The Verbena Garden Garland Bunny is a masterpiece of fiber art, designed to capture the serene beauty of a blooming cottage garden in late spring. This project evokes the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet scent of purple verbena flowers swaying in a warm breeze.
For those who love to create heirloom-quality dolls, this design offers a perfect balance of structural elegance and whimsical detail. The bunny features a classic oatmeal-toned coat, providing a neutral canvas that allows the vibrant purples and soft creams of her wardrobe to truly shine.
If you are looking to buy premium mercerized cotton yarn for your next big project, this design is the ideal candidate. The stitch definition required for the cardigan’s floral yoke and the intricate hem of the dress demands high-quality fibers.
Creating this doll is not just about following instructions; it is about crafting a story. From her loyal squirrel companion to her woven market basket, every element adds to the narrative of a peaceful life in the garden.
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 diving into the stitches, it is essential to understand the scope of this project. The Verbena Garden Garland Bunny is an intermediate-level amigurumi that incorporates garment making and miniature accessory crafting.
The total time to complete this project can range from 15 to 20 hours, depending on your speed and attention to detail. It is a labor of love intended to result in a collectible item or a cherished gift.
Choosing the right materials is the first step to success. While acrylic yarn is affordable, it often lacks the crispness needed for the tiny flowers on the cardigan. Cotton is superior here.
Yarn Requirements
- Body Color: Approximately 140g of Sport Weight (Category 2) or Light DK yarn in “Oatmeal,” “Cream,” or “Stone.” A matte finish is preferred to give the bunny a natural, organic look.
- Dress Main Color: 60g of “Lavender” or “Lilac” cotton yarn. This shade should be soft and pastel to contrast with the darker hem.
- Dress Hem & Flower Accents: 30g of “Deep Violet” or “Royal Purple.” This creates the striking visual weight at the bottom of the skirt.
- Cardigan & Hat: 70g of “Cream” or “Ivory” cotton yarn. This neutral tone balances the purples.
- Squirrel Companion: 30g of “Russet,” “Copper,” or “Rust” yarn.
- Greenery: Scraps of “Sage Green” and “Forest Green” for leaves and stems.
Essential Tools
- Crochet Hooks: You will need two sizes. A 2.25mm (Size B/1) hook for the amigurumi parts (bunny, squirrel, basket) to ensure tight stitches. A 2.75mm (Size C/2) hook for the clothing to provide drape.
- Safety Eyes: One pair of 12mm black safety eyes for the bunny. One pair of 6mm or 8mm eyes for the squirrel.
- Stuffing: High-quality polyester fiberfill. Look for “cluster-resistant” types to avoid lumps.
- Stitch Markers: Essential for working in continuous spirals.
- Tapestry Needle: A long, sharp needle is best for sculpting the face.
- Embroidery Floss: Dark brown or black for the nose and mouth details.
Understanding the Techniques
This pattern relies on standard US crochet terminology. However, there are a few specific techniques you should be comfortable with before starting.
The Magic Ring
Almost every piece begins with a Magic Ring (MR). This adjustable loop allows you to pull the center of your work tight, eliminating any unsightly holes.
Invisible Decrease
To prevent gaps in your amigurumi, always use the invisible decrease (invdec). This involves inserting your hook into the front loops only of the next two stitches before yarning over.
Color Changes
When changing colors, especially on the dress or shoes, always complete the final pull-through of the previous stitch with the new color. This creates a seamless transition.
Part 1: The Bunny Head
The head is the focal point of the doll. We aim for a rounded shape that tapers slightly at the top and widens at the cheeks.
Round 1: Using the 2.25mm hook and Oatmeal yarn, begin with a Magic Ring. Crochet 6 single crochets (sc) into the ring. Pull tight to close. (6)
Round 2: Work 2 sc into each stitch around (inc). This doubles your stitch count. (12)
Round 3: Repeat the pattern *1 sc, inc* around 6 times. (18)
Round 4: Repeat *2 sc, inc* around 6 times. (24)
Round 5: Repeat *3 sc, inc* around 6 times. (30)
Round 6: Repeat *4 sc, inc* around 6 times. (36)
Round 7: Repeat *5 sc, inc* around 6 times. (42)
Round 8: Repeat *6 sc, inc* around 6 times. (48)
Round 9: Repeat *7 sc, inc* around 6 times. (54)
Round 10: Repeat *8 sc, inc* around 6 times. (60)
Round 11: Repeat *9 sc, inc* around 6 times. (66)
📌Thank you for reading the article
Rounds 12-24: Crochet 1 sc in each stitch around. These 13 rounds build the vertical height of the head. Maintain consistent tension. (66)
Eye Placement: Pause your crocheting. Insert the 12mm safety eyes between Round 19 and Round 20. Space them approximately 12 stitches apart. Do not fasten the backs until you are sure they are centered.
