Free Bunny Lovey Knitting Pattern (A Security Blanket)

In this blog post, you will see a free bunny lovey knitting pattern (a security blanket).

This animal blanket will quickly become your baby’s favorite security blanket and it’s a great addition to your nursery decor.

This plush floppy eared bunny will become an even better baby gift.

Please scroll down to view the free knitting pattern, or grab your printable ad-free PDF in my shop here.

Bunny Lovey Knitting Pattern

Notes

The bunny lovey blanket pattern is easy to follow, knit flat with straight needles.

The lovey blanket is knit in a simple corner-to-corner pattern.

The head, arms, and ears are knit separately and require some assembly.

Please note that a bunny lovey should not be given to a baby under 12 months old.

Grab your printable ad-free PDF in my shop here.

Copyright Info

Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
You may sell items produced using this bunny lovey knitting pattern.
Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.

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The Supplies You Need

Yarn

Yarn A/MC = 2 x Alize Baby Softy (50g/115m/126 yards) in brown or grey yarn.
Total yards needed = 252 yds.
Yarn B/CC = A contrasting color for the underside of the ears and nose (roughly around 10g/20 yards) in cream or white yarn.
A small amount of yarn in a darker color for the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Yarn weight used – DK/Light Worsted/8-Ply.

Yarn Substitutes

Needles

4 mm (US 6) knitting needles.

Notions

Scissors
Darning needle/yarn needle
Tape Measure

Other Materials

Small amount of fiberfil/toy stuffing for the head and arms.

Size Information

Finished size of the lovey blanket = 12 inches x 12 inches.
The total length of bunny lovey (including head) = 14 inches.
Gauge – 15 sts and 32 rows in 4×4 inches/10 x 10 cm.

Knitting Abbreviations

Approx – Approximately
Beg – Begin(ning)
CO – Cast on (long tail)
CC – Contrasting color
Cont – Continue
Dec – Decrease
Inc – Increase
K – Knit
KFB – Knit into the front and back of the stitch (to increase)
K2tog – Knit the next 2 stitches together
MC – Main color
M1 – Make one st
M1p – M1p (make one stitch purl – to increase on a purl row)
P – Purl
Rem – Remaining
Rep – Repeat
St(s) – Stitch(es)
St St – stocking stitch – knit 1 row, purl 1 row
YO – Yarn over

Bunny Lovey Knitting Pattern Instructions

Yarn A – MC (Brown or grey)
Yarn B – CC (cream or white)

Lovey Blanket Pattern

With Yarn A – CO 5 sts

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit 3, YO, Knit 2 – (6 sts)
Row 3: Knit 3, YO, Knit 3 – (7 sts)
Row 4: Knit 3, YO, Knit to the end of the row.

Rep row 4 until the piece measures 12 inches.

Decrease

To decrease the blanket – you need to work the following rows:

Row 1: K2, K2tog, YO, K2tog, Knit to the end of the row.
Rep row 1, keeping the color pattern as established until 7 sts remain on the needle.
K2tog, K2tog, K2tog, K1.
Cast off
Weave in all loose ends.

The lovey blanket should measure 12 x 12 inches.

Arms – Make 2

With Yarn A – Cast on 6 sts.
Row 1 – Purl 1 row.
Row 2 – K1, M1 – rep to the end of row. (11 sts)
Row 3 – Purl 1 row.
Row 4 – K1, M1, K4, M1, K1, M1, K4, M1, K1. (15 sts)
Rows 5 – 11 – Work 7 rows in st st (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row).
Row 12 – K1, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K1. (11 sts)
Rows 13 – 15 – Work 3 rows, inc (m1p) 1 st at each end of the next row. (13 sts) (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row)
Rows 16 – 25 – Work 10 rows in st st – ending on a P row.
Row 26 – K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K1. (9 sts)
Row 27 – Purl 1 row.
Row 28 – K1, K2tog – rep to end of row. (6 sts)
Cut a length of yarn around 8″ and thread through the rem sts, stitch the arm seam and leave an opening at the top of the arm for stuffing.
Stuff the arm with polyfill stuffing and stitch closed.
Weave in any loose ends.

