Artist Smock Darling Bunny – Crochet

This sweet artist bunny is a charming handmade bunny doll with a softly rounded face, long floppy ears, a painter beret, a colorful granny-style yoke, a warm brown smock skirt, tiny Mary Jane shoes, and a miniature crossbody bag. It fits beautifully into searches for an amigurumi bunny gift, collectible crochet bunny, or nursery decor plush.

The set also includes a tiny painter penguin, a small paintbrush, and a striped paint tube so the full display feels polished and gift-ready. If you love making pieces that look like boutique toy art, artist studio decor, or premium handmade stuffed animals, this design has many lovely finishing details.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Materials

• DK weight cotton yarn in light beige, taupe, warm brown, terracotta, navy, cream, black, yellow, sky blue, teal, orange, red, mustard, and soft gray-brown
• Optional very light pink or muted rose for a gentle inner mouth stitch accent if desired
• 2.25 mm crochet hook for the bunny and accessories
• 2.0 mm crochet hook for the penguin if you want an especially crisp miniature result
• 8 mm black safety eyes for the bunny
• 5 mm black safety eyes for the penguin, or embroider eyes if preferred
• Fiberfill stuffing
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Fine sewing pins
• Small amount of cardboard or plastic canvas for the bag insert if you want a firmer shape
• Thin jewelry chain, crocheted strap, or strong thread cord for the bag strap
• Craft wire optional for posing the brush handle very straight

Yarn Colors Used for the Sample

• Light Beige: bunny head, body, arms, legs
• Taupe: inner ears, muzzle shaping contrast if desired
• Navy: bunny beret, penguin beret
• Warm Brown: skirt, bag edging, shoe ties, some accessories
• Terracotta: shoes, paint tube stripe, small brush details
• Cream: yoke outlines, bag center, paw appliqués
• Accent Colors: red, yellow, mustard, teal, blue, orange for the painted granny-style squares
• Penguin Colors: black, white, yellow, navy, warm brown, and matching accent shades

Finished Size

The bunny measures about 10 to 11 inches tall from the top of the head to the soles of the feet, not including the beret bump. The penguin measures about 2 1/2 to 3 inches tall. The paint tube, loose brush, and tiny bag are scaled to match the photo.

Abbreviations

• MR = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• inc = 2 sc in the same stitch
• dec = invisible decrease
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• rnd = round
• rep = repeat

Construction Overview

This design is made in separate pieces and assembled with careful shaping. The bunny has a large rounded head, a narrow neck, a compact upper torso, and a wide seated-style lower body hidden under a smock skirt. The legs are medium length and slightly tapered with gently oversized feet.

The arms are slim and softly curved. The ears are long, rounded at the ends, and attached low enough so they drape beside the face. The beret sits slightly to one side, with a tiny stem on top and a crocheted paint palette appliqué.

The yoke is the visual centerpiece. It is built to mimic tiny joined granny-square windows in cream outlines, each holding a bright textured center. The skirt is plain and evenly ridged from circular rounds, creating the smock silhouette seen in the image.

The two cream pocket appliqués on the skirt resemble painter palettes with stitched warm brown paint spots. The miniature penguin echoes the bunny outfit, making the entire composition feel intentional and collectible.

 

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Important Notes Before You Begin

• Work in a continuous spiral unless a section states otherwise.
• Use a stitch marker and move it every round.
• Stuff gradually and firmly, especially in the head and feet.
• The sample looks polished because the shaping is smooth and the seams are aligned. Take time with assembly.
• If your stitches run loose, size down your hook so the stuffing does not show.
• The yoke looks best when each color change is neat and the cream outlines stay clearly visible.

Head

With light beige yarn:

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around. (30)
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) around. (36)
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) around. (42)
8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) around. (48)
9. Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) around. (54)
10. Rnd 10: (8 sc, inc) around. (60)
11. Rnd 11: (9 sc, inc) around. (66)
12. Rnd 12: (10 sc, inc) around. (72)
13. Rnd 13-24: sc around. (72)

Insert the 8 mm eyes between Rnds 18 and 19 with about 12 visible stitches between them. Because the bunny has a wide, calm face, place the eyes slightly farther apart than you might for a standard doll. This spacing helps match the gentle expression in the photo.

