Calendula Butter-Trellis Bunny – Crochet

This charming handmade bunny doll set blends a soft amigurumi rabbit, warm golden clothing, and sweet seasonal accessories into one collectible design. It is ideal for makers searching for a crochet bunny doll pattern, heirloom nursery decor, or a handmade gift idea with boutique toy appeal.

The set also includes a coordinating bird companion, mini tote, flower bouquet, and folded cloth accent, giving the finished piece the feel of a premium artisan crochet plush display. If you enjoy making detailed stuffed animals that look gift-shop ready, this design is a lovely choice.

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

Overview

This design creates a standing bunny with long drooping ears, a soft round head, a slim neck, a simple torso, straight legs, rounded arms, a beret, a short cardigan, a decorative dress, Mary Jane style shoes, a tote bag, a tiny bouquet, a folded cloth, and a dressed bird companion.

The overall look depends on gentle shaping, neat stitch tension, and careful assembly. The bunny is slightly taller than the bird and accessories, with a calm face, centered floral dress panel, and warm calendula-yellow trim that ties every piece together.

Finished Size

• Main bunny: about 11 to 12 inches tall when made with sport or light DK cotton and a 2.25 to 2.75 mm hook
• Bird companion: about 4 to 4.75 inches tall
• Tote bag: about 2.5 inches wide
• Bouquet: about 2 inches long
• Folded cloth: about 1.5 inches square when folded

If you use thicker yarn, the full set will grow evenly. Keep the same yarn family for all visible pieces so the textures match.

Materials

• Main bunny color: soft cream or warm ivory cotton yarn
• Calendula yellow: golden mustard cotton yarn
• Leaf green: muted olive or moss green cotton yarn
• Flower center orange: deep marigold or pumpkin orange cotton yarn
• Bird body brown: medium walnut brown cotton yarn
• Bird chest rust: warm terracotta or cinnamon cotton yarn
• Optional pale beige: for tiny contrast details if desired
• Hook: 2.25 mm to 2.75 mm
• Stuffing: fine polyester fiberfill
• Safety eyes: 8 mm for bunny, 5 to 6 mm for bird, or embroidered eyes for child-safe versions
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Small scissors
• Thin cardboard or plastic canvas: optional insert for bag base
• Craft wire: optional for bouquet stems only if the item is decorative

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
• rep = repeat

Design Notes

The pieces in this set are firm rather than floppy. Use a hook small enough that stuffing does not show through. The bunny has a smooth amigurumi base, while the skirt and some decorative areas use more open, lace-like crochet to match the picture.

The dress should sit close to the body and flare gently from the waist. The cardigan is short and rounded at the fronts. The beret is softly puffed rather than flat. The ears fall below the shoulders and sit slightly behind the face.

The face is minimal. The eyes are spaced wide enough to create a calm expression, and the nose-muzzle area is tiny and centered. Do not over-embroider the mouth. A very short stitched smile is enough.

Main Bunny

Head

Work the head in continuous rounds with cream yarn.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Round 3: sc, inc rep around. (18)
4. Round 4: 2 sc, inc rep around. (24)
5. Round 5: 3 sc, inc rep around. (30)
6. Round 6: 4 sc, inc rep around. (36)
7. Round 7: 5 sc, inc rep around. (42)
8. Round 8: 6 sc, inc rep around. (48)
9. Rounds 9 to 18: sc around. (48)

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Insert the 8 mm eyes between Rounds 12 and 13 with about 10 stitches visible between them. Check the image feel: the eyes should sit low on the face, not too close to the top of the head.

1. Round 19: 6 sc, dec rep around. (42)
2. Round 20: 5 sc, dec rep around. (36)
3. Round 21: 4 sc, dec rep around. (30)

Stuff the head firmly. Shape the cheeks slightly fuller than the upper head. This helps create the soft rounded lower face seen in the image.

