Cozy Crochet Buddy Blanket: Your New Crafting Project

The Bunny Blanket Buddy crochet pattern is a fun and easy gift for babies and children. With a skill level of intermediate, the pattern is worked with bulky weight yarn and features a cuddly bunny with a blanket body and a head worked in rounds. This adorable project is sure to bring smiles to little ones and can be a great option for baby showers, charity donations, or as a special present for a toddler or young child. The pattern is versatile and customisable, allowing for mix-and-match options with other crochet patterns.

Bunny Blanket Buddy crochet pattern for beginners

The Bunny Blanket Buddy crochet pattern is a fun and rewarding project for beginners. This pattern will guide you through creating a cute and cuddly bunny-shaped blanket, perfect for little ones to snuggle with. The finished product will be approximately 33cm x 33cm in size, not including the ears, and made with bulky weight yarn.

Materials:

• Yarn: For the bunny lovey, you will need approximately 110g of yarn in colours such as glacier and snow. A small amount of pink yarn for the cheeks is also recommended.
• Hook: 2.25mm (US B/1) and 4mm (US G/6) hooks are suggested.
• Toy stuffing: You will need approximately 35-40g of toy stuffing for the head and ears.
• Embroidery thread: Black embroidery thread is used for the eyes and nose.
• Scissors: For fastening off your yarn.
• Yarn needle: To weave in your ends.
• Stitch markers: These are optional but can be helpful to keep track of your stitches.

Getting Started:

Before you begin, it is important to note that the pattern is written in UK terms. If you are more familiar with US terms, you may need to convert the stitches.

To start creating your Bunny Blanket Buddy, you will first need to make a magic ring. Using a 2.25mm hook and your chosen yarn, follow these steps:

• Chain 1, then double crochet (dc) 6 into the ring. Pull the ring tightly closed. (6 stitches)
• Dc increase in all 6 stitches (12 stitches)
• [Dc in the next stitch, dc increase in the next stitch] x6 (18 stitches)
• [Dc in the next 2 stitches, dc increase in the next stitch] x6 (24 stitches)
• [Dc in the next 3 stitches, dc increase in the next stitch] x6 (30 stitches)
• Dc in the next 2 stitches, dc increase in the next stitch, [dc in the next 4 stitches, dc increase in the next stitch] x5, dc in the next 2 stitches (36 stitches)
• Weave in the starting yarn tail.
• [Dc in the next 5 stitches, dc increase in the next stitch] x6 (42 stitches)
• Dc in the next 3 stitches, dc increase, [dc in the next 6 stitches, dc increase] x5, dc in the next 3 stitches (48 stitches)
• Rounds 9-19: Dc in all 48 stitches (11 Rounds)

Head and Ears:

The head and ears of the bunny are created using amigurumi techniques, which involve working in continuous spirals without closing off the rounds with a slip stitch. It is important to use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to help you keep track of your stitches.

For the head, continue following the stitch pattern described above until you reach Round 20. From there, you will start decreasing stitches to shape the head. Follow these steps:

• Dc in the next 3 stitches, dc decrease, [dc in the next 6 stitches, dc decrease] x5, dc in the next 3 stitches (42 stitches)
• Rounds 21-24: Continue decreasing stitches until you have 12 stitches left.
• Stuff the head firmly, being careful not to overstuff or understuff. This step is important to achieve the right shape.
• Rounds 25-26: Continue decreasing stitches until you have 6 stitches left. Leave a long yarn tail (about 30cm) for sewing the head to the blanket later. Break the yarn and pull it through, then weave the yarn tail through the front loop of Round 26 to close off the head.

The ears are created in a similar manner, starting with a magic ring and following a stitch pattern. Leave a long tail of yarn for sewing the ears to the head later.

Blanket:

The blanket is created using a corner-to-corner (C2C) crochet technique, which involves making "squares" back and forth in diagonal rows. You can follow a picture graph or a written pattern for this part. The written pattern will tell you how many squares to make of each colour and in what order.

