The Woodland Slumber Bunny Lovey: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Heirloom-Quality Security Blanket

The Woodland Slumber Bunny Lovey: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Heirloom-Quality Security Blanket

Knitted in a soft, heathered oatmeal yarn, this bunny lovey features a richly textured basketweave body and a sweet, dimensional bunny head with long, floppy ears. It's the perfect, cozy companion for a little one's first adventures. This pattern is designed for beginners who want to create a beautiful, heirloom-quality gift. The combination of a simple basketweave stitch and a basic stuffed animal head makes this project both rewarding and achievable.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in a soft, heathered oatmeal (approx 250-300 yards). Small amounts of contrasting yarn for inner ears and nose (e.g., a dusty rose or soft blush).
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles (straight or circular for blanket body). US Size 6 (4.0mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for bunny head and ears.
• Gauge: 20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles.
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, tapestry needle for weaving ends and assembly, stitch markers (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blanket Body (worked flat)

Cast on 60 stitches with larger needles and oatmeal yarn.

• Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches (garter stitch border).
• Row 5 (RS): K4, *P4, K4; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, K4.
• Row 6 (WS): K4, *K4, P4; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, K4.
• Rows 7-8: Repeat Rows 5-6.
• Row 9 (RS): K4, *K4, P4; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, K4.
• Row 10 (WS): K4, *P4, K4; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, K4.
• Rows 11-12: Repeat Rows 9-10.
• Repeat Rows 5-12 until blanket measures approximately 12 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
• Final 4 rows: Knit all stitches.
• Bind off loosely. Weave in ends.

Bunny Head (worked in the round on DPNs)

With smaller DPNs and oatmeal yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Distribute evenly on 3 needles (2 sts per needle). Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.

• Round 1: Knit all stitches.
• Round 2: *Kfb (knit front and back); repeat from * around (12 sts).
• Round 3: Knit all stitches.
• Round 4: *Kfb, K1; repeat from * around (18 sts).
• Round 5: Knit all stitches.
• Round 6: *Kfb, K2; repeat from * around (24 sts).
• Rounds 7-12: Knit all stitches (6 rounds even).
• Round 13: *K2tog, K2; repeat from * around (18 sts).
• Round 14: Knit all stitches.
• Round 15: *K2tog, K1; repeat from * around (12 sts).
• Round 16: Knit all stitches.
• Round 17: K2tog around (6 sts).
• Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Ears (make 2, worked flat)

With smaller needles and oatmeal yarn, cast on 6 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: K1, M1L (make one left), K4, M1R (make one right), K1 (8 sts).
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.
• Row 5: K1, M1L, K6, M1R, K1 (10 sts).
• Row 6: Purl all stitches.
• Rows 7-14: Work in stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS) for 8 rows.
• Row 15: K1, K2tog, K4, SSK (slip slip knit), K1 (8 sts).
• Row 16: Purl all stitches.
• Row 17: K1, K2tog, K2, SSK, K1 (6 sts).
• Row 18: Purl all stitches.
• Bind off. Weave in ends.

Inner Ear (make 2): With contrasting yarn, cast on 4 stitches and work in stockinette for 10 rows, then bind off. Sew inner ear to center of each ear.

Assembly

1. Stuff the bunny head firmly with fiberfill.
2. Sew the ears to the top of the head, positioning them to flop forward slightly.
3. Using contrasting yarn, embroider a small 'Y' shape for the nose and two small straight stitches for eyes (or use safety eyes if preferred).
4. Sew the bunny head securely to the center of the blanket body, positioning it about 2 inches from the top edge.
5. Weave in all remaining ends.