purlJam

<pattern>

# Peek-a-Boo Easter Egg with Baby Bunny

A sweet amigurumi plush featuring a cracked pastel egg with an adorable baby bunny peeking out! Perfect for Easter baskets or springtime décor. The bunny can be tucked inside or displayed peeking out for interactive play.

**Difficulty Level**: Beginner  
**Finished Size**: Approximately 4-5 inches tall  
**Design Style**: Kawaii amigurumi

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn in the following colors:
  - Pastel pink, yellow, or blue (egg) – approximately 50 yards
  - White or cream (bunny) – approximately 25 yards
  - Pink (inner ears, optional) – small amount
  - Black or dark brown (embroidery) – small amount

**Recommended Yarn:** Any worsted weight acrylic (Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft, Bernat Super Value)

**Hook & Notions:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Embroidery needle (for facial features)
- Pins (for positioning during assembly)

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## GAUGE

Gauge is flexible for amigurumi, but standard gauge for this pattern:
- 18 sts × 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet

**Note:** Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through. If your fabric looks loose, go down a hook size to 3.25mm.

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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, yarn over, pull through both, yarn over, pull through 2 loops)
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

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## PATTERN NOTES

- All pieces are worked in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
- Do not join or turn at the end of rounds unless instructed.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you work, especially before decreasing.
- The invisible decrease technique creates the smoothest finish for amigurumi.
- The egg halves have intentionally uneven "cracked" edges – don't worry about them being perfectly symmetrical!

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### EGG BOTTOM HALF (Pastel color)

This forms the base of the egg where the bunny sits.

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

**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 ✓*

**Rnds 6-11:** sc in each st around [30]  
*6 even rounds for egg body*

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

**Begin stuffing firmly now and continue stuffing as you work.**

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

**Rnd 14 (Jagged Edge):** *(sc, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc) in next st, sc in next 2 sts; repeat from * around [18 sts with 6 points]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for assembly. The opening should be approximately 2 inches across.

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### EGG TOP HALF (Same pastel color)

This creates the cracked upper portion of the shell.

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

**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 ✓*

**Rnds 6-9:** sc in each st around [30]  
*4 even rounds for top shell*

**Stuff lightly** (this piece should be less firmly stuffed than the bottom)

**Rnd 10 (Jagged Edge):** *(sc, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc) in next st, sc in next 2 sts; repeat from * around [30 sts with 10 points]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Leave opening as is (do not close).

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### BABY BUNNY HEAD (White or cream)

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

**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 ✓*

**Rnds 4-7:** sc in each st around [18]  
*4 even rounds for chubby head shape*

**Begin stuffing firmly.**

**Rnd 8:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats, 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 9:** dec around [6]  
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

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

---

### BUNNY EARS (Make 2 in white or cream)

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

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

**Rnds 3-6:** sc in each st around [6]  
*4 even rounds for ear length*

**Do not stuff ears.** Flatten opening and sl st across to close (working through both layers). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

**Optional Inner Ear Detail:** Using pink yarn, embroider a small oval in the center of each ear with straight stitches or chain stitch.

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### FACE DETAILS (Embroidery)

**Eyes:** Using black or dark brown yarn and embroidery needle:
- Position eyes on bunny head between Rnds 4-5, approximately 4-5 sts apart
- For kawaii style: Embroider small vertical lines (2-3 stitches long) for closed/happy eyes, OR small French knots, OR tiny circles with satin stitch

**Nose:** Using pink yarn:
- Position nose centered below eyes on Rnd 6
- Embroider a small triangle or upside-down Y shape

**Cheeks (optional):** Using pink yarn:
- Add two small circles (satin stitch or French knots) on either side of nose

**Expression tip:** For maximum kawaii effect, place eyes close together and keep features small and centered on the face.

