Safari Applique Blanket

Safari Applique Blanket by Sam Pratt

Project Overview

The Safari Applique Blanket is an intermediate-level crochet project designed by Sam Pratt. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished blanket measuring approximately 86cm x 106cm, making it an ideal size for a cozy throw or baby blanket. The design features adorable safari animal appliqués including a giraffe, monkey, lion, and elephant, each crafted separately and then applied to the main blanket base.

Materials Required

This project uses DK (double knit) weight yarn throughout, with the following color palette and quantities:

• Blanket Base: 300g DK Grey and 100g DK White
• Giraffe Appliqué: 50g DK Yellow, with oddments of DK Cream and Brown for details
• Monkey Appliqué: 50g DK Dark Brown, 25g DK Light Brown, with oddments of DK Yellow and Black
• Lion Appliqué: 50g DK Yellow, 25g DK Orange, with oddments of DK Black
• Elephant Appliqué: 50g DK Dark Grey, with oddments of DK White and Black
• Additional Supplies: 5mm crochet hook and a small amount of stuffing for the appliqués

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The Safari Applique Blanket employs a range of fundamental and intermediate crochet techniques suitable for crafters with some experience. Understanding these stitches and techniques is essential for successfully completing this project.

Foundation and Basic Stitches

Chain (Ch): The foundation stitch used to create the base of the blanket and appliqués. Chains form the starting point for most crochet projects and are created by pulling yarn through a loop on the hook.

Slip Stitch (Sl st): Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions between sections. This stitch is worked by inserting the hook into a stitch, yarning over, and pulling through both loops in one motion.

Double Crochet (Dc): A fundamental stitch that creates a medium-height fabric. Double crochet stitches are used throughout the blanket and appliqués to build structure and texture.

Half Treble (Htr): A taller stitch than double crochet, used to add height and variation to the fabric. Half trebles create a more open, drape-friendly texture.

Treble (Tr): An even taller stitch that creates an airy, lacy effect. Trebles are used selectively to add visual interest and texture variation to the design.

Decreasing Techniques

The pattern utilizes several decrease methods to shape the appliqués and create defined edges:

• Double Crochet 2 Together (Dc2tog): Combines two double crochet stitches into one, reducing stitch count while maintaining fabric integrity
• Half Treble 2 Together (Htr2tog): Merges two half treble stitches into one for a taller decrease
• Treble 2 Together (Tr2tog): Combines two treble stitches into one for decreasing in taller stitch sections

Decorative Techniques

Bobble Stitch: A textured, three-dimensional stitch created by working multiple yarn-over and pull-through sequences in the same stitch, then pulling through all loops at once. This technique adds dimensional detail to the safari animals, creating realistic texture for manes, fur, and facial features.

Yarn Over Hook (Yoh): A fundamental action in crochet where yarn is wrapped around the hook, used in nearly every stitch to create loops and build fabric.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 10cm x 10cm equals 12 stitches and 14 rows when working in DK yarn with a 5mm crochet hook. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the blanket to reach its intended finished dimensions of approximately 86cm x 106cm. Crocheters should work a gauge swatch before beginning the main project to ensure proper sizing.