Willow Whimsy Newborn Bunny Outfit Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Garden Ears Set

Wrap your little one in the softest springtime charm with this knitted bunny outfit, featuring floppy ears and a delicate seed-stitch texture. This heirloom-quality set includes a matching hat and booties, perfect for newborn photos or baby shower gifts. The muted sage green and cream color palette evokes a rustic, woodland garden aesthetic that will be treasured for years to come.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick weekend project or a beginner ready to tackle your first garment, this pattern is designed with clarity and simplicity in mind. The seed stitch creates a beautifully textured fabric that's both cozy and visually appealing, while the floppy bunny ears add an irresistible whimsical touch. Let's dive into creating this adorable set that's sure to become a family heirloom.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in sage green – approximately 200 yards
• Contrast Color (CC): Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in cream – approximately 100 yards

Tip: Choose a soft, machine-washable cotton blend for easy care and maximum comfort against baby's delicate skin.

Needles and Tools

• US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (straight or circular, whichever you prefer)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for tracking decreases)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking). Always knit a gauge swatch before starting to ensure your finished pieces match the intended measurements.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

• Size: Newborn (0-3 months)
• Hat circumference: 12 inches
• Bootie length: 3.5 inches

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat in pieces and seamed together. Follow each section carefully, and don't hesitate to refer back to the materials list if you need clarification on any terms.

HAT (Make 1)

Cast On and Seed Stitch Brim:

With MC, cast on 60 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Rows 1-2 for seed stitch until piece measures 4 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This creates the textured brim that gives the hat its cozy, nubby feel.

Shape Crown:

Now you'll begin decreasing to shape the top of the hat. Work the following decrease rows, purling all WS rows as indicated:

Row 1 (RS): *K8, K2tog; repeat from * to end (54 stitches).

Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches.

Row 3: *K7, K2tog; repeat from * to end (48 stitches).

Row 5: *K6, K2tog; repeat from * to end (42 stitches).

Row 7: *K5, K2tog; repeat from * to end (36 stitches).

Row 9: *K4, K2tog; repeat from * to end (30 stitches).

Row 11: *K3, K2tog; repeat from * to end (24 stitches).

Row 13: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * to end (18 stitches).

Row 15: *K1, K2tog; repeat from * to end (12 stitches).

Row 17: *K2tog; repeat from * to end (6 stitches).

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to gather the crown, and secure with a knot. Sew the back seam of the hat using mattress stitch or whip stitch, weaving in all ends.

BUNNY EARS (Make 2)

Ear Body:

With CC, cast on 10 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures 4 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This creates a simple stockinette rectangle that will become the floppy ear.

Shape Ear:

Now you'll decrease to create the tapered ear shape:

Row 1 (RS): K2tog, K6, K2tog (8 stitches).

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 3: K2tog, K4, K2tog (6 stitches).

Row 4: Purl all stitches.

Row 5: K2tog, K2, K2tog (4 stitches).

Row 6: Purl all stitches.

Row 7: K2tog, K2tog (2 stitches).

Row 8: Purl all stitches.

Row 9: K2tog (1 stitch).

Cut yarn, pull through last stitch to secure.

Assemble Ear:

Fold the ear in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew the side seam to create a tube, using a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Turn the ear right side out. Flatten the ear so the seam runs along one edge. Sew a small running stitch along the base of the ear, then pull gently to gather slightly. This creates the natural, whimsical droop that makes these ears so charming.

Attach Ears to Hat:

Position the ears on the top of the hat, about 1 inch apart, with the seam facing the back. Sew securely using the CC yarn and a tapestry needle, making sure the stitches are firm but not bulky.

BOOTIES (Make 2)

Cast On and Seed Stitch Cuff:

With MC, cast on 24 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Rows 1-2 for seed stitch until piece measures 1.5 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This forms the snug ankle cuff.

Shape Instep:

You'll now work short rows to create the rounded toe area:

Row 1 (RS): K16, turn (leave remaining 8 stitches on needle).

Row 2 (WS): P8, turn.

Row 3: K8, turn.

Repeat Rows 2-3 until instep measures 1 inch from start, ending with a WS row. This creates the top of the foot.

Work Across All Stitches:

Now you'll pick up stitches along the sides of the instep to create the full bootie shape:

Row 1 (RS): K16, pick up and knit 6 stitches along side of instep, K8 (from held stitches), pick up and knit 6 stitches along other side of instep (36 stitches).

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Shape Sole:

Decrease to shape the bottom of the bootie:

Row 3 (RS): K1, K2tog, K14, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K14, K2tog, K1 (32 stitches).

Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 5 (RS): K1, K2tog, K12, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K12, K2tog, K1 (28 stitches).

Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 7 (RS): K1, K2tog, K10, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K10, K2tog, K1 (24 stitches).

Bind off all stitches loosely. Sew the back seam and bottom seam of the bootie using mattress stitch for a seamless finish. Weave in all ends.

FINISHING

Block all pieces gently by wetting them and laying them flat to dry, shaping as needed. This helps even out the stitches and gives the outfit a professional finish.

For extra charm, sew a small pom-pom (optional) at the base of each ear. You can make a simple pom-pom using a pom-pom maker or a piece of cardboard, then attach it securely with the CC yarn.

Ensure all seams are secure and soft for baby's delicate skin. Check for any loose ends and weave them in carefully. Your Willow Whimsy Newborn Bunny Outfit is now complete and ready to be gifted or treasured!

Happy knitting! This heirloom-quality set is sure to bring smiles and warmth to any little one's springtime adventures.