June Bunnies Shawl Free Knitting Pattern
There is something deeply satisfying about picking up your needles at the start of summer and casting on a project that feels perfectly attuned to the season. The June Bunnies Shawl is exactly that kind of project — a whimsical, lighthearted design that combines the fresh energy of early summer with the irresistible charm of little bunny motifs worked right into the fabric. Whether you are a seasoned knitter looking for a weekend project with personality or a confident beginner ready to try something beyond the basics, this pattern is designed to delight at every stage of the process.
This post walks you through everything you need to know: the inspiration behind the design, a full free knitting pattern with step-by-step instructions, yarn and needle recommendations, tips for getting the best results, and ideas for how to wear and gift your finished shawl. Get your favorite cup of something warm, settle into your most comfortable chair, and let’s talk bunnies.
The Inspiration Behind the June Bunnies Shawl
June has a particular quality that knitters tend to love. The days are long, the light is golden, and there is a sense of abundance in the air — in gardens, in farmers markets, in the general mood of the world. And bunnies, of course, are one of the most iconic symbols of that lush, living energy. They appear at dawn and dusk in meadows, they are beloved by children and adults alike, and they carry that gentle, soft energy that makes them such a natural companion to fiber arts.
The June Bunnies Shawl draws on all of that. The design is a crescent-shaped shawl with a garter tab cast-on, worked from the center back outward in a series of increases. The body of the shawl is simple enough to keep you in a pleasant, rhythmic flow, while the bunny motifs — worked in a simple slipped stitch or colorwork technique depending on your skill level — add character and charm without overwhelming the knitter.
The finished shawl drapes beautifully over the shoulders, works as a wrap at an outdoor event, and folds neatly into a beach bag when you want something light to pull on in the evening air. It is functional, beautiful, and just a little bit playful — which is exactly the spirit of June itself.
Yarn and Materials
One of the best things about this pattern is that it is written to be yarn-flexible. You can work it in a single color for a more sophisticated look, or use two colors to make the bunny motifs pop. Here is what you will need.
Yarn: Approximately 400–500 yards of fingering or sport weight yarn in your main color (MC). If you are using a contrasting color (CC) for the bunny motifs, you will need an additional 80–100 yards. The pattern works beautifully in a soft merino, a merino-silk blend, or a plant-fiber yarn like cotton or bamboo for warmer months. Look for something with good stitch definition so the bunny shapes read clearly.
Needles: US size 4 (3.5mm) circular needles, 32 inches or longer. You can also use US size 5 (3.75mm) if you tend to knit tightly. The long circular needle is important because the stitch count grows quite wide as you work toward the bind-off edge.
Notions: Stitch markers (at least 3), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking mats and pins.
Gauge: 22 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch after blocking. Gauge is not critical for this project since it is a shawl with no fitted dimensions, but it will affect your finished size and yardage consumption. Swatch if you want to predict your outcome more precisely.
Finished Size: Approximately 60 inches wide and 18 inches deep after blocking, depending on your gauge and yarn weight.
Abbreviations
Before diving into the pattern, here is a quick reference for the abbreviations used throughout.
CO — cast on. K — knit. P — purl. YO — yarn over. K2tog — knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease). SSK — slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease). PM — place marker. SM — slip marker. RS — right side. WS — wrong side. SL1 — slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in front. MC — main color. CC — contrasting color.
Pattern Notes
This shawl is worked flat, back and forth in rows, beginning with a garter tab cast-on at the center back neck. Stitches are increased on every right side row using yarn overs placed adjacent to stitch markers. The bunny motifs are worked using a simple slip-stitch technique if you are working in a single color, or using the intarsia or stranded colorwork method if you prefer two colors. Instructions for both versions are included.
The garter tab cast-on creates a tidy, professional edge at the top of the shawl and is much simpler than it sounds. If you have never worked one before, this pattern is a wonderful opportunity to learn it.
Read through the entire pattern before casting on, especially the section on the bunny motif chart, so you have a clear picture of how the design comes together.
