Welcome, my dears, to a pattern that's close to my heart! There's just something so inherently cheerful about strawberries and bunnies, and combining them? Pure magic! This little Sweet Strawberry Bunny amigurumi is designed to capture that springy, whimsical charm. Whether nestled in an Easter basket or sitting on a shelf bringing a pop of color, this crochet bunny pattern is sure to bring smiles.
I've crafted this amigurumi pattern with love and attention to detail, aiming for an Intermediate crocheter. If you're an adventurous Beginner, don't be shy! Tackle the bunny first, and then try the strawberry outfit. We'll cover all the stitches you need, and I've included plenty of tips along the way. Expect to spend a lovely weekend or a few relaxed evenings bringing this sweet friend to life. The core of the pattern focuses on the bunny and its adorable, removable strawberry cape and hood. We'll touch on ideas for those charming props later!
So, grab your yarn, settle into your favorite crafting spot, and let's crochet a little bit of sweetness!
Gather Your Materials: Everything You Need to Crochet This Amigurumi
Gathering your supplies is the first step to any successful project! For our Sweet Strawberry Bunny, here's what you'll need:
- Yarn: I recommend a smooth, durable yarn in a DK or Worsted weight. The specific yardage will depend slightly on your tension, but here's an estimate using a standard Worsted weight yarn like Red Heart Super Saver or Caron One Pound:
- Color A (Bunny Body): Approx. 100-120 yards (90-110 meters) of White or Cream.
- Color B (Strawberry Red): Approx. 80-100 yards (75-90 meters) of Bright Red.
- Color C (Strawberry Green): Approx. 30-40 yards (25-35 meters) of Leaf Green.
- Small amount of Black or Pink embroidery floss for nose and mouth.
- Crochet Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) or H/8 (5.0 mm) – choose the size that gives you tight stitches with your chosen yarn to prevent stuffing showing through. Check your gauge!
- Safety Eyes: Two 9mm or 10mm black safety eyes.
- Stuffing: Poly-fil or other suitable toy stuffing. You'll need a generous handful, maybe around 50-75 grams, enough to make the bunny firm but cuddly.
- Stitch Marker: To keep track of your rounds (essential for working in a spiral!).
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and assembly.
- Scissors
- (Optional) Sewing Pins: Very helpful for positioning parts before sewing.
Skill Level and Amigurumi Techniques
This pattern is rated Intermediate.
To successfully complete this project, you should be comfortable with the following basic amigurumi techniques:
- Magic Ring (MR): Starting a project in the round without a hole in the center.
- Single Crochet (sc): The fundamental stitch for amigurumi.
- Increase (inc): Working two single crochet stitches into the same stitch to increase the stitch count.
- Invisible Decrease (dec): A method of decreasing that creates a neater, less noticeable decrease, crucial for smooth shaping in amigurumi. If you're new to this, a standard
sc2tog(single crochet two together) will also work, but I highly recommend learning the invisible decrease! (Consider linking to an invisible decrease tutorial here if available on trendydecos.com). - Working in a Spiral: Most amigurumi is worked in continuous rounds without joining. You'll use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.
- Changing Colors: Neatly switching between different yarn colors.
- Basic Sewing: Attaching pieces together using a yarn needle.
- Fastening Off and Weaving in Ends: Securing your work and hiding loose yarn tails.
Familiarity with reading crochet patterns written in US terms is assumed.
Estimated Time Commitment: For an Intermediate crocheter, this project will likely take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, depending on your speed and attention to detail.
Crochet Abbreviations & Terms Used
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
- MR: Magic Ring
- st(s): stitch(es)
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (work 2 sc in the same st)
- dec: invisible decrease (insert hook into front loop only of next st, then into front loop only of the following st, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook, yarn over, pull through the remaining loop) - Alternatively, you can use sc2tog.
- ( ) : Repeat instructions within parentheses for the specified number of times.
- [ ] : Stitch count at the end of the round.
- * : Repeat instructions following the asterisk as indicated.
- FO: Fasten Off
Step-by-Step Amigurumi Pattern Instructions
Work in a continuous spiral unless otherwise instructed. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
Using Color A (White/Cream)
Head
Begin at the top of the head.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Round 3: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) around. [18]
Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) around. [24]
Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) around. [30]
Round 6: (Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st) around. [36]
Rounds 7-14: Sc in each st around. (7 rounds) [42]
Round 15: (Sc in next 5 sts, dec) around. [36]
Round 16: (Sc in next 4 sts, dec) around. [30]
Round 17: (Sc in next 3 sts, dec) around. [24]
- Begin stuffing the head firmly. Insert safety eyes between Rounds 13 and 14, about 6-7 stitches apart. You may want to place them before Round 17 becomes too small. Position them to your liking!
