purlJam

# Easter Bunny Basket
### A Beginner-Friendly Crochet Pattern

This adorable Easter Bunny Basket is perfect for egg hunts, holding springtime treats, or as festive decor. Using simple amigurumi techniques and basic stitches, this project is ideal for beginners looking to create something both cute and functional!

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in main color (MC) - approximately 100 yards
  - Suggested colors: White, cream, pink, lavender, or any pastel shade
- Small amount of contrasting color for inner ears (optional) - approximately 10 yards
- Small amount of pink or black for embroidered face (optional)

**Recommended Yarns:**
- Red Heart Super Saver
- Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
- Caron Simply Soft

**Hook & Notions:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembly
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Optional: Two 6mm safety eyes (can be embroidered instead)
- Optional: Pink embroidery floss for nose
- Optional: 18-gauge wire for structured ears (6 inches)

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## GAUGE

18 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension will create a neat, even basket. If your fabric is too loose, go down a hook size. The basket should be firm enough to hold its shape.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yo, pull through both, yo, pull through all loops)
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- MC = main color
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

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## NOTES

- This pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
- Do not join or turn at the end of rounds unless instructed.
- Work with tight, even tension to create a firm fabric that holds its shape.
- The basket base is worked flat in a circle, then the sides are built up as a cylinder.
- Ears are made separately and sewn on during assembly.
- Stuff the ears lightly if desired, but the basket body is NOT stuffed (it needs to be hollow to hold items).

**Invisible Decrease Tutorial:** Insert hook in front loop only of next 2 stitches, yarn over and pull through both front loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. This creates a neater decrease than standard sc2tog.

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## PATTERN

### BASKET BASE

The base is worked in a flat circle using standard increase rounds.

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]
- *Tip: Pull magic ring tail tight to close center hole*

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
- *Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
- *Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]
- *Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 5:** (3 sc, inc) around [30]
- *Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats; 6 × 5 = 30 ✓*

**Rnd 6:** (4 sc, inc) around [36]
- *Math check: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats; 6 × 6 = 36 ✓*

The base should now measure approximately 3.5-4 inches across and lie flat. If it's ruffling, your tension may be too loose. If it's cupping, your tension may be too tight.

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### BASKET SIDES

Now we'll build up the sides of the basket, working even rounds (no increases or decreases).

**Rnd 7:** Working in back loops only (BLO) for this round, sc in each st around [36]
- *This creates a ridge that defines the base edge*

**Rnds 8-17:** sc in each st around [36]
- *That's 10 rounds total of even single crochet*
- *Math check: Maintains 36 sts each round ✓*

Your basket sides should now measure approximately 3-3.5 inches tall.

**Rnd 18 (Decorative Edge):** (2 sc, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook - picot made, sc) around [36 sc plus 12 picots]
- *This creates a cute scalloped edge*
- *Alternative: For a simpler edge, just sc around and fasten off*

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in ends.

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### HANDLE

**Row 1:** Ch 41
- *Length check: This should measure approximately 10 inches*

**Row 2:** Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across [40]

**Row 3:** Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across [40]

Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.

*For a sturdier handle, work one more row (Row 4 same as Row 3)*

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### BUNNY EARS (Make 2)

Each ear is worked as an elongated oval/tube.

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnd 2:** (sc, inc) around [6]
- *Math check: 4 ÷ 2 = 2 repeats; 2 × 3 = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** sc in each st around [6]

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [8]
- *Math check: 6 ÷ 3 = 2 repeats; 2 × 4 = 8 ✓*

**Rnds 5-12:** sc in each st around [8]
- *That's 8 rounds total of even single crochet*
- *Ears should measure approximately 2.5-3 inches long*

**Rnd 13:** (2 sc, dec) around [6]
- *Math check: 8 ÷ 4 = 2 repeats; 2 × 3 = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 14:** (sc, dec) around [4]
- *Math check: 6 ÷ 3 = 2 repeats; 2 × 2 = 4 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail for sewing. Do NOT stuff ears (they should be flat or only very lightly stuffed).

**Optional Inner Ear Detail:**
Using contrasting color yarn, ch 3, turn, and work sc rows back and forth to create a small teardrop shape approximately 1.5 inches long. Sew to center front of ear before attaching to basket.

