You might have already known about my new found love for Corner-to-Corner Crochet from my previous blogs. Making any C2C blanket is easy and interesting especially when you have a grid-based graph or a pixel graph with you. There are over a thousand graphs available online in different variety from living to non-living. However, animals and cartoon characters are the most popular pixel arts available online. They are top choices when you are looking for patterns for children.

When I learned C2C, I quickly jumped at the opportunity of making a baby blanket. I liked the Dog graph from 1dogwoof and altered the colours to make Woof! Woof! Baby Blanket.

But I was craving for learning the art myself. The challenge arrived when a friend approached me for a similar theme as Woof! Woof! Baby Blanket, after checking out the homepage. Apparently, the couple needed it in 2-3 weeks, so I decided to make a monkey-panda themed blanket.

Completely new at pixel drawing, I browsed few monkeys and pandas online to understand the intricacies of the pattern with respect to the facial features and body positioning. I must admit that the process is tedious and takes a lot of practice and hit and trails. You have to start with one figure at a time like I did with the monkey and then made one change at a time to understand the overall look of the pattern.

I finally succeeded and I can proudly say this was my first attempt at pixel art! I hope you like what I have tried to bring out in these and try out for yourself.

Process:

Collect the colours that you plan to use for the blanket. Start C2C crocheting and then C2C decreasing crocheting to complete one graph. Repeat the similar process for all the graphs twice. Both the graphs are 25×25. Make 1 graph and measure its size. It will help you analyse the final size of the blanket. Proceed towards making other 3 parts. For this blanket, each part is 17″ and a final border of 1-2″ makes the blanket 36×36 or 37×37.

Note: Make 1 graph and check out the measurement of that part. It will help you analyse the final size of the blanket. Proceed towards making other 3 parts. For this blanket, each part is 17″ and a final border of 1-2″ makes the blanket 36×36 or 37×37.

For this blanket, each part is 17″ and a final border of 1″ makes the blanket 37×37.

This pattern requires proper counting and marking after completion of each square to avoid any mistakes.

Remember:

1. Print the coloured graph ( or black and white graph and mark the colours) and number all the rows and columns. Here, it is 25×25. The C2C stitch grows diagonally.
2. Starting with C2C Crochet Stitch Increasing ( focusing on the colour change) increase diagonally for 25 rows.
3. Start decreasing C2C Crochet Stitch (focusing on the colour change as per the graph) decrease till the count reaches 1.

Edging:-

After completing the 4 parts, join them using the Invisible Stitch. Work on the edging on the blanket.

R1: Ch 1, Single Crochet (SC) around each post. 3 SC at the corners.

R2: Ch 2, Double Crochet on each SC. 3 DC at the corners or at the corner 3SC – 3DC on the middle 3 SC group.

R3: Ch 2, Half-Herringbone Double Crochet (HHDC) around each DC. 3 HHDC at the corner DC or 3 HHDC on the middle of the 3 DC group.

For GRAPH PDF DOWNLOAD, click HERE.

Monkey Grid Graph / Monkey Pixel Art:

Panda Grid Graph / Panda Pixel Art:

¹C2C crochet stitch / Increasing C2C Crochet Stitch:

• [Chain 6.
• R1: Double Crochet (DC) in 4th chain from the hook. 2 DC in next 2 chains. [ 1st corner block is made]
• R2: turn the work, chain 6. DC in 4th chain from the hook. 2 DC in next 2 chains.  Slip stitch on the chain 3. (Chain 3, 3 DC) in the same chain 3 space of the previous row. [2nd row contains 2 blocks]
• R3: Repeat R2 [3^rd row will contain 3 blocks. Likewise, the Row-Number will have same number blocks.]
• Continue R2 to increase horizontally and vertically up to the required number on the graph.]

²Decreasing C2C crochet stitch: 

• [turn the last row. slip stitch on 1st DC, 2nd DC, 3 DC.
• Slip Stitch(SL ST) chain 3 space. (Chain 3, 3 DC) in same chain 3 space.
• Continue (SL ST, chain 3, 3 DC) in next chain 3 space.
• Repeat till the last 2nd block. SL ST in the last chain 3 space. ]

Caution Section:-

Final pointers to keep in mind when working on this project.

