appliques jungle friends set baby blanket
2. Introduction
Welcome to the delightful world of crochet with the “Appliques Jungle Friends Set Baby Blanket”! This charming project combines a cozy baby blanket with adorable jungle-themed appliques, making it the perfect gift for a newborn or a little one transitioning to a big kid bed. The finished blanket measures approximately 36 inches by 36 inches, providing just the right size for cuddles, playtime, or as a stroller cover.
For this project, we’ll be using a soft, worsted weight yarn in complementary shades like soft mint green, creamy beige, and a warm sunshine yellow. These colors not only evoke the cheerful essence of a jungle but also appeal to adults and children alike. This project is fun and quick to work up, especially the appliques, which you can add a personal touch to, making it special for the little ones in your life. The skill level is beginner-friendly, making it a great introduction for new crocheters, while still allowing seasoned crafters to enjoy the process. Whether it’s for a baby shower or a first birthday, this blanket is sure to bring smiles and warmth.
3. Materials Needed
– Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in soft mint green (approximately 400 yards), creamy beige (approximately 200 yards), and warm sunshine yellow (approximately 200 yards)
– Hook: 4.0mm crochet hook
– Eyes: 12mm safety eyes OR black embroidery thread for stitching
– Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill stuffing (for the appliques)
– Needle: Tapestry needle for sewing in ends and assembling pieces
– Marker: Stitch marker to mark the beginning of rounds
– Optional extras: Small buttons for embellishing the jungle friends
4. Designer Notes / Tips
This pattern utilizes basic crochet stitches, making it approachable for beginners. You’ll primarily work with single crochet (sc) and half double crochet (hdc), which create a lovely texture throughout the blanket and the appliques. When it comes to stuffing the jungle friends, aim for a medium density; this keeps them plush but not overly firm.
For assembling the pieces, using a whip stitch to join the appliques to the blanket ensures a neat finish. If you’re considering yarn substitutions, acrylic blends work beautifully for softness and durability, but always check your gauge. Speaking of gauge, aiming for a tension of about 4 inches = 16 sc is ideal for this project. Lastly, if you’re making this for a child under three, consider stitching on the eyes instead of using safety eyes for added safety.
5. Pattern Instructions
For the Blanket:
Foundation:
Chain 122.
Main Body:
Row 1: Hdc in the 3rd chain from hook, hdc in each chain across (120 hdc).
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each stitch across (120 hdc).
Repeat Row 2 until the blanket measures approximately 36 inches in height.
For the Jungle Friends Appliques:
Lion
Head:
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 2: inc in each st (12)
Round 3: [sc, inc] repeat (18)
Round 4: [2 sc, inc] repeat (24)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Mane:
Using the soft mint green yarn, chain 10, sc in the second chain from hook, and continue across. Attach to the head with a slip stitch, creating a mane effect. Repeat around the head.
Eyes:
Attach safety eyes between rounds 2 and 3 of the head, approximately 5 stitches apart.
Assembly:
Stuff the head lightly before closing. Stitch the mane securely around the head and attach to the blanket wherever you desire.
Monkey
Body:
Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Round 2: inc in each st (12)
Round 3: [sc, inc] repeat (18)
Round 4: [3 sc, inc] repeat (24)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Arms:
Ch 10, turn, sc in each chain across. Attach to the body by sewing securely.
Assembly:
Stuff lightly before closing. Position the monkey wherever you’d like on the blanket and sew it on.
For Additional Animals:
Follow similar instructions for other jungle friends like elephants or tigers, adjusting colors and features as desired to match your theme.
6. Closing & Social Engagement
I’m so excited for you to embark on this jungle adventure! This project not only offers a beautiful finished blanket but also allows you to create cherished memories as you craft each jungle friend. I encourage you to experiment with colors and add your personal touches.
I’d love to see your version! Leave a comment below sharing your favorite jungle friends or color combinations. Don’t forget to share your finished baby blanket on social media with the hashtag #JungleFriendsBlanket. Happy crocheting!
