Big Cuddly Bunny
My hometown has an agricultural fair every August that I rarely miss. My brother watches the oxen pulls for hours and my mother lingers over the prize vegetables, but I always head straight for the rabbits! I totally love them: their blinky eyes, their fat bellies and their ridiculous ears. And so when it comes to Easter and its wonderful cast of characters, for me, the bunny wins.
Our Big Cuddly Bunny gets its shape and inspiration from this winter’s Big Snowy Owl. With a couple of key modifications a wide-eyed owl turns into a floppy-eared rabbit, full of sweet, earnest personality. Oversized and overstuffed, the Big Cuddly Bunny is just that, as loveable as the real thing!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoBigCuddlyBunny, and #PurlSohoGentleGiant. We can’t wait to see what you make!
The Materials
- Main Yarn: 6 skeins of Blue Sky’s Bulky, 50% Alpaca and 50% Wool. I used the color Polar Bear.
- Contrast Yarn (for inside the Bunny’s ears): 1 skein of Blue Sky’s Bulky. This color is Blossom.
- Scrap Yarn (for the face). Nothing in your stash? Use a small skein of Needlepoint Yarn. I used Brown Paper Package’s Trio in the color Espresso.
- A US 15 (10 mm), 20 or 24 inch, circular needle.
- A set of US 15 double pointed needles.
- 2 buttons (for the eyes), 3/4 inches in diameter. I used Purl Soho’s Large Round Buttons, color Gray.
- 2 bags of stuffing.
- Optional: a jumbo stitch marker.
- Optional: a Pom Pom Maker (for the tail).
Shop our wonderful collection of super bulky-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
The Pattern
Gauge
2½ stitches = 1 inch in stockinette
Finished Size
15 inches from ground to top of head
38 inches in circumference
The Bottom
With the Main Yarn and the double pointed needles, cast on 8 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place a stitch marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist your stitches.
Round 1: Knit into the front and back (kfb) 8 times. (16 stitches)
Round 2: Purl.
Round 3: *P1, kfb, repeat from * to end of round. (24 stitches)
Round 4: Purl.
Round 5: *P2, kfb, repeat from * to end of round. (32 stitches)
Round 6: Purl.
Round 7: *P3, kfb, repeat from * to end of round. (40 stitches)
Round 8: Purl.
Round 9: *P4, kfb, repeat from * to end of round. (48 stitches)
Round 10: Purl.
Round 11: *P5, kfb, repeat from * to end of round. (56 stitches)
Switching to the circular needle…
Round 12: Purl.
Round 13: *P13, kfb, repeat from * to end of round. (60 stitches)
Purl 6 rounds.
The Body
Knit 37 rounds.
Next Round: *K8, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (54 stitches)
Knit 2 rounds.
Next Round: *K7, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (48 stitches)
Knit 2 rounds.
Next Round: *K6, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (42 stitches)
Knit 2 rounds.
Next Round: *K5, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. (36 stitches)
Knit 2 rounds.
Turn the piece inside out and weave in the ends. Then turn it right side out and fill the bunny with a bag of stuffing.
The Bunny’s Left Ear
Remove the stitch marker, and slip the last 5 stitches you knit onto a double pointed needle.
With a second double pointed needle, knit the next 5 stitches.
Rearrange these 10 stitches onto three double pointed needles (3 stitches on two and 4 stitches on the third). Join for working in the round.
Round 1: (K4, kfb) 2 times. (12 stitches)
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: (K5, kfb) 2 times. (14 stitches)
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: (K6, kfb) 2 times. (16 stitches)
Rounds 6 and 7: Knit.
Round 8: (K7, kfb) 2 times. (18 stitches)
Rounds 9 and 10: Knit.
Round 11: (K8, kfb) 2 times. (20 stitches)
Rounds 12 and 13: Knit.
Round 14: (K9, kfb) 2 times. (22 stitches)
Rounds 15-20: Knit.
Round 21: (K9, k2tog) 2 times. (20 stitches)
Rounds 22 and 23: Knit.