- Embroider a small nose and mouth using black or pink embroidery floss centered below the eyes. (Consider linking to a tutorial on attaching safety eyes or embroidering features here if available on trendydecos.com).
Round 18: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) around. [18] Round 19: (Sc in next st, dec) around. [12]
- Finish stuffing the head, making it firm but not stretched.
Round 20: Dec around. [6] FO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the body. Close the hole by weaving the tail through the front loop of each remaining stitch and pulling tight. Weave in end.
Body
Begin at the bottom of the body.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Round 3: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) around. [18]
Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) around. [24]
Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) around. [30]
Round 6: (Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st) around. [36]
Rounds 7-12: Sc in each st around. (6 rounds) [36]
Round 13: (Sc in next 4 sts, dec) around. [30]
Rounds 14-15: Sc in each st around. (2 rounds) [30]
Round 16: (Sc in next 3 sts, dec) around. [24]
Rounds 17-18: Sc in each st around. (2 rounds) [24]
Round 19: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) around. [18]
- Begin stuffing the body, adding stuffing as you go.
Round 20: Sc in each st around. [18] FO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head. Finish stuffing firmly.
Arms (Make 2)
Begin at the hand.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) around. [9]
Rounds 3-4: Sc in each st around. (2 rounds) [9]
Round 5: (Sc in next st, dec) around. [6]
- Stuff the hand lightly. Do not stuff the arm heavily, let it stay flatter for easier attachment.
Rounds 6-11: Sc in each st around. (6 rounds) [6] FO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the body. Do not close the opening.
Legs (Make 2)
Begin at the foot.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Round 3: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) around. [18]
Rounds 4-5: Sc in each st around. (2 rounds) [18]
Round 6: (Sc in next st, dec) around. [12] Round 7: Dec around. [6]
- Stuff the foot firmly. Stuff the leg lightly as you go.
Rounds 8-13: Sc in each st around. (6 rounds) [6] FO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the body. Do not close the opening.
Ears (Make 2)
Do NOT stuff the ears.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) around. [9]
Round 3: Sc in each st around. [9]
Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) around. [12]
Rounds 5-7: Sc in each st around. (3 rounds) [12]
Round 8: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) around. [9]
Rounds 9-11: Sc in each st around. (3 rounds) [9]
Round 12: (Sc in next st, dec) around. [6]
Rounds 13-15: Sc in each st around. (3 rounds) [6] FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Pinch the opening flat and sew it closed.
Using Color B (Strawberry Red)
Strawberry Cape Pattern
Worked flat, then seamed. Chain 1 and turn at the end of each row.
Row 1: Ch 25, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [24]
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across. [24]
Rows 3-15: Repeat Row 2. (13 rows) [24]
Row 16: Ch 1, sc in first st, dec, sc in next 18 sts, dec, sc in last st. [22]
Row 17: Ch 1, sc in each st across. [22]
Row 18: Ch 1, sc in first st, dec, sc in next 16 sts, dec, sc in last st. [20]
Row 19: Ch 1, sc in each st across. [20]
Row 20: Ch 1, sc in first st, dec, sc in next 14 sts, dec, sc in last st. [18]
Row 21: Ch 1, sc in each st across. [18]
Row 22: Ch 1, sc in first st, dec, sc in next 12 sts, dec, sc in last st. [16]
Row 23: Ch 1, sc in each st across. [16]
Row 24: Ch 1, sc in first st, dec, sc in next 10 sts, dec, sc in last st. [14]
Row 25: Ch 1, sc in each st across. [14]
Row 26: Ch 1, sc in first st, dec, sc in next 8 sts, dec, sc in last st. [12]
Row 27: Ch 1, sc in each st across. [12]
Row 28: Ch 1, sc in first st, dec, sc in next 6 sts, dec, sc in last st. [10]
Row 29: Ch 1, sc in each st across. [10]
Row 30: Ch 1, sc in first st, dec, sc in next 4 sts, dec, sc in last st. [8]
Row 31: Ch 1, sc in each st across. [8]
Row 32: Ch 1, sc in first st, dec, sc in next 2 sts, dec, sc in last st. [6]
Row 33: Ch 1, sc in each st across. [6]
Row 34: Ch 1, dec, sc in next 2 sts, dec. [4]
Row 35: Ch 1, dec, dec. [2] Row 36: Ch 1, dec. [1]
FO, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Fold the cape in half lengthwise and sew the edges together from the narrowest point up to Row 20 using the tail you left. This creates the 'seam' of the strawberry shape. Weave in ends.
