Handmade toys have a special kind of magic—they’re warm, personal, and filled with love. In this tutorial, we’ll knit a sleeping bunny plush with floppy ears and closed embroidered eyes. It’s soft, cozy, and perfect as a bedtime companion or gift for someone you love.
This project is ideal for knitters who are comfortable with knit and purl stitches and want to learn basic toy construction. We’ll work in simple flat pieces, then sew them together and stuff to create the bunny’s soft shape.
Whether you’re making it for a child, a baby shower gift, or simply to decorate a cozy space, this project will bring joy.
Materials You’ll Need 🧶
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Yarn:
- Main color: White, cream, or light pastel DK (double knit) or worsted weight yarn (100 g ball should be enough).
- Accent color: A small amount of black embroidery thread or fine yarn for the eyes and nose.
Knitting Needles:
- US size 6 (4.0 mm) straight needles (or size needed to achieve a tight, firm fabric so stuffing won’t show through).
Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or cotton stuffing.
Notions & Tools:
- Yarn needle for sewing pieces.
- Scissors.
- Stitch holders or scrap yarn.
- Pins for assembly.
Abbreviations & Techniques (US Terms)
- CO – Cast On
- BO – Bind Off
- K – Knit
- P – Purl
- St(s) – Stitch(es)
- K2tog – Knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
- Inc – Increase (knit into the front and back of the same stitch)
- St st (Stockinette Stitch) – Knit on right side, purl on wrong side
- Garter Stitch – Knit every row
Tip for Beginners: If you’ve never increased before, practice knitting into the front and back of a stitch—it’s easy once you’ve tried it a couple of times.
Pattern Overview
We’ll knit the bunny in sections:
- Head and Body (worked as one piece)
- Arms (2 pieces)
- Legs (2 pieces)
- Ears (2 pieces)
- Finishing details: embroidery for eyes and nose
Step-by-Step Pattern
1. Head & Body (Worked Flat, Then Sewn)
CO 12 sts in main color.
Head Increases:
- Row 1: Knit.
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: Kfb in first and last stitch (14 sts).
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: Kfb in first and last stitch (16 sts).
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: Kfb in first and last stitch (18 sts).
- Row 8: Purl.
- Row 9: Kfb in first and last stitch (20 sts).
Continue in stockinette (knit odd rows, purl even rows) until piece measures about 3 inches from cast on edge.
Head Decreases (to shape top of head):
- Row 1: K2tog at beginning and end (18 sts).
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: K2tog at beginning and end (16 sts).
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: K2tog at beginning and end (14 sts).
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: K2tog at beginning and end (12 sts).
This completes the head.
Body Section:
- Row 1: Kfb in first and last stitch (14 sts).
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: Kfb in first and last stitch (16 sts).
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: Kfb in first and last stitch (18 sts).
- Row 6: Purl.
Continue in stockinette until piece measures about 4 inches from start of body section.
Body Decreases:
- Row 1: K2tog at beginning and end (16 sts).
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: K2tog at beginning and end (14 sts).
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: K2tog at beginning and end (12 sts).
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: K2tog at beginning and end (10 sts).
- Row 8: Purl.
BO all sts.
2. Arms (Make 2)
CO 8 sts.
- Work in stockinette for 10 rows.
- Next row: K2tog at each end (6 sts).
- Work 4 more rows in stockinette.
- BO.
3. Legs (Make 2)
CO 10 sts.
- Work in stockinette for 14 rows.
- Next row: K2tog at each end (8 sts).
- Work 4 more rows.
- BO.
4. Ears (Make 2)
CO 6 sts.
- Work in stockinette for 8 rows.
- Next row: K2tog at each end (4 sts).
- Work 4 more rows.
- BO.
Assembly Instructions
1. Head & Body:
- Sew along the sides of the head, shaping it into a round form.
- Stuff firmly with fiberfill, paying extra attention to the snout area.
- Continue sewing down the body and stuff as you go.
2. Arms:
- Sew arms into tubes, stuff lightly, and attach to the upper sides of the body in a “hugging” position, just like in the picture.
3. Legs:
- Sew legs into tubes, stuff lightly, and attach to the bottom of the body.
4. Ears:
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Fold ears slightly lengthwise and sew to the sides of the head so they flop naturally.
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5. Face Embroidery:
- Using black embroidery thread, embroider simple curved lines for the closed eyes.
- Add a small nose at the tip of the snout using satin stitch.
📌Thank you for reading the article.
Finishing Touches ✨
- Gently shape your bunny by pressing the stuffing into place with your fingers.
- If needed, add a few extra stitches to secure the arms so they look like they’re hugging.
- Brush lightly with a soft toothbrush to fluff the yarn and give it a cozy look.
Tips for Beginners 🌱
- Tight Stitches Help: Knit more tightly than usual so the stuffing doesn’t peek through.
- Stuffing Tip: Add small amounts of stuffing at a time to avoid lumps.
- Use Pins: Pin pieces in place before sewing to make sure everything is aligned.
- Practice Embroidery: Try the eyes on a swatch before stitching them on the bunny.
Variations 🌈
- Different Colors: Try pastel pink, light brown, or gray for a different bunny look.
- Accessories: Add a tiny scarf, bow, or blanket.
- Bigger Bunny: Use chunky yarn and bigger needles to make a larger cuddly version.
- Baby-Safe: For infants, avoid buttons or beads; always embroider facial features.
Styling & Gifting Ideas 🎁
- A perfect handmade baby shower gift.
- Works as nursery décor on a rocking chair or shelf.
- Can be paired with a small knitted blanket for a bedtime set.
- Make a family of bunnies in different colors for siblings or friends.
Final Thoughts 🐰💤
This knitted sleeping bunny is a charming project that’s both fun to make and heartwarming to gift. It combines basic knitting techniques with simple shaping and assembly, making it approachable for beginners while still rewarding for more experienced knitters.
The result is a soft, cuddly toy with floppy ears and a peaceful sleeping face—perfect for bedtime cuddles. Handmade toys carry love in every stitch, and this bunny will surely become a cherished keepsake.
So, gather your yarn, settle into a cozy spot, and let’s bring this sweet bunny to life with your hands and heart.
