🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Animal Kingdom Blanket Pattern

Animal Kingdom Blanket Pattern
4.0★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
3.6K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Multi-Day Project

A rewarding 12+ hour journey—perfect for dedicated crafters who love detailed work.

🤗

Soft Hug

Gentle, plush, and full of warmth, creating a sense of comfort and coziness wherever they find a home.

About This Animal Kingdom Blanket Pattern

This pack contains full step-by-step patterns for the Animal Kingdom Blanket squares and applique9 faces. Each square is crocheted individually and then joined into a blanket using a continuous flat braid join with a finished border. The patterns use Stylecraft Special DK yarn and US terminology throughout for consistent results.

Animal Kingdom Blanket Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

My original blanket uses 30 squares to make an approximately 84cm x 100cm blanket including the border. You can easily adapt the colours and number of squares to make it your own.

Why You'll Love This Animal Kingdom Blanket Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it brings so much personality to a classic granny-style blanket with simple, adorable applique9 faces. I enjoy how each square is a tiny project on its own, letting me experiment with colours and stitch textures. The design balances quick-to-make squares with playful finishing that really shows off your handmade skills. It makes a beautiful gift and a comforting keepsake that I enjoy creating and gifting to family and friends.

Animal Kingdom Blanket Pattern step 1 - construction progress Animal Kingdom Blanket Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Animal Kingdom Blanket Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Animal Kingdom Blanket Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how versatile this pack is for customization — change the colour palette to match any nursery or living room scheme and the blanket instantly takes on a new personality.

You can make the squares larger or smaller by changing your yarn weight and hook size: bulky yarn with a larger hook gives a chunky cuddle blanket, while finer yarns make a delicate lap throw.

I often swap the background square colours to create a rainbow effect or a muted ombre for a more sophisticated look.

Try embroidering different expressions on the applique9 faces to make each animal uniquely expressive and add personality to the blanket.

If you want to reduce sewing, consider crocheting the applique9 directly onto the square in the final round, working the square rounds around the applique9 base instead of sewing pieces on afterwards.

For a portable version, make mini squares and turn them into coasters or a small lapghan using the same join and border instructions.

I sometimes add a tiny felt or crocheted accessory (a bow, scarf or tiny flower) to specific animals for gifts — they make such sweet, personalised presents.

To make the blanket washable and baby-friendly, secure all threads with strong mattress stitch and tack down any loose parts on the reverse for durability.

For a posable toy feel, you can lightly stiffen some applique9s with fabric stiffener or add a small interior felt base for structure before sewing them onto the square.

Finally, try different joining methods (mattress stitch, slip-stitch join or visible join in a contrasting colour) to change the final look of your blanket's grid.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping the stitch count checks during rounds causes uneven applique shapes; count stitches after each round and correct immediately to keep your pieces symmetrical. ✗ Using inconsistent tension across squares leads to uneven blanket join-up; keep a steady tension and make a gauge sample before starting the full set. ✗ Overstuffing or under-stuffing applique9 pieces can distort shapes; avoid stuffing these applique9s - instead leave long tails and shape gently while sewing. ✗ Failing to leave long tails when fastening off makes sewing the applique9 to the square difficult; always leave long enough tails for neat secure sewing.

Animal Kingdom Blanket Pattern

Make a charming patchwork blanket of animal face applique9s using DK yarn and a 3.5mm hook. This pack gives you full step-by-step instructions for each animal square plus colour notes and finishing tips. You can mix and match colours to create a playful, personalised blanket for gifts or nursery decor. Enjoy creating sweet, tactile squares that join together into a cozy heirloom.

