Clarkia Candy-Stripe Bunny – Crochet

Clarkia Candy-Stripe Bunny – Crochet

Meet Clarkia Candy-Stripe Bunny: a sweet, pastel-striped plush with a bucket hat, a flower-trim dress, and cozy little boots. If you love shopping for soft cotton yarn, ergonomic crochet hooks, and quality safety eyes, this project is a satisfying make that looks polished in photos and feels wonderful to hug.

This design also includes the tiny farm-friend cow, two candy-cane props, a mini cardigan, and a small edged cloth—perfect for gift sets and craft-fair bundles. If you’re comparing where to buy fiberfill, amigurumi eyes, and smooth rainbow yarn cakes, this write-up helps you plan every detail before checkout.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Overview

This project creates a standing bunny with long floppy ears, a rounded head, an oval body, and chunky shoes. The outfit is a pastel candy-stripe dress with short sleeves and a row of small flowers along the hem. The bucket hat matches the dress stripes and has a centered flower patch.

You will also make a small cow companion wearing a straw-style hat, a striped top, and blue overalls. Two soft candy canes and a tiny edged cloth complete the scene. A cropped cardigan with simple shaping and decorative flowers is included as an extra accessory.

Finished Size

  • Large bunny: about 12–14 in (30–36 cm) tall from feet to hat brim, depending on yarn and tension
  • Small cow: about 4–5 in (10–13 cm) tall
  • Hat brim: gently flared, sits low on the bunny’s forehead like the photo

Materials

  • Yarn A (Bunny body): worsted or sport-weight cotton/acrylic blend in cream or warm beige
  • Yarn B (Pastel stripes): self-striping pastel rainbow or separate pastel colors (pink, mint, sky blue, pale yellow, lavender)
  • Yarn C (Flowers/accents): small amounts of bright pink, coral, yellow, light green
  • Yarn D (Cow): white, black, pale pink, light blue, tan/beige for hat
  • Hook: 2.75–3.5 mm for tight amigurumi fabric (choose size that prevents gaps)
  • Eyes: 10–12 mm black safety eyes for bunny; 6–8 mm for cow (or embroider)
  • Stuffing: polyester fiberfill
  • Optional structure: plastic canvas or thin craft foam for shoe soles; pipe cleaners for ear shaping
  • Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors
  • Embroidery: light pink or beige thread/yarn for nose and mouth; blush powder or pink yarn for cheeks

Stitches & Abbreviations

  • MR = magic ring
  • sc = single crochet
  • inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
  • dec = invisible decrease (decrease by single crochet 2 together)
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • ch = chain
  • hdc = half double crochet
  • dc = double crochet
  • blo = back loop only
  • flo = front loop only

Notes for an Accurate Look

  • Work in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise.
  • Use a tight tension so stuffing does not show through.
  • The bunny’s face sits low and centered, with eyes wide apart like the photo.
  • The ears are long, flat, and drape down the sides of the head.
  • Boots are chunky with a defined sole edge and a slightly raised toe.
  • The dress uses gentle shaping so it flares softly and stands away from the body.

Color Planning for Candy Stripes

The outfit in the image has narrow pastel stripes that repeat. For the closest match, use a self-striping pastel yarn for the dress and hat. If you are using separate colors, change color every 2 rounds for a thin stripe effect.

When changing colors in single crochet, complete the last yarn-over of the previous stitch with the new color. This keeps transitions clean. Carry yarn inside the dress if your stripes are frequent, or cut and weave ends for the neatest finish.

Bunny Head

Use Yarn A. Stuff firmly as you go, shaping a smooth dome. The head should be slightly wider than the body neck so the hat sits well.

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2: inc around (12)
  3. R3: (sc, inc) around (18)
  4. R4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
  5. R5: (3 sc, inc) around (30)
  6. R6: (4 sc, inc) around (36)
  7. R7: (5 sc, inc) around (42)
  8. R8: (6 sc, inc) around (48)
  9. R9: (7 sc, inc) around (54)
  10. R10–R18: sc around (54)

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Place safety eyes between R14 and R15, about 10–12 stitches apart. The eyes in the photo sit fairly wide, giving a gentle expression. If you prefer a cuter look, slightly angle them by placing the outer edge one round higher than the inner edge.

  1. R19: (7 sc, dec) around (48)
  2. R20: (6 sc, dec) around (42)
  3. R21: (5 sc, dec) around (36)
  4. R22: (4 sc, dec) around (30)
  5. R23: (3 sc, dec) around (24)

Begin stuffing more firmly now. Push stuffing to the forehead and cheeks to keep the face rounded. Keep the bottom opening circular so the neck attaches neatly.