Strawberry Hood Pattern
Worked in the round, but joined at the end of each round. Chain 1 at the beginning of each round does NOT count as a stitch. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc of the round.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
Round 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
Round 3: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) around. [18]
Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) around. [24]
Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) around. [30]
Round 6: (Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st) around. [36]
Rounds 7-10: Sc in each st around. (4 rounds) [36]
Round 11: (Sc in next 4 sts, dec) around. [30]
Rounds 12-13: Sc in each st around. (2 rounds) [30]
Round 14: (Sc in next 3 sts, dec) around. [24]
Rounds 15-16: Sc in each st around. (2 rounds) [24]
Round 17: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) around. [18]
Round 18: Sc in each st around. [18]
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing the hood to the cape opening.
Using Color C (Strawberry Green)
Cape Leaves (Make 2)
These will sit around the neck opening of the cape.
Row 1: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook. (Sc in next st, ch 3, sl st in same st as previous sc) repeat 3 times, sc in last st. [6 sc, 3 ch-3 loops]
FO, leaving a tail for sewing.
Optional: Strawberry Seeds Using a yarn needle and a small amount of Black or Yellow embroidery floss, embroider small straight stitches or tiny French knots randomly across the red sections of the cape and hood to resemble strawberry seeds.
Assembling Your Sweet Strawberry Bunny
Now for the magical part – bringing all the pieces together to create our Sweet Strawberry Bunny!
- Attach the Head to the Body: Use the long tail from the head. Pin the head to the top of the body, centering it. Sew the head securely to the body, stitching through a stitch on the head and then a stitch on the body, all the way around. Pull tight periodically to ensure a firm connection. Weave in the tail securely inside the body.
- Attach the Arms: Pin the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck seam. Ensure they are positioned symmetrically. Use the tails from the arms to sew them firmly to the body. Weave in ends.
- Attach the Legs: Pin the legs to the bottom of the body, towards the front. You can sew them flat against the body or slightly angled so the bunny can sit. Use the tails from the legs to sew them securely. Weave in ends.
- Attach the Ears: Pinch the open end of each ear flat. Pin the ears to the top of the head, positioning them slightly towards the back, about 1-2 rounds away from the center of the head. Sew them firmly in place. Weave in ends securely inside the head.
Strawberry Cape Assembly:
- Attach the Hood to the Cape: Take the seamed cape piece. The seam you sewed will be the 'back' seam. Pin the open edge of the Strawberry Hood to the wider edge of the cape where you left the opening (the starting chain edge before decreasing began). Use the tail from the hood to sew it securely around the opening. This forms the neck opening of the cape. Ensure the seam of the hood aligns with the seam of the cape.
- Attach the Green Leaves: Position the two Green Leaf pieces around the neck opening of the cape, just above where the hood is attached. Overlap them slightly if desired. Use the tails from the leaves to sew them in place around the edge of the neck opening. Weave in ends securely.
Your Sweet Strawberry Bunny is now ready to wear its adorable strawberry outfit! The cape is designed to slip over the bunny's head.
Amigurumi Technical Tips from Patricia
- Tension is Key! Amigurumi needs tight stitches to prevent stuffing from showing. If you find your stitches are loose, try going down a hook size. Your finished size will vary based on your tension and yarn choice, but this is normal!
- Stuffing Strategy: Stuff your amigurumi firmly but gently. You want it solid and well-shaped, but avoid overstuffing, which can distort the stitches and cause gaps. Stuffing the head and body particularly well helps them hold their shape. Stuff limbs and ears more lightly unless the pattern specifies otherwise. Use small pieces of stuffing to get into tight spots and build shape gradually.
- Joining Components: Use sewing pins to position limbs and other pieces before sewing. This allows you to adjust the placement until you're happy with the symmetry and overall look. Sew using a mattress stitch or whip stitch method, catching a stitch on both the piece being attached and the main body. Pull tight after every few stitches for a strong join. (Consider linking to an amigurumi joining tutorial here if available on trendydecos.com).
- Invisible Decrease: Practice this stitch! It makes a huge difference in the smoothness of your decreases, especially on rounded shapes like heads and bodies. There are many great video tutorials available online if you're new to it.
- Customization: Feel free to change colors! A pink bunny, a blue strawberry, pastel leaves – the possibilities are endless. You could also add rosy cheeks with pink yarn or fabric paint, or embroider white 'seeds' instead of black ones.
Conclusion & Care Instructions for Your Crochet Bunny
Congratulations! You've just crocheted the most adorable Sweet Strawberry Bunny! Wasn't that a fun journey? Seeing your finished creation come to life is truly the best part of crochet. This little friend should stand approximately 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall, depending on your yarn weight and tension.
To keep your Strawberry Bunny looking its best:
- Washing: Amigurumi can typically be hand-washed gently with mild soap in cool water. Avoid harsh detergents or bleach. Squeeze gently to remove excess water (do not wring!).
