I love animal print, especially zebra print and I really love the way it looks with hot pink. I have a friend who is expecting her first girl any day now and she is also really into zebra print so I created this lovely blanket for her soon to be bundle of joy. It is VERY easy to work up and unlike some zebra prints I have seen it is varied in design. I hope you enjoy creating this cuddly Zebra Newborn Blanket for someone in your life.
This blanket can easily be made larger but must be worked in increments of 100 (200, 300). Make sure to chain one extra stitch for turning in the first chain.
Notes:
The first and last stitch of EVERY row are hdc, (as are each stitch between changes in height of rows). This is so that you do not have to do a turning chain on any row and evens it all out at the end so that all the rows are exactly the same height when finished. The blanket will always work up square.
To make finishing easier, every time I make a color change I tie a knot, connecting the tails of the old color and the new color. Then I weave over the tails (if they are still sticking out when I’m done I just cut them shorter). That way I only have to weave in the first and last tails of the project.
At some point this pattern will look like its not “wavy” any longer, don’t worry it will all turn out. Each “block” of stripes (2 rows of black and 2 rows of white) will make a rectangle, with straight lines on each side. When you do the next two rows (of white) you will begin to see the next “wave”. When the blanket is finished you will not be able to see the straight lines.
Every two rows in the same color are the same stitches stacked on top of each other, the next two rows (of the opposite color) are the opposite exact stitches stacked on top of each other. Eg, if the two black rows start with dc then the two white rows will start with sc. If you have any questions please comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Finished Size:
The finished width of the blanket at 100 stitches is 31″ (including border)
You can make it to whatever height you like. I made mine to 28″ because I prefer the look if it is not completely square.
Materials:
5.0mm hook
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
2 skeins Simply Soft by Caron in White
2 skeins Simply Soft by Caron in Black
1/4 skein Simply Soft by Caron in hot pink or any color of your choice
(you can also use different colors for the stripes if you choose)
Pattern:
- with colorA (black)
Chain 101 - hdc across <100>
- *hdc in 1st sp, 1dc in each of the next 18sp, 1hdc in 20th sp, 1sc in each of the next 19sp, 1hdc in 40th sp, 1dc in each of the next 19sp, 1hdc in the 60th sp, 1sc in each of the next 19sp, 1hdc in the 80th sp, 1dc in each of the next 19sp, 1hdc in the 100th sp.
- using same color repeat instructions in row 3 for row 4
- Change to color B
hdc in 1st sp, 1sc in each of the next 18sp, 1hdc in the 20th sp, 1dc in each of the next 19sp, 1hdc in the 40th sp, 1sc in each of the next 19sp, 1hdc in the 60th sp, 1dc in each of the next 19sp, 1hdc in the 80th sp, 1sc in each of the next 19sp, 1hdc in the 100th sp. - using same color repeat this pattern in next row.
- Change back to color A
hdc in 1st sp, 1dc in each of the next 23sp, 1hdc in 25th sp, 1sc in each of the next 24sp, 1hdc in 50th sp, 1dc in each of the next 24sp, 1hdc in 75th sp, 1sc in each of the next 24sp, 1hdc in 100th sp - using same color crochet next row as follows, 1hdc in 1st sp, 1sc in each of the next 23sp, 1hdc in 25th sp, 1dc in each of the next 24sp, 1hdc in 50th sp, 1sc in each of the next 24, 1hdc in 75th sp, 1dc in each of the next 24sp, 1hdc in 100th sp
- Change to color B
hdc in 1st sp, 1sc in each of the next 23sp, 1hdc in 25th sp, 1dc in each of the next 24sp, 1hdc in 50th sp, 1sc in each of the next 24sp, 1hdc in 75th sp, 1dc in each of the next 24sp, 1hdc in 100th sp - turn and using the same color crochet across as follows. hdc in 1st sp, 1dc in each of the next 23sp, 1hdc in 25th sp, 1sc in each of the next 24sp, 1hdc in 50th sp, 1dc in each of the next 24sp, 1hdc in 75th sp, 1sc in each of the next 24sp, 1hdc in 100th sp
- Change to color A
hdc in 1st sp, 1dc in each of the next 8sp, 1hdc in 10th sp, 1sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 20th sp, 1dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 30th sp, 1sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 40th sp, 1 dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 50th sp, 1sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 60th sp, 1dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc 70th sp, 1 sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 80th sp, 1 dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc 90th 1sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 100th sp - using same color repeat this pattern in next row.
