Delphinium Stair-Ruffle Bunny – Crochet

This elegant amigurumi bunny set is designed as a heirloom crochet doll with a soft blue wardrobe, floral sash, matching sunhat, tiny sandals, flower basket, hand bouquet, and a coordinating hedgehog friend. It has the polished look collectors love in a handmade bunny doll, nursery keepsake, spring table decor piece, or thoughtful gift.

The finished set feels refined and gift-ready, with layered ruffles, dimensional blossoms, and carefully scaled accessories that give it the charm of a boutique crochet plush. If you enjoy making items people search for as an amigurumi bunny gift, collectible stuffed rabbit, or artisan crochet doll, this design fits beautifully.

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

This design creates a tall bunny doll with a rounded head, long drooping ears, a narrow torso, straight arms, slim legs, tiered skirt, crossover bodice, flower sash, brimmed hat, and open sandals. The set also includes a small basket of blossoms, a wrapped bouquet, a small lace mat, and a tiny hedgehog in a matching outfit.

The proportions in the image are gentle and balanced. The head is large but not oversized, the body is compact, and the layered skirt creates most of the visual fullness. The ears hang straight down from the side of the head, ending near the upper torso. The arms are simple tapered tubes. The legs are slim and fairly long.

The main bunny stands about 11 to 12 inches tall if made with sport or light DK cotton and a small hook. The hedgehog is about 4 inches tall. Keeping stitches tight is important, because the fabric in the image looks smooth, firm, and neatly packed rather than loose or fuzzy.

Materials

• Main bunny and hedgehog skin: light beige cotton yarn
• Dress and hat shades: dusty sky blue, medium cornflower blue, pale aqua blue
• Leaf color: soft moss green and light sage green
• Basket: warm tan or light caramel brown
• Hedgehog spines: medium brown and dark brown eyelash yarn or brushed-texture yarn
• Doily: off-white crochet cotton
• Hook sizes: 2.0 mm to 2.5 mm for the toys, 1.5 mm to 1.75 mm for flowers and doily
• Safety eyes: 8 mm for bunny, 4 mm for hedgehog
• Stuffing: fine polyester fiberfill
• Optional weights: a few glass beads in a fabric pouch for the bunny base
• Floral wire or pipe cleaner: for bouquet stems and basket handle support
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, sewing pins, small scissors

Gauge and Style Notes

Exact gauge is less important than proportion, but your stitches must be compact. The fabric should not show stuffing through the holes. If your stitches look open, go down a hook size. The image shows a very even amigurumi surface with clear stitch definition and crisp shaping.

• Work in continuous rounds unless noted.
• Use invisible decreases where possible.
• Stuff gradually and firmly, but do not overstuff the head.
• For color changes in the dress, finish the last yarn-over of the previous stitch with the new color.
• Block flowers, hat brim, skirt edging, and doily lightly for the polished look in the photo.

Abbreviations

• MR = magic ring
• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• inc = increase
• dec = decrease
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• tr = treble crochet
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Main Bunny

Legs Make 2

Using beige, start at the foot. The feet in the image are slim and mostly hidden by the sandals, so they should be narrow, neat, and not oversized.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc, inc x6. (18)
4. Rnd 4-6: sc around. (18)
5. Rnd 7: 5 sc, 4 dec, 5 sc. (14)
6. Rnd 8-18: sc around. (14)

Stuff the lower leg firmly and the upper leg lightly. Fasten off first leg. Make the second leg, but do not cut yarn. Add a small weighted pouch in one or both legs if you want the doll to stand more securely.

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Body

Join the legs with 4 chains. The body is straight and modestly narrow, with only a slight waist definition. The dress adds the visible fullness, so the body itself should stay slim.

1. Rnd 1: Join second leg to first leg with 4 sc across the chain bridge and continue around both legs. You should have about 36 sts total.
2. Rnd 2-4: sc around. (36)
3. Rnd 5: 4 sc, dec x6, 12 sc. (30)
4. Rnd 6-8: sc around. (30)
5. Rnd 9: 3 sc, dec x6, 6 sc. (24)
6. Rnd 10-12: sc around. (24)
7. Rnd 13: 2 sc, dec x6, 6 sc. (18)
8. Rnd 14-15: sc around. (18)

Stuff firmly through the hips and midsection. The torso in the image does not look round or bulky. It should feel stable but slim, with a flat enough front to support the crossover bodice and floral sash.

Head

The head is nearly spherical with a very soft lower face. The muzzle is not protruding strongly. The cheeks are faint, and the mouth and nose are very small. Keep the face centered and sweet rather than heavily sculpted.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc, inc x6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: 2 sc, inc x6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: 3 sc, inc x6. (30)
6. Rnd 6: 4 sc, inc x6. (36)
7. Rnd 7: 5 sc, inc x6. (42)
8. Rnd 8-16: sc around. (42)
9. Insert eyes between Rnds 11 and 12 with about 8 stitches between them.
10. Rnd 17: 5 sc, dec x6. (36)
11. Rnd 18: 4 sc, dec x6. (30)
12. Rnd 19: 3 sc, dec x6. (24)
13. Rnd 20: 2 sc, dec x6. (18)

Stuff the head firmly but keep the lower face smooth. Sew the head to the body with the face looking straight forward. The head in the image sits upright, not tilted, and the neck join is hidden by the dress neckline and sash.

