1. **Analysis**:
* **Subject**: Amigurumi Rabbit.
* **Constraints**: 5 inches tall, Bulky weight yarn, Intermediate difficulty.
* **Specific Feature**: "Big loopy ears that are down." This implies a Lop-eared rabbit. I will interpret "loopy" as using the **Loop Stitch** to create a textured, fluffy effect on the ears, which distinguishes this as an "Intermediate" pattern rather than a beginner one.
* **Template Conflict**: The user provided instructions for a "Basic Crochet Beanie" in the template field. I will disregard the beanie-specific instructions (ribbing, increasing to head diameter) but retain the standard professional pattern structure (Materials, Gauge, Notes, Instructions) suitable for the rabbit request.
2. **Reference Classes**:
* *One-Piece Amigurumi Bodies*: Head and body worked continuously to minimize sewing, typical for small (5-inch) toys.
* *Bulky Yarn Toys*: Requires lower stitch counts to achieve small size. Standard Bulky (Category 5) gauge is approx 3-3.5 sc per inch.
* *Loop Stitch Amigurumi*: Technique used to create fur or texture. Loops form on the "wrong side" (away from the hook), so pieces worked in the round must be turned inside out.
3. **Edge Cases**:
* *Size Creep*: Bulky yarn can quickly make a toy 8-10 inches. I must strictly limit the row count to approx 16-18 rows total for a 5-inch height.
* *Ear Stiffness*: "Down" ears must not stand up. I will omit stuffing in the ears and keep the connection point narrow.
* *Loop Stitch Orientation*: In amigurumi (working in the round), loops naturally form inside the tube. I will include an instruction to invert the ears so loops face outward.
4. **Plan**:
* **Gauge**: 12 sts & 12 rows = 4 inches (approx).
* **Hook**: US J/10 (6.0 mm) or slightly smaller to prevent gaps.
* **Construction**:
* **Head/Body**: Worked top-down in one piece. Start 6, max 24 sts, dec to 18 (neck), max 24 (body), close.
* **Loopy Ears**: Worked in the round using Loop Stitch. Turned inside out. Sewn to sides of head.
* **Limbs**: Simple bobble or small tubes sewn on (or bobbles integrated for minimal sewing). I will use separate small tubes for cleaner definition with bulky yarn.
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Included Title, Specs, Gauge, Abbrev, Instructions (Head/Body, Ears, Legs, Tail, Assembly).
2. **Consistency**:
* Height calculation: 18 rows @ ~3.5 rows/inch = ~5.1 inches. Correct.
* Width calculation: 24 sts @ ~3.5 sts/inch = ~6.8 inch circumference / 3.14 = ~2.1 inch diameter. This results in a cute, slender bunny suitable for the height.
3. **Constraints**: "Big loopy ears" addressed via Loop Stitch technique. "Down" orientation addressed via placement instructions. "Bulky yarn" addressed via stitch counts.
4. **Safety**: Math check.
* Head max: 24 sts.
* Neck dec: 24 -> 18.
* Body max: 24.
* Closure: 24 -> 12 -> 6.
* Math is sound.
# The Loopy Lop-Eared Bunny
**A 5-Inch Amigurumi Project**
## Description
This intermediate pattern creates a compact, 5-inch tall rabbit using bulky weight yarn. The body and head are worked in one continuous piece to minimize sewing. The signature feature is the "Loopy Ear," created using the Loop Stitch to provide a fun, textured look. The weight of the bulky yarn and the stitch texture ensure the ears flop down charmingly.
## Specifications
* **Difficulty Level:** Intermediate
* **Finished Size:** Approximately 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall, ears excluded.
* **Yarn Weight:** Bulky (Category 5).
* **Suggested Yarn:** Chenille-style or velvet bulky yarn works best for softness, but standard bulky acrylic is suitable.
## Materials
* **Yarn:** Approx 60-70 yards of Bulky Weight yarn.
* **Hook:** US J/10 (6.0 mm) (or size needed to obtain tight gauge).
* **Notions:** Tapestry needle, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill stuffing, 10mm safety eyes (or scrap black yarn for embroidery).
## Gauge
* 12 sts and 12 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet.
* *Note: Detailed gauge is less critical than ensuring stitches are tight enough so stuffing does not show through.*
## Terminology & Abbreviations (US Standard)
* **MR:** Magic Ring (adjustable ring)
* **st(s):** Stitch(es)
* **sc:** Single Crochet
* **inc:** Increase (work 2 sc in the same st)
* **dec:** Invisible Decrease (hook under front loops of next 2 sts, yo, pull through 2, yo, pull through 2)
* **LS:** Loop Stitch (Insert hook in st, wrap yarn over index finger to create a loop, grab strand from behind finger and pull through st, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook). *Maintain loops approx 1 inch long.*
* **[...]**: Total stitch count at end of round.
