This pattern includes the “Rabbit” appliqué only.
Decorative applique patterns of choice, as well as the Teabag pattern you can attach this to, can be found on this site separately from the featured pattern.
This would also be super cute applied to crochet bags, hats, blankets, tops, pants, skirts, or gloves.
Contents include photos and detailed instructions to aid in your completing this project with ease.
DISCLAIMER:
This pattern belongs to MyCocoLily.
It may not be copied or redistributed in any form and is for personal use only.
Any items made by those who purchase this pattern may be sold, donated, auctioned, or gifted.
BY MYCOCOLILY
If you need help with anything, feel free to send me a message at [email protected]
My lovely testers from the Ribblr crochet community!
Also featured here are items made by my testers using my other patterns: Teabag, Frog and Bear and Blossoms and Leaf Appliques.
What you ‘ll need:
“Coboo” yarn (3) Light / DK weight, in the color “Yellow”
2.50mm hook, scissors, darning needle, black embroidery floss or yarn, stitch marker (to mark the beginning of each row)
Embroidery Floss for Details:
When adding the face to your bunny, skip heavy yarn. Using standard embroidery floss or a single strand of split worsted yarn will keep the facial features completely flat.
Abbreviations/Terms
Notes:
MR – magic ring
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
ch – chain
Do not sl st at the end of a row unless stated otherwise.
For the pattern visuals, I’m demonstrating with the color “yellow”, used for the rabbit’s body.
Symbols
( ) indicates how many stitches you should have by the end of the row.
X indicates how many times you should repeat a step.
Yarn & Material Substitutions
Keep in mind that changing your yarn choice will alter the final proportions and texture of your finished flat motif.
I love using Coboo yarn (a light weight cotton/bamboo blend) with a .50mm hook with tight tension for this pattern. It allows me to create a wonderfully small, compact bunny applique with incredibly clean, dense stitches that lay perfectly flat without turning into a little bowl.
If you want to experiment with different textures, try these alternative options:
• Sport Weight Milk Cotton Yarn: Milk cotton would be an amazing substitute for this bunny! It matches the light weight profile perfectly and adds an incredibly soft, smooth, matte texture that makes the final applique look beautifully uniform and neat.
• Fuzzy Mohair or Alpaca Blend: For a truly fluffy bunny, try holding a very thin strand of lace-weight mohair yarn together with a light acrylic or cotton yarn. This creates a gorgeous, soft halo effect around your stitches while keeping the applique relatively thin and flat.
Tension & Hook Setup: Achieving the Perfect Flat Applique
Before you jump into the pattern instructions, let’s take a moment to talk about your crochet hook setup and hand tension.
For this flat rabbit applique, I paired a 2.50mm crochet hook with my light weight (3) Coboo yarn.
If you look at the yarn label for a light weight cotton-bamboo blend, it will usually recommend a much larger hook size (typically around 4.0mm). However, downsizing your hook is the secret to creating flawless, pro-looking appliques!
Sizing down to a 2.50mm hook forces your single crochet stitches to become beautifully dense, crisp, and tight. This tight stitch layout acts like an architectural frame, providing the perfect amount of structure so the rabbit’s body and long ears hold their shape.
Because everyone’s natural hand tension is unique, you should pay close attention to how the stitches of your first two rounds behave.
If your applique is rippling or waving at the edges: This usually means your hand tension is a bit too loose, causing too much yarn to crowd the rounds. Try dropping down to a 2.25mm or 2.0mm hook to pull those stitches into a tighter, flatter circle.
If your applique is curling upward like a cup: This means your stitches are incredibly tight and don’t have enough breathing room to lay flat. Try consciously relaxing your grip, or scale up to a 2.75mm hook.
Rabbit Applique Instructions
MR
Row 1: ch 1, 6 sc in MR (6)
Row 2: inc in each stitch (12)
1st ear:
Row 3: sl st, ch 3,
hdc in 2nd ch from hook,
hdc in last ch,
sl st in next 2 stitches,
2nd ear:
ch 3, hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in last ch, sl st in next 9 stitches
Pull up the loop on your hook and cut your yarn, leaving enough of a tail for a mock sl st and sewing.
To mock sl st:
With your needle, insert yarn tail from the back through to the front of the 1st chain of the bunny’s 1st ear
Insert tail into the center of the last sl st of the row, and pull through to the back.
Weave through yarn tail at the back of applique.
Leave tail for sewing to a project if not using glue.
Weave black embroidery floss through a few stitches at the back before pulling through to the front.
Place nose in the 1st row.
Weave embroidery tail through a few stitches at the back then cut excess.
Whimsical Ways to Style and Attach Your Bunny
This applique is incredibly versatile and can be attached to so many items to add an instant touch of cozy, handmade style. Here are a few unique ways to use your finished motif:
Cozy Nursery Decor: Fabric-glue or stitch your completed bunny applique onto the front of a solid linen throw pillow or a canvas storage bin to add a sweet, custom touch to a baby’s nursery or child’s bedroom.
Handmade Greeting Cards & Journals: Glue your flat applique onto the front of a heavy cardstock greeting card or the cover of a cloth bullet journal. It creates a textured three-dimensional cover that makes a wonderful gift for a friend.
Seasonal Garland: Crochet three or four of these rabbits in different pastel shades, string them together on a long piece of twine or ribbon, and hang it across your mantle or window frame for a beautiful, whimsical spring decoration.
If you loved making this, check out my other applique designs!