tiny stitch on face.
Watering Can
Can: Silver/Grey yarn. MR 6. Inc to 12. BLO sc around. Work 6 rounds.
Spout: Ch 5, join to ring. Sc around for 5 rounds. Sew to side.
Handle: Ch 15. Attach to top and back.
Part 8: Shoe Finishing
Finish the shoes started on the legs.
Strap: Attach Purple yarn to the side of the shoe. Ch 8 across the foot. Sew to the other side.
Decoration: Sew a tiny white bead to the side of the strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Verbena Veranda Garland 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 Biscuit 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 hat.
- Props: Place the basket on her arm. Position the bluebird and watering can 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 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 garland vines on the dress?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details like the 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 Verbena Veranda Garland Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a vibrant tribute to the joy of summer gardens and the comfort of home. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
