Free Crochet Bunny Blanket Pattern: Hooded Blanket

There is something genuinely magical about wrapping a baby or toddler in a handmade blanket. When that blanket also transforms into an adorable bunny costume with floppy ears and a soft hood, the magic doubles. A hooded bunny blanket is one of those crochet projects that draws gasps of delight every time someone sees it — and the best part is that it is far more approachable than it looks. Whether you are a beginner who has just mastered the single crochet or an experienced maker looking for your next quick gift project, this free crochet bunny blanket pattern is designed to guide you every step of the way.

In this post, you will find a complete, detailed pattern including materials, gauge, stitch abbreviations, and full instructions for making a hooded bunny blanket sized for babies and toddlers. You will also find tips for customizing the project, yarn recommendations, and answers to the most common questions crocheters ask about this type of pattern. Bookmark this page, pull out your hook, and let’s get started.

Why a Hooded Bunny Blanket Makes the Perfect Handmade Gift

Before diving into the pattern itself, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate why this particular project has become such a staple in the handmade gift world. Hooded blankets serve a real purpose beyond cuteness. The hood keeps a baby’s head warm without requiring a separate hat that might get lost, and the generous blanket portion can be used during tummy time, stroller rides, or naptime. Parents tend to reach for them constantly in those first months.

The bunny theme adds a layer of timeless charm. Unlike highly trendy designs that can feel dated within a season or two, bunnies are a classic motif that works beautifully at baby showers, Easter celebrations, or as a welcome-home gift for a newborn. It is gender-neutral, which makes it especially practical when the parents have not found out the sex of the baby, or when you want a single pattern that can serve multiple recipients.

From a crocheter’s perspective, the construction of a hooded blanket is deeply satisfying. You end up with a finished object that looks complex and impressive but is actually built from simple rectangular and square pieces. There are no complicated shaping sequences or intricate stitch patterns to wrestle with. Once you understand the structure, the project practically flies off the hook.

Materials You Will Need

Gathering your materials before you begin makes the entire process smoother. Here is everything you need for this hooded bunny blanket pattern.

Yarn: Approximately 800 to 1,000 yards of bulky weight (size 5) yarn in white or your preferred color. A soft, washable acrylic or acrylic-blend yarn is ideal for baby items because it holds up beautifully to repeated washing. Popular choices include Lion Brand Pound of Love, Bernat Blanket yarn in a lighter weight version, or Paintbox Simply Chunky. If you want a softer hand feel, look for a yarn that contains a small percentage of nylon or has a “cloud” or “velvet” finish.

Hook: US size K/10.5 (6.5 mm) or the size needed to achieve your gauge.

Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers, and approximately half a yard of pink felt or fleece fabric for the inner ear detail (optional but adds a lovely touch). You will also need two 12 mm safety eyes or a small amount of black yarn for embroidered eyes if you plan to add a face to the hood.

Gauge: 12 stitches and 14 rows = 4 inches in single crochet. Taking a few minutes to check your gauge will save you from ending up with a blanket that is dramatically different in size from the pattern. If your swatch comes out larger than the stated gauge, try a smaller hook. If it comes out smaller, try a larger hook.

Finished Dimensions

The blanket portion measures approximately 30 inches by 36 inches, which is a generous lap blanket size for an infant or toddler. The hood is sized to fit most babies from newborn to about 18 months. The ears extend roughly 5 inches above the top of the hood.

If you want to size up for a toddler or preschooler, you can simply add more foundation chains and rows to the blanket panel, and add a couple of extra rounds to the hood circumference. The pattern is very easy to scale.

Stitch Abbreviations

Throughout this pattern, the following abbreviations are used.

ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
sk — skip
st — stitch
sp — space
rep — repeat
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
BLO — back loop only
FLO — front loop only
PM — place marker
RM — remove marker

Special Stitches

Surface slip stitch: Used to add decorative texture lines on the blanket. With the right side facing you, insert your hook into the designated stitch from the front, yarn over, and pull up a loop directly through the stitch to the front of the work. Continue along the row as if slip stitching.

