Willow Whiskers Velvet Bunny Lovey Free Pattern – Crochet a Cloud-Soft Cuddle Companion

Willow Whiskers Velvet Bunny Lovey Free Pattern – Crochet a Cloud-Soft Cuddle Companion

Wrap your little one in the gentle embrace of a cloud-soft bunny lovey, crafted with plush velvet yarn and a delicate shell-stitch blanket. This heirloom-quality companion is the perfect first friend for snuggles, naps, and imaginative play. The combination of a textured, scalloped blanket and a sweet, sleepy bunny head makes this lovey both visually stunning and irresistibly soft. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner, this pattern is designed to guide you through every step, resulting in a cherished keepsake that will be loved for years to come.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience:

• Yarn: Bernat Baby Velvet (or similar weight 5 bulky velvet yarn) in three colors:
  • Yarn A (Cream): For the blanket and bunny head
  • Yarn B (Blush Pink): For the ears
  • Yarn C (Dusty Rose): For the muzzle and facial details
• Crochet Hooks: 5.5 mm (I-9) hook for the main pieces, and a 4.0 mm (G-6) hook for the smaller details (ears and muzzle).
• Polyester Fiberfill: For stuffing the bunny head.
• Tapestry Needle: For sewing pieces together and weaving in ends.
• Stitch Markers: Helpful for keeping track of rounds when working in the round.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Gauge: 4 inches = 12 sc and 14 rows with 5.5 mm hook in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining consistent tension will help your lovey look polished and even.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This lovey is worked in two main parts: the blanket (worked in rows) and the bunny head (worked in the round). All pieces are crocheted, then sewn together. Follow each step carefully, and you'll have a beautiful lovey in no time.

Blanket (Make 1)

The blanket features a beautiful shell stitch pattern that creates a scalloped, textured surface. Worked in rows, it's simple to memorize and relaxing to crochet.

1. Foundation Chain: With 5.5 mm hook and Yarn A, chain 41.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (40 sc)
3. Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, *skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell made), skip 2 sts, sc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with sc in last st. (7 shells)
4. Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn. 2 dc in first sc, *sc in center dc of next shell, 5 dc in next sc; repeat from * across, ending with 3 dc in last sc. (7 shells, plus half-shells at edges)
5. Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, *skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (center of the 3-dc group), skip 2 sts, sc in next st; repeat from * across, ending with sc in last st. (7 shells)
6. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until the blanket measures approximately 14 inches from the start, ending with a Row 4 repeat. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Bunny Head (Make 1)

The bunny head is worked in continuous rounds, creating a seamless, rounded shape. Stuff firmly as you go to achieve a cuddly, huggable head.

1. Magic Ring: With 5.5 mm hook and Yarn A, make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: 6 sc in ring. (6)
3. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
4. Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (18)
5. Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (24)
6. Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (30)
7. Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat from * around. (36)
8. Rounds 7-12: Sc in each st around. (36) — This creates the height of the head.
9. Round 13: *Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog; repeat from * around. (30)
10. Round 14: *Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog; repeat from * around. (24)
11. Round 15: *Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog; repeat from * around. (18)
12. Stuff the head firmly with polyester fiberfill. Ensure the head is evenly stuffed and retains its round shape.
13. Round 16: *Sc in next st, sc2tog; repeat from * around. (12)
14. Round 17: Sc2tog around. (6)
15. Finish: Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close, and secure.

Ears (Make 2)

The ears are crocheted flat and then folded and sewn to create a gentle curve. Using the smaller hook ensures they are neat and firm.

1. Foundation Chain: With 4.0 mm hook and Yarn B, chain 6.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (5 sc)
3. Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (5)
4. Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, 2 sc in next st, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, sc in last st. (7)
5. Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (7)
6. Row 5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in last st. (9)
7. Rows 6-10: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (9)
8. Row 11: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog. (7)
9. Row 12: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog. (5)
10. Row 13: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next st, sc2tog. (3)
11. Finish: Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Fold the ear in half lengthwise and sew the bottom edge together to create a slight curve. Set aside.

Muzzle (Make 1)

The tiny muzzle adds a sweet, expressive touch to the bunny's face.

1. Magic Ring: With 4.0 mm hook and Yarn C, make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: 6 sc in ring. (6)
3. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
4. Finish: Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together to create your adorable bunny lovey.

1. Attach the Head: Position the bunny head in the center of the blanket, about 2 inches from the top edge. Sew the head securely to the blanket using Yarn A and a tapestry needle, stitching around the base of the head. Make sure it's firmly attached so it can withstand lots of love and play.
2. Attach the Ears: Sew the ears to the top of the head, spacing them about 1 inch apart, using the long tails. Position them so they stand up nicely and curve slightly outward.
3. Attach the Muzzle: Sew the muzzle to the front of the head, centered between the ears, using the Yarn C tail. Ensure it sits slightly below the center of the face for a balanced look.
4. Embroider the Face: Using Yarn C, embroider a small triangle nose on the muzzle and a tiny smile below it. Add two small French knots or satin stitches for closed eyes, or attach safety eyes if preferred (for children over 3 years). The closed, peaceful eyes give the bunny a serene, sleepy expression that's perfect for cuddling.
5. Weave in Ends: Weave in all ends securely to ensure the lovey is durable and safe for your little one.

Your Willow Whiskers Velvet Bunny Lovey is now complete! This cloud-soft companion is ready to become your child's most cherished friend, perfect for snuggles, naps, and imaginative play. The dreamy palette of cream, blush pink, and dusty rose makes it a beautiful addition to any nursery, and its handmade charm will be treasured for generations. Happy crocheting!