The Meadow Hop Bunny Applique Free Pattern – Crochet a Spring Garden Patch

Bring a Touch of Meadow Magic to Your Next Project

Are you looking for a quick, charming crochet project that adds a handmade touch to anything? The Meadow Hop Bunny Applique is the perfect springtime make. This delightful pattern features a plump, textured bunny with delicate floral accents, evoking the fresh, natural feel of a meadow in bloom. It's an ideal embellishment for baby blankets, tote bags, cardigans, or even as a sweet gift tag. Because it's worked flat and sewn on, it's a fantastic project for beginners and a satisfying, fast make for experienced crocheters. Let's hop right in and create this adorable spring garden patch!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather your supplies. This project uses simple, readily available materials. The gauge is not critical for an applique, but you'll want to maintain a tight tension to ensure the stuffing (if used) doesn't show through.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in four colors:
  • Cream (for the main body)
  • Soft Brown (for the ears)
  • Sage Green (for the leaves)
  • Blush Pink (for the flowers)
• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E-4) hook
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker
• Optional: Small amount of fiberfill for a subtle 3D puff effect

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your bunny. We'll work from the body up, then add the ears, flowers, and leaves. Remember to keep your tension consistent for a neat finish.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic ring
• ch: Chain
• sc: Single crochet
• hdc: Half double crochet
• dc: Double crochet
• sl st: Slip stitch
• inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec: Decrease (sc two stitches together)

Bunny Body (Make 1)

The body is worked in continuous rounds to create a seamless, plump shape. Use your stitch marker to keep track of the start of each round.

1. Round 1: With cream yarn, make a MR and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 stitches)
2. Round 2: Work an inc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
3. Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, inc*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
4. Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, inc*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
5. Rounds 5-7: Sc in each stitch around for three rounds. (24 stitches)
6. Round 8: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, dec*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
7. Round 9: *Sc in the next stitch, dec*; repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)
8. Round 10: Work a dec in each stitch around. (6 stitches)

Finishing the Body: Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing. Lightly stuff the body with fiberfill if you want a gentle 3D effect—don't overstuff, as it should remain relatively flat for an applique. Thread the tail onto your yarn needle and weave it through the front loops of the last round's 6 stitches. Pull tight to cinch the opening closed, then secure with a small stitch and set the body aside.

Bunny Ears (Make 2)

The ears are worked flat in rows and then folded to create a natural curve.

1. Foundation: With soft brown yarn, ch 6.
2. Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (5 stitches)
3. Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each stitch across. (5 stitches)
4. Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first stitch, inc, sc in the next stitch, inc, sc in the last stitch. (7 stitches)
5. Rows 4-5: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each stitch across for two rows. (7 stitches)
6. Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc in the first stitch, dec, sc in the next stitch, dec, sc in the last stitch. (5 stitches)
7. Row 7: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each stitch across. (5 stitches)

Finishing the Ears: Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Fold each ear in half lengthwise (bringing the two long edges together) and whipstitch the edges closed. This creates a subtle fold and curve. Attach the ears to the top of the bunny body, positioning them slightly apart. Use the yarn tails to sew them securely.

Flower Accents (Make 3)

These tiny flowers are quick to make and add the perfect spring touch.

1. With blush pink yarn, make a MR.
2. Ch 2, then work (dc, ch 2, sl st) into the ring. This creates your first petal.
3. Repeat the sequence from step 2 four more times to create a total of 5 petals.
4. Pull the ring tight to close the center of the flower.
5. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Placement: Sew the flowers onto the bunny's side or near the ears as you prefer. A small cluster on one side looks lovely.

Leaves (Make 3)

These simple pointed leaves complement the flowers beautifully.

1. With sage green yarn, ch 5.
2. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook.
3. Hdc in the next ch.
4. Dc in the next ch.
5. Hdc in the last ch.

Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the leaves near the flowers, fanning them out slightly.

Assembly and Final Touches

Now for the fun part—putting it all together!

1. Using the yarn tails, sew the bunny applique onto your chosen project. A baby blanket, tote bag, or cardigan are all perfect canvases.
2. Make sure to sew the ears, flowers, and leaves down securely as well.
3. Weave in all ends carefully on the back of the work to ensure a clean, professional finish.

And there you have it—your very own Meadow Hop Bunny! This pattern is wonderfully versatile. You can change the flower colors to match any project, or even add a tiny embroidered face if you like. It's a beautiful way to add a personal, handmade touch to your gifts and belongings. Happy crocheting!