Finishing Touches:

Once you have completed the head, ears, and blanket, it's time to assemble your Bunny Blanket Buddy! Embroider the eyes, nose, and eyebrows onto the head using black thread. Add pink cheeks under the eyes using the pink yarn. Pinch the base of the ears together and secure them with a few stitches. Sew the ears to the top of the head between Rounds 5 and 6 on either side.

Position the head on the blanket with the face centred on a diagonal, and carefully pin it into place. Use the long yarn tail from the head to sew the head to the blanket securely.

And there you have it! Your Bunny Blanket Buddy is now ready to bring joy and comfort to its new owner.

Crochet a buddy blanket as a baby shower gift

A buddy blanket is a great gift idea for a baby shower, and crocheting one yourself makes it extra special. You can create a cute and cuddly gift for the new arrival by following a few simple steps.

Firstly, decide on the animal or character you want to feature on the blanket. Popular choices include bunnies, teddy bears, elephants, and even a cute koala. You can also opt for a more unique option, like a dinosaur or an octopus. The great thing about buddy blankets is that you can get creative and choose any animal you think the baby will love.

Next, choose your yarn. Soft and cuddly yarn is always a good option for babies, and you can find specific types like anti-pilling yarn or soft cotton chunky yarn. You can also go for a luxurious option like velvet yarn, which is sure to be gentle on the baby's sensitive skin. The colour of the yarn is also important, as you can choose to match it to the animal or character you've chosen, or go for a more vibrant, rainbow design.

Now, it's time to start crocheting! Most buddy blanket patterns are worked in rows, with the head usually worked in rounds. You'll need to know some basic crochet stitches like single crochet, double crochet, and half-double crochet. Don't worry if you're a beginner; many buddy blanket patterns are suitable for those with basic crochet knowledge. You can also find free patterns online that cater to different skill levels.

Finally, you can add some finishing touches to your buddy blanket. Some patterns include accessories like flowers, bows, or scarves for the animal. You can also embroider a face to give your creation a cute expression.

So, there you have it! A step-by-step guide to crocheting a buddy blanket as a baby shower gift. With a bit of time and creativity, you can make a unique and special gift that the new parents and baby are sure to adore.

Using basic crochet stitches for a buddy blanket

Creating a buddy blanket is a fun and easy project, even for beginners. The good news is that the majority of buddy blanket patterns can be made using just basic crochet stitches!

The first step is to choose your yarn. A popular choice is to use bulky weight yarn, as this will give your blanket a nice, thick texture. However, you can also use other types of yarn such as DK weight or aran weight, depending on the specific pattern you choose. Once you have your yarn, you'll need to select an appropriate hook size. For bulkier yarn, a larger hook is usually recommended, while smaller hooks are typically used for lighter weight yarn.

Now, let's talk about the basic crochet stitches you'll need to know. The most common stitch used in buddy blanket patterns is the single crochet stitch. This stitch creates a tight, dense fabric that is perfect for keeping your little one warm. You will also likely encounter the double crochet stitch, which is a bit taller and creates a more openwork fabric. Knowing how to half double crochet is also useful, as this stitch falls between a single and double crochet in height and is often used for adding texture or creating a smoother transition between stitch heights.

In addition to these basic stitches, you may also come across patterns that use the moss stitch, which alternates single crochet and chain stitches to create a beautiful, textured fabric. Some patterns might also incorporate the v-stitch, which is a combination of double crochet, chain, and single crochet stitches that create a distinctive "V" shape. Finally, if you're feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at the shell stitch, which is a series of stitches worked into the same base stitch to create a "shell" shape—this stitch is perfect for adding ruffled edges or decorative touches to your buddy blanket.

With these basic stitches in your arsenal, you'll be well-equipped to tackle a variety of buddy blanket patterns. So, grab your yarn and hook, and get ready to crochet your way to a cozy and adorable buddy blanket!

Different types of yarn for a buddy blanket

When choosing the right yarn for your buddy blanket, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the weight of the yarn is important. Thicker yarns like bulky or super-bulky yarn will help you work up your blanket faster, whereas lighter weight yarns will give you a longer project time. For a buddy blanket, a weight of 2 to 6 is recommended, with weight 6 or 7 being ideal if you're making a hand-crochet blanket.

