purlJam

**PATTERN NAME:** Iconic Kitty Plush Head
**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** Intermediate
**TERMINOLOGY:** UK Crochet Terms (dc = US sc, inc = 2 dc in same st, dec = dc2tog)

**DESCRIPTION:**
This pattern utilizes the "Oval" and "Cone" simple shape structures to create a wide, character-accurate head for a white kitten plush. The head is worked in a continuous spiral without joining rounds.

**SPECIFICATIONS:**
*   **Yarn:** Worsted/Aran weight (Group 4) acrylic or cotton.
    *   Colour A: White (approx 50g)
    *   Colour B: Red (small amount for bow)
    *   Colour C: Yellow (scrap for nose)
    *   Black embroidery thread (for whiskers/eyes)
*   **Hook:** 3.5mm (US E-4)
*   **Tension:** 5 dc x 5 rows = 2.5cm square (Tension must be tight to hold stuffing)
*   **Finished Size:** Approx 12cm wide x 9cm tall.
*   **Materials:** Polyester fibre fill, tapestry needle, stitch marker, black felt (optional for eyes).

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### PART 1: THE HEAD (Modified Oval)
*The head is constructed using the Oval shape logic to ensure the face is wider than it is tall.*

**Foundation:** Using White, Chain 11.
**Rnd 1:** Dc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next 8 ch, 3 dc in last ch. Working along the other side of the chain: dc in next 8 ch, 2 dc in last ch (this is the same ch as the first st).
*[Math Check: 9 + 3 + 8 + 2 = 22 sts]*

**Rnd 2:** Inc in first st, dc in next 8 sts, inc in next 3 sts, dc in next 8 sts, inc in next 2 sts.
*[Math Check: 2 + 8 + 6 + 8 + 4 = 28 sts]*

**Rnd 3:** (Dc, inc), dc in next 8 sts, (dc, inc) 3 times, dc in next 8 sts, (dc, inc) 2 times.
*[Math Check: 3 + 8 + 9 + 8 + 6 = 34 sts]*

**Rnd 4:** (2 dc, inc), dc in next 8 sts, (2 dc, inc) 3 times, dc in next 8 sts, (2 dc, inc) 2 times.
*[Math Check: 4 + 8 + 12 + 8 + 8 = 40 sts]*

**Rnd 5:** (3 dc, inc), dc in next 8 sts, (3 dc, inc) 3 times, dc in next 8 sts, (3 dc, inc) 2 times.
*[Math Check: 5 + 8 + 15 + 8 + 10 = 46 sts]*

**Rnd 6:** (4 dc, inc), dc in next 8 sts, (4 dc, inc) 3 times, dc in next 8 sts, (4 dc, inc) 2 times.
*[Math Check: 6 + 8 + 18 + 8 + 12 = 52 sts]*

**Rnds 7-15 (9 rounds):** Dc in each st around.
*[Math Check: 52 sts]*

*Note: If using safety eyes, insert oval-shaped black eyes between Rnd 11 and 12, roughly 9 stitches apart. However, felt eyes glued on later are recommended for accuracy.*

**Rnd 16:** (4 dc, dec), dc in next 8 sts, (4 dc, dec) 3 times, dc in next 8 sts, (4 dc, dec) 2 times.
*[Math Check: 52 - 6 = 46 sts]*

**Rnd 17:** (3 dc, dec), dc in next 8 sts, (3 dc, dec) 3 times, dc in next 8 sts, (3 dc, dec) 2 times.
*[Math Check: 46 - 6 = 40 sts]*

**Rnd 18:** (2 dc, dec), dc in next 8 sts, (2 dc, dec) 3 times, dc in next 8 sts, (2 dc, dec) 2 times.
*[Math Check: 40 - 6 = 34 sts]*

**Start stuffing the head firmly, focusing on the sides to maintain the oval shape.**

**Rnd 19:** (Dc, dec), dc in next 8 sts, (dc, dec) 3 times, dc in next 8 sts, (dc, dec) 2 times.
*[Math Check: 34 - 6 = 28 sts]*

**Rnd 20:** Dec, dc in next 8 sts, dec 3 times, dc in next 8 sts, dec 2 times.
*[Math Check: 28 - 6 = 22 sts]*

**Rnd 21:** (Dc, dec) around until closed (approx 7 decreases), sl st to close. Fasten off and weave in tail.

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### PART 2: EARS (Cone Shape)
*Make 2. Using White.*

**Rnd 1:** 6 dc in magic ring. [6]
**Rnd 2:** (Dc, inc) around. [9]
**Rnd 3:** (2 dc, inc) around. [12]
**Rnd 4:** (3 dc, inc) around. [15]
**Rnd 5:** (4 dc, inc) around. [18]
**Rnd 6:** Dc in each st around. [18]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approx 20cm) for sewing. Do not stuff ears.

---

### PART 3: THE BOW (Rectangle Construction)
*Using Red.*

1.  Chain 10.
2.  Dc in 2nd ch from hook and each across [9].
3.  Ch 1, turn. Dc across [9].
4.  Repeat Step 3 for 4 more rows (Total 6 rows).
5.  Fasten off.
6.  **Centre:** Wrap the yarn tail tightly around the middle of the rectangle 5-6 times to pinch it into a bow shape. Secure with a knot on the back. Leave tails for sewing.

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### PART 4: ASSEMBLY & EMBROIDERY

**1. Ear Placement:**
Flatten the ears. Pin them to the top of the head (Rnds 4-9 range). They should be widely spaced but not completely on the sides. Sew securely using whip stitch.

**2. The Bow:**
Sew the red bow directly in front of the **left ear** (when facing the doll). Secure the corners of the bow with a small stitch so it stays upright.

**3. The Nose:**
Using Yellow yarn, embroider a horizontal oval nose in the exact centre of the face, between Rnds 12 and 13. Go over the stitch 3-4 times to create a raised "satin stitch" oval.

**4. The Eyes:**
If you did not use safety eyes, cut two small vertical ovals from black felt (approx 8mm tall). Glue or sew them on Rnd 11/12, widely spaced (about 1cm away from the nose on either side).
*Tip: The eyes should be level with the nose, not above it.*

**5. Whiskers:**
Using black embroidery thread, stitch 3 whiskers on each cheek.
*   They should be placed on the side of the face (Rnds 11-14).
*   The middle whisker is horizontal.
*   Top and bottom whiskers angle slightly.
*   Do not connect them to the nose; leave a clear white gap.