Welcome to the heartwarming project of creating the Carnation Keepsake Bunny. This doll is designed to be a timeless treasure, evoking memories of vintage spring gardens and delicate floral arrangements. If you have been searching for a project that allows you to buy the softest pink cotton yarns and utilize your finest crochet hooks, this design is the perfect canvas for your artistry. The combination of intricate floral appliques and the charming poodle companion makes this a standout piece for any collection.
Creating an heirloom-quality doll like this requires patience and a love for detail. When you purchase your supplies, we recommend selecting high-quality mercerized cotton for the clothing to achieve the crisp definition of the carnation petals, and a soft matte cotton for the bunny’s fur. Whether you are crafting this for a new baby, a collector, or as a comforting presence for yourself, the time spent stitching every rosebud and curl will result in a masterpiece.
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 Keepsake Collection – Materials and Preparation
To recreate the Carnation Keepsake Bunny exactly as she appears, paying attention to the color palette and textures is essential. The look is defined by soft blush pinks, warm creams, and vintage greens.
Yarn Selection Guide
We strongly recommend using a Sport Weight (Category 2) or DK Weight (Category 3) cotton yarn. Cotton provides the stitch definition needed for the embroidery and the structure for the accessories.
- Bunny Skin (approx. 100g): A warm Biscuit or Oatmeal shade. Avoid bright white; a natural tone looks more vintage.
- Carnation Pink (approx. 80g): For the dress, beret, and locket center. This should be a medium, rosy pink.
- Cream/Ivory (approx. 60g): For the cardigan, handkerchief, and shoe contrast.
- Sage Green (approx. 20g): For the shoe soles, locket rim, and floral stems.
- Poodle Beige (approx. 30g): A textured or curly yarn is great, but standard cotton worked in bobble stitches works perfectly for the poodle companion.
- Dark Brown (Scrap): For embroidery of the nose and eyes.
The Artisan’s Toolkit
Having the right tools ensures your project proceeds smoothly.
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (US B/1): For the bunny body, poodle, and locket to ensure tight stitches.
- 2.75mm (US C/2): For the clothing (dress and cardigan) to provide a softer drape.
- Safety Eyes: 10mm black eyes for the bunny; 6mm eyes for the poodle.
- Embroidery Needles: A sharp needle is crucial for the rosebuds on the cardigan.
- Fiberfill: High-loft polyester stuffing that clumps well.
- Pins: Glass-head pins for positioning the flowers.
- Stiffener: A small piece of plastic canvas for the shoe soles (optional).
Chapter 2: Technical Stitch Glossary
Familiarize yourself with these terms to ensure a smooth crafting experience.
- MR (Magic Ring): Creates a tight, hole-free center for rounds.
- sc (Single Crochet): The primary stitch for the amigurumi.
- inc (Increase): Work 2 sc in the same stitch.
- dec (Invisible Decrease): Insert hook in FLO of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2.
- hdc (Half Double Crochet): Used for height transitions.
- dc (Double Crochet): Used in the skirt.
- Bobble Stitch: (Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops) x 5. Yarn over, pull through all loops. Used for the poodle’s fur.
- BLO (Back Loops Only): Work only in the loop furthest from you.
- FLO (Front Loops Only): Work only in the loop closest to you.
- Picot: Ch 3, sl st back into the first ch.
Chapter 3: Sculpting the Bunny
We begin by constructing the bunny. The legs are made first and joined to form the body. The head is made separately.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Cream yarn (Shoe inner). Create 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)
Round 5: Work in BLO. Sc around. This creates the sole edge. (24 sts)
Rounds 6–8: Sc around. (24 sts)
Round 9 (Toe Shaping): Work 8 sc, then 4 dec, then 8 sc. (20 sts)
Round 10: Work 8 sc, 2 dec, 8 sc. (18 sts)
Round 11: Change to Pink (Legs/Tights). Work in BLO. Sc around. (18 sts)
Rounds 12–25: Sc around in Pink. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg moderately. (18 sts)
Action: Fasten off the first leg. Do not fasten off the second leg. We will join them.