Round 24: (K8, k2tog) 2 times. (18 stitches)
Rounds 25 and 26: Knit.
Round 27: (K7, k2tog) 2 times. (16 stitches)
Rounds 28 and 29: Knit.
Round 30: (K6, k2tog) 2 times. (14 stitches)
Round 31: Knit.
Round 32: (K5, k2tog) 2 times. (12 stitches)
Round 33: Knit.
Round 34: (K4, k2tog) 2 times. (10 stitches)
Round 35: Knit.
Round 36: (K3, k2tog) 2 times. (8 stitches)
Round 37: Knit.
Round 38: (K2, k2tog) 2 times. (6 stitches)
Round 39: (K1, k2tog) 2 times. (4stitches)
Round 40: (K2tog) 2 times. (2 stitches)
Bind off by passing the first stitch over the second stitch.
Cut the yarn and pull it through the remaining stitch.
The Bunny’s Right Ear
Orient your bunny so that the ear you just made is on the right (as in the above picture). Use the back circular needle to slip 8 stitches from the front needle.
Slip the next 10 stitches onto three double pointed needles (3 stitches on two and 4 stitches on the third).
Join new yarn and (kfb, k4) 2 times. (12 stitches)
Now join for working in the round…
Round 1: Knit.
Round 2: (Kfb, k5) 2 times. (14 stitches)
Round 3: Knit.
Round 4: (Kfb, k6) 2 times. (16 stitches)
Rounds 5 and 6: Knit.
Round 7: (Kfb, k7) 2 times. (18 stitches)
Rounds 8 and 9: Knit.
Round 10: (Kfb, k8) 2 times. (20 stitches)
Rounds 11 and 12: Knit.
Round 13: (Kfb, k9) 2 times. (22 stitches)
Rounds 14-19: Knit.
Round 20: (Ssk, k9) 2 times. (20 stitches)
Round 21 and 22: Knit.
Round 23: (Ssk, k8) 2 times. (18 stitches)
Round 24 and 25: Knit.
Round 26: (Ssk, k7) 2 times. (16 stitches)
Round 27 and 28: Knit.
Round 29: (Ssk, k6) 2 times. (14 stitches)
Round 30: Knit.
Round 31: (Ssk, k5) 2 times. (12 stitches)
Round 32: Knit.
Round 33: (Ssk, k4) 2 times. (10 stitches)
Round 34: Knit.
Round 35: (Ssk, k3) 2 times. (8 stitches)
Round 36: Knit.
Round 37: (Ssk, k2) 2 times. (6 stitches)
Round 38: (Ssk, k1) 2 times. (4 stitches)
Round 39: (Ssk) 2 times. (2 stitches)
Bind off by passing the first stitch over the second stitch.
Cut the yarn and pull it through the remaining stitch.
Closing
Finish stuffing your bunny, making it firm and plump.
Slide 8 stitches to one end of the circular needle and the other 8 to the other end.
Cut a piece of the Main Yarn about 24 inches long. Thread it onto a tapestry needle and graft the two sides of the bunny’s head together using the Kitchener Stitch.
As you weave in the tails, sew closed the holes.
Inside the Ears
Use the Contrast Yarn and the duplicate stitch to fill in a field of pink on the underside of each ear. Use relatively short pieces of yarn (18 inches or so). Because the yarn is single ply, a longer piece doesn’t hold up very well to the rigors of duplicate stitch!
Do the same for the other ear…
Finishing Touches
THE TAIL
Use the Main Color and the largest size of a Pom Pom Maker to make a fluffy tail. (First time using a Pom Pom Maker? Visit our tutorial here!) Use the tails of the yarn that tied off the pom pom to attach the pom pom to the bunny’s backside. Weave in the ends.
THE FACE
With a piece of dark scrap yarn, attach two buttons for the bunny’s eyes. Then embroider a simple nose and mouth, like we did or however you like!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Love!
