Granny square meets lovie! This cute little lion is one of my all-time favourite baby gift patterns — it works up in about an hour and makes the most irresistible handmade gift. The granny square blanket base is quick and satisfying to crochet, and the attached lion head, ears, arms, and curly mane give it that character that makes everyone go “aww” the moment they see it. Whether you’re making it for a baby shower, a newborn gift, or just because — this little lion will be treasured. 🦁

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

• ✅ Done in about an hour — the perfect quick baby shower gift
• ✅ Beginner friendly — granny square base uses basic dc and ch stitches
• ✅ No safety eyes — embroidered features make it safer for babies
• ✅ Fully washable — with the right yarn choice (see materials below)
• ✅ Irresistible character — the curly mane is what makes everyone fall in love
• ✅ Makes a beautiful keepsake — babies grow up but loveys last forever

Pattern Details

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Skill Level	Beginner
Finished Size	Approx. 12–14″ granny square blanket with attached lion head
Yarn Weight	#3 Light (DK weight)
Hook Sizes	3mm (US C/2–D/3) for head, ears and arms + 4mm (US G/6) for blanket
Time to Make	Approx. 1 hour
Language	English (US terms)

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Materials Needed

• 🧶 Bernat Softee Baby Cotton in Golden (Colour A) and Brown (Colour B) — approx. 150–200 yards total
• 🪡 3mm (US C/2–D/3) crochet hook — for head, ears, and arms
• 🪡 4mm (US G/6) crochet hook — for the main granny square section
• 🧸 Washable toy stuffing
• 🧵 Tapestry needle
• ✂️ Scissors
• Small amount of dark yarn for embroidered eyes, nose, and mouth

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Abbreviations (US Terms)

• beg — beginning
• ch — chain
• sc — single crochet
• sc2tog — single crochet 2 together (decrease)
• dc — double crochet
• sp(s) — space(s)
• ss — slip stitch
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• rep — repeat
• rs — right side
• yoh — yarn over hook

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Pattern

Main Section (Granny Square Blanket)

Hook: 4mm (US G/6)  ·  Yarn: Colour A

Make 4 ch and join with a ss to form a ring.

Round 1 (RS): 3 ch (counts as first st), 2 dc into ring, (2 ch, 3 dc into ring) 3 times, 1 ch, 1 sc into top of 3 ch at beg of round.

Round 2: 3 ch (counts as first st), 2 dc into ch sp partly formed by sc at end of previous round, *1 ch, miss 3 dc, (3 dc, 2 ch and 3 dc) into next ch sp, rep from * twice more, 1 ch, 3 dc into same ch sp as used at beg of round, 1 ch, 1 sc into top of 3 ch at beg of round.

Rounds 3–11: Continue in established granny square pattern, adding one extra (1 ch, miss 3 dc, 3 dc into next ch sp) repeat each round before the corner (3 dc, 2 ch and 3 dc) repeat.

After Round 11: Break off Colour A, join Colour B.

Rounds 12–13: Continue pattern in Colour B.

After Round 13: Break off Colour B, rejoin Colour A.

Rounds 14–15: Continue pattern in Colour A.

Round 16 (Final): 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 1 sc into st at base of 1 ch, 1 sc into each of next 2 dc, *(1 sc into next ch sp, 1 sc into each of next 3 dc) 14 times, 3 sc into next ch sp**, 1 sc into each of next 3 dc, rep from * to end, ending last rep at **, ss to first sc. Fasten off.

Head

Hook: 3mm (US C/2–D/3)  ·  Yarn: Colour A

Make 2 ch.

