Meadow Mallow Bunny Free Pattern – Knit a Cloud-Soft Spring Companion

There is something truly magical about creating a handmade keepsake that will be treasured for generations. The Meadow Mallow Bunny is exactly that kind of project—an heirloom-quality soft toy knitted in a dreamy palette of oat, blush, and sage. With its long floppy ears, round plump body, and hand-stitched wildflower crown, this bunny brings a whisper of meadow magic to any nursery, shelf, or gift box. Whether you're an experienced knitter looking for a heartfelt project or a beginner ready to stretch your skills, this pattern is designed to guide you every step of the way. Let's pick up our needles and create something truly special.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Having everything ready will make your knitting session smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in the following colors:
  • Oat (MC) – main color for the body, head, ears, arms, and legs
  • Blush (CC1) – for some of the flowers
  • Sage (CC2) – for the remaining flowers
  • Buttercup yellow – small amount for the flower centers
• Knitting Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) for the body, head, ears, arms, and legs
• Crochet Hook: US 3 (3.25 mm) for the flower crown
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming and embroidery
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or your preferred soft toy stuffing
• Small amount of dark brown or black yarn: For embroidering the face

Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 5 needles. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension ensures a firm fabric that will hold its shape beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is knitted flat in pieces and then seamed, making it accessible for knitters of all levels. All pieces are worked in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side) unless otherwise noted. You'll use two simple increases and decreases throughout: kfb (knit front and back – knit into the front of the stitch, then into the back of the same stitch before slipping it off) and k2tog (knit two together). Let's begin!

Body (Make 1, Starting at Bottom)

Using your main color (MC) and US 5 needles, cast on 12 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2: Kfb across all stitches – you will now have 24 stitches.
• Row 3: Knit all stitches.
• Row 4: *K1, kfb* repeat from * to end of row – you will now have 36 stitches.
• Rows 5-12: Knit even (8 rows of plain knitting).
• Row 13: *K4, k2tog* repeat from * to end – you will now have 30 stitches.
• Row 14: Knit all stitches.
• Row 15: *K3, k2tog* repeat from * to end – you will now have 24 stitches.
• Row 16: Knit all stitches.
• Row 17: *K2, k2tog* repeat from * to end – you will now have 18 stitches.
• Row 18: Knit all stitches.
• Row 19: *K1, k2tog* repeat from * to end – you will now have 12 stitches.
• Row 20: Knit all stitches.
• Row 21: K2tog across all stitches – you will now have 6 stitches.

Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 6 stitches on your needle. Pull tight to gather, and secure. Seam the side of the body using mattress stitch or whip stitch, leaving the bottom open. Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill, shaping it into a round, plump form. Once stuffed, sew the bottom opening closed with your tapestry needle. Set aside.

Head (Make 1, Starting at Nose)

Using MC and US 5 needles, cast on 8 stitches.

• Row 1: Knit all stitches.
• Row 2: Kfb across all stitches – you will now have 16 stitches.
• Row 3: Knit all stitches.
• Row 4: *K1, kfb* repeat from * to end – you will now have 24 stitches.
• Rows 5-10: Knit even (6 rows of plain knitting).
• Row 11: *K2, k2tog* repeat from * to end – you will now have 18 stitches.
• Row 12: Knit all stitches.
• Row 13: *K1, k2tog* repeat from * to end – you will now have 12 stitches.
• Row 14: Knit all stitches.
• Row 15: K2tog across all stitches – you will now have 6 stitches.

Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through the remaining 6 stitches, pull tight, and secure. Seam the back of the head, leaving the neck opening unsewn. Stuff the head firmly, shaping it into a round ball. Leave the neck opening open for now – you'll attach it to the body later.

Ears (Make 2)

Using MC and US 5 needles, cast on 6 stitches.

• Row 1: Knit all stitches.
• Row 2: Kfb, k4, kfb – you will now have 8 stitches.
• Rows 3-14: Knit even (12 rows of plain knitting).
• Row 15: K2tog, k4, k2tog – you will now have 6 stitches.
• Row 16: Knit all stitches.
• Row 17: K2tog, k2, k2tog – you will now have 4 stitches.
• Row 18: Knit all stitches.