This is adorable. How big is the final bunny? I was shocked when I read 6 skeins…
Hi Mads-
The finished size is listed under the “PATTERN” section but here it is again:
Finished Size
15 inches from ground to top of head
38 inches in circumference
It's big! Thanks for your question!
Molly
this project it's so cute that if i could learn how to knit just a bit i'll do it immedialetly,but unfortunately i'm really bad at it… do you also sell this AGH awesome cute fantastic super cuddly bunny?
Hi Anna-
We don't sell any of our finished knitting projects but if you'd like to find someone to custom knit this for you please feel free to call our NYC store. They might be able to put you in touch with someone who does commissions. Their number is 212-420-8796.
Thank you so much for your nice comment!
Molly
Thanks ur so kind 🙂 i'll definitely try to call from Italy As soon As I discover how to do it ! Thank u again 🙂
Very excited to try this bunny for my daughter's easter gift! Thank you for the pattern!
Loved making this, thanks for the lovely pattern!
I think there is a slight error in the instructions for the right ear; should Round 13 say
(Kfb,knit9) two times?
Hi Sian,
Yes!!! Thank you! I corrected the error for future bunny knitters!
Whitney
Roughly what size pom-pom maker should I be using?
Hi Jye,
Good question! The pom pom maker I used was about 3 3/4 inches in diameter.
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
i don t know if you have my answer
i just want translate made for a person in french to do bunny not for sale but for me explains in english so hard for me
thanks for answer
brigitte “matilo”
Hi Matilo-
Unfortunately no one on our staff is a fluent french speaker but we are talking to someone about doing some French translations in the future so please stay tuned.
Thank you!
Molly
I loved knitting this pattern! I thought the original size of the bunny was a little too big for me, so instead I went down to a worsted weight yarn and size 10 needles and came out with a successful bunny who is this guy's shorter, and skinnier, brother.
Hi!
Sorry I am a beginner in knitting. I was wondering for the body for the bunny, what does it mean to use double pointed needles with 8 stitches?
So 4 double pointed needles are needed? 3 stitches will be on 2 needles while 4 stitches will be on another needle?
So sorry to bother you!
Hi LiLing,
Yes, you will need a total of four double pointed needles: three for the stitches and the fourth for knitting. And you will cast on just like you said, 3 stitches on two needles and 4 on the third. If you need some more help we have a great Double Pointed Needles Tutorial right here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/double-pointed-needles-tutoria/2008/7/25/double-pointed-needles.html .
Thank you for your question and good luck!
Whitney
I am totally in love with your bunny, owl, and piggy! I may have to knit all three! Egads!
Hi
I'm still a bit of a knttingnovice, so I was wodering, Is it possible to make a smaller bunny, just by using different yarn and needlesize? Or will you need to change the pattern to get it right?
Love this! I'm having trouble doing the duplicate stitch on the ears though. How are you supposed to do this without the different colour of yarn showing up on the opposite side of the ear?
Hi Louise,
Yes! You can make a smaller bunny just by using thinner yarn and smaller needles. You don't need to change the pattern at all!
Thanks for your question!
Whitney
Hi Rachel,
You should be making your duplicate stitches just through one layer of fabric (“the underside of the ear”), never bringing your needle through to the other side of the ear.
I hope answers your question! Please let me know if you have any others and thank you for this one!
Whitney
Hello! I was just wondering about what to do when you finish the first ear. How does one re-orient the bunny? Just move stitches from one needle to another until the needles are pointing the opposite direction?
Hi Maline,
You should place the bunny so that the first ear is on the right side (like the picture). Then use the back circular needle to slip 8 stitches from the front needle. You'll then need to slide your needles around so that the back needle with the 8 stitches is now in front and the tips of the needles are pointing to the left (like the next picture).
It's kind of a funny move! Let me know if you're still confused and we'll work it out! Thanks for your question!
Whitney
Great pattern.
I'm confused about the KFB in the lower body section. Even though I am purling all the other stitches, do I move the yarn and knit into the front and back of the stich to increase? Or do I purl into the front and back?
