This is a bunny rabbit hooded poncho for babies sized 6 to 12 months. It uses single crochet for the body, simple increases for shaping, and a shell stitch border for that sweet scalloped edge. The hood features floppy bunny ears with pink linings and an adorable embroidered face.
If you can work single crochet and follow a basic increase pattern, you can absolutely make this. The construction is straightforward. Two triangular panels, one rectangular hood, four ear pieces, and some finishing details.
Plan for about 8 to 12 hours of work depending on your speed. The result is a cozy, whimsical poncho that makes an unforgettable baby gift or photo prop.
Why This Bunny Poncho Works So Well
I love how this design balances practicality with pure cuteness. The poncho silhouette means easy on and off over a wiggly baby. No complicated button bands or zipper installations. The hood keeps little heads warm while the bunny ears add personality without being fussy.
The V-ridge detail running down the front and back panels happens naturally from the center increases. You get that nice visual texture without learning any new techniques. And the pink shell edging? It frames everything beautifully and takes the project from simple to special.
This poncho sits at an intermediate skill level, but a confident beginner who has completed a couple of projects could tackle it. You need comfort with working flat panels, seaming pieces together, and adding small embellishments. Nothing here is truly difficult. It just requires patience and attention to stitch counts.
Materials You Will Need
Gather everything before you start. Nothing worse than running out of yarn at Row 25.
Yarn:
Tools:
Yarn Suggestions That Work Beautifully
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in Silver Gray and Pink gives excellent stitch definition and washes like a dream. Perfect for baby items.
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK held double achieves the right gauge and comes in gorgeous muted tones.
Cascade 220 Superwash offers beautiful drape if wool sensitivity is not a concern.
Stick with smooth yarns. Fuzzy or heavily textured options will hide those clean stitch lines that make this poncho look so polished.
Gauge Information
16 single crochet by 18 rows equals 4 inches / 10 cm, worked flat, after light blocking.
Please make a gauge swatch. I know, I know. But the neck opening fit and overall drape depend on matching this gauge. Work at least 20 stitches by 20 rows and measure the center section. Go up a hook size if your stitches are too tight, down if they are too loose.
Finished Measurements
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Let me walk you through every abbreviation you will encounter. If you are newer to crochet, bookmark this section.
Special Stitch: Shell Stitch
Work 5 double crochet into one stitch. This creates a pretty fan shape. When working the shell edging, you will skip 2 stitches before each shell and skip 2 stitches after, then single crochet into the next stitch before repeating.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
The poncho body consists of two flat triangular panels (front and back) that get seamed at the shoulders. This leaves a center neck opening. Each panel is worked from the neck edge downward, increasing every row to create that triangular flare.
The hood is worked separately as a rectangle, folded and seamed along the top to form the crown, then attached around the neck opening.
The ears are worked in the round as flat ovals, layered together (gray outer, pink inner), and sewn to the hood top.
Important: Chain 1 at the beginning of each row is a turning chain only and does NOT count as a stitch. All stitch counts reflect only actual sc stitches worked.
Always turn your work at the end of every row unless told to join in the round.
Poncho Front Panel Instructions
The front panel begins at the shoulder edge and works downward. It is a triangle that widens every row through increases at the edges and center.
Foundation chain: Using Yarn A and hook J-10, ch 35.
Row 1 (RS): Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. Turn. (34 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc to last st, inc in last st. Turn. (36 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 15, inc in next st, inc in next st, sc 15, inc in last st. Turn. (40 sc)
Here is what is happening in Row 3: The two center stitches each receive an increase. This creates the characteristic double ridge running down the front. From now on, every row increases by 4 stitches total. One at each outer edge, two in the center.
