purlJam

<pattern>

# Sleeping Cat Crochet Pattern

**Skill Level:** Beginner  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in curled sleeping position  
**Design:** A sweet curled-up sleeping cat using basic amigurumi shapes

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- Worsted weight (4) yarn in main color (gray, orange, white, or your choice)
  - Approximately 60-70 yards for body and head
- Small amount of pink or dark color for nose and details
- Suggested brands: Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Caron Simply Soft

**Hook:**
- US E-4 (3.5mm) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
- *Note: Use a hook 1-2 sizes smaller than yarn label recommends for tight amigurumi fabric*

**Other Supplies:**
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle (tapestry needle)
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Embroidery thread or yarn for facial features (black and pink)
- Straight pins (for assembly)

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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, yarn over, pull through all loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

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## GAUGE

Gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for tight, even stitches.
- Approximately 5-6 sc per inch in amigurumi style (worked tightly)
- Your stitches should be tight enough that stuffing doesn't show through

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## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Magic Ring:** Adjustable loop to begin working in the round
**Working in Continuous Rounds:** Do not join rounds; use stitch marker to track beginning of round
**Invisible Decrease:** Insert hook into front loop only of next 2 sts, yarn over and pull through (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Work in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise stated; do not join
- Use stitch marker to mark beginning of each round
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go, especially before closing
- Work with tight tension to prevent stuffing from showing through
- All pieces are worked in main color unless noted

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## BODY

The body is an elongated oval shape that will be positioned as the cat's curled body.

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]  
*Math check: 6 inc = 12 sts ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 6 repeats × 2 sts = 18 sts ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts (2 sc + 1 inc) = 18 original + 6 inc = 24 sts ✓*

**Rnd 5:** (3 sc, inc) around [30]  
*Math check: 6 repeats × 4 sts (3 sc + 1 inc) = 24 + 6 = 30 sts ✓*

**Rnds 6-11:** sc in each st around [30]  
*(6 rounds even)*

**Rnd 12:** (3 sc, dec) around [24]  
*Math check: 6 repeats × 4 sts (3 sc + 1 dec) = 30 - 6 = 24 sts ✓*

**Rnd 13:** sc in each st around [24]

**Rnd 14:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts (2 sc + 1 dec) = 24 - 6 = 18 sts ✓*

**Begin stuffing body firmly with fiberfill.**

**Rnd 15:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 6 repeats × 2 sts (1 sc + 1 dec) = 18 - 6 = 12 sts ✓*

**Add more stuffing if needed.**

**Rnd 16:** dec around [6]  
*Math check: 6 dec = 12 - 6 = 6 sts ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end securely.

---

## HEAD

The head is a small sphere that will nestle against the body.

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]  
*Math check: 6 inc = 12 sts ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]  
*Math check: 6 repeats × 2 sts = 18 sts ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]  
*Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts = 24 sts ✓*

**Rnds 5-8:** sc in each st around [24]  
*(4 rounds even)*

**Rnd 9:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]  
*Math check: 6 repeats × 3 sts (2 sc + 1 dec) = 24 - 6 = 18 sts ✓*

**Rnd 10:** (sc, dec) around [12]  
*Math check: 6 repeats × 2 sts = 18 - 6 = 12 sts ✓*

**Stuff head firmly with fiberfill.**

**Rnd 11:** dec around [6]  
*Math check: 6 dec = 12 - 6 = 6 sts ✓*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing (approximately 12 inches). Thread tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Do not weave in end; use for assembly.

---

## EARS (Make 2)

The ears are small triangles worked in rows.

**Row 1:** Ch 2, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, turn [3]

**Row 2:** Ch 1, inc in first st, sc, inc in last st, turn [5]  
*Math check: 3 + 2 inc = 5 sts ✓*

**Row 3:** Ch 1, sc in each st across [5]

Do not fasten off. Work sc evenly around edges of triangle (approximately 2-3 sc per side) to create a finished edge. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing (approximately 8 inches).

**Optional:** Fold bottom of ear slightly and stitch in place to create 3D shape.

---

## TAIL

The tail is a thin cylinder that curves around the body.

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

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

**Rnds 3-14:** sc in each st around [6]  
*(12 rounds even - creates approximately 2-inch tail)*

**Stuff tail lightly** (just enough to give it shape, not firm).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing (approximately 10 inches). Pinch opening flat and sew closed using whip stitch.

---

## ASSEMBLY

Use straight pins to position pieces before sewing for best results.

