Penny the Bunny Cactus Free Pattern – Crochet a Cozy Desert Companion

Meet Penny, a charming crochet bunny cactus that brings a touch of whimsy to any shelf. This soft, textured amigurumi combines the sweetness of a bunny with the quirky appeal of a cactus, perfect for gifting or decorating. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or just starting your amigurumi journey, this beginner-friendly pattern will guide you through every stitch to create a delightful handmade companion.

Penny features a plump sage-green cactus body, a cream-colored bunny head with floppy ears, and two adorable blush-pink flowers perched between them. The simple embroidered face adds a sweet, gentle expression that makes this little character irresistible. Best of all, this project uses basic stitches and works up quickly—ideal for a weekend craft session or a heartfelt handmade gift.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are readily available at craft stores or online:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in four colors:
  • Sage green (for the cactus body and arms)
  • Cream (for the head and ears)
  • Blush pink (for the flowers)
  • Dark brown (for embroidering the face)
• Crochet Hook: 3.5 mm (E) crochet hook
• Stitch Marker: To keep track of your rounds (a scrap of contrasting yarn works too)
• Yarn Needle: For sewing pieces together and weaving in ends
• Polyester Fiberfill: For stuffing the head and body
• Scissors: For cutting yarn

Gauge: 4 sc x 4 rows = 1 inch (not critical for amigurumi—just keep your tension consistent for a neat finish).

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds—place it in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go. Work all stitches into both loops unless specified.

Head (Bunny Face)

With cream yarn:

• R1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
• R2: Inc in each st around (12)
• R3: (sc, inc) around (18)
• R4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
• R5: (3 sc, inc) around (30)
• R6-10: sc in each st around (30) — five rounds straight, no increases
• R11: (3 sc, dec) around (24)
• R12: (2 sc, dec) around (18)

Stuff firmly with fiberfill. Shape the head into a smooth sphere as you stuff.

• R13: (sc, dec) around (12)
• R14: dec around (6)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely.

Ears (Make 2)

With cream yarn:

• R1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
• R2: (sc, inc) around (9)
• R3-8: sc in each st around (9) — six rounds straight

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing. Flatten the ear so the seam is centered, then sew it to the top of the head. Position the ears slightly toward the back of the head, about 1-2 stitches apart, so they flop forward naturally. Repeat for the second ear.

Body (Cactus)

With sage green yarn:

• R1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
• R2: Inc in each st around (12)
• R3: (sc, inc) around (18)
• R4: (2 sc, inc) around (24)
• R5: (3 sc, inc) around (30)
• R6-15: sc in each st around (30) — ten rounds straight for a tall, plump cactus shape
• R16: (3 sc, dec) around (24)
• R17: (2 sc, dec) around (18)

Stuff firmly with fiberfill, shaping the body into a rounded oval. Make sure it's dense enough to stand upright on its own.

• R18: (sc, dec) around (12)
• R19: dec around (6)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Close the hole as you did for the head—weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining stitches, pull tight, and weave in the end.

Arms (Make 2)

With sage green yarn:

• R1: Magic ring, 6 sc (6)
• R2: (sc, inc) around (9)
• R3-10: sc in each st around (9) — eight rounds straight

Stuff lightly—just enough to give the arms shape without making them stiff.

• R11: dec, sc, dec, sc, dec (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten the opening and sew the arms to the sides of the body, positioning them about 2-3 rounds down from the top of the body. Make sure they're symmetrical and angled slightly outward for a cute, relaxed pose.

Flowers (Make 2)

With blush pink yarn:

• R1: Magic ring, 5 sc (5)
• R2: (ch 2, 3 dc in next st, ch 2, sl st in same st) repeat around to form 5 petals.

To work this round: ch 2, then work 3 dc into the same stitch, ch 2, and sl st into that same stitch. This completes one petal. Move to the next stitch and repeat. You'll have 5 petals total when you finish the round.

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the flowers onto the top of the head, positioning them between the ears. Place one slightly forward and one slightly back for a natural, organic look.

Face

With dark brown yarn and a yarn needle, embroider the face on the cream head:

• Eyes: Make two small French knots or satin stitches, positioned about 4-5 rounds down from the top of the head and 4-5 stitches apart. Keep them small and even.
• Mouth: Create a tiny "x" shape directly below the eyes, about 2 rounds down. Use two small diagonal stitches crossing each other.

Take your time with the face—it gives Penny her personality. If you're unsure about placement, pin the features with scraps of yarn first and step back to check before committing.

Assembly

1. Attach the head to the body: Position the head on top of the body, centered. Sew around the base of the head using the tail from the body or a fresh piece of yarn. Make several passes to ensure it's secure, then weave in the end.
2. Attach the arms: Using the tails from the arms, sew each arm to the sides of the body. Make sure they're at the same height on both sides. Weave in all ends.
3. Sew the flowers: Attach the flowers to the top of the head between the ears using their tails. Position them so they nestle naturally among the ears.
4. Weave in all remaining ends: Use your yarn needle to hide any loose tails inside the pieces. Trim any excess yarn.

And there you have it—Penny the Bunny Cactus is ready to brighten your space! This little desert companion makes a wonderful gift for plant lovers, bunny enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates handmade charm. Because the pattern is worked in simple rounds with basic stitches, it's perfect for beginners looking to expand their amigurumi skills.

Feel free to customize Penny—try different yarn colors, add a tiny bow, or give her a little blush on the cheeks. Each handmade creation is unique, and your Penny will be one of a kind. Happy crocheting!