purlJam

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# 🐱 Cleo the Cat — Beginner Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

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## About This Pattern

Cleo is a sweet, simple cat amigurumi sized perfectly for little hands. Standing about **5–6 inches (13–15 cm)** tall when assembled, she's made entirely of basic shapes — no complicated techniques required. If you can single crochet, increase, and decrease, you can make Cleo!

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## Materials

| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| **Main yarn** | Worsted weight (size 4), approx. 60–80 yds (55–73 m) — any solid cat color |
| **Accent yarn** | Small amount of pink for inner ears and nose, OR embroidery floss |
| **Hook** | US E-4 / 3.5 mm (go down from label size for tight amigurumi fabric) |
| **Safety eyes** | 9 mm or 12 mm black safety eyes, 1 pair |
| **Stuffing** | Polyester fiberfill |
| **Yarn needle** | Blunt-tipped, for sewing and weaving in ends |
| **Stitch marker** | 1, to mark beginning of rounds |
| **Pins** | Straight pins for piece placement before sewing |

> ⚠️ **Child Safety Note:** Safety eyes are not suitable for children under 3. For a child-safe version, embroider eyes with black yarn instead.

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## Yarn Suggestions

- **Budget-friendly:** Red Heart Super Saver, Caron Simply Soft
- **Soft finish:** Lion Brand Pound of Love, Paintbox Simply DK (use F hook)
- **Popular colors:** Gray, orange tabby, cream, black, calico (two colors)

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## Gauge

**5 sc × 5 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm)** using US E-4 / 3.5 mm hook and worsted weight yarn.

> Gauge is not critical for amigurumi, but working tightly prevents stuffing from showing through. If your fabric looks loose or holey, go down one hook size.

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## Finished Size

Approximately **5–6 inches (13–15 cm)** tall when assembled.

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## Abbreviations

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **sc** | single crochet |
| **inc** | increase — work 2 sc in same stitch |
| **dec** | invisible decrease — insert hook through front loops of next 2 sts together, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2 loops |
| **sl st** | slip stitch |
| **ch** | chain |
| **MR** | magic ring (adjustable ring) |
| **Rnd** | Round |
| **st(s)** | stitch(es) |
| **[ ]** | total stitch count at end of round |
| **( ) around** | repeat the instruction in parentheses to end of round |

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## Pattern Notes

1. **Work in continuous rounds** — do not join or turn unless instructed. Move your stitch marker up each round.
2. **Use the invisible decrease** (dec) for the smoothest surface. This means inserting through the *front loops only* of two stitches at once.
3. **Stuff firmly as you go.** It becomes difficult to add stuffing after the opening is small.
4. **Leave a long tail** when fastening off pieces that will be sewn on (ears, legs, tail). This becomes your sewing thread.
5. All pieces except the body and head are left **unstuffed or lightly stuffed** unless noted.

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## Pattern Instructions

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### PIECE 1: HEAD

*Make 1. Work in main yarn color.*

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. **[6]**

**Rnd 2:** Inc in each st around. **[12]**
*(2 inc × 6 = 12 ✓)*

**Rnd 3:** (Sc, inc) around. **[18]**
*(sc + inc = 2 sts worked per repeat × 6 repeats = 18 ✓)*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around. **[24]**
*(3 sts per repeat × 6 repeats = 24 ✓)*

**Rnds 5–8:** Sc in each st around. **[24]** *(4 even rounds)*

> 📌 **After Rnd 7:** Insert safety eyes between Rnds 4 and 5, spaced approximately **5–6 stitches apart** (roughly centered on the face). Lock washers firmly in place before continuing.

**Rnd 9:** (2 sc, dec) around. **[18]**
*(3 sts per repeat × 6 repeats = 18 ✓)*

> 🧵 **Now:** Begin stuffing the head firmly. Continue adding stuffing as you close.

**Rnd 10:** (Sc, dec) around. **[12]**
*(2 sts per repeat × 6 repeats = 12 ✓)*

**Rnd 11:** Dec around. **[6]**
*(6 dec = 6 ✓)*

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread tail through yarn needle and weave through the remaining 6 front loops, pull tight to close the hole. Weave in end.

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### PIECE 2: BODY

*Make 1. Work in main yarn color.*

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. **[6]**

**Rnd 2:** Inc in each st around. **[12]**

**Rnd 3:** (Sc, inc) around. **[18]**

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around. **[24]**

**Rnds 5–10:** Sc in each st around. **[24]** *(6 even rounds — this creates the body height)*

**Rnd 11:** (2 sc, dec) around. **[18]**

> 🧵 **Now:** Stuff the body firmly. The body should feel solid and hold its egg shape.

**Rnd 12:** (Sc, dec) around. **[12]**

**Rnd 13:** Dec around. **[6]**

Fasten off, close hole same as head. Weave in end.

> 💡 The body will be slightly taller and more oval/egg-shaped than the head. This is correct!

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### PIECE 3: EARS

*Make 2. Work in main yarn color.*

These are small, flat triangles worked as a modified cone.

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in MR. **[4]**

**Rnd 2:** (Sc, inc) around. **[6]**
*(2 sts per repeat × 2 repeats = 6 ✓)*

**Rnd 3:** (2 sc, inc) around. **[8]**
*(3 sts per repeat × 2 repeats = 8 ✓)*

**Rnd 4:** (3 sc, inc) around. **[10]**
*(4 sts per repeat × 2 repeats = 10 ✓)*

Do **not** stuff. Flatten the ear by pinching the opening so it forms a slight triangle shape. Sl st across the top to close (working through both layers), or leave open — the flat bottom edge will be sewn onto the head.

Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.

