Introduction
Meet the Astronaut Daydream Bunny—a cozy, handheld knit bunny in chunky sneakers, stargazer sweater, soft “helmet” beanie, and a tiny jet-pack backpack with flickering yarn “flames.” This free pattern is written to match the photo exactly: cream bunny, pale–blue helmet ring, midnight–blue pants, cream-and-blue sneakers, constellation map, moon bag with a dangling mini satellite, and a small star cookie prop. The proportions are intentionally chubby-cute with rounded cheeks, long upright ears, and sturdy legs for easy standing (with a tiny help from sneaker soles). This project is beginner-friendly for toy knitters who can work small circumferences in the round and enjoy simple color details and duplicate stitch.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Materials & Tools (DK Weight)
- Yarn (DK/light-worsted, smooth, non-fuzzy):
- Bunny Cream (A) ~ 55 g
- Pale Blue (B) ~ 20 g
- Denim/Deep Blue (C) ~ 35 g
- Butter Yellow (D) ~ 5 g
- Star Yellow (E) ~ 3 g
- Silver/Light Gray (F) ~ 3 g
- Orange (G) & Red (H) for flames – small scraps
- Needles: US 2.5 (3.0 mm) DPNs or circulars for magic loop
- Gauge (firm for toys): ~28 sts & 38 rnds = 4 in/10 cm in stockinette in the round (stuffed fabric)
- Notions: 8 mm black safety eyes (x2), tapestry needle, stitch markers, small buttons (2 for backpack straps), light pipe cleaners (optional for ear support), polyester fiberfill, thin cardboard or plastic for sneaker soles (two ovals ~1.6 in/4 cm), fabric glue (optional), scrap yarn
- Finished Size: ~9.5 in/24 cm tall (to ear tips)
Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- inc: increase (kfb unless otherwise noted)
- dec: decrease (k2tog unless otherwise noted)
- kfb: knit front and back
- k2tog: knit two together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit
- pm / sm: place marker / slip marker
- BO: bind off
- CO: cast on
- M1: make one (lifted increase)
- tbl: through back loop
- RS / WS: right side / wrong side
- dcst: duplicate stitch (embroidery on knit)
Proportions & Construction Notes
- Form & proportions: Head is ~60% the width of the torso with tapered cheeks; ears ≈ 45% of head height; legs are thick cylinders for stability; arms sit slightly forward to “hug” accessories.
- Seamless strategy: Work legs → join for body → head in one piece from the feet up. Ears, arms, and tail are knit separately and sewn on.
- Fabric density: Keep gauge tight; if stuffing peeks through, go down a needle size.
- Safety: For babies/toddlers, embroider eyes instead of safety eyes.
Color Map (exact photo match)
- Bunny: Cream (A) for all skin; optional soft pink embroidery for inner ear
- Helmet beanie: Cream crown, ring band in Pale Blue (B)
- Sweatshirt: Cream base with shooting star in Denim (C); tail streaks in (B) + (C); scattered five-point stars in (E)
- Pants: Denim (C)
- Sneakers: Upper (C), toe cap/sole (A), laces (A)
- Backpack: Pale Blue (B) with flames in (G/H/E)
- Moon bag: (C) with crescent (A) and star (E)
- Star map: Midnight panel (C) with dcst stars in (A/E)
- Satellite: Body (A), fins (C), dot (F)
Leg 1 (Make 2)
With A, CO 10 sts. Join in the round, pm for start.
Sole/Toe Bulb (A):
Rnd 1: kfb around (20)
Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) around (30)
Rnd 3: k around
Rnd 4: (k4, kfb) x6 (36)
Rnd 5: k around
Ankle Taper:
Rnd 6: (k4, k2tog) x6 (30)
Rnd 7: k around
Rnd 8: (k3, k2tog) x6 (24)
Rnd 9–10: k around
Switch to C.
Cuff Cylinder (C):
Rnd 11: k around
Rnd 12: (k2, k2tog) x6 (18)
Rnd 13–20: k around straight (18)
Break yarn; place sts on holder.
Work Leg 2 the same but do not break yarn—you’ll join legs next.
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Join Legs & Knit Torso
With C still attached to Leg 2: CO 3 sts (crotch bridge), k18 from Leg 1, CO 3 sts, k18 from Leg 2 = 42 sts. Place side markers at the centers of each 3-st bridge.
Hips (C):
Rnd 1–6: k around; stuff both legs now (firm, even)
Waist Taper:
Rnd 7: (k5, k2tog) x6 (36)
Rnd 8: k around
Rnd 9: (k4, k2tog) x6 (30)
Rnd 10: k around
Rnd 11: (k3, k2tog) x6 (24)
Switch to A.
