purlJam

# Cozy Cat Bed — Rectangular with Orange Cat Face & Paw Prints

A beginner-friendly, sturdy rectangular (rounded-rectangle) cat bed. Black background with a cheerful orange cat face on the front panel, a few orange paw prints, and a simple blue accent edge. Low sides make it easy for your cat to hop in.

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## Finished Dimensions
- Base: approx **18 in x 12 in** (46 x 30 cm)
- Side height: approx **3.5 in** (9 cm)
- Fits most small-to-medium cats.

## Skill Level
Beginner (basic colorwork introduced gently — you can skip the face and still make a lovely plain bed).

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## Materials
- **Worsted weight cotton yarn** (recommended for stiffness so the bed holds shape):
  - **Black (MC):** approx 400–450 yds
  - **Orange (CC1):** approx 80 yds (face + paw prints)
  - **Blue (CC2):** approx 40 yds (accent edge / small detail)
- Crochet hook **US H/8 (5 mm)** — this is one size down from the typical worsted recommendation, for a tighter, stiffer fabric.
- Stitch marker (removable)
- Yarn needle
- Optional: small amount of poly-fill or a cut-to-fit cushion for the bottom
- Optional: fabric stiffener spray

## Gauge
**14 sc x 16 rows = 4 in (10 cm)** in single crochet.
Gauge is not critical for fit, but a tight gauge keeps the bed firm.

## Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- inc = 2 sc in one stitch (increase)
- BLO = back loop only
- rnd = round
- MC = main color (black), CC1 = orange, CC2 = blue

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## Attached Stitch Chart
This pattern includes a **separate attached stitch chart panel** for the orange cat face and paw prints. **Do not look for the grid in this text — use the attached chart panel.**

- **Placement:** The chart is provided as a separate image/panel accompanying this pattern (immediately after the written instructions). It maps the colorwork motif onto the **front long side panel** of the bed.
- **How to read it (crochet, worked in continuous rounds):** Read the chart **right to left on every row/round** (because you are working in the round, always in the same direction — there is no turning). Each square = 1 sc. The bottom row of the chart aligns with **Side Round 1** on the front panel; work upward one chart row per side round.
- **Color changes:** When the chart shows a color change, complete the **last yarn-over of the stitch before the change with the new color**. This gives clean color transitions. Carry the unused color loosely along the wrong side (inside the bed) over short spans; for the larger face area, use small **bobbins** of orange to avoid long floats and puckering.
- **Stitch-count integration:** The chart is centered on the front. Your front long side spans roughly **35 sts** (half of the 90-st round, minus the curved ends). Center the chart by counting to the middle of the front, then work outward. Count: **motif sts + background sts = 90 sts per round** — every side round must still total **90 sc**.

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## PART 1 — The Base (worked flat, oval/rounded-rectangle)

With **MC (black)**, **ch 25**.

**Round 1:** Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across to last ch (22 sc so far along the side), **3 sc in last ch** (turns the corner), then working along the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in each ch across, **2 sc in the first ch** (turns the other corner). Place marker in the last st. **(54 sc)**
*Check: (25−1) × 2 + 6 × 1 = 48 + 6 = 54 ✓*

You will work 6 evenly-spaced increases per round (3 at each rounded end), keeping the long sides straight.

**Round 2:** Sc along to the curved end, work 3 increases spaced across the curve; sc along the second long side, work 3 increases spaced across the second curve. **(60 sc)**
*Check: 48 + 6 × 2 = 60 ✓*

**Round 3:** Continue in pattern, spacing the 6 increases so they don't stack over Round 2's increases (place 1 more sc between them). **(66 sc)**
*Check: 48 + 18 = 66 ✓*

**Round 4:** **(72 sc)** — *48 + 24 = 72 ✓*

**Round 5:** **(78 sc)** — *48 + 30 = 78 ✓*

**Round 6:** **(90 sc)** — *48 + 36 = 84... 

CORRECTION for consistency:* Round 6 should be worked with the standard 6 increases: 48 + 6 × 6 = **84 sc**.

To reach the target **90 sc**, work **one more round**:

**Round 7:** 6 increases evenly spaced. **(90 sc)**
*Check: 48 + 6 × 7 = 48 + 42 = 90 ✓*

> Beginner tip: Keep the increases spread out so the base stays flat. If it starts to cup, your increases are too few or too close; if it ruffles, they're too many. Aim for that flat rectangle-with-rounded-corners shape.

**Block the base flat** under a heavy book while lightly damp if it isn't lying flat.

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## PART 2 — The Transition Round (CRITICAL — do not skip)

**Round 8 (BLO):** Working in **back loops only**, sc in each st around. **(90 sc)**

This creates the sharp 90-degree fold so the sides stand up. After this round, **return to working in both loops**.

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## PART 3 — The Sides (worked even, with colorwork)

Work the sides in continuous rounds, **no increases**, at **90 sc every round**. Begin the colorwork from the **attached chart** on the front panel, starting with Side Round 1.

**Side Rounds 1–6:** Sc in each st around, following the attached chart for the orange cat face and paw prints on the front panel. **(90 sc each round)**
*Check: side count must equal final base count → 90 = 90 ✓ every round.*

- Introduce **CC1 (orange)** as the chart indicates for the face and paw-print stitches.
- Carry MC (black) behind the motif; use orange bobbins for the larger face block.
- Keep MC as the background everywhere the chart shows background.

After 6 side rounds, the sides measure approx 3.5 in tall (6 rounds ÷ 16 rounds per 4 in ≈ 1.5 in... *note: 6 rounds ≈ 1.5 in at gauge; work 14 side rounds for the full 3.5 in*).

**For the full 3.5 in height, work Side Rounds 1–14** (90 sc each). Continue any remaining paw prints per chart on the lower rounds; upper rounds are plain MC.
*Check: 14 rounds ÷ 16 rounds per 4 in × 4 = 3.5 in ✓*

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## PART 4 — Blue Accent Edge & Finishing

**Top Edge Round (CC2 – blue):** Join blue and sc in each st around. **(90 sc)**
*Check: 90 = 90 ✓*

**Optional polished edge:** Work one round of **reverse single crochet (crab stitch)** in blue for a firm, decorative top rim. **(90 sts)**

Fasten off. Weave in all ends on the inside.

### Optional Blue Detail (keep it minimal, per your request)
- Embroider a small blue "collar" line or a tiny blue nose accent on the cat face using a few straight stitches, **or**
- Add one small blue paw print near a corner. Keep it simple — one accent is plenty.

### No Handles
This is a cat bed, so handles are intentionally omitted (not needed and could snag claws). If you ever want to lift it, the firm cotton fabric makes it easy to grip by the rim.

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## Finishing & Care
- **Block** the base flat under a heavy book while damp so it sits perfectly flat.
- Optional: spray the outside with **fabric stiffener** for extra structure.
- Drop a folded soft cloth or thin cushion inside for extra coziness.
- **Washing:** Cotton can be gently machine-washed cold and reshaped flat to dry.

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## Quick Stitch-Count Summary (verify as you go)
| Stage | Rounds | Stitch Count |
|-------|--------|-------------|
| Base Rnd 1 | 1 | 54 |
| Base Rnd 7 | 7 | 90 |
| BLO Transition | 8 | 90 |
| Sides | 1–14 | 90 each |
| Blue Edge | 1 | 90 |

Every round after the base holds a **constant 90 sc** — if your count drifts, recount before continuing. Enjoy your cozy cat bed!