Free Bunny Lovey Snuggle Blanket Pattern

Every childhood tends to revolve around one small, comforting object—a blanket, toy, or soft companion that helps toddlers feel safe in an unfamiliar world.

A “lovey” combines the best of both worlds: it’s lightweight, portable, and easy for little hands to hold on to. This DIY bunny lovey is especially popular because it blends a soft mini blanket with an adorable bunny head and floppy ears.

The finished piece is about 12 inches square, making it perfect for travel, naps, or everyday comfort. Below is a more detailed, step-by-step guide to help you create one, even if you are new to sewing.

Materials You’ll Need

Main Fabrics (Body of the Lovey):

• ½ yard of Fabric A (e.g., minky, fleece, flannel, or cotton)
• ½ yard of Fabric B (contrasting fabric for the back)

Face Fabric:

• ⅛ yard (or at least a 4″ x 4″ piece) of smooth cotton or flannel
  (Avoid fuzzy fabric here so the face details show clearly.)

Other Supplies:

• Matching thread
• Sewing machine (or hand sewing needle)
• Fabric scissors
• Pins or clips
• Iron
• Fabric marker or chalk
• Turning tool (or blunt pencil)
• Fabric paint OR embroidery thread for facial features

Step 1: Cut All Pieces

1. From both main fabrics, cut:
   • Two 13″ x 13″ squares (one from each fabric)
2. For the bunny ears:
   • Use a simple ear template (about 6–7 inches tall)
   • Cut:
     • 2 ear pieces from Fabric A
     • 2 ear pieces from Fabric B
3. For the face:
   • Cut one 3.25″ x 3.25″ square from the smooth fabric

Tip: If you don’t have a template, draw a long oval shape and slightly taper one end for a natural ear look.

Step 2: Sew the Bunny Ears

1. Take one ear piece from Fabric A and one from Fabric B.
2. Place them right sides together.
3. Stitch around the curved edges using a ¼-inch seam allowance.
   • Leave the bottom straight edge open.
4. Repeat for the second ear.
5. Turn both ears right-side-out:
   • Use a pencil or turning tool to gently push out the curves.
6. Optional:
   • Press flat with an iron.
   • Fold the bottom slightly or pinch the sides inward for a more dimensional ear shape.

Step 3: Prepare and Attach the Face

1. Take the face square and fold:
   • ¼ inch inward on two adjacent edges (forming a corner)
2. Press these folds firmly with an iron.
3. Place the face piece on one corner of the front fabric square:
   • Folded edges should be facing inward (bottom and side)
   • Raw edges should align with the outer edges
4. Pin in place.
5. Sew along only the two folded edges using a ⅛-inch seam allowance:
   • Leave the top and outer side open (this is important for inserting ears)

Step 4: Insert the Ears

1. Take both ears and position them under the face piece:
   • Flip them inward toward the center of the square
   • Let them overlap slightly
2. Make sure:
   • The open ends of the ears align with the corner edges
   • The ears are tucked inside (they will be hidden when sewing)
3. Pin securely so they don’t move.

Step 5: Assemble the Lovey

1. Place the back fabric square on top:
   • Right sides together
   • Sandwiching the ears inside
2. Pin around all edges.
3. Sew around the entire square using a ½-inch seam allowance:
   • Leave a 3-inch opening on one side for turning

Important:

• Be careful not to sew the ears into the side seams accidentally.
• Keep them folded inward while stitching.

Step 6: Turn and Finish

1. Turn the lovey right-side-out through the opening.
2. Push out all corners neatly.
3. Press flat with an iron.
4. Fold the raw edges of the opening inward.
5. Topstitch around the entire square:
   • This closes the gap
   • Adds durability and a clean finish

Step 7: Add the Face Details

You have two safe options:

Option A: Fabric Paint

• Draw simple eyes, nose, and cheeks
• Let dry completely before use

Option B: Embroidery

• Use embroidery thread for:
  • Eyes (small dots or closed lashes)
  • Nose (triangle or oval)
  • Mouth (optional)

Avoid:

• Buttons
• Beads
• Loose attachments
  (These can be choking hazards for babies.)

Final Tips

• Make two loveys: one for use and one as a backup.
• Wash fabrics before sewing to prevent shrinkage later.
• Use soft, baby-safe materials for maximum comfort.
• Keep stitching secure—this lovey may be tugged, chewed, and washed often!