The Lily Pad Pond Bunny is a serene and whimsical tribute to the quiet magic found at the water’s edge. This exquisite artisan project captures the essence of a peaceful afternoon spent watching dragonflies dart among the reeds. The centerpiece of this design is a soft, oatmeal-colored rabbit with a gentle, contemplative expression, evoking the calm of a still pond. She is dressed in an ensemble that reflects her aquatic home: a sage green dress featuring a unique scalloped hemline designed to resemble overlapping lily pads, adorned with tiny pastel flowers.
To keep the evening chill at bay, she wears a simple, textured cream bolero jacket. Her look is completed with a white bucket hat topped with a magnificent water lily bloom and a whimsical blue “water droplet” shoulder bag. To achieve the crisp definition of the lily pad scallops and the structural integrity of the tiny frog companion, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the green tones remain earthy and the accessories hold their shape over time. This project is a wonderful way to use your stash if you love to shop for artisan handmade collectibles supplies.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Comprehensive Material List and Preparation
To faithfully recreate the “Lily Pond” aesthetic, selecting the right color palette is paramount. You need a natural “Oatmeal” or “Stone” for the bunny, a calming “Sage Green” or “Leaf Green” for the dress, and a bright “Water Blue” for the bag.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 150g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in Oatmeal, Beige, or Cream. A matte finish yarn is preferred to give the bunny a natural, soft fur appearance.
- Dress Yarn: 70g of Sage Green or Fern Green cotton yarn. This will form the main body of the dress and the lily pad hem.
- Cardigan & Hat Yarn: 50g of Cream or Off-White cotton yarn.
- Bag Yarn: 20g of Bright Blue or Sky Blue yarn to represent a water droplet.
- Flower Accents: Scraps of White (petals), Yellow (centers), and Pink (small dress flowers).
- Frog Companion: Spring Green or Lime Green yarn.
- Shoes: Sage Green yarn to match the dress.
Tools and Notions
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the frog, and the bag to ensure a tight gauge where stuffing doesn’t show through.
- 2.75mm (Size C/2): Used for the dress, cardigan, and hat to allow for a softer drape and easier fit over the body.
- Safety Eyes:
- One pair of 12mm solid black eyes for the bunny.
- One pair of 6mm black eyes for the frog.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the bunny’s nose; Pink for the cheeks; Black for the frog’s mouth.
- Notions: A long tapestry needle, stitch markers, embroidery needle, and cosmetic blush.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. The complexity lies in the “Lily Pad” scallop stitch on the dress and the shaping of the teardrop bag. Please review these before starting.
- MR: Magic Ring (the foundation for circular work).
- sc: Single crochet.
- inc: Increase (work two single crochets into the same stitch).
- dec: Invisible decrease (work through the front loops only to reduce bulk).
- hdc: Half double crochet.
- dc: Double crochet.
- tr: Treble crochet.
- sl st: Slip stitch.
- ch: Chain stitch.
- BLO: Back loops only.
- FLO: Front loops only.
- st(s): Stitch or stitches.
- Shell Stitch: A group of stitches (usually 5 or 7 dc) worked into a single stitch to create a fan or scallop shape.
Phase 1: The Sculpted Bunny Head
The head is the most character-defining part of the doll. We are aiming for a rounded, slightly flattened sphere to give a “baby face” look. Use the 2.25mm hook and Oatmeal yarn. Work in continuous spirals.
Round 1: Begin with a Magic Ring. Crochet 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the hole. (6)
Round 2: Work 1 inc (2 sc) in every stitch around. (12)
Round 3: Perform a sequence of [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 4: Perform a sequence of [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 5: Perform a sequence of [3 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (30)
Round 6: Perform a sequence of [4 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (36)
Round 7: Perform a sequence of [5 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (42)
Round 8: Perform a sequence of [6 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (48)
Round 9: Perform a sequence of [7 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (54)
Round 10: Perform a sequence of [8 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (60)
Round 11: Perform a sequence of [9 sc, 1 inc] repeat 6 times. (66)
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Rounds 12-25: Work 1 sc in each of the 66 stitches around. This substantial section (14 rounds) builds the height of the face. Ensure your tension remains consistent so the fabric is smooth and free of holes. (66)
Eye Placement: Insert the 12mm safety eyes between Round 19 and Round 20. Position them approximately 12 stitches apart. Ensure they are level before snapping the back washers on.
Round 26: Perform a sequence of [9 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (60)
Round 27: Perform a sequence of [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (54)
Round 28: Perform a sequence of [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (48)
Round 29: Perform a sequence of [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (42)
Round 30: Perform a sequence of [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (36)
Stuffing Step: Begin stuffing the head firmly. Focus on pushing the fiberfill outwards toward the cheeks to create a rounded shape. The head should be firm to the touch.