  1. R24: (2 sc, dec) around (18)
  2. R25: (sc, dec) around (12)
  3. R26: dec around (6)

Fasten off and close. Weave end through remaining stitches and pull tight. Set aside.

Bunny Ears (Make 2)

Use Yarn A. Ears are long and slightly thick at the base, then taper softly. Do not overstuff; they should drape. If you want a gentle curve like the image, slide a pipe cleaner inside before closing the top half.

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2: (sc, inc) around (9)
  3. R3: sc around (9)
  4. R4: (2 sc, inc) around (12)
  5. R5–R10: sc around (12)
  6. R11: (4 sc, inc) twice, 4 sc (14)
  7. R12–R26: sc around (14)
  8. R27: (5 sc, dec) twice (12)
  9. R28–R36: sc around (12)

Flatten the opening and sc across to close, or leave open for sewing. For the photo look, leave open and sew the ear base to the head so it hangs down. Lightly stuff only the bottom 2–3 inches to give weight.

Bunny Arms (Make 2)

Use Yarn A. Arms are simple tubes with rounded ends. They hang straight at the sides and look slightly stubby compared to the body, matching the plush style.

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2: inc around (12)
  3. R3–R5: sc around (12)
  4. R6: (2 sc, dec) around (9)
  5. R7–R18: sc around (9)

Stuff lightly, keeping the arm soft. Flatten opening and sc across to close. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Bunny Legs (Make 2)

Use Yarn A. Legs are sturdy to support the standing pose. Stuff firmly and keep stitches tight. The leg connects into the shoe later, so keep the bottom round neat.

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2: inc around (12)
  3. R3: (sc, inc) around (18)
  4. R4–R6: sc around (18)
  5. R7: (4 sc, dec) around (15)
  6. R8–R16: sc around (15)

Stuff firmly. Do not close yet if you want to crochet legs into the body. If you prefer sewing, fasten off with a long tail and close after checking placement.

Bunny Shoes (Make 2)

Use Yarn A. Shoes in the photo have a defined sole edge and a slightly raised toe. Work the sole, then build sides upward. Add optional sole insert for a flatter base.

Sole

  1. Ch 11.
  2. R1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 8, 3 sc in last ch; turn to work underside, sc 8, inc in last ch (22)
  3. R2: inc, sc 8, (inc) x3, sc 8, (inc) x2 (30)
  4. R3: sc, inc, sc 8, (sc, inc) x3, sc 8, (sc, inc) x2 (38)

If using an insert, trace this sole shape onto plastic canvas or foam and cut out. Set aside.

Shoe Walls

  1. R4: sc in blo around (38)
  2. R5: sc around (38)
  3. R6: sc 10, dec x4, sc 20, dec x4 (30)
  4. R7: sc 9, dec x3, sc 15, dec x3 (24)
  5. R8: sc around (24)
  6. R9: sc 8, dec x2, sc 10, dec x2 (20)
  7. R10–R11: sc around (20)

Stuff the toe lightly so it stays rounded. If using an insert, slide it in now and add a thin layer of stuffing on top.

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Ankle Opening

  1. R12: (3 sc, dec) around (16)
  2. R13–R15: sc around (16)

Fasten off with a long tail. Insert the leg into the opening so the foot faces forward. Sew the shoe to the leg securely, stitching through both layers. Repeat for the second shoe.

Bunny Body

Use Yarn A. The body is an oval cylinder that gently widens at the belly. It should be tall enough that the dress covers most of it, with a smooth neck opening for the head attachment.

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2: inc around (12)
  3. R3: (sc, inc) around (18)
  4. R4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
  5. R5: (3 sc, inc) around (30)
  6. R6: (4 sc, inc) around (36)
  7. R7: (5 sc, inc) around (42)
  8. R8–R12: sc around (42)
  9. R13: (6 sc, inc) around (48)
  10. R14–R18: sc around (48)
  11. R19: (6 sc, dec) around (42)
  12. R20–R22: sc around (42)
  13. R23: (5 sc, dec) around (36)
  14. R24–R26: sc around (36)
  15. R27: (4 sc, dec) around (30)
  16. R28–R30: sc around (30)

Stuff firmly, shaping a rounded belly but keeping the base flat enough to stand. If your bunny tips, add a bit more stuffing low in the body and press it into a stable base shape.

  1. R31: (3 sc, dec) around (24)
  2. R32–R34: sc around (24)

Do not fasten off yet if you want to sew legs through the body opening. If you already attached shoes to legs, sew the legs to the body now, placed forward so the bunny stands with feet visible from the front like the photo.

