Dearest maker, there is a quiet magic in taking a simple strand of yarn and coaxing it into a friend who seems ready to hop right off your hook. Bella is not merely a toy; she is a keepsake, designed with the kind of attention to detail that turns a craft into an heirloom. I have written this guide to be your steady companion, ensuring every stitch sits perfectly in place.
About This Creation & The Heirloom Angle
In a world of mass-produced plastic, we return to the hook to create something with soul. The design philosophy behind Bella is "Structured Softness." We are combining the rigid construction needed for a standing doll with the gentle curves of a nursery favorite. This project is perfect for the artisan looking to master facial sculpting—the technique that transforms a blank sphere into a face full of personality. We are not just making stitches; we are shaping character.
Project Snapshot
📊 Difficulty: Intermediate (Requires facial sculpting and color changes)
⏰ Est. Time: 12–15 Hours
📏 Size: Approx. 28cm–30cm (Standing)
"The difference between a doll and a character lies in the placement of the eyes and the pinch of the cheeks." — Patricia Poltera
Materials & Tools Needed
🧶 Yarn: Cotton or Cotton/Acrylic blend (Sport or DK weight). ➡️ White (approx. 70g for body) ➡️ Bright Pink (shoes/cardigan) ➡️ Pale Yellow (shoe straps/flower center) ➡️ Scrap amount of dark pink (for embroidery)
🪡 Hook: 2.25mm or 2.5mm (to ensure tight tension)
✨ Other Materials: ➡️ Safety Eyes (12mm or 14mm) ➡️ Plastic Safety Nose (Pink triangular, approx 12mm) ➡️ False Eyelashes (Human style, cut to size) + Strong Craft Glue ➡️ Polyester Fiberfill (High quality, bounce-back type) ➡️ Long Darning Needle (for sculpting) ➡️ Stitch Markers
Abbreviations & Stitches Used
ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
inc: increase (2 sc in one st)
dec: decrease (invisible decrease preferred)
BLO: back loop only
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
The Complete Bella Project
Part 1: The Shoes & Legs (Make 2)
We begin at the soles to build a sturdy foundation. Stuff firmly as you go.
R1: With Pink, ch 6. Start in 2nd ch from hook: 4 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Turn to work on other side: 3 sc, inc. (12)
R2: inc, 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, 2 inc. (18)
R3: 1 sc, inc, 3 sc, (1 sc, inc) x 3, 3 sc, (1 sc, inc) x 2. (24)
R4: 2 sc, inc, 3 sc, (2 sc, inc) x 3, 3 sc, (2 sc, inc) x 2. (30)
R5: BLO 30 sc. (Creates the sole edge)
R6–7: 30 sc.
R8: Change to White (for socks/skin contrast later, or keep pink if part of shoe). Let us assume the shoe covers the foot. Keep Pink. 8 sc, 7 dec, 8 sc. (23)
R9: 8 sc, 3 dec, 1 sc, dec, 6 sc. (19)
R10: Change to White. BLO. 6 sc, 4 dec, 5 sc. (15)
R11–25: 15 sc. (Work straight up for the leg).
Fasten off the first leg. Make the second leg but DO NOT fasten off. Ch 3 to join to the first leg.
Part 2: The Body
R26: Join legs: 15 sc on Leg 1, 3 sc on chain, 15 sc on Leg 2, 3 sc on other side of chain. (36)
R27: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
R28–35: 42 sc. (Building the tummy).
R36: (5 sc, dec) x 6. (36)
R37–38: 36 sc.
R39: (4 sc, dec) x 6. (30)
R40–41: 30 sc.
R42: (3 sc, dec) x 6. (24)
R43: 24 sc.
R44: (2 sc, dec) x 6. (18)
R45: 18 sc. (Neck). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the neck very firmly.
Part 3: The Head
This is the centerpiece. Pay attention to the increases.