**Step 1: Position the body**
- Shape the body into a slight curve to create the curled sleeping position
- The magic ring end is the bottom; the closed end is the top

**Step 2: Attach the head**
- Position head at one end of body, tilted slightly downward as if sleeping
- Pin in place
- Using the long tail from head, sew head to body using whip stitch around entire join
- Make sure connection is secure; add extra stitches if needed
- Weave in end

**Step 3: Attach the tail**
- Position tail at opposite end of body from head (back end)
- Curve tail forward so it wraps partially around the body toward the head (sleeping cat position)
- Pin tip of tail near front paws area
- Using long tail from tail piece, sew base of tail to body securely
- Tack down the tip of tail where it curves around (1-2 stitches to hold position)
- Weave in end

**Step 4: Attach the ears**
- Position ears on top of head, slightly to sides, spaced evenly
- Fold bottom edge slightly if desired for 3D shape
- Using long tails, sew ears to head with several secure stitches through the base of each ear
- Weave in ends

---

## FINISHING & EMBROIDERY

**Sleeping Eyes (Embroidered):**
1. Thread yarn needle with black embroidery thread or thin yarn
2. Position eyes on front of head, centered and slightly angled downward
3. Create closed sleeping eyes using horizontal stitch lines:
   - Make 2-3 horizontal stitches (approximately 1/4 inch long) for each eye
   - Create a gentle curve (like a smile shape: ⌢) for sweet sleeping expression
   - Space eyes approximately 1/2 inch apart
4. Optional: Add small vertical lines at outer corners for eyelashes

**Nose:**
1. Thread yarn needle with pink embroidery thread or thin yarn
2. Position nose centered below and between eyes
3. Create small triangle or small oval using satin stitch (fill shape with parallel stitches)
4. Nose should be approximately 1/4 inch

**Optional Details:**

*Paw Pads (embroidered):*
- Using pink thread, add small oval stitches on bottom of body where paws would be visible
- Create 3-4 small dots in a row

*Stripes (if making tabby cat):*
- Using darker shade of main color or contrasting color
- Backstitch or surface slip stitch stripes across body and head
- Make stripes curved following the round shape

*Whiskers:*
- Using white embroidery thread or thin yarn
- Make 2-3 long stitches on each side of nose
- Keep stitches loose for whisker appearance
- Trim to desired length (approximately 1 inch)

**Final Steps:**
1. Weave in all remaining ends securely
2. Trim all yarn tails close to work
3. Gently reshape cat into curled position
4. Optional: Lightly brush with clean toothbrush to fluff any fuzzy yarn

---

## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

**For Beginners:**
- Practice the magic ring technique before starting (search online for video tutorials)
- Count your stitches at the end of each round to catch mistakes early
- Mark the first stitch of each round with a stitch marker or safety pin
- Work tightly - your hook should slide through stitches with slight resistance

**Stuffing Tips:**
- Use small pieces of stuffing rather than large clumps
- Stuff firmly but not so tight that stitches distort
- Add stuffing gradually as you decrease
- For the tail, stuff very lightly or it will be stiff

**Assembly Tips:**
- Take time to pin and reposition pieces until you're happy with the look
- Look at reference photos of sleeping cats for positioning inspiration
- Sew through just the tops of stitches for invisible seams
- Make several passes when sewing to ensure pieces are very secure

**Troubleshooting:**
- If you have holes in your work, you're working too loosely - go down a hook size
- If your fabric is stiff and hard to work with, go up a hook size
- If pieces don't match the pattern size, check your gauge and adjust hook size

---

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Size Variations:**
- **Smaller (3-inch):** Use DK or sport weight yarn with smaller hook
- **Larger (6-7 inch):** Use bulky yarn with larger hook, or add 6 more increase rounds to body and head (increase to 36 sts)

**Color Combinations:**
- **Orange Tabby:** Orange main color with darker orange/brown stripes
- **Tuxedo Cat:** Black main with white chest/paws
- **Siamese:** Cream body with dark brown ears, tail, face
- **Calico:** Use multiple colors in random patches
- **Gray Tabby:** Gray main with darker gray stripes

**Personality Touches:**
- Add a tiny bow or collar
- Embroider a heart or flower on the side
- Create a small pillow or bed for cat to sleep on
- Add a small felt fish toy tucked near paws

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean with damp cloth as needed
- For deeper cleaning, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap
- Roll in towel to remove excess water
- Air dry flat, reshaping as needed
- Do not machine wash or dry
- Keep away from heat sources

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## YARN REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

- **Main Color:** 60-70 yards worsted weight
- **Embroidery Details:** Small amounts (less than 5 yards each)
- **Total Project:** Approximately 75-80 yards total

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## COPYRIGHT & SHARING

This pattern is for personal use and small-scale gift giving. You may sell finished items made from this pattern on a small scale, but please credit the pattern designer. Do not redistribute, copy, or sell this pattern in any form.

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**Enjoy your ador