1. Round 22: 3 sc, dec rep around. (24)
2. Round 23: 2 sc, dec rep around. (18)

Do not close completely yet if you prefer joining the neck directly. The lower opening should remain neat and centered.

Facial Details

With pale pink, beige, or light brown thread, embroider a tiny triangular nose between the eyes, about 2 rounds below the eye line. Add a short vertical stitch beneath it. Then add one tiny angled stitch to each side to suggest a gentle mouth.

The muzzle in the image is understated. Keep the nose very small. Avoid large satin stitching or thick thread. The face should look soft and quiet, with the eyes remaining the dominant feature.

Ears Make 2

Each ear is long, narrow, and softly flattened. Work in cream yarn.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Round 3: sc, inc rep around. (18)
4. Rounds 4 to 6: sc around. (18)
5. Round 7: 7 sc, dec, 7 sc, dec. (16)
6. Rounds 8 to 20: sc around. (16)
7. Round 21: 6 sc, dec, 6 sc, dec. (14)
8. Rounds 22 to 28: sc around. (14)

Flatten the opening and sew closed only partway, leaving the base open enough for shaping. Do not stuff, or add only a trace amount at the base. The ears in the image hang naturally and do not stand away from the head.

Fold each ear slightly inward at the base and sew to the head between Rounds 7 and 10, angled down the sides. The tops of the ears begin just below the beret edge, not high above it.

Neck and Upper Body

The bunny has a visible neck section above the dress neckline. This helps the head sit cleanly and gives the doll its proportion.

With cream yarn, work from the lower head opening or create separately and sew.

1. Round 1: 18 sc around. (18)
2. Rounds 2 to 4: sc around. (18)
3. Round 5: 2 sc, inc rep around. (24)
4. Round 6: 3 sc, inc rep around. (30)
5. Rounds 7 to 10: sc around. (30)

Stuff lightly to medium. The torso is not a large round belly. It is a modest cylinder hidden under the dress.

Lower Body and Hips

1. Round 11: 4 sc, inc rep around. (36)
2. Rounds 12 to 14: sc around. (36)
3. Round 15: 4 sc, dec rep around. (30)
4. Round 16: sc around. (30)

Stuff the body firmly enough for the bunny to sit straight when handled. Do not overstuff the waist. The dress needs a slim upper shape.

Legs Make 2

These legs are straight and moderately slim, ending in rounded feet hidden partly by the shoes. Start with cream yarn unless you prefer building the shoe later as a separate piece.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Round 3: sc, inc rep around. (18)
4. Rounds 4 to 5: sc around. (18)
5. Round 6: 4 sc, dec rep around. (15)
6. Rounds 7 to 18: sc around. (15)

Stuff firmly, especially the lower legs. Flatten the top and leave a tail for sewing. Sew the legs to the underside of the body with 4 to 5 stitches between them at the inner tops. Make sure both point straight down.

Arms Make 2

The arms are simple tubes with softly rounded hands. They are slightly tapered and unposed.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Rounds 3 to 5: sc around. (12)
4. Round 6: 4 sc, dec rep around. (10)
5. Rounds 7 to 17: sc around. (10)

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Stuff only the lower half so the arms sit softly against the body. Flatten the top opening and sew at the shoulder line just under the cardigan sleeves.

Bunny Clothing

Beret

The beret is one of the defining features. It is rounded, gently puffed, and finished with a narrow decorative green vine line above the lower band. Work mostly in calendula yellow.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Round 3: sc, inc rep around. (18)
4. Round 4: 2 sc, inc rep around. (24)
5. Round 5: 3 sc, inc rep around. (30)
6. Round 6: 4 sc, inc rep around. (36)
7. Round 7: 5 sc, inc rep around. (42)
8. Round 8: 6 sc, inc rep around. (48)
9. Round 9: 7 sc, inc rep around. (54)
10. Round 10: 8 sc, inc rep around. (60)
11. Rounds 11 to 15: sc around. (60)
12. Round 16: 8 sc, dec rep around. (54)
13. Round 17: 7 sc, dec rep around. (48)
14. Round 18: 6 sc, dec rep around. (42)
15. Round 19: BLO sc around. (42)
16. Round 20: sc around. (42)

Try the beret on the bunny. It should rest low on the forehead and cover the ear bases. If needed, reduce one more round evenly to 36 stitches for a snug fit.

