Little Knitted Bunny: Knitting Pattern + VIDEO BONUS + Free knitting supplement by Polushkabunnytitle
If you’re a passionate knitter looking for a small, cuddly project that yields big smiles, you’ve found your new favorite pattern. The Little Knitted Bunny from Polushkabunnytitle is a charming, beginner-friendly soft toy with a touch of whimsy that makes it a delightful addition to a nursery, a baby shower gift, or a cozy companion for bedtime stories. This post walks you through a complete knitting pattern, shares a special video bonus to guide you through each step, and offers a free knitting supplement you can download as a printable cheatsheet. Get your yarn, pick a colorway, and let’s stitch a little bunny that’s bound to become a cherished keepsake.
Introduction: Why a Little Knitted Bunny?
Knitted toys have a timeless appeal. They’re durable, washable, and you can customize them with colors, textures, and little details that make them uniquely yours. The Little Knitted Bunny is designed to be soft and friendly, with simple shapes and minimal seams. It’s an ideal project for nervous beginners who want to practice essential techniques—casting on, knitting, binding off, simple increases and decreases, and basic sewing—while still finishing with a polished, huggable toy.
The design also emphasizes versatility. You can switch up colors to create a bunny who fits a nursery’s theme, or go with a natural-tone bunny for a woodland vibes look. If you’re feeling extra creative, add embroidered facial features, tiny clothes, or a carrot accessory. The pattern is written to be easy to follow, with tips that help you avoid common pitfalls like gaps at the edges or stuffing showing through.
Author and style notes: Polushkabunnytitle is known for clear, friendly tutorials that favor practical, easy-to-find materials. This Little Knitted Bunny pattern strives to be approachable for beginners, while still offering depth for more experienced knitters who want to customize. The pattern uses straightforward garter stitch for the main pieces to minimize curling and reduce the number of seams, making assembly faster and more forgiving.
What you’ll love about this project
– Quick, satisfying build: The bunny works up fairly quickly, so you can complete a gift in just a weekend.
– Minimal seaming: Most pieces can be assembled with simple whip stitches and a couple of invisible seams.
– Soft finish: Garment-like stuffing and a gentle knit texture create a plush toy that’s pleasant to hold.
– Customizable: Swap colors, add embroidery, or craft tiny accessories to reflect the recipient’s tastes.
Materials and tools
– Yarn: DK-weight yarn or your preferred weight for a slightly smaller or larger bunny. If you’re using DK, you’ll end up with a compact bunny around 8–10 inches tall (20–25 cm) when finished and fully stuffed. If you prefer Worsted weight for a bigger toy, expect about 10–12 inches tall (25–30 cm).
– Color options: Classic white or ivory for the bunny itself, plus a second color for inner ears and nose; or go playful with pastel tones.
– Needles: A pair of straight knitting needles in the size recommended for your yarn (typically US 5 to US 6, 3.75 to 4.0 mm for DK weight). A 16-inch or 24-inch length is convenient for flat pieces.
– Optional decorative yarns: A tiny amount of black or dark brown for embroidered eyes; pink or peach for the nose and inner ears.
– Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or any hypoallergenic stuffing you prefer.
– Tapestry needle: For sewing seams and for embroidering tiny facial features.
– Stitch markers: A couple of small markers help you keep track of the edges when you’re shaping pieces.
– Small safety eyes (optional): If you prefer not to embroider eyes, you can add small safety eyes. If the toy is for a very young child, consider embroidered eyes instead to avoid choking hazards.
– Scissors and measuring tape.
Gauge and sizing notes
– Gauge: 22 stitches x 28 rows = 4×4 inches (10×10 cm) in garter stitch with DK-weight yarn on the needles you choose. In garter stitch, every row is a knit, which helps prevent edge curling and keeps the toy square-ish as you work.
– Finished size: Approximately 8–10 inches tall (20–25 cm) for a DK-weight bunny, depending on your tension and yardage. If you use a heavier weight, expect a larger bunny; softer, lighter yarn will produce a smaller one.
– Fit and stuffing: Use a moderate amount of stuffing. Over-stuffing may cause seams to bulge, while under-stuffing might leave the bunny a little floppy. The goal is a plush, cuddly feel.