The fibre content of the yarn is another key consideration. Acrylic yarn is the most versatile and can be used for almost anything. Wool yarn is perfect for winter items as it provides warmth, but it may irritate sensitive skin. Cotton yarn is ideal for spring and summer projects like baby blankets and market bags. You can also opt for blended fibres, which combine natural and synthetic yarns.

The durability, ease of care, and resistance to pilling (fuzzing over time) of the yarn are other important factors. Look for yarn that is sturdy, soft, and machine washable. Cost is also a factor, as animal fibres tend to be the most expensive, especially if they are hand-dyed.

• Red Heart With Love Yarn: This durable medium-weight yarn is perfect for everyday use and is machine washable. It offers a range of colours and good value for money.
• Lion Brand Heartland Yarn: If you're looking for a soft worsted-weight yarn, this is a great option. It features delightful heathering that adds colour variation to your blanket.
• Lion Brand Pound of Love Yarn: This yarn is exceptionally soft, easy to work with, and stands up well to everyday use. It offers generous yardage, making it a budget-friendly choice.
• Bernat Blanket Yarn: If you want to finish your blanket quickly, this super bulky weight yarn is the way to go. It's soft and plush, adding an extra layer of comfort to your creations.
• Red Heart Soft Baby Steps Yarn: This yarn is a top pick for making cozy baby blankets. It offers a range of pastel colours, making it perfect for crafting precious items for little ones.
• Bernat Baby Sport Yarn: A lightweight yarn that pairs well with textured stitches, giving your blanket a lovely and flowing drape. It offers a variety of basic colours, allowing for a touch of personalization.
• Lion Brand Mandala Baby Yarn: This yarn features a burst of colours and effortless stripes, with long, sweeping colour transitions that unfold as you work. It's lightweight and provides an exquisite drape to your finished blanket.
• Lion Brand Baby Soft Yarn: A reliable and time-tested option for baby blankets, offering a range of pastel colours and prints to add a touch of sweetness to your creations.
• Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn: Similar to Bernat Blanket Yarn but with a delightful array of pastels and prints, making it perfect for charming baby blankets.
• Lion Brand Wool-Ease and Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn: If you're looking for a wool/acrylic blend, these options offer durability, affordability, and easy availability. They are perfect if you want a robust and budget-friendly wool blend.
• Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Yarn: A unique blend of acrylic and alpaca, this yarn adds a gentle halo to your project, giving it a touch of elegance. While it is pricier, the extra investment is worth it for the special texture it provides.
• Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn: This soft cotton blend is gentle on your fingers and creates a light and airy fabric. It comes in a range of colours, including solids and prints, making it perfect for soft and comfortable buddy blankets.

Sewing a buddy blanket

To begin, you will need to gather the necessary materials, including yarn, a crochet hook, stitch markers, embroidery thread or yarn for the face, and fiberfill stuffing. The type of yarn and crochet hook size will depend on the specific pattern you choose and the desired size of your buddy blanket. Some popular yarn choices include Lion Brand Yarn, Knit Picks Brava Worsted, and Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn!.

Once you have your materials, you can start by creating the blanket base. The blanket is typically worked in rows, starting from a lower corner. The size of the blanket can vary, but a common dimension is 17 inches long, excluding any additional features like ears.

After completing the blanket base, you will move on to creating the head, which is typically worked in rounds. Depending on the chosen pattern, you might also add ears, which are worked in rows. The head and ears can be attached directly to the blanket, or they may require some additional construction and sewing to connect all the pieces seamlessly.

Finally, you can add the finishing touches to bring your buddy blanket to life. Embroidering a face using black yarn or thread will give your creation a charming expression. You can also stuff the head with fiberfill to give it a soft and cuddly texture.

There are many buddy blanket patterns available online, ranging from bunnies and teddy bears to more unique options like unicorns, koalas, and dinosaurs. You can even mix and match patterns, combining the head of one pattern with the blanket of another to create a truly unique buddy blanket.

Frequently asked questions