Round 31: Perform a sequence of [4 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (30)
Round 32: Perform a sequence of [3 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 33: Perform a sequence of [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 34: Perform a sequence of [1 sc, 1 dec] repeat 6 times. (12)
Round 35: Work 6 dec. Fasten off and leave a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. (6)
Facial Features
Using the dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a small “Y” shape between the eyes to form the nose and mouth. The top of the “Y” should span about 2-3 stitches. Apply a small amount of cosmetic blush to the cheeks using a soft brush.
Phase 2: The Long Lopped Ears
These ears are designed to be long and hang low, framing the face. They are not stuffed. Make two using the Oatmeal yarn.
Round 1: Magic Ring, 6 sc. (6)
Round 2: 6 inc. (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: sc in each st around. (30)
Round 16: [8 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (27)
Rounds 17-25: sc in each st around. (27)
Round 26: [7 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (24)
Rounds 27-35: sc in each st around. (24)
Round 36: [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (21)
Rounds 37-45: sc in each st around. (21)
Round 46: [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat 3 times. (18)
Rounds 47-55: sc in each st around. (18)
Flatten the open end of the ear and sc across through both layers to close. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Position the ears on the top of the head, slightly to the sides, at approximately Round 5 or 6.
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Phase 3: The Legs and Body
The body is constructed by making two legs and joining them together. This creates a stable base for the bunny to stand (with support). Use the 2.25mm hook.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Sage Green yarn (for the shoe base). Magic Ring, 6 sc. (6)
Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
Round 3: [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat around. (18)
Rounds 4-5: sc in each st around. (18)
Round 6: Switch to Oatmeal yarn (skin). Work in BLO. sc around. (18)
Rounds 7-25: sc in each st around in Oatmeal. (18)
Fasten off the first leg. Do not fasten off the second leg. Chain 3 and join to the first leg with a sc.
Body Construction
Round 26: sc 18 around the first leg, sc 3 along the chain, sc 18 around the second leg, sc 3 along the other side of the chain. (42)
Round 27: Perform [6 sc, 1 inc] repeat around. (48)
Rounds 28-38: sc in each st around. (48)
Round 39: Perform [6 sc, 1 dec] repeat around. (42)
Rounds 40-41: sc around. (42)
Round 42: Perform [5 sc, 1 dec] repeat around. (36)
Rounds 43-44: sc around. (36)
Round 45: Perform [4 sc, 1 dec] repeat around. (30) Stuff the body firmly.
Round 46: Perform [3 sc, 1 dec] repeat around. (24)
Round 47: Perform [2 sc, 1 dec] repeat around. (18)
Round 48: sc around. Fasten off, leaving a long tail to sew the head to the neck.
Arms (Make 2)
Round 1: With Oatmeal yarn, MR, 6 sc. (6)
Round 2: [1 sc, 1 inc] repeat 3 times. (9)
Round 3: [2 sc, 1 inc] repeat 3 times. (12)
Rounds 4-28: sc in each st around. (12)
Lightly stuff the hand area but leave the upper arm empty for mobility. Flatten the top and sc closed. Sew to the shoulders.
Phase 4: The Lily Pad Dress
This dress is the highlight of the design. It features a fitted bodice and a skirt that mimics the rounded shapes of lily pads. Use Sage Green yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Bodice
Row 1: Ch 35. sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (34)
Rows 2-5: sc across. (34)
Row 6 (Armholes): sc 5, ch 8, skip 6, sc 12, ch 8, skip 6, sc 5.
Row 7: sc across all sts and chains. (38)
Rows 8-10: sc across.
Round 11 (Waist): Join to work in rounds. sc around.
Skirt
Round 12: *2 dc, 1 inc* around. (Increase for volume).
Rounds 13-20: Work dc in each st around.
The Lily Pad Hem
This part creates the large, rounded scallops at the bottom.
Round 21: *Sc in next st, skip 2 sts, 7 dc in next st (Shell made), skip 2 sts* repeat around. Adjust your skip count slightly if needed to end evenly.
Round 22: Switch to a slightly lighter green if available, or continue in Sage. Work sc in each stitch of the shells to define the curve.
Detailing: Embroider veins onto the scallops using a darker green yarn to make them look like leaves. Sew small pink and white flowers (MR, 5 sc) onto the “lily pads.”
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Phase 5: The Cream Bolero Cardigan
A simple, elegant layer. Use Cream yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Row 1: Ch 35. sc in 2nd ch and across. (34)
Row 2: [3 sc, 1 inc] across. (42)
Row 3: [4 sc, 1 inc] across. (50)
Row 4 (Armholes): sc 7, ch 8, skip 8, sc 20, ch 8, skip 8, sc 7.
