Introduction

If you’re looking for a sweet and heartwarming knitting project, this knitted bunny plush toy is the perfect choice. Soft, cuddly, and dressed in a colorful sweater, it makes a wonderful handmade gift for children, friends, or even as a seasonal decoration for Easter or springtime.

This beginner-friendly pattern will guide you step by step, even if you are new to toy knitting. You will learn how to shape the bunny, knit its adorable sweater, and assemble all the parts neatly. By the end of this project, you’ll have your very own handmade knitted bunny to cherish or gift.

The best part? You can easily customize the bunny’s sweater with different colors, patterns, or embellishments to make each one unique.

Materials Needed

Before you start, gather the following materials:

• Yarn:
  1. White (for body, ears, and base) – worsted weight, soft acrylic or cotton.
  2. Pink (for ear lining and nose) – light pink, worsted or DK weight.
  3. Blue or Green (for sweater) – worsted weight yarn in your choice of color.
  4. Optional: Any contrast yarn for sweater patterns.
• Knitting Needles:
  1. 3.5 mm (US size 4) straight needles.
  2. You can also use double-pointed needles (DPNs) if you prefer knitting in the round.
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill (toy stuffing).
• Tapestry Needle: For sewing parts together and weaving in ends.
• Scissors
• Stitch Markers (optional, but useful for tracking increases/decreases).
• Buttons: A small button for sweater decoration (as shown in the picture).
• Safety Eyes or Black Yarn: For facial features (eyes).

Abbreviations and Techniques Used

Here are the abbreviations and knitting stitches you will use in this pattern:

• k – knit
• p – purl
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• kfb – knit into front and back of the same stitch (increase)
• k2tog – knit two stitches together (decrease)
• p2tog – purl two stitches together (decrease)
• CO – cast on
• BO – bind off
• rnd(s) – round(s)

Techniques to know:

• Casting on and binding off.
• Stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl the next if working flat).
• Simple increases and decreases for shaping.
• Mattress stitch (for sewing seams).
• Basic embroidery for face details.

Knitting the Bunny – Step by Step

We will knit the bunny in sections: Body, Head, Ears, Sweater, and Finishing Touches.

1. Bunny Body

With white yarn:

• CO 24 sts.
• Work in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) for 16 rows.
• Begin shaping:
  1. Row 17: k2, kfb repeat across (32 sts).
  2. Row 18: Purl all.
  3. Row 19: k3, kfb repeat across (40 sts).
  4. Row 20: Purl all.
• Work even in stockinette for 10 rows.
• Begin decreasing for shaping:
  1. Row 31: k3, k2tog repeat across (32 sts).
  2. Row 32: Purl all.
  3. Row 33: k2, k2tog repeat across (24 sts).
  4. Row 34: Purl all.
  5. Row 35: k1, k2tog repeat across (16 sts).
• BO all sts.

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Assembly for body:

• Fold piece in half, sew up the seam, leaving bottom open.
• Stuff firmly with fiberfill.
• Sew bottom closed.

2. Bunny Head

With white yarn:

• CO 24 sts.
• Work in stockinette stitch for 8 rows.
• Row 9: k2, kfb repeat (32 sts).
• Row 10: Purl all.
• Row 11: k3, kfb repeat (40 sts).
• Row 12–20: Work even in stockinette.
• Row 21: k3, k2tog repeat (32 sts).
• Row 22: Purl all.
• Row 23: k2, k2tog repeat (24 sts).
• Row 24: Purl all.
• Row 25: k1, k2tog repeat (16 sts).
• Row 26: Purl all.
• Row 27: k2tog across (8 sts).
• Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight.

Assembly for head:

• Stuff with fiberfill.
• Sew to top of body.

3. Bunny Ears (make 2)

With white yarn:

• CO 10 sts.
• Work in stockinette for 4 rows.
• Begin shaping:
  1. Row 5: k2tog, knit across, k2tog (8 sts).
  2. Row 6: Purl across.
  3. Row 7: k2tog, knit across, k2tog (6 sts).
  4. Row 8: Purl across.
  5. Row 9: k2tog, knit across, k2tog (4 sts).
• BO all sts.

Inner ear (optional, with pink yarn):

• CO 8 sts, knit 4 rows, BO.
• Sew onto white ear.

Assembly:

• Attach ears to top of head.

4. Bunny Sweater

Choose blue or green yarn:

• CO 28 sts.
• Work 4 rows in rib stitch (k1, p1).
• Switch to stockinette and knit 10 rows.
• Optional: Add colorwork or contrast stitches in white.
• BO and seam into a tube.
• Slip sweater over bunny’s body before attaching head if preferred.

Collar:

• Pick up sts around neckline with sweater color yarn.
• Knit 4–6 rows in rib stitch (k1, p1).
• BO loosely.

Optional decoration:

• Sew a small button at the front.

5. Finishing Touches

• Face: Use black yarn or safety eyes for eyes. Embroider a small pink nose and mouth.
• Assembly: Ensure all seams are secure and stuffing is even.
• Final shaping: Gently squeeze and shape bunny so it stands nicely.

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Optional Tips and Variations

• Change Sweater Colors: Use stripes, Fair Isle patterns, or even a festive red for Christmas.
• Add Accessories: Knit a tiny scarf, bow tie, or hat to give the bunny personality.
• Make a Family: Knit multiple bunnies in different sizes using thicker or thinner yarn.
• Gift Ideas: Perfect for Easter baskets, baby showers, or as holiday decorations.
• Safety Tip: If making for a baby, embroider eyes instead of using plastic safety eyes.

Final Thoughts

This knitted bunny plush toy in a cozy sweater is a project that combines fun, learning, and creativity. Whether you are making it as a thoughtful gift or adding it to your own collection, it’s sure to bring joy.

The pattern is beginner-friendly yet leaves plenty of room for personalization. Once you make your first bunny, you may find yourself creating an entire collection of bunnies in different colors and outfits.

Knitting toys is not only rewarding but also an excellent way to improve your knitting skills in shaping, sewing, and finishing. Take your time, enjoy each stitch, and watch your bunny come to life.