So continuing my mini challenge to myself this year, it’s time for Doodle Zoo character number 2; Rowan the Rabbit – just in time for Easter! A great little stash buster the Doodle Zoo animals are designed to work up in less than an hour and because they are just the right hand size they become very steal-able so be prepared to make a few! Rowan the Rabbit would make a cute additional gift for family and friends or an quick addition to a craft stall.
This is an easy pattern suitable for beginners looking to learn some new crochet techniques. Click here to add this pattern to your favourites / queue on Ravelry or click here to access on Craftsy or scroll down for the pattern.
For details about Doodle Zoo’s first character; see my post about Doodle Duck. Don’t forget to look out for the next Doodle Animal; Finley Frog coming next month!
Rowan the Rabbit
Materials:
(8ply / yarn weight #3 or #4)
- 30g / 90 yards of white double knit yarn
- Scraps of pink yarn
Hook: 4mm (US size G)
You will also need:
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- 2 x 9mm pink / black safety eyes
- Polyester toy stuffing
Gauge:
4 dc/sc = 1 inch / 2.5 cm
Size: Finished rabbit measures = 4.5 inches high / 11.4 cm high
These measurements are approximated, and actual subjects may vary. Pattern will work in other yarns though gauge/size will be different.
Abbreviations:
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sp = space
- sl st = slip stitch
- ch(s) = chain
- dc/sc = UK double / US single crochet
- dc/sc2tog = UK double Crochet / US Single Crochet 2 sts together
- popcorn (PC) = Work 5 tr/dc in st indicated, remove hook completely, insert hook in 1st tr/dc (1st tr/dc of the 5), insert hook in loop that you just removed your hook from (5th tr/dc of the 5), yarn over and pull through both loops on hook.
Working without joining:
All the parts of the rabbit are worked without joining using a stitch marker to keep track of the rounds. Place the stitch marker in the top of the first st to mark start of round.
Pattern:
Body:
Rnd 1: With white yarn; either make a magic ring (adjustable ring) to start or ch 2, crochet 6 dc/sc into the ring / 2nd ch from hook, use tail yarn to tighten centre ring closed if necessary (6 sts).
Rnd 2: 2 dc/sc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: *1 dc/sc in next, 2 dc/sc in next st * repeat from * to * until the end of the rnd (18 sts).
Rnd 4: * 1 dc/sc in next 2 sts, 2 dc/sc in next st, * repeat from * to * until the end of the rnd(24 sts).
Rnd 5: * 1 dc/sc in next 3 sts, 2 dc/sc in next st, * repeat from * to * until the end of the rnd (30 sts).
Rnd 6 – 10: 1 dc/sc in each st around (30 sts).
Rnd 11- Arms and Tail: PC in the next st, 1 dc/sc in the next 7 sts, PC in the next st, 1 dc/sc in the next 6, PC in the next st, 1 dc/sc in the remaining sts (30 sts).
Rnd 12: 1 dc/sc in each st around (30 sts).
- Add your safety eyes in between rows 7 and 8 about 1.25 inches/ 3.3cm apart and in-between the PC arms.
Rnd 13: * 1 dc/sc in the next 3 sts, 1dc/sc2tog over next 2 sts * repeat from * to * until end of rnd, begin to stuff your rabbit (24 sts).
Rnd 14: *1 dc/sc in the next 2 sts, 1dc/sc2tog over next 2 sts * repeat from * to * until end of the rnd (18 sts).
Rnd 15: *1 dc/sc in the next st, 1dc/sc2tog over next 2 sts * repeat from * to * until end of the rnd (12 sts).
- With pink yarn embroider a nose for your rabbit in a triangle shape (over rnds 13-14); adding a line underneath for the mouth
- Finish off stuffing the body
Rnd 16: *1dc/sc2tog over next 2 sts * repeat from * to * until end of the rnd, cut thread leaving a long tail (6 sts).
- Using your tail end and using your yarn needle sew the last 6 stitches, finish off and weave in ends.
Ears (Make 2):
Rnd 1: With white yarn; either make a magic ring (adjustable ring) to start or ch 2, crochet 6 dc/sc into the ring / 2nd ch from hook, use tail yarn to tighten centre ring closed if necessary (6 sts).
Rnd 2: 2 dc/sc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3 – 7: 1 dc/sc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 8: *1dc/sc2tog over next 2 sts * repeat from * to * until end of the rnd, cut thread leaving a long tail (6 sts).
- Sew ears into place on top of your rabbits head with tail end of yarn.
Feet (Make 2):
Rnd 1: With white yarn; ch 6, 1 dc/sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each st along until end (5 sts), then working down the other side of your sts work 1 dc/sc until end (10sts).
Rnd 2 – 6: 1 dc/sc in each st around, sl st to the next st to join but leave a long tail for sewing. (10 sts).
- Sew the sides of the feet together then sew onto the front of your rabbit on rnd 13 approximately 0.25 inch / 1.5 cm apart.
And that’s it! Simple, cute and addictive!
