purlJam

# Stuffed Cat: Simple Shapes Edition

This beginner-friendly pattern creates a round, "roly-poly" cat using basic geometric shapes. By using simple spheres and cylinders, we maintain the "Simple Shapes" construction while creating a charming animal character.

### Specifications
- **Difficulty Level**: Beginner
- **Tension (Gauge)**: 20 dc and 22 rounds = 10cm (4"). Tension is not critical, but stitches must be tight enough so that polyester fibre fill does not show through.
- **Finished Size**: Approximately 10cm (4") tall using Worsted weight yarn.

### Materials
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight (Aran) yarn in your favourite cat colour (approx. 50g).
- **Hook Size**: 4.0mm (UK 8 / US G-6).
- **Notions**: 
  - Polyester fibre fill (stuffing).
  - 9mm safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidery).
  - Yarn needle for assembly.
  - Stitch marker to track the start of rounds.

### Abbreviations (UK Terminology)
- **ch**: chain
- **dc**: double crochet (US sc)
- **inc**: increase (2 dc in the same stitch)
- **dec**: decrease (dc2tog, preferably using the invisible decrease method)
- **st(s)**: stitch(es)
- **[ ]**: total stitch count at the end of the round

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## 1. Body (Sphere)
*Worked in a continuous spiral. Do not join rounds.*

- **Rnd 1**: 6 dc in magic ring [6]
- **Rnd 2**: inc in each st around [12] (Calculation: 6 * 2 = 12)
- **Rnd 3**: (1 dc, inc) around [18] (Calculation: 12 + 6 = 18)
- **Rnd 4**: (2 dc, inc) around [24] (Calculation: 18 + 6 = 24)
- **Rnd 5**: (3 dc, inc) around [30] (Calculation: 24 + 6 = 30)
- **Rnds 6-11**: dc in each st around [30] (6 rounds total of even work)
- **Placement Note**: If using safety eyes, insert them between Rnds 7 and 8, approximately 5 stitches apart.
- **Rnd 12**: (3 dc, dec) around [24] (Calculation: 30 - 6 = 24)
- **Rnd 13**: (2 dc, dec) around [18] (Calculation: 24 - 6 = 18)
- **Stuffing**: Stuff the body firmly with polyester fibre fill.
- **Rnd 14**: (1 dc, dec) around [12] (Calculation: 18 - 6 = 12)
- **Rnd 15**: dec around [6] (Calculation: 12 - 6 = 6)
- **Fasten off**: Leave a long tail. Thread the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close the hole, and weave in ends.

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## 2. Ears (Cones) - Make 2
*Worked in a continuous spiral.*

- **Rnd 1**: 4 dc in magic ring [4]
- **Rnd 2**: (1 dc, inc) around [6] (Calculation: 4 + 2 = 6)
- **Rnd 3**: (2 dc, inc) around [8] (Calculation: 6 + 2 = 8)
- **Fasten off**: Leave a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff the ears; flatten them into triangles.

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## 3. Tail (Cylinder)
*Worked in a continuous spiral.*

- **Rnd 1**: 6 dc in magic ring [6]
- **Rnds 2-8**: dc in each st around [6] (7 rounds total)
- **Fasten off**: Leave a long tail for sewing. Stuffing is optional for the tail; if using, use very little fibre fill.

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## 4. Construction & Embellishments

1. **Ears**: Position the ears on top of the head/body between Rnds 2 and 5. Pin them first to ensure they are symmetrical. Sew in place using the yarn needle.
2. **Tail**: Sew the tail to the back of the body at approximately Rnd 12 so the cat looks like it is sitting.
3. **Face Details**: 
   - **Nose**: Using a contrasting pink or black yarn, embroider a small "V" shape between the eyes.
   - **Whiskers**: Use thin black yarn or embroidery thread to add two straight lines on either side of the nose.
4. **Final Polish**: Check all joins. Ensure the tension is consistent and no stuffing is escaping from the seams.

### Construction Tips:
- **Invisible Decrease**: For a smoother look on the body, work your "dec" by inserting the hook into the front loops only of the next two stitches.
- **Pinning**: Always pin the ears and tail before sewing. This allows you to check the "expression" of the cat before making it permanent.