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### PIECE 4: INNER EARS *(Optional but cute!)*

*Make 2. Work in pink yarn or contrasting color.*

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in MR. **[4]**

**Rnd 2:** (Sc, inc) around. **[6]**

**Rnd 3:** Sc around. **[6]**

Fasten off. These small pink oval/circle shapes are sewn or glued to the front of each ear before the ears are attached to the head.

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### PIECE 5: LEGS

*Make 4. Work in main yarn color.*

These are short, stubby cylinders — simple tubes.

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. **[6]**

**Rnd 2:** Inc in each st around. **[12]**

**Rnds 3–6:** Sc in each st around. **[12]** *(4 even rounds)*

Do **not** stuff (or stuff very lightly — just enough to hold shape).

Flatten the leg by pressing the opening closed. Sl st or whip stitch across the opening to close (working through both layers). This flat edge is what you'll sew onto the body.

Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.

> 💡 Make all 4 legs and lay them side by side to check they're the same length before proceeding.

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### PIECE 6: TAIL

*Make 1. Work in main yarn color.*

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in MR. **[6]**

**Rnds 2–12:** Sc in each st around. **[6]** *(11 even rounds — creates a thin tube about 2 inches / 5 cm long)*

Do not stuff. Flatten and close the tip with a sl st or leave the end open — it will be tucked when sewn onto the body.

Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.

> 💡 Want a fluffier tail? Lightly stuff the tail tube before closing for a rounder look.

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## Assembly

> ✅ **Before sewing:** Lay out all pieces and use straight pins to test placement. Step back and look — adjust until you're happy with the positioning before committing with yarn.

### Step 1: Attach Head to Body
- Hold the head on top of the body. The flat bottom of the head should sit flush on the top of the body.
- Using a long piece of yarn threaded on your needle, whip stitch around the entire seam joining head to body. Go around twice for a secure join.
- Weave in ends.

### Step 2: Attach Ears
- If using inner ears: Sew or glue the small pink piece centered on the front of each ear. Let dry if using glue.
- Pin the ears to the TOP of the head, one on each side. Position them roughly **at the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions** — not too far apart, not too close together.
- The open/flat base of each ear rests flat against the head for more surface area to sew.
- Sew securely using the long tail. Stitch around the entire base of each ear. Weave in ends inside the head.

### Step 3: Attach Front Legs
- Pin the 2 front legs to the FRONT of the body, roughly **at the sides of the lower third of the body**.
- The flat sewn edge of each leg faces the body.
- Sew securely, going around the flat edge several times. Weave in ends.

### Step 4: Attach Back Legs
- Pin the 2 back legs to the BACK/SIDES of the lower body, slightly lower and angled outward compared to the front legs.
- Sew securely. Weave in ends.

### Step 5: Attach Tail
- Pin the tail to the BACK CENTER of the body, at the very bottom. The tail can curl up, hang down, or wrap to one side — your choice!
- Sew the base of the tail firmly to the body. Weave in ends.

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## Finishing — Face Embroidery

With a yarn needle and **black embroidery floss or a thin strand of black yarn:**

### Nose:
- Work a small **inverted triangle** of satin stitches between and just below the eyes. Approximately 3–4 stitches wide.
- For a pink nose: Use pink floss instead.

### Mouth:
- From the bottom point of the nose triangle, bring your needle down and stitch a small **"Y" shape** or curved line — a simple inverted "Y" works perfectly for a cat mouth.

### Whiskers *(Optional):*
- Thread a long strand of white or cream embroidery floss on your needle.
- Push the needle through the head from one side, pull out just beside the nose, leave a 1.5-inch (4 cm) tail. Repeat for 2–3 whiskers per side.
- Trim to desired length. Add a tiny dot of fabric glue at the entry/exit points to secure if desired.

### Blush Cheeks *(Optional):*
- Use a pink chalk pastel or blush makeup and a cotton swab. Lightly dab onto the cheeks below the eyes for a rosy look.

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## Quick Reference — Stitch Counts at a Glance

| Piece | Max Sts | Rounds | Stuffed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | 24 | 11 | ✅ Yes, firmly |
| Body | 24 | 13 | ✅ Yes, firmly |
| Ear (×2) | 10 | 4 | ❌ No |
| Inner Ear (×2) | 6 | 3 | ❌ No |
| Leg (×4) | 12 | 6 | ❌ No (or lightly) |
| Tail (×1) | 6 | 12 | ❌ No (optional) |

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## Troubleshooting Tips

| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Holes showing between stitches | Go down one hook size, or work tighter |
| Head is wobbly after assembly | Sew head to body twice around the seam |
| Ears won't stay up | Sew closer to the center of the head, and stitch all the way around the base |
| Cat looks lopsided | Always pin and check symmetry before final sewing |
| Stuffing lumpy | Break stuffing into small pieces and add gradually |

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## Variations & Customizations

- 🐈 **Tabby stripes:** Carry a contrasting color and alternate every 2 rounds on the body.
- 🐱 **Kitten:** Use the same pattern with DK weight yarn and a US D-3 / 3.25 mm hook — finished size will be approximately **3–4 inches (8–10 cm)**.
- 🖤 **Black cat:** Use black yarn with yellow or green safety eyes for a Halloween cat.
- 🧶 **Keychain cat:** Use fingering/sock weight yarn and a US B-1 / 2.25 mm hook. Attach a keychain ring through the head before closing.
- 🐾 **Add paw pads:** Sew 4 small French knots to the bottom of each leg with black floss.

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*Pattern designed for personal use and small-scale crafting. Please credit the pattern if sharing your finished Cleo online — we'd love to see your kitties! 🐱*

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