Welcome to the cozy, intellectual world of the Aster Bookshop Bunny. This project is a celebration of quiet afternoons spent among dusty bookshelves and the smell of old paper. If you have been looking for the perfect excuse to buy some high-end matte cotton yarn or treat yourself to a new set of ergonomic crochet hooks, this intricate design is exactly what you need. This bunny is not just a toy; she is a character with a story, complete with her own little raccoon reading buddy and a collection of vintage-inspired accessories.
Creating a scene like this, with so many miniature components, allows you to practice fine motor skills and precision embroidery. When you purchase your supplies, consider looking for yarns with a vintage, muted color palette to capture the “dark academia” aesthetic of the bookshop theme. Investing in quality fiberfill and safety eyes will ensure your bunny stands the test of time, ready to be passed down as a beloved heirloom. We hope you enjoy the slow, meditative process of bringing this literary world to life.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Chapter 1: The Curator’s Collection – Materials and Tools
To recreate the Aster Bookshop Bunny as pictured, precise material selection is key. The charm lies in the harmony of the colors—the deep mauve of the dress against the creamy fur and the rustic browns of the accessories.
Yarn Palette and Recommendations
We recommend a Sport Weight (Category 2) or a light DK Weight (Category 3) cotton yarn. Cotton is non-negotiable for this pattern if you want to achieve the crisp definition on the tiny camera and the raccoon’s mask. Acrylic can be too fuzzy for these miniature details.
- Cream/Oatmeal (approx. 120g): For the bunny’s head, ears, body, and the raccoon’s light patches. Choose a shade that looks like unbleached paper.
- Mauve/Dusty Purple (approx. 60g): For the dress and the bucket hat. This specific shade of “Aster” purple is the heart of the design.
- Ecru/Off-White (approx. 40g): For the cardigan vest. It should be slightly lighter than the bunny’s fur to stand out, or a slightly different texture.
- Cocoa Brown (approx. 30g): For the shoes and the vintage camera body.
- Charcoal Grey/Black (approx. 20g): For the raccoon’s mask, tail stripes, and camera lens.
- Sage Green & Golden Yellow (Scraps): Essential for the embroidery of the aster flowers and leaves.
Toolbox Essentials
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (US B/1): This is your primary hook for all amigurumi parts (bunny, raccoon, camera). The tight tension creates a fabric that holds stuffing firmly without gaps.
- 2.75mm (US C/2): Use this slightly larger hook for the cardigan and the skirt of the dress to give the clothing a bit more drape and movement.
- Safety Eyes: 10mm black eyes for the bunny, and smaller 6mm or 8mm eyes for the raccoon.
- Embroidery Needle: A sharp needle is better than a tapestry needle for the surface embroidery on the dress and pockets.
- Stitch Markers: Vital for keeping track of the continuous spirals.
- Fiberfill: High-quality polyester stuffing.
- Cardboard or Plastic Canvas: Small circles to reinforce the soles of the shoes so the bunny can stand.
Chapter 2: Technical Glossary and Stitch Guide
Let’s review the terminology to ensure a smooth crafting experience.
Abbreviations (US Standard Terms)
- MR (Magic Ring): The essential starting method for rounds.
- sc (Single Crochet): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- inc (Increase): Work 2 sc into the same stitch.
- dec (Invisible Decrease): Insert hook into Front Loop Only (FLO) of stitch A, then FLO of stitch B. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two.
- hdc (Half Double Crochet): Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
- dc (Double Crochet): Used for the cardigan texture.
- BLO (Back Loops Only): Working into the back loop to create ridges or turning points.
- FLO (Front Loops Only): Working into the front loop, usually to attach skirts or ruffles.
- sl st (Slip Stitch): Used to join or travel across stitches.
Chapter 3: The Bunny – Body Construction
We begin with the bunny itself. We will work from the legs up to create a seamless body, and then crochet the head and ears separately.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Using Cream yarn and the 2.25mm hook, make a Magic Ring. Work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
Round 2: Work inc in every stitch around. (12 sts)
Round 3: Work *1 sc, inc* around. (18 sts)
Round 4: Work *2 sc, inc* around. (24 sts)
Rounds 5–7: Sc around. (24 sts)
Round 8 (The Foot): Work 8 sc, then 4 dec consecutively to shape the toes, then 8 sc. (20 sts)
Round 9: Work 8 sc, 2 dec, 8 sc. (18 sts)
Rounds 10–22: Sc around. Stuff the foot area very firmly to help the bunny stand. Stuff the leg shaft moderately. (18 sts)
Action: Fasten off the first leg. Do not fasten off the second leg. We will join them in the next round.