- Change to color B
hdc in 1st sp, 1sc in each of the next 8sp, 1hdc in 10th sp, 1dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 20th sp, 1sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 30th sp, 1dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 40th sp, 1 sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 50th sp, 1dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 60th sp, 1sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc 70th sp, 1 dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 80th sp, 1 sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc 90th 1dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 100th sp. - turn and crochet across as follows, hdc in 1st sp, 1dc in each of the next 8sp, 1hdc in 10th sp, 1sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 20th sp, 1dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 30th sp, 1sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 40th sp, 1dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 50th sp, 1sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 60th sp, 1dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc 70th sp, 1sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 80th sp, 1 dc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc 90th 1sc in each of the next 9sp, 1hdc in 100th sp.
- Repeat from * to desired length, finish off and weave in ends
- To END- each color has two rows, to finish off only do first row of new color (I recommend ending in black) and then one or two rows of hdc in same color.
Border:
- sc around entire blanket in color A (black) with 3sc in each corner
- change to border color (pink) in 1st space, chain 2, yo, insert hook into same space, yarn over, pull through space (3 loops on hook), yo and pull through 1st two loops (2 loops left on hook), yo, insert hook into same sp, pull through (4 loops on hook), yo, pull through 1st two spaces (3 loops left on hook), yo and pull through all three loops.
- In every next space crochet as follows; yo, insert hook, yo, pull through, yo, pull through 1st two sp (2 loops on hook), yo, insert hook into same sp, yo, pull through, (4 loops on hook), yo and pull through 1st two loops (3 loops left on hook), yo insert hook into same sp, yo, pull through, yo, pull through 1st two loops on hook (4 loops left on hook), yo and pull through all four loops.
- In all four corners; yo, insert hook, yo, pull through, yo, pull through 1st two sp (2 loops on hook), yo, insert hook into same sp, yo, pull through, (4 loops on hook), yo and pull through 1st two loops (3 loops left on hook), yo, pull through all three loops. Repeat 3 more times in each corner.
- finish off and weave in ends.
If you like, add a flower of your choice to one corner of blanket on both sides. I used a modified version of the flower used in the Mermaid Tears Purse by Bernhart.
Check out the matching Zebra Newborn Hat Pattern
If you have any questions with this pattern please comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
I LOVE it! That must have taken forever to come up with the zebra striping. It is very adorable. Thank you for sharing!
Jessie
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It was actually pretty easy once I figured it out. I had been going from sc to hdc to dc but it wasn’t looking right. Jumping from sc to dc with the one stitch of hdc in between really gives in a nice effect. I’m going to do a matching hat soon. I’ve already done a few but not with this design.
Way cute! thanks for sharing. Now only to convince husband that a pink zebra bedspread is totally appropriate for a married couple’s bedroom….
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Too funny. Maybe if you do purple instead of pink? lol.
Hi, I am very new to crocheting, I am wondering if there is a video or if someone would be willing to post one on this pattern to help me get started?
You’re best bet is to look on youtube. I do plan on having some videos soon, but I have not gotten around to it yet. Just look up how to chain, do single crochet (sc) half double crochet (hdc) and double crochet (dc). Once you get these stitches down you will have no problem. If you need any other help just ask. I also recommend joining some crochet pages on facebook.
Thank you for sharing!! I love the vibrancy of the pattern. I’m e-mailing you to find out if I may use the pattern to make a straight shape shawl for our Pray shawl group at church? We do not sell them. We are always looking for something to lighten up a person’s spirit & brighten their day.. I know this pattern would do it!