Intermediate 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Animal Kingdom Blanket Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Stylecraft Special DK (DK weight) - Copper (100g balls, use as required)
  • 02
    Stylecraft Special DK - Cypress (100g ball)
  • 03
    Stylecraft Special DK - Duck Egg (100g ball)
  • 04
    Stylecraft Special DK - Gold (100g ball)
  • 05
    Stylecraft Special DK - Grape (100g ball)
  • 06
    Stylecraft Special DK - Meadow (100g ball)
  • 07
    Stylecraft Special DK - Mushroom (100g ball)
  • 08
    Stylecraft Special DK - Mustard (100g ball)
  • 09
    Stylecraft Special DK - Parchment (approximately 1.5 balls for join and border)
  • 10
    Stylecraft Special DK - Pistachio (100g ball)
  • 11
    Stylecraft Special DK - Storm Blue (100g ball)
  • 12
    Additional small amounts of Stylecraft Special DK for applique9s: Black, Buttermilk, Camel, Cream, Mocha, Spice, Vintage Peach, Walnut, Warm Grey, White, plus some excess Copper, Meadow and Mustard

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.5mm
  • 02
    Scissors
  • 03
    Darning/sewing needle for sewing applique9s and weaving in ends
  • 04
    Stitch markers (optional but useful)
  • 05
    Pins for positioning pieces when sewing (optional)

Progress Tracker

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— Pattern Notes :

Info :

For the main colours on the squares and the join and border, the designer used the following shades of Stylecraft Special DK (used no more than one 100g ball unless otherwise stated): Copper. Cypress. Duck Egg. Gold. Grape. Meadow. Mushroom. Mustard. Parchment (approximately 1.5 balls) for the join and border. Pistachio. Storm Blue. To create the applique9s the following shades of Stylecraft Special DK were used: Black. Buttermilk. Camel. Cream. Mocha. Spice. Vintage Peach. Walnut. Warm Grey. White. Along with some excess Copper, Meadow and Mustard. The entire blanket was made using a 3.5mm crochet hook. This pattern is written using US terminology. Any stitch abbreviations used are listed on each individual square's pattern.

— Badger Face Applique9 :

Info :

Hook size: 3.5mm. Stylecraft Special DK colours used: White, Black, Warm Grey. Stitch abbreviations (US Terminology): CH - Chain, SLST - Slip Stitch, SC - Single Crochet, HDC - Half Double Crochet, DC - Double Crochet. [] indicates stitches to be done in the same space/stitch.

Round 1 :

Using White; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 2 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC.

Round 3 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 4 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *2SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have two stitches remaining. 2SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 5 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *3SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have three stitches remaining. 3SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 6 :

CH1, SC into same stitch. 2SC, 2HDC, [3DC], 3DC, [3DC], 5HDC, [3DC], 5HDC, [3DC], 3DC, [3DC], 2HDC, 2SC. SLST to first SC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing your completed applique9 onto it's square. (Note: where you have fastened off is the top of your badger's face.)

Round 7 :

To make the markings: Using Black; CH2, [2SC] in 2nd CH from hook.

Round 8 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. SC.

Round 9 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. [2SC].

Round 10 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. 2SC.

Round 11 :

Repeat row 10.

Round 12 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. [2SC], SC.

Round 13 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. 3SC.

Round 14 :

Repeat row 13. Then fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 15 :

Repeat steps 7 - 14 to create a second marking piece, then position these onto your badger's face, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 16 :

To make the nose: Using Black; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 17 :

Position the nose onto the tip of your badger's face, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 18 :

Using Warm Grey; embroider a pair of eyes onto your badger's face, as you can see in the photo above.

Round 19 :

To make the ears: Using White; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off.

Round 20 :

Attach Black to any stitch; CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 21 :

Repeat steps 19 - 20 to make a second ear, then position these at the top of your badger, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place on the reverse.

Round 22 :

Your Badger Face Applique9 is now finished ✓

— Bear Face Applique9 :

Info :

Hook size: 3.5mm. Stylecraft Special DK colours used: Walnut, Camel, Black. Stitch abbreviations (US Terminology): CH - Chain, SLST - Slip Stitch, SC - Single Crochet, HDC - Half Double Crochet, DC - Double Crochet. [] indicates stitches to be done in the same space/stitch.

Round 1 :

Using Walnut; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 2 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC.