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The Body
Round 23 (Union): From the second leg, chain 3. Join to the first leg with a sc. Sc around the remaining 17 stitches of the first leg. Sc into each of the 3 chains. Sc around the 18 stitches of the second leg. Sc into the other side of the 3 chains. (42 sts)
Round 24: Work *6 sc, inc* around. (48 sts)
Round 25: Work *7 sc, inc* around. (54 sts)
Rounds 26–34: Sc around. This forms the hips and tummy. (54 sts)
Round 35: Work *7 sc, dec* around. (48 sts)
Rounds 36–38: Sc around. (48 sts)
Round 39: Work *6 sc, dec* around. (42 sts)
Rounds 40–42: Sc around. (42 sts)
Round 43: Work *5 sc, dec* around. (36 sts)
Rounds 44–46: Sc around. (36 sts)
Round 47: Work *4 sc, dec* around. (30 sts)
Rounds 48–49: Sc around. (30 sts)
Round 50: Work *3 sc, dec* around. (24 sts)
Round 51: Work *2 sc, dec* around. (18 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff the body firmly, adding extra stuffing to the neck area to support the large head.
The Head
Round 1: With Cream yarn, MR, 6 sc. (6 sts)
Round 2: Inc in each st. (12 sts)
Round 3: *1 sc, inc* around. (18 sts)
Round 4: *2 sc, inc* around. (24 sts)
Round 5: *3 sc, inc* around. (30 sts)
Round 6: *4 sc, inc* around. (36 sts)
Round 7: *5 sc, inc* around. (42 sts)
Round 8: *6 sc, inc* around. (48 sts)
Round 9: *7 sc, inc* around. (54 sts)
Round 10: *8 sc, inc* around. (60 sts)
Rounds 11–23: Sc around. Place markers for eyes at Round 18, about 12 stitches apart.
Insert Safety Eyes: Place the 10mm eyes between Round 18 and 19. Check symmetry before locking.
Round 24: *8 sc, dec* around. (54 sts)
Round 25: *7 sc, dec* around. (48 sts)
Round 26: *6 sc, dec* around. (42 sts)
Round 27: *5 sc, dec* around. (36 sts)
Round 28: *4 sc, dec* around. (30 sts)
Round 29: *3 sc, dec* around. (24 sts)
Round 30: *2 sc, dec* around. (18 sts)
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Fasten off. Stuff firmly.
The Lop Ears (Make 2)
Round 1: MR, 6 sc.
Round 2: Inc around. (12 sts)
Round 3: *1 sc, inc* around. (18 sts)
Round 4: *2 sc, inc* around. (24 sts)
Rounds 5–9: Sc around. (24 sts)
Round 10: *10 sc, dec* twice. (22 sts)
Rounds 11–15: Sc around. (22 sts)
Round 16: *9 sc, dec* twice. (20 sts)
Rounds 17–21: Sc around. (20 sts)
Round 22: *8 sc, dec* twice. (18 sts)
Rounds 23–32: Sc around. (18 sts)
Round 33: *7 sc, dec* twice. (16 sts)
Round 34: *6 sc, dec* twice. (14 sts)
Flatten and sew closed. Do not stuff.
Arms (Make 2)
Round 1: MR, 6 sc.
Round 2: Inc around. (12 sts)
Rounds 3–20: Sc around. (12 sts)
Flatten and sew closed.
Chapter 4: The Mauve Dress and Cardigan
This is where the character comes alive. The dress is designed to be removable, buttoning at the back.
The Mauve Jumper Dress
Use the Mauve/Purple yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Bodice (Worked Flat):
Row 1: Chain 31. Sc in 2nd ch and across. Ch 1, turn. (30 sts)
Row 2: *4 sc, inc* across. Ch 1, turn. (36 sts)
Row 3: Sc across. (36 sts)
Row 4 (Armholes): 5 sc, ch 6 (skip 6 sts), 14 sc, ch 6 (skip 6 sts), 5 sc. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Sc in all sts and chains. (36 sts)
Rows 6–10: Sc across. (36 sts)
Skirt (Worked in Rounds):
Round 11: Join to first st. Ch 2, *2 dc, dc inc* around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 12: Ch 2, *3 dc, dc inc* around. Join. (60 sts)
Rounds 13–20: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (60 sts)
Round 21 (Edging): Ch 1, sc in each st around. Fasten off.
Embroidery: On the center chest of the dress, embroider a large Aster flower.
– Center: French knot in Yellow.
– Petals: Straight stitches radiating out in Purple/Lilac.
– Leaves: Lazy daisy stitches in Green.
The Cream Cardigan Vest
Use Ecru/Off-White yarn. Worked flat.
Row 1: Ch 35. Sc in 2nd ch and across. (34 sts)
Row 2: Sc across.
Row 3 (Armholes): 6 sc, ch 7 (skip 6), 10 sc, ch 7 (skip 6), 6 sc.
Row 4: Sc across. (36 sts)
Rows 5–12: Sc across. (36 sts)
Border: Sc evenly around the entire vest edge to neaten. Fasten off.
Pockets (Make 2): Ch 5, sc 4 rows. Sew to the front panels of the cardigan.
Pocket Embroidery: Embroider a mini Aster flower on each pocket to match the dress.
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The Bucket Hat
Use Mauve yarn.