For the decorative vine, join green yarn around the band one round above the lower edge. Work a simple running embroidered line or small slanted surface stitches. Add tiny yellow or green dot stitches spaced evenly to echo the picture.

Dress Bodice

The bodice is sleeveless under the cardigan, with a central floral motif. Make it fitted enough that the flower sits flat on the chest.

With calendula yellow, chain a length that fits around the torso snugly. For most sizes above, ch 28 to 30 works well. Join without twisting.

1. Round 1: sc around the chain. Join. (28 to 30)
2. Rounds 2 to 5: sc or hdc around to form a firm bodice panel.

Leave a back opening if preferred, or make it fully closed and dress the bunny from the feet upward before assembly. A slight square neckline works best for the image.

Center Flower on Bodice

Make 1 flower applique. With orange yarn, create a small center: 6 sc in MR, join. Switch to yellow and work 6 petals, each made as: ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st into same stitch. Finish off.

With green yarn, embroider two small leaf clusters on each side of the flower. Sew the flower to the center front of the bodice. The motif should be bold enough to show clearly but not so large that it covers the whole chest.

Skirt

The skirt is cream with yellow vertical divisions, yellow floral appliques, and a scalloped yellow hem. It flares gently rather than becoming very wide. The openwork texture is important for matching the image.

Join cream yarn to the lower edge of the bodice.

1. Round 1: inc evenly around to create flare. Aim for 42 to 48 stitches.
2. Round 2: work a decorative mesh or lace pattern such as dc, ch 1, skip 1 around.
3. Rounds 3 to 7: continue the lace pattern, staggering the stitches so the skirt opens softly.

You may also divide the skirt visually into panels by working narrow yellow surface crochet lines from waist to hem after the cream skirt is complete. The image shows several clear golden vertical lines separating the cream sections.

Keep the skirt length just above the ankles. The bunny’s shoes remain visible. Block lightly so the skirt spreads evenly.

Scalloped Hem

Join yellow yarn at the skirt bottom. Work one decorative round in a small shell repeat.

• Example repeat: sl st in first stitch, skip 1, 5 dc in next stitch, skip 1, sl st in next stitch.

Adjust the repeat count to fit evenly. The scallops should be soft and rounded, not overly ruffled.

Skirt Flowers

Make 4 medium flowers for the skirt. Use the same method as the bodice flower but slightly fuller.

• Center: orange, 6 sc in MR
• Petals: yellow, 5 or 6 rounded petals
• Optional leaf stitch: green at the base if desired

Sew one flower near the lower part of each visible front and side panel. In the image, the flowers are placed low, well above the scalloped hem but clearly on the skirt body.

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Cardigan

The cardigan is short, open-front, and cropped at the waist. It has small sleeves and rounded front edges. Work in calendula yellow.

You can make it in rows for easy fitting.

1. Chain a width equal to the back plus both fronts, approximately 28 to 32 chains.
2. Rows 1 to 3: sc or hdc across for upper back and shoulder shaping.
3. Create shallow arm openings by skipping a few stitches at each side or sewing sleeves separately.
4. Continue short front panels so the cardigan ends at the waist.

The cardigan fronts in the image are slightly curved and do not overlap much. Keep the neckline open so the floral bodice is visible. The sleeves are short and rounded, ending above the elbows.

Add a narrow edging all around with sc. Do not add buttons. The clean open front is part of the look.

