As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases: some supply links in this post are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
A lovey pairs a small security blanket with a stuffed animal head at one corner – small enough for a baby to grip, big enough to double as a blanket. The 11 ideas below are grouped by animal; each links to a real designer’s free pattern, and the notes on how it is typically made give a general approach rather than a line by line summary of that specific pattern, so check the linked pattern itself for exact stitch counts.
For a sweet handmade baby gift, our free crochet bunny patterns make an adorable addition to any lovey or nursery set.
11 Adorable Crochet Baby Lovey Patterns :
Across these 11 patterns you’ll mostly need fiberfill and safety eyes (or embroidered features for baby safety) are the shared shopping list.
1. Bunny Lovey
The bunny is the classic lovey animal and for good reason. Long floppy ears are irresistibly cute and babies love grabbing them. Create a 12 inch square blanket in pastel yellow or mint green, then attach an amigurumi bunny head with long oval ears at one corner.
Add small arms on either side of the head. Embroider closed eyes and a tiny triangle nose in pink. The ears can be made flat or stuffed very lightly for dimension. This pattern typically takes 5 to 6 hours and works well for Easter or spring baby showers.
Free pattern: Sleepy Bunny Lovey by Theodore and Rose, the floppy eared classic with the blanket written in too.
2. Bear Lovey
A teddy bear lovey never goes out of style. Use warm brown or tan yarn for the bear head with a lighter muzzle. The blanket portion looks lovely in cream, sage, or dusty blue.
Round ears, a stitched nose, and embroidered eyes complete the classic teddy look. This is one of the simplest lovey patterns because the bear shape uses basic increases and decreases in single crochet. Make it in gender neutral colors, and it works for any baby.
Free pattern: Honey Bear Lovey by Stitching Together, warm brown head, lighter muzzle, beginner friendly.
3. Elephant Lovey
Elephants symbolize good luck and wisdom, making them a meaningful gift. Large floppy ears are the defining feature, worked as flat ovals attached to the sides of a round head. Use gray yarn for a realistic look or go with pastel purple, blue, or pink for a whimsical version.
The trunk is a curved tube of single crochet stitches. Add a tiny tail at the back of the blanket corner opposite the head. This is a slightly more intermediate pattern but still manageable for determined beginners.
Free pattern: Hug Me Elephant Lovey by Nicole Chase, oversized ears and trunk on a chevron striped blanket.
4. Hug Me Unicorn Lovey
The Nicole Chase gives this one a star-shaped blanket base with a 17-inch span at its widest, in worsted weight on 4mm and 5mm hooks. The unicorn head finishes about 3.5 inches tall with a 5-inch arm span, best attempted after a bit of amigurumi practice.
Free pattern: Hug Me Unicorn Lovey at The Nicole Chase
5. Fox Lovey
Granny Lawlor works this one point to point at 30cm, in DK weight on 3.5mm and 4mm hooks, with a rust orange body and cream muzzle and ear tips
.
Free pattern: Fox Lovey at Granny Lawlor Crafts
6. Lion Lovey
The king of the jungle makes a majestic lovey. A round golden head with a tufted mane is the star feature. Create the mane by attaching multiple small loops or chains around the face in a warm golden brown tone.
The blanket portion works well in a warm cream or light tan. Add a tiny round tail at the opposite corner. This pattern uses the bobble stitch for the mane texture, which gives it amazing dimension.
Free pattern: Hug Me Lion Lovey by Nicole Chase, chain and slip stitch strands worked into the front loops for the mane.
7. Red Heart Raccoon Lovey
Raccoons can be a little mischievous, but it’s hard to resist their adorable charm! This sweet masked raccoon comes with a colorful blanket that you can personalize with your favorite shades. With soft, squishy arms made for cuddling, he makes an irresistibly cute crochet companion.
8. Giraffe Lovey
A giraffe lovey has unique appeal with its long neck and spotted pattern. Work the head and neck as one piece using single crochet in a warm golden tone. Add brown spots as small crochet circles sewn on top.
Tiny ossicones (horn like bumps) on top of the head are a charming detail. The blanket in a coordinating cream or light yellow with brown spots ties the design together. This is an intermediate pattern due to the colorwork but is well worth the effort.
Free pattern: Gigi the Giraffe Lovey by Cuddly Stitches Craft, head and neck crocheted as one piece across 33 rounds, with a granny square blanket.
9. Whale Lovey
An ocean themed lovey suits a beachy or aquatic nursery. A rounded whale body in soft blue or gray with a lighter belly creates a soothing, calming toy. The tail flukes are two flat triangles at the bottom.
A small spout of water on top can be made with a few chain stitches in white. The blanket in a wavy blue and white stripe pattern completes the aquatic theme. This pattern is relatively simple because the whale shape uses basic rounds and minimal shaping.
Free pattern: Whale of a Lovey by Heart Hook Home, a corner to corner blanket worked in rounds with a small stuffed whale appliqued to one corner.
10. Dinosaur Lovey
A friendly dinosaur (not scary!) lovey is a hit with modern parents. Choose a friendly dino like a brontosaurus or stegosaurus. Green yarn with lighter accent plates along the back creates a recognizable silhouette.
The double crochet stitch works well for the spiky plates. Make the blanket in a coordinating green, or contrast with orange or yellow. Add embroidered spikes and a sweet expression for a lovable prehistoric friend.
Free pattern: Dinosaur Lovey Blanket by Repeat Crafter Me, dinosaur fleece backing with a crocheted head, tail, and graduated spikes along the edge.
11. Lamb Lovey
A fluffy lamb lovey is the epitome of softness. Use white or cream boucle yarn for the head to create a naturally fuzzy texture. Small curved ears and a tiny tail add charm.
Embroider a simple face with closed eyes for a peaceful sleeping expression. The blanket in a soft sage green or lavender complements the white lamb beautifully. This pattern looks luxurious and expensive but uses very basic stitches throughout.
Free pattern: Little Lamb Lovey by Sewrella, bobble stitch fleece and a sewn on face for a soft, textured finish.