Willow Whimsy Bunny in a Basket: A Free Heirloom Crochet Pattern

There is something truly magical about creating a piece that feels like it could be passed down through generations. The Willow Whimsy Bunny in a Basket is exactly that kind of project—a charming, heirloom-quality amigurumi that combines soft pastel yarns with intricate stitch details for a cozy, rustic result. Whether you're crafting for Easter decor, a handmade gift for a little one, or simply to add a touch of whimsy to your home, this pattern is designed to delight both the maker and the recipient.

This pattern is perfect for beginners who are ready to take their skills to the next level. It introduces you to working in continuous spiral rounds, creating invisible decreases, and mastering the art of assembly. The result is a sweet bunny nestled in a textured basket, complete with a sage green leaf embellishment that adds a touch of nature-inspired charm. Let's dive in and create something truly special together.

Materials Needed

Before we begin, let's gather all the supplies you'll need for this project. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Yarn

• Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in the following colors:
  • Cream (for the bunny's body, head, ears, arms, and legs)
  • Blush pink (optional, for the inside of the ears)
  • Sage green (for the basket decoration)
  • Warm brown (for the basket and handle)
  • Small amounts of black and white (for face details and tail)

Hook and Notions

• 3.5mm (E) crochet hook – this is the perfect size for worsted weight yarn to create a tight, firm amigurumi fabric.
• Stitch markers – essential for tracking the beginning of each round.
• Yarn needle – for sewing pieces together and weaving in ends.
• Fiberfill stuffing – for giving your bunny and basket their shape.
• Scissors – for cutting yarn.

Gauge

4 inches = 18 sc and 20 rows in single crochet. While gauge is not critical for amigurumi, maintaining consistent tension is important to ensure your stitches are even and your pieces come out the right size. If your tension is looser, your bunny might end up a bit larger, and if it's tighter, it'll be smaller—both are perfectly fine for this pattern!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise noted. This means you won't join rounds with a slip stitch; instead, you'll work continuously in a spiral. Always use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round—this is crucial for keeping your stitch count accurate.

Bunny Body (Make 1)

Start with cream yarn.

1. R1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: (Sc in next st, inc) around. (18)
4. R4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) around. (24)
5. R5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc) around. (30)
6. R6-10: Sc in each st around. (30) – This creates the body's height.
7. R11: (Sc in next 3 sts, dec) around. (24) – Begin shaping the bottom.
8. R12: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) around. (18)
9. R13: (Sc in next st, dec) around. (12)
10. Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill. Make sure it's nice and plump so the bunny sits well.
11. R14: Dec around. (6)
12. Fasten off and weave in the end.

Bunny Head (Make 1)

Start with cream yarn.

1. R1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: (Sc in next st, inc) around. (18)
4. R4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) around. (24)
5. R5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc) around. (30)
6. R6-10: Sc in each st around. (30) – This gives the head its round shape.
7. R11: (Sc in next 3 sts, dec) around. (24)
8. R12: (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) around. (18)
9. Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill. The head should be slightly softer than the body so it has a gentle, squeezable feel.
10. R13: (Sc in next st, dec) around. (12)
11. R14: Dec around. (6)
12. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the head to the body.

Bunny Ears (Make 2)

Start with cream yarn.

1. R1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: (Sc in next st, inc) around. (9)
3. R3-8: Sc in each st around. (9) – This creates the length of the ear.
4. R9: (Sc in next st, dec) around. (6)
5. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Flatten the ears and sew them to the top of the head, spacing them slightly apart. For a floppy look, position them at a slight angle.

Optional: Before sewing the ears to the head, you can add a small patch of blush pink yarn to the inside of each ear for a sweet, delicate detail. Simply stitch a small oval shape onto the ear before attaching.

Bunny Arms (Make 2)

Start with cream yarn.

