How to knit a bunny rabbit – free pattern and step by step tutorial. I fell in love instantly when I first came across Claire Garland’s Dot Pebbles knitting patterns. She has created a menagerie of knitted bunnies, mice, foxes, baby deer and other animals that really do tug at your heart strings. Claire somehow manages to capture the essential beauty and vulnerability of baby animals in her knitting.
If you’re looking for a craft project to do over the Easter holidays, I have just the thing! Claire has kindly shared her pattern to knit an Easter bunny with all the details you need to make one yourself. Or make a whole family of them and fill your home with adorable knitted Easter loveliness!
Download your FREE Easter Bunny knitting pattern
To download your FREE Easter Bunny knitting pattern with full details of how to knit your own Easter Bunny, click here >> Easter Bunny Knitting Pattern PDF
bunny rabbit free knitting pattern pdf download
Simple to make, and probably the cutest baby bunny pattern out there, why not have a go yourself? I’d love to see how you get on.
knit a bunny rabbit step by step images
This usefully marked image shows you how your finished knitted piece should look before you start sewing it up
Using the marker pins will help you line up before sewing together.
This video tutorial by Claire is really helpful when you come to make up your knitted rabbit:
5 essential tips from Claire
1 Don’t overstuff
Definitely my number one tip when you knit a bunny rabbit – don’t over stuff! If you look at real bunnies they are quite loose-fleshy so try and emulate this with your stuffing – especially around the neck and chin and belly areas.
2 Take time to mould the face
Play around with the face squishing. By that I mean use you fingers to indent the eyes, finding that correct bunny face look, before working the stitches that will create the eventual ‘face squish’. Then add in your eyes.
3 Experiment with different yarn
I’ve just bought some hand-dyed yarn which has specks of brown within it which I can’t wait to try out with some mohair. Note: I love knitting with mohair but it’s not a suitable material for babies under one year old.
4 Consider ‘felting’ your bunny
If you wanted ‘extra’ fluffiness and you’ve used pure wool or alpaca – or maybe cashmere – why not slightly ‘felt’ your bunny? To do this: when the bunny is completed wash it in warm water with a tiny amount of liquid soap. Gently rub and agitate the toy by hand before rinsing out completely and rolling in a towel to remove excess water. Re-shape and sculpt then leave to dry away from direct heat.
5 Make bunny bespoke
If you wanted to embroider some distinct markings on your (knitted) bunny then you could work some ‘duplicate stitch’, i.e. embroidering the ‘v’ shape to mirror the already knitted stitch in patches over the body or face. Knit a bunny rabbit your way.
Follow #IMadeThisRabbit for inspiration
And finally, when you are finished, or if you want more inspiration – then follow along with my hashtag #IMadeThisRabbit on @dotpebbles_knits Instagram or my facebook page with the same hashtag name.
thanks to @funkyfibres and @lillinthemoon for these two lovely images saved to the hashtag.
INFORMATION
Dot Pebbles is listed in the From Britain with Love directory here >>
How to receive all of Claire’s free patterns
Sign up for #freebiefridayknits bimonthly free knitting patterns by Claire here
Where to buy Dot Pebbles patterns
Claire sells a range of her knitting patterns 0n Ravelry and Etsy including these adorable bunnies:
Knit a bunny rabbit inspiration:
If you are inspired to try knitting more rabbits, you might like to try these other adorable bunny patterns by Claire (available to buy in her stores listed above)
You can also buy Claire’s Wild Rabbit pattern and knitting kit from her Etsy shop here
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96 Comments
Where do I obtain this lovely pattern?
You should be able to click the link above the pattern PDF to download it – or with this URL https://www.frombritainwithlove.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/EasterBunny.pdf
Thank you
Adoreable..lovely😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Can you send it on Messenger on Facebook?
You should be able to get the pattern here: https://www.frombritainwithlove.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/EasterBunny.pdf
hope that helps!
How can i get this free pattern please.
Hi the free pattern PDF is linked to from the blog post – and also here https://www.frombritainwithlove.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/EasterBunny.pdf
Unable to download this pattern using links provided. Can you please advise?
