Free Velveteen Rabbit Pillow Pattern

Materials Needed:

• Suggested Yarn:
  • Yarn Type: Bernat Baby Velvet yarn for the main pillow body
  • Yarn Weight: Fingering weight yarn for the nose (small amount)
• Hook Sizes:
  • Main Hook: H/5mm crochet hook
  • Nose Hook: 3.5mm crochet hook
• Needle: Yarn needle for sewing pieces together
• Stuffing: To fill the pillow and lightly line the ears
• Embroidery Thread: Black or dark blue for eyes
• Pattern Measurements: Approximately 11.5 inches long, and 12 inches tall including the ears.

Abbreviations:

• Ch: Chain
• Sl st: Slip stitch
• Sc: Single crochet
• Sc2tog: Single crochet 2 together
• Rep: Repeat
• Rnd(s): Round(s)
• Sk: Skip
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Beg: Beginning

Stitching Instructions for Velveteen Rabbit Pillow Pattern:

Head

• Foundation Row: Start by making a foundation chain (Ch) of the required length, then work into both sides of the chain to create an oval shape. 

This is achieved by working 2 sc into the 2nd Ch from the hook, then sc in the next 42 Ch. Afterward, work 2 sc into the last Ch to continue along the opposite side of the chain. 

Work sc into each remaining Ch, and finish the row with 2 sc in the last Ch. You will now have 92 sc for this round (Rnd 1).

• Increasing Rounds: In each subsequent round, you will increase the stitch count by adding 2 sc in certain stitches to widen the shape. 

In Rnd 2, you work 2 sc in the same st as the joining slip stitch (sl st), then sc in the next 44 sc. 

You’ll repeat the increase in specific locations, working 2 sc in the next st twice, then continue around with sc in the remaining sts. This will give you a total of 96 sc at the end of Rnd 2. 

Each round that follows will gradually increase the stitch count by 4, leading to a round head shape. Continue this process until you reach Rnd 6 with 112 sc.

• Maintaining Shape: From Rnd 7 to Rnd 38, you will work a series of sc around (sc in each st) without any increases or decreases. 

This will form the main body of the head and give it height. After each round, join with a sl st to the first sc, and place a stitch marker in the last stitch to track your rounds.

• Decreasing Rounds: Starting at Rnd 39, you will begin to decrease the stitch count by working sc2tog (single crochet 2 together). 

For example, in Rnd 39, you’ll work sc in the first 4 sts, then work 2 sc2tog (each sc2tog decreases 2 stitches). 

Repeat this pattern around to end up with 108 sc. The decreases continue, gradually shaping the top of the head. By Rnd 43, the head will have shrunk to 92 sc.

Once you finish the last decreasing round, the head should be closed at the top and set aside.

Ears

• Foundation Chain: To begin the ears, Ch 20, and join with a sl st to form a ring. This ring will serve as the base for your ear.
• Increasing Rounds: In Rnd 1, Ch 1, and work 1 sc in each Ch around (20 sc). For Rnd 2, Ch 1, sc in the same st as the sl st, then sc in each st around. 

Continue to repeat Rnd 2 for several rounds to form the body of the ear. This round maintains a consistent stitch count of 20 sc.

In Rnd 3, you will increase slightly by working 2 sc in certain stitches: Sc in the next 3 sts, then 2 sc in the next st. Repeat from to around. This will give you 25 sc at the end of the round.

• Building the Shape: As you continue through the pattern, the rounds alternate between increasing the width of the ear and maintaining its shape. For Rnd 5, you’ll repeat the pattern from Rnd 3, increasing every 4th st. 

After several rounds of sc, you’ll reach a point where decreases are necessary to taper the ear’s end.

• Decreasing the Shape: Once you’ve reached Rnd 12, you’ll begin to decrease again by working sc2tog. 

For example, in Rnd 12, work sc in the next 4 sts, then sc2tog. Repeat this pattern around to shape the ear. 

Continue decreasing through Rnd 23, which should leave you with 5 sc in the last round. Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew the ear closed.

Nose

• Foundation Chain and Rows: For the nose, Ch 7 with a 3.5mm hook and fingering weight yarn.

In Row 1, sc in the 2nd Ch from the hook and each Ch across (6 sc). This creates a small piece to shape the nose.

• Shaping the Nose: In Row 2, Ch 1, then sc2tog to decrease the stitch count. Continue shaping the nose by working sc in the next 2 sts, then sc2tog again. In Row 3, work sc across. 

Row 4 will decrease further with 2 sc2tog. In Row 5, you’ll work one final sc2tog before fastening off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Finishing

• Embroidering the Eyes: The eyes are embroidered by counting stitches from the side and rows from the top of the head. 

Place the first eye approximately 12 sts from the side of the head and 13 rows from the top, with an 8-st span between the eyes. Make sure to leave 15 sts between the eyes to create a balanced look.

• Attaching the Nose: Position the nose about 11 rows up from the bottom of the head. Using a whipstitch or your preferred sewing method, securely attach the nose in place.
• Stuffing the Head: Lightly stuff the head to give it shape and a firm structure. Once filled, sew the top closed using a whipstitch seam to keep everything secure.
• Stuffing and Attaching the Ears: Lightly stuff the ears with a small amount of fiberfill to give them structure, but avoid overstuffing to keep them soft. 

Sew the bottom of each ear closed and then attach them to the back of the head. Ensure they are placed a few rows down for support so they stand up slightly without flopping too much.

• Finishing Touches: Weave in all loose ends securely, and your Velveteen Rabbit Pillow is complete!

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