Welcome to the savannah of cuteness! This enchanting newborn giraffe crochet cocoon swaddle is the perfect project for gifting, photography props, or simply keeping your little one cozy and adorable. Imagine those precious first photos in this heartwarming ensemble! Easy to follow and quick to make, it’s a delightful way to welcome a new baby.
Wrap Your Little One in a Handmade Giraffe Hug
There’s nothing quite like a handmade gift to show love. This giraffe cocoon swaddle isn’t just incredibly cute; it’s also wonderfully soft and warm, providing a snug environment for newborns. It’s ideal for memorable photoshoots, baby shower gifts, or just everyday snuggles, making it a cherished keepsake for years to come.
Worsted weight yarn in Mustard Yellow (approx. 300 yards)
Worsted weight yarn in Dark Brown (approx. 50 yards)
Worsted weight yarn in White (approx. 20 yards)
Worsted weight yarn in Bright Yellow (small amount for mane)
Black embroidery floss or small amount of black yarn
5.0mm (H) crochet hook
Yarn needle
Scissors
Fiberfill for stuffing horns
Abbreviations
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
inc – increase (2 stitches in one stitch)
dec – decrease (crochet 2 stitches together)
st(s) – stitch(es)
rnd – round
FO – fasten off
Instructions
Gauge: Not critical for this project, but aiming for a firm fabric without large gaps.
Notes: This pattern is designed for a newborn (0-3 months). Adjust hook size or add/subtract rounds for different sizes.
Cocoon Body (Mustard Yellow):
Rnd 1: Start with a magic ring, ch 2 (does not count as st), 10 hdc in ring. Join with sl st to first hdc. (10 hdc)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st around. Join with sl st. (20 hdc)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *1 hdc, inc* around. Join with sl st. (30 hdc)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 hdc, inc* around. Join with sl st. (40 hdc)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *3 hdc, inc* around. Join with sl st. (50 hdc)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *4 hdc, inc* around. Join with sl st. (60 hdc)
Rnd 7-25 (or until desired length, approximately 16-18 inches): Ch 2, 1 hdc in each st around. Join with sl st. (60 hdc)
FO. Weave in ends.
Hood (Mustard Yellow):
Row 1: Ch 36. Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 2, turn. (34 hdc)
Row 2-15: Hdc in each st across. Ch 2, turn. (34 hdc)
Row 16: Hdc in each st across. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. (34 hdc)
Fold the top edge of the hood in half and sew the seam to form the hood shape.
Ears (Make 2):
Outer Ear (Mustard Yellow): Ch 8. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. Ch 1, turn. Work sc evenly along the opposite side of the chain to shape. FO.
Inner Ear (White): Ch 6. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. FO.
Layer the white inner ear onto the yellow outer ear and sew them together.
Horns (Ossicones) (Make 2 – Dark Brown):
Rnd 1: Start with a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: *Sc in first st, inc* around. (9 sc)
Rnd 3-5: Sc in each st around. (9 sc)
Stuff lightly with fiberfill. Sl st to next st and FO, leaving a tail for sewing.
Muzzle (White):
Rnd 1: Start with a magic ring, ch 2, 10 hdc in ring. Join with sl st. (10 hdc)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 hdc in each st around. Join with sl st. (20 hdc)
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. With black embroidery floss, embroider two small ovals for nostrils and a smile.
Spots (Dark Brown – Make various sizes, approximately 12-15):
Small Spot: Start with a magic ring, ch 2, 8 dc in ring. Join with sl st. FO.
Medium Spot: Start with a magic ring, ch 2, 10 dc in ring. Join with sl st. FO.
Large Spot: Start with a magic ring, ch 2, 12 dc in ring. Join with sl st. FO.
Mane (Bright Yellow):
Cut several 4-inch strands of bright yellow yarn. Using a yarn needle or crochet hook, attach them along the top seam of the hood, creating a fringe.
Assembly:
Attach the hood to the open end of the cocoon body using your mustard yellow yarn tail and yarn needle. Ensure it’s centered.
Sew the white/yellow ears to the top sides of the hood.
Sew the stuffed brown horns behind the ears on the top of the hood.
Sew the muzzle to the front of the hood below the ears.
Strategically sew the various sized dark brown spots onto the cocoon body and hood.