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The Body
Round 26 (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 27: Work *6 sc, inc* around. (48 sts)
Round 28: Work *7 sc, inc* around. (54 sts)
Rounds 29–35: Sc around. This forms the hips. (54 sts)
Round 36: Work *7 sc, dec* around. (48 sts)
Rounds 37–39: Sc around. Change to Biscuit/Skin color at Round 39.
Round 40: Work *6 sc, dec* around. (42 sts)
Rounds 41–43: Sc around. (42 sts)
Round 44: Work *5 sc, dec* around. (36 sts)
Rounds 45–47: Sc around. (36 sts)
Round 48: Work *4 sc, dec* around. (30 sts)
Rounds 49–50: Sc around. (30 sts)
Round 51: Work *3 sc, dec* around. (24 sts)
Round 52: Work *2 sc, dec* around. (18 sts)
Fasten off. Stuff the body firmly, especially the neck area.
The Head
Round 1: With Biscuit 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 11–22: Sc around. (60 sts)
Round 23: *8 sc, dec* around. (54 sts)
Insert Safety Eyes: Place 10mm eyes between Rounds 18 and 19, spaced 12 stitches apart.
Round 24: *7 sc, dec* around. (48 sts)
Round 25: *6 sc, dec* around. (42 sts)
Round 26: *5 sc, dec* around. (36 sts)
Round 27: *4 sc, dec* around. (30 sts)
Round 28: *3 sc, dec* around. (24 sts)
Round 29: *2 sc, dec* around. (18 sts)
Fasten off. Stuff firmly.
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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 5–10: Sc around. (24 sts)
Round 11: *10 sc, dec* twice. (22 sts)
Rounds 12–15: Sc around. (22 sts)
Round 16: *9 sc, dec* twice. (20 sts)
Rounds 17–25: Sc around. (20 sts)
Round 26: *8 sc, dec* twice. (18 sts)
Rounds 27–32: 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 3–18: Sc around. Flatten and sew closed.
Chapter 4: The Carnation Wardrobe
The outfit is what makes this bunny a keepsake. The carnation theme is carried through the waist and hem.
The Pink Dress
Use Carnation Pink yarn and 2.75mm hook. Worked from neck down.
Row 1: Ch 27. Sc in 2nd ch and across. (26 sts)
Row 2: *2 sc, inc* across. (34 sts)
Row 3: Sc across.
Row 4 (Armholes): 5 sc, ch 6 (skip 6), 12 sc, ch 6 (skip 6), 5 sc.
Row 5: Sc across all sts and chains. (34 sts)
Rows 6–10: Sc across. Join to form a circle at the back.
The Skirt
Round 11: Ch 2, *1 dc, dc inc* around. Join. (51 sts)
Round 12: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc inc* around. Join. (68 sts)
Rounds 13–20: Dc around. (68 sts)
The Carnation Belt & Hem
This is a textured floral garland.
Waist Flowers: Surface crochet around the waistline (Round 10). *Ch 3, 3 dc in same st, ch 3, sl st in same st. Skip 1 st.* Repeat around. This creates a ruffled, flower-like belt.
Hem Flowers: Repeat the same ruffle/flower pattern along the bottom hem of the skirt. Use alternate shades of pink (dark and light) if available for depth.
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The Cream Cardigan
Use Cream yarn. Worked flat. This cardigan has a ribbed texture.
Row 1: Ch 30. Sc in 2nd ch and across. (29 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Work in BLO (Back Loops Only) across. Sc across. The BLO creates the ribbing.
Row 3 (Armholes): 5 sc, ch 7 (skip 5), 9 sc, ch 7 (skip 5), 5 sc.
Row 4: Sc across all sts and chains in BLO.
Rows 5–10: Sc across in BLO.
