How to knit a knitted cat? - briefly
To create a knitted cat, start by casting on stitches for the head and body, then follow a pattern to shape the features and add details like ears, eyes, and whiskers. Finally, stuff the cat with fiberfill and sew up any remaining openings.
How to knit a knitted cat? - in detail
Knitting a knitted cat can be a rewarding project that combines creativity with skill development. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you create your very own knitted feline friend.
First, gather the necessary materials:
- Yarn in your desired color(s)
- A set of knitting needles (size depends on the yarn weight; typically US size 8/5mm for worsted weight yarn)
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle for sewing up the pieces
- Stuffing material, such as polyester fiberfill or wool roving
- Safety eyes and a small piece of black yarn or embroidery floss for the nose (optional)
Step 1: Knit the Body
Cast on 24 stitches. Knit in the round until the body measures about 3 inches from the cast-on edge, decreasing as follows:
- Round 1: K2tog around (20 sts)
- Round 2: K1, K2tog; repeat from around (14 sts)
- Round 3: K2tog; repeat from around (7 sts) Cut the yarn leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the body.
Step 2: Knit the Head
Cast on 18 stitches. Knit in the round until the head measures about 2 inches from the cast-on edge, decreasing as follows:
- Round 1: K2tog around (14 sts)
- Round 2: K1, K2tog; repeat from around (9 sts)
- Round 3: K2tog; repeat from around (5 sts) Cut the yarn leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the head.
Step 3: Knit the Ears (2 pieces)
Cast on 6 stitches. Knit in the round until the ear measures about 1 inch from the cast-on edge, decreasing as follows:
- Round 1: K2tog around (4 sts)
- Round 2: K2tog; repeat from around (2 sts) Cut the yarn leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the ear.
Step 4: Knit the Legs (4 pieces)
Cast on 6 stitches. Knit in the round until the leg measures about 1 inch from the cast-on edge, decreasing as follows:
- Round 1: K2tog around (4 sts)
- Round 2: K2tog; repeat from around (2 sts) Cut the yarn leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the leg.
Step 5: Knit the Tail
Cast on 10 stitches. Knit in the round until the tail measures about 4 inches from the cast-on edge, decreasing as follows:
- Round 1: K2tog around (8 sts)
- Round 2: K1, K2tog; repeat from around (6 sts)
- Round 3: K2tog; repeat from around (3 sts) Cut the yarn leaving a long tail for sewing. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the tail.
Step 6: Assembly
- Stuffing: Lightly stuff each piece with fiberfill or wool roving, ensuring you leave some space unstuffed for attaching parts together.
- Attach Ears to Head: Sew the base of each ear to the top of the head using the tapestry needle and yarn tails. Position them so they point upward.
- Attach Head to Body: With the wrong sides facing, align the cast-on edges of the head and body. Using the mattress stitch or whipstitch, sew them together.
- Attach Legs to Body: With the wrong sides facing, attach each leg to the bottom of the body, spacing them evenly around the circumference. Sew securely with the tapestry needle and yarn tails.
- Attach Tail to Body: With the wrong side facing, align the cast-on edge of the tail to the back of the body near one of the legs. Sew it in place using the tapestry needle and yarn tails.
Step 7: Final Details (Optional)
- Eyes: Attach safety eyes according to the package instructions, ensuring they are evenly spaced on the head.
- Nose: Using black yarn or embroidery floss, create a small triangle shape for the nose between the eyes.
Your knitted cat is now complete! Enjoy your handiwork and the satisfaction of creating something unique and charming.