Stuffed Bunny Toy (Easy Free Knitting Pattern)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.With this stuffed bunny toy (easy free knitting pattern), you can make your little one a bunny toy they will cherish.
These little bunnies make great gifts for kids or for giving as a baby shower gift.
A good project to make animal softies for Easter.
You can scroll down to view the free pattern or grab the ad-free PDF printable pattern in my shop here.
An Easy Stuffed Bunny Knitting Pattern for Beginners
This adorable stuffed bunny knitting pattern is perfect for advanced beginners looking for a fun and rewarding project.
You’ll practice essential knitting skills like casting on, casting off, and working knit and purl stitches.
To shape your bunny, you’ll use simple increases and decreases—making this a great step up from flat projects like scarves or dishcloths.
If you’re planning to make the cute crochet overalls for your bunny, basic crochet knowledge will come in handy.
Soft toys like this make wonderful handmade gifts for babies and toddlers, perfect for snuggling or adding a sweet touch to a nursery shelf.
Want to build your knitting skills before trying this pattern? Check out our complete beginner guide: How to Knit – A Complete Beginner’s Guide.
The Yarn I Used to Knit This Snuggly Bunny
For this free bunny knitting pattern, I used Rico Creative Cotton Aran (50g/85m/93yds) in Silver Grey, Nature, and Patina for the bunny’s overalls.
This aran weight yarn is ideal for creating soft, cuddly textures perfect for snuggling—especially if your bunny is destined for a baby’s nursery.
While cotton yarns can occasionally split while knitting, a little patience goes a long way to keeping your stitches neat.
You can also substitute with organic cotton or worsted weight yarn for an equally cozy and eco-friendly version.
Curious about yarn weights? Read more here: What Is Worsted Weight Yarn?
Stuffed Bunny Pattern
Purchase the inexpensive, ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.
You can also find this baby bunny pattern in this Ebook here – 10 Baby Knitting Patterns Ebook.
You may also like this bunny baby blankie – knitting pattern and this Easter bunny pattern (floppy ears + cuddly!) which is a similar pattern.
Notes
Skill Level – Easy
The bunny rabbit is knit in separate pieces and then stuffed and assembled when finished.
Each body piece on the little cutie is knitted and then seamed, requiring you to knit and purl with a lot of shaping required by increasing and decreasing.
I find it easier to stitch each part when I am finished, leaving a gap for the stuffing.
Then, when I have all of the parts, I sit and stuff them.
Copyright Notes
- 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 pattern.
- Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
- For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.
Size Information
Size –
- Height = 11.5′′ (from top of ears to bottom of legs)
- Width = 4′′ (body not inc arms)
Gauge – 18 sts and 24 rows in 4×4 inches / 10×10 cm
The Supplies You Need
Yarn
- 1 x skein of Rico Creative Cotton Aran 50g/85m/93yds in Silver Grey (22).
- 1 x skein of Rico Creative Cotton Aran 50g/85m/93yds in Nature (60).
- 1 x skein of Rico Creative Cotton Aran 50g/85m/93yds in Patina (43) – for the overalls.
- A small amount of black yarn for the eyes and mouth.
- A small amount of pink yarn for the nose.
- Any medium weight yarn 04.
- Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart)
Needles + Hook
- 4 mm (US 6) straight knitting needles
- 4 mm (US G6) crochet hook
Notions
Other Materials
Abbreviations
Knitting Abbreviations And Terms (US And UK)
- Beg = Begin(ning)
- Cont = Continue(ing)
- Dec = Decrease
- Inc = Increase (KFB)
- KFB = Knit into the front and back of the stitch.
- K = Knit
- K2tog = Knit 2 sts together
- M1 = Make one st
- P = Purl
- Rem = Remaining
- Rep = Repeat
- SKPO = slip one st over
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- St St = stocking stitch – knit 1 row, purl 1 row
Crochet Abbreviations >
- ch – chain (View tutorial here – how to start a crochet chain)
- sc – single crochet (View tutorial here – how to single crochet (SC))
Pattern Instructions
- Yarn A – Silver Grey (22)
- Yarn B – Nature (60).
