purlJam

<pattern>

# BLACK AMIGURUMI CAT
## A Beginner-Friendly Crochet Pattern

**Finished Size**: Approximately 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) tall  
**Difficulty Level**: Beginner  
**Design Features**: Long elegant neck, large pointy ears, big expressive white eyes

---

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) acrylic or cotton yarn in Black (approximately 150 yards)
- Small amount of White worsted weight yarn for eyes (or use safety eyes)
- Suggested brands: Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice

**Hook:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- *Note: Use a hook 1-2 sizes smaller than yarn label recommends for tight amigurumi fabric*

**Other Supplies:**
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle for weaving and assembly)
- Stitch marker
- 12mm safety eyes (2), BLACK centers with white backing OR white felt circles
- Scissors
- Pins for assembly (optional but helpful)
- Black embroidery thread for nose/mouth (optional)

**Safety Note**: If making for children under 3 years, embroider eyes instead of using safety eyes to avoid choking hazard.

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

---

## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for toys, but affects finished size.

**Recommended Gauge**: 5-6 sc and 6 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet worked in continuous rounds with tight tension

*Important: Work tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through stitches.*

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## PATTERN NOTES

- All pieces are worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise noted. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
- Do not join or turn at the end of rounds unless instructed.
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, especially before decreasing.
- Use invisible decrease for a smoother, more professional finish.
- Count stitches at the end of each round to ensure accuracy.

---

## PATTERN PIECES

### HEAD (Make 1 in Black)

The head is a basic sphere shape.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12] *(verification: 6 × 2 = 12)*  
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18] *(verification: 6 × 3 = 18)*  
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24] *(verification: 6 × 4 = 24)*  
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30] *(verification: 6 × 5 = 30)*  
Rnds 6-11: sc around [30] *(6 rounds even)*  

**Eye Placement**: If using safety eyes, insert them now between rounds 8 and 9, approximately 6 stitches apart. Secure backs firmly.

Rnd 12: (3 sc, dec) around [24] *(verification: 30 - 6 = 24)*  
Rnd 13: (2 sc, dec) around [18] *(verification: 24 - 6 = 18)*  

**Stuff head firmly with fiberfill.**

Rnd 14: (sc, dec) around [12] *(verification: 18 - 6 = 12)*  
Rnd 15: dec around [6] *(verification: 12 - 6 = 6)*  

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end securely.

---

### EARS (Make 2 in Black)

Ears are cone shapes that taper to a point.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [9] *(verification: 6 + 3 = 9)*  
Rnd 3: sc around [9]  
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [12] *(verification: 9 + 3 = 12)*  
Rnds 5-8: sc around [12] *(4 rounds even for height)*  
Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) around [9] *(verification: 12 - 3 = 9)*  
Rnd 10: (sc, dec) around [6] *(verification: 9 - 3 = 6)*  

**Do not stuff ears** (or stuff very lightly at base only for structure).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten ear slightly and pinch bottom to create triangular shape.

---

### BODY (Make 1 in Black)

The body is an oval/egg shape, wider at bottom.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12] *(verification: 6 × 2 = 12)*  
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18] *(verification: 6 × 3 = 18)*  
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24] *(verification: 6 × 4 = 24)*  
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30] *(verification: 6 × 5 = 30)*  
Rnds 6-12: sc around [30] *(7 rounds even)*  
Rnd 13: (3 sc, dec) around [24] *(verification: 30 - 6 = 24)*  
Rnd 14: sc around [24]  
Rnd 15: (2 sc, dec) around [18] *(verification: 24 - 6 = 18)*  

**Stuff body firmly.**

Rnd 16: (sc, dec) around [12] *(verification: 18 - 6 = 12)*  

**Leave top opening for neck attachment.** Fasten off, leaving a long tail for assembly.

---

### NECK (Make 1 in Black)

The neck is a narrow cylinder that creates the distinctive long-necked look.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12] *(verification: 6 × 2 = 12)*  
Rnds 3-8: sc around [12] *(6 rounds for length - adjust for desired neck length)*  

**Stuff neck lightly** (not too firm, or it won't bend naturally).

**Leave both ends open for attachment.** Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

---

### LEGS (Make 4 in Black)

Legs are simple cylinders.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [9] *(verification: 6 + 3 = 9)*  
Rnds 3-7: sc around [9] *(5 rounds for leg length)*  

**Stuff legs firmly.**

**Leave top opening for attachment.** Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

---

### TAIL (Make 1 in Black)

The tail is a tapered cylinder.

