Bunny Hat Crochet Pattern

Create the sweetest, plush bunny hat for your little one with this quick and cozy super bulky yarn pattern.

There is nothing quite like the magic of dressing a tiny baby in animal ears.

But let's be honest for a second. Many baby hats look adorable but feel stiff, scratchy, or take forever to make on tiny needles. Or worse, the ears flop over sadly, looking more like sad little noodles than perky rabbit ears.

That is where this plush, super chunky design comes to save the day.

By using thick, velvety chenille yarn, we get a hat that is incredibly soft against delicate skin. It also works up in under an hour.

I based this design on my popular teddy bear hat, but gave it a whimsical springtime twist. You can customize it for any baby boy or girl. I have even included a sweet rolled flower embellishment if you want to add a touch of floral charm. It makes the perfect companion to a Chunky Chenille Baby Blanket for a show-stopping baby shower gift.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Incredibly Fast: Thanks to super bulky size 6 yarn, you can finish this entire project in a single evening.
• Ultra-Soft Texture: The chenille yarn feels like a cloud, ensuring maximum comfort for sensitive baby heads.
• Sturdy Ears: The clever stitch construction ensures the bunny ears stand up beautifully without extra wire or inserts.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket (Super Bulky Weight #6; 100% Polyester) in shades like Baby Pink, Seafoam, Baby Sand, or Vanilla. A small amount of any DK weight yarn for the optional flowers.
• Hook: Size N/P (10mm) for the main hat body, size L (8mm) for the bunny ears, and size E (3.5mm) for the flowers.
• Notions: Large-eye tapestry needle for sewing and weaving.
• Yardage: 50 to 70 yards of super bulky yarn (depending on the chosen size).

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: The diameter of the crown measures 4-1/2 inches after completing the first 3 rounds of the newborn size.
• Sizes included: Newborn, 0-3 Months, 3-6 Months, 6-12 Months, and 1 to 3 Years.
• Finished measurements: Height ranges from 4-1/2 inches (Newborn) up to 6-1/2 inches (1 to 3 Years).

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• hdc: Half Double Crochet
• dc: Double Crochet
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• BLO: Back Loop Only. To work in the BLO, insert your hook only under the back loop of the stitch instead of both loops. This leaves a visible ridge on the front of your work.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in continuous rounds without turning or joining, unless specified.
• Tension Tip: Keep your stitches snug when working with chenille yarn to prevent "looping" or gaps in the fabric.
• Customization Tip: You can easily skip the flowers for a minimalist, gender-neutral look, or make them in vibrant spring colors to pop against a neutral hat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Foundation Rounds (All Sizes)

Note: You can start with a magic ring. If you find the magic ring tricky with bulky yarn, use the alternative chain method below.

Round 1 (Magic Ring Option): Form a magic ring, work 8 sc into the loop. Do not slip stitch to join, and do not turn your work. (8 sc)

Round 1 (Alternative Chain Option): Ch 3. Work 2 sc in the second chain from your hook. Work 4 sc in the next chain. Rotate your work to stitch along the underside of the foundation chain, working 2 sc into the remaining open loop. Do not join or turn. (8 sc)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in the first stitch of the previous round. Place a stitch marker in this first stitch to keep track of your rounds. Work 2 sc in each of the remaining 7 stitches. Do not join or turn. (16 sc)

Round 3: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, then move your marker up into this new stitch. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. *Work 1 sc in the next stitch, then 2 sc in the following stitch. Repeat from * all the way around to the marker. Do not join or turn. (24 sc)

Now, jump to your desired size below.

Newborn Size

Round 4: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move the marker up. Work 1 sc in every stitch around. Do not join or turn. (24 sc)

Rounds 5–7: Repeat Round 4 until the hat measures 4-1/2 inches from the crown. Do not fasten off.