Legs – Make 2 >
- With Yarn A – Cast on 12 sts.
- Purl 1 row.
- K1, M1, – rep to the end of row. (23 sts)
- P row.
- K1, M1, cont to knit row. (24 sts)
- P1, M1, cont to P row. (25 sts)
- K1, M1, cont to knit row. (26 sts)
- P1, M1, cont to P row. (27 sts)
- K1, M1, cont to knit row. (28 sts)
- P1, M1, cont to P row. (29 sts)
- *K7, M1* rep from * to * to end of the row, K1. (33 sts)
- P row.
- K row.
- P row.
- K13, K2tog, K3, K2tog, K13. (31sts)
- Purl row.
- K12, K2tog, K3, K2tog, K12. (29 sts)
- Purl row.
- K7, cast off the rem sts until you have 7 sts left to knit on the left needle, K those 7 sts. (You should have 14 sts left with a gap in between).
- P row.
- Inc 1 st at each end of the row. (K the row) (16sts)
- Cont in st, st for 13 rows (Starting with a P row and ending with a P row).
- K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K3, K2tog, K1, K2tog. (12 sts)
- Purl row.
- K2tog, K1, rep to the end of row. (8 sts)
- P2tog – rep to the end of row.
- Cut a length of yarn around 8′′ and thread through the rem sts, stitch the leg seam and leave an opening at the bottom of the foot for stuffing.
- Stuff the leg with polyfill stuffing and stitch closed.
- Weave in any loose ends.
Arms – Make 2 Pieces >
- With Yarn A – Cast on 6 sts.
- Purl 1 row.
- K1, M1 – rep to the end of row. (11 sts)
- Purl 1 row.
- K1, M1, K4, M1, K1, M1, K4, M1, K1. (15 sts)
- Work 7 rows in st st. (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row)
- K1, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K1. (11 sts)
- Work 3 rows, inc 1 st at each end of next row. (13 sts) (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row).
- Work 10 rows in st st – ending on a P row.
- K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K1. (9 sts)
- Purl 1 row.
- 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.
Body – Make 1 >
- With Yarn A – Cast on 15 sts.
- Purl 1 row.
- K1, M1 – rep to the end of the row. (29 sts)
- Beg with a P row, work 5 rows in st st.
- *K7, M1* – rep from * to * to the end of the row, K1. (33 sts)
- Work 3 rows in st st.
- K16, M1, K1, M1, K16. (35 sts)
- Work 5 rows in st st. (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row).
- K15, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K15. (33 sts)
- Work 3 rows in st st. (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row).
- K14, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K14. (31 sts)
- Work 3 rows in st st. (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row).
- K1, K2tog – rep to the end of the row, K2. (21 sts)
- Purl 1 row.
- K1, K2tog – rep to the end of the row, K2. (14 sts)
- Purl 1 row.
- Cut a length of yarn around 8′′ and thread through the rem sts, stitch the body seam, and leave an opening at the top of the body for stuffing.
- Stuff the body with polyfill stuffing and stitch it closed.
- Weave in any loose ends.
Head – Make 1 >
- With Yarn A – Cast on 7 sts.
- Purl 1 row.
- K1, M1 – rep to the end of the row. (13 sts)
- Rep the last two rows once more. (25 sts)
- Work 3 rows in st st. (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row)
- *K1, M1, K3* Rep from * to * till the end of the row. (31 sts)
- Work 13 rows in st st. (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row)
- Change to Yarn B.
- K1, K2tog – rep to the end of the row. (21 sts)
- Work 5 rows in st st. (Starting with a P row and ending on a P row)
- K1, K2tog, rep to the end of the row. (14 sts)
- Purl 1 row.
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, etc.
Then, seam it from the back, leaving a hole in the middle to stuff.
