Cherry Red Bunny Ear Barrette Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This cherry red bunny ear barrette is a sweet little cottagecore accessory that works up in an afternoon and looks adorable tucked into a bob, a braid, or a half-up style. It's a great project for crocheters who are comfortable with single crochet and ready to try a small piece of shaping-free construction and simple assembly. The finished clip is a flat red rectangle topped with two upright pink ears, all outlined in a neat red edging, so it looks crisp and tidy while feeling soft and lightweight in the hair. Make one for yourself, or stitch a few in different colors as quick gifts for friends and little ones.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — cherry red (A) about 10 yds, pink (B) about 5 yds
• Hook: 4 mm (G-6)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, a metal barrette clip (about 3 inches long), hot glue or needle and thread for attaching the clip
• Finished size: Barrette cover 3.5 inches x 1 inch; each ear 2 inches tall x 0.75 inch wide

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook
• sc — single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook

Gauge

16 single crochet x 18 rows = 4 inches. To check, crochet a small flat swatch in single crochet and measure a 4-inch section; if you have more stitches than 16, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your single crochet tension even and fairly firm so the cover stays flat and doesn't stretch out of shape on the clip.
• Count your stitches at the end of every row — the cover should stay at 14 stitches and each ear at 8 stitches throughout.
• Leave a long tail (about 8 inches) on each ear so you have plenty of yarn to sew them on securely.
• Work the edging loosely so the edges lie flat rather than cupping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cover (Yarn A)

Row 1: Ch 15, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (14 sts).

Rows 2-6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (14 sts).

Fasten off, leaving a tail for seaming.

Ears (Yarn B) — make 2

Row 1: Ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (8 sts).

Rows 2-4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (8 sts).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail on each ear.

Assembly of Ears

With yarn A and a tapestry needle, sew the bottom edge of each ear to the top edge of the cover, placing the ears 1 inch apart and centered along the top. Sew along the full width of each ear base and weave in the ends securely.

Edging (Yarn A)

Join yarn A with a sl st at any corner of the cover. Work sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the cover and both ears, keeping the stitches close and even along the sides and tops. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in the end.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all remaining yarn ends on the wrong side of the work. Lightly steam or wet-block the piece flat, pinning the ears straight and the cover rectangular, and let it dry completely. Attach the barrette clip to the back of the red cover with a line of hot glue along the clip, or sew through the clip's holes with matching thread for a more secure hold. Let the glue set fully before wearing.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the pink ears for white, cream, or a pastel color for a different seasonal look.
• Add a tiny embroidered flower or a small bow at the base of one ear for extra cottagecore charm.
• Make a matching pair of barrettes, or scale the cover to fit a larger clip by adding a few stitches and rows at the same gauge.