Just tested it and working fine for me… can you get the PDF here?: https://www.frombritainwithlove.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/EasterBunny.pdf ?
This is gorgeous!! Thank you for sharing
I’m so glad you like it – do share a photo if you make one!
Thank you for sharing, I will knit it soon!
Glad you like it – enjoy!
A couple of these are crocheted is there a pattern for those too??
I did a bit of a search and found this… https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/p/crochet-bunny-crochet-pattern-by-dot-pebbles hope that helps!
Thankyou..😜
Good morning, oh, I so wish I could knit. I’m in love with your bunnies. Do you also crochet the little creatures?
So glad you love the bunnies too! I’ve just had a look through Claire’s patterns on Ravelry and can’t see a crochet bunny. Maybe contact her directly via the links in her directory listing – links at top and bottom of this blog post. Good luck!
Thank you so much and to Dot Pebbles! Can’t wait to make them for my girls! 💙
Enjoy! would love to see your finished bunnies!X
Can you buy one or can you not buy one so cute I am not that talented
Hi Sarah – Claire doesn’t sell the finished bunnies as far as I know – just a wide range of patterns, some easier than others…
I love this pattern but am a little confused when I get to the legs do I do them separately? I this is the first thing I’ve ever knitted properly so I really want to finish it
Hope you manaaged to sort by contacting Claire directly via the email address I shared claire@dotpebblesknits.com 😊
Do you have a crochet pattern for this bunny?
There’s no crochet pattern as far as I know but there is the free knitting pattern: https://www.frombritainwithlove.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/EasterBunny.pdf hope that helps! 😊
Since writing this, I have found one crochet pattern by Dot Pebbles if helpful… https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/p/crochet-bunny-crochet-pattern-by-dot-pebbles
Just love this bunny. I’ve downloaded the pattern but I get stuck on the section of the left hind leg. my bunny looks all out of proportion when I’ve done the short rows after row 38. The pattern doesn’t seem to have rows 39 to 60. Please help. I really want to finish this little baby. Thank you.
If you’re stuck, Claire (who created the pattern) is happy to help via email Claire Garland
Grazie di cuore! Il coniglietto è fantastico!❤
Il mio piacere e grazie! X
I am about to start making this adorable bunny, I was noticing the stitch markers you have. I just have the rings. Will they work or will they be stuck in the bunny? Do I need to be able to take the markers out of the piece?
Thanks!!
Hi Claire has replied to your question:
yes, plastic makers are fine or just strands of coloured yarn – they must be removable though
Hope that helps and good luck with your bunny!
Hello Billi Jo
I have asked Claire your question and will post her answer here when we have it!
Thanks
Laura
So excited for this little rabbit I’ve been knitting all day! I’m a little stuck at the 25 st pickup for belly how should the tail be? Do I pinch the tail together and keep picking up on both sides of the tail?
So glad you’re enjoying making this bunny! I have asked Claire about your question – will post here as soon as I hear back!
Hi
Claire has replied: Turn out to RS, mattress sew the tail seam
Hope that helps and good luck with your bunny!
I need help! finished the first piece and I’m unable to see where I need to pick up the 25 stitches for the belly. left thigh marker downwards to where exactly?
Thank you for your help!
christine
Hope you managed to sort by contacting Claire directly via the email address I shared claire@dotpebblesknits.com 😊
Hi did you find out how to do this? I’m in need too? Please? 😃
I can’t find where in the pattern I was supposed to put the outter thigh marker. Is it at the color change before the cast on for the short rows?
Hi – I have passed your query on to Claire asking her to contact you directly with the answer – good luck!
I need help! finished the first piece and I’m unable to see where I need to pick up the 25 stitches for the belly. left thigh marker downwards to where exactly?
Thank you for your help!
I seem to have missed where the thigh markers go . .which row? I am knitting a single colour so am also confused with page 4. . . left hind leg is that actually the thigh as shown in pix? can there be another cast on method for these rows as I am not familiar or as working in one colour am confused . . . sorry must be getting too old
Hi Faye – I have passed your query on to Claire asking her to contact you directly with the answer – good luck!