Row 5: sc across all sts and chains. (50)
Rows 6-10: sc across. Fasten off.
Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 16 sc around for 10 rounds. Fasten off.
Leaf Embroidery: Use Green yarn to embroider a vine with small leaves running around the neckline of the cardigan.
Phase 6: The Water Lily Hat
A bucket-style hat adorned with a flower. Use White yarn.
Round 1: MR, 6 sc.
Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
Round 3: *1 sc, 1 inc* around. (18)
Round 4: *2 sc, 1 inc* around. (24)
Round 5: *3 sc, 1 inc* around. (30)
Round 6: *4 sc, 1 inc* around. (36)
Round 7: *5 sc, 1 inc* around. (42)
Round 8: *6 sc, 1 inc* around. (48)
Rounds 9-13: sc in each st around.
Round 14 (Brim): Work in FLO. *2 sc, 1 inc* around. (64)
Round 15: *3 sc, 1 inc* around. (80)
Round 16: sc around. Fasten off.
Band: Chain 50 in Green. Sew around the base of the crown.
Water Lily Flower
Center: With Yellow, MR 6 sc.
Petals: Switch to White. *Ch 4, dc, tr, dc, ch 4, sl st* all into one stitch. Repeat in each of the 6 center stitches. Sew to the hat band.
Phase 7: The Water Droplet Bag
A unique teardrop shape. Use Blue yarn and the 2.25mm hook.
Round 1: MR, 6 sc.
Round 2: 6 inc. (12)
Round 3: *1 sc, 1 inc* around. (18)
Round 4: *2 sc, 1 inc* around. (24)
Rounds 5-8: sc around. (24)
Round 9: *2 sc, 1 dec* around. (18)
Rounds 10-11: sc around. (18)
Round 12: *1 sc, 1 dec* around. (12)
Rounds 13-14: sc around. (12)
Round 15: dec around. (6)
Strap: Do not fasten off. Chain 40. Attach to the side of the bag (around Round 8) to create a shoulder strap. Embroider a small white highlight on the bag to make it look shiny.
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Phase 8: The Frog Companion
A tiny green friend. Use Green yarn.
Body: MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Inc to 18. Work 5 rounds. Dec to 12. Dec to 6. Close.
Eyes (Make 2): MR 4 sc. Work 1 round. Sew to top of head. Insert 6mm safety eyes or use black beads.
Legs (Make 2): Ch 4. sc back down. Sew to bottom front.
Arms (Make 2): Ch 3. sc back down. Sew to sides.
Belly: Embroider a lighter green circle on the tummy.
Phase 9: Shoes
These shoes feature a leaf detail. Use Sage Green yarn.
Round 1: Ch 7. 2 sc in 2nd ch, sc 4, 4 sc in last. Rotate. sc 4, 2 sc in last. (16)
Round 2: inc, sc 5, 4 inc, sc 5, inc. (22)
Round 3: BLO sc around. (22)
Rounds 4-5: sc around.
Strap: Ch 6. Sew across the top.
Leaf Detail: Ch 4. sc, hdc, sc back down. Sew this tiny leaf to the side of the shoe strap.
Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
1. Head Attachment: Pin the head to the neck opening of the body. The nose should be aligned with the center of the tummy. Sew securely using a whipstitch, adding extra stuffing to the neck as you go to prevent wobbling.
2. Limbs: Sew the arms to the body just below the neck seam. Ensure they are symmetrical.
3. Dressing: Put the dress on the bunny first. Then put on the shoes. Layer the cardigan over the dress. Place the hat on the head.
4. Props: Hang the blue bag over the bunny’s shoulder. Place the frog companion at her feet. Make a small paper boat from a square of paper and place it near them.
5. Finishing Touches: Apply a small amount of blush to the bunny’s cheeks. Check all loose ends are woven in.
Care Notes
To keep your Lily Pad Pond Bunny looking fresh, avoid machine washing. If it gets dusty, use a lint roller or a piece of masking tape to gently lift debris. For spot cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap and blot gently. Store out of direct sunlight to prevent the cotton colors from fading.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Did you embroider the veins on the lily pad hem?
- Is the head firmly attached and not floppy?
- Are the safety eyes on the frog secure?
- Did you remember the blush on the bunny’s cheeks?
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
As an heirloom piece, this bunny deserves special care. If you must wash it, place it in a delicates bag and wash on a cold, gentle cycle. Reshape while damp and allow to air dry completely. Do not wring or twist. If you are storing the bunny for a long time, place it in a cotton bag (not plastic) to allow the fibers to breathe.
Congratulations! Your Lily Pad Pond Bunny is now complete. This charming character brings the tranquility of a garden pond into your home. We hope you enjoyed this creative journey.
