Peter Rabbit Free Vintage Knitting Pattern
Knit one of the most recognizable storybook rabbits with this free vintage Peter Rabbit knitting pattern, originally published in The Australian Woman’s Weekly on 2 November 1966. This is a lovely find for anyone who enjoys vintage knitted toys, rabbits and characters inspired by classic children’s stories. Rather than a modern interpretation, you’re working from a genuine 1960s knitting pattern, giving the finished rabbit that distinctive handmade vintage-toy character that makes these older patterns so appealing.
- Style: Vintage storybook knitted toy
- Pattern type: Knitted rabbit / toy
- Character: Peter Rabbit
- Era: 1960s
- Original publication: The Australian Woman’s Weekly
- Original publication date: 2 November 1966
🧶 Yarn pick: The original pattern is now around 60 years old, so don’t be surprised if the yarn specified in the instructions is difficult or impossible to find today. Rather than trying to track down an exact vintage yarn, compare its weight and tension with a modern substitute. For a knitted rabbit, I would choose a smooth yarn with good stitch definition that produces a firm fabric when knitted at the required gauge.
A Genuine 1960s Vintage Knitting Pattern
Part of the appeal of this pattern is its age.
It was published in The Australian Woman’s Weekly on 2 November 1966, so this isn’t a modern pattern designed to look vintage — it’s the real thing.
Patterns from this period often have a very different appearance from today’s knitted toys. The proportions, shaping and finishing techniques give them a traditional handmade character that is increasingly difficult to find in contemporary toy patterns.
If you enjoy collecting and knitting vintage patterns, Peter Rabbit is an especially lovely character to rediscover.
Knitting a Classic Storybook Rabbit
Few knitted rabbits are quite as recognizable as Peter Rabbit.
His association with Beatrix Potter’s classic children’s stories makes this pattern particularly appealing to knitters who love traditional storybook characters.
It also makes the finished rabbit a lovely addition to a nursery or collection of vintage-style knitted toys.
Pair him with a beautifully illustrated Peter Rabbit book and you also have the beginnings of a very special handmade gift.
Choosing Yarn for a Vintage Rabbit Pattern
Vintage knitting patterns can present one obvious problem: the original yarn may no longer exist.
That doesn’t mean you can’t knit the pattern.
When choosing a modern substitute, check the original instructions for:
- yarn weight
- recommended tension or gauge
- needle size
- fibre content
- required quantity or yardage
Of these, tension is particularly important.
A yarn described with a similar weight isn’t necessarily an exact substitute. Make a tension square and adjust your needle size if necessary before starting the main toy.
For a stuffed knitted rabbit, you also want the resulting fabric to be relatively firm so that stuffing isn’t clearly visible through the stitches.
Why Vintage Knitted Rabbits Are Still So Appealing
There are thousands of modern bunny patterns available, but vintage knitted rabbits have a character all their own.
They’re often less stylized than modern miniature toys and can have more traditional doll-like proportions and construction.
And there’s something rather special about knitting from instructions that another knitter could have picked up and made in 1966.
You’re effectively recreating a small piece of knitting history.
A Lovely Easter Knitting Project
Although Peter Rabbit isn’t exclusively an Easter character, a knitted rabbit is naturally a wonderful project for spring and Easter.
Instead of giving another chocolate bunny, you could knit a rabbit that can be kept for years.
It could also work beautifully as part of an Easter display alongside knitted eggs, chicks, flowers and other small spring projects.
Build a Collection of Knitted Storybook Characters
Peter Rabbit also fits beautifully with the vintage fairy tale and storybook patterns we’ve been rediscovering on Knitting Bee.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is another wonderful 1960s pattern, originally published in 1966.
For another classic story, try the vintage Little Red Riding Hood knitting pattern featuring Little Red, Grandma and the Big Bad Wolf.
You can also knit The Three Little Pigs and Big Bad Wolf for another recognizable group of storybook characters.
These older patterns are particularly lovely when viewed as a collection rather than as individual toys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free Peter Rabbit knitting pattern?
Yes. This vintage Peter Rabbit knitting pattern is available free through the pattern link near the top of this page.
When was this Peter Rabbit knitting pattern published?
The pattern was originally published on 2 November 1966.
Where was the original pattern published?
It appeared in The Australian Woman’s Weekly.
Is this a genuine vintage knitting pattern?
Yes. This is an original 1960s pattern rather than a new knitting pattern created in a vintage style.
Can I substitute modern yarn?
Usually, yes. If the original yarn is discontinued, look for a modern yarn that produces a similar tension and fabric rather than relying only on the yarn’s weight description.
What yarn is best for a knitted rabbit?
A smooth yarn with good stitch definition works particularly well for traditional knitted toys. Aim for a fabric dense enough that the stuffing won’t be obvious between the stitches.
Is Peter Rabbit a good Easter knitting project?
Yes. Although Peter Rabbit is a classic storybook character rather than specifically an Easter character, rabbits make him a natural addition to Easter and spring knitting projects.
Are there more vintage storybook knitting patterns on Knitting Bee?
Yes. You can also find vintage Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Little Red Riding Hood patterns, as well as other knitted fairy tale and storybook characters.
Where can I find the original Peter Rabbit pattern?
Use the free pattern link near the top of this page to access the original 1966 Peter Rabbit knitting pattern from The Australian Woman’s Weekly.