The Freesia Ribbon Basket Bunny is a stunning example of handcrafted artistry, perfect for those looking to add a touch of spring elegance to their home decor. Creating this heirloom-quality doll requires patience and precision, but the result is a breathtaking collectible that rivals high-end boutique toys you might shop for online.
This project utilizes premium cotton fibers to ensure durability and a polished finish, making it an ideal gift for special occasions or a centerpiece for a nursery. If you often browse the web to order artisan amigurumi supplies, this design will make excellent use of your high-quality yarn stash.
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 and Material Selection
Before we begin the actual stitching, it is vital to understand the scope of this project. The Freesia Ribbon Basket Bunny is designed to be a timeless piece. We are aiming for a tight, consistent gauge that prevents the stuffing from showing through, which is the hallmark of professional amigurumi.
To achieve the look in the photos, you should select your materials with care. While you can use acrylic, the definition of the stitch work in the cardigan and the delicate petals of the freesia flowers really shine when using mercerized cotton.
Required Materials
- Primary Yarn (Body): Approximately 120g of Sport or DK weight cotton yarn in a soft Cream or Oatmeal shade. This provides a vintage, natural look to the bunny.
- Secondary Yarn (Dress & Flower Crown): 60g of Cream or Ivory cotton yarn. This should match or slightly contrast with the body tone.
- Accent Yarn A (Cardigan): 50g of Antique Pink or Dusty Rose yarn. Choose a shade that mimics the soft blush of spring flowers.
- Accent Yarn B (Vines & Leaves): Small amount of Sage Green or Olive Green for the embroidery and the lizard companion.
- Accent Yarn C (Flowers): Scraps of Butter Yellow and Pale Pink for the freesia buds on the dress and headpiece.
- Basket Yarn: 40g of Light Brown or Tan yarn, preferably a stiffer cotton or a blend to hold the basket shape.
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B) hook for the bunny body and lizard to ensure tight stitches.
- 2.75mm (Size C) hook for the clothing (dress and cardigan) to allow for movement and drape.
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 10mm or 12mm black safety eyes for the bunny. One pair of 6mm eyes for the lizard.
- Stuffing: High-quality, cluster-resistant polyester fiberfill.
- Notions: Tapestry needle (long), stitch markers, embroidery scissors, and pink embroidery floss for the nose.
- Optional: A small piece of plastic canvas to reinforce the bottom of the feet and the basket.
Stitch Guide and Abbreviations
This pattern uses standard US terminology. Please familiarize yourself with these abbreviations before starting.
- MR: Magic Ring (adjustable ring)
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip stitch
- sc: Single crochet
- hdc: Half double crochet
- dc: Double crochet
- inc: Increase (2 sc in one st)
- dec: Invisible decrease (sc 2 together through front loops)
- BLO: Back Loop Only
- FLO: Front Loop Only
- Bobble: 4-dc bobble stitch (for the flowers)
- […] x N: Repeat the instructions in brackets N times.
- (N): Total number of stitches at the end of the row/round.
Part 1: The Bunny Head
We begin with the head, which is the most expressive part of the doll. Use the 2.25mm hook and the Cream/Oatmeal yarn. The head is worked in a continuous spiral, so do not join at the end of rounds unless specified.
Round 1: Create a Magic Ring. Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the center hole completely. (6)
Round 2: Work 1 inc in each stitch around. You should have 12 stitches by the end of this round. (12)
Round 3: [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat this sequence 6 times. (18)
Round 4: [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat this sequence 6 times. (24)
Round 5: [3 sc, 1 inc] repeat this sequence 6 times. (30)
Round 6: [4 sc, 1 inc] repeat this sequence 6 times. (36)
Round 7: [5 sc, 1 inc] repeat this sequence 6 times. (42)
Round 8: [6 sc, 1 inc] repeat this sequence 6 times. (48)
Round 9: [7 sc, 1 inc] repeat this sequence 6 times. (54)
Round 10: [8 sc, 1 inc] repeat this sequence 6 times. (60)
Round 11: [9 sc, 1 inc] repeat this sequence 6 times. (66)
Rounds 12-24: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Place a stitch marker at the start of each round to keep track. These 13 rounds build the height of the forehead and face. (66)
Note on Eye Placement: Before we begin decreasing, we need to place the safety eyes. Insert the 12mm eyes between Round 19 and Round 20. Space them approximately 11 or 12 stitches apart. Do not fasten the washers yet; check the symmetry.
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Round 25: [9 sc, 1 dec] repeat this sequence 6 times. (60)
Round 26: [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat this sequence 6 times. (54)
Round 27: [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat this sequence 6 times. (48)
Round 28: [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat this sequence 6 times. (42)
Round 29: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat this sequence 6 times. (36)
Stuffing Step: Begin stuffing the head now. Push the fiberfill firmly against the sides of the cheeks to round them out. The head should be firm, not squishy.