Row 4: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 17, inc, inc, sc 17, inc in last st. Turn. (44 sc)
Row 5: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 19, inc, inc, sc 19, inc in last st. Turn. (48 sc)
Row 6: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 21, inc, inc, sc 21, inc in last st. Turn. (52 sc)
Row 7: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 23, inc, inc, sc 23, inc in last st. Turn. (56 sc)
Row 8: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 25, inc, inc, sc 25, inc in last st. Turn. (60 sc)
Row 9: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 27, inc, inc, sc 27, inc in last st. Turn. (64 sc)
Row 10: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 29, inc, inc, sc 29, inc in last st. Turn. (68 sc)
Row 11: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 31, inc, inc, sc 31, inc in last st. Turn. (72 sc)
Row 12: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 33, inc, inc, sc 33, inc in last st. Turn. (76 sc)
Row 13: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 35, inc, inc, sc 35, inc in last st. Turn. (80 sc)
Row 14: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 37, inc, inc, sc 37, inc in last st. Turn. (84 sc)
Row 15: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 39, inc, inc, sc 39, inc in last st. Turn. (88 sc)
Row 16: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 41, inc, inc, sc 41, inc in last st. Turn. (92 sc)
Row 17: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 43, inc, inc, sc 43, inc in last st. Turn. (96 sc)
Row 18: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 45, inc, inc, sc 45, inc in last st. Turn. (100 sc)
Checkpoint
After Row 18, your front panel should measure approximately 4 inches from the foundation chain to the working edge, and approximately 25 inches across the bottom edge. The triangular shape should be obvious now.
Row 19: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 47, inc, inc, sc 47, inc in last st. Turn. (104 sc)
Row 20: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 49, inc, inc, sc 49, inc in last st. Turn. (108 sc)
Row 21: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 51, inc, inc, sc 51, inc in last st. Turn. (112 sc)
Row 22: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 53, inc, inc, sc 53, inc in last st. Turn. (116 sc)
Row 23: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 55, inc, inc, sc 55, inc in last st. Turn. (120 sc)
Row 24: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 57, inc, inc, sc 57, inc in last st. Turn. (124 sc)
Row 25: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 59, inc, inc, sc 59, inc in last st. Turn. (128 sc)
Row 26: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 61, inc, inc, sc 61, inc in last st. Turn. (132 sc)
Row 27: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 63, inc, inc, sc 63, inc in last st. Turn. (136 sc)
Row 28: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 65, inc, inc, sc 65, inc in last st. Turn. (140 sc)
Row 29: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 67, inc, inc, sc 67, inc in last st. Turn. (144 sc)
Row 30: Ch 1, inc in first st, sc 69, inc, inc, sc 69, inc in last st. Turn. (148 sc)
Fasten off Yarn A. Leave a long tail of at least 18 inches for seaming.
Final Checkpoint
The front panel should measure approximately 6.5 to 7 inches from the foundation chain edge to the working edge. The bottom edge should measure approximately 37 inches. You have a wide, flat triangle.
Poncho Back Panel Instructions
Work exactly as the Front Panel. Foundation chain of 35, Rows 1 through 30, all stitch counts identical.
The poncho is symmetrical front to back. Fasten off with a long tail for seaming.
Joining Front and Back Panels
Place the front and back panels together with right sides facing each other.
The foundation chain edges (the short straight edges at the top, 34 stitches each) become the shoulder seams.
Using Yarn A and a yarn needle, seam the right shoulder: mattress stitch or whipstitch the first 8 stitches of each foundation chain edge together. Fasten off.
Seam the left shoulder: join the last 8 stitches of each foundation chain edge together. Fasten off.
The center 18 stitches on each side remain open and form the neck opening. Total neck opening is approximately 13 inches in circumference.
Hold the poncho up by the neck opening. The front and back triangles should drape symmetrically. If the neck feels too tight, remove 1 to 2 shoulder stitches from each seam to widen it before proceeding.
Hood Instructions
The hood is worked as a flat rectangle, then seamed along the top edge.
Foundation chain: Using Yarn A, ch 55.
Row 1 (RS): Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. Turn. (54 sc)
Rows 2 through 28: Ch 1, sc across each row without shaping. Turn. (54 sc per row)
After Row 28, the hood rectangle measures approximately 6 inches wide and approximately 6.2 inches tall. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Fold the rectangle in half so the two short ends meet. Seam along the top folded edge using whipstitch, joining both layers for the full 54-stitch width. This creates the rounded top of the hood.
Turn the hood right side out. The seamed edge is the crown.
Attaching the Hood to the Poncho
Pin the hood around the neck opening, aligning the bottom open edge of the hood with the neck opening. The hood opening faces forward.
Using Yarn A and a yarn needle, whipstitch the hood edge evenly around the neck opening, distributing any ease evenly.
After attaching, the neck join should lie flat and smooth. The hood should stand up naturally and frame the face.
Bunny Ears Instructions
Make 2 outer ear pieces in Yarn A and 2 inner ear pieces in Yarn B.
Outer Ear (Yarn A, make 2)
Foundation: Ch 4. Work in a continuous oval.
