Heirloom Honey Bunny Baby Cardigan and Booties: A Free Knitting Pattern

There are certain knitting projects that feel like pure magic—and this Heirloom Honey Bunny Baby Cardigan and Booties set is exactly that. Imagine wrapping your little one in a cloud-soft, cream-colored cardigan with a textured honeycomb stitch that catches the light, topped with the sweetest bunny ears peeking from a cozy hood. This two-piece set isn't just clothing; it's a keepsake, perfect for spring photos, baby showers, or simply those everyday snuggles that you'll want to remember forever.

Designed with a top-down construction, this pattern is surprisingly approachable for beginners while still offering a beautiful, heirloom-quality finish. The honeycomb stitch creates a warm, dimensional fabric that looks far more complex than it actually is, and the optional hood with bunny ears adds that irresistible "aww" factor. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or picking up needles for the first time, this pattern will guide you through creating a cherished piece your family will treasure for generations.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: DK weight (light worsted) yarn in cream (approximately 300g) and a small amount of blush pink for the bunny ear details and pom-poms.
• Needles: US 5 (3.75mm) knitting needles, plus a US 5 (3.75mm) circular needle (at least 24 inches long) for the cardigan body.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing seams, stitch holders or waste yarn for sleeve stitches, and 3-4 small buttons (or you can use ties).
• Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in honeycomb stitch (blocked). Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in sections. Take your time, read through each part before starting, and enjoy the process. The cardigan is worked top-down in one piece, which means minimal seaming—a huge win for beginners!

Cardigan (Worked Top-Down in One Piece)

Yoke (Neck and Shoulder Shaping)

1. Cast On: With cream yarn, cast on 60 stitches using your preferred method.
2. Neckband: Work 4 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). This creates a neat, sturdy edge.
3. Row 5 (Increase Row): K5, (yo, k1) repeat to last 5 stitches, yo, k5. You should now have 110 stitches. The yarn overs (yo) create the increases for the yoke.
4. Rows 6-8: Work 3 rows in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side).
5. Row 9 (Increase Row): K5, (yo, k2) repeat to last 5 stitches, yo, k5. You should now have 160 stitches.
6. Rows 10-12: Work 3 rows in stockinette stitch.
7. Row 13 (Increase Row): K5, (yo, k3) repeat to last 5 stitches, yo, k5. You should now have 210 stitches.
8. Rows 14-16: Work 3 rows in stockinette stitch. Your yoke is now complete.

Separate Sleeves

1. Next Row (Right Side): K35 (this is the left front), place the next 40 stitches on a stitch holder or waste yarn (this is the first sleeve), cast on 6 stitches underarm, K70 (this is the back), place the next 40 stitches on a holder (this is the second sleeve), cast on 6 stitches underarm, K35 (this is the right front). You should now have 152 stitches on your needle for the body.

Body

1. Honeycomb Stitch Pattern: Now you'll work the beautiful honeycomb texture. Follow these 4 rows:
   • Row 1 (Right Side): K1, *yo, k2tog, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
   • Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
   • Row 3: K2, *yo, k2tog, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.
   • Row 4: Purl all stitches.
2. Repeat these 4 rows until the body measures 6 inches from the underarm, ending with a wrong-side row.
3. Bottom Border: Work 4 rows in garter stitch (knit all rows) for a clean, rolled-free edge. Bind off loosely.

Sleeves

1. Place the 40 sleeve stitches from the holder onto your needles. Pick up and knit 6 stitches from the underarm cast-on edge. You should now have 46 stitches.
2. Work in the honeycomb stitch pattern (same as the body) for 4 inches, decreasing 1 stitch at each side every 6th row (2 times total). You should have 42 stitches remaining.
3. Work 4 rows in garter stitch for the cuff. Bind off loosely.
4. Repeat for the second sleeve.

Bunny Ears (Make 2)

1. With cream yarn, cast on 12 stitches.
2. Work in stockinette stitch for 2 inches.
3. Decrease Row: K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. (10 stitches)
4. Work 1 row purl.
5. Repeat the decrease row. (8 stitches)
6. Work 1 row purl.
7. Repeat the decrease row. (6 stitches)
8. Work 1 row purl.
9. Bind off all stitches.
10. With blush pink yarn, embroider a small inner ear using duplicate stitch on the lower half of each ear. This adds that adorable detail.
11. Set the ears aside; you'll sew them onto the hood after it's complete.

Hood (Optional but Adorable)

1. With the right side facing you, pick up 70 stitches around the neckband of the cardigan.
2. Work in stockinette stitch for 4 inches.
3. Shape Crown (Decrease Rows):
   • Row 1: *K8, k2tog, repeat from * across. (63 stitches)
   • Row 2: Purl.
   • Row 3: *K7, k2tog, repeat from * across. (56 stitches)
   • Continue decreasing in this manner every right-side row (knit one fewer stitch before each k2tog) until 14 stitches remain.
4. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to gather, and secure. Sew the seam of the hood closed.
5. Sew the bunny ears to the top of the hood, positioning them symmetrically.

Finishing the Cardigan

1. Weave in all loose ends using your tapestry needle.
2. Block the cardigan flat to open up the honeycomb stitch and even out the fabric.
3. Sew buttons on the left front band. Create buttonholes on the right front band (or use ties for a simpler finish). To make buttonholes, simply work a yarn over and k2tog at the desired spots on the garter stitch border.

Booties (Make 2)

These little booties are quick to knit and perfectly match the cardigan. They feature a simple garter stitch cuff and a sweet blush pink pom-pom.

Cuff

1. Cast on 30 stitches with cream yarn.
2. Work in garter stitch (knit all rows) for 1 inch.

Foot

1. Work in stockinette stitch for 2 inches.
2. Shape Toe:
   • Row 1: K1, k2tog, K10, k2tog, K2, k2tog, K10, k2tog, K1. (26 stitches)
   • Row 2: Purl.
   • Row 3: K1, k2tog, K8, k2tog, K2, k2tog, K8, k2tog, K1. (22 stitches)
   • Row 4: Purl.
   • Bind off all stitches.

Finishing the Booties

1. Sew the back seam and the toe seam using your tapestry needle. Weave in all ends.
2. Make a small pom-pom with blush pink yarn and attach it to the center of the cuff.
3. Repeat the entire process for the second bootie.

Final Touches

Once everything is complete, give your set one final gentle block. Lay it flat on a towel, shape it gently, and let it dry completely. The honeycomb stitch will relax and look even more beautiful.

This Heirloom Honey Bunny set is more than just a knitting project—it's a labor of love. The soft cream and blush pink palette, the tactile honeycomb texture, and those adorable bunny ears make it a gift that will be cherished. Whether you're knitting for your own little one or as a baby shower gift, every stitch carries warmth and care. Enjoy the process, and don't forget to take a photo of your finished masterpiece!

Happy knitting!