crochet jungle safari rhino and hippo applique how to crochet rhino and hippo appliques

Main project photo — *The finished project — looks amazing, right?*

2. Introduction

Welcome to your next crochet adventure! In this article, we will be creating adorable jungle safari appliques of a rhino and a hippo, perfect for embellishing blankets, bags, or even clothing. These delightful little critters will each measure approximately 4-5 inches in height, making them the ideal size for a myriad of projects. With just a few hours of work, you’ll have charming appliques that bring a touch of whimsy to your crochet creations.

For this project, you will work with soft worsted weight yarn in sophisticated colors like a muted gray for the rhino, a calming pastel pink for the hippo, and a rich green for adding some foliage accents. These adult-friendly colors will ensure that your appliques look stylish while also appealing to a broader range of tastes. Creating these appliques is not only quick and enjoyable, but it also offers a wonderful opportunity to practice your crochet skills. This project is beginner-friendly, making it accessible for those who have just started crocheting or are looking to enhance their skill set. Plus, they make for delightful gifts or decorations for a baby shower, nursery, or animal-themed party!

Materials and preparation — *Materials and work-in-progress shot*

3. Materials Needed

– Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in muted gray (approx. 50 yards), pastel pink (approx. 50 yards), and rich green (approx. 20 yards)

– Hook: 3.5mm or 4.0mm crochet hook

– Eyes: Safety eyes (12mm) OR black embroidery thread

– Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill stuffing

– Needle: Tapestry needle for sewing

– Marker: Stitch marker

– Optional extras: Small piece of felt for backing, if desired

4. Designer Notes / Tips

When creating these appliques, pay attention to your tension to ensure that your stitches remain even and your pieces maintain their shape. If you’re new to crocheting, don’t worry if your gauge isn’t perfect; these appliques are forgiving! For stuffing, aim for a light to medium density. They should be soft enough to keep their shape without feeling stiff.

When assembling your pieces, I recommend using a tapestry needle to securely stitch them together. This will help you achieve a clean finish. If you wish to substitute yarn, you can opt for acrylic blends or cotton yarn, but be mindful of the weight to maintain the size of your appliques. For safety, if these appliques are intended for young children, you may want to use embroidered features instead of safety eyes.

5. Pattern Instructions

Let’s jump into creating our rhino and hippo appliques!

For Plushies:

Rhino Head:

Rhino Body:

Rhino Legs:

Rhino Ears:

Assembly:

– Attach the head to the body using the yarn tail.

– Position the legs at the bottom and the ears on top, securing all with your tapestry needle.

– Place the safety eyes about 4 stitches apart on the head before fully closing.

Hippo Head:

Hippo Body:

Hippo Legs:

Hippo Ears:

Assembly:

– Attach the head to the body, securing well.

– Position the legs and ears as desired, and stitch them in place.

– Use safety eyes or embroidery to add facial features.

6. Closing & Social Engagement

You’ve made it to the end, and now you have your very own jungle safari rhino and hippo appliques! I’d love to see your version! Leave a comment below and share the color combinations you chose. Your creativity can inspire others in our crochet community. Don’t forget to share your finished appliques on social media with #CrochetSafariAppliques!