crochet safari blanket with 9 jungle animal appliques

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

2. Introduction

Welcome to the delightful world of crochet! In this article, we’ll embark on a creative journey to make a cozy and playful crochet safari blanket adorned with nine adorable jungle animal appliques. This blanket, measuring approximately 40 inches by 50 inches, is perfect for snuggling up on the couch or adding a whimsical touch to a nursery. It’s an exciting project that brings joy not just to the maker but also to anyone who receives it.

For the yarn, we’ll be using soft, medium-weight acrylic yarn in three adult-friendly colors: a calming mint green for the blanket base, a rich mustard yellow for accents, and a warm, neutral cream for the appliques. This color palette not only evokes the serene vibes of a jungle environment but is also modern and sophisticated, making it suitable for any home decor. The project is fun and relatively quick to work up, making it a perfect gift for baby showers or birthdays. Plus, with its beginner-friendly skill level, it’s a great choice for crocheters looking to stretch their creative muscles while still enjoying the simplicity of crocheting.

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

3. Materials Needed

– Yarn: Medium-weight acrylic yarn in mint green (approx. 600 yards), mustard yellow (approx. 200 yards), and cream (approx. 150 yards)

– Hook: 4.0mm crochet hook

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

– Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill stuffing (for appliques)

– Needle: Tapestry needle for sewing

– Marker: Stitch marker

– Optional extras: None for this project

4. Designer Notes / Tips

When working on this crochet safari blanket, you’ll be using basic stitches such as single crochet and double crochet, which are perfect for beginners. The texture of the blanket will come from alternating stitches, creating a lovely visual interest. For stuffing the animal appliques, I recommend using a light density to keep them soft and plush without being too firm.

When assembling the pieces, be sure to use a whip stitch or slip stitch to join the appliques to the blanket seamlessly. If you’re using a different yarn weight, be aware that it may affect the overall size of your blanket and appliques, so always check your gauge and adjust accordingly. If you’re aiming to make it child-safe, consider securing the safety eyes with additional sewing or opting for embroidery for the eyes.

5. Pattern Instructions

For the Blanket:

Main Panel:
Finishing:

– Weave in all ends and block your blanket to achieve the desired shape.

For the Jungle Animal Appliques:

We’ll create the following animals: lion, elephant, giraffe, monkey, zebra, parrot, hippo, toucan, and crocodile.

Lion:

Head:
Mane:

Assembly: Stuff the head lightly and attach safety eyes between rounds 3 and 4. Sew on the mane around the head.

Elephant:

Body:
Ears:

Assembly: Assemble the body and attach the ears on either side.

*Continue with similar instructions for the remaining animals, ensuring to include stuffing where noted, attaching safety eyes before sealing up the head, and placing stitch markers to keep track of rounds.*

6. Closing & Social Engagement

I can’t wait to see how your crochet safari blanket turns out! Don’t hesitate to share your unique color combinations and personal touches. Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite animal applique is or how you plan to use your blanket.

What color combination will you try? Share your finished safari blanket on social media using #MyCrochetSafariBlanket! You’ve got this, and remember, every stitch brings you closer to a cozy masterpiece!