Standing single crochet: Begin a new color or section without a slip knot join. Make a slip knot and place it on your hook, then insert the hook into the designated stitch and complete a single crochet as normal. This gives a clean join when starting new sections.

The Pattern

Part One: The Blanket Panel

The blanket is worked flat in rows from bottom to top. The stitch pattern used here is a simple BLO single crochet, which creates a subtle ribbed texture that adds visual interest without complicating the process.

Foundation: Chain 91. (This creates a foundation that will yield approximately 90 stitches across after the turning chain.)

Row 1 (WS): Sc in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. (90 sc) Turn.

Row 2 (RS): Ch 1, sc in BLO of each stitch across. (90 sc) Turn.

Rows 3 through 126: Repeat Row 2.

After Row 126, your blanket panel should measure approximately 30 inches wide and 36 inches tall. Fasten off and weave in ends. Set the blanket aside while you work the hood.

Part Two: The Hood

The hood is worked in joined rounds to form a rectangular pocket that fits over the head and attaches to one of the short edges of the blanket.

Foundation ring: Chain 46, join with a slip stitch to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.

Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each chain around, join with sl st to first sc. (46 sc)

Rounds 2 through 20: Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, join with sl st. (46 sc each round)

After Round 20, fold the tube flat so that the side seams align, creating a rectangle that is roughly 23 stitches wide and 20 rounds tall. At this point you will close the top of the hood using a single crochet seam. With the wrong sides together, align the top edges and single crochet through both layers across to join them. This creates the top seam of the hood. Fasten off.

Now flip the hood so that the seam is at the back top of the head. The open edge at the bottom will be sewn or crocheted to the blanket.

Part Three: The Ears (Make Two)

Each ear is worked flat and then folded slightly before attaching to give it a realistic three-dimensional shape.

Outer Ear:
Chain 9.
Row 1: Sc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. (8 sc) Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc across to last st, 2 sc in last st. (10 sc) Turn.
Rows 3 and 4: Ch 1, sc across. (10 sc) Turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc across to last st, 2 sc in last st. (12 sc) Turn.
Rows 6 through 10: Ch 1, sc across. (12 sc) Turn.
Row 11: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (10 sc) Turn.
Row 12: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (8 sc) Turn.
Row 13: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog. (6 sc) Turn.
Row 14: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, sc2tog. (3 sc) Turn.
Row 15: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in last st. (2 sc) Turn.
Row 16: Ch 1, sc2tog. (1 sc) Fasten off.

Inner Ear (optional, worked in pink yarn):
Repeat the outer ear pattern but stop after Row 14 and fasten off. This smaller piece is sewn or slip stitched onto the front of the outer ear to create the inner ear detail. Alternatively, cut a matching shape from pink felt and sew it on.

To assemble each ear, fold the base of the outer ear piece slightly (about half an inch) to create a gentle cup shape, and then stitch the fold in place with a couple of whip stitches at the base. This gives the ear a little dimension so it stands upright nicely rather than flopping completely flat.

Part Four: Assembly

Assembly is where the project comes together and the bunny shape becomes unmistakable.

Attach the hood to the blanket: Lay the blanket flat with one of the short edges (30-inch edges) facing up. Center the open edge of the hood along this edge and pin it in place. You may notice that the hood is narrower than the blanket width — this is intentional. Center the hood, leaving roughly equal amounts of blanket on each side of it. Using your yarn needle and a length of yarn, whip stitch or single crochet the hood edge to the blanket. When you finish, the hood should sit firmly and evenly along the top edge of the blanket.

Attach the ears: Position the ears on the top of the hood, spacing them evenly. A good guideline is to place the inner edge of each ear approximately 2 to 3 inches from the center seam. Pin them in place before sewing to make sure you are happy with the placement. Sew the base of each ear firmly to the hood using your yarn needle and a length of matching yarn. Make sure to stitch through multiple layers of the ear base so that the ears are secure enough to withstand enthusiastic handling.

