The Japanese Iris Bunny is more than just an amigurumi project; it is a serene tribute to the timeless elegance of traditional Japanese gardens and the refined art of the tea ceremony. This character features a soft, cream-colored base dressed in a breathtaking white yukata (kimono) adorned with vibrant purple iris motifs—symbols of courage and good news.
To achieve the crisp stitch definition and structural integrity required for the wide sleeves and intricate colorwork, I highly recommend using mercerized cotton yarn. This fiber provides a sophisticated, silk-like sheen that elevates the entire ensemble. For a professional finish, ensure you are using ergonomic crochet hooks to maintain consistent tension, and consider high-density polyester fiberfill to ensure your heirloom piece maintains its shape for years to come.
Comprehensive Material List and Preparation
Selecting a cohesive color palette is the first step in successful garment construction. The kimono requires a stark, bright white to provide a high-contrast canvas for the deep purple embroidery.
Yarn Requirements
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Bunny Body: Cream or Vanilla sport weight cotton (approx. 150g). A matte finish is preferred here to mimic soft fur.
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Kimono Base: Bright White mercerized cotton (approx. 80g).
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Iris Embroidery & Obi: Deep Purple, Violet, and Leaf Green (approx. 40g each).
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Accessories: Tan or Bamboo for the fan and sandals; Red/Orange for the Koi companion.
Essential Tools and Notions
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Hooks: A 2.25mm hook for a tight amigurumi gauge (no stuffing gaps!) and a 2.75mm hook for the kimono to provide a fluid drape.
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Safety Eyes: 12mm solid black for the bunny; 6mm for the koi.
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Firmness: High-rebound polyester fiberfill.
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Structure: A small piece of plastic canvas or cardboard for the fan and sandal soles.
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Detailing: Long tapestry needle, stitch markers, and embroidery floss in dark brown and pink.
Standard Stitch Abbreviations and Guide
We will be using standard US terminology. The secret to this piece lies in the dual-tension approach: keep your amigurumi stitches tight and firm, but relax your hand for the kimono to ensure the fabric «moves» like real cloth.
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MR: Magic Ring
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sc: Single crochet
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inc / dec: Increase / Invisible decrease
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hdc / dc / tr: Half double, Double, and Treble crochet
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BLO / FLO: Back loops or Front loops only
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sl st: Slip stitch
Phase 1: The Sculpted Bunny Head
We work in continuous spirals. Use a stitch marker religiously to avoid «frogging» your progress later.
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Rounds 1-2: Start with 6 sc in a MR; inc in every stitch. (12)
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Rounds 3-11: Continue standard increase patterns (1sc, inc, 2sc, inc, etc.) until you reach 66 stitches.
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Rounds 12-25: Work even in sc. This creates the vertical «canvas» for the facial features. (66)
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Rounds 26-28: Begin gradual decreases (9sc, dec, then 8sc, dec, then 7sc, dec). (48)
Eye Placement and Stuffing
Insert 12mm safety eyes between Rounds 18 and 19, with 12 stitches between them. Begin stuffing firmly, using your thumbs to push the fiberfill toward the sides to create rounded, «kawaii» cheeks.
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Rounds 29-35: Continue decreasing until 6 stitches remain. Fasten off and weave the tail through the FLO to cinch the hole shut.
Facial Sculpting
To give your bunny a soulful look, use a long strand of cream yarn to perform «eye sculpting.» Pull the yarn between the inner corner of the eye and the base of the neck to indent the sockets slightly. Embroider a small «Y» nose in brown and apply a touch of real cosmetic blush to the cheeks.
Phase 2: Long Lopped Ears
These ears frame the face and should remain unstuffed to maintain a graceful, heavy drape.
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Rounds 1-5: Increase to 30 sc using a MR.
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Rounds 6-15: Work even. (30)
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Rounds 16-55: Gradually decrease by 3 stitches every 10 rounds (8sc, dec, then 7sc, dec, etc.) until you reach 18 stitches.
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Finishing: Flatten the opening and sc through both layers. Sew these to the top of the head at Round 6.
Phase 3: Seamless Body and Limbs
We will join the legs to create a sturdy, one-piece body.
Legs (Make 2)
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Rounds 1-6: Start in White (for tabi socks), increasing to 18 sc.
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Round 7: Switch to Cream. Work in BLO to create a crisp «sock line.»
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Rounds 8-25: Work even in Cream. Fasten off Leg 1; keep Leg 2 on the hook.
Body Join
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Round 26: Chain 3, join to Leg 1 with a sc. Work around both legs and both sides of the chain. (42)
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Rounds 27-48: Increase to 48, work several rounds even, then gradually decrease back to 18 for the neck. Stuff firmly as you go, ensuring the «hips» are wide enough to support the kimono.
Arms
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Construction: Work 12 sc in a spiral for 28 rounds. Stuff only the bottom «hand» portion; leave the top flat so the arms can rest naturally at the sides under the kimono sleeves.
Phase 4: The Iris Kimono (Yukata)
Switch to your 2.75mm hook here. We want a fabric that feels like a garment, not a toy.
Bodice and Skirt
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Foundation: Ch 35, work 34 sc.
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Armhole Split: After increasing to 46 sts, sc 7, ch 12 (skipping 8 sts for the armhole), sc 16 for the back, ch 12 (skipping 8), sc 7.
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The Flare: Work the body in rows. Increase every 3rd row to create a traditional A-line silhouette that hits the ankles.
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Edging: Finish the entire perimeter with a row of Black sc for a sharp, tailored look.
Wide «Hanging» Sleeves
Join white yarn to the armholes. Work 24 dc in rounds for 10 rows. The height of the double crochet creates that iconic, rectangular Japanese sleeve shape. Finish with a black sc edge.
The Obi Sash
Using Purple yarn, work in BLO sc rows to create a ribbed texture. Create a separate stuffed rectangle to serve as the «Otaiko» bow on the back.
Phase 5: Surface Embroidery and Finishes
The Iris Motif
Using a tapestry needle, apply the iris flowers to the white kimono. Use three long satin stitches in Purple for petals, with a pop of Violet in the center. Use Green yarn for long, blade-like leaves—this «surface crochet» or embroidery really brings the artistry to life.
The Geta Sandals and Uchiwa Fan
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Geta: Crochet a tan oval for the sole. Add two small «teeth» (rectangles) to the bottom. Use a purple chain for the toe strap.
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Uchiwa: Crochet two white circles, sandwich a piece of cardboard between them, and sew shut. Attach a tan handle and embroider a tiny floral detail.
Phase 6: The Koi Fish Companion
A splash of color to complete the scene!
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Body: Work a white cylinder (18 sc wide), randomly carrying Red/Orange yarn to create «Kohaku» spots.
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Fins: Use simple chains and hdc/dc clusters to create the flowing tail and side fins.
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Detail: Add 6mm eyes and small yarn knots for the barbels (whiskers).
Final Assembly and Styling
Wrap the kimono—left side over right (this is culturally important!)—and secure it with the Obi. Position the geta on the feet and tack the fan to one hand. Your Japanese Iris Bunny is now a stunning centerpiece of fiber art!