Small Knitted Cat (Toy)

Make a cuddly small cat toy, approx 6" (15 cm) seated. Designed for knitters comfortable working in the round on double-pointed needles or using the magic loop method.

Materials

Yarn: DK / Light (8 ply) — 1 main color skein (50 g / 1.76 oz; approx 125 m / 137 yd per 50 g). Small amounts of contrasting color for nose/patches.
Needles: set of double-pointed needles (or 16"/40 cm circular for magic loop): US 3 / UK 11 / 3.25 mm (recommended). Optional tighter fabric: US 2 / UK 12 / 2.75 mm.
Tapestry/working needle: blunt tapestry needle for sewing pieces and weaving ends.
Stitch markers (1 removable + a few locking markers).
Stuffing: 1–2 oz / 30–60 g polyester fiberfill.
Safety eyes: 6 mm (approx 0.236" / 6 mm) OR embroider eyes if toy for a baby.
Embroidery thread or scrap yarn for nose and mouth; small sharp scissors.

Gauge

22 sts x 28 rows = 4" / 10 cm in stockinette in the round on 3.25 mm needles. Gauge is not critical for toy construction but affects final size. Use smaller needles if your fabric is too loose (to keep stuffing from showing).

Finished size

About 6" (15 cm) tall when seated, 3"–3.5" (7.5–9 cm) wide at the body, depending on yarn & tension.

Abbreviations (US)

k = knit
p = purl
st(s) = stitch(es)
rnd = round
k2tog = knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
kfb = knit front and back (increase)
pm = place marker
sm = slip marker
RS = right side; WS = wrong side
CO = cast on; BO = bind off

Notes

Work in continuous rounds unless instructed otherwise; place marker at start of rnd.
Safety eyes should be attached before closing the head. If making for an infant, do not use safety eyes; embroider instead.
Stuff firmly but not so tightly that stitches are distorted.

Head (worked in the round)

Start at top of head.

CO 8 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Mark start of round.
Rnd 1: kfb in each st around — 16 sts.
Rnd 2: *k1, kfb* around — 24 sts.
Rnd 3: *k2, kfb* around — 32 sts.
Rnd 4: *k3, kfb* around — 40 sts.
Rnd 5: *k4, kfb* around — 48 sts.
Rnd 6–13: knit all sts (8 rnds) — even, forming the head height. Place safety eyes between Rnd 9 and Rnd 10, approx 10 sts apart (adjust for expression).
Rnd 14: *k4, k2tog* around — 40 sts.
Rnd 15: *k3, k2tog* around — 32 sts.
Rnd 16: *k2, k2tog* around — 24 sts.
Begin stuffing the head firmly but gradually so shape is even.
Rnd 17: *k1, k2tog* around — 16 sts.
Rnd 18: *k2tog* around — 8 sts. Break yarn leaving a long tail, thread through remaining sts, pull tight to close and secure. Weave tail into head and trim.

Body

CO 32 sts. Join to work in the round; place marker.
Rnd 1–6: knit all sts (6 rnds) — even.
Rnd 7: *k3, kfb* around — 40 sts.
Rnd 8–17: knit all sts (10 rnds) — even (this makes the torso length).
Rnd 18: *k3, k2tog* around — 32 sts.
Rnd 19: *k2, k2tog* around — 24 sts.
Begin stuffing the body firmly. Continue stuffing as you shape the lower body.
Rnd 20: *k1, k2tog* around — 16 sts.
Rnd 21: *k2tog* around — 8 sts. Break yarn leaving a long tail, thread through remaining sts, pull tight to close bottom. Secure and weave in end.

Arms / Front Legs (make 2)

CO 12 sts. Join to work in the round.
Rnd 1–10: knit all sts (10 rnds) — make a short tube.
Stuff lightly (leave tip unstuffed to taper when sewing).
Next rnd: *k2tog* around until you have 6 sts (optional to shape the paw). Break yarn leaving tail and close with running stitch. Leave long tail for sewing.

Hind Legs / Back Legs (make 2)

CO 14 sts. Join.
Rnd 1–8: knit all sts.
Stuff firmly, especially at the foot end.
Rnd 9: *k2tog* around to 7 sts, break yarn and close. Leave tail for sewing.

Tail

CO 8 sts. Join.
Rnd 1–14: knit all sts (tube). You may decrease gradually at the tip every 3rd rnd to taper: e.g., Rnd 10: *k2, k2tog* around, continue even.
Finish by threading tail through remaining sts and closing. Leave long tail for sewing.

Ears (make 2)

Pick up 6 sts at desired ear position on head OR CO 6 sts and work flat then seam base later.
Row 1 (if worked flat): k across; Row 2: k2tog, k2, k2tog — 4 sts; Row 3: k2tog twice — 2 sts; Row 4: k2tog, finish. Break yarn leaving long tail for sewing. If picked up on head, work decreases in the round: Rnd1 *k1, kfb* to shape, then decrease to tip and close.

Finishing & Assembly

Arrange pieces on the body: sew the head to the top of the body with mattress stitch or ladder stitch, making sure seam is neat and centered.
Sew front legs to the front sides of the body (slightly forward-facing). Sew hind legs to the lower sides of the body so the cat can sit. Sew tail to lower back center.
Sew ears to the top of the head (slightly angled outward).
Embroider nose and mouth: use a small triangle for the nose (embroidery thread or scrap yarn), then a simple vertical stitch down and two curved lines for the mouth. Add whiskers with fine yarn or embroidery floss (secure knots well inside head). If using safety eyes, ensure the backs are firmly fastened behind the fabric.
Weave in all ends neatly inside the body. Trim excess safely.

Optional Customizations

Striped cat: change color every 4–6 rnds on body and tail.
Patch eye or belly: work duplicate stitch or change color in rnds while knitting, or embroider later.
Poseable tail: insert thin armature wire down the center of the tail before stuffing and seal wire ends with tape or ribbon to prevent poking fabric.

Safety & Care

If making for children under 3, do not use safety eyes or any small parts—embroider all features.
Hand-wash gently in cool water with mild soap; reshape and dry flat.

Pattern written for PurlJam. For pattern support or questions, visit https://purljam.verde.uk or email team@verde.uk. Share your makes: use socials #purljam.

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