Crochet Koala Lovey Pattern (Free Baby Security Blanket)

This crochet koala lovey pattern makes a soft baby security blanket with a rounded koala head, wide ears, simple blanket body and baby-safe embroidered face details.

By Jan Bay

Crochet Koala Lovey Pattern Finished Size

This crochet koala lovey measures approximately 14 to 16 inches square with the koala head attached, making it an ideal size for little hands to carry during supervised cuddle time. The finished size may vary slightly depending on your yarn choice and personal tension.

• Blanket: approximately 14 to 16 inches square
• Koala head: approximately 4 1/2 inches in diameter
• Finished length: approximately 18 inches including the head

Materials

• Worsted weight (#4) yarn
  • Light gray (main color)
  • Cream (inner ears and muzzle)
  • Black (nose and embroidery)
• 4.0 mm (G) crochet hook
• Polyester fiberfill
• Yarn needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors
• Black embroidery floss or black yarn for facial features

Skill Level: Advanced beginner to intermediate.

Gauge: The first two rounds of the koala head should measure approximately 2 inches across using worsted weight yarn and a 4.0 mm hook. Exact gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension will produce the best result.

Approximate Yarn Needed:

• Gray: 180 to 220 yards
• Cream: 20 yards
• Black: less than 5 yards

I prefer making this koala in separate pieces because it gives you more control over the head shape, ear placement and final safety check. The face uses embroidered details rather than plastic safety eyes, making this crochet koala lovey pattern a better choice for a baby gift.

Koala Head

The rounded koala head is worked continuously from the top down using single crochet. Gentle increases create the full shape while a short decrease section forms the lower face before stuffing and closing.

Abbreviations: sc = single crochet, inc = increase, dec = invisible decrease, mc = magic circle.

Koala Head Pattern

Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round and count after every round before moving on.

Round 1: mc, 6 sc in ring (6)

Round 2: inc in each stitch around (12)

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

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

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

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

Rounds 7 to 12: sc around (36 each round)

Round 13: sc 4, dec repeat around (30)

Round 14: sc 3, dec repeat around (24)

Round 15: sc 2, dec repeat around (18)

Stuff the head firmly enough to hold its shape, but do not overfill it so much that the stitches stretch open.

Use only enough fiberfill to keep the head round. Overstuffing can stretch the stitches and make the stuffing visible.

Round 16: sc 1, dec repeat around (12)

Round 17: dec around (6)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the remaining stitches, pull closed and secure.

Ears and Face

The wide ears give this crochet koala lovey its recognizable shape. Make two outer ears in gray and two smaller inner ear pieces in cream.

Outer Ears - Make 2

Round 1: With gray yarn, mc, 6 sc in ring (6)

Round 2: inc in each stitch around (12)

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

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

Round 5: sc around (24)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Inner Ears - Make 2

Round 1: With cream yarn, mc, 6 sc in ring (6)

Round 2: inc in each stitch around (12)

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

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Sew one cream inner ear to the center of each gray outer ear. Attach the ears to the sides of the koala head between rounds 6 and 11, curving them slightly forward.

Center each ear evenly on the side of the head before sewing permanently. Pin both ears first so you can check that they sit at the same height.

Face Details

Use black yarn or embroidery floss to stitch two embroidered eyes between rounds 9 and 10. Place the eyes about 6 stitches apart.

For the nose, embroider a soft oval shape over rounds 11 and 12, centered on the front of the face. The nose should measure approximately 1 inch wide by 3/4 inch tall. Add one short vertical stitch under the nose if you want a simple koala mouth.

Keep all facial features stitched flat and secure. Do not use plastic safety eyes for a baby lovey.

Blanket Body

The blanket body is worked as a simple granny-style square and then sewn securely to the bottom center of the koala head.

Make the blanket body separately, then sew the finished koala head securely to the center after the blanket is complete.

Round 1 creates the center square with four corner spaces. Every additional round enlarges the blanket evenly while maintaining its square shape.

Round 1

Ch 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc in the ring, ch 2.

*3 dc in the ring, ch 2* three more times to create four corners.

Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3.

Round 2

Slip stitch into the first corner space.

In each corner work:

• 3 dc
• Ch 2
• 3 dc

Work 3 dc in each side space.

Join with a slip stitch.

Rounds 3-16

Repeat Round 2. Work 3 dc in every side space and (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner space. Each round adds one side space to every side of the square.

Continue until the blanket measures approximately 14 to 16 inches across. Add additional rounds if you prefer a larger lovey.

Border

Work one round of single crochet evenly around the blanket.

Place 3 sc in each corner to keep the blanket lying flat. If the blanket ripples, use fewer stitches around the sides. If it curls inward, add a few evenly spaced stitches.

Finish with one round of reverse single crochet (crab stitch) or another round of standard single crochet for a clean edge.

Assembly

Assembly order:

1. Sew the ears to the head.
2. Embroider the eyes, nose and mouth.
3. Sew the finished head to the center of the blanket.
4. Weave in all yarn ends securely.
5. Check every seam before giving the lovey as a gift.

The koala is assembled after the blanket body and border are complete, allowing you to check that the head is centered and securely attached.

Attach the Head

Place the finished koala head at the center of the blanket body. Use the long yarn tail and a yarn needle to sew the base of the head firmly to the blanket.

Stitch around the base of the head at least two times so it does not wobble or pull away from the blanket.

Check the Ears

Make sure both ears sit evenly on the sides of the head and curve slightly forward.

Stitch over the base of each ear a second time if any edge lifts or feels loose.

Final Check

Gently tug on the head, ears and embroidered features before giving the lovey as a gift. Re-stitch any area that moves, gaps or feels loose before using this crochet koala lovey pattern as a baby shower gift.

Baby Safety

This crochet koala lovey is best used as a supervised baby gift or nursery keepsake. For babies under 12 months, keep soft items out of the crib during sleep. See the CPSC safe sleep guidance for current crib and infant sleep safety recommendations.

Always embroider the facial features instead of using plastic safety eyes when making a lovey for a baby. Check the seams periodically and repair any loose stitches before each use.

Machine wash on a gentle cycle inside a mesh laundry bag, then reshape the koala while damp and allow it to air dry completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big should a crochet koala lovey be?

A finished size of about 14 to 16 inches square is easy for babies to hold while remaining lightweight enough for travel and supervised cuddle time.

Can beginners make this crochet koala lovey?

Yes. If you're comfortable working in continuous rounds, making simple increases and decreases, and sewing crochet pieces together, this project is a good next step beyond basic amigurumi.

Can I use blanket yarn?

You can, but the finished lovey will be noticeably larger and softer. If you change yarn weights, use the hook size recommended on the yarn label and expect the finished dimensions to vary.

Can I make the blanket larger?

Yes. Continue adding granny-square rounds until the blanket reaches your preferred size while keeping the koala head centered.

Is this crochet koala lovey safe for sleeping?

No. Soft blankets and loveys should be kept out of a baby's sleep space. This pattern is intended for supervised comfort time, stroller rides, tummy time, or as a nursery keepsake and handmade baby shower gift.

Whether you're making your first handmade baby gift or adding another woodland-inspired project to your crochet collection, this crochet koala lovey pattern creates a soft keepsake that families can enjoy for years.