Around the World Blanket - Crochet Pattern

Welcome to the Around the World Blanket - a design that takes you on a creative journey across the globe, one stitch at a time. Each motif represents a different country, capturing a small piece of its identity, culture, or iconic imagery. From well-known landmarks to symbolic animals and plants, every section adds a new destination to your crochet adventure.

This blanket is worked as one continuous piece, allowing each motif to flow into the next - so as your stitches grow, so does the story. There’s no repetition here, just a gradual reveal of a world brought together through overlay mosaic crochet. Settle in, enjoy the journey, and see where your hook takes you next.

This design has taken a journey of its own from the very beginning. The theme was chosen by my newsletter subscribers, who voted for a travel-inspired blanket - making this a truly community-led creation. From that starting point, the idea of representing different parts of the world through individual motifs began to take shape, each one contributing to a bigger story.

Originally, I had planned for the blanket to be worked in separate strips, with each motif sitting neatly within its own section. However, as the design process unfolded, the motifs quickly became much larger and more detailed than I had anticipated. Rather than trying to scale them back or confine them, I allowed the design to evolve naturally into one continuous piece. This shift resulted in a far more cohesive and impactful blanket - one that feels like a complete journey rather than a series of separate parts, and ultimately a version I love even more.

To help tie the whole theme together, I introduced a small travelling motif - a boat and its trailing path weaving across the design. This element was inspired by the classic adventure story Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. While I haven’t personally read the book, the idea of charting a journey around the globe really captured my imagination.

The trail acts like a visual “map,” suggesting the route taken from one destination to the next, while the boat represents the mode of travel along the way. Interestingly, my original idea was to include a more modern paper aeroplane, but as the design developed, the boat felt like a better fit for the overall style of the blanket. It adds a gentle storytelling element - inviting you to follow along as the journey unfolds, stitch by stitch.

***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 inside the Cosy Blanket Club on Patreon, where members enjoy a host of fun perks including exclusive patterns, Sip & Stitch sessions, discount codes, voting rights on future designs, and more. Joining is easy, and you’ll be welcomed into a friendly, supportive crochet community full of fellow blanket lovers.

Fun Facts about the Selected Motifs:

🍁 Maple Leaf – Canada
The maple leaf has been a symbol of Canada for centuries and even appears on the national flag. Interestingly, there are over 10 different species of maple trees native to Canada!

🕌 Taj Mahal – India
The Taj Mahal was built as a symbol of love by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife. It appears to change colour throughout the day - pinkish in the morning, white in the afternoon, and golden at sunset.

🌿 Thistle – Scotland
The thistle became Scotland’s national emblem after, according to legend, a barefoot invader stepped on one and cried out - alerting Scottish warriors to danger!

🔔 Liberty Bell – USA
The Liberty Bell is famous for its crack, but no one knows exactly when it first appeared. It has since become a symbol of freedom and independence.

⛩ Torii Gate – Japan
Torii gates mark the entrance to sacred spaces in Japan, symbolising the transition from the ordinary world to the spiritual one.

🦜 Toucan – Argentina
With its brightly coloured beak, the toucan is one of the most recognisable birds in the world. Despite its large size, its beak is surprisingly lightweight!

🦘 Kangaroo – Australia
Kangaroos can’t walk backwards - making them a symbol of progress and moving forward, which is why they appear on Australia’s coat of arms.

🐼 Panda – China
Giant pandas spend up to 14 hours a day eating bamboo. Their diet is almost entirely plant-based.

🏛 Greek Column – Greece
Ancient Greek columns aren’t just decorative - they follow precise mathematical proportions, with styles like Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian each having their own distinct features.

⛵ Viking Boat – Norway
Viking longships were incredibly advanced for their time, designed to travel both open seas and shallow rivers - perfect for exploration and trade.

💂 Grenadier Guard – England
The iconic bearskin hats worn by the Grenadier Guards can be up to 18 inches tall and were originally designed to make soldiers appear taller and more intimidating.