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]  
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6] *(verification: 4 + 2 = 6)*  
Rnds 3-4: sc around [6]  
Rnd 5: (2 sc, inc) around [8] *(verification: 6 + 2 = 8)*  
Rnds 6-10: sc around [8] *(5 rounds for length)*  

**Stuff tail lightly** (can leave tip unstuffed for natural droop).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

---

### EYE DETAILS (Make 2 in White) - Optional if using safety eyes

If you used safety eyes, skip this section. If embroidering eyes:

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]  
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12] *(verification: 6 × 2 = 12)*  

Fasten off, leaving long tail. These will be sewn onto head as white eye backgrounds.

**Alternative**: Cut two circles from white felt, approximately 1 inch diameter, and glue or sew to head. Add black French knots or small black felt circles for pupils.

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Assembly order makes a difference! Follow these steps:**

1. **Attach Neck to Body**: 
   - Pin neck to top opening of body (the 12-st opening at Rnd 16)
   - Using yarn needle and long tail from neck, whip stitch around opening, joining neck to body securely
   - Weave in ends

2. **Attach Head to Neck**:
   - Pin head to top of neck, positioning so face points forward
   - Using long tail from head, whip stitch around neck opening
   - Add extra stitches if needed for security
   - Weave in ends

3. **Attach Ears**:
   - Position ears on top of head, approximately 4-5 stitches apart, angled slightly outward for that alert cat look
   - Using long tails from ears, sew base of each ear securely to head with whip stitch
   - Pinch base slightly while sewing to create triangular point
   - Weave in ends

4. **Attach Legs**:
   - Position legs at bottom of body: 2 front legs just below neck join, 2 back legs toward bottom/back of body
   - Pin in place to check positioning (cat should sit or stand balanced)
   - Sew each leg opening to body with whip stitch using long tails
   - Weave in ends

5. **Attach Tail**:
   - Position tail at back of body, centered or slightly to one side
   - Sew securely with whip stitch
   - Weave in end

6. **Eye Details** (if not using safety eyes):
   - Sew white circles to face between Rnds 8-9, approximately 6 stitches apart
   - Add black pupils with embroidery thread or small black felt circles
   - Or embroider large white oval eyes with black thread outline

7. **Facial Features** (optional):
   - Using black embroidery thread, create small nose with satin stitch between and below eyes
   - Add simple mouth with straight stitch or Y-shape below nose
   - Keep minimal for classic amigurumi look

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## FINISHING

- Weave in all remaining ends securely.
- Trim any excess yarn tails.
- Gently shape cat by adjusting head position and bending neck slightly if desired.
- If needed, add a few hidden stitches between head and body to stabilize head position.
- **Blocking is not necessary for amigurumi.**

---

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Size Variations:**
- **Smaller cat (6" tall)**: Use DK weight (3) yarn with 3.0mm hook
- **Larger cat (12" tall)**: Add 1-2 more increase rounds to head and body; work more even rounds for height

**Color Options:**
- Gray tabby: Use gray with darker gray stripes (surface slip stitch)
- Orange tabby: Use orange with darker orange stripes
- Tuxedo cat: Black body with white chest, paws, and face markings
- Calico: Patches of black, orange, and white

**Expression Changes:**
- Sleepy eyes: Use elongated white ovals instead of circles
- Happy cat: Curve mouth upward
- Grumpy cat: Curve mouth downward, lower eyes slightly

**Accessories:**
- Collar: Chain desired length in contrasting color, join with slip st, attach around neck
- Bow: Make small bow from ribbon or crochet a tiny bow
- Bell: Attach small jingle bell to collar

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- **Washing**: Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent if needed
- **Drying**: Reshape and air dry flat; do not wring
- **Storage**: Keep in clean, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
- **Safety**: Check safety eyes regularly if made for child; re-secure if loose

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem**: Stuffing shows through stitches  
**Solution**: Work more tightly; use smaller hook; double-strand yarn; or use matching color stuffing

**Problem**: Head wobbles on neck  
**Solution**: Add a few hidden stitches between head bottom and neck; stuff neck more firmly; or insert a pipe cleaner through neck for structure

**Problem