The itty bitty crochet kitty is the cutest little crochet cat pattern. It works up very quickly (great for beginners!) and would make the sweetest gift for any cat lover.
This kitty crochet project is perfect if you are looking to take a dive into making amigurumi. If you are new to amigurumi, head over to my tips for making amigurumi to ensure your project turns out perfectly.
You can personalize your crochet kitty too by adding stripes or spots, changing up the colors or even using fluffy novelty yarn!
Materials
DK cotton (I used Vinni’s Colors, Nikkim. Paintbox yarns would do just fine too!). Main body color as well as contrast color(s) for the facial details
3.25mm crochet hook (larger cat)
2.75mm crochet hook (smaller cat)
Stuffing
Notes:
- This crochet cat pattern is written using US crochet terms. If you are unfamiliar with any of the abbreviations, please visit the crochet terms page.
- Have a look at my tips for crocheting amigurumi before you start this project!
- It’s also worth looking at my tutorial for the magic ring if you are unfamiliar with how to make one.
- Some parts of this pattern are worked in continuous rounds. Don’t slip stitch to close the ring unless instructed to do so!
- A low cost, ad free, printable version of this pattern is available in my online stores.
>> PIN NOW, MAKE LATER! <<
Crochet Cat Pattern
Body
R1. Mr 6 sc (6)
R2. sc 2 in each (12)
R3. [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (18)
R4. [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (24)
R5. [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (30)
R6. [sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (36)
R7 – 8. sc around (36)
R9. [sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog] repeat around (30)
R10 – 12. Sc around (30)
R13. [sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog] repeat around (24)
R14 – 17. sc around (24)
R18. [sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog] repeat around (18)
R19. sc around (18)
Stuff. (*If you are adding safety eyes, do so now!)
R20. Hold the top two edges together and crochet through both sides.
ch1, dc into the first st, sc into the next 7 sts, dc into the last st. Bind off and weave in ends.
Tail:
R1. Mr 5 sc (5)
R2. 2 sc in each (10)
R3. sc around (10)
R4. [sc2tog, sc in next 3], repeat (8)
R5 – 6. sc around (8)
R7. [sc2tog, sc in next 2] repeat (6)
Stuff the end of the tail lightly.
R8 – 15. sc around (6)
Bind off and leave a tail for joining. No need to add more stuffing!
If you want to add stripes, change color every 2 – 3 rounds.
You can have great fun adding character to your little kitty!
The eyes are stitched in place first, approximately 1 – 2 stitches apart and 5 rows down from the top. Have a look at this tutorial for how to embroider eyes onto your kitty.
*You can also use safety eyes, but make sure to attach them before you do the final row!
Stitch the ear details and nose in pink. Add cute little whiskers in a softly contrasting color and stitch any other details (such as stripes on the back). Stitch the tail in place. Give your kitty lots of little cuddles!
More Itty Bitty Kitty patterns!
If you loved this crochet cat pattern, why not check out my kitten rattle pattern or some of the other great patterns over on the patterns page (including an adorable Christmas hat for your kitty!). Happy stitching!
Yours in craft,
Caitie x
Hello! I’m going to start selling amigurumi, and found yours to be amazing!
May i have your permission to use this pattern in my products?
Hello! Yes you can, but please review my policies (here) for all the details. Happy stitching!
i need help with r20! i cannot get these cat ears to save my life…. any advice? 🙁
Sorry to hear you are having trouble! You can also try dc, sc 6 (instead of 7) and then dc. It can be a little fiddly! Let me know if that helps.
Oh, what a cutie! My son ordered several of them, for him and his friends :-).
I will try this pattern with different colors. Will be fun – and quick!
Thank you very much for this free pattern!
I’m so glad you like this pattern! Different colours will be adorable – I’d love to see some pictures! Happy stitching 🙂
I just wanted to let you know how much I love these kitties. I have used this basic body pattern to make cats, dogs, mice, owls and bats. They are all so adorable. Thank you!
Yay! I’m so happy that you have enjoyed the pattern – and that it has inspired you to make more wonderful creations! Happy heart 🙂
This is darling. I made one while watching part of a football game today; simple and fun. Now on to the embroidery. I know I saw a link to the pattern to purchase, but now I can’t relocate it. Would you mind repeating it? Thank you for this design.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the pattern! The paid pattern does not include details on the embroidery, but you can see a video that uses the same technique here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czV_g-4Isro
If you would like to purchase any of my patterns in PDF format, you can find them here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThoresbyCottage
Thanks, Caitie. It turned out great. Now I’m going to make another. They’re so quick! Thanks again for sharing this for free. Very generous.