Sure. I post my free patterns for others to enjoy and get inspiration from… and to sell if they so desire. Thanks for asking though.
Do you carry up the previous color, or do you cut each color off??
you can do it either way, but I cut at the end of each row. If you want to carry it would be fine since you will be adding a border at the end.
I’m new to crocheting, somehow my rows are getting longer as I go up? Can you tell me why? What am I doing wrong? Thanks for your time….Laurel
I’m not sure except that you must be adding a stitch somewhere. Count them as you go, there should be 100 stitches per row. Count your stitches now and see where you are at. We’ll go from there. What row are you on?
reread my question and dont think it is clear lol…i will chain 202..now when i do the HDC in the 100 stitch do i start over at the beginning of the pattern? or do i reverse it? as it will end with with DC and start with DC..i think that is clearer
Start the pattern as normal (chain 201 instead of 101) and then do not make the last hdc in the pattern… just keep repeating what you were doing (20dc, 20sc, or 25sc, 25dc). Just make sure you always do the hdc in between changes (sc to dc) and for the 1st and last stitch. Hope that is clear, let me know if you need further clarification.
This pattern is just too adorable! I was wondering if I half the pattern, if it would work out for my “Preemie” donations. Please tell me your opinion and/or advice.
It can’t really be halved because of how its written but you can certainly change it. I would recommend doing the first row 61 stitches and then each subsequent row will be 60 stitches. Then take out the rows 10-15 (25stitches) You can instead make it 15 stitches (so just substitute the 25 for 15… hope that makes sense? (the zebra stripe rows need to all be in multiples of the total # of stitches… 20, 25 and 10 are all multiples of 100. So you can do 20, 15 and 10 which are all multiples of 60). Good luck, let me know if you have any other questions. You can also email me at cre8tion@ymail.com
I love this pattern. I have a question about it though. I have completed the first 2 row (one black and one white) and they came out wavy just like the pictures. When I started the the 2nd strip of black it came out straight because when I repeated the row the SC matched up with the DC. This is the same for the next 2 white and black rows (rows 10 and 13) that I completed, no waves just pretty much straight. I see that rows 10, 13, 16, and 19 start with either a SC or DC and end in the opposite, while rows 4 and 7 begin and end with the same stitch. Am I doing something wrong? Thank you.
When you say rows do you mean actual rows or sections/blocks of colors? The first row (starting chain) is black. Then there are TWO rows of black, then TWO rows of white, so on and so forth. So that each section/block of color will be opposite. The pattern calls for where to change colors. So that I can help you better can you please email me a pic to cre8tion@ymail.com… that way I can look and see. I’ve done this pattern twice and I’ve had others complete it with no problems so I know its written correctly but maybe you are just getting messed up on something simple and we can figure it out together. I look forward to seeing it and getting it figured out. Thanks
I know what you are talking about. I made the same mistake. I was repeating it exactly as written when you start the in next 23 sp. I was doing both rows of the black the same, making it just a straight instead of wavy. When you turn to do the second row, you will do the opposite and start with 23 sc.
Does that make sense, Heather?
Thanks Theresa that is correct…. I did also redo the pattern… it should work up perfect now. Thank you to those who let me know about the error’s.
I’m so sorry. I went back and re made the pattern and I found my mistake. I would of never found it if I hadn’t re made the blanket. It actually worked out well because I needed a new one to add to my Etsy shop but I had been procrastinating on making one.
I hope you still make the pattern and do not have any further problems with it… if you do pleae let me know. I’d also love to see the finished product. You can email me pics at cre8tion@ymail.com. Thanks
This turned out perfect, thank you for your assistance and the great pattern!!!
I’m so happy… send me a picture to cre8tion@ymail.com… or did you share it on Ravelry already???
If you start with 201 stitches instead of 101
Would row 2 be hdc across 200?
what would row 3 be? Sorry i’m not experienced enough to crochet without complete written instructions in front of me.
yes row 2 is going to be hdc no matter what size you make the blanket. If you are making it larger you will follow the same theme (a certain amount of stiches) sc OR dc, with ONE hdc in between. So if you are doing 200 you will just repeat the instructions for each row 2x.