Round 30: [4 sc, 1 dec] repeat this sequence 6 times. (30)
Round 31: [3 sc, 1 dec] repeat this sequence 6 times. (24)
Round 32: [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat this sequence 6 times. (18)
Fasten off, leaving a very long tail (at least 12 inches) for sewing the head to the body later. Finish stuffing the head firmly, paying attention to the neck opening.
Part 2: The Long Lopped Ears
The ears are a signature feature of this bunny. They are made separately and sewn on. Make 2 identical ears using the 2.25mm hook and Cream yarn. Do not stuff the ears.
Round 1: Start with a Magic Ring. Work 6 sc into the ring. (6)
Round 2: Work 1 inc in each stitch around. (12)
Round 3: [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 4: [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 5: [3 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (30)
Rounds 6-15: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (30)
Round 16: [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (27)
Rounds 17-21: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (27)
Round 22: [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (24)
Rounds 23-27: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (24)
Round 28: [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (21)
Rounds 29-33: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (21)
Round 34: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (18)
Rounds 35-40: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (18)
Flatten the opening of the ear. Work a row of single crochet stitches through both layers to close the opening. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for assembly.
Part 3: Legs and Body
We will crochet the legs first and then join them together to form the body. This seamless construction creates a sturdy doll. Start with Cream yarn and the 2.25mm hook.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Create a Magic Ring. Work 6 sc. (6)
Round 2: Work 1 inc in each stitch around. (12)
Round 3: [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 4: [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (24)
Rounds 5-8: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (24)
Round 9: [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (21)
Rounds 10-12: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (21)
Round 13: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (18)
Rounds 14-25: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly as you go. (18)
Fasten off the first leg. Do not fasten off the second leg. Chain 3 from the second leg and join to the first leg with a sc. This chain counts as the bridge between the legs.
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Body
Round 26: Sc 18 around the first leg, sc 3 along one side of the chain, sc 18 around the second leg, sc 3 along the other side of the chain. You should have 42 stitches total. (42)
Round 27: [6 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (48)
Round 28: [7 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (54)
Rounds 29-38: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. This forms the tummy. (54)
Round 39: [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (48)
Rounds 40-41: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (48)
Round 42: [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (42)
Rounds 43-44: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (42)
Round 45: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (36)
Rounds 46-47: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (36)
Round 48: [4 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (30)
Rounds 49-50: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (30)
Round 51: [3 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 52: [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 53: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (18)
Fasten off. Stuff the body very firmly, especially the neck area to prevent the head from wobbling.
Part 4: The Arms
Make 2 arms using Cream yarn and the 2.25mm hook. Stuff only the lower hand portion.
Round 1: Magic Ring, 6 sc. (6)
Round 2: [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat 3 times. (9)
Round 3: [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat 3 times. (12)
Rounds 4-22: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (12)
Round 23: [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (9)
Flatten the opening and sc across to close. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Part 5: The Freesia Ribbon Dress
This exquisite dress is worked top-down. Use the 2.75mm hook and Cream/Off-White yarn. The fit should be slightly loose to go over the bunny.
Row 1: Ch 35. Start in 2nd ch from hook. Sc in each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (34)
Row 2: [3 sc, 1 inc] repeat across. End with 2 sc. Ch 1, turn. (42)
Row 3: [6 sc, 1 inc] repeat across. Ch 1, turn. (48)
Row 4 (Armholes): Sc 7, ch 8, skip 10 stitches, sc 14, ch 8, skip 10 stitches, sc 7. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Sc in every stitch and chain across. You will join into a round at the end of this row. Sl st to the first sc. (44)
Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as first dc). Dc in each st around. Join. (44)
Round 7: Ch 2. [3 dc, 1 inc] repeat around. Join. (55)
Rounds 8-15: Ch 2. Dc in each st around. Join. (55)
Round 16 (The Hem): Ch 1. [Sc, skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st] repeat around to create a scalloped shell edge. Sl st to join. Fasten off.
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The Freesia Vine Embroidery
This is the detail that brings the “Freesia Ribbon” theme to life. You will embroider directly onto the skirt of the dress.
- Vines: Use the Sage Green yarn and a tapestry needle. Stitch a wavy line horizontally around the skirt, about 3 rounds up from the hem. Use a stem stitch or a simple running stitch.
- Flowers: Using Butter Yellow and Pale Pink yarn, stitch small French Knots or simple loop stitches along the green vine. Alternate colors to create a meadow effect.
- Leaves: Add small “V” stitches in Green near the flowers to represent leaves.
Part 6: The Antique Pink Cardigan
The cardigan adds texture and warmth. Use the Antique Pink yarn and 2.75mm hook. It is worked flat.
Row 1: Ch 37. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 1, turn. (36)
Row 2: [5 sc, 1 inc] repeat across. Ch 1, turn. (42)
Row 3 (Armholes): Sc 6, ch 8, skip 8, sc 14, ch 8, skip 8, sc 6. Ch 1, turn.
Row 4: Sc across all stitches and chains. Ch 1, turn. (42)
Rows 5-10 (Texture): Work in a pattern of [1 sc, 1 dc] repeat across. This “grit stitch” creates a lovely texture. Ch 1, turn.
