Hot cross buns - free crochet pattern

With Easter approaching I thought I would try and come up with some fresh ideas for Easter tokens. There is nothing fresher and more scrumptious than a hot cross bun. I used to make these, yeast and all, and the aroma that filled the house was wonderful. I also like the hot cross bun because it puts the cross back into Easter, which somehow seems to have got lost along the way... Again, I reckon this is all an evil plot by the bunnies who have a mission to take over the earth!





I designed this bun to be whipped up quickly, and something that even beginner's could have fun with. It uses the continuous spiral technique. The clever bit ( in my humble opinion) is that I popped some cloves in with the stuffing and it smells wonderful! You could also pop some in the outside at it is a sweet little pomander. These are a cute car freshener, desk decoration, pin cushion, or fridgie.



Here is the pattern first in Australian/ British terms, and then in American terms. While this is my copyright pattern you are free to make as many of these to give away or donate to charity and fund raisers. I like them as they are just as thoughtful to give a male as a female. The aroma is one of those feel good moments.



My goal is share the meaning of Easter so please enjoy making and giving these at this time of year.


Hot cross buns

Australian Instructions

Yarn is 8ply, double knit or worsted weight, with a 4mm hook.
Bun measures 7cm/ 2 ½ inches square by 5cm/ 2inches high.

Starting at the base, this little bun is worked in continuous spirals.
1. 3ch, 6dc into 3rd from hook,
2. 2dc each st = 12
3. (1dc, 2dc next st) around = 18
4. (1dc next 2, 2dc next st) around = 24
5. (1dc next 5st, 3htr next st) four times = 32 (the htr are the corners)
6. Working in back loops only 1dc each st around = 32
7 – 9 1dc each st around = 32
10. Join second colour, 1dc each st around = 32
11. (1dc next 6st, 2dctog) 4 times = 28
12. (1dc next 5st, 2dctog) 4 times = 24
13. (1dc next 4st, 2dctog) 4 times = 20
14. (1dc next 3st, 2dctog) 4 times = 16. Stuff bun through opening. For a scented bun pop in some cloves, or a cotton bud dabbed in cinnamon oil.
15. (1dc next 2st, 2dctog) 4 times = 12
16. (1dc next 1st, 2dctog) 4 times = 8 finish off, and using a needle gather up remaining stitches and pull up tightly closing hole.

Cross your bun: Using a light colour join at centre of one side of last row of base, cross to other side and stitch then cross back. Pull these firm enough slightly puff the top. Push needle through bun and cross other way. This will give you 2 thread of yarn each way.

For a pomander effect you can poke cloves in the top. These smell wonderful! I would not recommend this for homes with small children.
For a fridgie glue a magnet on the base.
Use as a pin cushion.
Use as a car freshener.
Make a dozen and put in a basket.



The little rustic basket in this photo is another Easter pattern which I will be posting soon.




Hot Cross bun
American Instructions

Yarn is 8ply, double knit or worsted weight, with a 4mm hook.
Bun measures 7cm/ 2 ½ inches square by 5cm/ 2inches high.

Starting at the base, this little bun is worked in continuous spirals.
1. 3ch, 6sc into 3rd from hook,
2. 2sc each st = 12
3. (1sc, 2sc next st) around = 18
4. (1sc next 2, 2sc next st) around = 24
5. (1sc next 5st, 3hdc next st) four times = 32 (the hdc are the corners)
6. Working in back loops only 1sc each st around = 32
7 – 9. 1sc each st around = 32
10. Join second colour, 1sc each st around = 32
11. (1sc next 6st, 2sctog) 4 times = 28
12. (1sc next 5st, 2sctog) 4 times = 24
13. (1sc next 4st, 2sctog) 4 times = 20
14. (1sc next 3st, 2sctog) 4 times = 16. Stuff bun through opening. For a scented bun pop in some cloves, or a cotton bud dabbed in cinnamon oil.
15. (1sc next 2st, 2sctog) 4 times = 12
16. (1sc next 1st, 2sctog) 4 times = 8 finish off, and using a needle gather up remaining stitches and pull up tightly closing hole.

Cross your bun: Using a light colour join at centre of one side of last row of base, cross to other side and stitch then cross back. Pull these firm enough slightly puff the top. Push needle through bun and cross other way. This will give you 2 thread of yarn each way.

For a pomander effect you can poke cloves in the top. These smell wonderful! I would not recommend this for homes with small children.
For a fridgie glue a magnet on the base.
Usa as a car freshener
Use as a pin cushion.
Make a dozen and put in a basket.