Continue shaping:

1. Rnd 25: (10 sc, dec) around. (66)
2. Rnd 26: (9 sc, dec) around. (60)
3. Rnd 27: (8 sc, dec) around. (54)
4. Rnd 28: (7 sc, dec) around. (48)
5. Rnd 29: (6 sc, dec) around. (42)
6. Rnd 30: (5 sc, dec) around. (36)

Stuff the head very firmly. Shape the cheeks with your hands as you fill. The front should look softly full, not pointy. Continue:

1. Rnd 31: (4 sc, dec) around. (30)
2. Rnd 32: (3 sc, dec) around. (24)
3. Rnd 33: BLO sc around. (24)

The neck opening remains slightly narrow. Fasten off with a long tail for sewing to the body later. Set aside.

Muzzle and Nose Shaping

The image shows a very subtle sculpted muzzle rather than a protruding snout. To match that look, you will embroider the nose directly onto the face and add a little tension shaping.

• Thread matching beige yarn or slightly darker taupe.
• Make a short vertical nose stitch centered two rounds below the eyes.
• Add two diagonal stitches downward from the base of the nose to form a soft Y shape.
• Optional: add one tiny horizontal wrap at the top of the nose for a fuller triangular look.

For gentle muzzle definition, pass the needle from the underside of the head to one side of the nose, then to the opposite side, pulling just enough to create a rounded muzzle area. Do not over-tighten. The expression should stay soft and minimal.

Body

With light beige yarn:

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around. (30)
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) around. (36)
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) around. (42)
8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) around. (48)
9. Rnd 9-14: sc around. (48)

This wide lower section helps support the skirt and creates the sturdy standing shape visible in the photo.

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1. Rnd 15: (6 sc, dec) around. (42)
2. Rnd 16-17: sc around. (42)
3. Rnd 18: (5 sc, dec) around. (36)
4. Rnd 19-20: sc around. (36)
5. Rnd 21: (4 sc, dec) around. (30)
6. Rnd 22-23: sc around. (30)
7. Rnd 24: (3 sc, dec) around. (24)
8. Rnd 25-28: sc around. (24)

Stuff the body firmly, especially the lower half. The top should stay cylindrical and narrow enough to support the yoke piece. Fasten off, leaving a long tail if you want to sew the head after checking arm placement. If preferred, leave it open and stitch the head directly through both openings.

Legs Make 2

With light beige yarn:

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: sc around. (24)
6. Rnd 6: 8 sc, 4 dec, 8 sc. (20)
7. Rnd 7: sc around. (20)
8. Rnd 8: 6 sc, 4 dec, 6 sc. (16)
9. Rnd 9-18: sc around. (16)

Stuff the foot firmly and the upper leg moderately. Flatten the top opening and sew closed. Leave a long tail for attaching. The legs should be slim and straight, with just a slight forward curve from stuffing pressure.

When sewing to the body, place the legs at the front half of the base rather than the exact sides. This gives the bunny the forward-facing stance shown in the photo, with the feet visible under the skirt.

Arms Make 2

With light beige yarn:

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around. (9)
3. Rnd 3-5: sc around. (9)
4. Rnd 6: 3 sc, dec, 4 sc. (8)
5. Rnd 7-18: sc around. (8)

Stuff only the lower third of each arm. Flatten the top opening and sew closed. Leave a long tail. The arms should look relaxed and narrow, hanging slightly away from the body.

In the image, the bunny’s left arm hangs beside the tiny bag, while the right arm angles a bit outward. To recreate that pose, sew the arms with a faint downward slant from shoulder to hand.

Ears Make 2

Outer ear with light beige, inner ear with taupe or slightly darker beige.

Outer Ear:

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around. (18)
4. Rnd 4-18: sc around. (18)
5. Rnd 19: (sc, dec) around. (12)
6. Rnd 20-21: sc around. (12)

Fasten off.