Thanks, pat
Hi Pat,
Yes, you do move the yarn back into the knit position to make the kfb. If I remember correctly, I wrote it that way because I liked the way a kfb makes a knit, then a purl stitch. Although, I'm sure it wouldn't be the end of the world to do a purl into the front and back!
Thanks so much for your question and good luck!
Whitney
Hi! I'm almost finished with my bunny's body, and I'm really pleased so far. Reading ahead, I was surprised to see the ears aren't intarsia. Any particular reason why? I'm tempted to give it a go, but if you found intarsia just didn't work well, I'll plan to do duplicate stitch.
Thanks for such a cute pattern! I see a pig and an owl in my future.
Hi Michelle,
The reason I didn't use intarsia for the ears is because they're knit in the round. There are some techniques for knitting intarsia in the round, but they're kind of complicated and a little esoteric, so I thought that in the end, duplicate stitch would be the easiest solution.
Let us know how you do with intarsia, if you do decide to give it a try! And thank you so much for your question!
Whitney
I love this! I made the bun last year. Here she is with my real bunny, Beatrice:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56309825@N07/8697448012/in/photostream/
And here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/56309825@N07/8697449738/in/photostream/
Hi ,
I love this pattern !
If I wanted to make a smaller version…say half the size , what sized needles and yarn would I have to use ? I'd like my bunny to be about 20cm.
Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Steph,
Knitting at twice the gauge should make a bunny half the size. So, pick a worsted or light worsted yarn and knit it at 5 stitches to the inch (on whatever needles give you that gauge). Make sure to adjust the length of the body for the new proportions of your bunny!
Thanks for asking and good luck!
Whitney
Do you happen to have a crochet version of this? Knitting really hurts my hands, so I pretty much stick to only crochet now.
Hi Johanna-
We don't have a crocheted version of this but you can check out all of our crochet projects here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet-projects/
Thanks so much for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Hi, your bunny is adorable – unfortunately for me, my knitting skills are horrific…my crochet skills on the other hand, much, much, MUCH better! Any chance you might consider doing a crochet version of this? Otherwise, best I enlist the services of my mother 🙂 Thanks, Keri
Hi Keri-
We don't have plans to do a crochet version of this project right now so it might be time to call mom 😉
If you'd like to take a look at all of our crochet projects you can do so here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet-projects/
Thank you!
Molly
Do you have any idea how many ounces are in each bag of stuffing? I have a couple of bags in the house that are measured in ounces and would like to order more (if I have to) before I begin the project. Thanks so much!!
Hi Bridget-
Each bag contained 12 ounces.
Thank you!
Molly
Hi,
I love this pattern, and was sooo excited when I finally got the right sized needles so I could make this bunny for my son. I thought I had the knack of knitting in the round after making some great cuffs with my size three needles, but I had to finally give up on this project (for now) after hours of trying to get the bottom part of the pattern.
A few questions: Do you have any suggestions on how to climate myself to these enormous needles? Should I just use smaller needles and yarn and make a smaller bunny?
Second, as of today, the link to your duplicate stitch tutorial is not working. Will it be up again?
I hope to eventually make the pattern as you wrote it, and I appreciate any help you can offer. Also, on a personal note, your site inspired me to learn to knit, and I've loved the projects you post, and had great success with the ones I've tried.
Thanks,
Charlotte
Hi Charlotte,
I always remember Joelle, one of Purl Soho's owners, saying that she feels like Fred Flintstone when she uses jumbo needles. Sound familiar? It's true that big needles can be a little bit clumsy at first. Maybe you'd have more success starting out with a simple scarf first.
It's also a good idea to try the bunny with smaller needles and yarn. It would certainly be a good practice run!
Thank you for the nice comments and questions. Please let us know if you have any more and good luck!
