There is a particular kind of satisfaction in making a baby gift that rattles. Not because babies need much encouragement to make noise, but because a handknitted rattle is one of those things that gets kept. Long after the baby has moved on to more sophisticated entertainment, Flopsy will still be sitting on the shelf.
This free baby rattle knitting pattern makes a sweet striped bunny rattle, 16cm tall, worked in DK yarn with floppy crinkle ears and a gentle rattle inside. It is a quick project, it uses up leftover yarn beautifully, and it is a genuinely lovely baby shower knitting pattern to have in your repertoire.
About this free baby rattle knitting pattern
Flopsy is worked in three colours of DK yarn, with a striped body knitted flat and a round head worked in the round on double-pointed needles. The ears are lined with a folded sweet wrapper to give them a satisfying crinkle that babies find fascinating.
This is a straightforward knitted bunny pattern. If you have never worked on double-pointed needles before, this is a lovely project to try them out for the first time. The tension is forgiving and nothing here will catch you out.
This free baby rattle knitting pattern works with any machine-washable DK yarn. The pattern specifies King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK, which is soft, washable, and comes in beautiful shades. But any cotton or cotton-blend DK will work just as well. The only rule is that it must be machine washable, because babies are sticky and this rattle will need to survive a 40-degree cycle.
This is also one of those easy knit baby toys patterns that is perfect for using up leftovers. You only need around 20g of each colour, so it is a great way to give oddments a purposeful second life.
Materials for this knitted bunny pattern free
Yarn:
King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK (50% Bamboo Viscose, 50% Cotton, 230m per 100g ball)
- (A) White shade 530,
- (B) Fuchsia shade 536
- (C) Pink shade 516
Approximately 20g of each colour. Any machine-washable cotton DK will substitute well.
Needles: 2.75mm double-pointed needles
Also needed:
- Safety toy stuffing
- Small rattle or bell
- 2 x sweet wrappers (Roses chocolates work perfectly, and provide an excellent excuse)
- Darning needle
Tension: 27 sts x 40 rows = 10cm x 10cm in stocking stitch using 2.75mm needles
Finished measurement: 16cm / 6.25in tall
A note on the crinkle ears
The crinkle effect in the ears comes from a folded sweet wrapper tucked inside before sewing up. A Roses chocolate wrapper is the traditional choice. Run it under the tap first to check it survives getting wet, because anything going near a baby should be washable.
If you prefer something purpose-made, crinkle paper designed for toy making is widely available and works beautifully. You can find it on Amazon here.
Abbreviations
This pattern uses standard UK knitting abbreviations. You can download the free Jane Burns Knitting Abbreviations Guide here.
Sl2, k1, psso: Slip the next two stitches knitwise onto the right-hand needle, knit the next stitch, then pass both slipped stitches over the stitch just knitted.
Head
Cast on 8 sts using 2.75mm needles and Yarn A. Join into the round, taking care not to twist.
Round 1: Knit.
Round 2: (K2, m1) four times. 12 sts
Round 3: Knit.
Round 4: (K3, m1) four times. 16 sts
Round 5: Knit.
Round 6: (K4, m1) four times. 20 sts
Rounds 7-8: Knit.
Round 9: (K5, m1) four times. 24 sts
Rounds 10-12: Knit.
Round 13: (K6, m1) four times. 28 sts
Rounds 14-16: Knit.
Round 17: (K7, m1) four times. 32 sts
Rounds 18-22: Knit.
Round 23: (K4, k2tog) five times, k2. 27 sts
Round 24: Knit.
Round 25: (K3, k2tog) five times, k2. 22 sts
Round 26: Knit.
Round 27: (K2, k2tog) five times, k2. 17 sts
Round 28: Knit.
Stuff the head at this point and insert your rattle or bell.
Round 29: (K1, k2tog) five times, k2. 12 sts
Round 30: (K2tog) six times. 6 sts
Leave a long tail, thread through remaining stitches and pull tight to close. Secure with a stitch. Close the nose with a running stitch and secure.
