GIRAFFE knitting pattern

This pattern was originally published in 2021. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.

Bring a touch of the safari to your next project with the Giraffe blanket block. This cheerful design is a quintessential addition to any nursery decor, featuring a tall, textured silhouette that captures the playful spirit of the animal kingdom.

Originally a favorite in our early collections, I have officially brought the Giraffe into the new post layout, with our signature high-contrast chart and a refined project summary, making it a breeze to knit—even for beginners who have mastered their knits and purls. Whether you’re building a zoo-themed baby blanket or a bright, absorbent dishcloth, this block is standing tall and ready for your needles.

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Project Detail	Requirement
Skill Level	Beginner (only knits and purls)
Yarn Weight	DK or Worsted
Needle Size	4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches)
Finished Size	8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm)

Materials & Tools

• Yarn: approx. 70 yds (64 m) of DK weight yarn. Cotton is recommended for dishcloths; wool or acrylic blends work beautifully for blankets.
• Needles: 4 mm (US 6) straight needles (I suggest using 4.5 mm / US 7 needles specifically for casting on and binding off to keep your edges flexible).
• Tools: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
• Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in stocking stitch.

You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks.

Giraffe Dishcloth or Blanket Square

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• st: stitch
• k: knit
• p: purl

The Pattern: General Instructions

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Giraffe knitting pattern: Written instructions

Row 1) and every following odd row, unless otherwise stated (RS) Knit all stitches

Row 2) Purl all stitches

Row 4) Purl all stitches

Row 6) p10, k4, p1, k4, p1, k5, p10

Row 8) p10, k4, p1, k4, p1, k5, p10

Row 10) p10, k4, p1, k4, p1, k5, p10

Row 12) p10, k4, p1, k4, p1, k5, p3, k2, p5

Row 13) k4, p1, k2, p1, k27

Row 14) p10, k17, p4, k1, p3

Row 15) k3, p1, k31

Row 16) p10, k3, p3, k4, p2, k3, p3, k1, p1, k1, p4

Row 17) k5, p1, k29

Row 18) p10, k4, p1, k5, p1, k4, p10

Row 20) p11, k13, p11

Row 22) p11, k4, p2, k4, p14

Row 24) p12, k7, p16

Row 26) p12, k7, p16

Row 28) p13, k5, p17

Row 30) p13, k5, p17

Row 32) p11, k9, p15

Row 34) p10, k11, p14

Row 36) p10, k11, p14

Row 38) p10, k3, p1, k3, p1, k3, p14

Row 40) p11, k2, p1, k3, p1, k2, p15

Row 42) p8, k15, p12

Row 44) p9, k13, p13

Row 46) p12, k2, p4, k2, p15

Row 48) p11, k4, p2, k4, p14

Row 50) p11, k4, p2, k4, p14

Row 52) Purl all stitches

Row 54) Purl all stitches

Row 55) Knit all stitches

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Giraffe block pattern: CHART

• Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.

New to reading charts? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! You can find my step-by-step guide in the Oh La Lana! Academy: How to Read Knitting Charts for Beginners. It breaks down exactly how to follow the grid so you can knit your pattern with confidence!

⚠️ Note: These charted instructions represent the 35-stitch design area. Remember to work your 4-stitch garter borders at the beginning and end of every row.

Looking for more patterns?

Check out these three from The Animal Kingdom, the Travel Log, and the Botanical Garden:

Planning a Blanket?

You might find useful our guide on How to Join Knitted Squares!

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You can also buy this pattern in Ravelry.

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