Creating the Sweet William Patchwork Bunny is more than just a project; it is a delightful journey into the world of colorful textures and vintage-inspired design. As a seasoned fiber artist, I can tell you that this design perfectly balances the charm of a collectible with the tactile joy of high-quality crochet.
The intricate patchwork dress and the tiny pig companion make this a standout piece for any portfolio. Sourcing premium materials ensures your bunny has that professional, soft-touch finish and a sophisticated drape that everyone loves to hug. While I strive for technical perfection in every pattern, please remember that we are all human—if you spot a typo, consider it a «design feature» of the handmade process!
Essential Materials and Tools
To achieve the beautiful patchwork effect, your choice of fiber is paramount. I highly recommend a sport weight or DK weight cotton-acrylic blend. This blend offers superior stitch definition while remaining soft and durable enough to withstand years of love.
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Cream or Light Beige: Approximately 100g for the main body.
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Dusty Rose: 50g for the bunny’s and pig’s cardigans.
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Pastel Selection (Yellow, Blue, Mint, Lavender): 20g each for the patchwork blocks.
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White: Small amount for the collar, lace, and shoes.
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Pink: For the pig friend and floral appliques.
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Safety Eyes: 10mm for the bunny and 6mm for the pig.
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Crochet Hook: 2.5mm or 3.0mm (choose based on your personal gauge).
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Stuffing: High-quality polyester fiberfill.
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Notions: Yarn needle, stitch markers, sharp scissors, and small buttons.
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Embroidery Thread: Dark brown for facial detailing.
Stitch Guide and Abbreviations
This pattern uses standard US terminology. To ensure a professional finish where the stuffing doesn’t «peek» through, maintain a tight tension. If you tend to be a loose crocheter, drop down a hook size to keep those stitches dense.
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MR: Magic Ring
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ch: Chain
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sc: Single Crochet
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inc: Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
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dec: Decrease (sc 2 together)
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hdc: Half Double Crochet
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dc: Double Crochet
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sl st: Slip Stitch
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BLO / FLO: Back Loop Only / Front Loop Only
Crafting the Bunny Head
The head is worked in continuous rounds using the cream yarn. Always start with a Magic Ring to ensure the crown of the head is cinched tight with no visible hole. We are aiming for a soft, slightly oval shape to give the bunny that classic «sweet» expression.
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Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR (6)
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Rnd 2: 6 inc (12)
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Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
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Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
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Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
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Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
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Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
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Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
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Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6 (54)
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Rnd 10: (8 sc, inc) x 6 (60)
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Rnd 11-22: sc in each st around (60)
Eye Placement and Closing
Place the 10mm safety eyes between rounds 17 and 18, with 11 stitches between them. This wide placement is the secret to the «kawaii» aesthetic. Once secured, begin your decrease rounds to shape the chin.
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Rnd 23-29: Gradually decrease (8 sc, dec… down to 2 sc, dec) until you have 18 sts.
Stuff the head very firmly, focusing on the cheek area to create a chubby, youthful look. Use the dark brown thread to embroider a small “Y” shaped nose for a minimalist, vintage feel.
Floppy Bunny Ears (Make 2)
The ears are designed to hang with a graceful weight. These are worked in cream yarn and are not stuffed, allowing them to lay flat and move naturally.
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Rnd 1-4: Work up to 24 sc.
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Rnd 5-25: sc in each st around (24).
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Rnd 26-33: Gradually taper the ear by decreasing 3 sts every few rounds until you reach 18 sts.
Flatten the ears and sc through both layers to close. This creates a clean «hinge» that makes sewing them to the head much easier.
Building the Legs and Body
We will start with the legs and join them to create a seamless, sturdy foundation. This method ensures the bunny can sit upright without wobbling.
Legs (Make 2)
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Rnd 1-4: Increase to 24 sc.
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Rnd 5: BLO sc in each st around (this creates a «base» for the foot).
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Rnd 9: Incorporate 6 decreases at the front of the foot to create the instep.
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Rnd 10-22: sc in each st (18).
Seamless Body Join
From the second leg, ch 3 and join to the first leg. Work around both legs and the chain for a total of 42 stitches. This technique provides a solid structure from the hips up.
Continue working the body, gradually decreasing from 48 stitches down to 18 at the neck. Ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly to prevent «floppy head syndrome.»
Bunny Arms (Make 2)
To keep the silhouette slim under the cardigan, only stuff the bottom half of the arms.
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Rnd 1-2: Increase to 12 sc.
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Rnd 3-20: sc in each st (12).
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Rnd 21-22: Decrease slightly and close by stitching through both layers.
The Patchwork Dress
This is where your artistry shines! To achieve the patchwork look, use the tapestry crochet technique, carrying your unused colors behind the stitches to maintain a clean interior.
Start with a foundation chain of 42 in white. Work the bodice for 5 rounds, then begin the color blocks. Change colors every 6 stitches (Blue, Purple, Mint, Yellow). Every 5 rounds, shift the colors by 6 stitches to create a checkered, quilted effect. Finish with a crochet lace hem: Ch 3, skip 1 st, sl st in next.
Dusty Rose Cardigan
The cardigan is worked in rows (turning at the end of each row) from the top down. This raglan style ensures a perfect fit over the bunny’s shoulders.
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Row 4 (The Divide): This is the crucial row where you create armholes by skipping stitches and chaining across.
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Sleeves: Attach yarn directly to the armholes and work in the round for 10 rounds.
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Collar: Use white yarn to work a scalloped edge (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) around the neckline.
Finishing Touches: Accessories
Floral Appliques
Scatter a cluster of tiny flowers on the lower right of the skirt.
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Small Flower: In a MR, work (ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2, sl st) five times.
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Details: Add green embroidered stems and French knots for a garden-fresh look.
The Little Pig Friend
This tiny companion is a miniature exercise in patience. Use a 2-stitch color block for his tiny patchwork vest. Use 6mm safety eyes and a small crocheted oval for the snout.
Backpack and Candies
The bunny carries a small tan backpack (a simple folded rectangle) with patchwork pockets. For extra whimsy, crochet small cylinders in pastels and add «wrapper» ends to create tiny candies.
Final Assembly and Care
When assembling, use your stitch markers to pin parts in place before sewing. This allows you to check symmetry. I recommend a «sculpted» look for the eyes: use a needle to pull the safety eyes slightly toward each other from the back of the head before closing.
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Display: Due to small parts, this is a «display-quality» heirloom piece.
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Cleaning: Spot clean only with a damp cloth. Never frog your hard work by putting it in a washing machine!
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Longevity: Keep out of direct sunlight to protect those delicate pastel dyes from fading.