Sea Bear Blanket Buddy is a lovey and security blanket in one, sure to become a treasured companion for the little one in your life.

Sea Bear was featured in the American Gift Knitting Book from Planet Purl Press, part of a collection celebrating all fifty states. He was created in honor of California’s Channel Islands National Park, and his ocean-inspired wavy lace border nods to the whales, sea lions, and seals found there. The lace edging is more than pretty. It adds real textural interest for a child to feel and explore during play.

Sea Bear is knitted in the round using increases, decreases, and yarn overs.

This is a written pattern with a full chart included for the lace border.

The finished blanket measures 17.5 inches square.

Skill level: Advanced

Suggested yarn: worsted weight organic cotton (Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton or similar), 300 to 450 yards

Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm)

Gauge: 18 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette in the round, on larger needles

Techniques: knit in the round, increases, decreases, yarn overs, charted lace border

As an early childhood educator, I know that a lovey like Sea Bear is often a child’s first transitional object, helping to build comfort and security during naps, in new places, and through the everyday little separations of growing up.