## Pattern Notes
1. **Work in Spirals:** Do not join rounds with a slip stitch unless indicated. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
2. **The Loopy Ears:** When working Loop Stitch in the round, the loops form on the "wrong side" (the side away from you/inside the tube). You will turn the ears inside out before attaching so the loops face the world.
3. **Safety:** If making for a child under 3, embroider eyes instead of using plastic safety eyes.
---
## Instructions
### Head & Body (Worked as one piece)
**Rnd 1:** Begin with 6 sc in MR. `[6 sts]`
**Rnd 2:** Inc in each st around. `[Start: 6 + Inc: 6 = 12 sts]`
**Rnd 3:** *Sc in next st, inc in next st; repeat from * around. `[Start: 12 + Inc: 6 = 18 sts]`
**Rnd 4:** *Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st; repeat from * around. `[Start: 18 + Inc: 6 = 24 sts]`
**Rnd 5 - 8:** Sc in each st around. (4 rounds). `[24 sts]`
*Note: Insert safety eyes now, between Rnd 6 and 7, spaced about 4 stitches apart.*
**Rnd 9 (Neck):** *Sc in next 2 sts, dec; repeat from * around. `[Start: 24 - Dec: 6 = 18 sts]`
**Rnd 10 (Body Inc):** *Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st; repeat from * around. `[Start: 18 + Inc: 6 = 24 sts]`
**Rnd 11 - 14:** Sc in each st around. (4 rounds). `[24 sts]`
**Rnd 15:** *Sc in next 2 sts, dec; repeat from * around. `[Start: 24 - Dec: 6 = 18 sts]`
*Note: Begin stuffing firmly. Ensure the neck area is stuffed well to support the head.*
**Rnd 16:** *Sc in next st, dec; repeat from * around. `[Start: 18 - Dec: 6 = 12 sts]`
**Rnd 17:** Dec in all stitches around. `[Start: 12 - Dec: 6 = 6 sts]`
**Finishing:** Fasten off, leaving a tail. Weave tail through front loops of remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close.
### Loopy Ears (Make 2)
*Note: We are using the Loop Stitch (LS). The loops will form on the INSIDE. We will flip it inside out at the end.*
**Rnd 1:** Begin with 6 sc in MR. `[6 sts]`
**Rnd 2:** *Sc in next st, inc in next st; repeat from * around. `[Start: 6 + Inc: 3 = 9 sts]`
**Rnd 3:** LS (Loop Stitch) in each st around. `[9 sts]`
**Rnd 4:** LS in each st around. `[9 sts]`
**Rnd 5:** LS in each st around. `[9 sts]`
**Rnd 6:** LS in each st around. `[9 sts]`
**Rnd 7:** LS in each st around. `[9 sts]`
**Rnd 8:** Sc in each st around. `[9 sts]`
**Finishing:**
1. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
2. **Do not stuff.**
3. Turn the ear inside out (push the bottom up through the opening) so the loops are now on the outside.
4. Flatten the top opening (Rnd 8) and sew it shut flat.
### Arms (Make 2)
**Rnd 1:** Begin with 5 sc in MR. `[5 sts]`
**Rnd 2 - 4:** Sc in each st around. `[5 sts]`
**Finishing:** Fasten off, leave tail. Do not stuff.
### Legs (Make 2)
**Rnd 1:** Begin with 6 sc in MR. `[6 sts]`
**Rnd 2:** *Sc in next st, inc in next st; repeat from * around. `[Start: 6 + Inc: 3 = 9 sts]`
**Rnd 3:** Sc in each st around. `[9 sts]`
**Finishing:** Fasten off, leave tail. Stuff lightly.
### Tail (Pom-Pom style)
**Rnd 1:** Begin with 6 sc in MR. `[6 sts]`
**Rnd 2:** LS (Loop Stitch) in every st around. `[6 sts]`
**Finishing:** Fasten off. Turn inside out so loops protrude.
---
## Assembly
1. **Ears:** Sew the flattened top edge of the ears to the head at Rnd 4. Position them slightly towards the side/back so they hang down heavily beside the eyes.
2. **Arms:** Sew arms to the body at Rnd 10 (just below the neck decrease).
3. **Legs:** Sew legs to the bottom front of the body at Rnd 14-15, spaced slightly apart so the bunny can sit.
4. **Tail:** Sew tail to the back of the body at Rnd 14.
5. **Face:** Using pink yarn or embroidery thread, stitch a small "Y" shape between the eyes for the nose and mouth.