Bunny Treat Basket

Create a charming, structured Easter basket complete with floppy ears, a sweet embroidered face, and a beautiful dimensional flower embellishment.

Spring is just around the corner, and my mind is already spinning with pastel color palettes and festive gift ideas.

Have you ever tried crocheting a small container, only to watch it collapse into a sad, shapeless puddle? It is incredibly frustrating. Most patterns require you to double up your yarn or use stiff twine to get any decent structure.

I wanted to design something different. By keeping the dimensions compact, a single strand of standard medium-weight yarn actually holds its shape beautifully.

Now, I will let you in on a little secret. I am definitely not an amigurumi master. In fact, whenever I try to embroider faces on my projects, they usually end up looking slightly worried or downright grumpy!

But this little rabbit broke my streak. With a simple triangle nose and a cheerful stitched smile, this project turned out absolutely adorable.

You can easily whip up this project in under two hours. It makes a wonderful gift for children, or a festive decoration for your holiday table.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Sturdy without bulk: Uses a single strand of worsted weight yarn but maintains its shape.
• Quick to finish: You can complete the entire project in less than two hours.
• Perfect for scrap busting: Requires only small amounts of yarn for the decorative ears and floral details.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4) in three colors. You will need a main color for the basket body, plus small amounts of pink and white for the ears and flower.
• Hook: H/8 (5.00 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: Yarn needle (blunt sewing needle with a large eye), matching sewing thread, and two tiny black buttons for the eyes (or black thread/yarn if you prefer to embroider them).
• Yardage: Approximately 80-100 yards of the main color, and less than 15 yards each for the accent colors.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 8 rounds of half double crochet = 5 inches in diameter.
• Sizes included: One size (child-friendly/treat size).
• Finished measurements: 5 inches in diameter at the bottom, 3 inches in diameter at the top, and 4 inches tall (excluding the handle).

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• sc (single crochet): Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sl st (slip stitch): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
• hdc (half double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
• dc (double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
• tr (triple crochet): Yarn over twice, insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop. (Yarn over and pull through 2 loops at a time) 3 times to complete the stitch.
• hdc2tog (half double crochet decrease): [Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch and pull up a loop] twice to get 5 loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 5 loops on the hook.
• sc2tog (single crochet decrease): Insert hook into the first stitch and pull up a loop, insert hook into next stitch and pull up a loop to get 3 loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
• sc3tog (three single crochet decrease): Insert hook into same stitch as chain 1 and pull up a loop, insert hook into the second stitch and pull up a loop, insert hook into the third stitch and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook.
• If you are used to British terminology, check out our US to UK Crochet Chart to translate these stitches easily.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round without turning.
• Tension Tip: Keep your stitches relatively snug. This helps the basket walls stand upright without needing extra support.
• Customization Tip: You can easily swap the colors to match any nursery decor or holiday theme.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crocheting the Base

Start by chaining 4, then slip stitch into the first chain to make a ring.

Round 1: Work 6 sc into the ring, then slip stitch to the first sc to join. (6 sts)

Round 2: Ch 2, work 2 hdc in every stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, skipping the starting chain 2. (12 sts)

Round 3: Ch 2, *2 hdc in the next stitch, 1 hdc in the following stitch. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, skipping the starting chain. (18 sts)

Round 4: Ch 2, *2 hdc in the next stitch, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, skipping the starting chain. (24 sts)

Round 5: Ch 2, *2 hdc in the next stitch, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 stitches. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, skipping the starting chain. (30 sts)

Round 6: Ch 2, *2 hdc in the next stitch, 1 hdc in each of the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, skipping the starting chain. (36 sts)

Round 7: Ch 2, *2 hdc in the next stitch, 1 hdc in each of the next 5 stitches. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, skipping the starting chain. (42 sts)

Round 8 (Last Round of Base): Ch 2, *2 hdc in the next stitch, 1 hdc in each of the next 6 stitches. Repeat from * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, skipping the starting chain. Do not fasten off. (48 sts)

Crocheting the Sides

The sides are worked in continuous rounds without turning.

Round 1: With the right side of your base facing upward, work this round in the back loops only (BLO). Ch 2, work 1 hdc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc. (48 sts)

Rounds 2-6 (5 Rounds total): Work even in both loops. Ch 2, work 1 hdc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc. (48 sts)

Round 7 (Increase Round): Ch 2, *2 hdc in the next stitch, 1 hdc in each of the next 5 stitches. Repeat from * 8 times in total around. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the starting chain 2. (57 sts)

Round 8: Ch 2, work 1 hdc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc. (57 sts)

Round 9 (Decrease Round): Ch 2, *1 hdc in each of the next 6 stitches, hdc2tog. Repeat from * 7 times. Work 1 hdc in the final stitch of the round. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc. (50 sts)

Round 10: Ch 2, *1 hdc in each of the next 3 stitches, hdc2tog. Repeat from * 10 times around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc. (40 sts)

Round 11: Ch 2, *1 hdc in each of the next 3 stitches, hdc2tog. Repeat from * 8 times around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, then fasten off. (32 sts)

Tip: If you prefer a cleaner finish on the rim, you can work an extra round of slip stitches before fastening off.

Adding the Bunny Ears

The ears are worked directly onto the basket rim. Turn the basket so the front faces you, keeping the join line at the back.

