OH MY GOODNESS, this pattern! If you have been waiting for the perfect project to make a little one in your life squeal with delight, this is it. The Lavender Lop Ear Bunny Cardigan is one of those show-stopping pieces that looks incredibly complex but breaks down into totally manageable steps. Those floppy lop ears? Easier than you think. That gorgeous textured body? Just one stitch repeated over and over.
I am SO excited to share this pattern with you because it truly has everything. We are talking about a cozy hooded cardigan with the most adorable oversized bunny ears, a sweet peter pan collar, ribbed cuffs, and decorative silver buttons down the front. It is the kind of project that makes people gasp when they see the finished piece. Perfect for Easter, baby showers, birthday gifts, or just because a toddler deserves to look like the cutest bunny in the room.
Whether you have tackled garments before or this is your first time working a top-down cardigan, I have got you covered with detailed instructions, checkpoint measurements, and plenty of tips along the way. Let us dive into this heirloom-quality bunny cardigan!
About This Crochet Pattern
This cardigan is designed for toddlers and young children, with sizes ranging from 12-18 months up to 4T. The construction moves from the top down, which means you start at the neckline and work your way to the hem. You will work the yoke first, then separate the sleeves onto holders, complete the body, and add all the fun embellishments last.
The main texture throughout the body comes from an offset half double crochet (OHdc) stitch that creates a subtle woven or basketweave look. It sounds fancy, but I promise it is just a simple variation of a stitch you probably already know.
Skill Level: Intermediate. You should be comfortable working in rows and rounds, following stitch counts carefully, and sewing seams neatly. Nothing here requires advanced techniques, just attention to detail.
Time Estimate: Approximately 14 to 20 hours total, including all finishing.
Who can resist a little bunny hopping around in this?
Finished Measurements
The pattern is written for size 2T with changes for other sizes noted in parentheses in this format: 12-18 months (2T, 3T, 4T). When only one number appears, it applies to all sizes.
- 12-18 months: Chest 20 in / 51 cm, Length 13 in / 33 cm, Sleeve 7 in / 18 cm
- 2T: Chest 22 in / 56 cm, Length 14.5 in / 37 cm, Sleeve 8 in / 20 cm
- 3T: Chest 24 in / 61 cm, Length 15.5 in / 39 cm, Sleeve 8.5 in / 22 cm
- 4T: Chest 25.5 in / 65 cm, Length 16.5 in / 42 cm, Sleeve 9 in / 23 cm
The garment is designed with approximately 1.5 to 2 inches of positive ease at the chest for a comfortable, roomy fit.
Materials Needed
Yarn:
- Main Color (MC): Worsted weight yarn (weight category 4), approximately 600 (700, 800, 900) yards in soft lavender
- Contrast Color (CC): White or cream bulky-weight plush or bouclé yarn, approximately 80 (90, 100, 110) yards for ear linings. You can also substitute white sherpa or minky fabric cut to shape and hand-sewn in place.
Yarn Suggestions:
- Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Dusty Purple works beautifully with excellent stitch definition
- Paintbox Yarns Simply DK held double creates a softer hand
- WeCrochet Wool of the Andes Worsted in Clarity Heather or Amethyst Heather for an heirloom quality result
Hooks:
- US size J-10 / 6.0 mm for main body
- US size I-9 / 5.5 mm for ribbed cuffs and collar
Notions:
- Yarn needle for seaming
- Stitch markers, at least 6
- Five decorative silver shank buttons, approximately 5/8 in / 16 mm diameter
- Sewing needle and matching thread for buttons
- Optional: small amount of white felt or sherpa fabric for ear linings if not using CC yarn
FYI, a soft worsted yarn keeps the texture looking crisp while staying gentle on little skin.
Gauge
Getting gauge right is mandatory for this garment. Even half a stitch per inch difference will significantly affect the chest measurement over 100+ stitches.
With MC and J-10 / 6.0 mm hook in offset half double crochet stitch pattern:
14 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm, blocked
With MC and I-9 / 5.5 mm hook in back-loop-only single crochet ribbing:
16 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm
Make and measure a 6-inch swatch before beginning. Trust me on this one!