I don’t get to finish the tail as my kids love the kitties, so much that they call, dibs evey time.
😂
What size safety eyes should i use?
It depends on the yarn and hook size that you decide to use, but I would recommend eyes between 6mm – 8mm if you are using the same hook and yarn suggested in the pattern. What you can do is make your kitty but don’t sew up the head. Then check a few different sized eyes – different eyes give different looks!
Thank you for your response. I realised when I re-read the pattern that it dies actually say this! Just completed my first dummy run which is ok, so now going to try again with nicer yarn, armed with a stitch marker!
Thanks again for sharing this lovely pattern, it is appreciated. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. X
Hi Caitie. Thanks so much for posting this pattern. I’ve only ever crocheted granny squares before!
Do I need to chain 3 before I start the sc to get the height of the row? And do I close each row with a slip stitch?
Hi Hazel, great that you are giving this a go! This amigurumi project is worked in continuous rounds (which is essentially a spiral) so you do not need to slst to close the round and you do not need to ch 1 either. I do find it helpful to use a stitch marker to mark the beginning or end of a round. Hope that helps.
If you are going to do a french knot should you do it when it says after round 19 to stuff it or can you do it after?
It is probably best to do it afterwards actually, otherwise it may come undone while you finish up the crocheting.
it didn’t work for me 🙁 but i am a beginner and i am only 10 but they are cute i am going to try
again
Keep trying! If you have any questions, you can ask right here 🙂
I love this so much, thanks for the pattern!!! I made it as my first ever crochet project and it turned out so well, was really easy to follow. And it is so cute, the amount of joy it has brought me and my friends is ridiculously high.
Ah, I’m so, so happy to hear this! 🙂
Hello! Thank you very much for this reaaally cute kitty! My parents and siblings love them now:)
I have a question. I’m a student, who love crochet animals, but I don’t have money for this hobby. Can I use your pattern and sell some kitties (price will be low, I need only yarn)? I will indicate you as author of this pattern💖
(I’m trying to use English translator, sorry if something was unclear)
Hello! So glad you have enjoyed the pattern. Yes, you are welcome to sell kitties that you have made yourself. All the best!
Hi, can I sell this with your santa hat pattern attached?
Thanks!
Hi there! You are more than welcome to sell kitties you have made yourself, but please can I ask you to refer people to the website for the hat pattern. Thanks so much 🙂 (You can read more about the pattern terms of use here
Hi Caitie!
First of all, thank you so much for this pattern! I just started crocheting 3 weeks ago and this is my 3rd Amigurumi project! I am currently on Round 20 and had a question. When you say: Hold the top two edges together and crochet through both sides. — (Are you meaning you pinch them together and then crochet through 2 different stitches to bind them together?) I’m struggling to visualize this and wanted to ask before I attempted to go ahead. Thanks so much! 😀
Patrice
Hi Patrice, so glad you are enjoying the pattern! Yes, you hold the two open edges together, and instead of stitching through just one layer of fabric/one stitch (as you have been doing) you stitch through both layers to close up the top of the kitty. Hope that helps!
Hi,
I really want to make one of these but I dont understand any of the terminology even with the term guide… im new to this haha
Does anyone have a video i can follow to create my own?
Thank you
Becky xx
Hi Becky, I’m hoping to make a video for the itty bitty kitty soon! So stay tuned. I’d suggest familiarising yourself with the stitches (e.g. how to do a sc [single crochet]) and practice that so that when you get to making your kitty, it will turn out perfectly 🙂 You are also welcome to email me on hello@thoresbycottage.com for any other help you may need with the pattern.
Thanks!
Hi Caitlin! I should single crochet through both loops (not just the back loop), is that correct?
Correct! 🙂
Thank you! : )
Thank you, Caitie, for the free Itty Bitty Kitty pattern! This is my first time trying amigurumi. For Row 1: After I make the magic ring, do I need to chain 5 before adding 5 single crochets?
