A baby lovey is often one of the first things many babies become attached to. It quickly becomes a trusted companion in the stroller, in bed, or when traveling. Many babies find comfort in holding or rubbing something soft, which is why baby loveys and comforters are such popular baby items.
In this tutorial I will show you how I sew a soft muslin bunny ear baby lovey. It is a simple sewing project that works well for beginners but is also enjoyable for more experienced sewing enthusiasts.
The baby lovey in this guide measures approximately 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 inches) when finished and features two long floppy bunny ears in one corner. The ears contain a small amount of batting so they stay soft while still having a bit of structure.
If you are looking for a cozy DIY baby sewing project, a handmade baby lovey is a perfect choice.
Why Sew a Baby Lovey Yourself?
There are several good reasons to sew a baby lovey yourself.
First of all, you can choose exactly the materials and colors you prefer. Many people choose soft natural fabrics such as cotton or muslin because they feel gentle against a baby’s skin.
Secondly, this is a quick sewing project. Once you have the pattern pieces ready, a baby lovey can usually be sewn in around 25–30 minutes.
A handmade lovey can also be a very personal gift for a newborn baby. Many parents truly appreciate something handmade and unique.
Materials for a Baby Lovey
You only need a few materials to sew this bunny lovey.
Materials list
- Muslin fabric for the front
- Muslin fabric for the back
- Thin batting (80–100 g/m²) for the ears
- Sewing thread
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Pins or sewing clips
- Iron
Many people prefer to use OEKO-TEX certified fabrics when sewing baby projects. This helps ensure the materials do not contain harmful substances.
Why Muslin Is Perfect for Baby Loveys
Muslin is a very popular fabric for baby sewing projects such as loveys, bibs, and baby blankets.
This is because muslin fabric:
- is extremely soft
- is breathable
- absorbs moisture well
- develops a beautiful crinkled texture after washing
Muslin also tends to become even softer after several washes, which makes it perfect for a baby lovey that will be used frequently.
Size of the Bunny Lovey
In this tutorial we use the following measurements.
Finished size
30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 inches)
Cutting size
32 × 32 cm (includes seam allowance)
You will need to cut:
- 2 fabric squares for the lovey
- 4 fabric pieces for the bunny ears
- 2 batting pieces for the ears
The ears are approximately 22 cm (8.5 inches) long and slightly wider at the bottom to create a nice shape.
How to Draft the Bunny Ear Template
I first created a paper template to test the shape and to make sure I was happy with the proportions before cutting the fabric.
- drawing a straight line that measures 22 cm (8.5 inches).
- Mark the midpoint of the line at 11 cm.
- At this midpoint, measure 3.5 cm to each side, giving a total width of 7 cm at the widest point of the ear.
- At the bottom of the ear, mark a width of 4 cm.
- Finally, connect all the marked points with smooth, curved lines to create the desired ear shape.
This will give you a soft, leaf-shaped bunny ear that looks natural and floppy when sewn.
How to Sew a Bunny Baby Lovey
Step 1 – Sew the Bunny Ears
Start by placing two ear pieces right sides together.
Place the batting on top of the fabric.
Sew around the edge of the ear pieces, but leave the bottom open.
Turn the ears right side out.
Repeat the same process for the second ear.
To give the ears a little more structure, you can sew a line down the center of each ear.
Step 2 – Attach the Ears
Place the two lovey squares right sides together.
Position the ears in one corner of the fabric, approximately 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) from each edge.
The ears should point toward the center of the fabric.
Step 3 – Sew the Lovey Together
Sew all the way around the square using about 1 cm seam allowance.
Leave an opening of about 5 cm (2 inches) so you can turn the lovey right side out.
When sewing across the area where the ears are attached, it is a good idea to sew back and forth a couple of times to reinforce the seam.
Step 4 – Turn and Topstitch
Turn the lovey right side out through the opening.
Gently press the edges using an iron.
Fold the seam allowance inward at the opening.
Sew a topstitch all the way around the edge.
The final topstitch should be placed about 5 mm from the edge.
Tips for a Beautiful Baby Lovey
Small details can make a big difference in the final result.
You can for example:
- slightly round the corners of the lovey
- prewash the fabric before sewing
- test the seams by gently pulling the ears
These small steps can help make the lovey more durable and give a more professional finish.
A Cozy DIY Baby Sewing Project
Sewing a baby lovey is a small and manageable sewing project that can be completed quickly. At the same time it is a lovely way to create something personal for a baby.
A bunny ear lovey can be used in the stroller, in bed, or whenever a baby needs comfort.
And once you have the pattern pieces ready, it is easy to sew several loveys in different colors and prints.
Handmade baby items often become treasured keepsakes, and a soft muslin lovey can easily become a baby’s favorite companion.
I hope this guide has inspired you to try sewing your own bunny ear lovey blanket. It is a simple and enjoyable sewing project, and the result is a soft and comforting little cloth that babies often grow very attached to.
Thank you so much for reading along. If you decide to make your own version, I would love to see it. Sewing projects are always more fun when they are shared.
Happy sewing!