1. **Analysis**: The user wants a specific amigurumi project (5-inch rabbit) but provided a template description for a beanie. I will prioritize the object requested (Rabbit) while maintaining the structural rigors and "Bulky" yarn constraints from the template. The specific design challenge is the "large ears that are falling down" on a small (5-inch) scale using Bulky yarn.
2. **Reference Classes**:
* *Reference 1*: "Chubby Bunny Amigurumi" (Uses spherical geometry for head/body to maximize cuteness in small sizes).
* *Reference 2*: "Long-Eared Lop Rabbit" (Technique: Ears are worked as long tubes and sewn low on the head to force the droop).
* *Reference 3*: "Quick Bulky Plushies" (Low stitch counts due to yarn thickness; usually 18-24 stitch max circumference for 5-inch toys).
3. **Edge Cases**:
* *Stiff Ears*: With Bulky yarn, ears might stand up if the base is too wide. *Solution*: Work ears with a narrow base (6 sc) and significant length to ensure gravity pulls them down.
* *Wrong Size*: Bulky yarn builds height fast. *Solution*: Limit vertical rounds. Head should be ~8 rounds, Body ~10 rounds.
* *Holes in Fabric*: Bulky yarn often requires a smaller hook than recommended on the label to prevent stuffing visibility. *Solution*: Mandate a 5.0mm or 5.5mm hook for Bulky yarn.
4. **Plan**:
* **Yarn**: Bulky (Weight 5).
* **Hook**: US H/8 (5.0 mm) to I/9 (5.5 mm) for tight gauge (Label usually suggests K/6.5mm).
* **Key Dimensions**: Total height 5 inches.
* **Structure**: Head (Sphere), Body (Cylinder), Ears (Long Tubes), sewn together.
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Included Title, Materials, Gauge, Notes, Instructions (Head, Body, Ears, Assembly).
2. **Consistency**: Math checks:
* Head max circumference 24 sts (approx 8-9 inches circum / 3.14 = ~2.7 inch diameter).
* Height calculation: ~4 rounds per inch. Total rounds approx 20 for 5 inches.
3. **Constraints**: Addressed "large ears falling down" by designing long, narrow ear tubes. Addressed "Bulky" yarn.
4. **Safety**: Stitch counts verified in the drafting phase.
# Pattern: The Floppy-Eared Bulky Bunny
**A 5-Inch Amigurumi Project**
## Description
A compact, soft rabbit designed for bulky yarn. This intermediate pattern features a classic amigurumi construction with oversized, floppy ears designed to drape downwards rather than stand up.
## Specifications
* **Final Measurements:** Approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm) tall from feet to top of head (excluding ears).
* **Difficulty:** Intermediate (Requires working in the round, invisible decreases, and assembly).
## Materials
* **Yarn:** Bulky Weight (Category 5). Approx. 50-60 yards of main color.
* *Suggested:* Velvet or Chenille style yarn works well for a plush finish.
* **Hook:** US I/9 (5.5 mm). *Note: This is smaller than standard for Bulky yarn to ensure tight stitches so stuffing doesn't show.*
* **Notions:**
* Polyester fiberfill stuffing.
* Safety eyes (10mm or 12mm).
* Yarn needle (large eye for bulky yarn).
* Stitch marker.
* Pink embroidery floss for nose.
## Gauge
12 sc x 13 rows = 4 inches (10 cm).
*Achieving exact gauge is less critical than ensuring your fabric is tight enough to hold stuffing.*
## Abbreviations & Terminology (US Terms)
* **MR:** Magic Ring (adjustable loop)
* **sc:** Single Crochet
* **inc:** Increase (2 sc in same st)
* **dec:** Invisible Decrease (insert hook into front loops only of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops)
* **st(s):** Stitch(es)
* **[...] x N:** Repeat instructions in brackets N times.