Left Ear - Row 1: Count 5 stitches in the center front. Slip stitch into the next stitch. Ch 1, work 1 sc in the same stitch, then work 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches. Turn. (5 sc, not counting the starting chain)

Row 2: Ch 1, work 1 sc in the same stitch as the chain 1, then work 1 sc in each of the next 4 stitches. Turn. (5 sc)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc2tog, work 1 sc in the middle stitch, sc2tog. Turn. (3 sts)

Row 4: Ch 1, sc3tog across all three stitches, then fasten off.

Right Ear: Work this ear exactly like the left ear, starting at the designated point on the opposite side. Ensure you leave exactly 5 unworked stitches between the two ears.

Finishing the Ears: Weave in your loose ends. To prevent the ears from flopping forward, pinch the base of each ear together and secure it with a few stitches using your yarn needle.

Embroidering the Face

Nose: Thread your yarn needle with pink yarn. Sew a small triangle outline in the center of the face, then stitch back and forth to fill it in.

Mouth: Using a back stitch, embroider two curved lines extending downward from the nose to create a happy smile.

Eyes: Sew two tiny black buttons in place. If you do not have buttons, chain 3, slip stitch to the first chain, and pull the tails through to the inside of the basket. Tie the tails securely inside, trim them, and sew the eye shape down with black sewing thread.

Crafting the Handle

Leave a long tail for sewing later. Chain to your desired handle length, then add an extra 8 chains to allow for secure attachment. Keep it relatively short so it doesn't stretch out too much.

Row 1: Ch 2, work 1 hdc in the same stitch as the chain 2, then work 1 hdc in each chain across. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 2, work 1 hdc in the same stitch, then work 1 hdc in each stitch across. Turn.

Assembling the Handle: Leave about an inch flat on both ends. Slip stitch the long edges of the handle together to form a sturdy tube.

Slip stitch through 6 stitches, then begin slip stitching the sides together to create a rod-like shape. Fasten off, leaving a long tail, when you have 6 stitches remaining at the other end.

Using the long yarn tails, sew the flat ends of the handle to the inside of the basket directly behind the ears.

To keep the ears upright, use matching thread to sew the back of each ear to the handle at a single point. Make sure your stitches do not show on the outside of the handle.

Making the Flower Embellishment

Round 1: Using pink yarn, leave a long tail and chain 4. Slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring. Work 5 sc into the ring, then join with a slip stitch to the first sc. (5 sc)

Round 2: Ch 2, work 2 hdc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc, then fasten off, leaving a long tail. (10 hdc)

Round 3 (Petals): Join white yarn with a slip stitch into the stitch you just fastened off, leaving a long tail. Each petal is worked across two stitches.

Petal Pattern: *Slip stitch into the next stitch, ch 2, work 1 dc and 1 tr in the same stitch. In the next stitch, work 1 tr, 1 dc, ch 2, and slip stitch. Repeat from * 5 times to create 5 petals.

Slip stitch to the base of the first petal. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Attaching the Flower: You will have four long tails (two pink, two white). Use these tails to tie the flower securely to the left ear and the handle. You can tie them in a neat bow behind the handle, or weave them in and sew the flower down.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Pompom Tail: Add a fluffy yarn tail to the back of the basket. You can learn how to make a faux fur pom pom or use standard yarn to create a classic bunny tail.
• Alternative Embellishments: Instead of a flower, you can decorate the ear with a cute bow. Check out our Crochet Bow Pattern for inspiration.
• Different Animal Themes: Swap the colors and ear shapes to make a puppy, kitten, or chick basket.
• Striped Basket Body: Change colors every few rounds on the sides to create a colorful striped look.
• Larger Sized Basket: If you want a larger container, you can adjust the base size. Read our guide on Adjusting Crochet Foundation Chains and bases to scale up your projects.
• Colour ideas: Try pastel mint, soft lavender, or sunny yellow for a modern spring aesthetic.
• Yarn substitutions: Any stiff worsted weight acrylic or cotton yarn will work beautifully. Cotton yarn will provide even more natural structure.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The basket walls are floppy and will not stand up.
  Fix: Your tension might be too loose. Try switching to a smaller hook size, like a 4.5mm, or use a stiffer cotton yarn to help the stitches hold their shape.
• Problem: The bunny ears keep falling forward.
  Fix: Make sure you pinch the base of the ears tightly when sewing them. Additionally, ensure you sew the back of the ears to the handle at one point to keep them upright.
• Problem: The basket base is curling into a bowl shape too early.
  Fix: Double-check your stitch counts on the flat base rounds. If you missed an increase, the base will start to cup.
• Problem: The handle is stretching out too much when the basket is filled.
  Fix: Slip stitching the handle into a tube adds a lot of structural integrity, but if it still stretches, you can sew a strip of cotton fabric or ribbon to the inside of the handle before attaching it.

Care Instructions

Hand wash your basket in cold water with a mild detergent. Reshape it while damp and let it air dry completely. Avoid machine washing, as it can distort the shape and damage the delicate embroidered face and button eyes.

Final Thoughts

This sweet little basket is such a joy to make, and it is the perfect quick project to get you into the spring spirit. If you enjoyed making this, you might also love our Crochet Bunny Treat Bag for more festive holiday crafting. Don't forget to share your finished baskets on social media—I absolutely love seeing your unique color combinations and smiling bunny faces!