Looking for a delightful and simple crochet cat project? This Free Crochet Cat Pattern is perfect for creating an adorable amigurumi cat without any sewing! Ideal for cat enthusiasts of all crochet skill levels, this pattern offers a fun and quick way to make your own cuddly feline friend.
Close up of a grey crochet cat showcasing the pattern.
Inspired by the creative prompts of AmiguruMay, this no-sew cat design emerged from a desire to craft a charming cat figure for the “Cats or Dogs” challenge. As a lifelong cat lover, the choice was clear, and the focus shifted to developing a pattern that was both easy to follow and required no sewing.
Creating a seamless, no-sew design presented some interesting challenges, especially in ensuring all parts aligned correctly. While the pattern includes notes to help you adjust for slight variations, remember that any minor imperfections simply add to your crochet cat’s unique character!
Chenille yarn was chosen for its wonderfully soft and fuzzy texture, which gives the finished cat an extra cuddly appeal. However, it’s worth noting that chenille yarn can make it harder to see stitch definition, so it might be better suited for crocheters with some experience. For beginners, a standard DK weight yarn is recommended to start with.
A charming grey crochet cat sitting amongst colorful yarn balls.
Explore More Free Crochet Amigurumi Patterns
If you enjoy this free crochet cat pattern, you might also like to explore these other no-sew amigurumi patterns:
Free No-Sew Whale Crochet Pattern
Free No-Sew Chick Crochet Pattern
Free No-Sew Flower Pot Crochet Pattern
Free Crochet Cat Pattern
Materials You Will Need:
- DK weight chenille yarn in grey (e.g., DMC Happy Chenille in Hefalump)
- 3mm crochet hook
- 4 ply yarn in black or black embroidery floss for facial details
- 5mm safety eyes
- Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
- Stitch marker
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase
- FLO – front loop only
- invdec – invisible decrease
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- pc – popcorn stitch
- sl st – slip stitch
- st/s – stitch/es
- […] – repeat the instructions in brackets
- (…) – indicates stitch count at end of round
Special Crochet Stitches:
Popcorn stitch (pc): Create 4 double crochet stitches in the same stitch. Remove your hook, insert it under both loops of the first double crochet, grab the dropped loop, and pull it through. Chain 1 to close the popcorn stitch.
Finished Size:
The completed crochet cat measures approximately 2.5 inches (6.5cm) in length. Keep in mind that the final size can vary based on your crochet tension and the materials you choose.
Crochet Gauge:
Gauge is not crucial for this pattern. Select a hook size that complements your yarn. Ensure your stitches are tight enough to prevent the stuffing from showing through; adjust hook size if needed to achieve a tighter stitch.
Pattern Notes:
- The cat body is worked in continuous rounds, starting with a magic ring unless specified otherwise. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
- This is a no-sew amigurumi pattern. The ears and feet are integrated into the body as you crochet, and only the tail is attached at the end.
- A chain 2 start is used for ease with chenille yarn, but a magic ring can be used if preferred.
- Popcorn stitches are used for the feet. In the subsequent round, work a single crochet into the top of each popcorn stitch.
Free Crochet Cat Pattern Instructions
Crochet Cat Body (Grey Yarn)
Round 1: Chain 2, work 6 single crochet into the first chain (6 stitches)
Round 2: [Increase] repeat 6 times (12 stitches)
Round 3: [Single crochet, increase] repeat 6 times (18 stitches)
Round 4: Single crochet, increase, [2 single crochet, increase] repeat 5 times, single crochet (24 stitches)
Round 5: [3 single crochet, increase] repeat 6 times (30 stitches)
Round 6: [Single crochet] repeat 30 times (30 stitches)
Note: In the next round, we will create the ears by working stitches in the front loop only.
Round 7: 10 single crochet, front loop only half double crochet, [double crochet, treble crochet, double crochet] in front loop only of the next stitch, front loop only half double crochet, 4 single crochet, front loop only half double crochet, [double crochet, treble crochet, double crochet] in front loop only of the next stitch, front loop only half double crochet, 10 single crochet
Note: In Round 8, you will single crochet into the back loops left behind the ears. We will also add the front feet over the next two rounds. You might need to adjust the popcorn stitch placement slightly based on your tension and yarn to align them with the ears.
