Wee bunny rabbit pattern

Notes and abbreviations

 

This pattern is written in UK terms.  But as there is only really one stitch in the pattern, simply substitute 'dc' for 'sc' wherever you see it to switch to US terms and you'll be on your way!

ch chain
s.s slip stitch
dc double crochet (US single crochet)
2dc 2 double crochet in the same stitch (dc increase)
dc2tog double crochet 2 sts together (dc decrease). Insert hook into first dc and pull up a loop, then insert hook into second dc and pull up a loop, yarn round hook and pull through both sets of loops. 
st/ sts stitch/ stiches
dc3tog double crochet 3 sts together (another type of dc decrease). Insert hook into first dc and pull up a loop, then insert hook into second dc and pull up a loop. Lastly insert hook into third st and pull up a loop, yarn round hook and pull through all loops on hook.

This pattern uses the magic/ adjustable loop method to start, which ensures a tight hole that can be closed securely. After each Row 1 use the yarn end to tighten and secure the loop, closing the hole.


To make this cute little guy you will need:

•Around 35g of cotton DK yarn in a colour of your choice. I used Rico Baby Cotton Soft (colour ‘Silver’) because it is so beautifully soft.
•3mm crochet hook (or size to match your chosen yarn)
•Small amount of pale pink yarn for the nose and tail (or a colour of your choice!)
•One pair of safety eyes (I used 6mm here)
•Toy stuffing
•A wool darning needle


NB: You can use any yarn for this pattern, a thicker yarn will result in a bigger bunny :) 

Head

Row 1:  In a magic ring, crochet 6dc and do not join with a slip stitch; work in a spiral from now on, placing a marker at the start of each round.
Row 2: 2dc in each dc around (12sts).
Row 3: (2dc in the first st, 1dc in the next st) around, (18 sts).
Row 4: (2dc in first st, 1dc in each of the following 2 sts) around (24 sts)
Row 5: (2dc in first st, 1dc in each of the following 3 sts) around (30 sts)
Row 6-10: work straight (1dc in each dc around) (30 sts)
Row 7: (dc2tog in the first st, 1dc in each of the following 3 dc) around (24 sts)
Row 8: (dc2tog in the first st, 1dc in each of the following 2 dc) around (18 sts)
Row 9: (dc2tog in the first st, 1dc in next st) around (12 sts)


 
*Now stop to place the eyes and embroider the mouth*. 

I placed mine in the gap between rows 6 and 7, with 3 stitches between them.

Mouth embroidery- I used one vertical stitch with two horizontal stitches (like a T shape).  Stuff the head and continue.  

Row 10: 2dc in each dc around (6 sts). Fasten off leaving a long tail.
Thread the yarn through the remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close the hole. Secure and fasten off.





Ears (make 2)


Row 1: In a magic ring, crochet 6 dc. (6 sts)
Row 2:  2dc in each st around (6sts)

Work straight for 18 rows. Fold flat and s.s across the bottom edge to close, as shown in the photograph. Fold the ends together and slip stitch through both end sts to give the ear it’s distinctive shape (see photo below). Fasten off.





 

 
*At this point I attach the ears to the head…. Just because it is too cute to resist! *

 

Body 

 

We will be shaping the body here to give your bunny a nice fat tummy.

Row 1:  In a magic ring, crochet 6dc (6 sts)
Row 2: 2dc in each dc around (12sts)
Row 3: (2dc in the first st, 1dc in the next st) around, (18 sts)
Row 4: (2dc in first st, 1dc in each of the following 2 sts) around (24 sts)
Row 5-8: Work straight (1dc in each dc around)
Row 9: (2dc in first st, 1dc in each of the following 3 sts) around (30 sts)
Row 10: (2dc in first st, 1dc in each of the following 4 sts) around (36 sts)
Row 11-14: Work straight (1dc in each dc around) (36 sts)
Row 15: (dc2tog, dc in each of the next 4 sts) around (30 sts)
Row 16: (dc2tog, dc in each of the next 3 sts) around (24 sts)
Row 17: (dc2tog in the first st, 1dc in each of the following 2 dc) around (18 sts)
Row 18: (dc2tog in the first st, 1dc in next st) around (12 sts)

*Stuff body firmly*

Row 19: (dc2 tog) around and fasten off leaving a long tail (6sts)

Thread the yarn through the remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close the hole (as for head). Secure and fasten off. Stitch the head to the body. 

 

Tail

Row 1: (Using  same yarn as the nose) In a magic ring, crochet 3 dc (3 sts)
Row 2: (2dc in each dc) around (6 sts)
Row 3: (2dc in first st, 1dc in next st) around (9 sts).
Row 4: Work one row straight (9 sts)
Row 5: (dc2tog, dc in next st) around and fasten off (6sts). 

 

Stuff the tail and sew onto the base of the body at the back, ensuring it’s in the centre.  

Arms (make 2)

Arms are worked from the hands (paws!) up. 

Row1: In a magic ring, crochet 6dc (6 sts)
Row 2: (2dc in each st around (12 sts).
Row 3:Work one row straight (12 sts)
Row 4: (dc2tog in each st) around (6sts) 
Rows 5-10: Work straight (6sts).

Fasten off and stuff lightly (you may have to push the stuffing in with the flat end of a pencil or similar). Alternatively, your arms might sit well with no stuffing at all. Stitch arms onto the body.


Legs (make 2)

 
Legs are worked from the feet up.

Row 1: In a magic ring, crochet 6 dc (6 sts)
Row 2: 2dc in each dc around (12sts).
Row 3: (2dc in the first st, 1dc in the next st) around, (18 sts). Join to first dc with a slip stitch and ch1 (does not count as a stitch)
Row 4: Working in the back loops only, dc in each sr around (18 sts). Join with a slip stitch to first back loop dc in round (skipping the ch1)
Row 5-6: Working in a spiral again and through both loops of the stitch, work 2 rows straight. (18 sts)
Row 7: (dc2tog, dc in next dc) 5 times, dc3tog to finish round (11 sts)
Row 8- 13: work straight (11 sts)

 

Stuff the foot only. Turn so that the foot is pointing upwards as shown in the photograph.

Fold the leg flat and dc across the top to close. Ch1 and turn. (5 dc).

You will now work flat using a turning ch each time which does not count as a stitch.



 

Row 14: dc in each dc across, ch1 and turn.
Row 15: dc in each dc across.  Fasten off.



 

Stitch legs to the base of your rabbit as shown, ensuring that the toes are pointing upwards.





 

Finishing Touches

Tidy away all ends by working them in with the darning needle. Then sit back and enjoy your little guy!

A little note:

I have spent time and energy developing this pattern to share with you for free. Please do not claim it as your own or sell it for money. I am happy for you to sell finished items made from the pattern, but please credit me, littleschoolofwool, with designing it and link back to my blog or FB page. It would be smashing if you could add me to your queue or library in Ravelry or leave me a comment. Happy hooking!