Can you tell me the dimensions of this newborn blanket? I’m debating whether to make it as is or add an additional increment of 100.
Thanks for your help.
The width finished (with border) is 31″. You can make it to length, I made mine 28″ long because I don’t like it perfectly square.
Thanks for this free pattern! It turned out great and I’m recieving a lot of compliments!
Great, I’m glad you liked it!
What does “sp “mean in the directions? –space?
yes all of the abbreviations are written out before the pattern as well
TFS this adorable pattern, I have been crocheting for a while, and now making this blanket, however I do have a question, on line you have as # 3 I have counted 98 stitches . though it should be 100, I have done this 4 or 5 times and still come up with the same thing, also you said each row should start & end with a hdc, but (still on line # 3) if I continue the stitches to make it 100 stitches, then row 1 (numbered # 3) will end with a dc stitch..
Also, after the starting chain, when you start the next row, it has “1hdc in 1st sp” do you not chain up then turn? and then at the end of each row, to aid in starting the next row?
Thanks
Bonnie
I’m sorry I’m not sure how to respond here… I’ve done this blanket 4 times now and I always end up with 100sts on every row. I also recounted the pattern (adding up all the #’s) and I also come up with 100sts. I’m going to spell them all out just to make sure we are both clear and maybe clear up the confusion
1 hdc
2-19 dc
20 hdc
21-39 sc
40 hdc
41-59 dc
60 hdc
61-79 sc
80hdc
81-99 dc
100 hdc
I hope this helps you… please let me know if you need anything else
Oh, one more question.. Is there anyway to break up the pattern by row?
TFS
Bonnie C
I’m not sure what you mean by break up the pattern by row? Do you mean to write out the pattern for every line (thus repeating the same rows over and over again?) Not really since the blanket is made to whatever length you choose and will change depending on how wide (if you decided to add another 100 sts) you make the blanket.
OH SWEET LORD!!!!
Here is what I did (1 hdc, 18 dc, 20 hdc, 19 sc, 40 hdc, ) that came to 98, so I took it out and did it again, and again.. LOL….
I dont even know how I messed this one up, but I do thank you for replying back so fast.
Bonnie
No problem, glad it worked out for you! The wording can be a little tricky on the first part (since the first and last stitch of the 20, 10 or 25 are always in hdc)
I absolutely love this pattern! I started it last night and I am on row 12. The instructions say “using the same color repeat this pattern in next row”….by doing that I am getting a straight line insead of waves. Should I start by doing a hdc in 1st sp, and then 1 sc in each of the next 8 sp, 1 hdc in10th sp, 1 dc in each of next 9 sp?
each block of two colors makes one straight line/ it looks more pronounced in certain rows.. So the top of each black (color A) row will look straight.. you will get your next wave on the next set of white (color B) rows. So to answer the question, no you will not “start by doing a hdc in 1st sp, and then 1 sc in each of the next 8 sp, 1 hdc in10th sp, 1 dc in each of next 9 sp” just repeat the directions in row 11! You will see what I mean when you complete row 14! If you have any other questions please let me know!
Sorry, but I do have another question,
The first 4 rows are black, and change to white on row 5?
yes. Change to white at the end of row 4. Starting row 5 with white.
I am new to the wonderful world of crochet and yours was the first blanket pattern I tried. My daughter is having a baby girl in May and she is loving zebras, black, white, hot pink and Minnie Mouse. I added a Minnie applique instead of the flower and it came out so cute! I know she will love it!!! Thank you so much for sharing this pattern. Can’t wait to try some other projects.
Fantastic, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’d love to see a picture. You can email it to me at cre8tion@ymail.com. I would love to share it on my facebook page.
I cannot wait to start this for my daughter! I have played around with making something like this but it has never turned out right. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to lurking around your site!
Have a beautiful day!
