Moonlit Meadow Bunny Lovey Blanket Free Pattern – A Dreamy Knit Comfort Toy

Wrap your little one in the softest embrace with this enchanting bunny lovey blanket, featuring a delicate lace border and a cuddly 3D bunny head. This heirloom-quality knit pattern combines classic baby blanket charm with a modern, whimsical twist. Perfect for nursery decor, baby showers, or as a cherished handmade gift, this lovey is designed to become a treasured keepsake. The soft sage green and cream color palette evokes a serene meadow under moonlight, creating a calming and dreamy aesthetic that both babies and parents will adore.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: DK weight yarn in soft sage green (MC) and cream (CC), approximately 400g MC and 100g CC. Choose a soft, machine-washable yarn for baby comfort and easy care.
• Knitting Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles. Straight needles are recommended for flat knitting.
• Crochet Hook: US 6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for finishing and weaving in ends.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for sewing and embroidery, polyfill stuffing for the bunny head, and a small amount of pink yarn or embroidery floss for the nose.
• Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct finished size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat from the bottom up. The blanket is a square with a lace border, and the bunny head is knitted separately and sewn on. Follow each step carefully, and you'll have a beautiful lovey in no time.

Blanket Body

1. Cast on: With MC, cast on 80 stitches.
2. Rows 1-6: Knit all stitches (garter stitch border). This creates a sturdy, non-curling edge.
3. Row 7 (RS): K4, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k3; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4. (Lace pattern begins)
4. Row 8 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches. This maintains the stockinette background for the lace.
5. Row 9: K4, *k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4.
6. Row 11: K4, *k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4.
7. Row 13: K4, *k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4.
8. Row 15: K4, *k2, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k2; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4.
9. Row 17: K4, *k3, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4.
10. Row 19: K4, *k4, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k4; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4.
11. Row 21: K4, *k5, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k5; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k4.
12. Rows 23-90: Repeat Rows 7-22 five more times, then work Rows 7-20 once more. (Adjust for desired length, keeping the lace pattern consistent.)
13. Rows 91-96: Knit all stitches (garter stitch border).
14. Bind off: Bind off all stitches knitwise. This completes the blanket body.

Bunny Head (make 2 pieces, sew together)

1. With CC, cast on 10 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, M1, k8, M1, k1 (12 sts).
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Row 5: K1, M1, k10, M1, k1 (14 sts).
7. Row 6: Purl.
8. Row 7: K1, M1, k12, M1, k1 (16 sts).
9. Row 8: Purl.
10. Rows 9-16: Work even in stockinette stitch. (Knit on RS, purl on WS)
11. Row 17: K1, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k1 (14 sts).
12. Row 18: Purl.
13. Row 19: K1, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k1 (12 sts).
14. Row 20: Purl.
15. Row 21: K1, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k1 (10 sts).
16. Row 22: Purl.
17. Bind off. Repeat to make a second identical piece.

Bunny Ears (make 2)

1. With CC, cast on 6 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, M1, k4, M1, k1 (8 sts).
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Rows 5-12: Work even in stockinette stitch.
7. Row 13: K1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1 (6 sts).
8. Row 14: Purl.
9. Row 15: K1, k2tog, k2tog, k1 (4 sts).
10. Row 16: Purl.
11. Bind off. Repeat to make a second ear.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle to ensure a clean finish.
2. Block the blanket to open up the lace pattern. Wet block by soaking in lukewarm water, gently squeeze out excess, and pin to shape on a towel. Allow to dry completely.
3. Sew the two bunny head pieces together with right sides facing, leaving a small opening at the bottom. Turn right side out, stuff lightly with polyfill, and sew the opening closed with a ladder stitch.
4. Sew the ears to the top of the bunny head, positioning them slightly apart for a natural look. Fold each ear gently at the base for a floppy effect.
5. Embroider a small pink nose and closed eyes using yarn or embroidery floss. For the nose, use a satin stitch in a small triangle shape. For the eyes, use a simple backstitch to create two gentle curved lines.
6. Center the bunny head on one corner of the blanket and sew it securely with a whip stitch, leaving the ears free to flop naturally.

Your Moonlit Meadow Bunny Lovey Blanket is now complete! This heirloom-quality piece is perfect for snuggling, decorating the nursery, or gifting to someone special. The soft lace pattern and adorable bunny detail make it a timeless treasure that will be cherished for years to come. Happy knitting!