Pattern abbreviations and techniques you’ll use
– CO: Cast on
– K: Knit
– P: Purl
– BO: Bind off
– inc: Increase
– dec: Decrease
– kfb: Knit front and back increase
– Mattress stitch: A method for seaming pieces neatly
Pattern pieces overview
You’ll knit several pieces and then assemble them:
– Head: a rounded piece with simple shaping along the top.
– Body: a separate rounded piece that forms the torso.
– Ears: two small, soft rectangles.
– Arms: two slender tubes that attach to the sides.
– Legs: two slightly larger tubes that attach to the bottom.
– Tail: a little pom-pom or a tiny round tuft.
Now, the step-by-step pattern. It’s written in a way that lets you adjust easily for different sizes or yarn weights.
The Little Knitted Bunny pattern: step-by-step instructions
General assembly tip: When you finish each piece, lightly steam or hand-flatten the pieces to help edges stay neat before sewing. Use a whip stitch for long edges and a small running stitch for attaching tiny pieces like ears. A gentle touch with stuffing helps you avoid lumps—no need to overstuff.
Ears (make 2)
– Cast on 12 stitches.
– Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 22 rows.
– Bind off all stitches and cut the yarn. Leave a long tail for sewing.
– Fold slightly at the center to create a gentle curve and stitch the inside long edge closed so the ear holds its shape. Repeat for the second ear.
– Tip: If you want a sturdier ear, you can taper the end by increasing or decreasing slightly toward the tip, but keep it simple for beginners.
Head
– Cast on 24 stitches.
– Work in garter stitch for 12 rows to form a rounded base; this base helps the head stand up a little without curling.
– Begin shaping the head by decreasing at the outer edges on every RS row:
– Row 1 (RS): K2, dec1, K16, dec1, K3. (This makes the sides taper gently.)
– Row 2 (WS): Knit to end.
– Row 3 (RS): K2, dec1, K14, dec1, K3.
– Row 4 (WS): Knit to end.
– Row 5 (RS): K2, dec1, K12, dec1, K3.
– Row 6 (WS): Knit to end.
– Row 7 (RS): K2, dec1, K10, dec1, K3.
– Row 8 (WS): Knit to end.
– Row 9 (RS): K2, dec1, K8, dec1, K3.
– Row 10 (WS): Knit to end.
– Row 11 (RS): K2, dec1, K6, dec1, K3.
– Row 12 (WS): Knit to end.
– You should have roughly 8 stitches left at this point.
– Bind off loosely, leaving a tail for sewing (or use the tail to close the head more securely).
– Stuff lightly through the top opening before closing the cast-off edge, which helps the head hold a rounded shape.
Body
– Cast on 32 stitches.
– Work in garter stitch for 14 rows to form the body front.
– Start shaping the sides by decreasing at the edges on RS rows:
– Row 1 (RS): K2, dec1, K26, dec1, K1.
– Row 2 (WS): Knit to end.
– Row 3 (RS): K2, dec1, K24, dec1, K1.
– Row 4 (WS): Knit to end.
– Row 5 (RS): K2, dec1, K22, dec1, K1.
– Row 6 (WS): Knit to end.
– Row 7 (RS): K2, dec1, K20, dec1, K1.
– Row 8 (WS): Knit to end.
– Row 9 (RS): K2, dec1, K18, dec1, K1.
– Row 10 (WS): Knit to end.
– You should end with about 14 stitches or so (adjust as needed for your gauge).
– Bind off loosely and leave a tail for attaching to the head area. Do not stuff the body too full; just enough to create a soft torso.
Arms (make 2)
– Cast on 6 stitches.
– Work in garter stitch for 8 inches (20 cm). This keeps arms soft and flexible.
– Bind off, leaving a long tail for sewing. The arms can be lightly stuffed or kept flat for a sleeker look depending on your preference.
Legs (make 2)
– Cast on 8 stitches.
– Work in garter stitch for 9–10 inches (23–25 cm).
– Bind off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Again, you can stuff lightly to give a gentle plump look.
Tail
– Option A: Small pom-pom.
– Make a tiny pom-pom (about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch, 1.25–2 cm) and sew it to the back of the bunny just above the legs.