Awesome. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
I started this pattern my piece is about 6 in wide and it just doesnt seem to look right. I love your picture but i really like how mine looks. I think i’m following the directions correctly . it just doesnt look right
Its hard to tell what could be wrong without a detailed explanation or a picture. What seems to be the problem? You can send me a pic if you want and i can try to figure it out. cre8tion@ymail.com
I just sent you a picture..Let me know if it helps or if i should send another..I’m off work and really wanted to work on this but i’m so disappointed in how it looks, just doesnt look like yours
Did you do two rows of each color? it looks like only one row with white, then one with black. The pattern calls for two rows of each color. Also your tension looks a bit uneven. In order for the blanket to look super neat you should maintain equal tension throughout.
I can see now that you did do two rows of each… this pic is very blurry on this end. My only recommendation is to really work on your tension. It doesn’t look bad, just not quite as “neat”.
Do you think i did it too loose? Should I tighten up on my stitches? Also wonder if its the yarn I used . I used Plymouth Encore doesnt seem as bright soft looking as yours or the others I just looked at on Ravelry.
I’m not familiar with that yarn so I’m no help there. The picture is really blurry, can you send a different one? a close up would be great too. I’m actually working on another one right now… mine is 29.5″ long and measures about 6.5 inches tall (at 19 rows 5 of black and 4 of white) Its hard to say because I’m using different yarn but I’d say you are probably crocheting a little too loose… and I’m a pretty loose crocheter. I used Simply Soft. What is the weight of the yarn you are using?
Its worsted weight 75% acrylic 25% wool 100 grams approx 200 yards says with H/8 hook 12 sc = 4 in.
Is the simply soft Caron?
yes, Caron’s Simply Soft.
In the Caron simple soft which pink did you use? I looked at colors online and most pinks were on pale side nothing looked shocking pink. Did you use watermelon?
yes it was watermelon.
If I made it two hundred stitches instead of 100 will that be too long for a baby blanket I wanted to make it long enough so that the baby can use it for a long time
yes, If you look on my fb page https://www.facebook.com/CrochetedCre8tions you can see that one of my fans made the blanket to 200 stitches it was a great size.
Hi love the pattern, I am making it for with my grandaughter. I have a question when you
do the hdc in 1st stitch and 8 dc and 10sp hdc ending in sc then on the 2nd row of black you
start with hdc dc ending in sc this row is not wavy is this correct because the white row of 10
starts sc ending with dc next row of white starts with dc ending with sc(hdc at start and finish and between )…all other rows are same, just this row is different is this correct or a typo.
I’m sorry, it could be because I’m tired but this question isn’t making any sense to me. Every set of two colors (white and black) together will end on a straight line. You won’t get the next “wave” until you complete the next two black rows… it will wave until you finish the next two white rows, then it will look straight again? What row are you questioning? Each section of black and white will be opposites of each other (eg. black would start with 1hdc then (insert #)single crochets then 1hdc then (insert #) double crochets, etc… and the white row would start 1hdc then (insert #) double crochets, 1hdc and then (insert #) single crochets.
Hope that makes sense
can you put a tutorial of this on You Tube, PLEASE?
it would be awfully long… what part are you having trouble with. Video’s have kinda taken a back seat since my toddler has decided she no longer needs naps… that was my only time to make video’s. I am a bit backed up.. but if you tell me where you are having an issue I can probably help you through it.
Can you clarify something for me? The pattern says to start the 17th row back on line 3. Line 3 is using color A (black), and I’m starting row 17 with white. Is that correct?
I don’t know if I’m not reading something right (haven’t finished my coffee yet, been a crazy morning, lol) so I’m not sure exactly what you are asking, but to completely clarify color changes… each “block” of color or stripe is made from two rows of each color… 2 black, 2 white the entire pattern (except the first section is really 3 rows of black) then it goes white, white, black, black, white, white, black, black, until the end!
I made this blanket for my niece. Everyone at the baby shower had a fit over it! Thanks for sharing!
