This crochet lovey blanket is one of my most exciting projects lately because it holds such a dear and special place in my heart. It has been such a heartfelt journey, and there hasn’t been a moment where I don’t catch myself smiling from ear to ear while crocheting this meaningful piece.
Today, I am thrilled to share the process of creating this special lovey pattern. I made it as a gift to welcome the newest member of my family, my grandnephew. Oh yes, I just got promoted to the “grand” level! Anticipating that it would be a comforting companion for him, I decided to share this memorable project with all of you. Get your crochet supplies and keep reading as I guide you through the steps to crochet this lovey.
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As the original designer of the crochet zebra pattern, I have the right to adapt and produce it in other designs.
It hasn’t been long since I last designed a baby blanket. I was over the moon when I heard the news about my grandnephew. Not only am I thrilled about my niece’s newborn baby, but I realized that this is the perfect opportunity to crochet a baby lovey as a welcoming gift for him and his mom. I decided to adapt the baby blanket with a cuteness overload zebra design that is beneficial for a baby’s brain development.
Babies are particularly attracted to high-contrast colors, so the combination of black and white stripes is nothing short of perfect for stimulating his visual senses. I’ve also decided to add a touch of red into the design, just for a pop of color while keeping the overall look vibrant and engaging. The blanket is shaped like an 8-point star, making it just the right size for snuggling.
It was such a blast planning out the tiny little details that make up the overall look of this piece, from the cute little ears and the glorious mane to the bow that pulls off the design altogether because it’s so eye-catching. There’s so much thought and care that goes into this project, and I honestly can’t wait to see him cuddle up with it. Who knows, it might become a cherished keepsake for years to come.
Crochet Lovey Zebra Blanket Details
Yarns & Crochet Hooks
Zebra – I used worsted-weight yarn for the perfect blend of softness and durability and a 3 mm crochet hook when making the Zebra for precise and detailed stitches throughout.
Lovey Blanket – For the star-shaped blanket, I’ve chosen a 4 mm hook that works wonders with the worsted-weight yarn, creating a cozy and slightly stretchy fabric.
Stuffing
Since this is a gift for a baby, I recommend using hypoallergenic polyester stuffing because it ensures that the Zebra’s head is soft and safe for newborns. Knowing that it’s gentle on their delicate and sensitive skin gives me peace of mind.
Size
The lovey measures approximately 23 inches from point to point, and the zebra head is 4 inches wide, creating a captivating focal point to hold my grandnephew’s attention.
Crochet Supplies
The supplies that you’ll need are pretty straightforward and inexpensive. Here’s a list of items you’ll need to prepare:
- Yarn
- This crochet project uses around 4 balls of worsted-weight milk cotton yarn in 3 colors.
- White, 2 x 100g ball.
- Black, 1 x 100g ball.
- Red, ½ x 100g ball.
- Crochet Hook
- 3 mm hook for the Zebra.
- 4 mm for the star-shaped blanket.
- Other tools and materials
- Scissors, tapestry needles (or yarn needles), pins, temporary markers, blocking mats and pins, and Hypoallergenic Polyester Stuffing.
Difficulties Level
This zebra blanket is categorized as an avid beginner-level project, making it possible for everyone to crochet. I’ve included detailed, easy-to-follow instructions with pictures below to help you replicate the exact steps I took.
Here are some helpful guides for beginners before making this lovey:
- All About Yarn Weight And Its Importance
- How To Hold Crochet Yarn And Hook
- How To Crochet Amigurumi Animals
Crochet Stitches
The crochet patterns are written in US terms.
Before getting started, here are some of the basic crochet stitches and techniques you need to know to make this lovey.
Crochet Gauge
When crocheting, it’s important to know the crochet gauge of your stitches. The gauge measures the size of your stitches and compares them with the pattern’s specifications. Matching the gauge ensures that your project turns out the correct size as per the written pattern. Read our article on Crochet Gauge And Why It Matters and learn more about it.
