5 Adorable Ways to Knit a Cuddle Buddy for a Baby or Toddler

Cuddle buddies split the difference between drag-along blanket and snuggly toy. That’s why they make the most delightful gifts

Some knitters find one particular project that they love to knit, and they knit those projects over and over. It’s satisfying and it’s quick (because you know that project by heart by now).

Other knitters are restless. If they knit a particular project too many times in a row, they grow bored. They’re constantly looking for something different to knit.

(Can you tell I tend toward the latter? 😆 )

If you’re the first type of knitter, you’ve probably already found the perfect project for baby and toddler knitting. Hurray! (Share this post with a friend. 😉)

But if you’re the second type of knitter, you might be looking for something new to knit for babies and/or toddlers. You might have the birthday of a very special toddler coming up, or you might know someone who is expecting. (And any of these events could happen at any time!)

So for you, I’ve put together this collection of free knitting patterns for “cuddle blankets.” Cuddle blankets essentially split the difference between a soft toy and a security blanket. They’re part-blanket, part-cuddly toy, and all greatly appreciated by babies and toddlers.

(They make great charity projects, too!)

Cuddle Blanket Patterns

1. Cuddly

• What you’ll need to make it: 85 yards aran-weight cotton yarn; 3 US Size 4 DPNs (not used for knitting in the round; it’s for binding off and knitting stitches of two separate pieces together, as well as for holding live stitches to be picked up later); contrasting yarn for embroidery; stuffing. However, you can use any size yarn or needles; thicker yarn and bigger needles will make Cuddly bigger.

• Why you’ll want to: This adorable bunny snuggler pattern was originally written in Norwegian, but the pattern designer kindly translated it into English. The result is a sweet and snuggly “bunny” that is quite simple to make.

2. Schmusetuch “Frosch”

• What you’ll need to make it: 155 yards fingering weight cotton yarn; US Size 2 to 4 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); contrasting yarns for embroidering the face; stuffing; crochet hook (optional)

• Why you’ll want to: Loosely translated, this German phrase means “Security Blanket Frog,” which is a good explanation of this cheery, adorable pattern. It’s available in English as well as German.
  
  Three notes about this pattern: one, the pattern writer says that were she to knit this again, she would start with the head and then pick up stitches for the blanket, so you might want to consider doing the same.
  
  Two, the pattern calls for starting the blanket with a crocheted magic ring. If you’re comfortable with crochet, great! If not, you can simply cast on 6 needles onto DPNs or a circular needle, knit into the front and back of every stitch in the second round, and then follow the directions for the rest.
  
  Three, the eyes are also crocheted in the pattern. Again, if you’re comfortable with crochet, go for it! If not, I’ve found a decent knitted alternative. You can simply use the Les Miserables Revolution Rosette pattern and use green instead of red. If you use fingering weight yarn, it should turn out to be the perfect size for your frog!

3. Bunny Blanket Buddy

• What you’ll need to make it: 110 yards super bulky weight yarn; US Size 8 and 10.5 needles; small amount of black worsted weight yarn (for embroidering face); stuffing

• Why you’ll want to: The bunny buddy is, of course, adorable, but knit-wise, you’ll find much to like about this sweet guy. First, you’ll knit it all in one piece–no need to worry about picking up stitches or sewing pieces together. Second, you’ll knit it flat, so if circular knitting isn’t your thing, this is the one for you. Knit it all in one piece and then sew up the seams. Add some cute embroidery and you’ve got an unbeatable gift!

4. Cuddle Cloth

• What you’ll need to make it: 136 yards sport weight yarn; US Size 3 needles (though you can use any size yarn and needles; thicker yarn & bigger needles will simply make a bigger buddy); contrasting yarn for embroidery; stuffing

• Why you’ll want to: A sweet snuggly teddy bear in an easy-to-cuddle and hang onto package. This is another pattern that’s knitted flat all in one piece and then seamed; the bonus is that you’re given directions to make little “bears” for the snuggle buddy.

5. BBF

• What you’ll need to make it: About 115 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 6 needles (straight and/or circular and/or DPNs, depending on what you prefer to use to knit both flat and in the round); contrasting yarn for embroidery; stuffing

• Why you’ll want to: Here’s another bunny snuggler. What really sets it apart is the “blanket” portion; the corners are knotted at the end, making it easier for a baby or toddler (or a parent!) to hold onto the little guy. (You can even tie one of the corners around a pacifier, making it even more indispensable!)

Armed with these cuddle blanket patterns, you’ll have the perfect (and unique) gift for the next baby shower or toddler birthday party!