---
## Instructions
### Head
*Worked top-down in continuous rounds. Do not join or turn.*
**Rnd 1:** Create MR, work 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)
`[Math: Start 0 + 6 sc = 6 sts]`
**Rnd 2:** Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
`[Math: 6 sts + 6 inc = 12 sts]`
**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next st, inc in next st] repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
`[Math: 12 sts + 6 inc = 18 sts]`
**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st] repeat 6 times. (24 sts)
`[Math: 18 sts + 6 inc = 24 sts]`
**Rnd 5 - 8:** Sc in each st around. (24 sts)
`[Math: Work even for 4 rounds]`
*Note: Insert safety eyes between Rnd 6 and Rnd 7, spaced about 4 stitches apart.*
**Rnd 9:** [Sc in next 2 sts, dec] repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
`[Math: 24 sts - 6 dec = 18 sts]`
**Rnd 10:** [Sc in next st, dec] repeat 6 times. (12 sts)
`[Math: 18 sts - 6 dec = 12 sts]`
*Fasten off, leaving a short tail. Stuff the head firmly.*
### Body
*Worked bottom-up (or top-down depending on preference, but we will work bottom-up to create a stable base).*
**Rnd 1:** Create MR, work 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)
`[Math: Start 0 + 6 sc = 6 sts]`
**Rnd 2:** Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
`[Math: 6 sts + 6 inc = 12 sts]`
**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next st, inc in next st] repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
`[Math: 12 sts + 6 inc = 18 sts]`
**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st] repeat 6 times. (24 sts)
`[Math: 18 sts + 6 inc = 24 sts]`
**Rnd 5 - 8:** Sc in each st around. (24 sts)
`[Math: Work even for 4 rounds]`
**Rnd 9:** [Sc in next 2 sts, dec] repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
`[Math: 24 sts - 6 dec = 18 sts]`
**Rnd 10:** [Sc in next st, dec] repeat 6 times. (12 sts)
`[Math: 18 sts - 6 dec = 12 sts]`
*Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approx 12 inches) for sewing. Stuff the body firmly.*
### Floppy Ears (Make 2)
*The ears are worked in a narrow tube to ensure they are heavy enough to hang down.*
**Rnd 1:** Create MR, work 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)
`[Math: Start 0 + 6 sc = 6 sts]`
**Rnd 2:** [Sc in next st, inc in next st] repeat 3 times. (9 sts)
`[Math: 6 sts + 3 inc = 9 sts]`
**Rnd 3 - 10:** Sc in each st around. (9 sts)
`[Math: Work even for 8 rounds. Length check: approx 2.5 inches]`
**Rnd 11:** [Sc in next st, dec] repeat 3 times. (6 sts)
`[Math: 9 sts - 3 dec = 6 sts]`
*Do not stuff ears. Flatten the opening and sc through both layers to close (3 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.*
### Arms (Make 2 - Optional)
**Rnd 1:** Create MR, work 5 sc into ring. (5 sts)
**Rnd 2-4:** Sc in each st around. (5 sts)
*Fasten off, leave tail for sewing.*
### Feet (Make 2 - Optional)
**Rnd 1:** Create MR, work 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)
**Rnd 2:** Sc in each st around. (6 sts)
*Fasten off, leave tail for sewing.*
---
## Assembly
1. **Head to Body:** Align the 12 stitches of the Head opening with the 12 stitches of the Body opening. Using the long tail from the body, whip stitch them together securely. Add more stuffing just before closing if the neck feels floppy.
2. **Ears:** This is the critical step for the "floppy" look.
* Do not sew them on the very top of the head (like a bear).
* Position the flattened edge of the ear on the *side* of the head, roughly at **Rnd 4 or 5**.
* Sew the top edge of the ear securely, allowing the rest of the ear to hang down past the cheek.
3. **Limbs:** Sew arms to the body at Rnd 9 (just below the neck). Sew feet to the bottom front of the body to allow the rabbit to sit.
4. **Face:** Use pink embroidery floss or yarn to stitch a "Y" shape for the nose and mouth centered between the eyes.