purlJam

<pattern>

# Baby Elephant Granny Square Blanket

A sweet and cuddly baby blanket featuring traditional granny squares with an adorable elephant appliqué in the center. Perfect for welcoming a baby boy! This beginner-friendly pattern uses soft, bulky-weight Bernat Baby yarn that works up quickly.

**Finished Measurements**: Approximately 30 x 30 inches (76 x 76 cm)

**Difficulty Level**: Beginner

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Bernat Baby Blanket (bulky weight #5, 100% polyester, 220 yds/201 m per 10.5 oz/300 g skein)
- Color A (Light Blue): 3 skeins (approximately 600 yards)
- Color B (White): 2 skeins (approximately 450 yards)
- Color C (Light Gray): 2 skeins (approximately 400 yards)
- Small amounts of dark gray or black for elephant details (approximately 20 yards)

**Total Yardage**: Approximately 1,470 yards

**Hook**: US K/10.5 (6.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**:
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional)

---

## GAUGE

**Granny Square Gauge**: 
- Small square (3 rounds) = 3 x 3 inches (7.5 x 7.5 cm)
- Large center square (6 rounds) = 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm)

**Stitch Gauge** (in double crochet): 12 sts x 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)

*Gauge is important for this project to ensure squares are uniform. Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if necessary.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sp = space
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side

---

## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Chain-3 counts as first dc** throughout pattern unless otherwise noted.
2. All squares begin with a magic ring (or ch 4, join with sl st to form ring if preferred).
3. Join each round with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.
4. Fasten off after each square is complete.
5. Weave in ends as you go to minimize finishing work.
6. The large center square uses the same pattern as small squares, just worked for additional rounds.

**Color Distribution** (suggested):
- Small squares: Make 20 in Color A (Light Blue), 20 in Color B (White), 20 in Color C (Light Gray)
- Large center square: Make 1 in Color B (White) - this will showcase the elephant
- Border: Color A (Light Blue)

---

## INSTRUCTIONS

### SMALL GRANNY SQUARE (Make 60)

**Round 1**: Using magic ring (or ch 4, join with sl st to form ring), ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)

**Round 2**: Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-2 sp (corner made), ch 1, *[(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1]; rep from * 2 more times, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (24 dc, 4 ch-2 corner sps, 4 ch-1 sps)

**Round 3**: Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, *[(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1]; rep from * 2 more times, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (36 dc, 4 ch-2 corner sps, 8 ch-1 sps)

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in.

**Verification**: Square should measure 3 x 3 inches. Each side has 3 groups of 3-dc clusters.

---

### LARGE CENTER SQUARE (Make 1 in Color B)

Work Rounds 1-3 as for Small Granny Square.

**Round 4**: Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-2 sp, [ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] twice, ch 1, *[(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) twice, ch 1]; rep from * 2 more times, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (48 dc, 4 ch-2 corner sps, 12 ch-1 sps)

**Round 5**: Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-2 sp, [ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] 3 times, ch 1, *[(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 3 times, ch 1]; rep from * 2 more times, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (60 dc, 4 ch-2 corner sps, 16 ch-1 sps)

**Round 6**: Sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same ch-2 sp, [ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] 4 times, ch 1, *[(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, (ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp) 4 times, ch 1]; rep from * 2 more times, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (72 dc, 4 ch-2 corner sps, 20 ch-1 sps)

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in.

**Verification**: Square should measure 6 x 6 inches. Each side has 6 groups of 3-dc clusters.

---

### ELEPHANT APPLIQUÉ

**BODY**:
Using Color C (Light Gray), create magic ring.

**Round 1**: Ch 1, 6 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc. Pull ring tight. (6 sc)

**Round 2**: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (12 sc)

**Round 3**: Ch 1, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 6 times, join with sl st to first sc. (18 sc)

**Round 4**: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (18 sc)

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

**TRUNK**:
Using Color C, ch 8.

**Row 1**: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next 7 ch. (7 sl sts)

Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing.

**EARS (Make 2)**:
Using Color C, ch 6.

**Row 1**: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in last ch, ch 1, turn. (5 sts)

**Row 2**: Sk first st, dc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in last st. (4 sts)

Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing.

**LEGS (Make 4)**:
Using Color C, ch 4.

**Row 1**: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next 3 ch. (3 sl sts)

Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing.

**ASSEMBLY OF ELEPHANT**:
1. Position elephant body in center of large white square.
2. Sew body to square using whip stitch around outer edge.
3. Attach trunk to front of body, allowing it to curve slightly.
4. Sew ears to sides of body near top.
5. Attach legs evenly spaced at bottom of body.
6. Using dark gray or black yarn, embroider two small eyes using French knots or satin stitch, positioned above trunk.
7. Optional: Embroider a small curved line for a smile.

---

## BLANKET ASSEMBLY

### SQUARE ARRANGEMENT (8 x 8 Grid):

The large center square occupies the space of 4 small squares (2x2 position) in the center of the blanket.

**Layout** (each number represents position, L = Large center square):
```
Row 8: [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
Row 7: [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
Row 6: [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
Row 5: [ ][ ][ ][L][L][ ][ ][ ]
Row 4: [ ][ ][ ][L][L][ ][ ][ ]
Row 3: [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
Row 2: [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
Row 1: [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
```

Position the large 6-inch square so it spans positions (4,4), (5,4), (4,5), and (5,5) in the center. Surround with 60 small squares to complete the 8x8 grid.

**Color Suggestion**: Alternate or randomize colors for a playful look, ensuring good distribution of all three colors.

### JOINING METHOD (Whip Stitch):

1. **Block squares** lightly if needed by pinning to measurements and misting with water. Allow to dry.

2. **Lay out all squares** according to your preferred color arrangement.

3. **Join squares in rows first**:
   - Place two squares RS together, aligning edges carefully.
   - Thread yarn needle with matching yarn (approximately 18 inches).
   - Working through back loops only, whip stitch along one edge: insert needle from back to front through both loops, then over the edge and back through from back to front again. Space stitches evenly (about every other stitch).
   - Continue joining squares to complete each row.

4. **Join rows together**:
   - Place two completed rows RS together.
   - Whip stitch along entire length, matching seams carefully.
   - Continue until all rows are joined.

**Verification**: Assembled blanket should measure approximately 24 x 24 inches (8 squares × 3 inches each) before border.

---

## BORDER

**Round 1**: With RS facing, join Color A with sl st in any corner ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp, *[ch 1, skip next dc, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp or seam] across to next corner**, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner sp; rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3.

**Round 2**: Sl st to corner ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as first dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner sp, *[ch