🐱 How to Crochet a Plushie Cat (The Purr-fect Handmade Companion)


Let’s get real: if you’ve ever wished your cat would let you hug them more often (without deploying claws), you’re not alone. But what if I told you there’s a way to get endless cuddles, zero fur, and infinite cuteness?

Enter the crocheted plushie cat — your new favourite project.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first amigurumi pattern or a seasoned yarn wizard wanting to expand your tiny animal collection, this little feline is ready to steal your heart (and your hook). Soft, squishy, and totally customizable, this kitty is a must-make.

Ready to stitch the cat of your dreams? Let’s go!

🧺 Supplies You’ll Need

Before we start, let's gather your materials. Don’t worry — no catnip required (unless you’re gifting it to a real kitty).

🧶 Materials:

  • Yarn: Super bulky plush yarn (like Bernat Blanket, Himalaya Dolphin Baby, or Sweet Snuggles) in your desired cat color + a contrast color for the muzzle or tummy.

  • Hook: 6.5 mm (K) crochet hook (adjust for your yarn weight).

  • Safety eyes: 12 mm (or embroider eyes for a baby-safe version).

  • Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill

  • Yarn needle: For sewing pieces together

  • Stitch marker: Essential for amigurumi rounds

  • Scissors

  • Embroidery thread or black yarn for nose/whiskers

🐾 Tip: Plush yarn hides mistakes, which makes this pattern very beginner-friendly. If you mess up a stitch — your cat will never tell.

🧵 Crochet Basics You’ll Need

We’re keeping it simple and sweet with basic stitches.

Crochet Terms (US):

  • sc – single crochet

  • inc – increase (2 sc in 1 stitch)

  • dec – decrease (sc 2 together)

  • st – stitch

  • rnd – round

  • sl st – slip stitch

You’ll be working in continuous rounds — no joining unless noted.

🐈 The Purr-fect Plushie Cat Pattern

We’ll build this cat in parts:

  • Head + body (worked as one piece)

  • Legs (x2)

  • Arms (x2)

  • Ears (x2)

  • Tail

  • Optional muzzle + embroidered features

🧠 Size Info:

Using plush yarn and a 6.5 mm hook, your finished kitty will be approx. 7–9 inches tall. Want it smaller? Use worsted yarn and a 3.5 mm hook!

🐾 Head + Body (Worked as One Piece)

Start with your main yarn color.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* around (18)
Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* around (24)
Rnd 5: *sc 3, inc* around (30)
Rnd 6–10: sc in each st (30)

➡️ Place safety eyes between Rnds 7–8, about 5–6 sts apart.

Rnd 11: *sc 3, dec* around (24)
Rnd 12: *sc 2, dec* around (18)

➡️ Start stuffing the head firmly.

Rnd 13: *sc 2, inc* around (24)
Rnd 14: *sc 3, inc* around (30)
Rnd 15–18: sc in each st (30)
Rnd 19: *sc 3, dec* around (24)
Rnd 20: *sc 2, dec* around (18)

➡️ Stuff body firmly.

Rnd 21: *sc 1, dec* around (12)
Rnd 22: dec around (6)

Fasten off and sew closed.

🦵 Legs (Make 2)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc in each st (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* around (18)
Rnd 4–5: sc in each st (18)
Rnd 6: *sc 1, dec* around (12)
Rnd 7–8: sc in each st (12)

➡️ Stuff legs firmly.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

💪 Arms (Make 2)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* around (9)
Rnd 3–6: sc in each st (9)

➡️ Stuff lightly (just the end).

Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing.

👂 Ears (Make 2)

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring (4)
Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* around (6)
Rnd 3: *sc 2, inc* around (8)
Rnd 4: sc in each st (8)

Fasten off, flatten the ear (don’t stuff), and leave a long tail.

🐈 Tail

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2–10: sc in each st (6)

➡️ Do not stuff — leave soft and bendy!

Fasten off with a long tail.

🐽 Optional Muzzle

Use a contrast colour (like white or beige).

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* around (9)
Rnd 3: sc in each st (9)

Fasten off and sew to the face. Use black yarn to embroider a little triangle nose + smile!

🧵 Assembly Guide

Time to assemble your plushie cat! 🧶🐱

Step-by-Step:

  1. Sew the head to the body: Use the long yarn tail and go slowly, stitch by stitch.

  2. Attach legs: Position at the bottom sides of the body.

  3. Attach arms: Sew slightly below the “neck” on each side.

  4. Add ears: Flatten and sew to the top of the head. You can angle them outward for extra sass.

  5. Attach tail: Sew to the back at the base of the body.

  6. Add muzzle: Sew to centre of face and embroider nose, smile, and whiskers if desired.

  7. Final details: Add pink blush with fabric paint or pastel chalk, or embroider tiny toe beans if you’re feeling fancy.

🌈 Customization Ideas

Want your cat to stand out? Try these fun ideas:

  • Change colours: Tabby stripes, tuxedo cat, calico, or full-on neon!

  • Add accessories: Tiny scarf, bowtie, collar with a bell, or even a fish toy

  • Make it sleepy: Use embroidery to create closed eyes with eyelashes

  • Give it a friend: Make a tiny mouse or ball of yarn companion!

🐾 Final Thoughts

Crocheting a plushie cat is more than just a cute project — it’s a cozy escape, a creative expression, and the purr-fect gift for yourself or someone you love.

Whether this is your first amigurumi or your fiftieth, each stitch brings your creation to life. And once you make one cat… let’s just say there’s a reason yarn lovers end up with entire clowders of crochet cats.

Made your own plushie kitty? I’d love to see it!
Share in the comments, or email us a pic. Let's fill the world with squishy little cats — one stitch at a time. 🧶🐱💕


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