– Option B: Tiny I-cord tuft (optional):
– Cast on 3 stitches, knit 12 rounds, cut the yarn, thread through and tie securely to create a tiny tail.
Eyes and nose options
– Embroidered eyes and nose: Use a fine embroidery thread or a strand of black yarn. Simple black French knots or tiny satin stitches work well.
– Safety eyes: If you’re making this for a child, consider safety eyes with a securing back. Place eyes about 1/4–1/2 inch (6–12 mm) apart and below the brow line. Stitch the nose with a small cross-stitch or a single tiny knot of pink or peach thread.
Assembly how-to
1) Attach the ears: Position each ear on the top front edges of the head. Tack the base of each ear with a few stitches, leaving the tips free for a little standing-up curl if you’d like.
2) Join the head to the body: Place the head on top of the body piece, aligning the back edges. Sew around the bottom edge of the head and the top edge of the body in a neat seam. A whip stitch works nicely here.
3) Attach the arms: Position the arms on each side of the body, a little under the head level, and sew them securely with a handful of stitches along the top edge.
4) Attach the legs: Line up the legs at the bottom of the body piece and sew securely; you can angle the legs slightly outward for a cute stance.
5) Add the tail: Attach the tail to the lower back area.
6) Embellish the face: Add eyes and a nose as desired. If you’re using embroidery for the eyes, ensure the violence-free safety is there, especially if the toy will be in a child’s mouth.
Color ideas and customization tips
– Classic bunny: Ivory or white body, pink inner ears, light pink nose. This gives a timeless, delicate look.
– Woodland bunny: Light brown body with cream inner ears and a tan nose. A tiny dark brown tail can be a lovely accent.
– Playful pastel bunny: Soft blue body with lavender inner ears and a bright pink nose.
– Seasonal bunny: For spring, pair a white bunny with pale yellow inner ears and a mint green nose for a cheerful palette.
– Adds-on ideas: A tiny knitted scarf, a small sweater, or a floral accessory can elevate the toy and make a perfect gift.
Care instructions
– Hand wash gently with mild soap if needed.
– Lay flat to dry; reshape ears and head if needed.
Video Bonus: Watch the step-by-step demonstration
We’ve included a video bonus that walks you through each stage of making the Little Knitted Bunny. The video shows how to:
– Cast on and knit the ears, head, body, arms, legs, and tail.
– Sew pieces neatly with a focus on invisible seams and tidy edges.
– Stuffing technique to avoid lumps and keep a plush look.
– Finishing touches: shaping the head, aligning facial features, and attaching decorative elements.
– Color variations and easy customization tips.
Where to find the video bonus
– The video is embedded on this blog post page. If you’re reading this elsewhere, look for the “Video Bonus” section near the top or a play button on the post’s media gallery.
– You’ll also find a link in the Free Supplement section that takes you to the downloadable printable guide, which includes a QR code that opens the video on mobile devices.
Video notes and accessibility
– The video features clear, close-up footage of each step. Slow-speed sections let you see the exact movements for increases, decreases, and seam work.
– Subtitles are provided to support viewers who prefer reading along or are hearing-impaired.
– If you have questions after watching, you can leave a comment on the video page or reach out through the blog’s contact form.
Free knitting supplement: what’s included and how to download
To help you keep everything organized and ready for future projects, we’ve created a free knitting supplement that complements the Little Knitted Bunny pattern. The supplement is a downloadable, printable PDF that includes:
– A concise materials list with suggested yardage by yarn weight, plus a quick needle-size guide.
– A glossary of techniques used in this pattern, with quick reference for common terms (CO, K, P, inc, dec, BO, etc.).
– A row-by-row quick reference for each piece (ears, head, body, arms, legs, tail) with the essential steps summarized.
– Size and gauge cheat sheet: quick conversions for different yarn weights and needle sizes to help you adjust the pattern for different sizes.
– Alternative colorways grid: suggestions for color combinations and how to pair them.
– Tips for tightening colors and finishing seams for a professional look.
– A printable checklist to keep you on track while you knit and assemble.