Attach Legs

  • Center the legs so there is a small gap between shoes.
  • Sew each leg to the lower sides of the body, slightly toward the front.
  • Reinforce seams with a second pass of stitching for stability.

Close any remaining body opening as needed, leaving the top neck opening at 24 stitches for head attachment.

Head, Ears, and Arms Placement

Before sewing, pin pieces in place. The bunny’s ears in the photo start near the top sides of the head and hang down past the shoulders. The arms sit low so the dress sleeves look natural and the hands rest near the hip line.

  • Ears: sew to head around R7–R9 area, slightly behind the eyes
  • Arms: sew to body just below the neck opening, about 7–8 stitches apart from the front center
  • Head: centered on the neck, chin slightly forward for a friendly posture

Face Details

Embroider a small triangular nose in light pink between the eyes, about 3 rounds below eye line. Add a short vertical line down from the nose and a gentle split mouth. The photo shows a soft, minimal expression with a tiny muzzle line.

Add cheeks with a small amount of blush or pink yarn shading. Keep the blush subtle and round, placed under each eye and slightly outward. This helps match the warm, plush look in the image without overpowering the clean stitching.

Pastel Candy-Stripe Dress

Use Yarn B for stripes. The dress is worked from the top down in joined rounds to keep stripes even, then flares at the skirt. Short sleeves are built in, and the hem is decorated with small crocheted flowers in multiple colors.

Dress Bodice (Top Down)

Start at the neckline. Make sure it fits over the bunny’s head. If you used thicker yarn, add 4–6 stitches to the starting chain.

  1. Ch 42, join with sl st (be careful not to twist).
  2. R1: ch 1, sc around (42)
  3. R2: sc around (42)

Create gentle shoulder shaping by increasing at four points. Place markers to divide the round into 4 equal sections (front, side, back, side). Work increases at each marker for several rounds.

  1. R3: (sc 9, inc) x4 (46)
  2. R4: (sc 10, inc) x4 (50)
  3. R5: (sc 11, inc) x4 (54)
  4. R6: sc around (54)

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Armholes and Sleeves

To form sleeves, you will skip a section for each armhole and chain across. This creates the drop-shoulder short sleeve look shown in the photo.

  1. R7: sc 14, ch 6, skip 6 sts, sc 21, ch 6, skip 6 sts, sc 13 (approx 60)
  2. R8: sc around, working into chains (60)
  3. R9–R12: sc around (60)

Check fit: the bodice should sit smoothly around the bunny’s torso without stretching. The armholes should be roomy enough to keep arms hanging naturally underneath.

Skirt Shaping

Begin increasing evenly to create a gentle flare. The skirt in the photo is not extremely wide, but it does curve outward and holds its shape.

  1. R13: (9 sc, inc) x6 (66)
  2. R14: sc around (66)
  3. R15: (10 sc, inc) x6 (72)
  4. R16–R18: sc around (72)
  5. R19: (11 sc, inc) x6 (78)
  6. R20–R24: sc around (78)

Continue until the dress reaches just above the bunny’s shoes, leaving the shoes fully visible. If needed, add 2–4 more rounds without increasing. Keep stripe changes consistent so the hem looks even and clean.

Hem Edge

  1. Final Round: (sc 2, hdc 1, dc 1, hdc 1, sc 2) repeat to create a soft scallop, adjusting as needed.

Fasten off and weave in ends on the inside.

Dress Sleeve Cuffs (Optional for Crisp Look)

If you want the sleeves to sit neatly, add a simple cuff. Join Yarn B at the sleeve edge and work one round of sc. This keeps the sleeve from curling and matches the tidy look of the photographed piece.

  • Join yarn at underarm seam.
  • Sc evenly around sleeve opening.
  • Sl st to join and fasten off.

Flower Hem Appliqués

The dress hem in the photo has a row of small flowers in multiple colors. Make 10–14 flowers depending on skirt width. Use Yarn C and mix colors for a lively, garden-like finish.

Simple 5-Petal Flower (Make Many)

  1. MR, ch 1, 10 sc into ring, sl st to first sc (10)
  2. (ch 2, dc in same st, ch 2, sl st in next st) repeat around for 5 petals

Fasten off with a sewing tail. Stitch flowers along the front and sides of the hem, spacing them evenly. Add tiny green “stems” with a few straight stitches upward from each flower for the stitched-garden effect seen in the image.

Bucket Hat (Candy-Stripe)

Use Yarn B. The hat is a rounded bucket style with a firm brim that gently flares outward. It sits low on the forehead and frames the bunny’s face. Work the crown, then increase for the brim.