Round 3 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 4 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *2SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have two stitches remaining. 2SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 5 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *3SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have three stitches remaining. 3SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 6 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *4SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have four stitches remaining. 4SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 7 :

CH1, SC into same stitch. 2SC, HDC, DC, [3DC], [2DC], 2DC, 2HDC, 4SC, 2HDC, [2HDC], 2HDC, 4SC, 2HDC, 2DC, [2DC], [3DC], DC, HDC, 4SC. SLST to first SC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing your completed applique9 onto it's square. (Note: where you have fastened off is the bottom of your bear's face.)

Round 8 :

To make the ears: Using Camel; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 9 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC. Fasten off.

Round 10 :

Attach Walnut to any stitch; CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 11 :

Repeat steps 8 - 10 to make a second ear, then position these at each side of your bear, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place on the reverse.

Round 12 :

To make the muzzle: Using Camel; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 13 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC.

Round 14 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST into first SC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 15 :

Using Black; embroider a nose onto your bear's muzzle. Then position this onto your bear applique9, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 16 :

Using Black; embroider a pair of eyes onto your bear applique9.

Round 17 :

Your Bear Face Applique9 is now finished ✓

— Bull Face Applique9 :

Info :

Hook size: 3.5mm. Stylecraft Special DK colours used: Walnut, Cream, Mocha, Black. Stitch abbreviations (US Terminology): CH - Chain, SLST - Slip Stitch, SC - Single Crochet, HDC - Half Double Crochet, DC - Double Crochet, SC2TOG - Single Crochet Decrease Across 2 Stitches, HDC2TOG - Half Double Crochet Decrease Across 2 Stitches. [] indicates stitches to be done in the same space/stitch.

Round 1 :

Using Walnut; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 2 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC.

Round 3 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 4 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *2SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have two stitches remaining. 2SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 5 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. 2HDC, DC, [2DC], DC, 2HDC, [2SC], 3SC, 3HDC. [2DC] into each of the next 3 stitches. 3HDC, 3SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 6 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. 2HDC, [2HDC], 4HDC, [2HDC], 2HDC, [2SC], [3HDC], 6SC, [3HDC], HDC, [3HDC], [3HDC], HDC, 6SC, [3HDC]. SLST to first SC. Fasten off. (Note: where you have fastened off is the top of your bull's face.)

Round 7 :

To make the right horn: Using Cream; CH9, SLST into 2nd CH from hook. 2SC, SC2TOG, HDC2TOG, DC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 8 :

To make the left horn: Using Cream; CH7, SLST into 2nd CH from hook. 2SC, [2SC], [2HDC], DC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 9 :

Position the horns at each side of your bull's face, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place on the reverse.

Round 10 :

To make the ears: Using Walnut; CH4, SC in 2nd CH from hook. SC. [4HDC] in final CH to turn the corner. Working into the other side of your starting CH; 2SC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 11 :

Repeat step 10 to make a second ear, then position these at each side of your bull, just below the horns, and sew into place on the reverse.

Round 12 :

To make the muzzle: Using Mocha; CH5, SC in 2nd CH from hook. 2SC. [4SC] in final CH to turn the corner. Working into the other side of your starting CH; 2SC. [3SC] into final, then SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 13 :

CH1, SC into same stitch. SLST into each of the next 2 stitches. SC. [2SC] into each of the next 2 stitches. SC, 2HDC, SC. [2SC] into each of the next 2 stitches. SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 14 :

Using Black; embroider a pair of eyes and nostrils onto your bull, as you can see in the photo above.

Round 15 :

To make the fluffy top: Using Walnut; CH7, SC in 2nd CH from hook. 4SC. [4SC] in final CH to turn the corner. Working into the other side of your starting CH; 4SC. [3SC] into final, then SLST to first SC to join.