The Pattern
Garter Tab Cast-On
Using your preferred cast-on method, CO 3 stitches. Knit 12 rows — you will have 6 garter ridges on the right side. Do not turn after the last row. Instead, rotate your work 90 degrees clockwise and pick up and knit 6 stitches along the left edge of the garter tab (one stitch per garter ridge). Rotate again and pick up and knit 3 stitches from the cast-on edge. You will now have 12 stitches on your needle.
Setup Row (WS): K3, PM, K3, PM, K3, PM, K3.
The three center stitches between the second and third markers form the spine of the shawl. The stitches on either side of those markers are where your increases will happen. The outer 3 stitches at each end are your garter border.
Section 1: Plain Body (Rows 1–30)
Row 1 (RS): K3, SM, YO, knit to next marker, YO, SM, K3, SM, YO, knit to next marker, YO, SM, K3. (4 stitches increased)
Row 2 (WS): K3, SM, purl to last marker, SM, K3.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have worked 30 rows total and have approximately 72 stitches on your needle.
The first 30 rows establish the shape of the shawl and create the plain field of fabric on which the bunny motifs will be worked. This section moves quickly and is a pleasure to knit.
Section 2: Bunny Motif Rows (Rows 31–70)
The bunny motifs are placed in the main body of the shawl, excluding the garter border stitches and the spine stitches. They are worked over a 12-row repeat and can be repeated across the row as the stitch count allows, centered between your markers.
Slip-Stitch Bunny Motif (Single Color Version)
In the single-color version, the bunny silhouettes are created by slipping stitches on right side rows while the surrounding stitches are worked in reverse stockinette. The contrast between the slipped stitches and the purled background creates a subtle, textured bunny shape.
Work the following chart repeat across the body of the shawl, beginning after the garter border marker and ending before the spine marker on the first half, then mirroring on the second half. Each repeat is 18 stitches wide.
Rows 31–32: Continue increase pattern as established, working all body stitches in reverse stockinette (purl on RS, knit on WS).
Rows 33 (RS): Work to first body stitch, then begin bunny motif. P5, SL1, P3, SL1, P5, SL1, P3; repeat from across body stitches. Continue increase pattern.
Row 34 (WS): K5, SL1, K3, SL1, K5, SL1, K3; repeat from across, maintaining increases.
Rows 35–36: P4, SL1, SL1, P2, SL1, SL1, P4, SL1, SL1, P2; repeat from for the ears of the bunny.
Rows 37–38: P3, SL1, P4, SL1, P3, SL1, P4, SL1; repeat from for the body of the bunny.
Rows 39–40: P4, SL1, P1, SL1, P1, SL1, P4, SL1, P1, SL1, P1, SL1; repeat from for the bunny’s face detail.
Rows 41–42: P3, SL1, P4, SL1, P3, SL1, P4, SL1; repeat from continuing body.
Rows 43–44: Work all body stitches in reverse stockinette, no slipped stitches, allowing the motif to resolve.
Continue repeating this 12-row motif section (Rows 33–44) throughout Section 2, while maintaining the YO increase pattern on every RS row. By the end of Row 70, you will have approximately 152 stitches on your needle.
Two-Color Version: If you prefer crisp, clearly defined bunnies, work the motif rows using a contrasting color. Simply join CC when you reach the first body stitch on Row 33 and carry MC loosely along the back of the work. The CC stitches form the bunny outlines against the MC background. Twist the yarns at each color change to avoid holes. This version has a slightly firmer hand due to the floats but produces a vivid, graphic result.
Section 3: Lace Border (Rows 71–90)
The lace border softens the lower edge of the shawl and adds an airy quality that suits the June mood perfectly. It is worked in a simple 4-row repeat.
Row 71 (RS): K3, SM, YO, K2, YO, K2tog, K2; repeat from to 2 stitches before marker, K2, YO, SM, K3, SM, YO, K2, K2, SSK, YO; repeat from to 2 stitches before marker, K2, YO, SM, K3.
Row 72 (WS): K3, SM, purl to last marker, SM, K3.
Row 73 (RS): K3, SM, YO, K1, K2, YO, K2tog; repeat from to 3 stitches before marker, K3, YO, SM, K3, SM, YO, K3, SSK, YO, K2; repeat from to 1 stitch before marker, K1, YO, SM, K3.
Row 74 (WS): K3, SM, purl to last marker, SM, K3.
