The Foxglove Meadow Picnic Bunny is a heartwarming tribute to lazy summer afternoons spent in tall grass, surrounded by buzzing bees and wildflowers. This heirloom-quality doll features a soft, sandy-beige rabbit with a gentle, inviting expression, designed to be a cherished keepsake that captures the warmth of the sun and the scent of wild blooms. She is the perfect project for fiber artists who wish to create a rustic centerpiece that celebrates botanical motifs, intricate colorwork, and the timeless charm of a countryside picnic.
She is dressed in a practical yet beautiful ensemble suitable for foraging or dining alfresco. Her outfit centers around a textured wrap-style top in a natural cream shade, paired with a stunning moss-green high-low skirt. This skirt is the showstopper, acting as a canvas for hand-embroidered foxglove stalks in shades of pink and purple, rising from the hemline like a real garden. To complete the look, she wears a delicate bonnet with a lace brim, sturdy shoes with ankle ties, and carries a collection of picnic essentials including a woven basket, a jar of meadow honey, a baby bottle for her little one, and a tiny lamb companion. To achieve the defined texture of the foxgloves and the structural integrity of the basket, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the earthy tones remain rich and the accessories hold their shape perfectly over time. If you are looking to start this project, you should shop for artisan handmade collectibles supplies to ensure the highest quality finish.
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 Foxglove Meadow 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 40 to 60 hours, depending on your speed and attention to the miniature details like the foxglove embroidery and the tiny lamb companion. It is a labor of love intended to result in a collectible item or a cherished gift for a loved one. The complexity lies in the “Surface Embroidery” on the skirt and the shaping of the high-low hemline.
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 delicate embroidery of the flowers and the crisp lines of the wrap top. Cotton is superior here. When you order your supplies, look for matte finishes for the bunny skin and the basket to simulate natural materials.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 180g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in “Sand,” “Biscuit,” or “Light Beige.” A matte finish provides a natural, soft fur texture.
- Top & Bonnet Yarn: 80g of “Cream,” “Unbleached Cotton,” or “Ecru” yarn.
- Skirt Yarn: 60g of “Moss Green,” “Olive,” or “Forest Green” cotton yarn.
- Foxglove Embroidery: Scraps of “Rose Pink,” “Lilac,” “Deep Purple,” and “Sage Green” for the flower spikes.
- Lamb Companion: “White” (fleece) and “Beige” (face).
- Accessories: “Basket Brown” (basket), “Honey Gold” (jar), “Pastel Blue” (bottle cap).
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the tiny lamb, and the honey jar to ensure a tight gauge.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress skirt and bonnet 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 lamb.
- 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 shoes.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the construction of the “High-Low Hem” on the skirt and the structured bonnet. 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.
- Shell Stitch: 5 dc in same st (used for bonnet brim).
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 Sand/Beige yarn.
Round 1: Start with a Magic Ring. Crochet 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the hole securely. (6)
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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)
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 Sand/Beige 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)
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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.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Beige 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 Sand/Beige yarn (skin). Work in BLO. sc around. (19)
Rounds 8-25: sc in each st around in Sand yarn. 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 Sand/Beige 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.
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Part 4: The Moss Green High-Low Skirt
This skirt is the canvas for our foxglove meadow. It features a “high-low” hemline, meaning it is shorter in the front and longer in the back, adding a dramatic, fairytale touch. Use Moss Green yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Row 1 (Waist): Ch 36. Join to form a ring. sc around. (36)
Round 2: *2 dc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
Rounds 3-10: Work dc in each st around.
Creating the High-Low Hem
We will now work in rows (turning back and forth) over only a portion of the stitches to lengthen the back.
Row 11: Work dc across the first 30 stitches. Leave the remaining stitches unworked (this is the front gap). Ch 2, turn.
Row 12: dc across. Ch 2, turn.
Row 13: dc across. Ch 2, turn.
Row 14: dc across. Fasten off.
Border: Reattach green yarn at the waist seam. Work a round of sc evenly along the entire bottom edge, including the front gap and the longer back section, to smooth out the transitions.
Foxglove Embroidery
This step brings the “meadow” to life.
- Stalks: Using Dark Green yarn and a needle, stitch vertical lines rising from the hemline of the skirt. Vary the heights.
- Flowers: Using Pink and Purple yarn, create “Lazy Daisy” stitches or small French knots along the green stalks. Make larger stitches at the bottom of the stalk and smaller ones at the top to mimic the conical shape of foxgloves.
- Leaves: Add small V-shaped stitches at the base of the stalks in green.
Part 5: The Cream Wrap Top
A delicate, textured top that wraps across the chest. Use Cream yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Row 1 (Back Panel): Ch 20. sc across. (19)
Rows 2-8: sc across. Fasten off.
Front Panels (Make 2): Ch 10. sc across. Work 8 rows. Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every other row to create a diagonal neckline.
Sleeves (Lace): Join panels at shoulders. Pick up stitches around the armhole.
Round 1: sc around.
Round 2: *dc, ch 1, skip 1* (Mesh stitch).
Round 3: *3 dc in ch-space, sc in next* (Shells). Fasten off.
Assembly: Sew side seams. Create a long chain tie to wrap around the waist and secure the top.
Part 6: The Lace Bonnet
A vintage-style bonnet to frame the face. Use Cream 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)
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Rounds 9-13: sc in each st around. (Back of head).
Row 14 (Brim): Work in rows now (leave the back neck open). Work *Shell Stitch* (5 dc in next st, skip 1, sc, skip 1) across the front edge to create a lace frill.
Ties: Attach yarn to the bottom corners and chain 25 for ties.
Part 7: Picnic Accessories
The Woven Basket
Base: Brown yarn. Ch 8. Sc around chain to form oval. Work 3 rounds flat.
Sides: BLO sc around. Work 6 rounds up.
Handle: Ch 20. Cover with sc. Attach to sides.
The Honey Jar
Jar: Gold/Yellow yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. BLO sc around. Work 4 rounds up.
Lid: Beige yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Sew to top.
Label: Embroider a tiny square on the front.
The Baby Bottle
Bottle: White yarn. MR 5 sc. Inc to 10. Work 4 rounds.
Rim: Blue yarn. Work 1 round.
Nipple: Beige yarn. Dec to 5. Fasten off.
The Lamb Companion
Head: White textured yarn (or standard yarn worked in bobbles). MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds. Dec to 6.
Body: White textured yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 3 rounds.
Apron: White yarn. Tiny triangle sewn to the front.
Bonnet: Blue yarn. Tiny semicircle sewn to head.
Ears: Beige yarn. Ch 3, sc back. Sew to head.
Part 8: Shoe Finishing
Finish the shoes started on the legs.
Laces: Attach Beige yarn to the front of the shoe. Chain 15. Cross over the ankle and tie in a bow at the back of the leg.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Foxglove Meadow Picnic Bunny to life.
- Head Attachment: Sew the head to the body securely using Sand yarn.
- Dressing: Put the green skirt on feet first. Put on the wrap top and tie it at the waist. Put on the shoes and tie the laces. Place the bonnet on the head.
- Props: Place the basket on her arm. Put the honey and bottle inside. Position the lamb 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 moss green color 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 secure the lace brim of the bonnet so it doesn’t flop over eyes?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details like surface 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 Foxglove Meadow Picnic Bunny is now complete. This character serves as a rustic tribute to the beauty of wildflowers and the simple joy of a picnic. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