- Blanket Crochet Gauge – double crochet 16 stitches x 9 rows for a 4” x 4” swatch. This measurement is taken after blocking the swatch.
- Zebra Crochet Gauge – single crochet 18 stitches x 21 rows for a 4” x 4” swatch. This measurement is taken after stuffing.
Highlights On The Pattern & How To Assemble
Now that we’ve covered all the details and essentials for making this wonderful blanket, let’s begin with the crocheting process. I’m sure you’re all eager to get to know the instructions by now, so without delaying it any longer, here’s my method of crocheting the lovey.
Get the full written pattern at the end of the article, and it’s printable! So, be sure to save it for easy reference while you’re crocheting. Make
Begin by crocheting the lovey blanket. It is made of 8 segments of the round ripple pattern to create an 8-point star.
Crocheting with double crochet stitches makes this blanket work up quickly, and you’ll find that this pattern is very easy to remember as you crochet.
Feel free to continue crocheting after Round 19 if you want to make a larger blanket. You can also choose to crochet the rounds with different yarn colors.
Lightly block the baby blanket to shape it nicely. While waiting for it to set, crochet the zebra’s head, mane, ears, arms, and a red bow.
To create the Zebra’s head, begin with a magic ring and work single crochet stitches in a continuous round, without the need to join at the end of each round. Since it works in spiral rounds, you might want to learn how to make color changes in amigurumi to avoid a visible “jog seam”.
As for the eyes, I embroidered them to make them baby-safe. Make 2 foundation chains of 12 stitches and sew them onto the head after you have completed Round 29. You can also use safety eyes and ensure proper installation for baby safety.
The mane is created using “locked” loop stitches of about 1.5 – 2 inches long. You can refer to this video tutorial for crocheting locked loop stitches, which will allow you to safely cut the loops into strands. However, I have modified the pattern slightly from the one in the video to create a fuller mane. Instead of making 1 loop stitch in each stitch, I made 2 loop stitches. Additionally, I crocheted the return row with slip stitches.
Remember to leave a long yarn tail before and after crocheting the mane. Fold the mane and seam the long sides together.
Sew the mane to the zebra head with a tapestry needle from the top (about Round 23) to the back of the head.
You may trim the loop stitches open to create that ruffled effect or leave the loops as they are.
Next, sew the ears onto the Zebra’s head at round 27. Make a few stitches at the inner corner of the ears to keep them upright.
For the final step, sew the arms onto the zebra and attach the zebra’s head to the baby blanket.
Don’t forget to attach the pretty red bow to the lovey as well.
Weave in the yarn ends into the blanket, and you’re all done!
Here is the completed look. Feel free to customize the pattern and design to your preferences. You can always change the stripes to colorwork panels star blanket if you’re not feeling the stripes. Apart from that, you are more than welcome to customize it with your ideal color palette, size, and overall look.
Happy crocheting!
FAQs About Zebra Crochet Lovey Pattern
1. What is the ideal yarn to crochet a lovey?
When choosing yarn for your project, consider what you like, the texture you want, and how you plan to use it. A soft, washable, and durable cotton-acrylic blend is your best bet for crocheting something for a newborn.
Wool blends are also a great choice for warmth and coziness. Just go with what feels right for you and meets the pattern’s requirements, as long as it’s comfy on the skin and perfect for the little one.
2. What size should my lovey be?
To determine the right fit for your project, you’ll need to address its intended use. Lovey blankets can come in any size you prefer. For example, my lovey measures 23″ x 23″ to ensure it lasts for years as the baby grows up.
Here are the general guidelines for the standard sizes you can opt for. Again, these sizes are adjustable, so alter them according to your preference.
