Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Crocheted Chocolate Easter Bunny


Introduction: Last year after Easter I bought a chocolate Easter bunny for a special purpose: to use as a guide to make a crocheted version. I looked over all of the bunnies and picked one that seemed to be generally the right size and shape. At home, I loosely drew around the chocolate bunny to use as a template—with a few modifications. I worked! I crocheted a chocolate bunny with increases and decreases to match the shape. 
(Later I ate the real chocolate bunny)

After making the first bunny, I started a second one but this time I wrote down the increases and decreases as I went so that others might create this bunny, too.

Depending on the type of yarn you use, your bunny will stand between 7 and 8 inches (18-20 cm).

About the pattern: I have to admit, this pattern will be different from the usual form because numbers of stitches are not given for each round. That’s because you are not joining rows and because the count is not as important as the shape. You just have to trust that this will work out if you follow the rounds. I have provided a template for you and, periodically, you can check your work against the template to be assured that the bunny is taking shape, just as planned. 

The template can be found at the end of this page, after the pattern instructions. 

Okay, let’s get started!

Just a reminder, this pattern is copyrighted. You are welcome to create as many bunnies as you like and use for giving or selling. Just don’t claim this pattern as your own or sell the pattern.

Chocolate Easter Bunny (crocheted)
designed by Claudia A. Lowman


Description: This 8 inch (20 cm) “chocolate” bunny is a fun addition to a child’s Easter basket filled with goodies or as part of annual décor to celebrate the holiday. What a great way to enjoy chocolate but one that is sugar, calorie and guilt-free!

This project is worked in continuous rounds of single crochets (sc) from the bottom up to the tip of the ear. The bunny is made up of two parts—the body and a base that is attached after the body has been stuffed with poly fiberfil. Final touches include button eyes and a ribbon at the neck. This photo shows the bunny sporting a yellow ribbon.

What you will need:
–yarn: Any regular worsted weight or dk weight yarn will work in one of three colors: medium brown (milk chocolate), dark brown (dark chocolate) or ecru (white chocolate). Acrylic yarn is preferred so that the bunny can be washed. 
– G hook (4 mm)
– scissors
– tapestry needle
– poly fiberfil stuffing
– ribbon
– buttons for eyes

Bunny Body, To start:
ch 34, join with a sl st, ch 1.

Tail and Foot Shaping
Rnd 1: Sc around, Work continuously without joining at the end of each round.
NOTE: Mark your work in two places: the beginning of the round and again at the halfway point. You may want to use different colors so you will know your starting point. The beginning of each round is the backside of the bunny; the halfway point is the front or belly of the bunny. All increases (inc) and decreases (dec) will be made at these two points (beginning/end, halfway point) to form the bunny shape, which is relatively flat. Periodically move the markers up as you progress up through the rounds.

You may want to use a counter to keep track of rows or, if you lose your place, simply count up the rows.
Rnd 2: Inc, sc up to the st just before the marked halfway point and inc in this st, sc in next (marked) st), inc, sc around to the 2nd to last st and inc, sc.
Rnd 3: Sc around.
NOTE: Your work will want to turn inward, so be sure to keep it turned correctly so that the right side of your work is out.
Rnds 4-6: These three rounds will be dec rounds. All decreases will be made by inserting hook into the next st, yo, hook into following st, yo, draw yarn through all 3 loops on hook (dec made).
Dec, sc to around to 2 st before the halfway point, dec, sc, dec, sc up to the last 2 st in the round, dec.

Back and Belly Shaping
Rnd 7: Inc in next 2 st, sc up to the 2 st before the halfway point, dec, sc, dec, sc around to the two st before the mark at end of the round, inc in these 2 st.
Rnd 8: Sc around.
Rnd 9: Sc to halfway pt, inc, sc around to the end.
Rnd 10: Dec, sc around to the final 2 st, dec.
Rnd 11: Dec, sc around to the halfway pt, inc, sc to the last 2 st, dec.
Rnd 12: Dec, sc around to the first st before the halfway pt, inc, sc, inc, sc to the last 2 st, dec.
Rnd 13: Dec, sc around to the last 2 st, dec.
Rnd 14: Dec, sc around to the 2 st before the halfway pt, dec, sc, dec, sc to the last 2 st, dec.

Neck and Head Shaping
Rnd 15-16: Dec, sc to the halfway pt, dec, sc to the last 3 st, dec, sc.
Rnd 17: Sc to the halfway pt, dec. sc to the end.
Rnd 18: Inc, sc around to the last 2 st, inc, sc.
Rnd 19: Inc (2), sc to the st before the halfway pt, inc, sc, inc, sc to last 2 st, inc (2).
Rnd 20: Inc, sc to the st before halfway, inc, sc, inc, sc to the last 2 sts, inc, sc.
Rnd 21: Inc, sc to 2 sts before halfway pt, inc (2), sc, inc (2), sc to the last 2 sts, inc, sc.
Rnd 22: Sc to the st before the halfway pt, inc, sc, inc, sc to the end.
Rnd 23: Dec, sc around to the last 3 st, dec. sc.
Rnd 24: Dec, sc to the 2 st before the halfway pt, dec (2), sc to last 3 sts, dec, sc.
Rnd 25: Dec, sc to 3 st before the halfway pt, dec (3), sc to the last 3 st, dec, sc.
Rnd 26: Sc to 3 st before the halfway pt, dec (2), sc to the end.