1. Print colourful graph. If you have the black and white printer then print the graph and colour the blocks using colour pencils or mark G for green, Y for Yellow, Br for Brown, Sk for light brown or skin etc. so that you do not miss out the shape.
2. Mark each row and column so that you know at which row you are while working.
3. Also, count the number of blocks use 1 colour in that working row. Remember we work diagonally in C2C.
4. Make one graph and measure the part. Based upon this measurement you can calculate the total size of your blanket. You can increase the size of the blanket by
   1. adding a few rows of SC and DC around each part.
   2. adding an edge and increasing the edge using DC around.
5. For e.g. here each part is 17″. In order to get the 40″X40″ blanket, I have to add another 5″. I can add a row of SC and another row of DC in each part. Then after sewing them, I can add another one row of SC and DC and HHDC. You can mix and match the options to get your desired size.

Product Specifications:

Defining Dimensions:-

• Length: 37″
• Width: 37″

Optional Alterations:-

• The sizes can be changed based on your requirement.
• The edging can be made of Single Crochet (SC), Crab Stitch, Slip Stitch, Herringbone Half Double Crochet (HHDC).
• Instead of regular yarn, fur yarn will bring out pop to the border.
• Instead of going for 3rd colour for the border, use both the base colours around for alternate rows.
  • The border shouldn’t be too broad to pop out. The purpose should be to provide a clean edge.
• You can add pom-pom or tassels (matching the colour with the edging or the base colour) at the 4 corners. Link to make pom-pom and tassels.
• Avoid the border and just add tassels/pompoms made of a mixture of the base colours.
• You can attach flowers, beads, appliques or a bow made of crochet, plastic, suede leather, fabric etc to make it more interesting.
• You can increase the total size of the blanket.

Remember: do not over accessorise it. This hides the beauty of the pattern itself. Believe in elegant simplicity!!

In case, you have stuck anywhere or have any queries, kindly contact me.

C2C Panda Monkey Baby Blanket

For GRAPH PDF DOWNLOAD, click HERE.

Style Aisle:

• Choose the yarn colour matching with your kids’ room or their choice of animals.
• Go crazy with experimental contrast colours with your furniture to pop out a section. Make sure the interiors contain natural, neutral or earthy colours around.
• The selection of colour palette should be bright but not flashy.
• For the stitches or pattern to be visible clearly, choose lighter shades of yarn.
• The graphic-animals can be used for blankets or bags for kids.
• Instead of going for 3rd colour for the border, use both the base colours around for alternate rows.
  • The border shouldn’t be too broad to stand out. The purpose should be to provide a clean edge.

Materials:

1. Yarn:
   1. Caron One Pound – Expresso,  Caron One Pound – Taupe, – 1 ball each
   2.  Jo-Ann Red Heart With Love – Daffodil – 1 ball,
   3.  Jo-Ann Red Heart With Love – Lettuce – 2 balls.
   4. Red Heart Soft – White, Black
2. Crochet Hook: 6mm
3. Needles
4. Scissors
5. Measuring Tape
6. Stitch Marker: My stitch markers are the mini safety pins we get from clothing tags.

• Note: you can play around with different branded yarns as far as they give the synchronous flow of the pattern using a constant crochet hook.
• You can either go for the yarns with the same recommended crochet hook OR decide the yarn and change the crochet hooks along with the tightness on the crochet stitches as you proceed with the pattern.
• You can change the pattern to get a continuous flow.

Happy Crocheting!!!

APPENDIX

Care Instructions:

Quality Promise: If washed with care, then the elegant stitch guarantees perfection up to multiple washes. The wool quality might stretch upon multiple uses.

Purchase Here:

The crocheted, handmade and made to order item is already sold. In case you are looking forward to purchasing the same item or in any customised form, please check out the following the further options. The colour combinations, the designs, the dimensions can alter easily based on your preference and usage.

1. KMD – Etsy Shopping Gallery
2. Etsy – Knot My Designs
3. Drop an email – knotmydesigns@gmail.com
4. Connect through the Contact Page.

Disclaimer:

All the contents including photos, designs, and patterns are copyright of Knot My Designs unless otherwise stated. Kindly do not republish them as claiming your own.

The patterns are free to learn and adapt, for personal consumption; however, kindly provide due credit to Knot My Designs every time you use or share them.

Happy Shopping!!!