Button-Eye Monster Comforter Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This Button-Eye Monster Comforter is a sweet, squishy lovey that's perfect for babies, toddlers, and anyone who loves a friendly little monster. It's designed with beginners in mind: the body is a simple straight tube worked in the round, the eyes are flat circles, and the blanket is a plain single-crochet square, so there's no shaping to fear. Worked in soft worsted velvet yarn, it feels plush and cuddly in the hand, with a smooth single-crochet texture throughout. The result is a cheerful character with a spice-orange head, a paprika-red base, mustard-yellow button eyes with embroidered lashes, and a cozy red blanket edged in yellow.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight velvet yarn (100% polyester, approx. 150 yds/100g):
- Color A (Spice Orange): 80 yds
- Color B (Paprika Red): 40 yds
- Color C (Mustard Yellow): 30 yds
- Small amount of black embroidery floss for lashes
- Hook: 4.0 mm (G-6) crochet hook
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, polyester fiberfill for light stuffing, embroidery needle for the floss
- Finished size: Body height 6 inches (15 cm); Blanket 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm); overall length approx. 12 inches (30 cm)
Abbreviations
- ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- sc – single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- inc – increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
- dec – decrease: work 2 stitches together into 1 single crochet.
- MR – magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start working in the round.
- sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
- sts – stitches
- R / Rnd – round (worked in the round)
Gauge
16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. To check, crochet a small swatch in single crochet and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Velvet yarn can "worm" and shed, so keep your tension even and avoid frogging too often; work with a light hand.
- Use a stitch marker at the start of each round on the body so you don't lose your place.
- Stuff the body only lightly so it stays soft and squishy for a baby lovey.
- When sewing the eyes, pin them in place first and check placement at R8–10 before stitching down.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Body (Color A, then Color B)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts)
Rnds 4–20: sc in each st around (18 sts)
Change to Color B.
Rnds 21–24: sc in each st around (18 sts)
Rnd 25: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts)
Rnd 26: dec x6 (6 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the top. Stuff the body lightly. (The bottom opening will be gathered closed after assembly.)
Eyes (make 2, Color C)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts)
Rnd 3: sc in each st around (12 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.
Blanket (Color B)
Row 1: Ch 25, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (24 sts)
Rows 2–24: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (24 sts)
Fasten off.
Edging (Color C)
With Color C, join yarn anywhere along the blanket edge. Sc evenly around the entire blanket edge, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew the eyes to the front of the body at Rnds 8–10, about 1 inch apart. Using black embroidery floss, embroider lashes: work 3 straight stitches radiating from the top of each eye. Sew the bottom of the body to the center of the blanket. Weave in all ends. Block lightly if desired, shaping the blanket square and smoothing the body; avoid heavy steam on velvet yarn.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the eye color for a contrasting shade, or use safety eyes for older children (never for babies under 3).
- Make a larger blanket by chaining more stitches in multiples of 1, keeping the square proportions.
- Add a small embroidered smile below the eyes for extra personality.