Whitney
Hi awesome people at Purl Soho! I modified the Big Cuddly Bunny pattern a bit to make a present for my brother's girlfriend, and it came out super cute! Just wanted you guys to see it and let you know that I posted some mods for anyone else who might want to make a miniaturized and slightly differently-proportioned version. You can see Baxter the Bunny right here: http://jingersnaps.wordpress.com/2014/01/20/baxter-the-bunny-a-new-super-squishable-friend/
Thanks!
Hi,
Love this bunny pattern! Did you synthetic stuffing or wool stuffing?
Sonnie
Hi Sonnie,
I used Fairfield's Poly-fil, which, as the name implies, is synthetic. We also carry a Bamboo Fiber Fill which is 100% natural. Both work; the Poly-fil is a little lighter and fluffier, while the Bamboo is a bit denser and heavier. Both can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/72-sewing-patchwork-stuffing-batting?filters%5B%5D=1017
Thank you for the very good question, and please let us know if you have more!
Whitney
This bunny is so so sweet! I was wondering if you knew where I could get this pattern in crochet? (blasphemy, I know!) Thanks!
Jen:)
Hi Jen-
We don't have plans to do a crochet version of this pattern right now but you can check out all of our crochet patterns here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet-projects/
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Thank you! I really like how big and cozy he looks! Please let me know when you do make one in crochet! Thanks!
Hi! I loved the pattern for this, the owl, and the pig. I was wondering if you could maaaybe do a fox? I'm awful at coming up with my own designs. If you could do a pattern or even just give me tips on how to modify it, I would be super grateful. Thank you!
Hi Kelsey-
We don't have plans to do a fox pattern any time soon but thank you for the suggestion! You might want to search Ravelry for a stuffed fox pattern.
Thank you!
Molly
I've been wanting to knit this little (big) guy for a long time now, and I'm finally going to do it!
My daughter will be 2 in September, and she's getting a little sister in October. She absolutely loves ANYTHING made of yarn (she is so my daughter), and I will be making one of these to give to her when the baby's arriving. I'm so excited and I know she will ADORE it.
Thank you for the pattern!! Can't wait to get started on it – just reading through it I know I'll enjoy making this.
cutest patten, the only thing is, I ran out of yarn for the second ear. I had to buy some smaller brown yarn because nobody sold magnum near me, but it still turned out really cute. Thanks for the pattern!
Love this bunny so much that I’m planning on attempting it… nice that I’ve just become a great aunt! 🙂
Love the site!! This bunny looks like a fun project for my little ones. I plan to use the Cascade Magnum, and am curious if two skeins is enough or if I’m safer ordering three? Looks like a previous comment stated they ran out. Thanks so much for your time and the patterns!
Katerina,
So glad to hear you’ve enjoyed our patterns. The pattern takes about 270 yards, so two skeins of Magnum will fall a little short. You will have a considerable amount of the third skein left over for an extra lofty pom pom for the tail!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Thanks!! Another question: do you have another tutorial about duplicate stitch on something closed like these ears since weaving in on the other side isn’t an option? Same with the embroidered face since the bunny is stitched up. I hope this inquiry makes sense. Thank you thank you!!
Hello Katerina!
I understand what you’re asking! I’ve made many stuffed animals and I find that since the wrong side is invisible, you can simply use a crochet hook or a darning needle to pull the tails into the body of the animal and not worry too much about weaving it in super securely. Since the inside of the animal is in tact, it won’t come out. In this case (not for garments), I sometimes do tie a small knot and then just pull the tail into the body of the animal. Hope this answered your question, if not never hesitate to write us at [email protected] Thanks!
Alyson
Almost done with my big bunny!! How much stuffing was used in this pattern? I have a 32 oz bag – is that enough? Thanks! Love this!
Hi Katerina,
Thank you for your question! Your 32oz bag of stuffing should be plenty. Normally the project only needs a 12 oz bag so you should have more than enough. When you stuff it you just want to make sure that you pull stretch out the Poly-Fil as you stuff it. You don’t want to overstuff your stuffed animal or have clumps of compacted stuffing in the animal or it will get too lumpy and heavy.