Repeat Rows 71–74 five more times for a total of 20 rows of lace border, maintaining the YO increases at each marker on every RS row throughout. After Row 90 you will have approximately 232 stitches on your needle.
Bind-Off
The bind-off is worked using a stretchy method to ensure the edge doesn’t pull in and distort the lace.
Yarn-Over Bind-Off: K1, YO, K1, pass both the YO and the previous stitch over the new stitch; repeat from to end. This bind-off has a lovely looped quality that mirrors the openwork of the lace border beautifully.
Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail, and thread through the last stitch to fasten off.
Finishing and Blocking
Weave in all ends using your tapestry needle, being careful to secure them well in the body of the work rather than just along the edge, where they can work their way loose.
Blocking is not optional with this shawl — it is the step that transforms a slightly floppy knitted piece into a gorgeous, draping crescent with clearly defined bunny motifs and open lace. Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of wool wash or gentle soap. Submerge your shawl completely and allow it to soak for at least 20 minutes, pressing it gently to ensure the fibers are saturated. Do not wring or agitate.
Lift the shawl carefully from the water, supporting its full weight, and press it gently in a clean towel to remove excess moisture. Lay it flat on your blocking mats and use pins to open the lace along the lower edge and to define the crescent shape. Pay particular attention to the points at each end and to the scalloped rhythm of the lace border. Allow it to dry completely — usually 24 hours — before unpinning.
The difference between an unblocked and blocked shawl is dramatic and deeply satisfying. This is the moment when your bunnies truly emerge.
Tips for Success
If you are new to shawl knitting, there are a few things worth knowing before you begin. First, trust the garter tab cast-on. It feels awkward when you are picking up those edge stitches for the first time, but the result is a clean, seamless beginning that makes the finished shawl look polished and intentional.
Second, use stitch markers generously. Beyond the three markers specified in the pattern, consider adding removable markers every 20 stitches as your count grows. This makes it much easier to spot a missed yarn over or a miscounted motif repeat before you have knitted 10 more rows over the mistake.
Third, count your stitches at the end of every RS row in Section 2, at least for the first few repeats. The combination of increases and motif stitches can be disorienting until you develop a feel for the rhythm of the pattern.
Fourth, if you are working the two-color version, give your floats a little extra length by spreading the stitches on your right needle before passing the CC yarn behind them. This prevents puckering and keeps the fabric draping nicely.
Finally, if you run out of yarn earlier than expected, the shawl is perfectly beautiful at any stage. Simply move directly to the bind-off row. A smaller June Bunnies Shawl is still a June Bunnies Shawl.
Yarn Suggestions for the June Bunnies Shawl
Because this pattern is free and designed to be accessible, here are some yarn suggestions at different price points. For a luxurious version, look at Malabrigo Sock, Hazel Knits Artisan Sock, or The Fibre Co. Meadow. Mid-range options include Cascade Heritage, Knit Picks Stroll, and WeCrochet Bare. For budget-friendly versions that still block beautifully, Paintbox Simply DK or Lion Brand Sock-Ease work well. If you want to lean into the summer theme, a cotton-linen blend like Paintbox Cotton DK or Quince and Co. Sparrow gives the shawl an airy, breezy quality that is perfect for the season.
How to Wear and Gift Your June Bunnies Shawl
The crescent shape of this shawl is one of its most versatile qualities. Draped over the shoulders with the point centered at the back, it becomes an elegant evening wrap. Folded lengthwise and tied loosely around the neck, it works as a scarf on cooler summer mornings. Pinned at the shoulder with a shawl pin or a pretty brooch, it becomes something almost cape-like. And because it is lightweight and compact, it slips easily into a bag for whenever the air conditioning gets too aggressive.
As a gift, the June Bunnies Shawl is exceptional. It suits knitters and non-knitters alike, works for a wide range of ages, and carries that handmade quality that mass-produced gifts simply cannot match. Consider gifting it with a small skein of yarn in a coordinating color so the recipient can imagine future projects, or with a handwritten card explaining the care instructions and the story of the pattern.
A Note on the Free Pattern
This pattern is offered completely free because the knitting community thrives on generosity and shared knowledge. If you make a June Bunnies Shawl, please consider sharing a photo with the