How to access the free supplement
– The supplement is available as a free downloadable PDF on Polushkabunnytitle’s official page. Look for a banner or a blue “Free Supplement” button near the top of the Little Knitted Bunny post.
– You’ll be prompted to enter your email address to receive the download link (if you’re already on the mailing list, the link will be sent to your inbox immediately).
– After you download, print it out and keep it with your knitting notebook for quick reference.
A few words about safety and age suitability
– The Little Knitted Bunny is a plush toy designed for gentle play. If you plan to gift it to a very young child, consider embroidery instead of small safety eyes, and be mindful of any removable parts such as buttons or beads.
– For children under three, always supervise play or provide a version without small parts to avoid choking hazards.
– The pattern is beginner-friendly, but if you’re new to knitting, take your time with each piece. It’s better to have a slightly looser seam than to force a tight one that might distort the piece.
Tips for successful knits
– Check your gauge early. If your swatch is too tight, you’ll end up with a smaller bunny; if it’s too loose, your bunny will be bigger and you might run out of yarn. The key is consistency.
– Use a light touch when stitching the seams. Gentle, even stitches help minimize puckers and keep the edges neat.
– Stuffing: Add small amounts of stuffing gradually to shape the head and body. If you notice a lump forming, gently tease it with your fingers and redistribute the filling.
– Personalization ideas: Add a tiny felt carrot, a ribbon around the neck, or a tiny knitted scarf. Small touches like these can transform a standard bunny into a unique gift.
Getting the most out of the video bonus
– Pause often: The video’s close-up shots are designed to be paused at critical moments, such as the head shaping or attaching ears. Don’t rush through; take your time.
– Use the audio cues: If you’re listening to the video on the go, synchronize your hands with the on-screen actions by following the on-screen steps in the description.
– Try it twice: If you’re a beginner, it’s perfectly okay to watch the video once for a general sense and then watch again while you actually knit each piece.
Decoration and display ideas
– A soft, hand-knit bunny makes a charming table centerpiece or nursery décor. You can place it in a small knitted basket or a fabric tote for a gift presentation.
– Create a “bunny parade” with a few bunnies in different colors and sizes to decorate a shelf or a baby’s room.
Variations and extensions
– Scale up or down: If you want a larger bunny, knit the pieces on larger needles and with a chunkier yarn. If you want a smaller bunny, switch to a finer yarn and smaller needles, keeping the same proportions for the pieces.
– Hair texture: Try a fluffy yarn for a fuzzy bunny look. This will give the bunny a different feel and add cuteness, though it may be a bit trickier to sew with.
– Themed bunnies: For holidays or themes, adjust your color palette and add tiny accessories. A snowy bunny can be knit with a white body and pale blue inner ears; add a small scarf to complete the winter look.
Author’s notes and closing thoughts
The Little Knitted Bunny is designed to be approachable, fun, and satisfying to complete. It’s a project that yields a plush toy you’ll be proud to gift or display. The pattern emphasizes comfort and simplicity while still delivering a polished finish. Whether you’re new to knitting or you’re looking for a quick and delightful project to fill a rainy weekend, this bunny is a wonderful choice.
Community and sharing
If you enjoy this pattern, consider sharing your finished bunny in the comments or on social media with the hashtag associated with Polushkabunnytitle. Your photos can inspire others who are learning, and you may also pick up practical tips from fellow knitters who post their own colorways and assembly tricks. The knitting community thrives on shared learning, and your finished bunny could be the next project that motivates someone else to pick up their needles.
Final tips for success
– Choose a color combination you love. The right colors make a big difference in the final look.
– Take your time with each part. A little patience yields a tidy finished toy.
– Use the video bonus as your guide. Seeing the pieces come together in motion can boost your confidence and help you feel at ease with assembly.
If you’re ready to begin, gather your yarn and needles, choose your favorite colorway, and print the free supplement to keep you on track. The Little Knitted Bunny by Polushkabunnytitle is a wonderful addition to any project list, and with the video bonus and the free supplement, you have a robust toolkit to guide you from start to finish.
Thank you for joining me on this creative journey. May your knitting be steady, your stuffing be just right, and your Little Knitted Bunny bring warmth and smiles wherever it goes. Enjoy the process, and happy knitting!
