purlJam

<pattern>

# Hockey Rivals Crochet Kitty - Digital PDF Pattern

**A beginner-friendly amigurumi cat in hockey gear with helmet and striped jersey #81**

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## FINISHED SIZE
Approximately 5-6 inches (12.7-15.2 cm) tall when made with worsted weight yarn

---

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in the following colors:
  - Color A (Cat Body): Tan, gray, or white - approximately 50 yards
  - Color B (Helmet): Black - approximately 15 yards
  - Color C (Jersey Main): Your team color - approximately 25 yards
  - Color D (Stripe 1): White - approximately 10 yards
  - Color E (Stripe 2): Yellow - approximately 10 yards
  - Small amount of pink for inner ears and nose
  - Small amount of black for embroidering number 81

**Suggested Yarn:**
- Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or similar worsted weight yarn

**Hook & Notions:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembly
- Stitch marker
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Two 9mm black safety eyes OR black yarn for embroidered eyes
- Pins for assembly
- Scissors

**Optional:**
- Small amount of felt for helmet details
- Fabric glue

---

## GAUGE
5 stitches and 5 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet worked in continuous rounds

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size. Working tightly is recommended for a neat amigurumi appearance that won't show stuffing.*

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## 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

---

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring:** Create an adjustable loop to begin working in the round
**Invisible Decrease:** Insert hook through front loops only of next 2 stitches, yarn over and pull through (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops
**Color Change:** Work last stitch of old color until 2 loops remain on hook, yarn over with new color and pull through to complete stitch
**Continuous Spiral:** Work rounds without joining; use stitch marker to track beginning of round

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## PATTERN NOTES
- Work in continuous spirals unless otherwise noted; do not join rounds
- Use stitch marker to mark beginning of each round
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go for best results
- For safety eyes, insert between rounds 8-9 of head with 6 stitches between eyes before closing head
- Embroider features instead of safety eyes if making for children under 3 years

---

## INSTRUCTIONS

### HEAD (make 1 in Color A)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 x 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: (1+1) x 6 repeats = 18 ✓*

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Math check: (2+1) x 6 repeats = 24 ✓*

Rnds 5-9: sc around [24]
*5 rounds even at 24 sts*

Insert safety eyes between rounds 8-9, spacing 6 stitches apart, if using.

Rnd 10: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: (2+1) x 6 repeats = 18 ✓*

Begin stuffing head firmly.

Rnd 11: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: (1+1) x 6 repeats = 12 ✓*

Continue stuffing.

Rnd 12: dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Use yarn needle to close remaining hole by weaving through front loops of remaining 6 stitches and pulling tight.

---

### BODY (make 1 in Color A)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 x 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: (1+1) x 6 repeats = 18 ✓*

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Math check: (2+1) x 6 repeats = 24 ✓*

Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around [30]
*Math check: (3+1) x 6 repeats = 30 ✓*

Rnds 6-11: sc around [30]
*6 rounds even at 30 sts*

Rnd 12: (3 sc, dec) around [24]
*Math check: (3+1) x 6 repeats = 24 ✓*

Rnd 13: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: (2+1) x 6 repeats = 18 ✓*

Begin stuffing body firmly.

Rnd 14: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: (1+1) x 6 repeats = 12 ✓*

Rnd 15: dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing to head. Close remaining hole.

---

### EARS (make 2 in Color A, make 2 small inner ear pieces in pink)

**Outer Ear:**
Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6]
*Math check: (1+1) x 2 repeats = 6 ✓*

Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc) around [8]
*Math check: (2+1) x 2 repeats = 8 ✓*

Rnd 4: sc around [8]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

**Inner Ear (optional detail):**
Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6]
*Math check: (1+1) x 2 repeats = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing to outer ear.

Flatten ears and sew inner ear pieces (if made) to outer ears.

---

### LEGS (make 4 in Color A)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [9]
*Math check: Using irregular increase pattern for stability - 6 + 3 = 9 ✓*
*(Work: inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, sc, sc, sc for even distribution)*

Rnds 3-7: sc around [9]
*5 rounds even at 9 sts*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing to body. Stuff lightly - keep legs flexible but not floppy.