Belly Bulge (A):
Rnd 12: (k3, kfb) x6 (30)
Rnd 13–16: k around
Rnd 17: (k3, k2tog) x6 (24)
Neck Prep:
Rnd 18: (k2, k2tog) x6 (18)
Rnd 19: k around
Rnd 20: (k1, k2tog) x6 (12)
Rnd 21: k around; stuff torso firmly with a gentle pear shape.
Head (continued from neck, in A)
Rnd 1: (k1, kfb) x6 (18)
Rnd 2: (k2, kfb) x6 (24)
Rnd 3: (k3, kfb) x6 (30)
Rnd 4: (k4, kfb) x6 (36)
Rnd 5–8: k around
Eyes: Insert 8 mm safety eyes 7 sts apart, ~2 rnds above the head’s equator.
Crown Shaping:
Rnd 9: (k4, k2tog) x6 (30)
Rnd 10: k around
Rnd 11: (k3, k2tog) x6 (24)
Rnd 12: (k2, k2tog) x6 (18)
Stuff head firmly, pushing fiber to cheeks
Rnd 13: (k1, k2tog) x6 (12)
Rnd 14: k2tog around (6); break long tail, draw through
Face: With F (or darker cream), satin-stitch a small oval nose centered between eyes; backstitch a tiny smile.
Ears (Make 2, worked flat)
With A, CO 8 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k
Row 2 (WS): p
Row 3: kfb, k to last st, kfb (10)
Row 4: p
Repeat Rows 3–4 3 more times (16)
Work 10 rows even
Decrease on RS: (k2tog, k to last 2, ssk) 4 times over 8 RS rows → 8 sts
BO, leaving a long tail.
Fold lengthwise and seam to create a standing ear; add trimmed pipe cleaner if desired. Stitch ears on top of head with a slight forward tilt.
Arms (Make 2)
With A, CO 8 sts; join in the round.
Rnd 1: kfb around (16)
Rnd 2–14: k around
Rnd 15: (k2, k2tog) x4 (12)
Lightly stuff; BO. Close one end flat for the paw. Sew arms at the upper chest/shoulder line, angled forward to hold the map and bag strap.
Tail (Pom)
Wrap A around two fingers 25–30 times; tie center tightly, snip loops, trim into a 1 in/2.5 cm pom. Secure to lower back.
Sneakers (Make 2)
Soles: Cut two ovals from thin plastic/cardboard (~1.6 in/4 cm).
Lower & Sides:
- With A, CO 20 sts flat; knit 2 rows garter for the bumper.
- Switch to C. Pick up evenly around the bumper edge to work in the round: ~36 sts.
Rnds 1–4: k around
Rnd 5: (k4, k2tog) x6 (30)
Rnd 6: k around
Rnd 7: (k3, k2tog) x6 (24)
Insert sole piece; a dot of glue helps
Rnds 8–10: k around
Toe Cap & Collar: Switch to A; k 3 rnds. BO loosely.
Laces: Work a 2-st A i-cord, 8–9 in (20–23 cm). Thread through embroidered eyelets. Slip shoes on after assembly.
Pants (Denim Track Pants)
Worked in the round, top-down.
Waistband: With C, CO 48 sts; join.
Rnds 1–4: k2, p2 rib
Rnds 5–18: k around
Divide for Legs:
Place 24 sts per leg on holders.
Work Leg A: 18 rnds straight; BO.
Work Leg B the same.
Contrast Cuffs: Pick up 24 sts around each leg opening with A; k 2 rnds; BO.
Dress the bunny later (before sewing arms if you prefer more space).
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Sweatshirt (Cream with Shooting Star)
Back (flat): With A, CO 36 sts.
Rows 1–3: k1, k1, p1 rib to last st, k1
Rows 4–24: stockinette (RS knit, WS purl)
Shoulders: BO 3 sts at the start of next 2 rows, then BO 2 sts at the start of next 2 rows
BO remaining neck stitches (leave ~14 center sts)
Front: Work as Back to Row 16.
Rows 17–24: continue in A; add the shooting star later via dcst:
- Comet body in C (diagonal, ~10×3 sts area)
- Tail streaks blending B + C (three tapering lines)
- Scatter 3–4 tiny stars in E
Join Shoulders: Mattress stitch.
Neckband: Pick up ~44 sts around; k1, p1 rib 3 rnds; BO.
Sleeves (top-down):
Pick up 30 sts around each armhole.
Rnds 1–10: k around
Rnd 11: (k3, k2tog) x6 (24)
Rnds 12–18: k around
Cuff: switch to B, k1, p1 rib 4 rnds; BO
Sew side and sleeve seams. Pull on the bunny; fit is boxy-cute, hem just below waist.
Add Motif: Duplicate stitch the comet and stars exactly as described to mirror the photo.
Helmet Beanie with Blue Ring
Crown (A): CO 48 sts; join.
