Intermediate
What the pattern's own author called it. Nothing here is graded again.
Baby 49 Laid out for paper No account, no download
Three-piece bunny baby set with ribbed trim
Hat, diaper cover, booties in two colors. G-6 hook, ribbed brim, 56-st hat body, bunny ears.
- Skill
- Intermediate
- Time
- 4-6 hours
- Yarn weight
- Worsted
- Hook
- 4.00 mm
- Rounds
- 49
Worsted
What the sample was worked in. Any weight works; the size moves with it.
49
Each one is typed out whole and gets its own line.
This set builds three pieces from the same two skeins: a bunny-eared hat, a buttoned diaper cover, and a pair of cuffed booties. The hat starts as a sideways-worked ribbed strip, joined into a ring, then picked up for the body and shaped into a crown. The diaper cover works flat front to back with its own ribbed waistband; the booties start at the toe and build upward in the round. Periwinkle (Color A) carries the main hat body and bootie outers, while lavender (Color B) handles every ribbed edge and the full diaper cover. Before starting, have both colors wound, a G-6 hook, four stitch markers, and the button on hand.
Skill level: intermediate. The individual stitches are basic (single crochet and half double crochet), but the pattern requires working in the round, seaming pieces together, making clean color changes, shaping with increases and decreases, and reading stitch counts carefully across multiple pieces. A beginner who has completed a few small projects like dishcloths or simple hats can attempt it with patience, counting stitches at the end of each round.
Finished measurements: Hat approximately 13 inches / 33 cm circumference, 5.5 inches / 14 cm tall at the body (not including ears), ears measure 4 inches / 10 cm long each. Diaper Cover approximately 14 inches / 35.5 cm waist circumference (unstretched), 6 inches / 15 cm rise. Booties approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm sole length. The finished set fits newborn through three months and makes an ideal photo prop or baby shower gift. This pattern is written for newborn to 3-month size only.
Common mistakes and their fixes
- Skipping the back-loop-only instruction on ribbing rows
- Work every row after the foundation row into the back loop only, not both loops, or the strip will lose its ribbed stretch. Check the ridge pattern on the right side as you go.
- Picking up hat body stitches unevenly from the brim
- Count row ends along the brim's top edge before starting Rnd 1 and space the 56 single crochets evenly, one per row end. An uneven pickup will throw off the Rnd 21 crown decreases.
- Losing the spiral marker on the hat body
- Move the stitch marker up into the first stitch of each new round as you complete Rnd 1's placement. Without it, the 56-stitch count across Rnds 2 through 20 is easy to lose track of.
The materials list
Yarn
- Color A (periwinkle blue): approximately 150 yards / 137 meters of worsted weight yarn
- Color B (soft lavender purple): approximately 120 yards / 110 meters of worsted weight yarn
Hook
- US size G-6 / 4.00 mm crochet hook
Notions
- Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends
- One 3/4-inch / 20 mm button (white or cream)
- Stitch markers (at least 4)
- Scissors
Listed by the pattern's own author, in their words.
Key to this pattern, 19 short forms
Ribbing Row (used for hat brim and diaper cover waistband)
This technique creates a stretchy, ribbed texture that mimics knitted ribbing. The piece is worked sideways and then seamed or attached to the main body.
Chain the required number of stitches plus 1 for the turning chain.
Round 1
Foundation Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. All subsequent rows: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st across. Turn.
Hat Brim (Color B, worked sideways as a rectangle)
Foundation ch: With Color B, ch 9.
Round 1
Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (8 sc)
Rows 2–56
through 56: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st across. Turn. (8 sc each row) After Row 56, do not fasten off. You will have a long ribbed strip approximately 13 inches / 33 cm long.Seam the brim: Fold the strip so the short ends meet. Sl st through both layers of the corresponding stitches to join into a ring. Fasten off, weave in ends.
Checkpoint: The joined brim ring should measure approximately 13 inches / 33 cm in circumference and 1.75 inches / 4.5 cm wide.
Hat Body (Color A)
With Color A, join yarn to any stitch along one long edge of the brim ring (the top edge). Work into the row-end edge of the brim.
Round 1
Sc evenly around the top edge of the brim, working 1 sc per row end. (56 sc) Place marker in first stitch and work in a continuous spiral from here.
Rounds 2–20
through 20: Sc in each st around. (56 sc) Checkpoint: The hat body should now measure approximately 4 inches / 10 cm tall from the top of the brim. You should have 56 stitches in the round.Begin crown shaping:
Round 21
(Sc in next 5 sts, dec) rep 8 times. (48 sc)
Round 22
Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Round 23
(Sc in next 4 sts, dec) rep 8 times. (40 sc)
Round 24
Sc in each st around. (40 sc)
Round 25
(Sc in next 3 sts, dec) rep 8 times. (32 sc)
Round 26
Sc in each st around. (32 sc)
Round 27
(Sc in next 2 sts, dec) rep 8 times. (24 sc)
Round 28
(Sc in next st, dec) rep 8 times. (16 sc)
Round 29
(Dec) rep 8 times. (8 sc) Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread the tail onto the yarn needle and weave through the remaining 8 front loops. Pull snug to close the top. Weave in end securely on the inside.
