Knitted Bunny
Instructions Step 1: Knit the body Cast on enough stitches for about 6 inches. [Example, in sport weight yarn on size 5 needles, cast on 35 stitches.] Work plain in stockinette (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) until length is same as width. Bind off. Decide whether you want to use the knit (smooth) or purl (bumpy) side for the outside of your bunny. Step 2: Sew the head Using schematic at right as a guide, mark points A, A' and H with pins. Thread tapestry needle with a length of yarn about 24 inches. Leaving tail about 8 inches, start at A and sew with long stitches in a semicircle through point H, and back down to point A'. Gather this seam and tie ends in a square knot. Stuff head. Using ends of the gathering thread, sew chin closed. Step 3: Sew front legs Mark points B, B', C and C'. With ends of gathering thread in Step 2, sew edge AB to edge BC; and A'B' to B'C'. Step 4: Sew back legs Mark points D, E, F, D' E'. Thread tapestry needle with a length of yarn about 24 inches. Leaving tail of 12 inches, start at F and sew edge FE to edge ED. Then rethread needle with tail and sew edge FE' to edge E'D'. Step 5: Complete the body Firmly stuff the legs and body. Sew tummy seam closed. Bring the legs forward on the sides and sew the ends to either side of the bunny's tummy. Work in remaining ends invisibly. Step 6: Make ears Cast on 5 or 6 stitches. Knit in garter stitch (knit every row) 10 or 12 rows. Now, decrease a stitch every other row to form a long triangle. When only 2 stitches remain, knit one more row, then knit the 2 stitches together. Cut yarn and thread through remaining loop. Thread tapestry needle with cut end, and weave down through ear. Make another ear. With yarn ends, sew ears to each side of bunny's head, then fasten off invisibly. Step 7: Tuft a tail Take a small ball of stuffing and sew securely in place at bunny's rear. (Alternatively, you may pull a small amount of stuffing through with a fine crochet hook or similar.)
