How to knit a cat toy with knitting needles? - briefly
To create a simple cat toy using knitting needles, follow these steps: Cast on 10 stitches and knit in garter stitch until the piece measures about 4 inches long. Fold the piece in half lengthwise, sew the sides together to form a tube, and leave a small opening for stuffing. Stuff with catnip or fiberfill, then sew the opening closed. Your cat will enjoy playing with this homemade toy.
How to knit a cat toy with knitting needles? - in detail
To create a delightful and safe cat toy using knitting needles, follow these detailed steps:
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need:
- Yarn in a color that appeals to you (and your cat)
- Knitting needles suitable for the yarn's weight
- Scissors
- A small amount of polyester fiberfill or wool roving for stuffing
- Optional: a bell or catnip for added fun
Now, let’s begin knitting.
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Cast On: Start by casting on 20 stitches. This will form the base of your cat toy. To cast on, make a slipknot on one needle and place it on the other. Insert the tip of the second needle into the loop and wrap the yarn around the needle in a counterclockwise direction. Pull the loop through to create a new stitch. Repeat until you have 20 stitches on your needle.
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Knit the Body: Continue knitting in stockinette stitch (knit every row) for approximately 15 rows, or until the toy reaches your desired length. Stockinette stitch creates a smooth and durable fabric perfect for cat toys.
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Create a Head Section: To form the head section, decrease one stitch at each end of the next two rows. This will taper the body to create a distinct head area.
- Row 1: Knit until you have three stitches left, then knit two together (k2tog). You should now have 18 stitches on your needle.
- Row 2: Purl until you have three stitches left, then purl two together (p2tog). You should now have 16 stitches on your needle.
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Knit the Tail Section: Continue knitting in stockinette stitch for another 5-7 rows to create the tail section. This will give your cat something to grasp and play with.
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Bind Off: Once you have completed the desired length, bind off all remaining stitches. To bind off, knit two stitches together as if to decrease, but do not slip the stitch off the needle. Insert the left-hand needle into the stitch that was just created and pull it through. You should now have one less stitch on your right-hand needle. Repeat until all stitches are bound off.
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Add Stuffing: With your toy still on the needles, insert a small amount of polyester fiberfill or wool roving into the body to provide weight and texture. Be careful not to overstuff; you want the toy to be light and flexible for play.
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Close the Toy: Remove the needle from the last stitch and pull the yarn tail tightly to close the opening. Weave in any loose ends using a tapestry needle or simply snip them close to the fabric if they are not easily visible.
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Add Extra Fun (Optional): If you wish, add a bell or some catnip to make your toy even more enticing for your feline friend. Simply sew the bell onto the body of the toy or enclose the catnip within the stuffing before closing up the toy.
And there you have it! A delightful and handcrafted cat toy, made with love and care using knitting needles. Your cat is sure to enjoy hours of playtime with their new favorite companion.