Inner Ear Panel Make 2:

1. Ch 7.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5, 3 sc in last ch, working on opposite side sc 4, inc in last. (14)
3. Row 2: inc, 4 sc, 3 inc, 4 sc, 2 inc. (20)
4. Row 3: sc around evenly to smooth the oval, aiming for 22 sts total.

Fasten off. Sew each inner panel centered on an outer ear. Do not overstuff the ears. For the best drape, leave them flat. Fold the top of each ear lightly and sew to the sides of the head between Rnds 10 and 14.

The ears in the photo attach fairly low and fall almost straight downward. Angle them so the inner ear panel faces slightly forward.

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Shoes Make 2

With terracotta yarn:

1. Rnd 1: Ch 7. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5, 3 sc in last ch, working on opposite side sc 4, inc in last. (14)
2. Rnd 2: inc, 4 sc, 3 inc, 4 sc, 2 inc. (20)
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. (20)
4. Rnd 4: sc around. (20)
5. Rnd 5: 5 sc, 5 dec, 5 sc. (15)
6. Rnd 6: sc around. (15)

Fasten off. Slip each shoe onto a foot and tack in place with several hidden stitches. The toe should be rounded and slightly full, matching the plump Mary Jane style in the image.

Shoe Straps: Join terracotta at one side of the shoe opening, ch 8, skip across the instep, attach on the opposite side with sl st, then reinforce with a sewn knot detail at the side. Add a tiny warm brown knot or French-knot style bump near the outer ankle to mimic the side closure seen in the photo.

Smock Skirt

With warm brown yarn:

The skirt should sit high on the body and flare gently. It is not a dramatic gathered skirt. Instead, it looks like a straight artist smock with soft body.

1. Rnd 1: Ch 36, join carefully without twisting. (36)
2. Rnd 2-12: sc around. (36)
3. Rnd 13: (5 sc, inc) around. (42)
4. Rnd 14-18: sc around. (42)

Fasten off with a long tail. Try the skirt around the body before sewing. The waistband should sit just under the colorful yoke section and cover the lower torso. Sew it neatly around the body with the opening centered at the back if you made one.

If you prefer to work directly onto the body, you may join yarn to a body round and build the skirt downward, but a separate skirt gives cleaner control over placement and flare.

Painter Palette Pocket Appliqués Make 2

With cream yarn:

1. Ch 6.
2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 4, 3 sc in last ch, working opposite side sc 3, inc in last. (12)
3. Row 2: inc, 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, 2 inc. (18)
4. Row 3: sc around. (18)

Fasten off. Gently flatten into an artist palette shape by slightly pinching one side while sewing to the skirt. Embroider 5 small warm brown dots on each palette to mimic paint daubs. Sew one pocket on each front side of the skirt, low enough to match the picture but still above the hem.

Colorwork Yoke

This section creates the gridded, hand-painted look around the upper chest and sleeves. The image shows cream lines forming small square frames, each containing a bright textured center. You can achieve this cleanly with modular mini squares joined together, then stitched to the body.

Mini Puff Squares Make 8 Front and 4 Sleeve Fillers

Make small center motifs in assorted colors: blue, teal, mustard, red, orange, yellow. Use 4 for the front upper row, 4 for the front lower row, and 2 on each sleeve area.

Mini Square Center:

1. With accent color, 4 sc in MR. Join with sl st. (4)
2. Ch 1.
3. In each st work: sc, ch 1, sc. This creates tiny corner fullness. Join.

Fasten off.

Cream Outline Round:

1. Join cream in any ch-1 space.
2. In each corner space work: sc, ch 1, sc.
3. Along each side, work 1 sc into the accent stitch between corners.
4. Join and fasten off.

These pieces should remain tiny, just enough to suggest little painted granny squares. Make some with bobble-like centers if desired by replacing the first accent round with 4 small popcorn points.