Round 1 (RS): 6 sc into 2nd ch from hook, ss to first sc, turn. (6 sts)
Round 2: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 2 sc into each st around, ss to first sc, turn. (12 sts)
Round 3: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), (1 sc into next sc, 2 sc into next sc) 6 times, ss to first sc, turn. (18 sts)
Round 4: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 1 sc into each st to end, ss to first sc, turn.
Round 5: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), (1 sc into each of next 2 sc, 2 sc into next sc) 6 times, ss to first sc, turn. (24 sts)
Round 6: As Round 4.
Round 7: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), (1 sc into each of next 3 sc, 2 sc into next sc) 6 times, ss to first sc, turn. (30 sts)
Rounds 8–10: As Round 4.
Round 11: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), (1 sc into each of next 3 sc, sc2tog over next 2 sc) 6 times, ss to first sc, turn. (24 sts)
Round 12: As Round 4.
Round 13: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), (1 sc into each of next 2 sc, sc2tog over next 2 sc) 6 times, ss to first sc, turn. (18 sts)
Round 14: As Round 4.
Round 15: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), (1 sc into next sc, sc2tog over next 2 sc) 6 times, ss to first sc, turn. (12 sts)
Round 16: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), (sc2tog over next 2 sts) 6 times, ss to first st. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Ears (Make 2)

Hook: 3mm (US C/2–D/3)  ·  Yarn: Colour A

Make 2 ch.

Round 1 (RS): 4 sc into 2nd ch from hook, ss to first sc, turn. (4 sts)
Round 2: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 2 sc into each st around, ss to first sc, turn. (8 sts)
Round 3: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 2 sc into first st, 1 sc into each of next 2 sc, 2 sc into each of next 2 sc, 1 sc into each of next 2 sc, 2 sc into last sc, ss to first sc, turn. (12 sts)
Round 4: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 1 sc into each st around, ss to first sc, turn.
Round 5: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 1 sc into first st, (sc2tog over next 2 sc) twice, 1 sc into each of next 2 sc, (sc2tog over next 2 sc) twice, 1 sc into last sc, ss to first st, turn. (8 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Arms (Make 2)

Hook: 3mm (US C/2–D/3)  ·  Yarn: Colour A

Make 2 ch.

Round 1 (RS): 6 sc into 2nd ch from hook, ss to first sc, turn. (6 sts)
Round 2: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 2 sc into each st around, ss to first sc, turn. (12 sts)
Round 3: 1 ch (does NOT count as st), 1 sc into each st around, ss to first sc, turn.

Repeat Round 3 six more times. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Mane

Hook: 3mm (US C/2–D/3)  ·  Yarn: Colour B

With Colour B, attach yarn with a ss to the base of the head where the arm and neck meet. *Ch 15, attach with ss to st above*, repeat along the side of the head, behind the arms and ears, and down the other side. The chain loops will naturally curl around themselves to create the mane. Bind off and weave in ends.

Finishing

• Press the Main Section (granny square blanket) only, carefully with an iron on low heat.
• Fill Head firmly with washable toy stuffing — firm but still soft. The beg/end of rounds is centre back; the last round is the neck edge.
• Fold Ears flat — the final round is the attachment edge. Sew Ears to Head at the top.
• Using Colour B, embroider satin stitch eyes, a satin stitch nose, and a straight stitch mouth.
• Fill Arms firmly with stuffing. Fold each Arm flat at the top and sew neatly to the neck edge of the Head.
• Sew the completed Head (with Ears and Arms) onto the centre of the Main Section.
• Attach the Mane as described above. Weave in all remaining ends securely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this pattern safe for babies?

Yes — this pattern uses embroidered features rather than safety eyes, which removes a choking hazard. As with all handmade baby items, ensure all parts are firmly sewn and all yarn ends are securely woven in before giving to a baby. Always supervise young children during play.

Can I use a different yarn?

Yes — any DK weight (#3) yarn will work. For a baby gift I’d strongly recommend a washable cotton or cotton blend like Bernat Softee Baby Cotton so the lovey can be laundered easily.

How long does it take to make?

Most crocheters finish this in about an hour — the granny square works up quickly once you’re in the rhythm, and the lion head and arms are small and fast. It’s a great project to start and finish in a single evening.

Can I sell items made from this pattern?

Yes — you’re welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern. Please credit SeeLoveShare as the designer.

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