I hope this answers your question and please don’t hesitate to write back if any more questions arise!
Happy Crafting!
Jake
Hi,
I made this bunny last year for my son, and he absolutely loves it–it makes a wonderfully soft pillow or sleeping partner. As easy as it was, I really struggled with the color on the ears. I never got the hang of knitting one color over another, and my pink yarn knitted over the white looked crooked and sloppy, and took away from the simple aesthetic.
I’m making another one for a gift, and I want this one to be perfect. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can knit two colors in the round, and change the pattern of the ears so that it looks the same? Or is this not really possible?
Again, it’s a lovely and simple pattern, and was a great learning project to figure out knitting with big needles and knitting in the round.
Hello Charlotte!
Sorry for the delayed response! We don’t have an alternate design for the ears right now, but if you would like to incorporate the pink into the original knitting of the body of the ear I would recommend using the color work technique called Intarsia. Take a look at our tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/06/30/intarsia/
Hope this helps! Happy knitting! -Alyson
Hi! Would this pattern work using your new gentle giant yarn? I made one a few years ago and love it, but the new yarn is so soft I’m wondering if I should make another!
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly knit this fun bunny out of Gentle Giant. You will need 6 skeins of the main color and 1 skein of the contrast color!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Thanks!!
To size the bunny down a bit, could you follow the same pattern but use the Super Soft Merino and US11 needles? If so, how many skeins of yarn would you need?
Thank you! Really excited about this pattern.
Hi Emily,
Thanks for writing in to us! I think it’s a great idea to do this in Super Soft Merino! The bunny will definitely be smaller but not by too much. I can’t say for sure how many skeins you’ll need, but I suggest getting 5-6 to be safe and exchanging the skeins you don’t use for store credit. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!
-Adam
This pattern never turns out as well as I’d like it too.
Hello Celeste,
Thank you for reaching out. Oh no! Is there something in particular that isn’t working for you in the pattern? I would love to help if I can.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi,
Instead of using double-pointed needles, can I use circular needles to replace it? As I have no idea how to use the dp needles.
Thanks.
Hi Maureen,
Thanks for writing in! The reason that we use DPNs here is that 16 inch circulars are too large to knit the small circumference of the rabbit ears. We do have a DPN tutorial or you could try magic loop and use a longer needle!
Best,
Cassy
Hi Cassy,
Thanks for your reply. I will try the “magic loop” method.
Cheers,
Maureen
Hi! Oo I hope you are still seeing comments on this!
I am working on bunny’s first ear, and it appears that the wrong side is showing on the front. The knit looking stitches are ending up inside the ear. I am sure it is something I am doing wrong, any idea what that could be? I am an experienced knitter and usually don’t run into this problem. Thanks!
Hi Julia,
Thanks for reaching out! It sounds like you might be knitting on the wrong side of the circle or triangle formed by the double pointed needles. When you first start the ear, you should make sure that you are knitting on the side of the triangle closest to you, not the side farthest away from you, so that the right side of the knit stitches lines up with the right side previously established in the body of the bunny.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
You were correct!! Thanks so much! My bunny came out adorably!
HI!!! I’m starting the FIRST ear. I slipped the first 5 stitches onto a DPN, and then it says KNIT THE NEXT 5 with a second DPN. I’m super confused? Do I add yarn? as my tail (yarn) is connected to the first DPN. Does that make ANY sense? I’m not the greatest knitter, and it’s probably something really dumb. LOL.
Hi Jess,
Thank you for writing in! Not to worry, it sounds like you simply slipped the next 5 stitches onto a dpn instead of the last 5 stitches. With your previous 5 completed knit stitches on your first dpn, your working yarn should be in the right position to continue knitting onto a second dpn. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting!
Gaby
I’ve just begun this adorable bunny and am so pleased that it can be used as a small pillow! That hadn’t occurred to me. I’m knitting this and other stuffed toys to send to refugee Ukrainian children through a church knitting group and love the thought of a wee head snuggled up on it.