The Primrose Pocket Bunny is a celebration of early spring days, evoking the gentle warmth of the sun returning to the garden and the first blooms pushing through the soil. This heirloom-quality project features a soft, oatmeal-colored rabbit with a sweet, nostalgic expression, designed to be a cherished companion for years to come.
She is dressed in a fresh, mint-green dress adorned with a vertical row of cream primrose “buttons” and a charming scalloped hemline. To keep warm in the breezy orchard, she wears a textured beige cardigan featuring cozy pockets filled with more primroses. Her look is completed with a classic beige beret and matching mint shoes.
To achieve the crisp definition of the flower petals and the durable structure of the miniature accessories, it is highly recommended to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber choice ensures the pastel colors remain vibrant and the tiny details do not fuzz 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 “Spring Garden” aesthetic, selecting the right color palette is paramount. You need a natural “Oatmeal” or “Biscuit” for the bunny, a fresh “Mint” or “Sage” for the dress, and a warm “Beige” or “Tan” for the cardigan and accessories.
Yarn Requirements
- Bunny Body Yarn: Approximately 140g of Sport Weight or Light DK cotton yarn in Oatmeal or Beige. A matte finish gives the best “fur” look.
- Dress & Shoes Yarn: 60g of Mint Green or Sage Green cotton yarn.
- Cardigan, Hat & Bag Yarn: 70g of Beige, Tan, or Biscuit cotton yarn.
- Flower Petals: Scraps of Cream or Off-White yarn.
- Flower Centers: Scraps of Butter Yellow or Golden Yellow yarn.
- Leaves: Scraps of Olive Green yarn.
- Hedgehog Companion: Small amounts of Beige (face) and Brown (spines/back).
Tools and Notions
- Crochet Hooks:
- 2.25mm (Size B/1): Essential for the amigurumi body, the hedgehog, 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 hedgehog.
- Stuffing: Premium grade, high-loft polyester fiberfill.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown for the nose; Pink for the cheeks.
- Notions: A long tapestry needle, stitch markers, small buttons (yellow or wood) for the shoes and bag.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
This project utilizes standard United States terminology. Please review these before starting to ensure a smooth crafting experience.
- 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.
- Bobble Stitch: Used for the hedgehog’s texture (5 dc cluster).
Part 1: The Sculpted Bunny Head
The head is the most character-defining part of the doll. We are aiming for a rounded shape with a slightly wider base for the cheeks. 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 securely. (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)
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. (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.
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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. Apply a small amount of cosmetic blush to the cheeks using a soft brush.
Part 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.
Part 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. Use the 2.25mm hook.
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Mint 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.
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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.
Part 4: The Primrose Garden Dress
This dress is the centerpiece of the outfit. It uses a lovely Mint Green shade and features primrose flowers that act as decorative buttons down the front. Use the 2.75mm hook.
The Dress Body
Row 1: Ch 35. sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (34)
Row 2: [Sc 3, inc] repeat across to last 2 sts, sc 2. Ch 1, turn. (42)
Row 3: [Sc 6, inc] repeat across. Ch 1, turn. (48)
Row 4 (Armholes): Sc 7, ch 8, skip 10 sts, sc 14, ch 8, skip 10 sts, sc 7. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5: Sc in each st and ch across. Join with a sl st to the first sc to begin working in rounds. (44)
Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as dc), dc in each st around. Join. (44)
Round 7: Ch 2, [dc 3, inc] repeat around. Join. (55)
Rounds 8-16: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (55)
Round 17 (Scalloped Hem): [Sc, skip 1, 5 dc in next st, skip 1] repeat around to create scallops. Fasten off.
Primrose Buttons (Make 3)
These tiny flowers are sewn down the center front of the bodice.
Center: With Yellow yarn, MR 5 sc. Sl st to join.
Petals: Switch to Cream yarn. *Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, ch 2, sl st in same st, sl st to next st*. Repeat 5 times. Fasten off.
Sew these 3 flowers vertically down the center of the dress chest.
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Part 5: The Beige Pocket Cardigan
A cozy layer for the bunny. Use Beige yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Row 1: Ch 37. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 1, turn. (36)
Row 2: [Sc 5, 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 sts and chains. Ch 1, turn. (42)
Rows 5-10: Work in hdc across for a slightly textured, thicker fabric. Ch 1, turn.
Row 11: Sc across. Fasten off.
Sleeves: Join yarn to armhole. Work 18 sc evenly around. Work in spiral for 10 rounds. Finish with a round of sl st.
The Floral Pockets (Make 2)
Pocket Base: With Beige yarn, Ch 6. Sc across for 5 rows. Fasten off.
Pocket Flower: Create a Primrose (same pattern as dress buttons) but slightly larger by using tr stitches instead of dc. Sew the flower to the center of the pocket square.
Assembly: Sew the pockets onto the front panels of the cardigan.
Part 6: The Beige Beret
A chic hat to complete the look. Use Beige yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Round 1: Magic Ring, 6 sc.
Round 2: Inc around. (12)
Round 3: [Sc 1, inc] around. (18)
Round 4: [Sc 2, inc] around. (24)
Round 5: [Sc 3, inc] around. (30)
Round 6: [Sc 4, inc] around. (36)
Round 7: [Sc 5, inc] around. (42)
Round 8: [Sc 6, inc] around. (48)
Rounds 9-11: Sc in each st around. (48)
Round 12 (Decrease for Brim): [Sc 6, dec] around. (42)
Round 13: Sc around. Fasten off.
Decoration: Crochet one Primrose flower and a small green leaf (ch 6, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc). Sew these to the side of the beret.
Part 7: Accessories
The Coin Purse
Body: With Beige yarn, Ch 10. Sc around the chain to create an oval. Work 8 rounds of sc.
Flap: Work back and forth on the back 10 stitches for 4 rows. Decrease at the corners to create a rounded flap.
Strap: Chain 35. Attach to sides.
Button: Sew a tiny mint or yellow button to the front body.
The Hedgehog in a Basket
Hedgehog Body: With Beige (face), MR 6 sc. Inc to 12. Work 2 rounds. Switch to Brown (textured yarn or loop stitch) for the back. Work 3 rounds. Dec to close.
Basket: With Beige yarn, MR 8 sc. Inc to 16. BLO sc around. Work 4 rounds. Add a tiny handle (ch 8). Place a small primrose on the basket.
The Bouquet
Create 3-4 Primrose flowers. Attach green yarn stems (ch 10). Tie them together with a piece of twine or beige yarn.
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Part 8: Shoes
Make 2 using Mint Green 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 across the top. Sew to other side. Sew a yellow button on the side of the 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 beret on the head, tilted slightly to the side.
4. Props: Hang the coin purse over the bunny’s shoulder. Place the hedgehog basket at her feet. Tack the bouquet to one of her hands.
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 Primrose Pocket 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 sew the primrose buttons securely to the dress?
- Is the head firmly attached and not floppy?
- Are the safety eyes on the hedgehog 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 Primrose Pocket Bunny is now complete. This charming character brings the freshness of a spring garden into your home. We hope you enjoyed this creative journey.