– Lovey blanket: 12” x 12”
– Receiving blanket: 30” x 30”
– Crib blanket: 30” x 36”
– Stroller blanket: 30” x 40”
3. What if my gauge doesn’t match the pattern?
Sometimes, you’ll indefinitely run into this problem when crocheting. Getting the right stitch size is tricky unless you crochet with the exact tension as I do. This pattern is quite forgiving in the crochet gauge; you just end up with a slightly larger or smaller lovey, which won’t hurt much.
If you’re having trouble achieving the correct crochet gauge, don’t worry. You can easily fix this by trying a different crochet hook size. For instance, if your number of stitches turns out to be too many and you have more stitches and rows per inch than the pattern requires, it means your stitches are smaller; fix it by using a larger hook size. Vice versa, use a smaller hook size if your stitch size is too large. It’s as easy as it can be.
Just take your time, and you’ll get there soon enough. Feel free to read my Guide To Crochet Hook Sizes, which covers all the different hook sizes with charts for easier reference.
4. Can I wash the finished blanket in a washing machine?
Now that you’ve completed crocheting your lovey, you’ll want to wash it so it’s all nice and clean before putting it in a gift box. Personally, I find it better to hand wash my lovey or any other crochet project because it preserves its shape and stitches.
Sometimes, machine washing may distort the stitches and cause it to lose its original shape. However, that’s not to say that machine washing isn’t allowed. You can machine wash it by placing your lovey into a mesh laundry bag and using a gentle cycle with mild detergent and cold water. Just make sure to keep an eye on it now and then.
What’s Next?
- Kickstart your crochet lovey and share your completed work with us on Facebook and Instagram @madefromyarn.
- Remember to pin this pattern on Pinterest for later.
- Share this post with your crochet groups for a crochet-along event.
- While you’re at it, explore other Free Crochet Patterns like Crochet Dinos, Bunnies, and Dolls.
- If you’re interested in loveys and want to replicate the blanket on other animals, try out the Amigurumi Tiger, Giraffe, and adorable Crochet Teddy Bear.
Zebra Lovey Crochet Pattern
Introducing the Crochet Lovey Blanket - Zebra Pattern. It’s a beautiful, free crochet pattern made with an 8-point star blanket and a glorious Zebra to complete the look. This pattern is ideal for baby showers and expecting moms.
Designer - Joanne Loh
Materials
Yarn: Worsted Weight Cotton, in following color and quantity
- White, 2 x 100g ball
- Black, 1 x 100g ball
- Red, 1/2 x 100g ball
Toy Stuffing
- hypoallergenic Polyester stuffing
Tools
Crochet Hooks
- 3 mm (for Zebra)
- 4 mm (for Star Baby Blanket)
Others
- Tapestry Needle or Yarn Needle
- Scissors
- Pins
- Marker (Water Erasable Type)
- Blocking Mat and Pins
Instructions
Dimensions
Lovey: 23” from point to point
Zebra head: 4” wide
Crochet Gauge
Blanket (blocked): 16 stitches x 9 rows = 4” x 4" in double crochet (dc)
Zebra (stuffed): 18 stitches x 21 rows = 4" x 4" in single crochet (sc)
Abbreviations
ch: chain
chsp: chain 1 space
ch2sp: chain 2 space
dc: double crochet
dc cluster: 3 dc into the same stitch
hdc: half double crochet
hdcsp: hdc space at the beginning of the round
fo: fasten off
LS: loop stitch
inc: 2sc increase
inv dec: invisible decrease
MR: magic ring or magic circle
sc: single crochet
sk: skip
sl knot: slip knot
sl st: slip stitch
st: stitch
Written Crochet Pattern:
STAR BABY BLANKET
- With White yarn, make a Magic Ring (MR):
Round 1: ch 2 (counts as first dc throughout pattern), work 15 dc in MR. Join with sl st to the top of ch2 at the beginning of the round.
Round 2: ch 2, dc in the same st, 2dc in next st. *ch, 2dc in next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. Join with hdc to the top of ch2 at the beginning of the round (join in this manner throughout the pattern after this round).