Finishing the Edge: Fold the hat flat to find the natural sides. If your marker is not on the side fold, remove it and work a few extra sc stitches until you reach the edge. Slip stitch loosely into the next stitch on the fold, place your marker here, and ch 1. Work 1 sc in the BLO of each stitch around. When you reach the marked slip stitch, work 1 sc in its BLO. Cut your yarn, pull the tail through, skip the next chain, and finish with an invisible join. (24 sc)

0-3 Months Size

Round 4: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move the marker up. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 11 stitches. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. Work 1 sc in each remaining stitch around. Do not join or turn. (26 sc)

Round 5: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move the marker up. Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Do not join or turn. (26 sc)

Rounds 6–8: Repeat Round 5 until the hat measures 5 inches tall. Do not fasten off.

Finishing the Edge: Fold the hat flat. Work extra sc stitches as needed to reach the side fold. Slip stitch loosely into the fold stitch, mark it, and ch 1. Work 1 sc in the BLO of each stitch around. Work 1 sc in the BLO of the marked slip stitch. Cut yarn, pull the tail through, skip the next chain, and complete with an invisible join. (26 sc)

3-6 Months Size

Round 4: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move the marker up. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. *Work 1 sc in each of the next 5 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * two more times. Work 1 sc in the last 4 stitches. Do not join or turn. (28 sc)

Round 5: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move the marker up. Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Do not join or turn. (28 sc)

Rounds 6–9: Repeat Round 5 until the hat measures 5-1/2 inches tall. Do not fasten off.

Finishing the Edge: Fold the hat flat. Work extra sc stitches to reach the side fold. Slip stitch loosely into the fold stitch, mark it, and ch 1. Work 1 sc in the BLO of each stitch around. Work 1 sc in the BLO of the marked slip stitch. Cut yarn, pull the tail through, skip the next chain, and finish with an invisible join. (28 sc)

6-12 Months Size

Round 4: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move the marker up. Work 1 sc in the next stitch, then 2 sc in the following stitch. *Work 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * all the way around to the marker. Do not join or turn. (32 sc)

Round 5: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move the marker up. Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Do not join or turn. (32 sc)

Rounds 6–10: Repeat Round 5 until the hat measures 6 inches tall. Do not fasten off.

Finishing the Edge: Fold the hat flat. Work extra sc stitches to reach the side fold. Slip stitch loosely into the fold stitch, mark it, and ch 1. Work 1 sc in the BLO of each stitch around. Work 1 sc in the BLO of the marked slip stitch. Cut yarn, pull the tail through, skip the next chain, and finish with an invisible join. (32 sc)

1 to 3 Years Size

Round 4: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move the marker up. Work 1 sc in the next stitch, then 2 sc in the following stitch. *Work 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * all the way around to the marker. Do not join or turn. (32 sc)

Round 5: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move the marker up. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 15 stitches. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. Work 1 sc in each remaining stitch around. Do not join or turn. (34 sc)

Round 6: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch, move the marker up. Work 1 sc in each stitch around. Do not join or turn. (34 sc)

Rounds 7–12: Repeat Round 6 until the hat measures 6-1/2 inches tall. Do not fasten off.

Finishing the Edge: Fold the hat flat. Work extra sc stitches to reach the side fold. Slip stitch loosely into the fold stitch, mark it, and ch 1. Work 1 sc in the BLO of each stitch around. Work 1 sc in the BLO of the marked slip stitch. Cut yarn, pull the tail through, skip the next chain, and finish with an invisible join. (34 sc)

Bunny Ears (Make 2)

For Newborn and 0-3 Months: Using the 8mm hook, leave a 1/2 yard tail and ch 5. Work 1 sc in the second chain from the hook and place a marker in this stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 2 chains. Work 4 sc in the last chain. Pivot to work along the opposite side of the foundation chain. Work 1 sc in each of the next 3 loops. Work 3 sc into the top two horizontal loops of the starting chain. Work 2 sc in the BLO of the marked stitch. Work 1 sc in the BLO of each of the next 5 stitches to reach the base of the ear. Fasten off, leaving a 1/2 yard tail for sewing. Gently tug the ear to straighten it.

