How to make a Wash Cloth Bunny — also called a boo-boo bunny when used to soothe minor bumps with ice. These adorable, inexpensive bunnies take only a few minutes to make and are perfect for Easter baskets, baby showers, or as a comforting cold pack for little ones. Follow the simple steps below and use the photos to guide you.
Wash Cloth Bunny
With spring approaching, pastel-colored washcloths are easy to find at discount stores and big-box retailers. A single square washcloth, a hair tie, a bit of ribbon, and a few craft extras are all you need to make these sweet bunnies. They’re quick to assemble, make thoughtful gifts, and can be made practical by adding a wrapped ice cube for soothing bumps.
Supplies Needed:
- Square washcloth (any size that is square)
- Hair tie or small rubber band
- Ribbon to hide the tie and add decoration
- Optional: googly eyes
- Pom poms for the tail and nose (optional)
- Glue or hot glue (for attaching eyes and pom poms, if desired)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay the washcloth flat on a surface with a corner pointing toward you so the cloth is in a diamond shape.
- Tightly roll one corner toward the center.
- Roll the opposite corner up to the center so the two rolled edges meet in the middle.
- Check that the creases meet evenly. If you’re making a boo-boo bunny, place a small ice cube or a wrapped ice pack in the crease at the center. To limit wetness, you can place the ice cube inside a small resealable plastic bag or wrap it in a thin layer of cling film before setting it in the cloth.
- Bend the rolled-up washcloth in half so the two rolls create the bunny’s ears, then place one ear slightly in front of the other for a natural look.
- Gather the front portion of the washcloth beneath the ears to form the face. Secure it by wrapping a hair tie or small rubber band tightly around this gathered area. This pinch creates the bunny’s head and separates the ears from the face.
- Cover the hair tie with a decorative ribbon and tie a small bow to conceal the band and add charm.
- Attach a pom pom for a cotton-tail at the back and add a smaller pom pom or a felt piece for the nose. Glue on googly eyes if you like. Hot glue works quickly; if you use tacky or craft glue, allow extra drying time.
- Adjust the ears and face to your liking. If using an ice cube, wrap the finished boo-boo bunny in a lightweight towel or place it on a small plate while you carry it to the injured child to avoid dripping.
Tips, Uses, and Safety
Washcloth bunnies are versatile: use them as comforting cool packs for small bumps, as table decorations, baby shower favors, or playful props for toddlers. If you’re using them as a cold pack, protect skin by placing a thin cloth barrier between the icy center and the child’s skin, and limit application to short intervals (a few minutes at a time).
Choose soft, absorbent washcloths for a neat finish. Cotton or cotton-blend cloths roll and secure nicely. For a sturdier keepsake, stitch a small pocket into the washcloth before rolling to hold a reusable gel pack rather than loose ice.
Personalize each bunny with different ribbons, patterned washcloths, or tiny accessories. They make an easy bulk craft for classroom projects or party activities; prepare a craft station with supplies and let kids assemble their own bunnies with supervision. When gifting multiple bunnies, place each in a small organza bag or box for a polished presentation.
Quick care note: these bunnies are washable if glue and embellishments are removed first. Spot clean or hand wash delicate decorations. If you plan to reuse as a cold pack, consider swapping the ice for a small sealed gel pack to reduce moisture and increase longevity.
