Thursday, April 23, 2015

Simple Bunny Lovey Blanket



One of my favorite projects so far is one I whipped up in just three days! I would have been finished in two, but my little tiny one decided she needed momma to play WITH her instead of just watching while cleaning. I was more than happy to oblige, but too tired to do much more work on my project after she went down for the night. I am only ever able to work on my crochet stuff while the little is asleep, but even then it is hard to find time with all the housework that needs to get done. Depending on how much time you have and how quick you crochet, this could even be a one day project: perfect for that last minute gift! The first day I starting out with a goal of finishing the bunny amigurumi for the main centerpiece. Day two was spent working on the blanket, but I ran out of energy before it was done. Day three was finishing the last row and a half on the blanket and attaching all of my pieces together. It came out perfect! If I were to do it again, I would make the bunny white instead of pink, so that the nose and mouth are more visible. Alas, I made the decision to do pink before I even considered how to do the face. I was also at a high risk of needing to purchase a complete storage unit for my yarn if I didn't start some stash-busting projects! For my lovey, I used I Love This Yarn acrylic yarn from Hobby Lobby. I really do love their yarn, too. It is easy to work with and stays so soft, even after washing several times.

The blanket pattern is very simple and can even work as a stand-alone. You can keep going with the pattern as big as you want and even make a full baby blanket instead of the lovey. Just keep adding extra rows. The bunny looks a lot more complicated than it really is, so even if you are new to crochet, please don't feel intimidated! I was amazed at how easy making stuffed toys actually was, once I finally got over my fear and tried one. I went all in and made a baby dragon for my baby girl as my first attempt. It is currently her second favorite stuffed toy (nothing will ever dethrone Duckie for the number one spot!) and I am so proud of myself for trying. It opened up a whole new world of crochet that I had been avoiding for over a year now.


Materials Needed:

Yarn:
Any worsted weight yarn will do. I used leftovers from other projects - about half a skein each of A and B
Color A (mine was pink)
Color B (white)
Black - small amount

Hooks:
G and I

Other:
Stitch marker - a small piece of scrap yarn works just fine for marking the end of each round
Yarn needle for sewing in ends and attaching pieces
Small amount of fiberfil (or any other stuffing)

Extra Notes:

  • While the crocheted blanket part is done row by row, the amigurumi is worked in the round as a spiral. Do not join at the end of each row - simply start working the first stitch of the next row in the first stitch of the row below.
  • You can use my stitch guide found here to clarify any stitches used throughout this pattern.


Pattern:


Bunny Head:

Row 1: With size G hook, magic circle to start and sc 6. Do not join - this pattern is worked in the round(6)
Row 2: 2sc in each (12)
Row 3: repeat *2sc, sc* (18)
Row 4: repeat *2sc, sc 2* (24)
Row 5: repeat *2sc, sc 3* (30)
Row 6: repeat *2sc, sc 4* (36)
Row 7: repeat *2sc, sc 5* (42)
Row 8: repeat *2sc, sc 13* (45)
Row 9-18: sc in each (45)
Row 19: repeat *scdec, sc 13* (42)
Row 20: repeat *scdec, sc 5* (36)
Row 21: repeat *scdec, sc 4* (30)
Row 22: repeat *scdec, sc 3* (24)
Row 23: repeat *scdec, sc 2* (18)
Row 24: repeat *scdec, sc* (12) Firmly pack fluff into the head after this row.
Row 25: scdec 6 times (6) Add extra fluff if needed.
Using your yarn needle, sew around the opening and pull tight to close. Fasten off tail.


Arms (make 2):

Row 1: Magic circle, sc 6 (6)
Row 2: 2sc in each (12)
Row 3: repeat *2sc, sc* (18)
Row 4: sc 18 (18)
Row 5: repeat *scdec, sc* (12)
Row 6-15: sc in each (12) Stuff arm after last row and make 6 sc across the opening. Leave a long tail for sewing limbs to head. Attach arms around row 21-22 (adjust as needed to your liking). I made mine so the arms angle toward the front by attaching them closer together than simply placing them on opposite sides, though that looks just as nice.


Ears (make 2):

Row 1:Magic circle, dc 6 (6)
Row 2: 2dc in each (12)
Row 3-7: dc in each (12) Lay ear flat and fold in half to form a slight pocket and stitch together to secure. Leave long tail for sewing. Attach ears to top of head, somewhere around row 3.


Eyes (make 2):

With black, ch 2, sc 6 in 2nd ch from hook. SS to join and leave a long tail for sewing. Attach eyes securely (especially if a tiny one will be enjoying this finished project as loose eyes can detach and become a choking hazard) just above the mid-point of the head.

Nose and mouth:

With your yarn needle and pink yarn, embroider an upside-down triangle in the center of the face for nose, going back and forth several times. This gives the nose a little extra texture as it bumps up from the rest of the face with each extra layer. Using long stitches, form a smile under the nose and join with a vertical stitch to connect.

If you use any color other than pink for the bunny
(I would recommend that!), the nose and mouth
will show up much better.



Blanket:

Using I hook and color A, ch 4. SS to form loop with furthest ch from hook.
Row 1: ch 3, 2dc, ch 2, *3dc, ch 2* 3 times. SS to top of ch 3.
Row 2: ch 4, *[sc, ch 2, sc] in corner, ch 3* 3 times, sc in corner, ch 2, ss to 1st ch of ch 4.
Row 3: ss into ch 3 space, ch 3, 2dc in same space, ch 1 *[3dc, ch 2, 3dc] in corner, ch 1, 3dc in each ch 3 space, ch 1* 3 times [3dc, ch 2, 3dc] in corner, ch 1, ss to top of ch 3.
Row 4: ch 4, sc in each ch 1 space, ch 3, [sc, ch 2, sc] in corner, ch 3, *[sc, ch 3] in each ch 1 space [ sc, ch 2, sc] in corner* 3 times. ss to 1st ch of ch 4 to join, switching to color B.
Row 5-15: Repeat as rows 3 and 4, alternating colors for odd numbered rows. You can continue this pattern to make the blanket as big or small as you like.
Row 16: With color B, ch 1, sc in same stitch and each stitch around, doing 3 sc in corner ch 2 spaces. ss to 1st sc, switching to color A.
Row 17: Repeat row 16, switching to color B at the end of the row.
Row 18: ch 1, sc in same stitch, skip 1, 5 dc in next, skip 1, *sc in next, skip 1, 5 dc in next, skip 1* around (7dc in corner stitches) ss to 1st sc. Fasten off and sew in ends.

Here is a more detailed look at the blanket


To attach the head to the blanket, first center the bottom of the head in the blanket's middle. You may find using locking stitch markers helps to ensure the head stays where you want it as you stitch around. Sew around the tops of your stitches from row 3 of the blanket and into the bottom of the head. Fasten off securely and enjoy!






As always, if you have questions, feel free to ask them. Don't forget to check out my Etsy Shop as well! I'm adding new items regularly, and am willing to make special orders, too! Special requests are always welcome!!











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