Rnd 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 2, 3 sc in last ch (working around the tip), then working back along the other side of the foundation chain: sc 1, 3 sc in first ch (the base end). Join with sl st to first sc. (9 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc, inc, inc, sc 1, inc, inc. Join. (15 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc 2, inc, sc 2, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 2, inc, sc 1, inc. Join. (20 sc)
Rnds 4 through 10: Ch 1, sc across without increasing. Join. (20 sc per rnd)
Fasten off. Set aside.
Inner Ear (Yarn B, make 2)
Foundation: Ch 4. Work in a continuous oval.
Rnd 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 2, 3 sc in last ch, sc 1, 3 sc in first ch. Join. (9 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc, inc, inc, sc 1, inc, inc. Join. (15 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc 2, inc, sc 2, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 2, inc, sc 1, inc. Join. (20 sc)
Rnds 4 through 7: Ch 1, sc around without increasing. Join. (20 sc per rnd)
Fasten off. The inner ears are slightly shorter than the outer ears. This is correct.
Ear Assembly
Hold one outer ear and one inner ear together with the pink side facing up. Using Yarn B and a yarn needle, whipstitch around the perimeter of both pieces, leaving the flat base open.
Lightly stuff with a tiny pinch of fiberfill if desired, then close the base seam. Repeat for second ear.
Attaching Ears to Hood
Position the ears at the top of the hood, one on each side, centered over the crown seam, approximately 1.5 inches apart at their bases. The ears should angle very slightly outward.
Using Yarn A and a yarn needle, sew each ear securely through the hood fabric using several passes to prevent flopping.
Face Embellishments
Nose: Sew or glue the pink pom-pom to the center front of the hood, approximately 1 inch above the hood opening edge.
Eyes: Using brown or dark gray yarn, embroider two small circles or French knots approximately 0.75 inches above and 1 inch to each side of the nose position.
Mouth: Embroider a small Y-shaped or inverted-V-shaped line descending from just below the nose. Keep it subtle, no longer than 0.5 inches.
Hem Edging (Shell Edging in Yarn B)
The shell edging is worked along the bottom edge of both panels, continuing around the entire outer perimeter.
Join Yarn B with a sl st at the right-hand side point of the front panel hem.
Shell Edging Row: Sc in first st, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell made), sk 2 sts. Repeat from beginning across to corner, ending with sc in last st. Work sc into corners, then continue the pattern up the side edges and across the back hem.
Join with sl st to the first sc when complete. Fasten off Yarn B.
Hood Opening Edging
Using Yarn B, join with sl st at the bottom edge of the hood opening.
Round 1: Work 1 round of sc evenly around the entire hood opening edge.
Round 2: Sc in first st, sk 2, shell (5 dc in next st), sk 2. Repeat around, ending with sc, sl st to first sc.
Fasten off Yarn B.
Finishing and Blocking
Weave in all yarn ends securely, working tails through at least 5 to 6 stitches in multiple directions before trimming.
For acrylic yarns: Pin the poncho flat to a blocking mat, mist lightly with water, and pat into shape. Allow to air dry completely. Do not steam block acrylic.
For wool yarns: Wet block by soaking in cool water for 10 minutes, pressing out excess water gently in a towel, then pinning flat to dry.
Pin the ears open flat during blocking so they retain their shape.
Size Customization Tips
12 to 18 months: Add 8 to 10 more rows to each panel (Rows 31 through 38 or 40), maintaining the 4-stitch increase per row pattern.
18 to 24 months: Add 16 to 18 more rows to each panel.
Wider neck opening: Add 2 to 4 stitches to the center of the foundation chain (change ch 35 to ch 37 or ch 39) and adjust shoulder seam stitch counts proportionally.
Longer or shorter ears: Add or subtract even-numbered plain rounds to the outer ear pattern.
Care Instructions for Your Finished Poncho
Machine wash cold on gentle cycle if using superwash wool or acrylic. Do not tumble dry at high heat. Lay flat to dry or use air-only setting. Do not iron. Store folded flat or over a padded hanger.
You Did It!
Thank you so much for choosing this pattern for your next project. I hope you love making this bunny poncho as much as I loved designing it. The look on a little one’s face when they wear those floppy ears is absolutely worth every stitch.
If you make this poncho, I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or share a photo in my Facebook group. Seeing your finished projects truly makes my day.
Go ahead and save this bunny rabbit hooded baby poncho crochet pattern to your Pinterest boards so you can find it whenever you are ready to start. And please drop a comment below if you make one. I love hearing how your projects turn out!
