Knitted Bunny Hat Pattern Free (With Floppy Ears)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.Looking for a knitted bunny hat pattern free to make a sweet Easter gift or baby shower present?
This easy bunny beanie is perfect for little ones and is sure to bring smiles with its long floppy ears and soft, cozy texture.
Each year, this bunny hat is a favorite among readers – it’s a simple design, quick to knit, and great for advanced beginners.
Please scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the ad-free printable PDF in my shop here.
About This Free Bunny Hat Knitting Pattern
This free knitting pattern is designed for advanced beginner knitters and uses super bulky yarn and 9mm circular needles for a fast and cozy project.
You’ll knit the hat in the round and create the long bunny ears separately using garter stitch, then sew them to the top of the hat.
A helpful video tutorial is included to show you how to attach the ears!
Why You’ll Love This Bunny Beanie
- Beginner-friendly and relaxing to knit
- Great for Easter, baby showers, or photo props
- Quick to make in a weekend
- Customizable with colors and ear length
- Available in multiple baby sizes (0-24 months)
Skill Level + Techniques
Skill Level: Easy (Advanced Beginner Level)
To knit this bunny hat, you should be comfortable with:
- Casting on and binding off
- Knitting in the round with circular needles
- Garter stitch and stockinette stitch
- Simple increases and decreases
- Sewing knit pieces together
Not sure how to do all these? Check out the video tutorials linked below!
Yarn + Supplies
Yarn
You’ll need super bulky weight yarn (06), such as:
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick
- Lion Brand Hometown
- YarnArt Alpine Alpaca
- Alize Lanagold Maxi
Soft and fluffy yarns like boucle or cotton blends also work beautifully.
Related Post: Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart)
Tools + Notions
- 9.00 mm (US 13) 16′′ circular knitting needles
- Yarn needle or tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Tape measure
Tip: If you’re a loose knitter, consider using smaller needles for better gauge control.
Sizes + Measurements
This pattern includes four baby sizes:
- 0-3 months – 14–15″ head circumference
- 3-6 months – 15–16″
- 6-12 months – 16–17″
- 18-24 months – 18–19″
Always measure the baby’s head before starting – every baby is different, and you might want to size up or down.
- The instructions are written for smaller sizes.
- If changes are necessary for a larger size, the instructions will be written thus ( ).
Gauge
10 stitches and 15 rounds = 4″ / 10 cm in stockinette stitch
Knitting Abbreviations
Knitting Abbreviations And Terms (US And UK)
- CO – Cast on
- K – Knit
- K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together
- P – Purl
- Rem – Remaining
- Rep – Repeat
- Rnd(s) – Round(s)
- St(s) – Stitch(es)
- RS – Right side
- WS – Wrong side
Free Knitted Bunny Hat Pattern Instructions
Purchase the printable, ad-free pattern here.
The Hat (Knit in the Round)
Cast On (long tail method + 9 mm circular needle):
- 0-3 months: 30 sts
- 3-6 months: 32 sts
- 6-12 months: 34 sts
- 18-24 months: 36 sts
Instructions
Join to work in the round, placing a stitch marker at the start.
Knit every round until the hat measures:
- 0–3 months: 5.5″
- 3–6 months: 6″
- 6–12 months: 6.5″
- 18–24 months: 7″
Size 0-3 months/3-6 months/6/12 months only: Next rnd: (K6. K2tog. K7. K2tog) twice.
Next rnd: Knit.
Size 18/24 months only: Next rnd: *K4. K2tog. Rep from *around.
Next rnd: Knit.
Shape the Crown (Top of the Hat):
- 1st rnd: *K3. K2tog. Rep from * around.
- 2nd rnd: Knit.
- 3rd rnd: *K2. K2tog. Rep from * around.
- 4th rnd: Knit.
- 5th rnd: *K1. K2tog. Rep from * around.
- 6th rnd: *K2tog. Rep from * around.
- Break yarn.
- Draw the end through the remaining stitches, and fasten securely.
- Sew in any loose ends.
The Ears (Make 2 Flat)
- Cast on 18 sts using straight needles or your circulars.
- Knit every row (garter stitch) until the piece measures approx. 13 inches.
- Start shaping:
- Row 1 (WS): K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, K2tog.
- Row 2: Knit.
- Repeat these two rows until 2 sts remain.
- Next row: K2tog, break yarn, and pull through final stitch.
Optional: Adjust the ear length by knitting more or fewer rows before shaping.
The ears should measure around 15-16 inches long from cast-on edge to tip.
Finishing + Sewing Ears
Fold each ear in half lengthwise and stitch it securely to the top of the hat, one on each side.
Tip: Place the hat over a small ball or prop the size of a baby’s head to help with positioning.
Watch the full ear-sewing video tutorial here.
Knitting Tutorials + Help
Need help with a technique in this pattern? Check out these helpful resources:
- How to cast on knitting
- How to knit garter stitch
- How to knit in the round
- How To Increase Stitches In Knitting (Tutorial)
- How to knit two stitches together – K2tog
- How To Decrease Knitting (6 Ways)
- How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step)
- The Mattress Stitch – How to seam knitting
- How To Knit – A complete beginner’s guide
FAQs: Bunny Hat Knitting Tips
What’s the Best Yarn for a Baby Hat?
Choose soft, washable yarns like merino wool, cotton blends, or acrylics labeled “baby” or “soft.”
Prioritize comfort and practicality.
What Needles Should I Use?
Use 16″ circular needles in size US 13 / 9 mm for knitting in the round.
Bamboo or wooden needles are ideal for beginners as they offer more grip.
Can I Add a Contrast Color to the Ears?
Yes! Use pink or another color inside the ear for a fun look.
You can even stripe them or use variegated yarn.
Share Your Bunny Hat With Me!
I’d LOVE to see your finished bunny hat projects on social media!
Share them on Instagram and tag me @handylittleme.
You can also join the conversation on my Facebook page or post in our Facebook Group.
And don’t forget to follow on Pinterest and Ravelry for even more knitting inspiration.
Happy Knitting!
More Easter + Baby Patterns
Easter Knits
- Easter Bunny Pattern (Floppy Ears + Cuddly!)
- Bunny Slippers For Baby
- Bunny Softie Pattern
- Bunny Ears Headband
- Easter Bunny Egg Cozy
Easy Baby Knitting Patterns