Round 1: MR, 6 sc.
Round 2: Inc around. (12 sts)
Round 3: *1 sc, inc* around. (18 sts)
Round 4: *2 sc, inc* around. (24 sts)
Round 5: *3 sc, inc* around. (30 sts)
Round 6: *4 sc, inc* around. (36 sts)
Round 7: *5 sc, inc* around. (42 sts)
Round 8: *6 sc, inc* around. (48 sts)
Round 9: BLO sc around (defines the top edge). (48 sts)
Rounds 10–13: Sc around. (48 sts)
Round 14 (Brim): FLO *3 sc, inc* around. (60 sts)
Round 15: *4 sc, inc* around. (72 sts)
Round 16: Sc around. Fasten off.
Mary Jane Shoes (Make 2)
Use Brown yarn.
Round 1: Ch 6. Start in 2nd ch. 4 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Turn. 3 sc, inc. (12 sts)
Round 2: Inc, 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, 2 inc. (18 sts)
Round 3: *1 sc, inc* x2, 2 sc, *1 sc, inc* x3, 2 sc, inc. (24 sts)
Round 4: BLO sc around. (24 sts)
Rounds 5–6: Sc around.
Round 7: 8 sc, 4 dec, 8 sc. (20 sts)
Strap: Ch 6, sl st to opposite side. Fasten off.
Chapter 5: The Raccoon Companion and Accessories
No bookshop is complete without a mascot. The raccoon is small but detailed.
The Raccoon
Head: With Grey yarn. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Sc 1 round. Change to Black for mask patches (3 sts each side). Change back to Grey. Increase to 18. Sc 2 rounds. Dec to 6.
Body: With Grey. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Sc 4 rounds. Dec to 6.
Tail: With Grey/Black. MR 4 sc. Inc to 8. Sc 6 rounds alternating colors for stripes. Dec to 4.
Assembly: Sew head to body. Sew tail to back. Sew tiny white ears (ch 3 loops) to head. Embroider nose.
Vintage Camera (Make 2 – Large for Bunny, Small for Raccoon)
Body: With Brown. Ch 6 (or 4 for small). Sc in rectangle spiral to make a box shape. Stuff lightly.
Lens: With Black. MR 6 sc. BLO sc 1 round. Sew to front.
Strap: Chain 40. Attach to sides.
Postcard and Bookmark
Postcard: With Cream. Ch 8, sc 5 rows. Embroider a tiny purple flower “stamp” and some lines for text.
Bookmark: With Cream. Ch 4, sc 10 rows. Embroider vertical vine with purple buds. Attach a tassel.
Bouquet of Asters
Stems: With Green. Ch 10. (Make 5).
Flowers: With Purple. MR, *ch 3, sl st in ring* x 5. Sew to stems.
Wrap: Tie the stems together with a piece of twine or brown yarn.
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Chapter 6: Assembly and Finishing Touches
The magic is in the details. Follow these steps for a professional finish.
Step 1: Structural Assembly
Sew the head to the body using the whipstitch method. Ensure the neck is stuffed firmly so the head doesn’t droop. Attach the ears low on the sides of the head (approx Round 8 from top) and angle them slightly back for that sweet lop-eared look. Sew the arms to the shoulders.
Step 2: Facial Sculpting
To give the bunny a thoughtful expression:
1. Thread a needle with Cream yarn.
2. Insert at the base of the neck, come out at the inner corner of the left eye.
3. Go in at the outer corner, come back out at the neck.
4. Pull gently to sink the eye socket. Repeat for the right eye.
5. Nose: Use Brown embroidery thread. Stitch a Y shape.
6. Blush: Apply a dust of pink blush to the cheeks.
Step 3: Dressing
Put the dress on first, then the shoes. Slide the cardigan over the dress. Place the bucket hat on the head (you can tack it down with a stitch if you wish). Hang the large camera around the bunny’s neck.
Step 4: Setting the Scene
Place the postcard and bookmark in the bunny’s hand or pocket. Position the raccoon next to her feet, holding his tiny camera. Place the bouquet in the other arm.
Care Notes
Your Aster Bookshop Bunny is a handcrafted piece of art.
- Cleaning: Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not submerge, as the cardboard in the shoes will soften.
- Dusting: Use a lint roller to remove dust from the dark purple dress.
- Storage: Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the purple yarn from fading.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Are the safety eyes secure on both the bunny and raccoon?
- Is the head stable?
- Are all loose ends woven in?
- Is the embroidery on the dress and cardigan symmetrical?
- Does the bunny stand on its own? (Adjust stuffing in feet if needed).
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
To maintain the heirloom quality of this set, we recommend storing it in a dust bag when not on display. If the crochet fabric becomes pilled over time, gently use a fabric shaver. For the accessories, particularly the paper-like postcard (if you used stiffener), keep them dry. This bunny is designed to be a quiet companion for your reading nooks and library shelves.
Thank you for crafting the Aster Bookshop Bunny. We hope she brings a touch of literary magic to your home.
