Stuffed Bunny Out of a Knitted Square
by TheHandCraftHob in Craft > Knitting & Crochet
1029 Views, 2 Favorites, 0 Comments
Stuffed Bunny Out of a Knitted Square
These knitted bunnies are very easy to make, so they are perfect for last minute gifts and decorations. You can make them in any size, with almost infinite variations.
Note: Medium size yarn works well for most sizes but for a few exceptions. If you are making a bunny three inches square or smaller, it is best to use sock yarn and small needles. (sizes 1, 2, and 3) When you are making a bigger bunny, take into consideration whether you want the bunny to be squishy, or firm. Use medium yarn for a squishy bunny, and bulky yarn for a firmer bunny.
Supplies
- Knitting needles in size four (3.5 mm)
- Yarn (For this project I am using: I Love This Yarn, medium weight in brown for the body, and white for the tail and features)
- Stuffing
- Tapestry needle
- Pins
- Pompom maker (optional)
- Crochet hook (optional)
Casting On
For this project, I am casting on 30 stitches.
Knitting the Square
Begin Knitting in Garter stitch until the length of your square is the same as its width. To easily tell if you have a perfect square, fold the knitted fabric diagonally against the needle. If it lines up with the opposite corner, you've finished knitting and can bind off and cut the tail.
Note: I have found that more simple, solid stitches work best for this project. Examples are the Garter and the Seed stitch. You can also do Stockinette, but personally I like textured stitches better.
Shaping the Bunny's Head
For this step you need a long strand of yarn in the same color as your square and a tapestry needle. I am using a different color yarn so you can see what I am doing.
First fold the square in half vertically, and place a pin at the top of the square where the fold is. This is where you will start knitting. Next, fold the square in half horizontally, and place a pin where the fold is on one side of the square.
Thread the needle, and insert it at the top where you placed the pin. Begin stitching in the running stitch diagonally towards the pin on the side of the square. You are basically going to make a triangle in the top half of the square. End where you started and leave the tail. Remove both pins.
Next, grab both tails and pull them slightly until the area in the middle of the triangle looks like a bowl. Stuff the head, and pull the strings as tight as they will go, so that there is only a little space left at the back of the head between the ears. Tie the yarn, and cut it to about two inches length.
Completing the Body
Take another long strand of yarn and insert it from the inside just behind the head. Sew the back using the Overcast stitch until you come to where the tail will be. Stuff the body to desired firmness, and finish sewing the body. Bind off, and cut the yarn to about two inches. With the yarn still on the needle, push the needle through the body, making sure the distance to the point where the needle will exit is long enough so that the yarn will be left in the body when you pull the needle out. Do the same to any other yarn tails.
Note: When you begin to sew the body, it is best to sew through the tail a few times so your stitches won't come undone.
Making the Bunny Tail
Using either a pom-pom maker, cardboard, or some other method, make a pom-pom scaled according to your bunny's size with contrasting yarn. When you tie the pom-pom, make sure to leave a long tail. Thread the pom-pom tail through the behind of the bunny. Tie with a good knot so it stays put, and draw the tail through the body.
Stitching the Face
With contrasting yarn, stitch the eyes and nose of the bunny. If you want, you can also add whiskers. I like to use a separate piece of yarn for each. Begin every feature by tying the yarn to the spot you want the feature to be. Draw the tail through the head, and hide the knot under your stitches. Do the same when you end.
Done!
There you have it! An adorable, easy bunny. If you want, you can crochet a chain and make your bunny a bow:) I hope you like this project, comment down below with any questions.
Ideas For Projects:
- Key chain
- Easter bunny decor
- Garland of bunnies