Round 25: Repeat *9 sc, invisible decrease (dec)* around 6 times. (60)
Round 26: Repeat *8 sc, dec* around 6 times. (54)
Round 27: Repeat *7 sc, dec* around 6 times. (48)
Round 28: Repeat *6 sc, dec* around 6 times. (42)
Round 29: Repeat *5 sc, dec* around 6 times. (36)
Stuffing Phase 1: Begin stuffing the head. Push the fiberfill firmly against the sides to shape the cheeks. The center should remain slightly softer for now.
Round 30: Repeat *4 sc, dec* around 6 times. (30)
Round 31: Repeat *3 sc, dec* around 6 times. (24)
Round 32: Repeat *2 sc, dec* around 6 times. (18)
Stuffing Phase 2: Finish stuffing the head. Pay special attention to the neck opening; it needs to be very firm to support the head later.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing.
Face Sculpting and Embroidery
To give the bunny a sweet expression, we use a technique called eye indentation. Thread a long needle with the Oatmeal yarn.
Insert the needle from the neck opening up to the outside corner of the left eye. Re-insert it at the inside corner of the left eye and bring it back down to the neck opening.
Repeat this for the right eye. Pull the yarn tails gently to sink the eyes slightly into the head. Knot the tails securely and hide them inside the stuffing.
Using dark brown embroidery floss, stitch a “Y” shape between the eyes to form the nose and mouth. The top of the “Y” should span 3 stitches, and the vertical line should go down 2 rows.
Part 2: The Long Floppy Ears
These ears are a defining feature. They are long, textured, and drape beautifully. Make two. Do not stuff them.
Round 1: Using Oatmeal yarn, create a Magic Ring and work 6 sc. (6)
Round 2: Work *inc* in each stitch around. (12)
Round 3: Work *1 sc, inc* around. (18)
Round 4: Work *2 sc, inc* around. (24)
Round 5: Work *3 sc, inc* around. (30)
Rounds 6-15: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (30)
Round 16: Work *8 sc, dec* around. (27)
Rounds 17-21: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (27)
Round 22: Work *7 sc, dec* around. (24)
Rounds 23-27: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (24)
Round 28: Work *6 sc, dec* around. (21)
Rounds 29-33: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (21)
Round 34: Work *5 sc, dec* around. (18)
Rounds 35-42: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (18)
Flatten the opening of the ear. Sc through both layers to close the ear. Fasten off, leaving a tail for assembly.
Part 3: Legs and Body Construction
We construct the legs first and join them to create the body. This seamless method ensures the doll is sturdy and can stand with support.
📌Thank you for reading the article
Legs (Make 2)
Round 1: Start with Cream yarn (for the shoes/feet). Magic Ring, 6 sc. (6)
Round 2: Inc in each st. (12)
Round 3: *1 sc, inc* around. (18)
Rounds 4-6: Sc in each st around. (18)
Round 7: Switch to Oatmeal yarn. Work in Back Loop Only (BLO) for this round. Sc around. (18)
Rounds 8-25: Sc in each st around. Stuff the foot firmly and the leg moderately. (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.
Body
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: *6 sc, inc* around. (48)
Rounds 28-38: Sc in each st around. This builds the torso. (48)
Round 39: *6 sc, dec* around. (42)
Rounds 40-41: Sc around. (42)
Round 42: *5 sc, dec* around. (36)
Rounds 43-44: Sc around. (36)
Round 45: *4 sc, dec* around. (30)
Rounds 46-47: Sc around. (30) Start stuffing the body firmly.
Round 48: *3 sc, dec* around. (24)
Round 49: *2 sc, dec* around. (18)
Round 50: Sc around. (18)
Fasten off. Stuff the neck area very firmly to support the head.
Part 4: The Lavender Garden Dress
This dress is the centerpiece of the “Verbena” theme. Use the 2.75mm hook and Lavender yarn.