Crown Top

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2: inc around (12)
  3. R3: (sc, inc) around (18)
  4. R4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
  5. R5: (3 sc, inc) around (30)
  6. R6: (4 sc, inc) around (36)
  7. R7: (5 sc, inc) around (42)

Hat Sides

  1. R8–R13: sc around (42)

Try on the bunny. The hat should cover the top of the head and sit just above the eyes. If it rides up, add 1–2 more rounds of sc. If it feels loose, reduce one increase round earlier by stopping at 36 stitches.

Brim

  1. R14: (6 sc, inc) around (48)
  2. R15: sc around (48)
  3. R16: (7 sc, inc) around (54)
  4. R17: sc around (54)
  5. R18: (8 sc, inc) around (60)
  6. R19: sc around (60)
  7. R20: hdc around (60)

Fasten off. If you want a stiffer brim, insert a thin round of craft wire between R19 and R20, then crochet the final round over it carefully. Keep the brim gently flared, not overly wavy.

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Centered Flower Patch for Hat

The photo shows a small square patch with a simple flower motif centered on the hat front. Create a small square and embroider or crochet a flower on it. Then stitch it firmly to the hat.

Patch Square

  1. Ch 9.
  2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch, sc across (8), ch 1 turn
  3. Rows 2–8: sc across (8), ch 1 turn

Border the square with one round of sc evenly around, working 3 sc in each corner. Use a contrasting pale color for a framed look if desired.

Mini Flower Motif

  • Use Yarn C (pink for petals, green for stem).
  • Embroider a simple 5-petal flower and a short stem.
  • Keep it centered and small so the patch looks tidy.

Stitch the patch to the front of the hat, centered above the bunny’s eyes. Sew all four sides down so it stays flat.

Mini Cardigan (Accessory)

This small cardigan matches the pastel theme and appears as a separate piece in the photo. It is a simple open-front jacket with short sleeves and a slightly boxy shape. Add tiny flower appliqués across the front for a sweet finish.

Back Panel

Use Yarn B. Work in rows.

  1. Ch 33.
  2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch, sc across (32), ch 1 turn
  3. Rows 2–16: sc across (32), ch 1 turn

Front Panels (Make 2)

  1. Ch 17.
  2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch, sc across (16), ch 1 turn
  3. Rows 2–16: sc across (16), ch 1 turn

Assembly and Sleeves

Lay the back panel flat. Place front panels on each side, leaving a center opening. Sew shoulder seams across the top edges, leaving about 5–6 inches for the neck opening. Sew side seams from underarm down, leaving an armhole opening.

For sleeves, join yarn around each armhole and work 4–6 rounds of sc. Keep sleeves short so they sit above the bunny’s wrists. Finish with one round of hdc for a neat edge.

Cardigan Trim

  • Join yarn at bottom corner and sc evenly up the front edge, around neckline, and down the other side.
  • Work 2 rows total for a slightly thicker trim.
  • Add 2–4 tiny flower appliqués on the front like the photo set.

Small Edged Cloth (Mini Napkin)

The photo includes a small square cloth with a neat border and a tiny motif. Use a light base color and add a pastel border. This piece adds charm to gift styling and is quick to make.

Cloth Square

  1. Ch 13.
  2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch, sc across (12), ch 1 turn
  3. Rows 2–12: sc across (12), ch 1 turn

Border

Join a pastel color. Work sc evenly around the square, placing 3 sc in each corner. Add a second border round in another pastel for a striped edge. Stitch a tiny heart or flower in the center using pink yarn.

Candy Cane Props (Make 2)

These small candy canes appear as red-and-white curved pieces in the photo. Use white as the base and add surface stripes in red. Keep them firm by stuffing lightly and crocheting tightly.

Candy Cane Tube

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2–R18: sc around (6)

Lightly stuff. To form the hook, bend the tube at the top and stitch it into a curve. Flatten the inner bend slightly with a few whip stitches to hold the shape.

Red Stripes

  • Use red yarn and a needle.
  • Wrap and stitch diagonal stripes around the cane, spacing evenly.
  • Secure ends inside the tube so the outside looks clean.

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Mini Cow Companion

The small cow stands beside the bunny in the photo. It has a white body, black ears/arms, a pink muzzle, and blue overalls. A tan hat with a blue band completes the look. Use a smaller hook if possible for a tight fabric.