Round 16 :

CH1, [3HDC] into same stitch. SLST into next stitch. *[3HDC] into next stitch, SLST into next* - repeat between * 6 more times. SLST to first HDC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 17 :

Position this at the top of your bull's head, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 18 :

Your Bull Face Applique9 is now finished ✓

— Cheetah Face Applique9 :

Info :

Hook size: 3.5mm. Stylecraft Special DK colours used: Buttermilk, White, Black. Stitch abbreviations (US Terminology): CH - Chain, SLST - Slip Stitch, SC - Single Crochet, HDC - Half Double Crochet. [] indicates stitches to be done in the same space/stitch.

Round 1 :

Using Buttermilk; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 2 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC.

Round 3 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 4 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *2SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have two stitches remaining. 2SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 5 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *3SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have three stitches remaining. 3SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 6 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *4SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have four stitches remaining. 4SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 7 :

CH1, SC into same stitch. Proceed to work 1 SC into each stitch around. SLST to first SC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing your completed applique9 onto it's square.

Round 8 :

To make the muzzle: Using White; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 9 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC. Fasten off.

Round 10 :

Attach Black to the BACK LOOP ONLY of any stitch; CH1, SLST into the BACK LOOPS ONLY of each of the next 3 stitches, then fasten off.

Round 11 :

Skip the next 2 stitches and attach Black to the BACK LOOP ONLY of the next; CH1, SLST into the BACK LOOPS ONLY of each of the next 3 stitches. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for embroidering and sewing.

Round 12 :

Using the Black tail remaining from the previous step; embroider a nose onto your cheetah's muzzle. Then position this piece onto your cheetah's face, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place. Continue to embroider a pair of eyes and markings onto your cheetah, as you can see in the photo above.

Round 13 :

To make the ears: Using Black; CH5, SC in 2nd CH from hook. 2SC. [4SC] in final CH to turn the corner. Working into the other side of your starting CH; 2SC. [3SC] into final, then SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off.

Round 14 :

Attach Buttermilk to the same stitch from where you just fastened off; CH1, HDC into same stitch. 2HDC, SC. [2SC] into each of the next 2 stitches. SC, 3HDC. Omit the remaining stitches and fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 15 :

Repeat steps 13 - 14 to make a second ear, then position these at each side of your cheetah, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place on the reverse.

Round 16 :

Your Cheetah Face Applique9 is now finished ✓

— Deer Face Applique9 :

Info :

Hook size: 3.5mm. Stylecraft Special DK colours used: Camel, Cream, Mocha, Black. Stitch abbreviations (US Terminology): CH - Chain, SC - Single Crochet, HDC - Half Double Crochet, DC - Double Crochet, SLST - Slip Stitch. [] indicates stitches to be done in the same space/stitch.

Round 1 :

Using Camel; CH2, [2SC] in 2nd CH from hook.

Round 2 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. SC.

Round 3-5 :

Repeat row 2.

Round 6 :

CH1, turn your work. [2SC] into same stitch. [2SC].

Round 7 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. [2SC], [2SC], SC.

Round 8 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. [2SC], 2SC, [2SC], SC.

Round 9 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. 7SC.

Round 10 :

Repeat row 9.

Round 11 :

CH1, turn your work. [3SC] into same stitch. [2SC], 4SC, [2SC], [3SC].

Round 12 :

CH1, turn your work. HDC into same stitch. 12DC, HDC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 13 :

Using Cream; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 14 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC.

Round 15 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 16 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *2SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have two stitches remaining. 2SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 17 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *3SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have three stitches remaining. 3SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 18 :

CH1, SC into same stitch. 2SC, 2HDC, [3DC], 3DC, [3DC], 5HDC, [3DC], 3DC, [3DC], 2HDC, 2SC. SLST to first SC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing your completed applique9 onto it's square. (Note: where you have fastened off is the top of your deer's face.)

Round 19 :

Position your first piece on top of your second piece, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 20 :

To make the nose: Using Black; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 21 :

Position the nose onto the tip of your deer's face, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 22 :

Using Black; embroider a pair of eyes onto your deer's face.

Round 23 :

To make the ears: Using Cream; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off.

