Type
Crochet
Difficulty
beginner
Category
amigurumi
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The goal is to create a "Manga Ball" cat, which fits the "Simple Shapes" template by using a sphere as the primary body/head component. To achieve the "Manga/Kawaii" aesthetic, we will keep the proportions spherical and the features minimal but expressive. We will adapt the template's "Sphere" for the body, a modified "Cone" for the ears, and a "Cylinder" for the tail.
2. **Construction Plan**: The body is worked in a continuous spiral from the top down. Ears and tail are worked separately and sewn on. Facial features (safety eyes and embroidery) will be added between rounds 7 and 8 to maintain the low-set "cute" Manga look.
3. **Quality Assurance**: As this is a keyring, the size must be compact (approx. 5-6cm). I will ensure the stitch counts are verified for a 24-stitch maximum diameter. UK terminology will be strictly applied (dc instead of US sc).
4. **Final Calculations**:
- Body: 6, 12, 18, 24 increments.
- Total body rounds: 12.
- Total stitches: 198 dc for the body.
- Ears: 4, 6, 8 increments.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Includes Materials, Tension, Abbreviations, Body, Ears, Tail, and Assembly.
2. **Consistency**: UK terminology confirmed (dc = US sc). Stitch counts in brackets match the math of the increases/decreases.
3. **Constraints**: Specifically designed for Worsted weight yarn as a "Manga Ball" variation of the Simple Shapes template.
4. **Safety**: Verified that Rnd 4 (2 dc, inc) x 6 = 24. Rnd 10 (2 dc, dc2tog) x 6 = 18. Math is sound.
Pattern
# Manga Cat Ball Keyring
**Difficulty Level**: Intermediate (requires small-scale assembly)
**Size**: Approximately 5.5cm (2.2") in diameter.
### Materials
* **Yarn**: Worsted weight (Grade 4) acrylic or cotton yarn.
* Main Colour (MC): Approx. 20m (Grey, White, or Ginger).
* Contrast Colour (CC): Scraps of Pink for ears/nose.
* **Hook**: 3.5mm (US E-4) crochet hook.
* **Stuffing**: Polyester hollowfibre filling.
* **Eyes**: 8mm safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidery).
* **Notions**: Yarn needle, stitch marker, metal keyring finding.
### Tension (Gauge)
20 dc and 22 rows to 10cm (4") using 3.5mm hook. Tension is not critical for this project, but stitches should be tight enough so fibrebridge (stuffing) does not show through.
### Abbreviations (UK Terms)
* **ch**: chain
* **dc**: double crochet (US sc)
* **dc2tog**: double crochet two together / decrease
* **inc**: increase (2 dc in next stitch)
* **mc**: magic circle (magic ring)
* **st(s)**: stitch(es)
* **Rnd**: Round
---
### Construction Instructions
#### Body (Sphere Shape)
Using Main Colour (MC). Worked in a continuous spiral.
* **Rnd 1**: Create a mc, 6 dc into ring. [6 sts]
* **Rnd 2**: inc in each st around. [12 sts]
* **Rnd 3**: (1 dc, inc) 6 times. [18 sts]
* **Rnd 4**: (2 dc, inc) 6 times. [24 sts]
* **Rnds 5-9**: dc in each st around (5 rounds total). [24 sts]
* *Technical Note: If using safety eyes, insert them between Rnds 7 and 8, approximately 4-5 sts apart.*
* **Rnd 10**: (2 dc, dc2tog) 6 times. [18 sts]
* *Math: (2 + 1) = 3; 3 * 6 = 18.*
* **Stuff firmly with polyester fibre.**
* **Rnd 11**: (1 dc, dc2tog) 6 times. [12 sts]
* **Rnd 12**: dc2tog 6 times. [6 sts]
* Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close the hole.
#### Ears (Modified Cone Shape - Make 2)
Using Main Colour (MC).
* **Rnd 1**: Create a mc, 4 dc into ring. [4 sts]
* **Rnd 2**: (1 dc, inc) 2 times. [6 sts]
* **Rnd 3**: (2 dc, inc) 2 times. [8 sts]
* Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Flatten the ears (do not stuff).
#### Tail (Small Cylinder)
Using Main Colour (MC).
* **Rnd 1**: Create a mc, 5 dc into ring. [5 sts]
* **Rnds 2-6**: dc in each st around. [5 sts]
* Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
---
### Assembly & Finishing
1. **Ear Placement**: Pin the flattened ears to the top of the body, starting at Rnd 3 and ending at Rnd 6. Sew in place securely.
2. **Tail Placement**: Sew the tail to the back of the body at approximately Rnd 9, centred between the ears.
3. **Facial Features**:
* If you did not use safety eyes, embroider two small 'V' shapes or circles for eyes on Rnd 7.
* Using Pink yarn, embroider a small horizontal 'dash' for the nose between the eyes.
* Add two small vertical stitches of Pink yarn just below the eyes for 'manga blush'.
4. **Keyring Attachment**: Using a reinforced stitch, sew the metal keyring finding to the very top centre (Rnd 1) of the cat ball.
5. **Final Quality Check**: Ensure all ends are woven in deeply into the stuffing to prevent them from popping out during use.
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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