Willow Whiskers Heirloom Bunny Free Pattern – A Vintage-Inspired Crochet Companion

There is something deeply special about creating a handmade keepsake that feels like it has been passed down through generations. The Willow Whiskers Heirloom Bunny is exactly that kind of project—a timeless amigurumi companion that blends classic shaping with a modern, earthy palette. Crafted with hand-dyed tweed yarn and finished with delicate floral embroidery, this bunny feels both nostalgic and fresh, making it the perfect gift for a new baby, a cherished friend, or simply a treat for your own creative soul.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using only basic crochet stitches and simple shaping techniques. The result is a dense, plush bunny with visible stitch definition, sitting upright with long, slightly curved ears and a sweet, hand-embroidered face. Whether you are new to amigurumi or a seasoned maker looking for a soothing project, this bunny will quickly become a favorite in your crafting repertoire.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. The gauge is not critical for amigurumi, but you will want to aim for a tight fabric with no stuffing showing—approximately 5 single crochet stitches by 6 rows equals 1 inch.

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight cotton or wool blend in oatmeal (approximately 100-150 yards)
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Dusty rose for the tail (small amount)
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Sage green for embroidery (small amount)
• Cream: Small amount for chest embroidery

Tools & Notions

• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E) hook
• Yarn needle for sewing and embroidery
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing (or your preferred stuffing material)
• Stitch markers (optional but helpful)
• Scissors
• Small amount of black or dark brown yarn for embroidering the eyes and nose
• Optional: Small bell or ribbon for the neck

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise noted. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds. The bunny is worked from the head down through the body in one piece, then the ears, arms, legs, and tail are attached separately.

Head

Begin with the Main Color (MC) yarn.

1. Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. (6 stitches)
2. Round 2: Increase (inc) in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
3. Round 3: (Sc in next stitch, inc) repeat around. (18 stitches)
4. Round 4: (Sc in next 2 stitches, inc) repeat around. (24 stitches)
5. Round 5: (Sc in next 3 stitches, inc) repeat around. (30 stitches)
6. Rounds 6-10: Sc in each stitch around. (30 stitches)
7. Round 11: (Sc in next 3 stitches, decrease (dec)) repeat around. (24 stitches)
8. Round 12: (Sc in next 2 stitches, dec) repeat around. (18 stitches)

Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill. Do not fasten off—you will continue directly into the body.

Body

Continue with the same yarn and piece.

1. Round 13: (Sc in next 2 stitches, inc) repeat around. (24 stitches)
2. Round 14: (Sc in next 3 stitches, inc) repeat around. (30 stitches)
3. Rounds 15-19: Sc in each stitch around. (30 stitches)
4. Round 20: (Sc in next 3 stitches, dec) repeat around. (24 stitches)
5. Round 21: (Sc in next 2 stitches, dec) repeat around. (18 stitches)

Stuff the body firmly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread the tail through a yarn needle, weave through the front loops only of the remaining 18 stitches, and pull tight to close the opening. Secure and set aside.

Ears (Make 2)

Using MC yarn, work in rows.

1. Row 1: Chain (ch) 6. Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (5 stitches)
2. Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Increase in the first stitch, sc in the next 3 stitches, increase in the last stitch. (7 stitches)
3. Rows 3-8: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each stitch across. (7 stitches)
4. Row 9: Ch 1, turn. Decrease, sc in the next 3 stitches, decrease. (5 stitches)
5. Row 10: Ch 1, turn. Decrease, sc in the next stitch, decrease. (3 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Fold the ear in half lengthwise and sew the bottom edge together to create a slight curve. This will give the ear a natural, gentle bend. Sew the ears to the top of the head, spacing them about 4 stitches apart. Position them slightly toward the back of the head for a realistic look.

Arms (Make 2)

Using MC yarn, work in continuous rounds.

1. Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in the ring. (6 stitches)
2. Rounds 2-6: Sc in each stitch around. (6 stitches)

Stuff the arms lightly—just enough to give them shape without making them stiff. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the arms to the sides of the body, positioning them about 2 rounds down from the neck. Make sure they are evenly spaced on both sides.

Legs (Make 2)

Using MC yarn, work in continuous rounds.

1. Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in the ring. (6 stitches)
2. Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
3. Rounds 3-5: Sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)

Stuff the legs firmly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, positioning them slightly forward so the bunny can sit in a cute, upright pose. Ensure they are symmetrical.

Tail

Using CC1 (dusty rose) yarn, work in continuous rounds.

1. Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in the ring. (6 stitches)
2. Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
3. Round 3: Sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)

Stuff the tail lightly, fasten off, and leave a long tail for sewing. Attach the tail to the back of the body, centered and slightly lower than the middle of the back.

Finishing Touches

Now it is time to bring your bunny to life with embroidery and final details.

Embroider the Face

1. Using black or dark brown yarn, embroider two small eyes. Position them on the head, about 4-5 rounds down from the top and spaced about 4 stitches apart. Use a simple satin stitch or a French knot for each eye.
2. Using a small amount of pink or dusty rose yarn, embroider a tiny nose in the center of the face, just below the eyes. A small triangle or a simple vertical stitch works beautifully.
3. If desired, add a small smile using a few backstitches below the nose.

Embroider the Ear Flower

1. Using CC2 (sage green) yarn, embroider a small flower on one ear. Make 5 tiny chain stitches radiating from a center point to form the petals.
2. Using cream yarn, make a French knot in the center of the flower to finish it.

Embroider the Chest Heart

1. Using cream yarn, embroider a tiny heart on the chest using a satin stitch. This adds a sweet, personal touch to your bunny.

Final Assembly

1. Weave in all loose ends carefully using your yarn needle.
2. Optional: Add a small bell or ribbon around the neck for extra charm.
3. Gently shape the bunny, fluffing the stuffing and adjusting the ears and limbs as needed.

Tips for a Perfect Finish

• Keep your tension consistent. Amigurumi works best with a tight, even tension to prevent stuffing from showing through.
• Use a stitch marker. It is easy to lose count in continuous rounds, and a marker will save you from counting mistakes.
• Stuff as you go. Do not wait until the end to stuff the head and body—stuff them firmly when the instructions indicate.
• Take your time with embroidery. The face is what gives your bunny personality, so be patient and make small, deliberate stitches.

Your Willow Whiskers Heirloom Bunny is now complete! This sweet companion is perfect for gifting, decorating a nursery, or simply adding a touch of handmade warmth to your home. The combination of earthy tweed tones and delicate embroidery makes it a piece you will treasure for years to come—and one that may just become a family heirloom in its own right.

Happy crocheting, and may your stitches always bring you joy!