Bind off all stitches. Fold each ear in half lengthwise (with the right sides together) and seam the side, leaving the base open. Do not stuff the ears – they should remain flat and floppy. Turn the ears right side out. Set aside.

Arms (Make 2)

Using MC and US 5 needles, cast on 5 stitches.

• Row 1: Knit all stitches.
• Row 2: Kfb, k3, kfb – you will now have 7 stitches.
• Rows 3-12: Knit even (10 rows of plain knitting).
• Row 13: K2tog, k3, k2tog – you will now have 5 stitches.

Bind off all stitches. Seam the side of each arm, leaving the top open. Stuff each arm lightly – just enough to give it shape, but keep them soft and flexible. Set aside.

Legs (Make 2)

Using MC and US 5 needles, cast on 6 stitches.

• Row 1: Knit all stitches.
• Row 2: Kfb across all stitches – you will now have 12 stitches.
• Rows 3-10: Knit even (8 rows of plain knitting).
• Row 11: K2tog across all stitches – you will now have 6 stitches.

Bind off all stitches. Seam the side of each leg, leaving the top open. Stuff each leg firmly so the bunny can sit upright. Set aside.

Flower Crown (Crochet, Make 5 Flowers)

Using your crochet hook (US 3 / 3.25 mm) and either CC1 (blush) or CC2 (sage), make a magic ring. If you're not familiar with a magic ring, you can chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring instead.

• Round 1: Work 5 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.
• Round 2: *Chain 2, work 2 double crochet (dc) into the next stitch, chain 2, slip stitch into the same stitch* – repeat from * to * 4 more times to form 5 petals total.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches) for sewing. With your Buttercup yellow yarn and tapestry needle, embroider a French knot in the center of each flower. To make a French knot: bring the needle up through the center, wrap the yarn around the needle 2-3 times, then insert the needle back down close to where it came up, pulling gently to form a small knot. Repeat for all 5 flowers.

Assembly

Now comes the fun part – bringing your bunny to life! Follow these steps carefully for a professional finish.

1. Attach the head to the body: Position the head on top of the body, slightly overlapping the body seam. Using your tapestry needle and matching yarn, sew the head securely to the body with a whip stitch, going around the neck opening. Make sure the head is centered and sits naturally.
2. Attach the ears: Place the ears on top of the head, about 1 inch apart, angling them outward so they flop forward slightly. Sew each ear securely to the head using the long tail from the ear's seam. Make several passes through the ear base and into the head to ensure they're firmly attached.
3. Attach the arms: Position the arms on the sides of the body, just below the neck. Sew each arm securely using the long tail from the arm's seam. The arms should hang naturally at the bunny's sides.
4. Attach the legs: Position the legs at the bottom front of the body, so the bunny can sit upright. Sew each leg securely using the long tail from the leg's seam. Make sure they're evenly spaced and the bunny sits balanced.
5. Embroider the face: Using a small amount of dark brown or black yarn and your tapestry needle, make two small satin stitches for closed eyes. Position them about 1/2 inch apart, slightly above the center of the face. For the nose, make a tiny triangle (about 1/4 inch) just below the eyes. Add a small vertical line extending down from the nose for the mouth. Keep the stitches small and neat for a serene, peaceful expression.
6. Attach the flower crown: Arrange the five flowers in a cluster on the top of the head, overlapping slightly to create a wildflower crown. Sew each flower in place using the long tail left from crocheting. Weave all ends in carefully with your tapestry needle, hiding them within the stuffing.

Once all pieces are attached and all ends are woven in, give your bunny a gentle once-over. Fluff the stuffing, adjust the ears, and admire your beautiful creation! The Meadow Mallow Bunny is now ready to bring joy to its new home.

This pattern is perfect for gifting at baby showers, spring celebrations, or as a thoughtful handmade present for someone special. The soft cotton yarn and gentle color palette make it a timeless keepsake that will be cherished for years to come. Happy knitting!