Crochet Bunny Treat Bag
Stash your Easter sweets in style with this adorable, quick-to-make crochet bunny treat bag featuring floppy ears and a sweet embroidered face.
Spring is in the air, and you know what that means.
It is time to bring out the pastel yarns and whip up some festive magic.
I have always adored tiny, satisfying projects that do not take days to finish. When the weather warms up, my creative energy craves quick wins that I can easily work on while sitting outside in the sunshine.
However, I will let you in on a little secret.
I used to get incredibly anxious whenever a pattern required hand embroidery.
My first few attempts at stitching toy faces looked downright terrifying. Seriously, those early bunnies looked like they were plotting world domination rather than holding sweet treats!
Thankfully, practice makes perfect, and my family finally declared my latest version officially adorable. But if embroidery still makes you break out in a cold sweat, do not worry. You can completely skip the facial features, and the floppy ears alone will still look incredibly charming.
This sweet little drawstring pouch is the ultimate solution for quick holiday gifting. Grab a single skein of cotton yarn, and let us make something beautiful together.
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- One-Skein Wonder: You only need a single ball of cotton yarn to complete this entire project.
- Super Fast: This bag whips up in just a couple of hours, making it perfect for last-minute gifts.
- Highly Customizable: You can easily change the colors of the ears or skip the face entirely for a minimalist look.
Materials You'll Need
- Yarn: Sable Sugar 'n Cream worsted weight cotton yarn in Ecru (approx. 100 yards), plus small scraps of pink or blue for the inner ears.
- Hook: G (4.25mm) for the sturdy base and H (5.00mm) for the sides and ears.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for assembly and embroidery, stitch marker, and a 2-1/2 inch pom-pom maker.
- Yardage: Around 100 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn.
Gauge & Sizing
- Gauge: 10.5 hdc stitches and 8.5 rows = 3-inch square.
- Sizes included: One size.
- Finished measurements: Base measures 4.5 inches in diameter; sides are approximately 5 inches tall.
Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single crochet
- hdc: Half double crochet
- dc: Double crochet
- sl st: Slip stitch
- BLO: Back loop only
- Note: If you are more familiar with British terminology, check out our handy US to UK Crochet Chart to translate these stitches easily.
Pattern Notes
- Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
- This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
- The item is worked in the round.
- Tension Tip: Keep your stitches relatively snug on the base to prevent treats from slipping through the bottom of the bag.
- Customization Tip: If you want a larger bag, you can continue the base expansion pattern for another round or two before starting the sides.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crocheting the Sturdy Base
Using your smaller G (4.25mm) hook and Ecru yarn, start by chaining 4. Join with a slip stitch to the first chain to make a ring.
Round 1: Chain 2 (this and all future starting chains do not count as a stitch). Work 8 hdc into the center of your ring. Slip stitch to the first hdc to join. Do not turn. (8 hdc)
Round 2: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in the same stitch as your chain 2. Work 2 hdc in every stitch around. Finish with 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting chain 2. Slip stitch to the first hdc. Do not turn. (16 hdc)
Round 3: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in the same stitch as your chain 2, then 1 hdc in the next stitch. *Work 2 hdc in the next stitch, followed by 1 hdc in the next stitch. Repeat from * all the way around. Work 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting chain 2. Slip stitch to the first hdc. Do not turn. (24 hdc)
Round 4: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in the same stitch as your chain 2, then 1 hdc in the next stitch. *Work 2 hdc in the next stitch, followed by 1 hdc in each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * all the way around. Work 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting chain 2. Slip stitch to the first hdc. Do not turn. (32 hdc)
Round 5: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in the same stitch as your chain 2, then 1 hdc in the next stitch. *Work 2 hdc in the next stitch, followed by 1 hdc in each of the next 3 stitches. Repeat from * all the way around. Work 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting chain 2. Slip stitch to the first hdc. Do not turn. (40 hdc)
Round 6: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in the same stitch as your chain 2, then 1 hdc in the next stitch. *Work 2 hdc in the next stitch, followed by 1 hdc in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * all the way around. Work 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting chain 2. Slip stitch to the first hdc. Do not turn. (48 hdc)
Building the Bag Sides
Switch to your larger H (5.00mm) hook.
Round 1: Chain 1. Work 1 sc in the back loop only (BLO) of the same stitch as your chain 2. Place a stitch marker in this first single crochet. Work 1 sc in the BLO of every stitch around. Slip stitch to the first sc. Do not turn. (48 sc)
Round 2: Work 1 hdc directly into the marked stitch from the previous round. Move your stitch marker up into this new stitch. Work 1 hdc in each stitch around, ending in the stitch right before your marker. (48 hdc)
Rounds 3-10: Repeat Round 2 until you have completed 10 rounds total (counting your first single crochet round). To level off the top of the bag, work 1 sc in the next stitch, then slip stitch into the following stitch. Do not turn.
