This adorable hippo lovey is a simple pattern that uses basic shapes and stitches. I sold these at my first craft fair a few months ago and they were a big hit, plus they’re quick to work up. Unlike most loveys that crochet the blanket part and the plushie part separately and seam them together, I wanted to work the head and blanket in one piece and eliminate that extra step. I also found that it made the join much more secure since you never break the yarn.

You could easily adapt this pattern for different animals, just by using the head of your favorite plush pattern and working the blanket in matching colors.