Head – Make 1

With Yarn A – Cast on 7 sts.
Row 1 – Purl 1 row.
Row 2 – K1, M1 – rep to the end of the row. (13 sts)
Rows 3 – 4 – Rep the last two rows once more. (25 sts)
Rows 5 – 7 – Work 3 rows in st st. (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row)
Row 8 – *K1, M1, K3* Rep from * to * till the end of the row. (31 sts)
Rows 9 – 21 – Work 13 rows in st st. (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row)
Row 22 – (Change to Yarn B/CC) K1, K2tog – rep to the end of the row. (21 sts)
Rows 23 – 27 – Work 5 rows in st st. (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row)
Row 28 – K1, K2tog, rep to the end of the row. (14 sts)
Row 29 – Purl 1 row.

Head – Making up

Cut a length of yarn around 8″ and, thread through the rem sts, stitch the head seam to the end of the nose.
You need to seam from both ends and leave a small gap in the middle to stuff the head.
The nose is the pointy end, and the back of the head is the more rounded curved end.
I would seam the nose first, then add the facial features – eyes/mouth and nose in a darker colored yarn.
Then seam the from the back, leaving a hole in the middle to stuff.
Once stuffed – seam that hole closed.
Once the head is stitched onto the lovey blanket, you won’t be able to see that hole seaming on the head at all.
Weave in the loose ends.

Ears – Make 2

With Yarn A/MC – (Starting at the top of the ear/Outer Ears) Cast on 8 sts.
Rows 1 – 38 – K 38 rows.
Row 39 – K2tog, K to last 2 sts, K2tog. (6 sts)
Row 40 – K row.
Row 41 – K2tog, K to last 2 sts, K2tog. (4 sts)
Row 42 – K row.
Row 43 – K2tog, K2tog. (2 sts)
Row 44 – (underside of ears/inner ear) – Change to yarn B/CC and K row.
Row 45 – KFB, KFB. (4 sts)
Row 46 – K row.
Row 47 – KFB, K to last st and KFB. (6 sts)
Row 48 – K row.
Row 49 – KFB, K to last st and KFB. (8 sts)
Row 50 – K row.
Row 51 – K row.
Rows 52 – 87 – Cont to work in garter stitch (knit every row) for another 35 rows.
Cast off.
Cut a long length of yarn and start to stitch the ear seams together (using an invisible seam).
Once seamed, they will be ready to attach to the head.
Weave in any loose ends.

Finishing/Making Up

The ears – Seam the ears by folding them in half with the right sides facing out and sew using the mattress stitch.
Stitch one ear to one side of the head (Use the photographs as a guide to help you if needed) and repeat with the other ear. They should be stitched securely into place.
Sew the head to the blanket – pick the blanket up by the central point so the corners are equal on all sides.
Sewing the head onto the blanket – thread the yarn tail from the head through the blanket a few times so the head is secure (use the photographs as a guide if you need to).
The arms – Stuff the arms and seam the openings closed, leaving a yarn tail.
With the yarn tail, thread the yarn needle and push through the blanket underneath the head, as well as through the other arm on the other side.
Go back and forth a few times to secure the arms into place. (Use the photographs to help you see where the arms are if you need to).
Weave in any loose ends and test the strength of the head and arms to make sure they are secure.
If they are not you may need to sew again to make sure they will stay in place.

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I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

Knitting A Bunny Lovey

Knitting for babies is fun no matter what your skill level and this baby blankie pattern is easy for any beginners.

Knit flat, this blankie uses basic knit stitches and requires some shaping for the bunny head, with increasing and decreasing.

The baby blankie DIY is perfect for beginners, and the finished item would make a great gift for a new baby.

You can make your own in any different yarn color combinations.

This is great for the baby’s birthday gift or a handmade baby shower gift.

This baby cuddle blanket will become your baby’s great companion.

Your baby will take it everywhere, from the bed to the car seat.

And if it lasts through the test of time, it will become a wonderful keepsake.

What yarn is best for a lovey?

When choosing yarn for a lovey, several factors come into play.

Here are some considerations when selecting yarn for a bunny lovey knitting pattern:

Softness: Opt for a yarn that is soft and gentle against a baby’s sensitive skin. Materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or a soft acrylic are popular choices. Ensure that the yarn doesn’t have any rough or scratchy fibers.
Durability: Babies and toddlers can be quite rough with their loveys, so you’ll want a yarn that can withstand regular washing and handling. Machine washable yarns are convenient for busy parents.
Hypoallergenic: Choose yarn that is hypoallergenic, especially if you are making the lovey for a baby who may have sensitive skin or allergies. Natural fibers like cotton or bamboo are often hypoallergenic.
Color and Design: Consider the color and design preferences of the recipient. Bright and contrasting colors can be visually stimulating for babies, while older children might have specific color preferences.
Weight: Choose a yarn weight that works well with your chosen pattern. A lighter weight yarn may be more suitable for intricate stitch patterns, while a heavier weight yarn can result in a thicker and warmer lovey.
Safety: If you are adding any embellishments like buttons or eyes, make sure they are securely attached and won’t pose a choking hazard. Alternatively, consider using embroidered features to ensure safety for infants.