---

### TAIL (make 1 in Color A)

Rnd 1: 4 sc in magic ring [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [6]
*Math check: (1+1) x 2 repeats = 6 ✓*

Rnds 3-10: sc around [6]
*8 rounds even at 6 sts*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly to maintain curve.

---

### HELMET (make 1 in Color B - Black)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 x 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: (1+1) x 6 repeats = 18 ✓*

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Math check: (2+1) x 6 repeats = 24 ✓*

Rnds 5-7: sc around [24]
*3 rounds even to fit snugly on head*

Rnd 8: Working in front loops only, sc around [24]
*This creates the edge/rim of helmet*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Do not stuff - helmet should fit over head.

---

### HOCKEY JERSEY (make 1)

**Body of Jersey:**
With Color C (main jersey color), ch 24, join with sl st to first ch to form ring, being careful not to twist.

Rnd 1: sc in each ch around [24]
*Math check: 24 chain = 24 sc ✓*

Rnds 2-3: sc around in Color C [24]

Rnd 4: Change to Color D (white), sc around [24]
*Color change for stripe*

Rnd 5: sc around in Color D [24]

Rnd 6: Change to Color E (yellow), sc around [24]

Rnd 7: sc around in Color E [24]

Rnd 8: Change to Color D (white), sc around [24]

Rnd 9: sc around in Color D [24]

Rnd 10: Change to Color C (main color), sc around [24]

Rnd 11: sc around in Color C [24]

Fasten off, weave in ends.

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Prepare pieces**
- Weave in all ends except those left for sewing
- Ensure all pieces are properly stuffed (except helmet and jersey)
- Lay out pieces to plan positioning

**Step 2: Attach head to body**
- Position head on top of body
- Pin in place
- Using yarn needle and long tail from body, whipstitch around head circumference
- Stitch securely, working around twice for strength

**Step 3: Attach ears**
- Position ears on top of head, angled slightly outward
- Space approximately 6-8 stitches apart
- Sew securely to head using whipstitch

**Step 4: Attach legs**
- Position front legs on front of body at round 12-13
- Space approximately 6 stitches apart
- Position back legs slightly lower and wider for stability
- Sew securely using whipstitch

**Step 5: Attach tail**
- Position tail at back center of body, around round 11
- Sew securely
- Curve tail slightly upward for natural cat positioning

**Step 6: Add facial features**
- If using safety eyes, these should already be installed
- If embroidering eyes: Use black yarn to create two circles or French knots
- Embroider nose: Use pink yarn to create small triangle between rounds 9-10
- Embroider mouth: Use black yarn to create Y-shape below nose (optional)

**Step 7: Add helmet**
- Slip helmet onto head
- Position to cover top of head between/above ears
- Tack down with a few stitches at back and sides if desired for security
- Helmet should sit snugly without additional attachment if properly sized

**Step 8: Add jersey**
- Slip jersey onto body from bottom
- Position stripes evenly
- Jersey should fit snugly around body
- Tack at top and bottom with a few stitches if needed

**Step 9: Embroider number 81**
- Using black yarn or embroidery floss, embroider "81" on front of jersey
- Position number in center of main color section (between stripe sets)
- Use backstitch or satin stitch for numbers
- Make numbers approximately 0.75 inches (2 cm) tall

**Tip for embroidering numbers:**
- Lightly sketch number placement with removable marker (test first!)
- For "8": Create two small circles stacked vertically
- For "1": Create vertical line with small horizontal base
- Use 2-3 strands of yarn for visibility

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## FINISHING

- Weave in any remaining ends
- Gently shape cat to sitting or standing position
- Steam block lightly if needed to smooth any uneven stitches (test on swatch first)
- Trim any excess yarn tails

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean only with damp cloth
- Do not machine wash or dry
- If safety eyes are used, not suitable for children under 3 years
- Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Different Teams:**
- Change jersey main color to match your favorite team
- Adjust stripe colors to team colors
- Add team logo with embroidery or felt applique

**Size Variations:**
- Smaller: Use DK weight yarn (3) with smaller hook - creates 3-4