1. R1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2-6: Sc in each st around. (6) – This creates a small, cylindrical arm.
3. Stuff lightly with fiberfill. The arms should be soft and flexible, not too firm.
4. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the arms to the sides of the body, positioning them slightly forward so the bunny looks like it's resting its paws.

Bunny Legs (Make 2)

Start with cream yarn.

1. R1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3-5: Sc in each st around. (12) – This creates a slightly wider base for the legs.
4. Stuff lightly with fiberfill.
5. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, positioning them so the bunny can sit upright.

Bunny Tail (Make 1)

Start with white yarn.

1. R1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: Sc in each st around. (12)
4. Fasten off, stuff lightly, and sew to the back of the body. The tail should be fluffy and round, adding to the bunny's charm.

Bunny Face

Using black yarn, embroider two small French knots for the eyes. Position them about 4-5 stitches apart, centered on the face. For the nose and mouth, use black yarn to create a tiny 'Y' shape. Start with a small vertical line for the nose, then create two small diagonal lines coming down and out for the mouth. This gives the bunny a sweet, gentle expression.

Pro tip: If you're new to French knots, practice on a scrap piece of fabric first. The key is to wrap the yarn around the needle twice and pull it through gently to create a small, tight knot.

Basket (Make 1)

Start with warm brown yarn.

1. R1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. R2: Inc in each st around. (12)
3. R3: (Sc in next st, inc) around. (18)
4. R4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) around. (24)
5. R5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc) around. (30)
6. R6: (Sc in next 4 sts, inc) around. (36)
7. R7: (Sc in next 5 sts, inc) around. (42)
8. R8: (Sc in next 6 sts, inc) around. (48) – This creates a wide, flat bottom for the basket.
9. R9: Working in back loops only, sc in each st around. (48) – This creates a distinct edge that gives the basket its woven texture.
10. R10-16: Sc in each st around. (48) – This creates the height of the basket walls.
11. R17: (Sc in next 6 sts, dec) around. (42) – Begin shaping the top of the basket.
12. R18: (Sc in next 5 sts, dec) around. (36)
13. R19: (Sc in next 4 sts, dec) around. (30)
14. Fasten off and weave in the end. This creates a basket with a flat bottom and slightly tapered sides, perfect for holding your bunny.

Basket Handle (Make 1)

1. Chain 30.
2. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (29)
3. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
4. Sew the handle to the inside of the basket on opposite sides. Make sure it's centered and secure. For a more decorative look, you can twist the handle before sewing it in place to create a braided effect.

Basket Decoration (Optional)

Using sage green yarn, make a simple leaf to attach to the front of the basket:

1. Chain 6.
2. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next, dc in next, hdc in next, sc in last.
3. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the leaf to the front of the basket, positioning it slightly off-center for a natural, organic look.

Assembly

Now for the fun part—bringing your bunny and basket together!

1. Place the bunny inside the basket, positioning it so it sits comfortably. The bunny should be centered and facing forward.
2. If the bunny sits too low, add a small amount of fiberfill under it to raise it up. This also helps the bunny sit more securely.
3. Once you're happy with the positioning, sew the bunny to the basket at a few points to keep it secure. Focus on the bottom of the bunny and the sides where it touches the basket. This ensures your bunny stays put, even if the basket is moved around.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You've just created your very own Willow Whimsy Bunny in a Basket. This heirloom-quality piece is perfect for Easter decor, a thoughtful handmade gift, or a charming addition to your home. The combination of soft pastel tones, intricate stitch details, and the cozy, rustic aesthetic makes it a project you'll be proud to display or give away.

Remember, amigurumi is all about practice and patience. Don't be afraid to make mistakes—each one is a learning opportunity. And if you're new to working in spiral rounds or creating invisible decreases, this pattern is the perfect way to build those skills. Before you know it, you'll be creating an entire collection of whimsical creatures!

Happy crocheting, and may your Willow Whimsy Bunny bring you as much joy in the making as it will in the displaying.