Checkpoint: The completed hat body should measure approximately 5.5 inches / 14 cm from the bottom edge of the brim to the crown tip.
Hat Ears (make 2, Color A)
Each ear is an elongated rectangle with a rounded top, worked flat then seamed.
With Color A, ch 5.
Round 1
Sc in second ch from hook and in next 3 chs. Turn. (4 sc)
Rows 2–18
through 18: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (4 sc each row)
Round 19
Shape top Ch 1, dec, dec. Turn. (2 sc)
Round 20
Ch 1, dec. (1 sc) Fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail. Make a second ear identical to the first.Joining ears: Fold each ear in half lengthwise (wrong sides together) so it is 2 stitches wide. Using the tail or a separate strand of Color A, whip stitch the long side edges together to create a narrow tube that is closed at the top.Attaching ears: Position both ears on the top of the hat crown, centered and spaced approximately 2 inches / 5 cm apart. The ears should stand or flop naturally. Using Color A yarn and a yarn needle, stitch the base of each ear firmly to the crown stitches over approximately 4 stitches wide at the base. Weave in all ends.
The finished ears measure approximately 4 inches / 10 cm in height.
Diaper Cover Back Panel (Color B)
Foundation ch: With Color B, ch 31.
Round 1
(RS): Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (30 sc)
Rows 2–10
through 10: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (30 sc) Checkpoint: The back panel should measure approximately 2 inches / 5 cm tall and 7 inches / 18 cm wide after Row 10.Begin leg shaping (decrease on both ends to form the crotch):
Round 11
Ch 1, dec, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, dec. Turn. (28 sc)
Round 12
Ch 1, dec, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, dec. Turn. (26 sc)
Round 13
Ch 1, dec, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, dec. Turn. (24 sc)
Round 14
Ch 1, dec, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, dec. Turn. (22 sc)
Round 15
Ch 1, dec, sc in each st across to last 2 sts, dec. Turn. (20 sc)
Rows 16–18
through 18: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (20 sc) Checkpoint: The crotch section should measure approximately 1.5 inches / 4 cm wide at the narrowest point.Begin front rise (increase on both ends to shape the front):
Round 19
Ch 1, inc, sc in each st across to last st, inc. Turn. (22 sc)
Round 20
Ch 1, inc, sc in each st across to last st, inc. Turn. (24 sc)
Round 21
Ch 1, inc, sc in each st across to last st, inc. Turn. (26 sc)
Round 22
Ch 1, inc, sc in each st across to last st, inc. Turn. (28 sc)
Round 23
Ch 1, inc, sc in each st across to last st, inc. Turn. (30 sc)
Rows 24–29
through 29: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (30 sc) Do not fasten off.
Diaper Cover Waistband (Color B, worked sideways)
Foundation ch: With Color B, ch 7.
Round 1
Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (6 sc)
Rows 2–60
through 60: Ch 1, sc in BLO of each st across. Turn. (6 sc each row) After Row 60, the waistband strip should measure approximately 14 inches / 35.5 cm long and 1.25 inches / 3 cm wide.Fasten off, leaving a 20-inch tail for seaming.
Seam the waistband: Align the long edge of the waistband with the top edge of the back panel (Row 1 edge) and the top edge of the front panel (Row 29 through 30 region, on the non-flap side). Using the long tail and a yarn needle, whip stitch the waistband to the top edges of the diaper cover body. The waistband short ends meet at the center front, on either side of the flap. Seam the short ends of the waistband to the top corners of the front panel.
Bootie Sole and Toe (Color A)
Work in a continuous spiral. Place marker in first stitch of each round.
Foundation: With Color A, make a magic ring (adjustable loop).
Round 1
6 sc in magic ring. Pull tail to close ring. (6 sc)
Round 2
Inc in each st around. (12 sc)
Round 3
(Sc in next st, inc) rep 6 times. (18 sc)
Round 4
(Sc in next 2 sts, inc) rep 6 times. (24 sc) Checkpoint: After Rnd 4, the oval sole should measure approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm in length and 2 inches / 5 cm in width.
Rounds 5–7
through 7: Sc in each st around. (24 sc)
Round 8
(BLO only): Working in BLO only: sc in each st around. (24 sc) This creates the fold ridge at the toe.
Round 9
Toe decrease round Sc in first 8 sts, (dec) 4 times, sc in rem 8 sts. (20 sc)
Round 10
Sc in first 7 sts, dec, dec, dec, sc in rem 7 sts. (17 sc)
Rounds 11–16
through 16: Sc in each st around. (17 sc) Checkpoint: The foot of the bootie should measure approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm in total length.
Bootie Cuff (Color B)
At the end of Rnd 16, join Color B with a sl st to the first stitch of the round.
Round 17
With Color B, ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc in each st around. Sl st to first sc to join. (17 sc)
From this point the cuff is worked in joined rounds with a turning chain so the cuff can be folded down and show the right side on both faces.