Arms Make 2

The arms are simple and lightly tapered, ending just below the waistline. They hang naturally and are not bent. Keep them slim so they match the clean lines of the doll.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3-5: sc around. (12)
4. Rnd 6: 4 sc, dec, 4 sc, dec. (10)
5. Rnd 7-18: sc around. (10)

Stuff only the lower half. Flatten the opening and sew to the sides of the upper body just below the neckline. The arms should angle slightly inward, matching the relaxed pose in the image.

Ears Make 2

The ears are long, softly rounded, and lightly stuffed or left flat. They hang from the sides of the head to about chest level. They are not wide and they do not flare outward.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc around. (12)
4. Rnd 4: sc, inc x6. (18)
5. Rnd 5-22: sc around. (18)
6. Rnd 23: sc, dec x6. (12)
7. Rnd 24-26: sc around. (12)

Flatten and sew to the head at about eye level, slightly behind the face. They should fall straight down along the sides of the hat and cheeks, just as in the picture.

Dress

Bodice

The bodice is a wrap style with a V-neck front and short sleeves. It sits smoothly over the body and closes at one side with the sash. Use medium and pale blue shades in narrow rows to mimic the blended look in the image.

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Work the bodice as separate front panels and a back panel in rows, then join at the shoulders and sides. Begin with the back.

1. Ch 16.
2. Row 1: sc across, ch 1, turn. (15)
3. Rows 2-5: sc across. Change shades every 1 or 2 rows.

For each front panel, work 10 stitches wide and decrease at the neckline edge every other row to create the crossover shape. Make two mirror-image panels. Join shoulders, then sew side seams, leaving small openings for sleeves.

Add short sleeves directly into the arm openings using one round of sc and one round of decorative edging in pale aqua. Keep the sleeves very small. In the image they are cap sleeves rather than puff sleeves.

Waistband and Sash Base

Work a long strip in blue and pale aqua, about 1 inch wide and long enough to wrap around the waist and tie at the right side. Sew the front crossover in place, wrap the waistband around, and let one end continue into a long sash tail.

This base gives structure to the floral arrangement that runs diagonally from the left shoulder to the right waist. Make the sash slightly textured with rows of sc in BLO for a fine ribbed look.

Layered Skirt

The skirt is one of the most important features. It has a structured top layer and two visible lower ruffled tiers, each finished with lacy arches. Build it in stacked rounds beginning at the waist.

1. Join blue yarn around the waistline with 36 sts.
2. Rnd 1: inc evenly to 48 sts using dc.
3. Rnd 2: dc around.
4. Rnd 3: 3 dc in one st, skip 1, sl st in next, skip 1; repeat to create shallow scallops.

For the second tier, join yarn into a lower exposed round or into a sewn-on foundation strip. Increase to about 60 stitches. Work 2 rounds of dc, then a lacy round of dc, ch 1, skip 1 around, then finish with broader scallops made from 5 dc in one stitch separated by slip stitches.

For the third and deepest visible tier, repeat with approximately 72 stitches and a slightly larger shell edging. Use alternating blue tones so each ruffle can be seen separately. The skirt should flare outward but still hang softly, not stand stiffly like a tutu.

Once complete, the skirt should end around mid-calf on the bunny. The layered edges are key to matching the image, so block them carefully to show every scallop.

Sandals Make 2

The sandals are open at the toes with ankle ties in matching blue. The soles are light tan. They are delicate and decorative, so keep all straps fine.

1. With tan, ch 6.
2. Work an oval sole around the chain for 3 rounds until it fits the foot.
3. With blue, attach yarn at the toe and create two slim straps crossing over the foot.
4. Add a heel strap and a narrow ankle strap.
5. Finish with a tiny side tie or stitched knot.

Sew the sandals directly to the feet so they stay aligned. In the image, the sandals are neat and symmetrical, with just enough structure to be visible beneath the ruffles.

Sunhat

The hat is a rounded cloche shape with a downward brim. It fits low on the head and leaves the face fully visible. The brim is not dramatic; it curves outward gently and down at the edge.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rnd 3: sc, inc x6. (18)
4. Rnd 4: 2 sc, inc x6. (24)
5. Rnd 5: 3 sc, inc x6. (30)
6. Rnd 6: 4 sc, inc x6. (36)
7. Rnd 7: 5 sc, inc x6. (42)
8. Rnd 8-13: sc around. (42)
9. Rnd 14: BLO sc around.
10. Rnd 15: 6 sc, inc x6. (48)
11. Rnd 16-18: sc around. (48)
12. Rnd 19: 7 sc, inc x6. (54)
13. Rnd 20: sl st loosely around.

Use tonal blue changes every few rounds. Steam or shape the brim so it curves softly. The image shows a small cluster of blossoms and leaves on one side of the brim, not centered.

