The Sunlit Savannah Safari Blanket: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Jungle-Themed Baby Throw

Introducing the Sunlit Savannah Safari Blanket

Embark on a knitting safari with this richly textured baby blanket, featuring a mosaic of jungle-inspired stitch patterns in warm, earthy tones. The design combines a central panel of undulating 'savannah grasses' with a border of playful 'monkey fist' bobbles, creating a cozy and visually captivating heirloom piece. This free pattern is perfect for adventurous beginners looking to expand their skills with texture and colorwork, resulting in a stunning, one-of-a-kind throw for a little explorer.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in 3 colors:
  • Color A (Savannah Gold): 500g (approx. 1000 yards)
  • Color B (Deep Jungle Green): 300g (approx. 600 yards)
  • Color C (Elephant Grey): 200g (approx. 400 yards)
  Suggested: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Gold, Forest Green, and Grey Heather.
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch cable, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers (optional), measuring tape.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking. Take time to check your gauge for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blanket is worked flat from the bottom up. The final blanket will measure approximately 36 inches wide x 48 inches long.

Panel 1: The Savannah Grass Foundation (Color A)

• Cast on: With Color A, cast on 120 stitches.
• Rows 1-10: Work in Garter stitch (knit every row). This creates a sturdy, non-curling edge.
• Row 11 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
• Row 12 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
• Row 13: *K1, yo (yarn over), k2tog (knit two together), k1* repeat from * to end of row.
• Row 14: Purl all stitches.
• Rows 15-16: Repeat Rows 11-12 (knit on RS, purl on WS).
• Row 17: *K2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2tog* repeat from * to end of row.
• Row 18: Purl all stitches.
• Repeat: Continue repeating Rows 11-18 until the piece measures 12 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Wrong Side row (Row 12, 14, 16, or 18).

Panel 2: The Monkey Fist Bobble Border (Color B)

• Row 1 (Right Side): With Color B, knit across all stitches.
• Row 2: Purl across all stitches.
• Row 3: *K5, make bobble (MB): k1, p1, k1, p1, k1 into the same stitch (5 stitches made), then pass the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th stitches over the first stitch (1 stitch remains)* repeat from * to end. You will have 20 bobbles evenly spaced.
• Row 4: Purl across all stitches.
• Rows 5-6: Repeat Rows 1-2 (knit on RS, purl on WS).
• Row 7: *K1, MB, k4* repeat from * to end. This offsets the bobbles for a staggered pattern.
• Row 8: Purl across all stitches.
• Repeat: Repeat Rows 1-8 once more for a total of two full bobble rows.
• Finish: Work 4 rows in Stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) with Color B.

Panel 3: The Elephant Hide Texture (Color C)

• Row 1 (Right Side): With Color C, knit all stitches.
• Row 2: Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: *K1, p1* repeat from * to end.
• Row 4: *P1, k1* repeat from * to end.
• Rows 5-6: Repeat Rows 1-2 (knit on RS, purl on WS).
• Row 7: *P1, k1* repeat from * to end.
• Row 8: *K1, p1* repeat from * to end.
• Repeat: Continue repeating Rows 1-8 until the piece measures 6 inches from the start of Panel 3, ending with a Wrong Side row.

Panel 4: The Giraffe Spot Mosaic (Color A & B)

Note: Carry the unused color loosely along the wrong side of the work.

• Row 1 (Right Side): With Color A, knit all stitches.
• Row 2: With Color A, purl all stitches.
• Row 3: With Color B, *k3, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back (sl1 wyib)* repeat from * to end.
• Row 4: With Color B, *p3, sl1 wyif (slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front)* repeat from * to end.
• Row 5: With Color A, *k1, sl1 wyib, k1, sl1 wyib* repeat from * to end.
• Row 6: With Color A, *p1, sl1 wyif, p1, sl1 wyif* repeat from * to end.
• Row 7: With Color B, *k1, sl1 wyib, k1, sl1 wyib* repeat from * to end.
• Row 8: With Color B, *p1, sl1 wyif, p1, sl1 wyif* repeat from * to end.
• Row 9: With Color A, *k3, sl1 wyib* repeat from * to end.
• Row 10: With Color A, *p3, sl1 wyif* repeat from * to end.
• Repeat: Continue repeating Rows 1-10 until the piece measures 8 inches from the start of Panel 4, ending with a Wrong Side row.

Panel 5: The Final Savannah Grass (Color A)

• Repeat: Repeat Panel 1 instructions (Rows 11-18) for 12 inches.
• Finishing: Bind off all stitches loosely (use a larger needle if needed to maintain elasticity). Weave in all ends securely using a tapestry needle. Block the blanket to final dimensions (approximately 36 inches wide x 48 inches long) by wetting or steaming according to your yarn's care instructions, pinning to shape, and allowing to dry completely.