Mimi Bunny Knitting Pattern: A Beginner-Friendly Tiny Bunny Tutorial

ByLina Morgen

How to Knit a Tiny Mimi Bunny: A Beginner-Friendly Pattern

There is something incredibly therapeutic about knitting small, soft creatures. If you are looking for your next quick project, look no further than this adorable Mimi Bunny! This tiny, fuzzy companion is perfect for decorating a nursery, adding a touch of charm to a bookshelf, or gifting to a loved one. Because of its small size, it is a wonderful project for practicing shaping techniques like increases, decreases, and short rows.

In this tutorial, we will walk through the entire process of creating this little bunny from scratch. Whether you are a beginner looking to master the basics or an experienced knitter wanting a relaxing “stash-buster” project, this pattern is designed to be accessible and fun. Let’s get our needles ready and dive into the world of tiny, knitted friends!

Materials & Abbreviations

To achieve that signature soft, fuzzy look seen in the photos, I recommend using a combination of yarns. Holding two strands together creates a beautiful texture that makes the bunny feel extra huggable.

What You Will Need

  • Yarn: A combination of two strands. For the best results, use one strand of a standard DK or fingering weight wool and one strand of a fuzzy mohair or angora blend.
  • Needles: A set of Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) in size 2.5mm (approximately US size 1.5 or 2).
  • Safety Eyes: 8mm black safety eyes. Alternatively, you can simply embroider the eyes with black thread for a more “sleeping” or minimalist look.
  • Stuffing: High-quality polyester fiberfill.
  • Tools: A tapestry needle for sewing, a stitch marker, and scissors.

Abbreviations (US Knitting Terms)

Before we begin, please familiarize yourself with these common abbreviations used throughout the pattern:

  • k: Knit
  • p: Purl
  • st(s): Stitch(es)
  • inc: Increase (knit into the front and back of the same stitch)
  • k2tog: Knit 2 stitches together (left-leaning decrease)
  • ssk: Slip, slip, knit (right-leaning decrease)
  • k3tog: Knit 3 stitches together
  • SR: Short Row (working only partway across a row and turning)
  • RS: Right Side
  • WS: Wrong Side

Step-by-Step Instructions

The Head

We begin by knitting the head, starting from the snout to create that cute, pointed face. You will be working in the round using four DPNs.

Cast on 6 stitches and distribute them evenly across your needles.

  • Row 1: Knit all 6 stitches (6)
  • Row 2: Inc in every stitch (12)
  • Row 3: (k1, inc) repeat 6 times (18)
  • Row 4: Knit all 18 stitches (18)
  • Row 5: (k2, inc) repeat 6 times (24)
  • Row 6: (k2, inc) repeat 2 times, k4, (inc, k2) repeat 2 times, k8 (28)
  • Row 7: k7, inc, k4, inc, k15 (30)
  • Row 8: k2, inc, k16, inc, k10 (32)
  • Rows 9–11: Knit all 32 stitches (32)
  • Row 12: k27, k2tog, k3 (31)
  • Row 13: k26, k3tog, k2 (29)
  • Row 14: k24. Now, turn your work and work only on these 24 stitches using short rows to shape the snout.

Note: After completing the shaping, continue the short rows as indicated to finalize the head shape. Once the head is finished, fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

The Body

The body is worked using a combination of short rows for shaping and then transitions into working in the round.

Pick up 15 stitches from the bottom of the head.

Shaping with Short Rows

  • SR 1: k14, turn.
  • SR 2: k13, turn.
  • SR 3: k12, turn.
  • Row 4: Knit all the way to the end of the row.

Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round. You should now have 20 stitches in hand.

Working in the Round

  • Row 1: Knit all 20 stitches (20)
  • Row 2: k11, inc, k1, inc, k6 (22)
  • Row 3: Knit all 22 stitches (22)
  • Row 4: k5, inc, k6, inc, k1, inc, k6, inc (26)
  • Row 5: Knit all 26 stitches (26)
  • Row 6: k13, inc, k3, inc, k8 (28)
  • Row 7: Knit all 28 stitches (28)
  • Row 8: k14, inc, k3, inc, k9 (30)
  • Row 9: k1, (inc) repeat 3 times, k26 (33)

Continue with shaping short rows as directed in the pattern to taper the body, eventually decreasing down to 13 stitches. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

The Ears

The ears are small and worked flat.

  • Cast on 8 stitches.
  • Rows 1–3: Knit all stitches.
  • Row 4: k3, k2tog, k3 (7)
  • Row 5: Knit all 7 stitches.
  • Row 6: Purl all 7 stitches.
  • Row 7: k2, k3tog, k2 (5)
  • Row 8: Purl all 5 stitches.

Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing.

The Legs and Tail

Lower Legs (Make 2): Cast on 6 stitches. Increase as instructed (R1: inc to 8; R3: inc to 10; R5: inc to 12). Work in stockinette for several rows, then decrease back to 10 stitches. Fasten off and sew.

Upper Arms (Make 2): Cast on 6 stitches. Increase to 8, then to 9 stitches. Work in stockinette, then decrease to 7 stitches. Fasten off and sew.

Tail: Cast on 6 stitches. Increase to 8, then 10 stitches. Work several rows, then decrease back to 7 stitches. Fasten off and sew.

Finishing

Now it is time to bring your Mimi Bunny to life! Assembly is the most important step for achieving a professional and cute look.

Stuffing and Eyes

Before closing up the head and body, insert your safety eyes. Once the eyes are secure, stuff the head and body firmly with fiberfill. Be sure to push the stuffing into the snout area to give the face its characteristic shape.

Assembly Tips

  • The Ears: Instead of sewing the ears straight up, sew them in a slight curve. This gives the bunny a much more natural and “sweet” expression.
  • The Arms: Sew the upper arms directly underneath the head, ensuring they are symmetrical relative to the center of the body.
  • The Legs: Sew the lower legs directly under the belly, positioned slightly toward the outer edges of the seam.
  • The Snout: For the nose, use a tapestry needle and a slightly thicker thread. Pull the thread firmly when embroidering the nose to create a beautiful “dimple” effect that defines the muzzle.

Tips

Mastering Short Rows: If you are new to short rows, don’t be intimidated! The key is to keep your tension consistent. When you turn your work, make sure you aren’t pulling the yarn too tight, or you might see a visible hole.

Yarn Choice: If you cannot find angora, a simple mohair blend works perfectly. The “fuzz” helps hide small imperfections in your stitching and makes the bunny look much more realistic.

Tension Matters: When sewing the parts together, use a mattress stitch for a seamless finish. When stuffing, go slowly to ensure the stuffing is distributed evenly so the bunny doesn’t end up lumpy.

Enjoy the Process: Knitting a small toy is all about the joy of creation. Don’t worry if every stitch isn’t perfect—the charm of a handmade bunny lies in its unique, cozy character!

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