Delphinium-Style Flowers and Leaves

The blossoms appear as small five-petal flowers in several blue tones with pale centers. Make many flowers in three sizes. You will need them for the hat, shoulder sash, basket, bouquet, and hedgehog accessories.

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Small Flower

1. With blue, 5 sc in MR, join.
2. For each petal: ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st in same st.
3. Repeat 5 times.

Medium Flower

1. With blue, 5 sc in MR, join.
2. For each petal: ch 2, dc, tr, dc, ch 2, sl st in same st.

Tiny Center

Use pale yellow, white, or very light blue French knots, tiny sewn circles, or one round of 5 slip stitches into the center.

Leaves

1. Ch 7 with sage green.
2. Work back along chain: sl st, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc.
3. On the opposite side of chain, mirror the stitches and finish with a pointed tip.

Make enough flowers to create a full diagonal garland from the left shoulder to the right hip, a hat spray, basket clusters, bouquet stems, and a miniature arrangement for the hedgehog. The image uses many blossoms, so do not under-make this part.

Floral Shoulder Sash

Start with a narrow crocheted band running from the left shoulder diagonally across the chest to the right waist. Stitch leaves first, then attach flowers in overlapping layers. Place the darkest flowers low and outermost, with lighter flowers near the center for depth.

At the waist, continue the band into a tied sash with a long tail. Add a few extra leaves hanging near the knot. This diagonal floral line is one of the signature details, so take time arranging it before sewing permanently.

Basket

The basket is a small oval market-style basket in tan with two arched handles and a mound of blue flowers inside. It sits low and wide rather than tall.

1. Ch 8 with tan and work an oval base for 4 rounds.
2. Work 5 to 6 rounds of sc evenly for the sides.
3. On the last round, add texture with BLO sc.
4. Make 2 handles as chained cords covered in slip stitches.
5. Insert thin wire if needed, then sew handles securely inside the basket rim.

Fill with a little stuffing or scrap yarn, then sew flowers and leaves densely across the opening so it looks full. Let a few blossoms spill slightly over the rim like the image.

Bouquet

Make 7 to 9 flower stems using floral wire or pipe cleaner wrapped with green yarn. Attach small and medium blossoms to the top of each stem, gather them tightly, and wrap the lower section with pale cream yarn to imitate binding. The bouquet should look compact and hand-tied.

Lace Mat

The small off-white mat beneath the basket is simple but important in the photo styling. Make a tiny square doily with openwork and a scalloped border.

1. Ch 16.
2. Work 6 to 8 rows of dc and ch-1 spaces.
3. Turn the square and add a border of sc.
4. Finish with a shell edging around all sides.

Block the mat flat. It should be small, delicate, and slightly angled under the basket rather than spread widely.

Hedgehog Companion

The hedgehog is tiny and rounded, with a beige face, dark nose, black eyes, textured brown spines, a matching blue dress, a miniature hat, and a tiny basket. Keep the body compact and charming.

Head and Body

1. Begin with beige face: 6 sc in MR, then increase to 24 sts over several rounds.
2. Work 3 rounds even for the face.
3. Switch the back half to brown textured yarn and continue forming the body.
4. Increase slightly through the belly, then decrease toward the base.

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Embroider a small triangular nose in dark brown and place the 4 mm eyes close together. The spines should frame the face and extend over the back like a soft cap.

Arms and Feet

Make tiny beige tubes for arms and little oval feet if desired. They can also be implied through shaping if you prefer a very small simplified figure.

Mini Dress and Hat

Repeat the main bunny styling on a smaller scale: wrap bodice, one or two tiny ruffle tiers, and a matching blue cloche hat with one flower and leaf. The tiny basket should mirror the larger tan basket with just a few blossoms inside.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Pin everything in place before sewing. Attach ears first, then dress, then hat, then sash, then flowers. Embroider a tiny pale pink or beige nose with a short vertical line below it. Add the faintest blush if desired. The face should remain minimal, calm, and sweet.

Check that the bunny stands straight, the skirt tiers are even, the hat sits low without covering the eyes, and the floral sash crosses cleanly from shoulder to waist. Place the hedgehog, basket, bouquet, and mat together for the finished display.

Care Notes

• Display pieces are best kept away from strong direct sunlight.
• Do not machine wash assembled dolls with wired flowers or basket handles.
• Spot clean gently with a lightly damp cloth.
• Reshape hat brim, flowers, and skirt ruffles after cleaning.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head centered and secure
• Ears placed evenly
• Eyes level and symmetrical
• Skirt tiers clearly visible in three layers
• Sandals aligned
• Hat brim shaped downward
• Flower sash full from shoulder to waist
• Basket, bouquet, doily, and hedgehog completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust the set regularly with a soft dry brush. For long-term storage, wrap each item in acid-free tissue and place it in a breathable box. Avoid crushing the hat brim, flowers, or hedgehog spines. Keep accessories together in a separate pouch so small parts stay protected and the full set remains complete.