Hi there! I’m excited to share with you a crochet pattern that I designed last year called the Mariquita Ladybird Blanket. As a crochet enthusiast, I’m always looking for new and exciting patterns to try, and this one is definitely a favorite of mine.
This pattern was inspired by my daughters, who have always been fascinated by ladybirds. They love watching them crawl around in the garden, and so I created this ladybird blanket just for them. The pattern features a series of solid granny squares that come together to create an adorable ladybird motif. And the best part is that it’s beginner-friendly, with written instructions and graphical illustrations that make it easy to follow.
The finished blanket measures approximately 140 x 175cm (although it can easily be made smaller or larger), making it the perfect size for snuggling up on the couch or adding a pop of colour to your bedroom. And with two different layout options, you can make different ladybirds depending on your preference.
As I was designing this pattern, I learned some interesting facts about ladybirds. Did you know that they are not just cute, but also incredibly helpful in the garden? Ladybirds are natural predators of aphids, which are pests that can damage crops and gardens. In fact, one ladybird can eat up to 5,000 aphids in its lifetime! So not only are ladybirds adorable, but they’re also beneficial to the environment.
If you love this pattern too, you can show your love (for FREE) by pinning the image below or adding it to your favourites on Ravelry 😀.
***This page may include affiliate links – this means that I may earn a small commission if you purchase the product. This is at no additional cost to you. I will only recommend products that I have tried and tested myself, and that I like using. This income helps me to keep designing quality crochet patterns for you.***
This pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy, Lovecrafts and Payhip.
Need a crochet pattern reading refresher? Why not sign up to our 5 day pattern reading challenge below, or click HERE to learn more.
If you love crocheting blankets you might love one of our other designs too – click on a photo to learn more 😀.
Here is a video tutorial that you might find handy when crocheting this blanket:
Materials
Double knit (DK) weight yarn. The example photographed above (blanket A) was made with Stylecraft Special DK yarn:
Colour A (background) – Stylecraft Special DK in proper purple: 1885m/2060yds
Colour B (antennae, head, body, spots) – Stylecraft Special DK in black: apx. 1225m/1335yds
Colour C (wings) – Stylecraft Special DK in lipstick: 1210m/1320yds
Border – apx. 445m/485yds (the rainbow border featured consists of Stylecraft Special DK in colours lipstick, spice, sunshine, grass green, aster, boysenberry and proper purple)
4mm/G-6 crochet hook (affiliate link to Amazon)
Tapestry needle (affiliate link to Amazon)
Scissors (affiliate link to Amazon)
Stitch markers (optional) (affiliate link to Amazon)
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Difficulty level
Beginner
Safety Notices
The following has been added as per the new General Product Safety Regulation update December 2024, from the EU Commission.
Safety Disclaimer for Crochet Patterns
Crocheting blankets, accessories, garments, decor, or other crochet products is a fun and rewarding craft. However, it’s essential to follow every step of the pattern carefully to ensure that the finished product is both functional and safe. Please note that, as with any handmade item, there are inherent risks when recreating these patterns. By following all instructions closely and taking appropriate safety measures, you can minimize potential hazards.
Safety with Young Children, Animals, and Adults
- Always use child- and pet-safe materials when creating items for children or pets, particularly for toys, blankets, or any item likely to be chewed, pulled, or handled roughly.
- Ensure the final product is properly constructed, with securely fastened joins and woven-in ends, to prevent unravelling or loose threads that could pose a choking or entanglement hazard.
- For small embellishments such as buttons or beads, avoid their use on items intended for children under three years old or pets, as these can present choking hazards.
Blanket Safety for Babies
- Temperature Regulation: Babies are not as effective at regulating their temperature, and overheating increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When creating blankets for babies, consider the yarn’s warmth and breathability to ensure it is suitable for the intended environment.
- Safe Sleeping Guidance: Blankets should be tucked no higher than the baby’s shoulders, and their feet should be placed at the end of the crib or bed. This minimizes the risk of the baby’s face becoming covered by loose bedding.
- For further advice, refer to the safe sleeping guidelines provided by The Lullaby Trust.
Handling Tools Safely
- When working with sharp tools such as scissors, sewing needles, or crochet hooks, handle them carefully and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- Accidental cuts or injuries can occur if tools are not used properly. Always store tools safely when not in use, ensuring they are secured in a suitable storage container or area.
Important Note
By purchasing and using this pattern, you acknowledge that you are responsible for the construction, use, and safety of the completed item. I am not liable for any accidents, injuries, or damages caused by the finished product or the tools used during its creation. This includes, but is not limited to, blankets, accessories, garments, decor items, or other crochet creations, whether for children, adults, or animals.
GPSR Contact Details
Elimee Designs EU/NI Representative
Ciara Doyle, C15 Y5F9, Ireland
Elimee Designs (Designer)
N. Griffiths, 435, LE10 0NF, England.
The Fine Print
Please note that all written patterns from Elimee Designs are non-refundable.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this pattern please feel free to contact us via [email protected] or our Elimee Designs Crochet Pattern group on Facebook.
Top tip – I recommend blocking your squares before joining them together, rather than blocking the completed blanket. Not only is it easier to find the space to block your squares (vs. the larger space that would be required for the finished blanket), but you’ll achieve straighter edges and a cleaner finish. If you’d like to check out the tools that I use when blocking my projects, you can check out the ‘My Crochet Toolbox’ blog post here!
So who would you make a Mariquita Ladybird Blanket for? Maybe you have a friend or family member who loves ladybirds as much as I do. Or maybe you just want to create a cosy throw for yourself that reminds you of sunny days in the garden. Whatever your reason, I highly recommend giving this pattern a try.
Please use the hashtag #mariquitaladybirdblanket or #elimeedesigns, or tag me (@elimee_designs on Instagram or @elimeedesigns on Facebook) so that I can see your finished blanket too, and show it some much deserved love!
I’d like to take this opportunity to give some love to our fabulous crochet pattern testers who helped us to iron out all the kinks in the pattern.
A HUGE thank you goes out to Jessie, Ilea, and Brittany!
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