Noah's Zebra Cot Blanket

Noah's Zebra Cot Blanket Crochet Pattern

Project Overview

Noah's Zebra Cot Blanket is a beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern designed by Crafty Penguin Crochet. This charming project combines a flat crocheted blanket body with three-dimensional zebra appliqués, creating a playful and textured baby blanket suitable for cots. The finished blanket measures approximately 72cm x 83cm when laid flat, or 43cm x 43cm when folded, making it an ideal size for infant bedding and nursery décor.

What You Will Make

This pattern creates a complete cot blanket featuring a main blanket body paired with decorative zebra body parts that are worked separately and attached to the blanket surface. The zebras are constructed using three-dimensional shaping techniques, giving them dimension and visual interest against the flat blanket base.

Techniques Used

• Flat blanket construction: The main blanket body is worked in rows using basic crochet stitches to create a rectangular foundation
• Three-dimensional body parts: Zebra components are worked in the round without joining at the end of each round, allowing them to form dimensional shapes
• Stitch decreasing: Techniques such as single crochet two together and half double crochet two together are used to shape the zebra body parts
• Stuffing and assembly: Completed body parts are stuffed to add volume and dimension before being sewn onto the blanket using a yarn needle
• Embroidery details: Fine details can be added using embroidery techniques with contrasting yarn colors

Stitches Used

• Chain (CH): Foundation stitch used to create the base of the blanket and body parts
• Single Crochet (SC): Basic stitch worked in the third loop for texture and structure
• Half Double Crochet (HDC): Medium-height stitch worked in the third loop to create the main fabric of the blanket
• Half Double Crochet Two Together (HDC2TOG): Decrease stitch used to shape zebra body parts
• Single Crochet Two Together (SC2TOG): Decrease stitch for shaping and finishing
• Slip Stitch (SLST): Used for joining and finishing edges

Materials Required

This pattern uses DK weight yarn (also called yarn weight 3), with a total yardage of approximately 550 yards (500 meters) in black and 700 yards (640 meters) in white. The designer used Stylecraft DK yarn in both colors. You will need three crochet hook sizes: 3.5mm (size E), 4mm (size G), and 6mm (size J), allowing for gauge adjustments and varied fabric density in different sections. Additional materials include a blunt yarn needle for assembly and weaving in ends, embroidery scissors for trimming, stitch markers for tracking progress, and fiberfill stuffing for the three-dimensional zebra body parts.

Gauge and Pattern Notes

Gauge is not critical for this project, though the pattern provides a reference of 3 rows of 10 half double crochet stitches equaling approximately 3cm x 6cm. Important construction notes include: chain stitches at the beginning of rows do not count as stitches in the blanket body, while chain 2 does count as a stitch. The body parts are worked in the round without joining at the end of each round, creating seamless dimensional shapes.