Row 11: Sc across. Fasten off.
Sleeves: Attach yarn to the armhole. Work 18 sc around the armhole opening. Work in spiral for 10 rounds. Finish with a round of slip stitches for a neat cuff.
Button: Sew a tiny button to the top right corner of the cardigan. Create a small chain loop on the left corner to serve as a buttonhole.
Part 7: The Woven-Style Basket
Use the Light Brown/Tan yarn and a 2.25mm hook. We want this to be stiff.
Round 1: Magic Ring, 8 sc. (8)
Round 2: Inc in each st. (16)
Round 3: [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat around. (24)
Round 4: [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat around. (32)
Round 5: Work in Back Loop Only (BLO). Sc in each st around. This creates the sharp edge for the base. (32)
Rounds 6-12: Work in regular sc around. (32)
Round 13 (Handle): Sc 10, ch 12 (skip 6 sts), sc 10, ch 12 (skip 6 sts). Join.
Round 14: Sc in every st and in each ch of the handles. Fasten off.
Pro Tip: Cut a circle of plastic canvas or cardboard and place it in the bottom of the basket so it stands flat.
Part 8: The Lizard Companion
This tiny friend adds character. Use Green yarn and 2.25mm hook.
Head/Body:
Round 1: MR, 6 sc.
Round 2: [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat 3 times. (9)
Rounds 3-4: Sc around. (9)
Round 5: [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat 3 times. (12)
Rounds 6-10: Sc around. (12)
Round 11: Dec around. (6)
Fasten off, sewing the hole closed. Stuff lightly.
Tail: Ch 10. Sc back down the chain. Sew to the back of the body.
Legs (Make 4): Ch 3. Sc in 2nd and 3rd ch. Sew to the underside of the body.
Decoration: Sew a tiny pink flower (created with a magic ring and 4 slip stitches) onto the lizard’s back or head.
Part 9: Flower Crown and Shoes
Flower Crown
Band: Chain a length of Cream yarn long enough to wrap around the bunny’s head (approx. 50 ch). Sl st to first ch to join.
Flowers: Crochet 5 small flowers directly onto the chain or separately: [In MR: (ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st) x 5]. Sew these along the front of the band using Pink and Yellow yarn.
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Shoes (Make 2)
Use Cream yarn.
Round 1: Ch 7. 2 sc in 2nd ch, sc 4, 4 sc in last ch. Rotate. sc 4, 2 sc in last st. (16)
Round 2: Inc, sc 5, 4 inc, sc 5, inc. (22)
Round 3: BLO sc around. (22)
Rounds 4-5: Sc around. (22)
Strap: Ch 6, join to opposite side. Fasten off. Add a tiny pink embroidered flower on the toe.
Part 10: Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now comes the magic of bringing your bunny to life.
- Head to Body: Pin the head to the neck opening of the body. Ensure the nose is facing forward, aligned with the center of the tummy. Sew securely using the whipstitch method, adding extra stuffing to the neck as you close the gap to prevent a “floppy head.”
- Attaching Ears: Position the ears on top of the head, approximately at Round 4 or 5. They should be slightly to the side to frame the face. Sew the flattened edge securely.
- Attaching Arms: Pin the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam (around Round 52 of the body). Sew the top opening of the arm to the body.
- Facial Features:
- Nose: Use the dark brown or pink embroidery floss. Satin stitch a small triangle or “Y” shape between the eyes.
- Mouth: Stitch a small vertical line down from the nose to create the mouth cleft.
- Cheeks: Use a real cosmetic blush and a soft brush to gently dab pink circles under the eyes. This gives the bunny a warm, living quality.
- Dressing: Put the dress on the bunny first (feet first). Then add the shoes. Put the cardigan on over the dress. Place the flower crown on the head.
- Props: Place the lizard near the bunny’s feet or inside the basket.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Have you woven in all loose ends securely?
- Are the safety eyes clicked in fully (if you haven’t closed the head yet)?
- Is the neck stuffed firmly enough to support the head?
- Are the limbs attached symmetrically?
- Did you add the blush to the cheeks?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this is an heirloom item made with premium cotton, proper care is essential to ensure it lasts for generations.
Dusting: Regularly dust the doll with a lint roller or a soft-bristled brush to prevent dust accumulation in the crochet texture.
Spot Cleaning: If the bunny gets a small stain, use a damp cloth with mild soap and warm water. Blot the stain gently; do not rub, as this can felt the yarn or cause pilling.
Washing: If a full wash is necessary, place the bunny in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag. Wash on a delicate, cold cycle with mild detergent. Never use a tumble dryer. Re-shape the bunny while it is damp and let it air dry completely on a towel away from direct sunlight (which can fade the cotton colors).
Storage: If storing for a long period, place the bunny in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and cause mildew. Keep lavender sachets nearby to deter moths, though cotton is generally resistant to pests.
Enjoy your beautiful Freesia Ribbon Basket Bunny! This pattern is a labor of love, and we hope it brings joy to your home.