- Drying: Reshape your bunny and let it air dry completely. It may take 24-48 hours depending on size and humidity. Do not tumble dry.
- Spot Cleaning: For small marks, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Display your Sweet Strawberry Bunny proudly! It's perfect for nursery decor, a child's room, or simply adding a touch of handmade cheer to your living space. Consider making a tiny crochet basket or a simple round green pillow to complete the scene, as you mentioned! What a wonderful photo opportunity for spring crochet or Easter crochet posts!
I hope you enjoyed making this pattern as much as I enjoyed creating it for you. If you make one, be sure to share it with me on social media! Happy crocheting!
Warmly,
Patricia Poltera
Frequently Asked Questions About This Amigurumi Pattern
Here are some common questions you might have while working on your Sweet Strawberry Bunny:
Q: My stitches are too loose, and I can see the stuffing. What should I do? A: This is a common issue in amigurumi! The best way to fix this is to use a smaller crochet hook. Try dropping down one or even two hook sizes from what's recommended on your yarn label. You want your stitches to be tight enough that they don't have visible gaps when stretched slightly. Also, make sure you're not working too loosely; try to keep your tension consistent.
Q: How do I make the invisible decrease stitch? I'm struggling with it.
A: The invisible decrease (dec) is a fantastic stitch for amigurumi shaping! To do it: insert your hook into the front loop only of the next stitch, then immediately insert your hook into the front loop only of the following stitch. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook (like a slip stitch). Then yarn over and pull through the remaining loop on your hook (completing the single crochet). It takes a little practice, but it's worth learning. If you're really having trouble, you can substitute with a standard sc2tog (single crochet two together), though it will be slightly more visible. Search for video tutorials online for a visual guide!
Q: The opening of the strawberry hood seems a bit big/small for the bunny's head. A: The hood size is designed to fit the head based on the yarn weight and hook size used in the pattern. If your tension is significantly different, or you used a different yarn weight, the hood might not fit perfectly. You can adjust the hood size by adding or removing rounds before you start the decrease rounds (Rounds 7-10 in the pattern). If you need it bigger, add a round or two of 36 sc. If smaller, remove a round or two from that section. Always check the fit as you go!
Q: How do I make the bunny's ears stand up better? Mine are a bit floppy. A: Bunny ears are often a bit floppy, which can be part of their charm! However, if they are excessively limp, it might be due to not stuffing the base of the ear where it joins the head firmly enough, or the yarn itself might be too soft or stretchy. Ensure you sew the pinched opening of the ear securely and sew it very firmly to the head. For stiffer ears, you could try using a slightly smaller hook for the ears, or inserting a pipe cleaner (ensure ends are securely bent and covered for safety if for a child) before sewing them closed, though I generally don't recommend wire for young children's toys.
Q: Can I make the bunny larger or smaller? A: Absolutely! The easiest way to change the size is by using a different yarn weight and a corresponding hook size. Using a bulkier yarn (like Chunky or Super Bulky) and a larger hook will make a bigger bunny. Using a finer yarn (like Sport or Fingering) and a smaller hook will make a smaller bunny. The stitch counts will remain the same, but the finished dimensions will change. Remember that changing yarn weight will also affect the required yardage.
Q: I'm having trouble getting the limbs positioned correctly before sewing. A: Sewing pins are your best friend here! Pin the arms and legs in place and stand the bunny up (or hold it) to see how they look from all angles. Adjust the pins until you are completely happy with the placement. Then, sew carefully around, keeping the piece pinned until you've stitched most of the way around. This prevents the pieces from shifting as you sew. (Consider linking to an amigurumi assembly tutorial here if available on trendydecos.com).
Q: What can I use for the strawberry seeds besides embroidery floss? A: You could use small black or yellow beads, but only if the bunny is for display and not for a child under 3 due to choking hazards. For a child's toy, embroidery floss is the safest and most recommended option. You could also use small pieces of black yarn.
Q: The pattern mentioned a strawberry basket or leaf pillow. Are those included? A: This pattern focuses on the Sweet Strawberry Bunny and its strawberry outfit. The strawberry basket or leaf pillow were mentioned as lovely ideas for props or future additions to complement your bunny! You could search for separate patterns for miniature baskets or simple circular/leaf shapes to crochet.
Q: Is this bunny safe for a baby? A: With safety eyes and firmly woven-in ends, this bunny is generally safe for older children. However, for babies under 3, safety eyes can be a choking hazard. For a baby-safe version, embroider the eyes using black yarn or embroidery floss instead of using plastic safety eyes. Ensure all yarn tails are securely woven in multiple times.
© Patricia Poltera -
