Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Elephant Snuggle Lovey – Free Crochet Pattern

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Looking for a handmade baby gift that’s both heartfelt and practical? This soft and cuddly elephant snuggle lovey ticks all the boxes. Whether it’s for a baby shower, a first birthday, or just a cozy naptime companion, this sweet crochet project is sure to become a cherished favorite.

It features a beautifully textured granny square blanket—a timeless crochet motif that many of us remember from our own childhoods—paired with a huggable amigurumi-style elephant head, complete with floppy ears, a curled trunk, and little arms that peek over the edge. The combination is both charming and soothing, perfect for tiny hands to grasp and snuggle.

This pattern is ideal for beginner to intermediate crocheters. If you’re comfortable with the basic stitches (like single crochet, double crochet, and working in the round), you’ll be well on your way. Plus, it’s a great stash-buster—you can easily personalize it with your favorite yarn colors to match a nursery or theme.

Whether you’ve got a baby gift deadline or you’re just in the mood for a satisfying weekend make, this elephant lovey is a joy to crochet and even more delightful to give.

Materials

Stitches and Abbreviations

  • ch – chain 
  • slst – slip stitch 
  • sc – single crochet 
  • hdc – half double crochet 
  • dc – double crochet 
  • inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch) 
  • dec – invisible decrease 
  • FLO – front loops only 
  • BLO – back loops only 
  • rnd – round 

Techniques

  • Magic ring 
  • Invisible decrease 
  • Changing colors 
  • Finishing with an invisible join 

Snuggle Blanket – Basic Granny Square

This granny square is made with clusters of 3 double crochet. The first dc of each cluster starts with a chain 3 (counts as the first dc), followed by 2 more dc. Between each cluster, work a chain 1. In the corners, work chain 2.

Round 1:
 Begin with a magic ring. Work (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2) four times into the ring. Join with a slst to the top of the starting ch-3.

Rounds 2 to 12:
 Continue building the square by working 3-dc clusters in each chain-1 space, with (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the corners. Chain 1 between clusters.

Round 13 (border round):
 Work 1 sc in each stitch and chain space around. In the corner ch-2 spaces, work 2 sc to help square off the edges. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Elephant Head

Round 1:
 Work 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)

Round 2:
 Inc in each stitch around. (12)

Round 3:
 1 sc, inc repeat around. (18)

Round 4:
 2 sc, inc repeat around. (24)

Round 5:
 3 sc, inc repeat around. (30)

Round 6:
 4 sc, inc repeat around. (36)

Round 7:
 5 sc, inc repeat around. (42)

Rounds 8–14:
 Sc in each stitch. (42)

Round 15:
 5 sc, dec repeat around. (36)

Round 16:
 4 sc, dec repeat around. (30)

Round 17:
 3 sc, dec repeat around. (24)

Round 18:
 2 sc, dec repeat around. (18) – Begin stuffing the head firmly.

Round 19:
 1 sc, dec repeat around. (12)

Round 20:
 6 decreases. (6)
 Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew to the center of the blanket.

Trunk

Round 1:
 Work 5 sc in a magic ring. (5)

Round 2:
 Inc in each stitch. (10)

Rounds 3–4:
 Sc in each stitch. (10)

Rounds 5–7:
 5 hdc, 5 sc. (10)

Round 8:
 1 sc, 2 hdc, 2 hdc in each of next 2 stitches, 2 hdc, 3 sc. (12)

Rounds 9–10:
 1 sc, 6 hdc, 5 sc. (12)

Round 11:
 1 sc, 4 hdc, 2 hdc in each of next 2 stitches, 2 hdc, 3 sc. (14)

Round 12:
 2 sc, 10 hdc, 2 sc. (14)

Round 13:
 2 sc, 3 hdc, 2 hdc in next 4 stitches, 3 hdc, 2 sc. (18)

Round 14:
 3 sc, 12 hdc, 3 sc. (18)
 Fasten off, lightly stuff, and sew to the front center of the head.

Ears (Make 2)

Round 1:
 Work 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)

Round 2:
 Inc in each stitch. (12)

Round 3:
 1 sc, inc repeat around. (18)

Round 4:
 2 sc, inc repeat around. (24)

Round 5:
 3 sc, inc x 5, stop after 25 stitches.
 Fasten off and sew to each side of the head.

Arms (Make 2)

Start with contrast color.

Round 1:
 Work 6 sc in a magic ring. (6)

Round 2:
 Inc in each stitch. (12)

Round 3:
 1 sc, inc repeat around. (18)

Switch to main color.

Round 4:
 BLO – sc in each stitch. (18)

Rounds 5–8:
 Sc in each stitch. (18)

Round 9:
 4 sc, dec x 3. (15)

Rounds 10–12:
 Sc in each stitch. (15)

Round 13:
 3 sc, dec x 3. (12)

Rounds 14–16:
 Sc in each stitch. (12)
 Stuff lightly and sew between the head and the blanket.

Finishing Details

Use black embroidery floss to stitch on sleepy eyes or facial details of your choice. Weave in all yarn ends securely.
 Attach the head to the center of the blanket and position arms as desired. You may lightly steam the granny square blanket for a polished finish.

 

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