Peep-Style Knit Bunny

This cute knit bunny is styled after the sugary Easter snack Peeps. It's a very quick and easy knit, and seamless other than a bit of Kitchener stitch at the top.

What you need

About 25 yards medium weight yarn of your choice (traditional Peep colors are pink, blue, yellow and purple)
scraps of black and orange yarn for face (optional)
set of 3 or 4 size 8 US/ 5mm double-pointed knitting needles
stitch holder or two additional DPNs (can be a different size)
stuffing
yarn needle

Gauge:
Gauge is not critical for this project, but I got 5 stitches and 7 rounds in Stockinette Stitch in the round.

Size:
Finished bunny is 8.5 inches/21.5 cm tall

Instructions

Cast on 12 stitches. Working back and forth, knit 12 rows.

Pick up and knit 6 stitches along the side of this flap, 12 along the bottom and 6 along the other side, distributing onto double-pointed needles as you go. 36 stitches total. From here on you will work in the round. (I put my stitches on two needles; if you use more you will need to know where the center is

Work straight for 3 inches/7.6 cm.

K1, ssk, k to 3 sts from end of needle 1 (or 15 sts from beg of rnd, counting decrease as 2 sts), k2tog, k1. Repeat on second needle.

K 1 rnd.

Repeat these 2 rnds 2 more times. 24 stitches.

K 2 more rnds straight.

K1, kfb, k to 3 sts from end of needle 1, kfb, k1. Repeat on second needle. 28 sts.

K straight for 2 inches/5 cm.

Stuff the body lightly with stuffing.

K6, put rem sts on holder or extra DPNs, except for the last 6 sts of rnd.

Work on these 12 sts in round for 2 inches/5 cm.

Stuff ear lightly and close with Kitchener Stitch. Leave a long enough tail to thread it down inside the ear and also work Kitchener Stitch on the center 4 sts (two each from the front and back of the bunny).

Place 12 rem sts back on needles. Knit for 2 inches/5 cm.

Stuff ear lightly and close with Kitchener Stitch.