🪲 Scarab Beetle – Egypt
In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle symbolised rebirth and transformation, often associated with the rising sun and used in protective amulets.

🗼 Eiffel Tower – France
When it was first built, many Parisians disliked the Eiffel Tower - but it has since become one of the most beloved and recognisable landmarks in the world.

I’d absolutely love to see how your Around the World Blanket is shaping up. You’re very welcome to share your progress in the Elimee Designs Facebook Group, where you can post photos, ask for help, and cheer each other on. If you’d rather share on your own social media, don’t forget to use #AroundtheWorldBlanket so I (and other makers!) can admire your work and follow along with your journey.

New to Overlay Mosaic Crochet?

Don’t worry, simply start out by watching this video tutorial which covers the basics, or read the summary below.

  • All rows are worked from right to left.

  • Usually the yarn colour changes with every row i.e. you ONLY use ONE colour per row – you ignore any changes in colour of the chart squares, they simply show what the final design will look like. You will need to fo at the end of every row.

    Every row contains the same number of stitches (st).

  • The first and last st in every row is a single crochet (sc).

    • The first st is indicated by a square with a letter e.g. ‘A’ or ‘B’ in the chart.

    • The final st is indicated by a square with a ‘+’ in the chart.

  • Back loop only sc (BLOsc) are indicated by a square without a ‘X’ in the chart.

  • Front loop only double crochet (FLOdc) are indicated by a square with a ‘X’ in the chart.

  • All FLOdc are worked into the same-coloured stitch two rows down.

Short on crochet time? Pin this image so that you can come back later.

This pattern is available from Patreon with written and graphical instructions, in US and UK crochet terms, and a large print option.

If you love mosaic crochet blankets, check out these patterns too! Click a photo for more information.

The Pattern

Materials

  • The sample photographed above was crocheted using Yarnsmiths Merino Superwash DK:

    • Colour A (claret red) - apx. 2152m/2354 yds

    • Colour B (white) - apx. 1521m/1664 yds

    • The yardage provided above is based on a single-sided blanket.

  • Crochet hook size – 4mm/G-6.

  • Tapestry needle.

  • Scissors.

  • Stitch markers (optional).

  • Row counter (optional).

Some alternative yarn suggestions:

Difficulty Level

Advanced beginner.

Gauge

A 10cm (4 inch) square requires 16 rows of 17.5st in overlay mosaic crochet.

The final blanket size (excluding border) is apx. 106 by 153cm (42.5 by 61.6 inches).

  • 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.

  • Elimee Designs EU/NI Representative

    Ciara Doyle, C15 Y5F9, Ireland

    Ciara@thefairythorn.ie

    Elimee Designs (Designer)

    N. Griffiths, 435, LE10 0NF, England.

    hello@elimeedesigns.co.uk

  • ©2025 Elimee Designs. All rights reserved.

    You may sell the items that you crochet by following this pattern on a small scale provided that you credit Elimee Designs as the designer. Mass production is not permitted. This pattern or any of its parts may not be altered, reproduced, distributed, sold, made into a video tutorial, or translated without written permission from Elimee Designs. Copies can be made for personal use only.

    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 hello@elimeedesigns.co.uk or our Elimee Designs Crochet Pattern group on Facebook.

Please use the hashtag #AroundtheWorldBlanket 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!

A MASSIVE thank you to my testers Bernie, Joan, and Jane, for helping me to iron out the kinks!

If you’d like to be notified when our next pattern goes into testing simply sign up below, or click HERE to learn more about becoming a crochet pattern tester. 

If you love crochet alongs, have a look at these! (Click a photo for more info).

As your journey comes to an end, you’ll have created more than just a blanket - you’ll have stitched together a collection of stories from around the world. Each motif is a reminder of a different place, a different culture, and a different moment in your making journey.

Whether you worked on this project a little at a time or couldn’t put it down, I hope it brought you joy, curiosity, and a sense of adventure. And perhaps, just like any good journey, it’s inspired you to start planning the next one. 🌍✨

Looking for more content to explore? Check these out next!

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