Hi, also at same stage. Do not understand what pick up and knit round to right Thigh means. Pattern confusing.
Hope you managed to sort by contacting Claire directly via the email address I shared claire@dotpebblesknits.com 😊
In case you still need some help finishing your bunny, Claire (whose pattern it is) is very happy to answer questions by email: claire@dotpebblesknits.com Good luck !
Hi Laura. Thanks for sharing the bunny pattern! I’m on page 8 now and about to create the belly but I’m a bit confused how to kick up the left thigh marker and knit 25 sts to the right side. Can you please instruct me or show me a picture 🙂 Thanks!
Yes me too,please
Hi – best to contact Claire directly be email – she’s happy to answer any queries etc directly claire@dotpebblesknits.com Happy knitting and hope that helps!
Hi Laura, I’m having the same issue as Charlene, I don’t understand how the belly is knitted.
Thanks!
Please do you have this explications in franch
Thanks.
Bonjour – I hope the translated pattern instructions I sent over worked for you! 😊
I’m a little confused on the belly. It goes Row 26 P, then the short rows to create the mouth, but then it picks up with Row 34. What are rows 27-33 supposed to be? Thanks for your help! 🙂
Hope you managed to sort by contacting Claire directly via the email address I shared claire@dotpebblesknits.com 😊
Hi there. Can someone help please. I have completed to row 69 and have 41sts. The next instruction is …..
“separate lower back from hind legs”.
Then “P31″…..
Not sure what to do here.
Help please.
Many thanks
Denise
Hope you managed to sort by contacting Claire directly via the email address I shared claire@dotpebblesknits.com 😊
Is the black otter Rex rabbit pictured in your post yours? If so I can tell the front legs have been adapted. Would you care to share what you did differently? And any other adaptions you made. I love love love the shape of the Ottter Rex pictured. I just finished my first and I should have spent more time shaping before I sewed her up! I will be using these tips next time!
Would love to see your next Rex rabbit! Claire is happy to answer any questions directly via email if you’d like to contact her about how she adapted her black otter Rex rabbit pictured… claire@dotpebblesknits.com 😊
I loved the pattern. Can you please give instructions on how to finish the inside of the ears? I didn’t see it in the pattern.
Thank you
I love this pattern but am a little confused when I get to the legs do I do them separately? I this is the first thing I’ve ever knitted properly so I really want to finish it
Hi Hollie
I don’t know if you’re still stuck, but if you need help, Claire is happy to assist if you email her directly claire@dotpebblesknits.com
hope that helps!
Hi Laura, I have Claire’s bunny pattern and wondering if one can sell the made up bunny. I have seen them for sale on Etsy but is this an infringement of Claire’s copywrite?
Hi Judith
It’s probably best you ask Claire about this directly – her email address is claire@dotpebblesknits.com
Good luck and thanks for checking 😊
Hello. I’ve either gone horribly wrong or instruction for sewing in the belly is missing. Which is it?
Hello Frankie – best thing to do is to email Claire directly with your question – she is happy to answer an queries via claire@dotpebblesknits.com
Good luck!
These are seriously cute! Wish I knew how to knit. Thanks for the inspiration.
It’s never too late to learn…😊
Thank you sooo much for this free pattern !
my pleasure – glad you enjoyed!
I don’t know how to knit but i would like to have one of these bunnies. Do you have an online shop? Greetings from México.
Thank you for the FREE pattern! I’m excited to make four of these for my grandchildren! Your pictures are perfect! I’m a moderate level knitter – so we will see how it goes!
Thanks so much hope you enjoyed! 😊
Hello! I’m writing from the United States. I feel very lucky to have found your site and the Easter bunny pattern. I have just finished the tail (mine seems a little off but that’s fine). I plan on knitting some Christmas clothes for the bunny when I finish it. I think the shaping is absolutely amazing. I’ve never worked on a pattern like this and am awed. Thank you for offering it for free.