**Optional Wire Support:**
Cut a 3-inch piece of 18-gauge wire. Fold in half and insert into ear before closing. This allows ears to be posed standing up or flopping over.

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### ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Attach Handle**
- Position handle ends on opposite sides of basket, about 1 inch below the decorative edge
- Using the long tails, sew handle securely to inside of basket with yarn needle
- Weave through multiple stitches for strength
- Weave in ends securely

**Step 2: Attach Ears**
- Position ears on opposite sides of basket rim, or close together at front for a "bunny face" look
- Standard placement: Opposite sides, centered above handle attachment points
- Bunny face placement: Front center, about 1 inch apart
- Using long tails, sew the bottom opening of each ear flat against the basket rim
- Sew through multiple stitches in a circular pattern for security
- Weave in ends

**Step 3: Add Face (Optional)**
If creating a bunny face design:
- Position: Center front between ears
- Eyes: Insert 6mm safety eyes about 1 inch below ear base and 0.75 inches apart, OR embroider with black yarn (French knots or small circles)
- Nose: Embroider small pink triangle using satin stitch, positioned about 0.5 inches below eyes
- Mouth: Use backstitch to create a small "Y" shape or simple smile

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## FINISHING

- Weave in all remaining ends
- Gently shape basket with hands, ensuring base sits flat
- Steam block lightly if needed to even out stitches (hold steaming iron 1-2 inches above, never touching yarn directly)
- Shape ears as desired (upright or floppy)

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## SIZE & VARIATIONS

**Finished Dimensions:**
- Basket diameter: approximately 4 inches (10 cm)
- Basket height: approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm)
- Total height with ears: approximately 7 inches (18 cm)
- Handle length: approximately 10 inches (25 cm)

**Size Adjustments:**

*Larger Basket:*
- Add 2 more increase rounds to base (to 42 or 48 sts)
- Work 4-6 additional even rounds for sides
- Increase handle chain by 10-20 chains

*Smaller Basket (Mini/Keychain):*
- Stop base at Round 4 (24 sts)
- Work only 6-8 rounds for sides
- Reduce handle chain to 21
- Make ears with starting round of 3 sc, increase to only 6 sts max

**Color Variations:**
- Classic white bunny with pink inner ears and nose
- Gray bunny with white inner ears
- Pastel rainbow: Each basket in different Easter color
- Brown bunny for realistic look

**Style Variations:**
- Replace picot edge with: simple sc round, or (sc, ch 1, skip 1) around for lacier look
- Add a bow: Make small bow from ribbon or crocheted chain and attach to handle base
- Carrot accent: Make small orange cone following template cone instructions, add to basket side
- Pom-pom tail: Attach white pom-pom to back of basket opposite the face

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent
- Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring)
- Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry
- Do not machine wash or dry
- If using safety eyes, these are not suitable for children under 3 years

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## SKILL LEVEL
★☆☆☆☆ Beginner

**You'll Practice:**
- Working in continuous rounds with magic ring
- Even increasing for flat circles
- Working even rounds for cylinders
- Basic shaping and assembly
- Simple embellishment (optional)

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem:** Base is ruffling/not lying flat
**Solution:** Your tension may be too loose. Try going down to a 3.25mm hook, or work more tightly.

**Problem:** Base is cupping upward
**Solution:** Your tension is too tight. Try going up to a 4mm hook, or work more loosely.

**Problem:** Basket sides are leaning/wobbly
**Solution:** Ensure you're maintaining exactly 36 sts each round. Use a stitch marker and count frequently.

**Problem:** Ears won't stand up
**Solution:** Add wire support (see pattern notes) or lightly starch the ears.

**Problem:** Handle is sagging
**Solution:** Work an additional row on the handle for more stability, or use a smaller hook for tighter fabric.

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## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

This Easter Bunny Basket pattern uses simple amigurumi techniques adapted for a functional basket. Perfect for beginners, it requires only basic single crochet skills and minimal assembly. Fill with Easter eggs, spring flowers, or treats!

**Estimated Time:** 2-3 hours
**Estimated Yarn Cost:** $3-5 (using one skein of worsted weight)

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**Happy Crocheting! 🐰🌷**

*Pattern designed for beginner crocheters | Please do not redistribute this pattern | Items made from this pattern may be sold in small quantities with credit*