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# Sweet Bunny Sundress

A charming, beginner-friendly dress designed for stuffed rabbits approximately 10-11" (25-28 cm) tall when seated. This simple sundress features a fitted bodice with back button closure and a flared skirt for adorable style. The flat construction and basic stitches make this perfect for crocheters new to toy clothing.

## Materials

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (#4) yarn in main color: approximately 50-70 yards (46-64 m)
- Small amount of contrasting color for trim (optional)
- Suggested: cotton or cotton-blend yarn for structure and easy care

**Hook:**
- US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- 2 small buttons (½" / 12 mm diameter) or sew-on snaps
- Sewing needle and thread to attach buttons
- Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
- Scissors

## Gauge

16 sc × 18 rows = 4" × 4" (10 cm × 10 cm) in single crochet

*Gauge is important for proper fit. Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if necessary.*

## Finished Measurements

- Bodice width: 8" (20 cm) - wraps around bunny chest with overlap for closure
- Bodice length: 2.5" (6.5 cm)
- Skirt length: 2.25" (5.5 cm)
- Total dress length: approximately 4.75" (12 cm)
- Skirt bottom circumference: approximately 12" (30.5 cm)

## Abbreviations

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- inc = increase (work 2 sc in same stitch)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- sp = space
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses as directed
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of row/round

## Pattern Notes

- Dress is worked flat in rows from top to bottom
- Turning chain does NOT count as a stitch throughout
- Stitch count is provided at the end of each row in brackets [32]
- Right side is facing when you begin each odd-numbered row
- Back opening allows for easy dressing and removal
- Pattern can be adjusted by adding or subtracting rows for length
- Test fit on your bunny as you work; all rabbits vary slightly in size

## Special Stitches

None required - pattern uses basic stitches only.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODICE

**Row 1 (RS):** Ch 33, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. [32 sc]

**Row 2 (WS):** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. [32 sc]

**Rows 3-12:** Repeat Row 2 (10 more times). [32 sc]

*Bodice should measure approximately 8" (20 cm) wide × 2.5" (6.5 cm) tall. Test fit around bunny's chest at this point.*

**Do not fasten off.** Continue to skirt.

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### SKIRT

**Row 13 (RS):** Ch 1, sc in first st, inc in next st, (sc in next st, inc in next st) across, turn. [48 sc]
*Math check: Start 32 sts. Pattern (sc, inc) = 2 sts from 2 original sts repeated 16 times = 48 sts total. ✓*

**Row 14:** Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. [48 sc]

**Row 15:** Ch 2 (does not count as st), hdc in each st across, turn. [48 hdc]

**Row 16:** Ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. [48 hdc]

**Row 17:** Ch 2, hdc in each st across, turn. [48 hdc]

**Row 18:** Ch 3 (does not count as st), dc in each st across, turn. [48 dc]

**Row 19:** Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. [48 dc]

**Row 20:** Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. [48 dc]

**Row 21:** Ch 3, dc in each st across, turn. [48 dc]

**Row 22 (Edging):** Ch 1, sc in each st across. Do not turn. [48 sc]

**Do not fasten off.** Continue to edging.

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### BOTTOM EDGING (Optional Decorative Border)

Working along the bottom edge (Row 22):

**Round 1:** Ch 1, working evenly along the right side edge, work 2 sc in end of each row along side edge to top corner, ch 1 (corner), work sc evenly across top edge (foundation ch edge of bodice), ch 1 (corner), work 2 sc in end of each row along left side edge to bottom corner, ch 1 (corner), sl st to first sc of Row 22 to join. Fasten off.

*This creates a neat border around the entire dress. If you prefer a simpler finish, fasten off after Row 22 and skip the border.*

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### SHOULDER STRAPS (Make 2)

**Row 1:** Ch 31 (or desired length - measure over bunny's shoulder from front bodice to back), sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [30 sc]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

*Note: For narrower straps, ch 26-28 and work fewer sc. For wider straps, work 2 rows of sc.*

**Strap Placement:**
- Front: Position straps approximately 1.5" (4 cm) in from each side edge on right side of bodice top edge
- Back: Position straps approximately 1" (2.5 cm) in from each back opening edge
- Try dress on bunny before permanently attaching straps to ensure proper fit

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## FINISHING

### Assembly

1. **Weave in all ends** except the long tails on straps (save these for attaching).

2. **Position and attach straps:**
   - Place dress on bunny to determine best strap placement
   - Pin straps in place on bodice front, approximately 1.5" from side edges
   - Using tapestry needle and yarn tails, sew front ends of straps securely to wrong side of bodice top edge, stitching through all layers
   - Cross straps in back or keep parallel (your choice)
   - Sew back ends of straps to wrong side of bodice, approximately 1" from back opening edges
   - Secure all ends and weave in remaining yarn tails

3. **Add button closure:**
   - Overlap back opening edges by approximately ½" (1.25 cm), with right side edge overlapping left
   - Mark button positions on overlapping edge at approximately ¾" (2 cm) from top and ¾" (2 cm) from bottom of bodice
   - Sew buttons through both layers of back opening to create closure
   - Alternatively, use sew-on snaps for easier dressing

4. **Optional decoration:**
   - Add a small bow or flower at the neckline
   - Embroider details on skirt
   - Add ribbon trim at waistline (between bodice and skirt)
   - Use contrasting color for straps

5. **Blocking (optional):** 
   - Lightly steam or spray with water
   - Lay flat to dry
   - This helps the dress lay smooth and professional

### Fit Adjustments

**If dress is too small:**
- Use a larger hook size
- Add 4-8 stitches to foundation chain for bodice (add in multiples of 4)
- Add more increases in Row 13 of skirt

**If dress is too large:**
- Use a smaller hook size
- Remove 4-8 stitches from foundation chain (remove in multiples of 4)
- Work fewer increases in Row 13 of skirt

**For length adjustments:**
- Bodice: Add or remove rows before starting skirt (Rows 3-12)
- Skirt: Add or remove rows in the hdc section (Rows 15-17) or dc section (Rows 18-21)

### Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Lay flat to dry. If using cotton yarn, dress can be gently machine washed in a mesh bag on delicate cycle.

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## Design Variations

**Sleeveless Top Version:** Work bodice only (Rows 1-12), add edging around all sides, attach straps.

**Longer Dress:** Add 4-8 additional rows to skirt section before working edging.

**Ruffled Skirt:** In Row 13, work (sc, inc) in every stitch instead of every other stitch for fuller ruffle.

**Pinafore Style:** Use contrasting color for bodice and main color for skirt. Add a pocket to the skirt front.

**Party Dress:** Use sparkly yarn, add ribbon bow at waist, and work a shell stitch edging (5 dc in same st, skip 2 sts) around bottom hem instead of sc edging.

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## Skill Techniques Used

This pattern helps you practice:
- Working flat in rows with turning chains
- Maintaining consistent gauge
- Increasing evenly across a row
- Changing stitch heights for drape (sc to hdc to dc)
- Creating simple straps
- Attaching closures

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**Pattern Notes:**
- This pattern was designed for a standard 10-11" seated rabbit amigurumi
- Always test fit on your specific toy as proportions vary
- Feel free to customize colors and embellishments
- Make matching accessories: bonnet, bag, or shoes!

**Hashtag suggestions for sharing:** #bunnyClothes #toyClothing #crochetDress #amigurumiClothes #bunnyDress

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*Pattern tested and verified. All stitch counts mathematically confirmed.*

**©2024 Pattern - For personal use only.**