Round 3: ch 2, dc into hdcsp, *work (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch2sp. Repeat from * around, ending with 2dc in the hdcsp at the beginning of the round. Join with hdc.
Round 4: ch 2, dc into hdcsp, *dc in next st, sk 2 sts, dc in next st, work (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch2sp. Repeat from * around, ending with 2dc in the hdcsp at the beginning of the round. Join with hdc.
Round 5: ch 2, dc into hdcsp, *dc in each of next 2 sts, sk 2 sts, dc in each of next 2 sts, work (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch2sp. Repeat from * around, ending with 2dc in the hdcsp at the beginning of the round. Join with hdc.
fo.
- Change yarn to Red.
Round 6: ch 2, dc into hdcsp, *dc in each of next 3 sts, sk 2 sts, dc in each of next 3 sts, work (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch2sp. Repeat from * around, ending with 2dc in the hdcsp at the beginning of the round. Join with hdc.
fo
- Change yarn to White.
Round 7: ch 2, dc into hdcsp, *dc in each of next 4 sts, sk 2 sts, dc in each of next 4 sts, work (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch2sp. Repeat from * around, ending with 2dc in the hdcsp at the beginning of the round. Join with hdc.
fo.
- Change yarn to Black.
Round 8: ch 2, dc into hdcsp, *dc in each of next 5 sts, sk 2 sts, dc in each of next 5 sts, work (2dc, ch2, 2dc) in next ch2sp. Repeat from * around, ending with 2dc in the hdcsp at the beginning of the round. Join with hdc.
fo
- Change yarn to White, then black and red accordingly.
Rounds 9 - 19: Continue working in rounds to grow the star blanket larger, increasing the number of dc between the "ch2sp" and the "sk 2 sts."
Round 12 & 14: Black
Round 16: Red
Feel free to finish your crochet once you have reached the desired dimensions for your blanket.
Lay flat and weave in all yarn ends. Block gently.
ZEBRA'S HEAD
- Begin with Black yarn, and make a Magic Ring (MR):
Round 1: sc 6 in MR. {6}
Round 2: [inc] around. {12}
Round 3: [sc, inc] around. {18}
Round 4: [sc. inc, sc] around. {24}
Round 5: [sc 3, inc] around. {30}
Round 6: [sc 2, inc, sc 2] around. {36}
Round 7: [sc 5, inc] around. {42}
Round 8 - 13: sc around. {42}
- Change yarn to White.
Round 14: [sc 3, inc, sc 3] around. {48}
Round 15: sc around. {48}
- Change yarn to Black.
Round 16: sc around. {48}
Round 17: [sc 7, inc] around. {54}
- Change yarn to White.
Round 18 - 19: sc around. {54}
Round 20: [sc 4, inc, sc 4] around. {60}
Round 21 - 23: sc around. {60}
Round 24: [sc 9, inc] around. {66}
Round 25 - 27: sc around. {66}
- Change yarn to Black.
Round 28 - 29: sc around. {66}
- Sew Eyes.
- Change yarn to White.
Round 30: sc around. {66}
Round 31: [sc 9, inv dec] around. {60}
- Change yarn to Black.
Round 32: [sc 4, inv dec, sc 4] around. {54}
Round 33: [sc 7, inv dec] around. {48}
- Change yarn to White.
Round 34: [sc 3, inv dec, sc 3] around. {42}
Round 35: [sc 5, inv dec] around. {36}
Round 36: [sc 2, inv dec, sc 2] around. {30}
Round 37: [sc 3, inv dec] around. {24}
- Stuff firmly with polyester fillings
Round 38: [sc, inv dec, sc] 5 times, inv dec, sc. {18}
Round 39: [inv dec, sc 1] around. {12}
Round 40: [inv dec] around. {6}
- fo and hide yarn end.
MANE
- Begin with Black yarn, leave a long tail for sewing, and make a Slip Knot (sl knot):
Foundation chain: ch 4.
