Bunny Hop Meadow Coasters Free Pattern – Knit a Whimsical Spring Set

Bring a touch of meadow magic to your table with these adorable knitted bunny coasters, complete with floppy ears and a fluffy tail. Each coaster is a charming blend of cozy texture and playful design, perfect for spring gatherings, Easter brunches, or everyday whimsy. This is an ideal project for beginners looking to practice shaping and simple seaming while creating a delightful handmade gift.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All yarn should be worsted weight cotton for absorbency and durability—perfect for coasters.

• Yarn (Main Color - MC): Worsted weight cotton yarn in cream (approximately 30 yards per coaster)
• Yarn (Contrast Color 1 - CC1): Soft pink worsted weight cotton for the ears (small amount, about 10 yards)
• Yarn (Contrast Color 2 - CC2): Light brown worsted weight cotton for embroidery details (tiny amount)
• Yarn (Tail): Small amount of white fluffy/bouclé yarn for the pom-pom tail
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
• Extras: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving ends, scissors, stitch markers (optional)

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but matching it ensures a consistent coaster size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a bunny-shaped coaster worked flat in one piece, with ears and tail added separately. The main body is knit in garter stitch (knit every row) for a dense, absorbent coaster that lies flat. Follow each section carefully, and you'll have a charming bunny in no time.

Bunny Body (Make 1)

The body is worked from the bottom (wide end) up to the head (narrow end).

1. Cast On: With MC, cast on 20 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat: Continue repeating Rows 1-2 until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row (a purl row). This forms the rectangular base of the bunny's body.

Shape the Head

Now you'll decrease stitches to create the rounded head that narrows toward the top.

1. Next Row (RS): K2tog (knit two together), knit to the last 2 stitches, K2tog. (18 stitches remain)
2. Next Row (WS): Purl all stitches.
3. Repeat: Repeat these last 2 rows (decrease row, then purl row) 3 more times. (12 stitches remain)
4. Next Row (RS): K2tog, knit to the last 2 stitches, K2tog. (10 stitches remain)
5. Next Row (WS): Purl all stitches.
6. Repeat: Repeat these last 2 rows 2 more times. (6 stitches remain)
7. Next Row (RS): K2tog, K2tog, K2tog. (3 stitches remain)
8. Finish: Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, slide the needle through the remaining 3 stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the head. Weave in the end securely.

Ears (Make 2)

Each ear is knit flat in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) with a gentle taper. The stockinette will curl slightly at the edges, giving the ears a natural, floppy look.

1. Cast On: With CC1 (pink), cast on 6 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat: Repeat Rows 1-2 until the ear measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row (a purl row).
5. Decrease Row (RS): K2tog, K2, K2tog. (4 stitches remain)
6. Next Row (WS): Purl all stitches.
7. Decrease Row (RS): K2tog, K2tog. (2 stitches remain)
8. Next Row (WS): Purl all stitches.
9. Final Decrease (RS): K2tog. (1 stitch remains)
10. Finish: Cut the yarn, pull it through the last stitch, and weave in the ends. Repeat for the second ear.

Tail

You have two easy options for the fluffy tail. Choose whichever you prefer.

• Option 1 – Pom-Pom: Using the fluffy white yarn, make a small pom-pom about 1 inch in diameter. You can use a small pom-pom maker or wrap the yarn around two fingers about 20 times, tie tightly in the middle, and trim the loops to form a ball.
• Option 2 – Crocheted Circle: If you have a small crochet hook (US G/4.0mm), make a magic ring, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring, join with a slip stitch, and fasten off. Fluff the yarn with your fingers to create a soft, round ball.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring your bunny to life. Lay the body flat with the right side facing you. The narrow end is the head; the wide end is the bottom.

1. Attach the Ears: Position the ears on the top edge of the bunny head (the narrow end). Place them slightly apart, angled outward for a floppy look. Using the tapestry needle and CC1 yarn, sew each ear securely to the body with small whip stitches along the cast-on edge of the ear. Weave in the ends.
2. Attach the Tail: Sew the fluffy tail to the bottom center of the bunny body (the wide end), directly opposite the ears. Use the white fluffy yarn and a tapestry needle to secure it firmly.
3. Embroider the Face: Using CC2 (light brown) yarn, embroider two small French knots for the eyes. Place them about 1 inch apart on the head, just above the midpoint. Then, using CC1 (pink) yarn, add a small French knot for the nose, centered directly below the eyes. (See tip below for French knots.)
4. Weave in Ends: Carefully weave in all remaining yarn ends on the wrong side of the coaster.
5. Block: Lightly block the coaster to flatten and shape it. Simply mist with water and press flat with your hands, then allow to dry completely.

Tip for French Knots: Bring the needle up through the fabric, wrap the yarn around the needle 2-3 times, then insert the needle back down close to where it came up. Gently pull through to form a small knot.

Repeat the entire process to make a set of 4 or 6 coasters for a complete table setting. These charming bunnies also make wonderful handmade gifts for Easter, housewarmings, or any spring celebration. Enjoy your whimsical meadow on your table!