Rnds 1–6: k around
Rnd 7: (k6, k2tog) x6 (42)
Rnd 8: k around
Rnd 9: (k5, k2tog) x6 (36)
Rnd 10: k around
Rnd 11: (k4, k2tog) x6 (30)
Rnd 12: k around
Ring Band (B):
Rnds 13–18: k1, p1 rib (this forms the visible “seal”)
BO loosely. Stretch gently so the blue band frames the face; set over ears.
Jet-Pack Backpack with Flames
Body (B): CO 28 sts; join.
Rnds 1–20: k around (cylinder ~2.75 in/7 cm). BO with a long tail. Flatten top and seam shut.
Straps: Two B i-cords: CO 3 sts each; knit 4.5 in/11.5 cm.
Nozzle: Pick up 14 sts from bottom opening with C; k 4 rnds; BO.
Flames: Make 6–8 tassels from G/H/E (strands ~3 in/7.5 cm). Lark’s-head through stitches inside nozzle; trim to graduated points.
Sew straps to backpack and to the sweatshirt shoulders; add two tiny buttons on front for a finished look.
Moon Cross-Body Bag & Satellite Charm
Bag Body (C): CO 18 sts; join; k 12 rnds. Insert a small felt circle for firmness if desired.
Flap: BO 9 sts; knit remaining 9 sts flat for 6 rows; BO.
Crescent & Star: dcst crescent in A and one tiny star in E.
Strap: A i-cord, CO 2 sts; knit 9 in/23 cm; attach to sides. Add a tiny snap or hidden stitch to keep flap closed.
Satellite Charm:
- Body: With A, CO 6 sts; join; k 6 rnds; draw closed both ends.
- Fins: With C, pick up 2 sts on opposite sides; k 2 rows; BO; repeat for second fin.
- Antenna Dot: One small stitch in F.
Attach charm to bag strap end using a short twisted cord.
Constellation Star Map
Panel: With C, CO 16 sts; knit flat—garter 2 rows, stockinette 18 rows, garter 2 rows; BO.
Stars: Using A/E, dcst a simple constellation (e.g., Ursa Minor). Add tiny lines to connect points. Block lightly to square. Tuck under one paw; a discreet stitch keeps it in place.
Assembly & Stuffing Order
- Stuff & shape: Legs first, then torso. After closing the head, needle-sculpt a gentle chin by running a thread from the back of head, exiting under nose, re-entering, and tying off at the back.
- Attach arms: Forward-tilt so paws meet in front.
- Sew ears: Slight inward tilt for alert expression.
- Dress: Pull on pants, sweatshirt, and sneakers; tie laces.
- Accessories: Position backpack straps and buttons; hang moon bag cross-body; place star map under left paw.
Finishing Details for Realism
- Cheeks: Dab a hint of rosy fabric pastel.
- Sole Ridge: Backstitch around sneaker bases with A to simulate molded rubber.
- Sparkle: One metallic thread stitch at the tail of the shooting star adds a night-glow twinkle.
- Balance: A beanlet of poly-pellets sealed in muslin inside each shoe helps the bunny stand.
Exact Measurements (to match the photo)
- Head circumference: ~7.75 in / 19.5 cm
- Ear length (sewn): 2.75 in / 7 cm; width 1.1 in / 2.8 cm
- Torso height (waist to neck): 2.8 in / 7.2 cm
- Leg length (ankle to top thigh): 2.6 in / 6.5 cm
- Arm length: 2.9 in / 7.4 cm
- Sweatshirt body length: 2.25 in / 5.7 cm
- Pants inseam: 1.8 in / 4.6 cm
- Sneaker sole: ~1.6 in / 4 cm long × 0.9 in / 2.3 cm wide
- Backpack cylinder: 2.75 in / 7 cm tall × 1.8 in / 4.6 cm diameter
- Moon bag diameter: 1.5 in / 3.8 cm
- Map square: 2.1 in / 5.3 cm
(Measurements assume the gauge given; adjust counts proportionally if your gauge differs.)
Blocking, Care & Safety
- Light steam-block accessories (map, sweatshirt pieces) before assembly; never steam the stuffed bunny directly.
- Hand-wash in cold, reshape, and air-dry flat.
- For young children, replace buttons and safety eyes with embroidered alternatives.
Troubleshooting & Customization
- Head too tall: Add fiber to the cheek area and redistribute toward the sides.
- Loose sneakers: Run a thread of clear elastic inside the collar or tack to the leg with one tiny stitch.
- Slippy beanie ring: Re-knit last round k1 tbl, p1 to tighten.
- Alternate pastel palette: Lilac pants (swap C) and mint ring (swap B) keep the soft, airy vibe.
- Removable flames: Thread tassels onto a small loop so they can detach for “day mode.”
Quick Make Timeline
- Day 1: Legs, torso to neck
- Day 2: Head, ears, arms, tail
- Day 3: Sneakers and pants
- Day 4: Sweatshirt & helmet beanie
- Day 5: Backpack, moon bag, map, satellite, finishing