Round 24 :

Attach Camel to any stitch; CH1, SC into same stitch. 2SC, CH3 and SLST into 3rd CH from hook, 2SC, [2SC]. SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 25 :

Repeat steps 23 - 24 to make a second ear, then position these at each side of your deer, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place on the reverse.

Round 26 :

To make the antlers: Using Mocha; CH15, SLST in 2nd CH from hook. SLST into each of the next 4 CH. CH7, SLST into 2nd CH from hook. SLST into each of the next 5 CH, then SLST into the next CH of your original starting CH. SLST into each of the next 2 CH. CH6, SLST into 2nd CH from hook. SLST into each of the next 4 CH, then SLST into the next CH of your original starting CH. SLST into each of the final 5 CH. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 27 :

Repeat step 26 to make a second antler, then position these at the top of your deer, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 28 :

Your Deer Face Applique9 is now finished ✓

— Donkey Face Applique9 :

Info :

Hook size: 3.5mm. Stylecraft Special DK colours used: Warm Grey, Camel, Black. Stitch abbreviations (US Terminology): CH - Chain, SLST - Slip Stitch, SC - Single Crochet, HDC - Half Double Crochet, DC - Double Crochet. [] indicates stitches to be done in the same space/stitch.

Round 1 :

Using Warm Grey; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 2 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC.

Round 3 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 4 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *2SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have two stitches remaining. 2SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 5 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *3SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have three stitches remaining. 3SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 6 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *4SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * once more. HDC, 3DC, [2DC], 3DC, HDC, [2SC]. Repeat between * once more. 4SC. SLST to first SC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing your completed applique9 onto it's square. (Note: where you have fastened off is the top of your donkey's face.)

Round 7 :

CH1, SC into same stitch. Proceed to work 1 SC into each stitch around. SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing your completed applique9 onto it's square.

Round 8 :

To make the muzzle: Using Camel; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 9 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC.

Round 10 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 11 :

CH1, SC into same stitch. 4SC, [2HDC], 2DC, [2HDC], 4SC, [2HDC], 2DC, [2HDC], SC. SLST to first SC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 12 :

Position the muzzle piece onto your donkey applique9, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 13 :

Using Black; embroider a pair of eyes and nostrils onto your donkey, as you can see in the photo above.

Round 14 :

To make the fringe: Using Black; CH14, SLST into 2nd CH from hook. SLST into each of the next 3 CH. *CH5, SLST into 2nd CH from hook. SLST into each of the next 3 CH, then SLST into the next CH from your starting CH, SLST into next CH* - repeat between * twice more. SLST into each of the final 3 CH. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 15 :

Position this at the top of your donkey's face, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 16 :

To make the ears: Using Camel; CH6, SC in 2nd CH from hook. 3SC. [3SC] in final CH to turn the corner. Working into the other side of your starting CH; 4SC. Fasten off.

Round 17 :

Attach Warm Grey to very first stitch; CH1, SC into same stitch. 2SC, 2HDC, [3DC], 2HDC, 3SC. SLST to first stitch to pinch the ends together. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 18 :

Repeat steps 16 - 17 to make a second ear, then position these at each side of your donkey, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place on the reverse.

Round 19 :

Your Donkey Face Applique9 is now finished ✓

— Elephant Face Applique9 :

Info :

Hook size: 3.5mm. Stylecraft Special DK colours used: Warm Grey, Vintage Peach, Black. Stitch abbreviations (US Terminology): CH - Chain, SLST - Slip Stitch, SC - Single Crochet, HDC - Half Double Crochet, DC - Double Crochet, HDC2TOG - Half Double Crochet Decrease Across 2 Stitches, TR - Treble Crochet. [] indicates stitches to be done in the same space/stitch.

Round 1 :

Using Warm Grey; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 2 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC.

Round 3 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 4 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *2SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have two stitches remaining. 2SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 5 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *3SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have three stitches remaining. 3SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 6 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *4SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have four stitches remaining. 4SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 7 :

CH1, SC into same stitch. Proceed to work 1 SC into each stitch around. SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing your completed applique9 onto it's square. (Note: where you have fastened off is the bottom of your elephant's face.)

