How to knit a cat-shaped pillow with knitting needles? - briefly
To create a cat-shaped pillow using knitting needles, start by knitting two rectangular pieces for the body and head. Then, use decreases to shape the head and tail, and attach safety eyes with a needle and thread. Finally, sew the pieces together, stuff them with fiberfill, and close the seam.
How to knit a cat-shaped pillow with knitting needles? - in detail
Knitting a cat-shaped pillow is a fun and rewarding project that combines creativity with practical skills. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create your feline-inspired cushion using knitting needles:
Materials Needed:
- Yarn (preferably soft and durable for a pillow)
- Knitting needles (size depends on the yarn's thickness; typically US size 8 or 9)
- Stuffing material (polyester fiberfill is ideal)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle for sewing
- Markers or pins for shaping
Instructions:
Step 1: Cast On
Start by casting on 20 stitches. This will form the base of your cat pillow.
Step 2: Knit the Body
Knit every row until you have a rectangular piece that measures approximately 8 inches in length. This will serve as the body of the cat.
Step 3: Create the Head
To shape the head, decrease stitches on both ends for the next 6 rows. Here’s how to do it:
- Row 1: Knit 2 together (k2tog) at both ends. (18 stitches remain)
- Row 2: Knit across.
- Repeat these two rows until you have 6 decreased rows in total.
Step 4: Shape the Ears
For the ears, decrease further on each side:
- Row 7: K2tog at both ends. (16 stitches remain)
- Row 8: Knit across.
- Row 9: K2tog at both ends. (14 stitches remain)
- Row 10: Knit across.
Step 5: Complete the Head
Continue knitting straight for another 6 rows to create the top of the head.
Step 6: Create the Legs and Tail
At this point, you should have a cat-shaped piece with a larger body and a smaller head. Now, let's add some details:
- Legs: Fold the body in half widthwise so that the head is at the top. Mark where the legs will be (usually 2-3 inches from each side of the bottom edge).
- Tail: At the back, knit a few extra stitches to form the tail. You can shape it by decreasing as you go up.
Step 7: Sew Up the Seams
Using the tapestry needle and yarn, sew up the sides of the body and head, leaving the bottom open for stuffing.
Step 8: Stuff the Pillow
Insert the fiberfill into the cat-shaped piece, making sure to fill out the head, legs, and tail evenly.
Step 9: Close the Opening
Once stuffed, sew up the remaining open edge securely.
Step 10: Final Touches
Add any embellishments you like, such as a collar or buttons for eyes. Trim any excess yarn and smooth out the shape.
Tips:
- Use markers to keep track of decreases and increases.
- Work in a well-lit area to ensure even stitches.
- Practice makes perfect; if you're new to knitting, consider making a swatch first.
By following these steps, you’ll have a charming cat-shaped pillow that adds a touch of whimsy to any space. Happy knitting!