purlJam

# Pattern: Classic Tabby Cat (Intermediate)

This pattern uses the "Simple Shapes" construction method to create a professional-quality stuffed cat. By combining spheres, cones, and cylinders, we achieve a classic amigurumi silhouette.

### 1. Yarn & Materials
*   **Yarn Weight:** Worsted weight (Grade 4). Approximately 100m (110 yds) of the main colour and 20m of a contrasting colour for the muzzle/paws.
*   **Hook Size:** 3.5mm (US E-4).
*   **Essential Materials:**
    *   Polyester fibre-fill stuffing.
    *   Yarn needle for assembly.
    *   Stitch marker (essential for working in spirals).
    *   10mm safety eyes or black embroidery thread.
    *   Pink embroidery thread for the nose.

### 2. Tension (Gauge)
20 dc and 22 rounds to 10cm (4") using a 3.5mm hook. 
*Note: Tension is not critical, but it must be tight enough so that the fibre-fill does not show through the stitches.*

### 3. Terminology & Abbreviations
*   **ch:** Chain
*   **dc:** Double Crochet (US single crochet)
*   **inc:** Increase (2 dc in the same stitch)
*   **dec:** Invisible Decrease (Insert hook into front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops)
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es)
*   **MR:** Magic Ring
*   **[ ]:** Total stitch count at the end of the round.

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### 4. Component Patterns

#### HEAD (Sphere)
Worked in continuous rounds.
*   **Rnd 1:** 6 dc in MR [6]
*   **Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*   **Rnd 3:** (1 dc, inc) around [18]
*   **Rnd 4:** (2 dc, inc) around [24]
*   **Rnd 5:** (3 dc, inc) around [30]
*   **Rnd 6:** (4 dc, inc) around [36]
*   **Rnds 7–12:** dc around [36]
*   *Note: If using safety eyes, insert them between Rnds 9 and 10, approx 7 sts apart.*
*   **Rnd 13:** (4 dc, dec) around [30] (Math: 36 - 6 = 30)
*   **Rnd 14:** (3 dc, dec) around [24] (Math: 30 - 6 = 24)
*   **Rnd 15:** (2 dc, dec) around [18]
*   *Stuff the head firmly with fibre-fill.*
*   **Rnd 16:** (1 dc, dec) around [12]
*   **Rnd 17:** dec around [6]
*   Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave through front loops of the remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close.

#### BODY (Elongated Oval/Cylinder)
*   **Rnd 1:** 6 dc in MR [6]
*   **Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*   **Rnd 3:** (1 dc, inc) around [18]
*   **Rnd 4:** (2 dc, inc) around [24]
*   **Rnd 5:** (3 dc, inc) around [30]
*   **Rnds 6–15:** dc around [30]
*   **Rnd 16:** (3 dc, dec) around [24]
*   **Rnd 17:** (2 dc, dec) around [18]
*   *Stuff firmly, ensuring the base is flat enough for the cat to sit.*
*   **Rnd 18:** (1 dc, dec) around [12]
*   Fasten off, leaving a 30cm (12") tail for sewing to the head.

#### EARS (Cone - Make 2)
*   **Rnd 1:** 4 dc in MR [4]
*   **Rnd 2:** (1 dc, inc) around [6]
*   **Rnd 3:** (2 dc, inc) around [8]
*   **Rnd 4:** (3 dc, inc) around [10]
*   Fasten off, leaving a tail. Do not stuff. Flatten the cones.

#### LEGS (Cylinder - Make 4)
*   **Rnd 1:** 6 dc in MR [6]
*   **Rnds 2–7:** dc around [6]
*   Fasten off, leaving a tail. Stuff lightly.

#### TAIL (Long Cylinder)
*   **Rnd 1:** 5 dc in MR [5]
*   **Rnds 2–20:** dc around [5]
*   Fasten off, leaving a tail. Do not stuff, or stuff very lightly to allow for posing.

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### 5. Construction & Assembly Tips

1.  **Pinning:** Always pin your pieces (ears, limbs, tail) before sewing to ensure symmetry.
2.  **Head to Body:** Align the open end of the body (12 sts) with the bottom of the head. Use the tail from the body to whip-stitch the pieces together. Add extra stuffing to the neck as you close to prevent "floppy head syndrome."
3.  **Ear Placement:** Sew the ears between Rnds 3 and 7 of the head. Curve them slightly for a more realistic look.
4.  **Limb Placement:** 
    *   **Front Legs:** Sew vertically to the front of the body, just below the neck.
    *   **Back Legs:** Sew horizontally to the sides of the lower body to create a "sitting" pose.
5.  **The Face:** Use pink thread to embroider a small "V" for the nose at Rnd 10 (centred between the eyes). Embroider two small "J" shapes downwards for the mouth.
6.  **The Tail:** Sew to the lower back of the body, centred between the back legs.

### 6. Size Adjustments
*   **Larger (approx 20cm):** Use Bulky weight yarn and a 5.0mm (US H-8) hook. Follow the same pattern.
*   **Keychain size:** Use 4-ply (Fingering) yarn and a 2.0mm hook. Stop the Head and Body increases at [18] or [24] stitches.

### 7. Final Quality Check
*   Ensure all ends are woven in securely.
*   Check that the safety eyes are locked tightly.
*   Test the tension by squeezing the toy; if stuffing escapes, use a smaller hook for your next project.