Kangaroo Lovey / Security Blanket with Bonus Joey Pattern

Kangaroo Lovey / Security Blanket with Bonus Joey Pattern

What Is Being Made

This crochet pattern by Tammy Mehring creates an 18-inch square security blanket or lovey featuring a kangaroo design, with a bonus pattern included for a small joey (baby kangaroo). The project combines a soft blanket base with an integrated or attachable kangaroo motif, making it suitable as a comfort item for infants and toddlers. The pattern is designed as a downloadable PDF suitable for intermediate-level crocheters.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. Construction involves working with magic rings as an alternative to traditional chain-and-join methods for creating circular or closed shapes. The pattern utilizes stitch markers to track progress through rounds and rows. Polyester stuffing is incorporated to add dimension and structure to the kangaroo and joey components, creating a three-dimensional toy element within or attached to the blanket. The finishing technique includes reverse single crochet (also called crab stitch), which creates a decorative, textured edge and is worked by inserting the hook into stitches from right to left rather than the standard left-to-right direction.

Stitches Used

This pattern utilizes a focused selection of fundamental crochet stitches:

• Single crochet (sc) – the primary stitch for building fabric density and structure
• Chain (ch) – used for foundation rows and stitch spacing
• Double crochet (dc) – employed for areas requiring lighter, more open fabric
• Single crochet two together (2tog) – used for decreasing stitches and shaping
• Two single crochet in one stitch (2sc) – used for increasing stitches and shaping
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining rounds and securing stitches
• Reverse single crochet / crab stitch – applied as a decorative finishing edge that creates a textured border

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for aran-weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn suitable for creating fabric with good drape and structure. Specific yardage requirements are provided for multiple color components:

• Main color yarn – 280 yards for the primary blanket and kangaroo (the pattern specifies Red Heart Warm Brown as the designer's choice)
• Bonus Joey yarn – 25 yards in a contrasting shade (Red Heart Café Latte in the designer's version)
• Contrasting Color 1 – 70 yards (Red Heart Café Latte used in the original)
• Contrasting Color 2 – 35 yards (Red Heart Buff in the designer's example)
• Black yarn – a small amount, approximately 2 yards, for embroidered details such as the nose and eyes

Tools and Notions

The pattern requires two crochet hook sizes: a G hook for working the kangaroo and joey components, and an I hook for constructing the blanket base. Additional supplies include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and embroidering facial features, stitch markers for tracking stitch placement throughout the project, and polyester stuffing to give the kangaroo and joey their finished, dimensional appearance.

Pattern Notes

The designer recommends reading the entire pattern before beginning work. The pattern includes detailed stitch explanations to support intermediate-level crafters, and provides flexibility in construction methods—for example, offering the option to use a traditional chain foundation with single crochets as an alternative to the magic ring technique. The reverse single crochet or crab stitch, while potentially unfamiliar to some crafters, is noted as enjoyable once mastered and creates an attractive, textured edge finish.