Embroidery: Using Pink and Green floss, embroider small rosebuds up the front lapels of the cardigan. Use french knots for the buds and lazy daisy stitches for the leaves.
The Beret
Round 1: With Pink. 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: Sc around. (48 sts)
Round 10: *6 sc, dec* around. (42 sts)
Round 11: *5 sc, dec* around. (36 sts). Fasten off.
Decoration: Make a small carnation (Ch 4 ring, 12 dc into ring. Next round: *Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 3, sl st* in each stitch). Sew to the side of the beret.
Shoes
Sole: With Sage Green. Ch 6. Oval spiral (work around chain). 3 rounds.
Upper: Change to Cream. BLO sc around. Sc 2 rounds. Dec at toe.
Strap: Ch 6. Sew across. Add a tiny pink flower button.
Chapter 5: The Keepsake Accessories
These detailed miniatures define the character.
The Poodle Companion
This tiny dog uses the Bobble Stitch to mimic curly fur.
Head: With Beige. MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. *Sc, Bobble* around for 3 rounds. Dec to 6.
Body: MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. *Sc, Bobble* around for 4 rounds. Dec to 6.
Ears: Ch 4, Bobble in 2nd ch, sl st. Sew to head.
Legs: Make 4. Ch 3, Bobble in 2nd ch. Sew to body.
Tail: Ch 3, Bobble at tip.
Accessory: Tie a small pink bow on the poodle’s head.
The Locket
Back: With Sage Green. MR 6, inc to 12. Fasten off.
Front: With Pink (Center). MR 6. Change to Cream (Rim). Inc to 12. Fasten off.
Assembly: Sew Back and Front together. Join Green yarn to top and Ch 50 for the necklace chain. Join to start loop.
The Handkerchief
Row 1: With Cream. Ch 21. Sc in 2nd ch and across. (20 sts)
Rows 2–20: Sc across to form a square.
Border: Join Pink yarn. *Sc, ch 2, sc* in each stitch around. Fasten off.
Detail: Embroider a small line of eyelets or dots across one corner.
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Chapter 6: Final Assembly and Sculpting
Precision in assembly brings the character to life.
Step 1: Head and Body Union
Pin the head to the body. Using the biscuit yarn tail, whipstitch around the neck twice. Ensure the head is firm and does not wobble. If needed, insert a neck stabilizer (rolled felt or extra stuffing).
Step 2: Ear Placement
Position the ears on the sides of the head at Round 8. They should be low and set slightly back. Sew across the flat top edge.
Step 3: Face Sculpting
To create the sweet expression:
Eye Indentation: Thread a needle with Biscuit yarn. Insert at the neck base, come out at the inner corner of the left eye. Go in at the outer corner, come out at the neck. Pull tight to sink the eye. Knot. Repeat for the right eye.
Nose: Use Brown embroidery thread to stitch a ‘Y’ shape between the eyes.
Blush: Apply a small amount of pink blush to the cheeks using a dry brush.
Step 4: Dressing
Put the dress on first. Put the shoes on. Slide the cardigan on. Place the beret on the head. Hang the locket around the neck. Place the handkerchief and poodle near the bunny.
Care Notes
To keep your Carnation Keepsake Bunny looking her best:
- Cleaning: Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. The poodle’s bobble stitches can trap dust, so use compressed air or a lint roller gently.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the pink yarn from fading.
- Handling: This is a delicate item; handle the embroidered parts with care.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Are the safety eyes secure?
- Is the rosebud embroidery neat?
- Is the head stable?
- Are all yarn ends woven in?
- Does the dress hem curl nicely?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
If the bunny gathers dust, use a lint roller or masking tape to gently lift it off the surface. If the dress flowers become flattened, you can fluff them up using the tip of a yarn needle. For long-term storage, place the bunny in a cotton bag to allow the fibers to breathe while protecting it from dust. This bunny is an heirloom piece, meant to be cherished for generations.
Thank you for crafting the Carnation Keepsake Bunny. We hope she brings a touch of vintage elegance to your home.