For video guidance on knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, Very Pink Knits has a clear tutorial here.
Body (worked flat)
Cast on 14 sts using 2.75mm needles and Yarn B. Beginning with a knit row, work in stocking stitch in the following stripe sequence:
Rows 1-4: Yarn B.
Rows 5-8: Yarn C.
Rows 9-12: Yarn A.
Repeat rows 1-12 four times more, then repeat rows 1-4 once more. Cast off.
Darn in ends, bring side edges together and mattress stitch to form a tube, stuffing as you go.
Ears (worked flat)
Make two in Yarn B and two in Yarn C.
Cast on 7 sts using 2.75mm needles.
Rows 1-8: Beginning with a knit row, work in stocking stitch.
Row 9: K3, m1, k1, m1, k3. 9 sts
Row 10: Purl.
Row 11: K4, m1, k1, m1, k4. 11 sts
Rows 12-14: Beginning with a purl row, work in stocking stitch.
Row 15: K4, sl2, k1, psso, k4. 9 sts
Row 16: Purl.
Row 17: K3, sl2, k1, psso, k3. 7 sts
Row 18: Purl.
Row 19: K2, sl2, k1, psso, k2. 5 sts
Cast off.
For video guidance on knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, Very Pink Knits has a clear tutorial here.
Making up Flopsy
Use mattress stitch to sew one ear of each colour together. Leave the bottom edge open, insert the folded sweet wrapper or crinkle paper, and sew the bottom closed. Fold the bottom of the ear in half and sew in position. Repeat for the second ear, reversing the colours.
Sew the ears to the top of the head. Bend the body in half and sew to the underside of the head.
Please sew all seams and ears on securely. Babies are more destructive than we give them credit for. If you are planning to sell finished items made from this pattern, the UK Hand Knitting Association has a useful overview of toy safety regulations here that is worth reading before you do.Please sew all seams and ears on securely. Babies are more destructive than we give them credit for.
Want the PDF version of this free baby rattle knitting pattern?
The free pattern is all here on the blog. But if you would like a neatly formatted PDF to save to your device or print out at the kitchen table, you can download it from the shop. It is the same pattern, laid out cleanly, ready to use without squinting at a screen.
Download the Flopsy Bunny Rattle PDF here.
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And while you have your bunny yarn out, Snowball Bunny Pants might catch your eye. A bunny romper with the most ridiculous patch pockets, sized from birth to two years, and she will take that baby from tummy time to toddling. Just a thought.
Can I use a different yarn for this free baby rattle knitting pattern?
Yes. Any machine-washable DK weight yarn will work. Cotton and cotton-blend DKs are ideal as they are soft against baby skin and wash well. Just make sure the yarn is machine washable before you start.
What can I use instead of a sweet wrapper for the ears?
Any washable wrapper will work. Run it under the tap first to check it survives getting wet. If you prefer something purpose-made, crinkle paper for toy making is widely available online.
Is this knitted bunny pattern free for everyone?
Yes, the full pattern is free to follow here on the blog. A neatly formatted PDF version is available to purchase from the shop if you prefer something to print or save.
How long does this easy knit baby toy take to make?
Most knitters complete Flopsy in an evening or two. It is a quick, satisfying project and uses only small amounts of yarn.
Is this baby rattle safe for newborns?
Please ensure all seams and ears are sewn on very securely before giving this toy to a baby. Use safety toy stuffing only. The rattle or bell should be completely enclosed within the head. Always supervise babies with handknitted toys.
Flopsy makes a lovely baby shower gift, a sweet new arrival present, or simply a satisfying evening project when you fancy something quick and cheerful. However you knit her, I hope you enjoy every stitch.
When you have finished, I would love to see your makes. Share your photos with me on social media using #janeburnsdesigns or drop me an email at jane@janeburns.co.uk.