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Arrange the Yoke

On the front of the bunny, arrange 8 cream-framed squares in two rows of four. Curve them gently around the chest. There should be a slight arc, not a strict rectangle. On each upper sleeve area, place 2 matching squares. The cream borders should touch or nearly touch.

Sew the squares onto a cream crocheted base panel or directly onto the body depending on your comfort level. For the cleanest result, make a fitted cream bib first.

Cream Base Yoke Panel

With cream yarn:

1. Ch 25.
2. Row 1: sc across. (24)
3. Row 2-4: sc across. (24)

Fasten off. Wrap this strip around the upper chest area. Trim or slightly overlap at the back. Sew in place. Then sew the mini squares onto the front of the strip, leaving the cream base visible between motifs to create the gridded frame effect.

For the sleeve caps, make two tiny cream half-ovals:

1. Ch 7.
2. Row 1: sc 6.
3. Row 2: inc, 4 sc, inc. (8)
4. Row 3: sc across.

Sew one on each shoulder and attach 2 mini squares onto each cap. This produces the short puff-sleeve look seen in the image.

Add a cream neckline border with surface slip stitches or a thin line of sewn yarn along the top. The yoke should appear bright, tiled, and slightly handcrafted rather than mathematically perfect. That little softness is what makes the photo feel warm.

Beret

With navy yarn:

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around. (30)
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) around. (36)
7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) around. (42)
8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) around. (48)
9. Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) around. (54)
10. Rnd 10-12: sc around. (54)
11. Rnd 13: (7 sc, dec) around. (48)
12. Rnd 14: (6 sc, dec) around. (42)
13. Rnd 15: (5 sc, dec) around. (36)
14. Rnd 16: BLO sc around. (36)
15. Rnd 17-18: sc around. (36)

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Make a tiny top nub by joining yarn at the center and crocheting 3 sc into an MR, then pulling closed, or simply add a wrapped knot with yarn.

Lightly stuff the crown edge only if needed, but keep the beret soft. Sew it slightly tilted to the bunny’s right side so it covers the upper ear attachment and sits low on the forehead, just as in the photo.

Paint Palette Beret Appliqué

With cream yarn:

1. Ch 5.
2. Work a small oval: starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 3, 3 sc in last ch, working opposite side sc 2, inc in last. (10)
3. Work one more round of sc evenly. Fasten off.

Embroider tiny color dots in red, yellow, blue, green, and orange. Sew this palette near the right front side of the beret. Add a tiny beige hole or stitched thumb hole if desired.

Mini Crossbody Bag

With cream yarn:

1. Ch 7.
2. Row 1: starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 6. Turn.
3. Row 2-8: sc across. (6)

Make 2 identical panels. With warm brown yarn, sc evenly around one panel, placing 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off. Repeat for second panel. Sew the two panels together on three sides, leaving top open.

If you want a very crisp bag, insert a trimmed piece of plastic canvas or cardboard before closing the bottom completely. Add a flap if desired, though the sample image looks like a simple framed mini pouch.

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Strap: Use thin chain, strong thread cord, or crochet a strap with ch 28 to 32, then sl st back along the chain. Sew to the upper corners. Position the bag so it hangs from the bunny’s left hand area and falls just below the skirt line.

Loose Paintbrush

With cream yarn, ch 8. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 7. Fasten off. Wrap lightly into a narrow cylinder and stitch closed. For stripes, wrap terracotta and blue yarn around the tube in two separate bands. Close one end flat if needed.

With warm brown yarn, create a small brush tip by cutting several short strands, folding them, and tying them at one end. Attach to the narrow end of the cream tube. Trim evenly. This piece should look like the long brush lying on the table.

Small Paint Tube

With cream yarn:

1. Ch 5.
2. Row 1: sc 4.
3. Row 2-5: sc 4.

Fasten off, fold into a tiny flat tube, and stitch the sides. Add horizontal wrapped stripes in soft blue and terracotta. For the nozzle end, stitch one corner narrower than the other. The tube in the photo is soft and stylized, so a flat accessory looks right.