Round 8 :

To make the ears: Using Vintage Peach; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 9 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC.

Round 10 :

CH1, [2HDC] into same stitch. HDC, [2SC], SC, [2SC], HDC, [2HDC], HDC, [2SC], SC, [2SC], HDC. SLST to first HDC.

Round 11 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. [2SC], 6SC. [2SC] into each of the next 3 stitches. 6SC, [2SC]. SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off.

Round 12 :

Attach Warm Grey to the same stitch from where you just fastened off; CH2, DC into same stitch. 2DC, [2HDC], HDC, 4SC, HDC, 2HDC, [2HDC], DC, SLST to first DC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 13 :

Repeat steps 8 - 12 to make a second ear, then position these at each side of your elephant, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place on the reverse.

Round 14 :

To make the trunk: Using Warm Grey; CH15, HDC in 2nd CH from hook. HDC2TOG, HDC2TOG, HDC, 6DC, TR. [TR DC HDC SC SLST] all into final CH. Then fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 15 :

Position this onto your elephant's face, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 16 :

Using Black; embroider a pair of eyes onto your elephant applique9.

Round 17 :

Your Elephant Face Applique9 is now finished ✓

— Fox Face Applique9 :

Info :

Hook size: 3.5mm. Stylecraft Special DK colours used: Spice, White, Black. Stitch abbreviations (US Terminology): CH - Chain, SC - Single Crochet, DC - Double Crochet, SLST - Slip Stitch, HDC - Half Double Crochet. [] indicates stitches to be done in the same space/stitch.

Round 1 :

Using Spice; CH2, [3SC] in 2nd CH from hook.

Round 2 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. 2SC.

Round 3-5 :

Repeat row 2.

Round 6 :

CH1, turn your work. [2SC] into same stitch. SC, [2SC].

Round 7 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. 4SC.

Round 8 :

Repeat row 7.

Round 9 :

CH1, turn your work. Skip the first 2 stitches and work [9DC] into the next stitch (the centre stitch). Then SLST into the final stitch of the row.

Round 10 :

CH1, turn your work. Into the final DC stitch of the [9DC] you just created, work a SC *SC into the next, then [2SC] into the next* - repeat between * twice more. 2SC.

Round 11 :

CH1, turn your work. SC into same stitch. *2SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * twice more. 2SC.

Round 12 :

CH1, turn your work. [3SC] into same stitch. 4SC, [2SC], 3SC, [2SC], 4SC, [3SC].

Round 13 :

CH1, turn your work. [2SC] into same stitch. 18SC, [2SC]. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 14 :

Using White; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 15 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC.

Round 16 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 17 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *2SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have two stitches remaining. 2SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 18 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *3SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have three stitches remaining. 3SC. SLST into first SC.

Round 19 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *4SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * once more. 2SC, 4HDC, [2SC], [2SC]. Repeat between * once more. 4SC. SLST into first SC. Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing your completed applique9 onto it's square. (Note: where you have fastened off is the top of your fox's face.)

Round 20 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *5SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * once more. 2SC, 4HDC, [4DC], 4HDC, 2SC, [2SC]. Repeat between * once more. 4SC. SLST into first SC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing your completed applique9 onto it's square.

Round 21 :

Position your first piece on top of your second piece, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 22 :

To make the ears: Using White; CH5, SC in 2nd CH from hook. 2SC. [4SC] in final CH to turn the corner. Working into the other side of your starting CH; 2SC. [3SC] into final, then SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off.

Round 23 :

Attach Spice to the same stitch from where you just fastened off; CH1, HDC into same stitch. 2HDC, 2SC. CH3 and SLST into 3rd CH from hook. SC into next stitch. SC, 3HDC. Omit the remaining stitches and fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 24 :

Repeat steps 22 - 23 to make a second ear, then position these at each side of your fox, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place on the reverse.

Round 25 :

To make the nose: Using Black; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 26 :

Position the nose onto the tip of your fox's face, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 27 :

Using Black; embroider a pair of eyes onto your fox's face.