Great, I’m glad you and your niece liked it!
How can I make this for an adult? How many stitches do I need to increase.
to make adult size chain 201 or even 301… the follow the pattern (repeating each step 1 more time (for 201 stitches) or 2 more times for 301 stitches. Continue pattern until desired height is reached.
I was wondering so to make the baby blanket that you did you only chained 101 across then row 2 is hdc across those 101 that you made the chain at the beginning?
Also, will the 4 1/4 skeins make this baby blanket completely?
Also did you make this blanket in only 16 rows????? Thank you for your help, I am new to this.
Char
yes, chain 101 then hdc back across (start in 2nd chain from hook) for 100hdc. I made it with 1.5 skeins of black and 1.5 skeins of white (7oz skeins) and just a little bit of the pink. No my blanket was more than 16 rows. just make it as long as you want it… just continue the pattern until it is your desired height. If you have any problems let me know. It may be a little confusing at first, but once you understand the pattern you can do it in your sleep.
Just finished the blanket and a hat, I am making it for my daughter to give as a gift. She found a different hat with ears, but I still made the adorable flower. Love your pattern, love the flower it turned out super cute Joan
Thank you. I also have made the zebra hat with ears. Super simple to make them and add them on. You would basically make a leaf. You can follow use my leaves 101 pattern (small or large fat bottom leaf would probably work best). I appreciate the compliments. Have a great day!
Beautiful pattern Lorene. I just want to verify I understand row #14. The instructions on all previous rows alternate sc and dc stitches with a hdc between as a step up or down for the stitch changes. On row 14, however, stitches #21-29 are dc #30 hdc #31-39 are dc. Also same repeat with stitches #61-69 sc #70 hdc #71-79 sc. If this is correct, what is the purpose of the hdc at stitch #30 and #70? Making this for an upcoming baby shower and I know they will all go crazy over it. Thanks for your help and free pattern.
No, it was an error, sorry. I’m fixing it now, thanks for pointing it out to me. Thank you for the compliment also.
Thanks for your quick reply:-). when I finish blanket I will send a pic
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Awesome, thanks.
Love this pattern – A question about row 11 and row 12: Row 11 ends with 9 sc and 1 hdc. For Row 12, it says “using same color repeat this pattern in next row”. So if I start Row 12 with the 8 dc etc. it ends with 9 sc and 1 hdc (Just like Row 11). This means I am putting the exact same stitches on top of each other for Row 11 and Row 12, which makes the black strip straight, not wavy. Is this correct? I think someone tried to ask this previously but I am not sure if the answer was clear. Thanks for your input!
yes, each block of two colors (2rows black and 2rows white) will make one uniform rectangle (straight edges) It is only when you do the next color (2rows of white) that you will see the next wave. Each block of black (and white) is two of the same stitch stacked on top of each other. The next 2 rows (of either black or white) will be the exact opposite. Hope that makes sense. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
I am having trouble finishing off and making the blanket even maybe I’m not understanding the directions. I ended with the last row of white and then read he directions and did one more color row ( two rows) of the black following # 3 I te directions. Srry if my comment is confusing. I just can’t get the blanket even at the and
To END- Only do FIRST row of new color (I recommend ending in black) and THEN one or two rows of HDC in same color. Hope that clears it up.
yes thank you!
I’m actually really confused doing the pink border. Would you happen to have a video?
I do not currently have a video, sorry. I will try to make one soon. What part are you having a problem with?
Thank you for sharing!
OMG I just reread your reply that I pasted on here and I think I got my answer… lol
So where you would sc18, I would now sc 36, and so on??
thanks
yes you could just start your counting over again after 100 and repeat. Its the same method over and over… a certain number of sc and the same number of dc with a hdc in between and ending in hdc…
so if its in multiples of 10 it would be 9sc, ,1hdc, 9dc, 1hdc… etc etc. If you are doing the multiples of 20 it would be 19sc, 1hdc, 19dc, 1hdc, etc etc (of course the first stitch in the new row is always an hdc so take that into account)