Bunny Basket Crochet Pattern

* DK Yarn - Cream, Blush & Black
* 6mm Crochet Hook
* 4.5mm Crochet Hook
* Scissors
* Yarn Needle
 

This basket is made by working rounds, increasing on the bottom to ensure that it stays flat.

Stitches used (UK terms):
CH – Chain
SK – Skip
SS – Slip Stitch
DC – Double Crochet
HTR – Half Treble
DC2TOG – Double Crochet two together

Main Basket
Using two strands of the cream cotton yarn and the 6mm crochet hook, start with a slip knot then make 2 chain stitches. From here you will be working into the 2nd chain from the hook. Into that stitch work 6 x HTR's, then SS into the first stitch to join into a ring. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Chain 2, then DC into the SAME stitch. Then make 2 x DC's into EACH following stitch, SS to join into first stitch. (12 stitches)
Round 3: Chain 2, then DC into the SAME stitch. Then make 2 x DC's into EACH following stitch, SS to join into first stitch. (24 stitches)
Round 4: Chain 2, then make 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch, *then a single DC into the next stitch, followed by 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch* repeat from * to * all the way round. (you will end on a 2 x DC into the same stitch) (36 stitches)
Round 5: Chain 2, then a single DC into the next stitch. Make 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch, *then a single DC into the next TWO stitches, followed by 2 x DC's into the NEXT stitch* repeat from * to * all the way round. (you will end on a 2 x DC into the same stitch) (48 stitches)
Round 6-16: Work 11 rows in straight rounds without increasing. Each round should have 48 stitches. Don't forget to CH 2 at the start of each row and SS to join.

Ears
Row 1: Lay the basket down flat and choose a stitch just off centre at the front. Using the front loops of the stitch only, pull through ONE strand of the Blush yarn and with the 4.5mm crochet hook DC over the next four stitches – remember, front loops only. Turn.
Row 2: CH 2 then work a DC into the next three stitches. (4 stitches)
Row 3: As Row 2.
Row 4: CH 2 then work a DC into the very first stitch to increase, then next three stitches. (5 stitches)
Row 5: CH 2 then work a DC into the next four stitches. (5 stitches)
Row 6: As Row 5.
Row 7: CH 2 then work a DC into the very first stitch to increase, then next four stitches. (6 stitches)
Row 8: CH 2 then work a DC into the next five stitches. (6 stitches)
Rows 9-15: As Row 8.
Row 16: CH 2, SK 1 then work a DC into the next three stitches. (4 stitches)
Row 17: CH 2, SK 1 then work a DC into the next stitch. (3 stitches) Break off yarn. Using Cream and the 4.5mm hook, evenly work a row of DC's around the ear, starting and ending at the top of the basket rim. Leaving a space of nine un-worked stitches between the ears, make another one.

Strap
Row 1: Pull one of the ears forward and working into the back loops which are left un-worked, use two strands of Cream cotton and the 6mm hook. Pull through the yarn and CH 2. Work a HTR into the next three stitches (back loops). Turn.
Row 2: CH 2 then work a HTR into the next three stitches. (4 stitches). Rows 3-50: CH 2 then work a HTR into the next three stitches. (4 stitches). Break of yarn, leaving enough tail to sew with. Leaving eight stitches at the sides, in-between the front and back strap, sew in place at the back.
Repeat behind the other ear for the second strap. Take a length of Blush cotton and tack the ears in place against the straps.

Nose
Round 1: Using one strand of the Blush cotton yarn and the 4.5mm crochet hook, CH 2 then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from the hook, SS into the first stitch to join into a ring. (6 stitches)
Round 2: CH 2 then DC into each stitch. SS to join. (6 stitches)
Stuff with a small amount of stuffing before continuing.
Round 3: CH 2 then DC2tog 3 times. SS to join. (3 stitches) Break of yarn and sew up the hole.
Place the nose in the centre of the basket, six rows down from the top and sew in place.

Cheeks (make two)
Round 1: Using one strand of the Cream cotton yarn and the 4.5mm crochet hook, CH 2 then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from the hook, SS into the first stitch to join into a ring. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Chain 2, then DC into the SAME stitch. Then make 2 x DC's into EACH following stitch, SS to join into first stitch. (12 stitches)
Round 3: CH 2 then DC into each stitch. SS to join. (12 stitches)
Round 4: As round 3. (12 stitches)
Round 5: CH 2 then DC2tog 6 times. SS to join. (6 stitches)
Stuff lightly with a small amount of stuffing before continuing.
Round 6: CH 2 then DC2tog 3 times. SS to join. (3 stitches) Break of yarn and sew up the hole.
Place the cheeks just under the nose and sew in place.

Eyes
Embroider the eyes in place using three stitches in a triangle formation.