R1: With White, 6 sc in Magic Ring. (6)
R2: 6 inc. (12)
R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6. (18)
R4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
R5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. (30)
R6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. (36)
R7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. (42)
R8: (6 sc, inc) x 6. (48)
R9–16: 48 sc.
R17: Cheek shaping round. 12 sc, (inc, 1 sc) x 6, 6 sc, (1 sc, inc) x 6, 6 sc. (60) Note: This pushes the cheeks out.
R18–22: 60 sc.
R23: (8 sc, dec) x 6. (54)
R24: (7 sc, dec) x 6. (48)
R25: (6 sc, dec) x 6. (42)
R26: (5 sc, dec) x 6. (36)
Insert safety eyes between R16 and R17, approximately 8-10 stitches apart. Insert safety nose between the eyes, one row lower.
R27: (4 sc, dec) x 6. (30)
R28: (3 sc, dec) x 6. (24)
R29: (2 sc, dec) x 6. (18)
R30: (1 sc, dec) x 6. (12)
R31: 6 dec. Close hole.
Part 4: The Arms (Make 2)
R1: With White, 6 sc in MR. (6)
R2: 6 inc. (12)
R3–5: 12 sc.
R6: dec, 10 sc. (11)
R7–18: 11 sc.
R19: Fold flat and sc across to close. Fasten off.
Part 5: The Long Ears (Make 2)
R1: With White, 6 sc in MR. (6)
R2: 6 inc. (12)
R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6. (18)
R4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. (24)
R5–10: 24 sc.
R11: (10 sc, dec) x 2. (22)
R12–15: 22 sc.
R16: (9 sc, dec) x 2. (20)
R17–20: 20 sc.
R21: (8 sc, dec) x 2. (18)
R22–28: 18 sc.
R29: (7 sc, dec) x 2. (16)
R30: Fold flat and sc across to close. Do not stuff the ears; they must be floppy.
Part 6: The Pink Cardigan
Worked in rows (back and forth).
Row 1: With Pink, ch 25. Start in 2nd ch: 24 sc.
Row 2: (2 sc, inc) x 8. (32)
Row 3: (3 sc, inc) x 8. (40)
Row 4: (Armholes): 6 sc, ch 4 (skip 8 sts), 12 sc, ch 4 (skip 8 sts), 6 sc.
Row 5: sc in each st and chain across. (32)
Row 6–10: 32 sc.
Row 11: sc around the entire edge of the cardigan.
Ties: Attach yarn to the neck corner, ch 20 for a tie. Repeat on the other side.
Assembly & Final Touches
The Face Sculpt (Crucial Step): Before attaching the head, thread your long needle with white yarn. Enter from the bottom neck opening, exit at the outer corner of the left eye, go over one stitch, and return to the neck opening. Pull gently to sink the eye. Repeat for the right eye. Knot the threads securely inside the neck to hold the expression.
Construction: 1️⃣ Sew the head to the body neck. Ensure it is firm; a wobbly head breaks the illusion. 2️⃣ Sew the ears to R5-R6 of the head. They should sit low enough to frame the face sweetly. 3️⃣ Attach arms to the top row of the body. 4️⃣ Apply a tiny dot of glue to the eyelids (just above the safety eyes) and place the false lashes. Hold until set. 5️⃣ Sew the yellow strap and flower to the shoes.
Tips & FAQs
Q: My bunny's head is flopping over. A: This is a common sorrow. Ensure you stuff the neck of the body extremely firmly, almost until it feels hard. You can also insert a "neck roll" (a tight cylinder of felt or crocheted fabric) inside the neck for stability.
Q: Can I brush the yarn? A: Indeed. For a fluffier, vintage rabbit look, use a wire pet slicker brush on the white parts of the head and ears to create a halo of fuzz.
A Final Word
There is a moment, just after the lashes are glued and the blush is dusted onto the cheeks, where Bella ceases to be yarn and starts to be someone. Cherish that moment. It is the artisan's reward. I cannot wait to see your version of our little garden friend.
Yours in creativity,
Patricia
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