purlJam

<pattern>

# Jellycat-Inspired Bunny Crochet Pattern

*A cuddly, floppy-eared bunny perfect for beginners*

## Pattern Details
- **Difficulty**: Beginner
- **Finished Size**: Approximately 7-8 inches tall (including ears)
- **Construction**: Worked in continuous rounds (amigurumi style), pieces assembled

---

## Materials

### Yarn
- **Main Color (MC)**: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in desired bunny color, approximately 120-150 yards
  - Suggested colors: cream, light gray, tan, white, or soft pink
- **Accent Color (AC)**: Worsted weight (#4) yarn for inner ears (optional), approximately 30-50 yards
  - Suggested: pink, light pink, or cream

### Hook & Notions
- **Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle)
- Stitch marker
- **Optional**: 9mm safety eyes (2), embroidery thread for face details
- Scissors

### Recommended Yarn Types
- Acrylic: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Red Heart Super Saver
- Cotton blend: Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran
- Velvet/plush: Bernat Velvet (creates extra soft texture similar to Jellycat)

---

## Abbreviations
- **ch**: chain
- **sc**: single crochet
- **inc**: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- **dec**: invisible decrease (insert hook through front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)
- **rnd(s)**: round(s)
- **MC**: main color
- **AC**: accent color
- **[ ]**: total stitch count at end of round

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## Gauge
**5-6 sc** and **6 rounds** = 1 inch in single crochet

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but working tightly is important for amigurumi to prevent stuffing from showing through.*

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## Pattern Notes

1. **Continuous rounds**: Work in spiral without joining. Use stitch marker to track beginning of round.
2. **Tight tension**: Work stitches tightly to create a firm fabric that holds stuffing.
3. **Invisible decrease**: Use invisible decrease for smoother surface finish.
4. **Stuffing**: Stuff pieces firmly as you go, except ears (stuff lightly for floppy effect).
5. **Right side out**: All pieces are worked with right side facing out.
6. **Stitch counts**: Verify count at end of each round - counts are in brackets [#].

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## Pattern Instructions

### BODY (Make 1 in MC)

The body is worked as an oval shape, starting from the bottom.

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

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

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

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

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

**Rnds 6-12**: sc in each st around [30]
*7 rounds of even stitches for body height*

**Rnd 13**: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Verification: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Begin stuffing body firmly.**

**Rnd 14**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Verification: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Rnd 15**: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Verification: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Add more stuffing to make body firm.**

**Rnd 16**: dec around [6]
*Verification: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

---

### HEAD (Make 1 in MC)

The head is worked as a sphere.

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

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

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

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

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

**Rnds 6-11**: sc in each st around [30]
*6 rounds of even stitches for head height*

**If using safety eyes, insert now between Rnds 8-9, approximately 6-7 sts apart.**

**Rnd 12**: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Verification: 30 ÷ 5 = 6 repeats, 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

**Rnd 13**: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Verification: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats, 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Begin stuffing head very firmly.**

**Rnd 14**: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Verification: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Add more stuffing.**

**Rnd 15**: dec around [6]
*Verification: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing to body. Use yarn needle to weave through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close.

---

### EARS (Make 2 in MC, with AC inner ear optional)

Ears are worked as long, thin ovals for that characteristic Jellycat floppy look.

**With MC:**

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2**: (sc, inc) around [9]
*Verification: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 repeats, 3 × 3 = 9 ✓*

**Rnds 3-14**: sc in each st around [9]
*12 rounds for ear length*

**Rnd 15**: (sc, dec) around [6]
*Verification: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 repeats, 3 × 2 = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 16**: dec around [3]
*Verification: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Do not close opening yet. Stuff ears VERY LIGHTLY (just enough to give slight shape but keep floppy). Flatten ear and use tail to sew opening closed, creating a flat base.

**Inner Ear Detail (Optional with AC):**

With AC, ch 12.

**Row 1**: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across [11]

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Sew this flat piece to front center of ear before attaching ears to head.

---

### ARMS (Make 2 in MC)

Arms are simple cylinders with slight hand shaping.

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

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

**Rnds 3-4**: sc in each st around [12]
*2 rounds for paw*

**Rnd 5**: dec, sc in remaining sts around [11]
*Verification: 12 - 1 = 11 ✓*

**Rnd 6**: dec, sc in remaining sts around [10]
*Verification: 11 - 1 = 10 ✓*

**Rnds 7-10**: sc in each st around [10]
*4 rounds for arm length*

**Stuff arm lightly to moderately (keep flexible).**

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Flatten opening and sew closed. Arms will be sewn to body sides.

---

### LEGS (Make 2 in MC)

Legs are worked similar to arms but slightly shorter and wider at the foot.

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

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

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

**Rnds 4-5**: sc in each st around [18]
*2 rounds for foot*

**Rnd 6**: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Verification: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnds 7-9**: sc in each st around [12]
*3 rounds for leg length*

**Stuff leg firmly.**

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Flatten opening and sew closed. Legs will be sewn to bottom of body.

---

### TAIL (Make 1 in MC)

Small fluffy pompom tail.

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

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

**Rnds 3-4**: sc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 5**: dec around [6]
*Verification: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Stuff lightly. Fasten off, leaving long tail. Close opening and sew to back of body.

---

## Assembly

**Order of assembly:**

1. **Attach head to body**: Position head centered on top of body. Pin in place. Using the long tail from head, whip stitch or mattress stitch around the join, sewing through both pieces securely. Add extra stuffing to neck area if needed before completing the seam.

2. **Attach ears**: Position ears on top of head, approximately 3-4 stitches apart at base. Ears should angle slightly outward. Sew flat base of each ear securely to head using whip stitch. Ensure ears are symmetrical.

3. **Attach arms**: Position arms on sides of body, approximately at Rnd 4-5 of body (upper sides). Sew flattened end of each arm to body side using whip stitch, going around entire opening for security.

4. **Attach legs**: Position legs at bottom front of body (where body meets decrease rounds). Legs should be close together for sitting position or slightly apart for standing. Sew securely.

5. **Attach tail**: Position tail at back of body, centered, approximately at Rnd 7-8. Sew securely in place.

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## Finishing

### Face Details

**Eyes** (if not using safety eyes):
- With black embroidery thread or yarn, embroider two small circles or French knots for eyes
- Position between Rnds 8-9 of head, approximately 6-7 sts apart

**Nose**:
- With pink or black embroidery thread, embroider a small triangle or Y-shape for nose
- Position centered below eyes, approximately 3-4 rounds down

**Mouth** (optional):
- With embroidery thread, stitch a small smile or simple line below nose

### Final Touches

1. Weave in all remaining ends securely.
2. Gently shape bunny, positioning limbs and ears as desired.
3. Steam block lightly if needed to smooth any uneven stitches (hover steamer, don't touch directly).
4. Brush with soft pet brush if using velvet yarn for extra fluffy texture.

---

## Customization Ideas

### Size Variations
- **Smaller bunny**: Use DK weight yarn with 3.0mm hook (approximately 5" tall)
- **Larger bunny**: Use bulky yarn with 5.0mm hook, add 2 more increase rounds to head and body (approximately 10-12" tall)

### Color Options
- Classic white or cream
- Gray with pink inner ears
- Tan/beige "wild rabbit" with white tail
- Pastel colors: lavender, baby blue, mint green
- Two-tone: white body with colored ears

### Character Variations
- **Loppy ears**: Make ears twice as long (work Rnds 3-20 instead of 3-14)
- **Upright ears**: Stuff ears more firmly and position straight up
- **Clothing**: Add small