Cow Head (White)

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2: inc around (12)
  3. R3: (sc, inc) around (18)
  4. R4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
  5. R5–R8: sc around (24)

Place 6–8 mm eyes between R6 and R7, about 6–7 stitches apart. Stuff lightly, keeping the head round.

  1. R9: (2 sc, dec) around (18)
  2. R10: (sc, dec) around (12)
  3. R11: dec around (6)

Fasten off and close.

Cow Muzzle (Pink)

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2: inc around (12)
  3. R3: sc around (12)

Fasten off with a long tail. Stuff very lightly and sew to the lower front of the head. Add two small nostrils with darker pink stitches.

Cow Ears (Black, Make 2)

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  • R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  • R2: (sc, inc) around (9)
  • R3–R4: sc around (9)

Flatten and sew to the sides of the head, slightly below the top. Keep them small and droopy, matching the cute proportions in the image.

Cow Body (White)

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2: inc around (12)
  3. R3: (sc, inc) around (18)
  4. R4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
  5. R5–R7: sc around (24)
  6. R8: (2 sc, dec) around (18)
  7. R9–R10: sc around (18)

Stuff firmly and fasten off, leaving a tail to sew the head on. Attach head so the cow looks slightly upward, like it is posing beside the bunny.

Cow Arms (Black, Make 2)

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2–R6: sc around (6)

Stuff lightly. Sew to the sides of the body near the top so they sit forward slightly.

Cow Legs (Black, Make 2)

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2: inc around (12)
  3. R3: sc around (12)
  4. R4: (2 sc, dec) around (9)
  5. R5–R8: sc around (9)

Stuff and sew to the bottom of the body, spaced evenly so the cow stands. Add a bit more stuffing in the feet to improve balance.

Cow Outfit: Striped Top

Use light blue and white (or pastel stripes). Make a simple tube that fits snugly around the cow body. The top should peek out above the overalls like the photo.

  1. Ch 19, join (fits around 18-stitch body).
  2. R1–R6: sc around, changing color every round or every 2 rounds for stripes (19)

Fasten off and slide onto the cow.

Cow Outfit: Blue Overalls

Use light blue. Make a small overall bib and shorts. Keep it simple so it layers cleanly over the striped top.

Overall Shorts Tube

  1. Ch 20, join.
  2. R1–R4: sc around (20)

To create leg openings, divide in half and work each leg in rounds of 10 stitches for 2 rounds. Fasten off each leg. This creates a tiny short-pants shape.

Bib

  1. Ch 7.
  2. Row 1: sc across (6), ch 1 turn
  3. Rows 2–5: sc across (6), ch 1 turn

Sew bib to front of shorts. Add two straps: ch 10 each, stitch from top corners of bib over shoulders to back of shorts. Add tiny button dots with embroidery if desired.

Cow Hat

The cow wears a tan straw-style hat with a blue band and small side bumps that resemble little ear cutouts. Keep the brim shallow and neat.

Hat Crown (Tan)

  1. R1: MR, 6 sc (6)
  2. R2: inc around (12)
  3. R3: (sc, inc) around (18)
  4. R4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
  5. R5–R7: sc around (24)

Brim

  1. R8: (3 sc, inc) around (30)
  2. R9: sc around (30)

Fasten off. Add a blue band by surface stitching one round around the base of the crown. Stitch the hat onto the cow’s head so it stays centered.

Outfit Dressing Order

  • Put the striped dress on the bunny first.
  • Slide arms through the armholes so sleeves sit correctly.
  • Place the bucket hat, then adjust ears so they drape outside the hat.
  • Add the hem flowers last so they are not crushed while handling.
  • Dress the cow in striped top, then overalls, then hat.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew the bunny head to the body with strong, even stitches. Add ears, then arms. Embroider the nose and mouth with small, neat stitches and apply subtle blush. For the cow, attach muzzle, ears, head, arms, and legs, then dress it. Stitch hats in place for a tidy display.

Care Notes

For best results, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Let items air dry fully, reshaping hats and hems while damp. Avoid high heat, which can distort stitching and soften structured soles. If gifting, include a small care card so the plush stays beautiful over time.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Balance: bunny stands securely with both shoes flat
  • Eyes: evenly placed and firmly locked
  • Hat fit: sits low and brim flares gently
  • Dress: skirt flare is even; hem flowers are stitched securely
  • Ends: all yarn tails woven in and trimmed inside
  • Cow: overalls straps attached; hat band centered

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use cool water and a gentle detergent for hand washing if needed. Support the plush while cleaning, and do not twist or wring. Press water out with a towel, then air dry on a flat surface. Store away from direct sunlight and dust, and keep props in a small bag to prevent snagging.

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