For 3-6 Months, 6-12 Months, and 1 to 3 Years: Using the 8mm hook, leave a 1/2 yard tail and ch 6. Work 1 sc in the second chain from the hook and place a marker in this stitch. Work 1 sc in each of the next 3 chains. Work 4 sc in the last chain. Pivot to work along the opposite side of the foundation chain. Work 1 sc in each of the next 4 loops. Work 3 sc into the top two horizontal loops of the starting chain. Work 2 sc in the BLO of the marked stitch. Work 1 sc in the BLO of each of the next 6 stitches to reach the base of the ear. Fasten off, leaving a 1/2 yard tail for sewing. Gently tug the ear to shape it.

Attaching the Ears

Thread your tapestry needle with one of the long tails at the base of an ear. Pinch the bottom 1/2 inch of the ear together and sew it secure to create a cupped shape. Position the ears on the hat. I recommend placing them on the 3rd round from the top, slightly angled. Use the left tail to sew from left to right, and the right tail to sew from right to left. For a secure attachment, pass your needle completely through the hat fabric rather than just catching the surface loops.

Optional Rolled Flowers (Make 3)

For Newborn and 0-3 Months: Using the 3.5mm hook and DK yarn, leave an 8-inch tail and ch 16. Work 2 hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each of the next 7 chains. Work 2 dc in each of the next 4 chains. Work 2 hdc in the next chain, then 1 sc in the last chain. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Roll the strip into a flower shape with the hdc stitches in the center. Sew through the bottom layers to secure the shape, ensuring both tails emerge from the base.

For 3-6 Months and 6-12 Months: Using the 3.5mm hook and DK yarn, leave an 8-inch tail and ch 18. Work 2 hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each of the next 7 chains. Work 2 dc in each of the next 6 chains. Work 2 hdc in the next chain, then 1 sc in the last chain. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Roll and sew as described above.

For 1 to 3 Years: Using the 3.5mm hook and DK yarn, leave an 8-inch tail and ch 20. Work 2 hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook and in each of the next 8 chains. Work 2 dc in each of the next 7 chains. Work 2 hdc in the next chain, then 1 sc in the last chain. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Roll and sew as described above.

Attaching the Flowers

Thread the tails of a flower into your tapestry needle. Pull them through the hat fabric about 3/4 inch apart from each other. Sew back and forth through the base of the flower to secure it. Bring both tails to the inside of the hat, tie a secure knot, and trim. Repeat for the other two flowers, clustering them tightly together near the base of one ear. Finally, use your tapestry needle to weave in any remaining yarn tails securely.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Contrast Ear Linings: Use a contrasting color like soft pink for the inner rounds of the ears to make them pop.
• Skip the Flowers: Keep it simple and clean for baby boys or minimalist nurseries by leaving the ears plain.
• Add a Pom-Pom: Attach a fluffy faux-fur pom-pom to the back of the hat for an extra dose of cuteness.
• Matching Booties: Pair this hat with some cozy Moccasin Baby Booties for a complete handmade outfit.
• Striped Brim: Work the final BLO round in a contrasting color to frame the baby's face beautifully.
• Colour ideas: Soft pastels like mint green, lavender, or classic cream work beautifully for spring.
• Yarn substitutions: Any super bulky size 6 yarn with a similar gauge, such as Lion Brand Homestead or blanket yarns, will work.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The magic ring keeps pulling open or unraveling.
  Fix: Chenille yarn can be slippery. Be sure to weave your starting tail back and forth at least three times through the stitches to lock it in place.
• Problem: There is a noticeable hole at the top of the hat.
  Fix: If you used the chain alternative instead of a magic ring, use your starting tail to sew the opening shut from the inside before weaving it in.
• Problem: The hat does not lay flat when I try to fold it to attach the ears.
  Fix: This is common! Turn the hat slightly in different directions until you find the angle where it naturally lays flattest, then mark your sides.
• Problem: The ears are floppy and won't stand up.
  Fix: Make sure you are using the smaller 8mm hook for the ears. This creates a tighter, sturdier fabric that holds its shape.

Care Instructions

Hand wash the finished hat in cool water with a mild baby-safe detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing, reshape the ears, and lay flat on a dry towel to air dry.

Final Thoughts

This bunny hat is one of those magical projects that brings pure joy from the first stitch to the final photo. Whether you are prepping for Easter photos or stocking up on baby shower gifts, it is sure to be a treasured keepsake. Happy crocheting, my friends!