Shoes Make 2

The bunny wears cream and yellow Mary Jane style shoes with a strap and tiny side accent. These should fit over the feet snugly.

With yellow yarn, make an oval sole.

1. Round 1: ch 7, work around both sides of chain to form an oval. (14 to 16)
2. Round 2: inc at both ends to enlarge slightly.
3. Round 3: BLO sc around for the shoe wall.
4. Round 4: sc around.

Switch to cream yarn for the upper front if you want the two-tone look more clearly. Decrease across the toe area for one round to shape it. Add a yellow strap across the top with a short chain or crocheted strip sewn at both sides.

For the tiny flower or bow accent at the outer ankle, make a small yellow knot, bobble, or 4-petal flower and sew at the side. Stitch the finished shoes to the feet so they stay centered.

Accessories for Bunny

Tote Bag

The tote is boxy, simple, and worked in the same calendula yellow. It stands on its own with short handles.

1. Base: ch 11. Work an oval or rectangle around the chain for 4 to 5 rounds until the base looks proportionate to the image.
2. Body Round 1: BLO sc around to turn upward.
3. Body Rounds 2 to 10: sc around evenly to form straight sides.

For the handles, mark two groups centered on the top edge. Crochet or chain each handle and rejoin to the body. Reinforce by stitching over once more if needed so the handles stand upright.

Add one tiny green stitch and one tiny yellow stitch at the bag front for the miniature floral accent seen in the image. Insert a thin cardboard base if you want the bag to hold shape.

Bouquet

The bouquet is tiny but important to the storytelling of the set. It includes small orange and yellow flowers with green stems gathered together.

• Make 3 to 5 tiny rolled roses or puff flowers in shades of orange and yellow.
• For each flower, crochet a short strip of petals and roll tightly, or use a 4-petal mini blossom.
• Attach each flower to a green stem made from chained yarn or wrapped floral wire.
• Gather all stems and bind with green yarn.

Keep the bouquet low and compact, not tall. It should look like it can rest beside the bunny rather than reaching the bunny’s waist.

Folded Cloth

This small folded piece resembles a handkerchief or mini cloth with a delicate embroidered-style detail. It adds a soft finishing touch to the display.

1. With cream yarn, chain enough for a small square, around 10 to 12 chains.
2. Work 8 to 10 rows of sc.
3. Add one round of yellow edging.

With green and yellow thread or very fine yarn, embroider a tiny floral line near one corner. Fold neatly into a rectangle or triangle and tack once so it stays folded.

Bird Companion

The bird companion mirrors the bunny’s palette and clothing. It has a rounded brown body, a rust chest, small wings, a beret, a yellow vest, a cream-and-yellow lower garment, and a tiny tote.

Body and Head

Work the bird as one piece in brown yarn, changing to rust for the front chest area.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: inc around. (12)
3. Round 3: sc, inc rep around. (18)
4. Round 4: 2 sc, inc rep around. (24)
5. Rounds 5 to 8: sc around. (24)

At the front center of Rounds 6 to 9, switch to rust for several stitches each round to build the warm chest patch. Continue in brown for the rest of the body.

1. Round 9: sc around.
2. Round 10: 2 sc, dec rep around. (18)
3. Round 11: sc around. (18)
4. Round 12: 1 sc, dec rep around. (12)

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Stuff firmly before closing. Add 5 or 6 mm eyes low on the head, spaced to match the cute, rounded look. Embroider or crochet a tiny beak between them.

Wings Make 2

With brown yarn:

1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
2. Round 2: sc, inc rep around. (9)
3. Rounds 3 to 4: sc around. (9)

Flatten lightly and sew to the sides so they sit close to the body.

Bird Beret

Make a miniature version of the bunny’s beret in yellow.

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

Fit it low on the head and sew securely.

Bird Vest

Make a tiny open-front vest in yellow, cropped high so the rust chest remains visible.