Abbreviations
Let me define every abbreviation you will encounter. If you are newer to crochet, bookmark this section.
- beg = beginning
- BLO = back loop only
- ch = chain
- ch-sp = chain space
- dc = double crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 together
- inc = increase
- MC = main color
- CC = contrast color
- pm = place marker
- rem = remaining
- rep = repeat
- rnd = round
- RS = right side
- sc = single crochet
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 together
- sk = skip
- sl st = slip stitch
- sm = slip marker
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- t-ch = turning chain
- tog = together
- WS = wrong side
- yo = yarn over
Special Stitches Explained
Offset Half Double Crochet (OHdc)
This stitch creates the beautiful woven texture you see throughout the cardigan body and hood. Instead of inserting your hook into the top two loops of the stitch below, you insert it into the gap between stitch posts.
Work the foundation row as regular half double crochet, then on every following row insert your hook into the gap between posts. The turning chain never counts as a stitch, so always begin in the first actual stitch.
Back-Loop-Only Single Crochet Rib (BLO-sc rib)
This creates the stretchy vertical ribbing used for the cuffs. Simply work single crochet in the back loop only on every row after the foundation.
Hdc2tog and Sc2tog
These are your basic decrease stitches. Use them for shaping the sleeves and any other decreases the pattern calls for.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
- The cardigan is worked from the top down with the button band integrated along the front opening.
- The body is NOT worked in the round. It stays flat and open at the center front throughout.
- Turning chains do not count as stitches anywhere in this pattern.
- Stitch counts appear in parentheses at the end of each row or round.
- Buttonholes are worked on the left front during the yoke phase.
- The hood is worked separately, seamed at the back, then joined to the neckline.
- The ears are worked flat in two layers, joined, and attached to the hood.
- Always join new yarn at the beginning of a RS row.
Step-by-Step Crochet Pattern Instructions
Yoke
Start at the neckline with a foundation chain and work offset half double crochet, placing markers for the four raglan points. Increase at each marker on every right-side row until the yoke reaches the correct depth. Work a few buttonholes along the right front as you go.
Checkpoint: The yoke should measure approximately 5.5 to 7 inches from the neckline to the base, depending on size.
Sleeve Separation and Body
Chain across the underarms, place the sleeve stitches on holders, and continue the body flat in the same stitch pattern. Add gentle A-line increases for a comfortable flare, then finish the hem with a few rows of back-loop-only single crochet ribbing.
Sleeves
Return the held stitches to the hook, work in joined rounds of offset half double crochet with occasional decreases, and finish each sleeve with a stretchy ribbed cuff.
Hood and Ears
Work a flat rectangular panel for the hood, seam the top, and attach it to the neckline. Make two layered ears (main color outer, contrast color inner), sew them together, and attach them to the top of the hood so they flop naturally.
Sew on the silver buttons opposite the buttonholes, weave in every end, and block lightly so the texture sits evenly.
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FAQ’s
Can I make this without the ears?
You can, but the lop ears are the whole personality of this cardigan. Most makers say they are the favorite part.
Is the offset half double crochet hard?
It looks fancy but is just working into the gap between posts instead of the top loops. Once you do a couple of rows the rhythm becomes automatic.
How do I keep the ears floppy?
Do not stuff them. Layer the outer and inner pieces, sew the edges, and attach them so they hang naturally.
Can I use a different yarn weight?
Stick to worsted for the main body so the gauge and drape stay correct. The ear linings can be plush or fabric if you prefer.
How do I wash the finished cardigan?
Machine wash on gentle in cool water and lay flat to dry. Soft acrylic or superwash yarns hold up best for toddler wear.
What if my buttonholes look uneven?
Work them on the same side of every increase row and restore the stitch count on the following row. Consistency is key.
Final Thought
There you have it—a soft, textured, hooded bunny cardigan that turns any toddler into the cutest little rabbit in the room. The top-down construction keeps the process logical, the offset half double crochet gives beautiful fabric without extra effort, and those oversized lop ears seal the deal.
IMO, the moment the ears go on is pure magic. Take your time with the seams and button placement, and enjoy every lavender stitch.
When that little bunny is finally hopping around in their handmade cardigan, every hour will feel completely worth it. Happy crocheting, friend!