Ear shaping
Rnd 27: Inc, sc to 2 st before halfway, dec, sc to the last st, inc.
Rnds 28-30: Inc, sc to 1 st before halfway pt, dec, sc to the last st, inc.
Rnds 31-32: Inc, sc to halfway pt, inc, sc to last st, inc.
Rnd 33: Sc around.
Rnds 34-35: Sc to halfway pt, dec, sc to end.
Rnd 36: Sc around.
Rnd 37: Sc to halfway pt, dec, sc to end.
Rnd 38: Sc around.
Rnds 39-40: Sc to halfway pt, dec, sc to end.
Rnd 41: Dec around.
Rnd 42: (Sc, dec) around.
Cut yarn leaving a 5” (13 cm) tail. Close up tip of ear and secure yarn ends.

Stuff bunny with poly fiberfil.

Base: The base is two parts that are layered together to form a firm stand for the bunny.
Using a G (4 mm) hook and the same yarn as bunny body, ch 12.
Rnd 1: 2 sc in 2nd st from hook, sc in next 9 sts, 3 sc in last st, sc 10 sts, join with sl st.
Rnd 2:Ch 1, 2 sc in same st, sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 12 st, join w sl st. Leave 15 in (30 cm) tail.

For second base part, repeat Rnds 1-2 plus add a third round as follows:
Rnd 3: Ch 1, 2 sc in same st, sc in next 13, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 13, join w sl st, Leave 18 in (46 cm) tail.

Center smaller base on larger base and, using the tapestry needle and the yarn tail from the smaller one, st tog. Using the remaining yarn tail, st base to the bunny filling in with more stuffing, if needed.


You can check the progress of your bunny’s shape by laying it on this provided outline. You will likely need to "capture" this template by right clicking on it and saving it so you can print it out. It should measure about 8 inches (20.5 cm) high.
Tip: I used a clicker to keep track of my rounds, but it you don't and you forget where you left off, just count the sc rows up from the bottom to determine your next round. Also, checking against the template will be of helpful as you go along.

ETA: Since sharing this pattern, I have crocheted about 10 more chocolate bunnies. One is a white chocolate bunny that I thought I would add. Here it is.

Copyright 2013, C. Lowman. All Rights Reserved.

15 comments:

  1. Thanks for the pattern. This would be a great gift for my granddaughter.

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  2. Thank you so much!!! I made the "blue bunny" for my new grandson last year and can't wait to make the chocolat bunny(s) for him for Easter!!
    Joan

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  3. What an awesome idea! Thank you for sharing this!

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  4. I am so happy to have found this pattern. Thank you so much. Am making this bunny today.

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  5. love this pattern! but my ears are coming out very wide! help! thanks!:)

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  6. Hi Heather,
    I am up to the ear on one of the bunnies. I will work on it tomorrow and really scrutinize the pattern. It might be that one or more of the rounds can be eliminated. I'll get back to you as soon as I am done.

    I have made at least two dozen bunnies by now but I find I make small changes or modifications as I crochet. Here's an example: Lately I have been starting with a chain of 34 rather than 32 because I wanted a little rounder body. However, I will pay close attention to the pattern on the ears and see how it might be changed if the ears are coming out wider than they should and then correct it.

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    1. so, because i am extremely impatient and wanted to figure it out i kinda winged it and it worked out well! instead of increasing at the beginning of rows 27-30 i just did a sc. it looks perfect! thank you for your prompt response and willingness to help! you are awesome and so is this pattern! can't wait to make a bunch more!

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    2. Heather, I have reduced increases on rounds 27-30.

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  7. So glad you worked it out to your satisfaction. I'm going to work the ear again today and see if I want to adjust the pattern.

    I hope you make several and maybe you will have some pattern suggestions to consider.

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  8. Can you please tell me what I am doing wrong? I have made several bunnies, and each one has the head pointing in the opposite direction of yours.

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  9. I am sorry that you are having difficulty with the pattern. I have made a few dozen with the head pointing to the front so I do not know what is happening for you. Here's what I suggest, once you reach the neck, just switch the directions and point the head the other way. You are also welcome to innovate. You don't have to be exact. If you like a little different shape or shorter ears, leave a few ear rows off. Make the way that works for you or is more pleasing to the eye.

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  10. Would like to subscribe to yor site. Did not see any way of doing that . cateyz67@gmail.com

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  11. Catherine, thanks for asking. There is a "join this page" follower button to click on the left side of each page.

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  12. Love the pattern but am having a issue with the base. Were you say sc 10 what do you mean by that.its at the end of row two my name is mary

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  13. Mary, you will be making an elongated oval. The 10 so's are to continue down the other side of the starting chain of 12.

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