• Chain a short width to fit around the upper body.
• Work 3 to 4 rows in hdc or sc.
• Shape the fronts so they open at the center.
• Sew at the shoulders only, then tack lightly at the sides.

Bird Lower Garment

The lower garment echoes the bunny skirt with cream fabric, yellow edging, and small floral details. It can be made as a tiny wrap skirt or apron-like panel.

1. With cream yarn, chain enough for a small band around the lower body.
2. Work 3 to 4 rows of sc or a tiny lace repeat.
3. Add yellow trim along the lower edge.
4. Sew on 2 or 3 tiny yellow flowers with orange centers.

The piece should sit around the lower bird body and allow the feet area to remain visible.

Bird Tote

Make a miniature version of the bunny tote with yellow yarn. Keep it very small, just enough to hang or rest at the bird’s side.

• Create a tiny oval base
• Work 4 to 5 rounds straight upward
• Add one small handle

Sew or tack it at the side if desired.

Assembly Order

1. Complete the bunny head, ears, body, arms, and legs.
2. Sew the head to the body securely.
3. Attach ears so they fall straight down at the sides.
4. Dress the bunny with bodice and skirt, or sew clothing in place if made separately.
5. Add cardigan, then beret.
6. Sew shoes onto the feet.
7. Make and place the tote, bouquet, and folded cloth.
8. Complete the bird and dress it fully.

Take time to test the visual balance before the final stitches. The charm of the set comes from proportion. The beret should not cover the eyes. The cardigan should not hide the center flower. The skirt flowers should sit low and evenly spaced.

Color Placement Guide

• Cream: bunny body, skirt base, folded cloth, shoe top details
• Calendula yellow: berets, cardigan, skirt trim, shoe trim, tote bags, many petals
• Orange: flower centers, bouquet blooms, bird chest, accent petals
• Green: leaves, beret vine detail, tiny bag accent, bouquet stems, handkerchief embroidery
• Brown: bird body and wings

Keeping the yellow warm and slightly muted helps the finished set match the image. Avoid neon or lemon shades.

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Shaping Tips for Accuracy

The bunny’s head is the widest part of the doll. The neck is smaller and visible. The body underneath the clothes is fairly simple, so most of the silhouette comes from the garments and accessories rather than heavy body shaping.

The ears should begin close to the side-back of the head. If you place them too far forward, the face will look crowded. If you place them too far back, they will disappear behind the cardigan shoulders.

The skirt should flare modestly. Too much width will look dramatic rather than gentle. Too little width will hide the lace-like texture and floral panel effect seen in the image.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the eyes are level before securing the backs or finishing the embroidery. Shape the cheeks with your fingers while adjusting the stuffing so the face looks softly rounded. Keep the nose tiny and centered. Add the mouth with just a few stitches for a calm expression.

Sew the beret slightly forward on the head. Let the ears emerge from beneath it. Position the cardigan so the flower on the bodice stays fully visible. Arrange the accessories around the bunny and bird for the same warm display effect.

Care Notes

Display pieces last best when kept away from direct moisture and long hours of strong sun. If the set is handled often, use firmly stitched accessories and consider replacing safety eyes with embroidery for child-friendly versions.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head centered on neck
• Ears matched in length and angle
• Eyes evenly placed
• Dress flower centered
• Skirt flowers evenly spaced
• Cardigan fronts balanced
• Beret fitted low but not over the eyes
• Shoes aligned straight
• Bird colors mirrored with the bunny palette
• Accessories scaled neatly to the dolls

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For light cleaning, dust gently with clean dry hands or a very soft brush. For deeper cleaning, spot clean with cool water and mild soap, then blot with a towel. Reshape while damp and air dry flat. Do not wring, machine wash, or use high heat.

Store the set in a breathable container with tissue support under the hat and skirt if needed. Keep dark items away from damp storage to prevent color transfer. If displayed long term, rotate position occasionally so one side does not fade more than the other.