Inspired by a favorite sugary treat of the Easter season -- marshmallow Peeps -- I stitched up a calorie-free, wooly version. The yarn I used, Roving Wool from Lion Brand's Martha Stewart Crafts line, has several cute pastel colors, so you can make yourself a basketful.
Materials:
- one skein Martha Stewart Crafts Roving Wool (I used Lavender Soap)
- one pair size 7 US (4.5 mm) knitting needles
- length of black yarn
- stuffing material of your choice (I used polyester fiber fill)
- tape measure, scissors and sewing needle
Gauge:
Gauge is not critical, though you want the fabric to be firm. I got about 14.5 stitches and 23 rows per 4 inches (about 3.5 stitches and 5.75 rows per inch) in Stockinette Stitch.
Size:
Finished bunny is about 8.5 inches around and 10 inches tall.
Knitting the Bunny:
- Cast on 7 stitches.
- Purl.
- Knit 1, make 1, knit to last 2 stitches, make 1, knit 1.
- Repeat these 2 rows until you have 17 stitches.
- Work straight in Stockinette until piece measures 4 inches.
- Next right side row, knit 1, knit 2 together, knit to last 3 stitches, slip, slip, knit, knit 1.
- Purl.
- Repeat these 2 rows until 7 stitches remain.
- Begin increasing again in same manner as before until you have 11 stitches.
- Work straight in Stockinette until piece is around 7.5 inches.
- Work decreases as before until you have 7 stitches remaining.
- Knit 3, bind off 1, knit 3.
- Working just 3 stitches, continue in Stockinette for 2 inches.
- K2tog, k1.
- P2tog to bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitch.
- Join yarn to remaining stitches and work in Stockinette for 2 inches.
- K2tog, k1.
- P2tog to bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitch.
Make a second piece in the same manner.
Finishing the Bunny:
- Decide which piece you want to be the front. Using either bulky black yarn or medium weight yarn doubled, sew eyes and a nose using duplicate stitch.
- Sew the front and back together using mattress stitch. When a small opening remains, stuff the bunny with stuffing.
- Sew closed and hide end in the body.
Note: roving yarn like this can be difficult to sew with and may not produce incredibly sturdy seams. If you'd rather, choose a tighter spun yarn in a similar color for your seaming.