Great that you are trying out amigurumi! The pattern is worked in continuous rounds, or spirals, so when you have worked round 1, you continue working around (no need to work any chains). Hope that makes sense!
Hi Caitie! Thanks for creating such an adorable crochet kitty! It’s been many years since I’ve crocheted and this is a fun way to get back into it. I would like to share your pattern and kitty photo as a take+make craft kit that we are offering to our public library patrons and wondered if that was permitted? I would credit you and provide a link to your website. We’ve been doing different craft kits during the pandemic to connect to our community and they have been a big hit. This would be a perfect intro to crocheting!
As I’m making up 30 bags and using a slightly bigger hook for ease (3.75mm), approximately how much yarn do you think I’d need for each kitty? 35-40 yds? 15-20 g?
Thanks again!
Hi Ruth, I love that you are encouraging people to get crocheting! As long as it links back to me for the pattern then that is absolutely fine. I rely on the revenue generated from views on my blog (or from pattern sales) to pay for the costs of running my blog (along with other expenses!), so that link back is important. I reckon 20g should be plenty! I’d love to see some pictures of the kits or of library patrons finished projects, so feel free to share them via email or on Instagram. Happy stitching!
Thanks Caitie! I’ll include a shout out to you as well as a link to your blog and pattern.
Looking forward to sparking some new interest in crocheting and I’ll share any photos I get back from patrons with you.
Thanks again and stay well!
Not sure how to reply to a comment but that does help and I will definitely try that! Thank you much
Hello if I want to adapt this to make it a larger size , how many rounds would you recommend adding? I was thinking about 12-16 inch in size thank
You!
hmmm, that’s a bit tricksy because if you simply add lots of rounds, you will end up with a long and skinny cat, rather than an overall bigger itty bitty kitty. I’d suggest using bulkier yarn, or yarn held together and going up a few hook sizes to increase the overall size. You can add in a few extra rows to help it along a bit. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hey Caitie!! Thank you so much for making this pattern; a lot of friends and I have incredibly enjoyed making our little creations.
I wanted to ask if it was alright if I sold the cats that I made with this pattern (with credit, of course).
Thank you again :D!!
So glad you have enjoyed the pattern! You are more than welcome to make for sale. Happy stitching 🙂
Thank you for the free pattern. These are so cute, I made two of them and the second one was much more easier, but they both turned out okay. I am sure the pattern will become a favorite with many.
Thanks… ~~~Peace~~~
Unfortunately there are quite a few Amazon Kindle books being sold which were “written” by a variety of other authors that incorporate these photos and this pattern. Avoid buying cheap Amazon crochet patterns or at a minimum take the time to be sure that the person getting paid for them has the right to publish them! There’s a reason why some of them are so cheap.
Thank you for this Sue! I completely agree. Those “books” have pirated free patterns and photographs (which they are prohibited from doing based on the policies of this website. They have not been given permission at all!). It is such a shame… I so appreciate that there are many more honest crafters out there though!
Hi this is so cute. Was I supposed to do the french knot eyes before I closed up the cat? I didn’t do that. any way to do them after it is stuffed and sewn closed?
So glad you like the kitty! You can sew the eyes on afterwards. I usually insert my threaded needle from the back of the cat, pull through and leave a tail hanging at the back. Work your french knot/embroidered eyes, then pull the thread back through the body and trim off both tails. You can weave it through the body a few times to secure the thread a bit more too. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much for writing this pattern! I am really enjoying making my little kitty! It’s my first amigurumi attempt and I can’t believe how well it has turned out. I am making it for my cat-liver friend as a Christmas bauble, found it by searching online and it’s just PERFECT so thank you so much! Even the Santa hat!!
Hi! I love this pattern and have had a coworker ask if i can make one that looks like her recently deceased cat. How do I add a white belly to this pattern so it looks like her kitty? Just trial and error?
So glad that you like the pattern! And how lovely of you to gift on to someone who has lost their kitty. So kind of you! I think the easiest and neatest way to add a white tummy patch would be to cut one out of felt or fabric and stitch it on. Alternatively you could crochet a small oval and stitch that on. You can work a white patch into the stitches as you go, but that involves quite a bit of counting and some redesigning to figure out the placement! Let me know if that helps.
Hello, how much yarn does this need? Would a 15g ball of amigurumi yarn be enough? Thanks
It may be a little tight, depending on your tension, but it should be ok!