Once stuffed – seam that hole closed.
Once the head is stitched onto the body, you won’t be able to see that hole seaming on the head at all.
Weave in any loose ends.
Ears – Make 2 >
- With Yarn A – Cast on 14 sts.
- Knit 30 rows in garter stitch.
- Change to Yarn B.
- Skpo, K to last 2 sts – K2tog.
- Knit to the end of the row.
- Repeat the last two rows until 2 sts rem, K2tog, and fasten off.
- Fold the ear and stitch to the head, catching the sts from the head to secure.
- Do the same on the other side of the head.
- Weave in any loose ends.
Making Up Your Finished Bunny
- To make up – Stitch the legs to the lower half of the body and the arms to the upper half.
- Thread the darning needle and push through one leg, then through again and into the body, then through the other leg and back through.
- Keep going until the legs are securely fastened.
- Do the same for the arms.
- Stitch the head into place – thread the needle through the body/neck first, then stitch through the head; keep doing this until the head is secure.
- The floppy ears should be folded in half and then stitched onto either side of the head.
Making The Crochet Overalls Make 2 pieces >
When you make the crochet overalls – just measure the waist of your toy before making the overalls tailored to fit the bunny toy.
Each toy may be a little different in the waist than others, depending on how much you stuff it, so it’s good to make all the clothes to fit the toy you are making.
- With a 4 mm (US G6) crochet hook and Rico cotton, Aran Patina (43) make a slipknot and chain 20.
- Single crochet into every row until the piece measures 2′′.
- Continue to sc into half of the sts (10) to create the first pant leg.
- Continue working on these sts until the pant leg measures 1.5′′.
- Cut yarn and knot.
- Pick up and sc into every st for the other pant leg until it measures 1.5′′.
- Cut yarn and knot.
The Bib >
- Select one pant side piece, and at the top of the piece, pick up and sc 10 sts in the middle.
- This is for the bib part of the overalls.
- Sc into every st until the bib piece measures 1′′.
Straps – Make 2 >
- Chain 28 and sc into every stitch.
Making Up >
- Stitch up the side seams and the inner leg seams of the shorts/overalls.
- Attach the straps with an X at each point so you see the X stitch on the outside.
Could you share your work with us?
I love seeing your finished projects on social media.
If you enjoyed making the bunny knitted toy, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook Group and share a photo.
You can also check out my Facebook page here.
You can also find us on Pinterest and Ravelry.
I’d love to see your work.
Happy Knitting!
Helpful resources
This little bunny pattern is great for any advanced beginner knitters.
- Knitting cast-on methods
- Knitting Lessons
- How to cast on knitting
- How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step)
- How to knit garter stitch
- How to knit the purl stitch (for beginners + a video tutorial)
- How to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners)
- How to read knitting patterns for beginners
- Knitting abbreviations and terms (US and UK)
- How to knit rib stitch patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)
- How to knit two stitches together – K2tog
More Baby Knitting Patterns
You may also be interested in these baby knits, which are also made from 100% cotton:
- Easy Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern For Beginners
- Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern (For Beginners)
- Easy Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern
- How To Knit A Baby Hat (Straight Needles)
- Baby Blanket Pattern (Patchwork + 4 Stitch Patterns)
- How To Knit Baby Booties (Step By Step)
- Baby Slippers Knitting Pattern
- Bunny Softie Pattern (Easy To Knit)
- 21 Free Knitted Bunny Patterns For Easter Gifts
- Sheep Baby Booties Knitting Pattern
More Easter Projects
Crochet
Check out these free crochet patterns, including a cute easter basket with a bunny tail.
- Crochet Easter Basket (Free Pattern PDF)
- Crochet Easter Eggs {Free Pattern Download}
- 35 Free Easter Crochet Patterns (Cute Ideas To Make)
Knitting
You can find bunnies, cute bunny rabbits, knit bunny hats, and more knitting projects.