Add the face (optional): If you want to give your bunny a face, now is the time. For babies, embroidered features are safer than any hardware. Using black yarn, embroider two small oval eyes positioned roughly in the upper center of the hood front. Add a small Y-shaped nose and mouth below the eyes using pink yarn. If the blanket is for an older child and the parents are comfortable with safety eyes, you can attach two 12 mm safety eyes before you assemble the hood, positioning them before the top seam is closed.

Add a tail (optional): For an extra adorable detail, crochet or purchase a small pom-pom in white yarn and attach it to the back of the blanket, centered along the bottom edge. This adds a little surprise that delights everyone who sees the blanket.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all remaining ends carefully, especially around the ear bases and hood seam. Take a moment to steam block the blanket lightly if the yarn you chose is heat-friendly — this helps even out any uneven tension and gives the finished blanket a polished, professional look. If you used an acrylic yarn, you can wet block it instead by soaking the finished piece in cool water, gently pressing out the excess water in a towel, and laying it flat to dry.

If you plan to give this as a gift, consider adding a small care tag. Tie a piece of ribbon around the folded blanket with a little card explaining the washing instructions. It is a thoughtful touch that the recipient will appreciate, especially new parents who are already learning to handle an avalanche of new baby information.

Yarn Color Variations and Customization Ideas

One of the joys of having a reliable base pattern is that you can spin it in so many different directions. Classic white is the most popular choice for bunny blankets because it looks clean and fresh, but a soft grey makes for a particularly elegant alternative. Pale lavender or baby blue also work beautifully and give the finished blanket a dreamy, pastel quality.

For a more modern farmhouse feel, try a cream or oatmeal-toned yarn. These warmer neutrals photograph stunningly and have a timeless quality that works for any nursery aesthetic. If you want to match a specific nursery color scheme, most bulky and super bulky yarns come in a wide enough range of colors to give you plenty of options.

You can also experiment with the blanket stitch pattern. Instead of BLO single crochet, try working the body in a simple shell stitch for a more decorative effect, or use a moss stitch (alternating chains and single crochets) for a looser, lacier drape. Just remember that if you change the stitch pattern, your gauge will likely change, so swatch before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a beginner make this pattern? Absolutely. If you are comfortable with chain stitches, single crochets, and basic increases and decreases, you have everything you need to complete this project. The hardest part is the assembly, and that just requires patience and pinning.

How long does this project take? Most crocheters working in bulky yarn can complete the blanket panel in five to seven hours across a couple of evenings. The hood and ears add another two to three hours. Budget a full weekend for a leisurely, enjoyable make.

Can I make this in a worsted weight yarn? Yes, but the finished blanket will be lighter and have more drape. You will need to adjust your hook size and add more stitches to the foundation chain to achieve a similar finished size. A good starting point is to go up to a chain of 130 with a US size I/9 (5.5 mm) hook and check your gauge before committing to the full length.

Is this pattern safe for newborns? The blanket itself is completely safe for supervised use with newborns. If you add safety eyes, reserve those versions for babies old enough that loose parts are no longer a concern, or switch to fully embroidered faces. As always, follow safe sleep guidelines and never leave a baby unsupervised under any blanket.

Can I sell items made from this pattern? Yes! This is a free pattern shared for personal and small business use. If you sell finished items made from this pattern, a credit or link back to this post is always appreciated but not required.

A Few Final Tips for Success

Crochet a gauge swatch, even if you usually skip this step. With a project this size, being even slightly off gauge can mean a finished blanket that is noticeably different from the expected dimensions.

Use stitch markers generously to track your round counts on the hood, especially if you are working in sections across multiple sessions. It is very easy to lose your place in a long run of plain single crochet rounds.

Do not rush the assembly. Careful, even seaming and placement of the hood and ears makes an enormous difference in the professional quality of the finished piece. A little extra time spent pinning and adjusting before you sew will pay off tremendously.

Finally, enjoy the process. There is something wonderfully meditative about crocheting a soft, simple blanket stitch by stitch, and the moment you hold up that finished bunny blanket and see the ears and hood come together into something undeniably precious is one of those crochet payoffs that never gets old.

Happy hooking, and may your yarn be tangle-free and your tension perfectly even.