Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern with Jungle Animal Appliqués

A soft, playful project for your little one’s nursery

Introduction

Crochet baby blankets are timeless pieces — cozy, delicate, and filled with love.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make a crochet baby blanket with adorable jungle animal appliqués, featuring a lion, monkey, giraffe, zebra, and tiger.

This design combines comfort and creativity, making it perfect for gifting, selling, or keeping as a treasured handmade heirloom.

Materials Needed

For the blanket:

Baby cotton yarn (colors: beige, mint green, white, and light yellow)
Crochet hook size 3.0 mm
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Measuring tape

For the appliqués:

Yarn scraps in brown, orange, yellow, white, black, and beige
Crochet hook size 2.5 mm
Small safety eyes or buttons (optional)
Fabric glue (optional, for securing small details)

Baby Blanket Pattern

Finished size:

Approx. 31.5” x 35.5” (80 x 90 cm)

Stitches used:

Chain (ch)
Single crochet (sc)
Double crochet (dc)
Treble crochet (tr)
Slip stitch (sl st)

Step-by-step:

Foundation:
Chain 110 (or adjust to your desired width).
Row 1:
Skip 3 chains, work 1 dc in each chain across. Turn.
Row 2:
Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, 1 dc — repeat to end of row.
Rows 3–50 (or desired length):
Alternate rows of solid double crochet and openwork rows (as in Row 2).
This creates a light, airy texture — perfect for babies.
Border:
Work 3 rounds of single crochet all around the blanket, changing colors each round for a soft gradient effect.

Jungle Animal Appliqués

Each appliqué measures about 3–4 inches (8–10 cm).
You can place them in the corners, along the border, or create a little “mini jungle” in the center of the blanket.

🦁 Lion Appliqué

Colors: beige (face), orange (mane)

Face:
- Make a magic ring and crochet 6 sc.
- Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12).
- Round 3: 1 sc, 2 sc in next stitch (18).
- Fasten off and switch to orange yarn.

Mane:
- Around the edge, sc, dc, sc in same stitch, repeat all around.
  This creates the fluffy mane effect.
Face details:
- Embroider eyes and nose with black yarn.

🐵 Monkey Appliqué

Colors: brown and beige

Head:
- Magic ring, 6 sc.
- Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12).
- Round 3: 1 sc, 2 sc in next stitch (18).
Ears:
- Make 2 small circles (6 sc in a ring) and sew to the sides.
Face:
- In beige, crochet a small circle (6 sc), attach to the front.
- Embroider mouth and nose with dark yarn.

🦒 Giraffe Appliqué

Colors: yellow and brown

Head:
- Magic ring, 6 sc.
- Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12).
- Round 3: 1 sc, 2 sc in next stitch (18).
Horns:
- Chain 5, sl st back down, sew to the top of the head (make 2).
Spots:
- Crochet 3 small brown circles (4 sc in magic ring) and sew randomly.
Face:
- Embroider eyes and mouth with black yarn.

🦓 Zebra Appliqué

Colors: white and black

Head:
- Work same as giraffe’s head, using white yarn.
Stripes:
- With black yarn, embroider small diagonal lines across face and sides.
Mane:
- Make short black chains and attach along the top.

🐯 Tiger Appliqué

Colors: orange, white, and black

Head:
- Magic ring, 6 sc.
- Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch (12).
- Round 3: 1 sc, 2 sc in next stitch (18).
Ears:
- 2 small circles (6 sc each).
Stripes:
- Use black yarn to embroider small “V”-shaped lines on each side.
Details:
- Add eyes, nose, and mouth.

Final Assembly

Arrange the appliqués on the blanket before sewing.
Attach using invisible stitches or fabric glue.
Add a ribbon, tag, or small border bow for a delicate finish.

Extra Tip

You can easily turn this design into a neutral version by using pastel tones and the same jungle animal appliqués — ideal for baby showers or handmade gifts.

Conclusion

This crochet baby blanket with jungle animal appliqués is a heartwarming project that combines skill and imagination.

Each stitch adds love, and each animal brings joy and character to your handmade creation.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this pattern is sure to make your next baby gift truly unforgettable.