Bodice
Row 1: Chain 35. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Ch 1, turn. (34)
Row 2: *3 sc, inc* around. Ch 1, turn. (42)
Row 3: *6 sc, inc* around. 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 slip stitch 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, *3 dc, inc* around. Join. (55)
Rounds 8-15: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (55)
The Verbena Hem
This section creates the decorative, darker purple border at the bottom.
Round 16: Switch to Deep Violet yarn. Sc in each st around.
Round 17 (Puff Stitch Detail): Ch 2. *Skip 1 st, [yarn over, insert hook in next st, pull up loop] x 3 times (7 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all loops (Puff made), ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in next*. Repeat around.
Round 18: Sc in each stitch and chain space around. Fasten off.
Part 5: The Floral Yoke Cardigan
This cardigan adds a layer of sophistication. Use Cream yarn and the 2.75mm hook.
Row 1: Ch 37. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. Ch 1, turn. (36)
Row 2: *5 sc, inc* 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 “Herringbone Half Double Crochet” (HHDC) for texture. Yarn over, insert hook, pull up loop and pull that loop through the first loop on hook, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops. Fasten off.
📌Thank you for reading the article
Decoration: Use Purple yarn to crochet tiny flowers (Magic ring, *ch 2, sl st* x 5) and sew them onto the yoke (top part) of the cardigan.
Part 6: The Squirrel Companion
A garden isn’t complete without wildlife. Use Russet yarn and 2.25mm hook.
Head/Body:
Round 1: MR, 6 sc.
Round 2: Inc around. (12)
Round 3: *1 sc, inc* around. (18)
Rounds 4-6: Sc around. (18)
Round 7: *1 sc, dec* around. (12)
Round 8: *1 sc, inc* around. (18)
Rounds 9-11: Sc around. (18)
Round 12: *1 sc, dec* around. (12)
Round 13: Dec around. (6) Close. Stuff before closing.
Tail: Use a wire brush to fluff up the yarn after crocheting a simple tube (MR 6, sc 10 rounds). Sew to the back.
Acorn: Use Dark Brown for the cap (MR 6) and Tan for the nut (MR 4, inc to 8, sc 2 rounds, dec to 4). Glue together.
Part 7: Accessories (Hat and Basket)
Bucket Hat
Use Cream yarn. Work a standard circle (MR 6, inc to 48). Work even for 5 rounds. For the brim, work *3 sc, inc* in the Front Loops Only. Work 2 more rounds of sc.
Garland: Chain 50 in Green. Sew tiny purple flowers (same as cardigan) onto the chain. Wrap around the hat.
Market Basket
Use Beige/Straw yarn.
Round 1: MR, 8 sc.
Round 2: Inc around. (16)
Round 3: *1 sc, inc* around. (24)
Round 4: BLO sc around. (24)
Rounds 5-8: Sc around. (24)
Handle: Ch 15, skip 10 sts, attach. Repeat on other side.
Part 8: Final Assembly and Facial Detailing
Now that all components are ready, it is time to bring the Verbena Garden Garland Bunny to life.
- Head Attachment: Pin the head to the neck opening. Ensure the nose is aligned with the center of the body. Whipstitch securely.
- Ear Attachment: Position the ears on the top of the head, slightly to the sides (Rounds 5-6). Sew them on firmly.
- Arms: Make arms (MR 6, inc to 9, sc 20 rounds). Sew them to the sides of the body just below the neck.
- Dressing: Put the dress on feet first. Then the shoes. Add the cardigan and hat.
- Props: Place the acorn in the squirrel’s paws (use a dab of glue or a stitch). Place the basket on the bunny’s arm.
- Blush: Apply a little cosmetic blush to the bunny’s cheeks for a rosy glow.
Care Notes
To ensure your bunny lasts a lifetime, handle with care. Do not machine wash. If the bunny gets dusty, use a lint roller. For stains, spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Store out of direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading.
Quick Checklist Before You Finish
- Are all yarn ends woven in securely?
- Is the head firmly attached and not wobbling?
- Are the safety eyes secure?
- Did you add the signature “Verbena” purple hem to the dress?
📌Thank you for reading the article
Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines
Because this doll uses premium cotton and has intricate details, it is considered an art doll. If deep cleaning is absolutely necessary, submerge gently in cool water with wool wash. Do not wring. Squeeze out water with a towel and reshape to dry. Store in a cotton dust bag when not on display.
Congratulations! Your Verbena Garden Garland Bunny is now complete. We hope this project brought you joy and relaxation.