Round 8: 28 single crochet, popcorn stitch, single crochet (29 single crochet + 1 popcorn stitch)
Pause here to add the face details.
Using black yarn or embroidery floss, embroider a nose and mouth. Position the nose across the top of Round 1.
Insert the safety eyes between Rounds 3 and 4, approximately one stitch up from the nose. Ensure they are level with each other for a balanced look.
A close-up view of a grey crochet cat being held, showing the facial details.
Round 9: 4 single crochet, popcorn stitch, 25 single crochet (29 single crochet + 1 popcorn stitch)
Rounds 10-14: [Single crochet] repeat 30 times for 5 rounds (30 stitches per round)
Note: In the next round, we will add the back feet. You may need to adjust the placement of the popcorn stitches to align them with the front feet.
Round 15: Popcorn stitch, 5 single crochet, popcorn stitch, 23 single crochet (28 single crochet + 2 popcorn stitches)
Round 16: [Single crochet] repeat 30 times (30 stitches)
Round 17: [3 single crochet, invisible decrease] repeat 6 times (24 stitches)
Begin stuffing the cat with fiberfill and continue to stuff firmly as you proceed.
Round 18: Single crochet, invisible decrease, [2 single crochet, invisible decrease] repeat 5 times, single crochet (18 stitches)
Round 19: [Single crochet, invisible decrease] repeat 6 times (12 stitches)
Round 20: [Invisible decrease] repeat 6 times (6 stitches)
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, and pull through the last stitch. Weave the yarn tail through the front loops only of the final round and pull to close the opening. Hide the yarn end inside the cat.
Crochet Tail Attachment
To center the tail, locate the center stitch between Rounds 17 and 18, and mark it with a stitch marker. Join yarn in the stitch directly next to the stitch marker.
Back view of the grey crochet cat, indicating tail attachment point.
Chain 7, single crochet in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across (6 stitches).
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, and pull through the last stitch. Using a yarn needle, bring the tail down to the next stitch over for secure attachment. Weave in all yarn ends.
Not ready to crochet now?
Pin this Free Crochet Cat Pattern for Later!
Image for Pinterest pin featuring the grey crochet cat and pattern name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different yarn?
Yes, you can definitely use different yarn! However, this pattern hasn’t been tested with alternative yarns, so the final result might vary slightly. You may also need to adjust your crochet hook size and the size of the safety eyes to suit your yarn choice.
Do I have to use safety eyes?
No, you don’t have to use safety eyes. Simple embroidered eyes can look equally charming if you prefer a softer look, or if you are making this for a small child.
Is this crochet cat pattern safe for children?
Not entirely. While the crochet cat itself is soft, safety eyes are not recommended for children under 3 years old as they can be a choking hazard. Additionally, chenille yarn can sometimes shed fibers. If making this for a young child, consider embroidering the eyes and using a different, more secure yarn type.
Explore More Free Crochet Patterns
Once you’ve crocheted this adorable cat, why not explore more free crochet patterns? Check out our website for a variety of fun and easy projects to keep your hooks busy!
Did You Crochet This Project? Share Your Creation!
We’d love to see your finished crochet cats! Share a photo on social media and tag us @stitchbyfay. We are always delighted to see your amazing crochet work!
Have Questions? Join Our Crochet Community!
We hope you enjoyed making this free crochet cat pattern. For any questions or to share your progress, join the Stitch by Fay Community Facebook group. It’s a friendly space to share photos, ask questions, and connect with fellow crochet enthusiasts.
This pattern is intended for personal use only and is protected by copyright. Please do not copy, reproduce, alter, publish, or distribute this pattern in any form. If you wish to share, please link directly to this pattern page. Do not reprint it on your own site.
You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern in small quantities. Please do NOT use our product photos as your sales images.