Round 28 :

Your Fox Face Applique9 is now finished ✓

— Frog Face Applique9 :

Info :

Hook size: 3.5mm. Stylecraft Special DK colours used: Meadow, White, Black. Stitch abbreviations (US Terminology): CH - Chain, SC - Single Crochet, SLST - Slip Stitch, HDC - Half Double Crochet, DC - Double Crochet. [] indicates stitches to be done in the same space/stitch.

Round 1 :

Using Meadow; CH7, SC into 2nd CH from hook. 4SC. [5SC] into final CH to turn the corner. Working into the other side of your starting CH; 4SC. [4SC] into final CH, then SLST to first SC to join.

Round 2 :

CH1, [2HDC] into same stitch. 4HDC. [2HDC] into each of the next 5 stitches. 4HDC. [2HDC] into each of the next 4 stitches. SLST to first HDC.

Round 3 :

CH1, HDC into same stitch. 10HDC, [2HDC], [2DC], [2HDC], 11HDC, [2HDC], [2DC], [2HDC]. SLST to first HDC to join. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing your completed applique9 onto it's square.

Round 4 :

To make the eyes: Using White; CH3 and SLST into first CH to make a loop. CH1, then work 6SC into centre of loop. SLST to first SC to join.

Round 5 :

CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. Proceed to work [2SC] into each of the next 5 stitches. SLST to first SC. Fasten off.

Round 6 :

Attach Meadow to any stitch; CH1, [2SC] into same stitch. *SC, [2SC]* - repeat between * until you have one stitch remaining. SC. SLST to first SC. Fasten off, leaving a long enough tail for sewing.

Round 7 :

Repeat steps 4 - 6 to make a second eye.

Round 8 :

Using Black; embroider a pupil onto each of your frog's eyes. Then position these onto your frog's face, as you can see in the photo above, and sew into place.

Round 9 :

Using Black; embroider a mouth onto your frog applique9, as you can see in the photo above.

Round 10 :

Your Frog Face Applique9 is now finished ✓

Assembly Instructions

  • Each square is made individually, before joining together with a continuous flat braid join, then add the border using Parchment (approximately 1.5 balls) as noted for the join and border.
  • Sew each applique9 onto its centre square using the long tails left when fastening off; position pieces using photos as a guide and stitch securely from the reverse.
  • When attaching ears, noses and small pieces, pin them in place then stitch through both layers to hide seams on the reverse for a neat finish.
  • Block your squares if needed before joining to even out any variations in size from stitch differences, then join in rows with mattress stitch or the continuous braid join described.
  • Weave in ends as you go and trim excess tails after securely stitching each applique9 to prevent gaps or loose threads.

Important Notes

  • 💡This pattern uses US terminology throughout; check abbreviations and convert if you are more familiar with UK terms.
  • 💡Use a 3.5mm hook and consistent tension to achieve squares approximately 14.5cm x 14.5cm as in the original blanket.
  • 💡Leave long tails when fastening off applique9 pieces to make sewing them onto squares easy and secure.
  • 💡Pin pieces in place and check alignment with photos before sewing to ensure consistent placement across your blanket.

This Animal Kingdom Blanket pack brings a forest (and beyond) of friendly faces to life — one sweet square at a time. Choose playful colours or a soft palette to match a nursery or living room and enjoy turning tiny squares into a big warm hug. Mix, match and make it yours — happy hooking! 🧶✨🤗

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The original Animal Kingdom Blanket is made up of 30 squares, each approximately 14.5cm x 14.5cm, making the finished blanket with border approximately 84cm x 100cm (33in x 39in), though this may vary with your tension.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will change the finished square size; adjust your hook accordingly and consider making a gauge square to check size before committing to the full blanket.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate; basic knowledge of single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, increases and decreases is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Time varies with experience; making multiple applique9 squares and joining them is a multi-day project — plan on roughly 12-15 hours total for the full blanket, depending on speed and number of squares.