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Attach Ears to Bunny Head**
- Position ears on top of head, angled slightly outward in a V-shape
- Place ears approximately at Rnd 1-2 of the head
- Pin in place, then sew securely using the long tails and whip stitch
- Weave in ends

**Step 2: Position Bunny in Egg**
- Place bunny head inside egg bottom half so it peeks out at the desired height
- The bunny can rest freely inside (removable for interactive play) OR be sewn in place
- **For removable bunny:** Simply place bunny inside egg bottom. Add a small "nest" of fiberfill around base of bunny head to hold it upright if desired
- **For permanent placement:** Sew bunny head to inside edge of egg bottom with a few secure stitches

**Step 3: Egg Top Half**
- The egg top can be:
  - **Option A:** Left completely separate (placed on as a "hat" or displayed beside egg)
  - **Option B:** Sewn partially to egg bottom at back edge only (2-3 inches of seam), creating a hinged "lid" effect
  - **Option C:** Positioned and sewn to one side for a permanently open display

**Recommended:** Option A or B work best for the peek-a-boo interactive element!

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## FINISHING

- Weave in all remaining ends securely
- Use yarn needle to tighten any loose stitches around faces or seams
- Gently shape egg halves and bunny head with your hands to perfect the round proportions
- Optional: Lightly brush bunny with a clean pet brush or suede brush for a fuzzy texture

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Color Variations:**
- Try pastel blue, lavender, mint green, or peach for the egg
- Make a brown or gray bunny instead of white
- Create a whole family with different colored eggs!

**Size Adjustments:**
- **Smaller keychain version:** Use sport weight yarn and 2.75mm hook, reduce increase rounds by one (stop at 24 sts for egg)
- **Larger display version:** Use bulky yarn and 5.5mm hook, add 1-2 more increase rounds (up to 36 sts for egg)

**Embellishments:**
- Add a small fabric bow between bunny ears
- Embroider tiny flowers or dots on egg shell
- Sew small felt decorations to egg surface
- Add safety eyes instead of embroidered eyes (9mm size, inserted after Rnd 6 before stuffing)

**Other Animals:**
- Use the same pattern but swap bunny ears for chick features (yellow head, small orange triangle beak, no ears)
- Make a duckling (yellow, small flat orange oval for beak)

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean only with damp cloth
- Do not machine wash (stuffing may clump)
- Air dry completely if cleaned
- Not suitable for children under 3 if using embroidered features (choking hazard if pulled loose)

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem:** Egg halves don't match in size  
**Solution:** Count stitches carefully in each round. Both halves should have 30 sts at widest point.

**Problem:** Bunny head wobbles or tips over inside egg  
**Solution:** Add more stuffing around the base inside the egg bottom, or sew bunny in place with a few tack stitches.

**Problem:** Fabric looks loose and stuffing shows through  
**Solution:** Use a smaller hook (try 3.25mm) and work stitches more tightly.

**Problem:** Jagged edges look messy  
**Solution:** This is normal! Real cracked eggs have uneven edges. Embrace the organic look, or skip the jagged edge and work a plain round instead.

**Problem:** Can't close magic ring tightly  
**Solution:** After completing Rnd 1, pull the tail firmly before working Rnd 2. You can also start with ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook as an alternative.

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## SKILL BUILDING

This pattern teaches:
- ✓ Magic ring technique
- ✓ Working in continuous rounds
- ✓ Increasing evenly to create spheres
- ✓ Decreasing to shape and close
- ✓ Creating decorative edges (jagged effect)
- ✓ Embroidering facial features
- ✓ Basic amigurumi assembly

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## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

Designed as a beginner-friendly introduction to amigurumi techniques using simple sphere and oval shapes. The peek-a-boo element adds interactive charm, making this perfect for Easter gifts, spring décor, or as a sweet handmade present for someone special.

**Estimated Time:** 3-4 hours for confident beginners

**Perfect for:** Easter baskets, nursery décor, spring photography props, gifts for bunny lovers

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*Pattern tested with Red Heart Super Saver in Soft Pink and White using 3.