When my sister and I were young, we dreamed of being British. My sister’s Brit name was Amelia Elizabeth Bentley (after the car), and mine was Sarah Elizabeth Crumpet (sorry – didn’t know what a crumpet was, just knew it was British). Now I have to revive those dreams, and hope that one day I can ‘Knit like a Brit.’
So lovely to hear from you and I LOVE your Brit name – I am quite partial to a buttered crumpet with a good cup of tea…! It’s great to have you here and I’m so glad you enjoyed making the bunny! X
I’m planning on making this gorgeous pattern for an infant and don’t want to put the eye attchments for fear they could be a choking hazard. Any thoughts on alternatives? Have you seen anyone make without? Wonder if the magic would be lost?
Hi Vanessa
You could always try felted eyes – Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts has a great tutorial here https://lincolnshirefenncraftsblog.com/2019/10/03/8-easy-steps-to-needle-felted-animal-eyes/
Some of the pics have bunnies with jackets, does the pattern come with the jacket?
Hi – not as far as I know, but you could always ask Claire Garland (whose pattern it is)… claire@dotpebblesknits.com
hope that helps!
Hi Vanessa
You could always try felted eyes – Lincolnshire Fenn Crafts has a great tutorial here https://lincolnshirefenncraftsblog.com/2019/10/03/8-easy-steps-to-needle-felted-animal-eyes/
Her email doesn’t work just FYI.
Hi Not sure what the problem is – I’ve emailed her recently on that email address no problem – but Claire does have another email address to try if you still need help – claire.garland@btopenworld.com
Hope that helps
dutch rabbit pattern has a mistake on page 28 left foreleg says to pickup 4 sts should be 6 sts to match other leg
Hi Carol – just to let you know that Claire has updated and improved the free bunny rabbit knitting pattern – hope it helps! https://www.frombritainwithlove.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Easter-Bunny-for-Love-Knitting1.pdf
Hello. I can’t knit to save my life. Is there anywhere I can buy one of these rabbits ready made? Sorry if you are going to gasp in horror at my audacity!!
Annie
Sorry don’t think Claire sells them ready made… perhaps worth a look on etsy or similar?
Hello: Did anyone else find that row 61 said to knit 15 stitches to end and you had 16 stitches? I have a total of 43 stitches on the needle if I knit the 16 to end. Then cast on six for next row (49 stitches)? Once you get to row 63 there are two decreases which leave 47 on needle.
Hi Susan – Claire has updated and improved the pattern – we’ve replaced the previous pattern, or you can download it here https://www.frombritainwithlove.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Easter-Bunny-for-Love-Knitting1.pdf hope it helps!
As noted several times in the comments, the instructions don’t include placement of the outer thigh marker but do refer to that marker later. The answer here is always the same, contact Claire directly. Perhaps you could contact her for clarification on thus point on post the answer rather than having each individual do so? Or post a link to updated directions where that oversight has been corrected? Much aporeciated!
Claire has kindly amended and improved the pattern – we’ve replaced the previous pattern. You can also download the updated and improved pattern here https://www.frombritainwithlove.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Easter-Bunny-for-Love-Knitting1.pdf with a few more images to help you with the making up.
Hi, I love the bunny and am knitting it right now, but I’ve got to the belly and it says begin at left outer thigh marker etc. I’ve looked and looked at the pattern, but cannot find where it said I should have placed them, so I dont have any….. I’m so glad for the photo, I can guess at it, but where should they be placed please?
Hi Sara best thing to do is to email Claire directly with your query. Hope that helps and happy knitting! claire.garland@btopenworld.com
Hi, I’m halfway through making this cute bunny and wondered if there’s a pattern for his little jacket! Thank you in advance
Tracey 😊
Hello, I haven’t knitted since I was in my teens/twenties, I’m over sixty. I really want to try this since I’m a grama now and making gifts for a grandson would be so fun. Thank you for sharing.
This is the most adorable bunny I’ver ever seen… I will need to knit it in the future, I is in my to do list ♥️
Love from Brazil!