Rounds 18–23
through 23: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st around. Sl st to first sc to join. (17 sc)Fasten off. Weave in all ends.Fold the Color B cuff down over the Color A ankle section so the right side of the cuff faces outward. The cuff should be approximately 0.75 to 1 inch / 2 to 2.5 cm deep when folded.
Checkpoint: Each completed bootie should measure approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm from heel to toe and approximately 2.75 inches / 7 cm tall from sole to top of cuff.
Diaper Cover Front Flap
Continue working on the 30 stitches from Row 29.
Rows 30–32
through 32: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (30 sc)
Round 33
Buttonhole row Ch 1, sc in first 14 sts, ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in rem 14 sts. Turn. (28 sc + 2 ch sp = 30 sts total)
Round 34
Ch 1, sc in first 14 sts, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in rem 14 sts. Turn. (30 sc)
Round 35
Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. (30 sc) Fasten off, weave in ends. Checkpoint: The full diaper cover piece should measure approximately 6 inches / 15 cm in total rise when laid flat.
Side Seams
With Color B yarn and a yarn needle, align the side edges of the back panel and front panel. The leg opening shaping should match symmetrically. Whip stitch the side seams from the waistband down approximately 2 inches / 5 cm on each side, leaving the remaining leg opening free.
Button: Sew the button to the center of the front flap approximately 0.5 inches / 1.25 cm below the top edge of the flap, centered over the buttonhole. The flap folds down over the front body.
Note: the button on the diaper cover is decorative. If the diaper cover will be used functionally and not just as a photo prop, sew the button on top of the buttonhole securely and use a snap underneath.
Assembly, in order
Step 1After completing all three pieces, weave in all ends securely. Pull tails through multiple stitches in different directions to prevent unraveling during washing.
Step 2Wet blocking: Submerge all pieces in cool water and gently press out excess water with a clean towel. Do not wring. Pin or shape each piece to the finished dimensions on a foam blocking mat. Allow to dry fully before removing pins.
Step 3Wet blocking will open up the stitch texture slightly, relax any tension irregularities, and help the hat brim and diaper cover waistband lay flat.
Step 4Do not steam block acrylic yarns. If using superwash wool, gentle steam blocking is appropriate.
Check these before you start
- The hat brim and diaper cover waistband both use the same ribbing row worked in back loops only; practice this stitch once and it carries across both pieces.
- The hat body is picked up from the row-end edge of the brim ring rather than from a foundation chain, so join Color A evenly across all 56 row ends on Rnd 1.
- Gauge is critical here: the pattern specifies 17 sc and 20 rows to 4 inches with a blocked swatch, and the crown decreases are calculated against that 56-stitch count. If your swatch is too big, go down a hook size; if too small, go up a hook size.
- When changing colors, complete the last yarn over of the final stitch before the color change with the new color. Cut the old color leaving a 6-inch tail and weave in ends securely; baby items must withstand repeated washing.
- This pattern is written for newborn to 3-month size only.
On one line
| Rounds | 49 |
|---|---|
| Parts | 10 |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Time | 4-6 hours |
| Hook | 4.00 mm |
| Yarn | Worsted |
Set-up
- Wind off at least 150 yards of Color A and 120 yards of Color B so you are not short mid-piece on a two-color set like this one.
- Work a gauge swatch at 17 sc and 20 rows per 4 inches with the G-6 hook; the hat crown shaping depends on hitting this count at Rnd 1's 56 stitches.
- Set aside at least 4 stitch markers before starting the hat body, since Rnd 1 asks you to place one and work in a continuous spiral from there.
- Read through the Ribbing Row instructions once before the hat brim or diaper cover waistband, since both pieces reuse that same BLO technique.
Finishing
- Weave in all ends by pulling tails through several stitches in different directions so they hold through washing.
- Wet block each piece: submerge in cool water, press out excess with a towel without wringing, then pin to finished dimensions on a foam mat and let dry fully.
- Once dry, seam the hat ears to the crown, join the diaper cover side seams, and sew the 3/4-inch button to the front center closure.
Construction
The hat brim is worked sideways as a 56-row ribbed rectangle, then its row-end edge (not a chain edge) becomes the 56 stitches picked up for Rnd 1 of the hat body, which is what gives the brim its stretch while the body stays a firm spiral.
The diaper cover is built in two pieces, a back panel and a separate front flap, joined afterward by side seams, which is why the waistband is worked sideways on its own rather than as part of the panel.
Time per section
| Hat (brim, body, and two ears) | about 2.5 to 3 hours because the brim alone is 56 rows before the 20-round body and crown shaping begin |
|---|---|
| Diaper cover (back panel, front flap, waistband, seams) | about 2 to 2.5 hours because the back panel runs 14 rounds and the two side seams need careful alignment |
| Booties (pair, sole through cuff) | about 1.5 to 2 hours because each bootie repeats 9 rounds of toe shaping plus a 2-round cuff, doubled for the pair |
| Total for the complete set | plan for approximately 6 to 9 hours total, perfect for a weekend project or a few evenings of stitching while watching your favorite show |
Common questions
These answers came from whoever first published the pattern, kept word for word.