Learn everything about yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}

Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers

Bunny Blankie

The bunny blankie pattern is easy to follow, knitting flat with straight needles.

This means that there is some seaming needed, for the bunny head and ears.

You also have to stitch the bunny head to a corner of the blankie.

The knitting pattern is great for any beginners who are learning how to knit, as it is a quick project and great for stash busting – any yarns you have leftover from other projects can be used up for small projects like this.

If you would like to make more knitted items for the baby, please take a look at the other patterns in the baby knitting pattern library – Baby Knitting Patterns.

What Is A Lovey Blanket?

A lovey blanket, often referred to simply as a “lovey,” is a small, soft security blanket or comfort object typically designed for infants and young children.

Loveys are characterized by their small size, often around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) square, making them easy for little hands to grasp and carry.

Key features of a lovey blanket include:

Size: Loveys are smaller than traditional baby blankets, making them portable and suitable for cuddling.
Softness: Loveys are crafted from soft, plush materials that are gentle against a baby’s sensitive skin.
Security Object: Many children develop an attachment to a lovey as a source of comfort and security. It will become their precious friend. The small size and soft texture make loveys easy for children to hold and bring with them wherever they go. They are great for bedtime and naps.
Design: Loveys often feature cute or whimsical designs, such as animal shapes, characters, or simple patterns. The design can add an element of sensory engagement for the child.
Versatility: Loveys can serve various purposes, from providing comfort during sleep to offering a sense of security during times of stress or change.

Parents often introduce loveys to their babies to encourage self-soothing and provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.

As children grow, some may develop strong attachments to their loveys, and these items can become cherished companions.

What Age Can A Baby Sleep With Lovey?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that soft objects, including blankets, pillows, and soft toys like loveys, be kept out of a baby’s sleep environment during the first year of life.

So a lovely is not ideal for newborn infants.

This recommendation is made to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related incidents.

According to the AAP guidelines:

No soft bedding in the crib: It is advised to avoid placing soft objects, loose bedding, or any items that could pose a suffocation risk in the baby’s sleep environment during the first 12 months.
Introduction of loveys: Once a baby reaches the age of one and is transitioning to a crib or toddler bed, parents may consider introducing a lovey security blanket or small soft toy. However, it’s important to choose a lovey that is safe and appropriate for sleep.
Safe sleep practices: Even after the age of one, parents should continue to follow safe sleep practices. The lovey should be small, lightweight, and made of breathable materials. It’s important to ensure that the baby can breathe easily and that there are no small parts that could be a choking risk ( like buttons, safety eyes).

Always check with your pediatrician for guidance tailored to your baby’s specific needs and development.

Some children may be ready for a lovey earlier or later than others, and individual factors should be taken into consideration.

Remember to follow safe sleep guidelines, which generally include placing babies on their backs to sleep, using a firm mattress, and avoiding soft bedding or toys that could pose a risk of suffocation.

Free Patterns

Check out more knitting patterns for baby/kids accessories and garments.

Free Crochet Patterns

And if you love crocheting, check out these free patterns.

Plus, check out the crochet lessons – Crochet Lessons {With Video Tutorials}.

Perfect for new makers who want to learn all the basics, including how to single crochet (sc), how to double crochet(dc), how to slip stitch (sl st), how to hold a crochet hook, the crochet abbreviations ( in UK and US terms), how to crochet a granny square and more!

Knitting Lessons

If you are a new knitter and need help with the knitting basics, check out the knitting lessons here – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

Including how to cast on, how to knit the knit stitch, the stockinette stitch, the rib stitch, the garter stitch, the mattress stitch, short rows and a list of knitting abbreviations, and more.

And if you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern

2 Comments

Maree says:

August 1, 2021 at 5:57 am

Hi,
What colour do I start to knit the head with please. The pattern says yarn A, but this is not identified on the pattern. I’m thinking that it’s probably the cream? And when is the second colour introduced? Thanks 🙂

1. Louise Bollanos says:
  
  August 1, 2021 at 8:41 am
  
  Hello Maree,
  Sorry about that, I have now edited the pattern to include all color changes where they should be.
  Thanks for letting me know.
  Louise