Penguin Body

With black yarn:

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around. (24)
5. Rnd 5-8: sc around. (24)

Change to work the belly placement by crocheting or sewing on a white front panel later. The easiest neat method is to continue the body in black and add a white oval appliqué.

1. Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) around. (18)
2. Rnd 10-11: sc around. (18)
3. Rnd 12: (sc, dec) around. (12)
4. Rnd 13: sc around. (12)

Stuff firmly. Add eyes between Rnds 7 and 8. Finish with:

1. Rnd 14: dec around. (6)

Fasten off.

Penguin Belly Panel

With white yarn:

1. Ch 5.
2. Row 1: starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 4. Turn.
3. Row 2: inc, 2 sc, inc. (6)
4. Row 3: inc, 4 sc, inc. (8)
5. Row 4-5: sc across.

Fasten off and sew to front body. Embroider a tiny yellow beak centered under the eyes.

Penguin Wings Make 2

With black yarn:

1. Rnd 1: 4 sc in MR. (4)
2. Rnd 2-4: sc around. (4)

Flatten and sew to sides.

Penguin Feet Make 2

With yellow yarn, make 3 ch, sl st into first ch to form a tiny three-toe nub, or simply embroider little yellow feet under the body.

Penguin Outfit

Penguin Beret

With navy yarn:

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around. (18)
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around. (24)
5. Rnd 5: sc around. (24)
6. Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) around. (18)
7. Rnd 7: sc around. (18)

Fasten off and sew tilted to one side.

Penguin Smock

With warm brown yarn:

1. Ch 18, join. (18)
2. Rnd 1-4: sc around. (18)

Fasten off and stitch around the lower body. Add a narrow cream-and-color yoke strip above it by sewing tiny accent squares or embroidering grid lines directly around the upper body. Because the penguin is very small, embroidery may be cleaner than full modular squares.

Penguin Brush

Use a small length of warm brown yarn-wrapped wire or tightly crocheted chain for the handle. Add a tiny tassel of beige strands for bristles. Sew or tack under one wing so it appears the penguin is holding the brush upright.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the legs to the lower body.
2. Sew the body to the head, making sure the face stays centered between the legs.
3. Attach the arms just below the yoke line.
4. Sew the ears to the head.
5. Slip on and secure the shoes.
6. Add the smock skirt.
7. Attach the cream yoke strip and mini square motifs.
8. Sew on the beret and palette appliqué.
9. Attach the bag strap and position the bag.
10. Make and place the penguin and table accessories.

Placement Tips for a Close Match to the Image

• The head should be notably larger than the body, giving the bunny a tender storybook proportion.
• The ears hang straight down and nearly reach the lower edge of the skirt yoke area.
• The beret sits low and wide, not centered like a cap.
• The colorful yoke occupies the upper chest and sleeve area only, leaving the lower garment plain brown.
• The pockets sit symmetrically and slightly outward on the skirt front.
• The shoes are visible beneath the hem, with one foot very slightly angled outward.
• The penguin should reach just above the bunny’s ankles when placed beside it.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check the symmetry before tightening any final sewing. Gently pinch the cheeks, smooth the stuffing, and adjust the ears so they fall evenly. Keep the nose tiny and centered. If desired, add the faintest blush with pastel powder, applied sparingly and set gently.

Care Notes

Display pieces with small accessories in a dry indoor space away from strong sunlight. If giving this set to a child, replace safety eyes with embroidery and secure every stitched accessory extra firmly. Decorative versions are best handled gently to preserve the crisp shape.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head firmly stuffed and centered
• Eyes level and evenly spaced
• Ears attached low and draping neatly
• Skirt straight and not twisting
• Yoke colors balanced across the front
• Beret tilted and secure
• Bag hanging at the correct height
• Penguin scaled smaller but visually coordinated
• Brush and paint tube finished and tidy

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a lightly damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking, especially if the bag includes a stiff insert or the accessories use glued or tightly wrapped details. Reshape while drying flat on a towel. Store away from dust in a breathable cotton bag or covered display shelf.