Round 11 (Eyelet Round): Chain 3 (this counts as your first double crochet). Work 1 dc in the same stitch as your chain 3. Skip the next stitch. *Work 2 dc in the next stitch, then skip the next stitch. Repeat from * all the way around. Slip stitch to the top of your starting chain 3. (This creates the open spaces for your drawstring).
Round 12: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in the same stitch as your starting chain 2. Work 1 hdc in every stitch around. Slip stitch to the first hdc. Do not turn. (48 hdc)
Round 13: Repeat Round 12. Fasten off your yarn and weave in your loose ends.
Crafting the Bunny Ears
Inner Ear (Make 2): Using your larger H (5.00mm) hook and your pink or blue accent yarn, chain 18. Work 1 sc in the second chain from your hook. Work 1 sc in the next chain. Work 1 hdc in each chain across until you reach the very last chain. Work 4 hdc in that final chain. Pivot your work to crochet along the opposite side of your starting chain. Work 1 hdc in each free loop across until 2 loops remain. Work 1 sc in each of the last 2 loops. Slip stitch to your starting chain 1. Fasten off.
Outer Ear (Make 2): Using your Ecru yarn and the H (5.00mm) hook, leave a 20-inch tail for sewing, then chain 18. Repeat the exact same stitch steps as the inner ear, but do not fasten off.
Joining the Ears: Place one inner ear and one outer ear together with their wrong sides facing. Using your Ecru yarn (still attached to the outer ear), work a round of single crochet through the back loops only of both layers to join them together. Slip stitch to the first sc, fasten off, and hide your yarn tails inside the ear layers.
Pinching the Ears: Pinch the bottom of the ear together about 2 inches up from the base. Secure this pinch with a few stitches using your tapestry needle.
Adding the Face and Drawstring
Embroidering the Nose and Mouth: Locate the 7th row of stitches from the base of your bag. Align the nose with one of your double crochet clusters from the eyelet row. Sew a small triangle outline with your pink or blue yarn, then fill it in completely. Use a simple back stitch to create a little mouth line underneath.
Embroidering the Eyes: On the 8th row from the base, stitch two simple "V" shapes to represent closed, sleeping eyes. Space them about 1-3/8 inches apart.
The Drawstring: Using your H (5.00mm) hook and Ecru yarn, make a chain that measures 23 inches long. Fasten off. Weave this chain in and out of the gaps in your double crochet eyelet row. Ensure the loose ends exit at the back of the bag, directly opposite the bunny's face.
Attaching the Ears: Position the ears close together at the top of the bag, slanting them slightly outward. Insert the bottom of the ears just below the eyelet row so the pinched section is hidden inside. Whip stitch around the inserted base in a "U" shape, making sure not to sew through your drawstring cord.
The Tail: Use a 2-1/2 inch pom-pom maker to create a fluffy tail. Sew it securely to the back of the bag.
Easy Variations & Custom Ideas
- Fluffy Faux Fur Tail: Instead of a yarn pom-pom, make a luxurious faux fur tail. Learn the technique in our guide on How to Make a Fur Pom Pom.
- Leftover Yarn Scrubbies: If you have leftover cotton yarn from this project, you can easily make some matching Floral Face Scrubbies for a lovely spring gift set.
- Matching Bunny Basket: Want to create a complete Easter set? Pair this bag with our popular Quick Bunny Basket Crochet Pattern.
- Striped Bag Body: Add colorful stripes to the sides of the bag by changing colors every two rounds.
- No-Face Minimalist Style: Skip the embroidery entirely for a modern, minimalist look that highlights the beautiful texture of the stitches.
- Colour ideas: Try pastel yellow, mint green, or soft lavender for a modern spring palette.
- Yarn substitutions: Any worsted weight cotton yarn will work beautifully, such as Bernat Handicrafter or Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran.
Common Troubleshooting & Fixes
- Problem: The base of my bag is curling up like a bowl.
Fix: This usually means your tension is too tight. Try relaxing your hands or switching to a slightly larger hook for the base. - Problem: The drawstring is difficult to pull closed.
Fix: Make sure you did not accidentally stitch through the drawstring chain when you were sewing the bunny ears to the bag. - Problem: The ears are flopping forward and won't stand up.
Fix: Ensure you inserted the ears deeply enough into the bag before sewing. The base of the ears should sit slightly below the eyelet row. - Problem: My stitch count is off at the end of the round.
Fix: Remember that the starting chain 2 does not count as a stitch. Make sure you are slip stitching into the first actual half double crochet of the round, not the chain.
Care Instructions
Because this bag is made from 100% cotton, it is highly durable. I recommend hand washing it in cool water with a mild detergent to protect the embroidered face and pom-pom. Lay it flat to dry so it keeps its shape perfectly season after season.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of gifting handmade treasures during the holidays. This little bunny bag is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face, whether it is filled with chocolate eggs or small trinkets. Happy crocheting, my friends!