Row 1: ch, 2LS in the second chain and each st of the next 3 sts, turn.
Row 2: [sk, sl st] 4 times, turn.
Repeat these 2 rows for 35 rows in the following colors:
Black: Foundation, 1 - 3
White: 4 - 7
Black: 8 - 11
Red: 12 - 15
Black: 16 - 19
White: 20 - 23
Black: 24 -27
Red: 28 - 31
Black: 32 - 35
- fo and leave about 2' long of yarn tail for sewing.
EARS
- Begin with Black yarn, and make a Magic Ring (MR):
Round 1: sc 6 in MR. {6}
Round 2: [inc] around. {12}
Round 3: [sc, inc] around. {18}
Round 4: [sc. inc, sc] around. {24}
Round 5: [sc 3, inc] around. {30}
- Change yarn to White.
Round 6: [sc 2, inc, sc 2] around. {36}
Round 7: sc around. {36}
Round 8: [sc 2, inv dec, sc 2] around. {30}
Round 9: [sc 3, inv dec] around. {24}
- Leave a long tail for sewing. Bring the yarn tail from round 7.
- Change yarn to Red.
Round 10: [sc, inv dec, sc] 5 times, inv dec, sc. {18}
Round 11: [inv dec, sc 1] around. {12}
Round 12: [inv dec] around. {6}.
- fo and hide all yarn except the long white yarn.
- Pinch the bottom and sew a few stitches to shape the ear.
ARMS
- Make 2 starting with Black yarn, and make a Magic Ring (MR):
Round 1: sc 6 in MR. {6}
Round 2: [inc] around. {12}
Round 3: [sc, inc] around. {18}
Round 4: [sc. inc, sc] around. {24}
Round 5: [sc 3, inc] around. {30}
Round 6 – 10: sc around. {30}
Round 11: [sc 4, inv dec, sc 4] around.{27}
Round 12: sc around. {27}
- Change yarn to White.
Round 13: sc around. {27}
Round 14: [sc 7, Inv dec] around. {24}
- Change yarn to Black.
Round 15 – 16: sc around. {24}
- Change yarn to White.
Round 17: [sc 3, inv dec, sc 3] around. {21}
Round 18: sc around. {21}
- Change yarn to Black.
Round 19: sc around. {21}
Round 20: [sc 5, Inv dec] around. {18}
- Change yarn to White.
Round 21 – 22: sc around {18}.
- Change yarn to Black and continue to alternate the yarn color every 2 rounds until the end of the Arms pattern.
Round 23: [sc 2, inv dec, sc 2] around. {15}
Round 24 – 35: sc around. {15}
- fo and leave a long tail for sewing.
- Fill the bottom 2/3 of the arms firmly with polyester fiberfill.
RED BOW
- Begin with Red yarn, and make a Slip Knot (sl knot):
Foundation chain: ch 10.
Round 1: ch, sc in second ch from hook, sc in next 9 sts, crochet around the foundation chain, sc in next 10 sts, sl st to the first sc to join round. {20}
Round 2 - 18: ch, sc in next 20 sts, sl st to the first sc to join round. {20}
- Fo and leave a long tail for sewing.
- Sew the end opening together with the mattress stitch.
- Wrap yarn around the middle tightly to form a bow. Leave a long tail at the back for sewing.
Assembly:
- Crochet each part following the written pattern given accordingly to make the lovey blanket, Zebra's head, mane, ears, arms, and a bow.
- Sew to seam the long sides of the mane and sew it at the top of the head, starting from round 23 to the back of the head.
- Sew the ears to the head at round 27, and then stitch the inner side to secure them in an upright position.
- Sew the arms under the head.
- Sew the zebra to the center of the star lovey blanket and attach the bow at Round 9 to complete the zebra lovey.
Notes
If you intend to save this pattern card for future use, be sure to check the complete post at https://madefromyarn.com/zebra-crochet-lovey-pattern/ for more information and pictures.