- Easter Bunny Pattern (Floppy Ears + Cuddly!)
- Easter Bunny Egg Cozy
- Easter Bunny Hat {Knit Flat}
- Bunny Ears Headband {With Knitted Ears}
- Easter Craft Activities {For Kids}
- Easter Chick Slippers Pattern {+ Loop Stitch Tutorial}
- Bunny Tea Cosy Pattern
- Bunny Ear Hat (Easy Pattern)
- Bunny Booties Knitting Pattern
- 17+ Free Knitted Chicken Patterns
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 basic knit stitches, 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.
For easier projects, check out this pattern category; there, you will find a range of knitting patterns for beginner knitters.
And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
Knitting Stuffed Animals
What is the easiest stuffed animal to knit?
A stuffed animal is a thoughtful gift and you can make one, even as a beginner with basic knitting stitches knowledge.
The perfect project for beginners looking to knit their first stuffed animal is often a basic teddy bear.
Teddy bears typically have a straightforward construction with minimal shaping and require only basic knitting techniques such as knit and purl stitches, increases, and decreases.
Choose a pattern with clear instructions and minimal embellishments to keep it beginner-friendly.
If this is still a large project for you, you can try smaller-sized cute animals, like a tiny bunny or a pocket-sized kitten, which can be easier for beginners to handle as they involve less time and yarn commitment.
There are many creative ideas online; you can find a great pattern to make cute toys.
These small projects allow beginners to practice shaping, assembling, and stuffing without feeling overwhelmed, providing a delightful introduction to the world of knitted stuffed animals.
A cute teddy bear is a great gift for small children.
What is the best yarn for knitted stuffed plush animals?
The best yarn weight for knitted stuffed animals depends on the desired size and appearance of the finished project.
For smaller and more detailed stuffed animals, using a lighter yarn weight like fingering or sport weight yarn may be appropriate.
These yarn weights allow for finer stitch definition and intricate details, making them suitable for creating smaller features on the stuffed animals.
On the other hand, worsted weight yarn is a versatile choice for a wide range of stuffed animals.
It works up more quickly than finer yarns, making it ideal for larger or more cuddly creatures.
Worsted weight also provides a good balance between stitch definition and softness, ensuring a cozy and huggable finished product.
- 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
What are the best knitting needles for stuffed animals?
The best knitting needles for stuffed animals depend on the size, pattern, and personal preference of the knitter.
For small, intricate pieces like limbs and ears, double-pointed needles (DPNs) are commonly used, offering precise control over stitches.
Circular needles are versatile and ideal for larger stuffed animals, especially when knitting in the round.
Interchangeable needle sets provide flexibility, offering various needle sizes and cable lengths, making them convenient for knitters who enjoy a variety of projects.
The choice of material, whether metal, wood, bamboo, or plastic, is subjective and depends on the knitter’s preference for warmth, comfort, or smoothness.
Consider the pattern’s recommended gauge and needle size to ensure the stuffed animal’s size and proportions are accurate.
Ultimately, the best knitting needles for stuffed animals are those that suit the project at hand and make the knitting process enjoyable and efficient.
Why should you knit a stuffed animal?
Knitting a stuffed animal, like a bunny, a teddy bear, or a toy dog, can be a rewarding and enjoyable creative endeavor for several reasons.
Firstly, it allows for the expression of individuality and personal style, as knitters can choose patterns, colors, and yarn textures that align with their preferences.
The process of creating a stuffed animal through knitting also provides a sense of accomplishment, allowing for the development of new skills and techniques.
Plus, you can play around with the color combination.
A hand-knit stuffed animal also often carries sentimental value, making it a perfect gift for loved ones, particularly children.
The act of crafting a stuffed animal can also be a therapeutic and relaxing activity, offering a mindful and meditative escape from daily stressors.
Ultimately, knitting stuffed animals combines the joy of crafting with the satisfaction of producing a tangible, huggable creation that brings comfort and delight to both the maker and the recipient.
