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!
Crochet cat pattern requirements
DK/light worsted cotton* (Main body color as well as optional contrast color if adding stripes)
3.25mm crochet hook (larger cat)
2.75mm crochet hook (smaller cat)
Yarn needle
Stuffing
Embroidery cotton for sewing facial details (black, white, pink, tan)
Safety eyes (optional)
*Yarn suggestions
Vinni’s colors Nikkim: 50g (1.75oz), 119m (130yds), 100% cotton, double knit
Paintbox yarns Cotton DK: 50g (1.75oz), 125m (137yds), 100% cotton, 8 ply
La mia Mini Cottony: 25g (0.88oz), 60m (65yds), 100% cotton, double knit
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK: 80g (2.8oz), 250m (273yds), 100% cotton
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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.
More Itty Bitty Kitty crochet cat patterns
Crochet Cat Pattern
Body
Rnd 1. Mr 6 sc (6)
Rnd 2. sc 2 in each (12)
Rnd 3. [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (18)
Rnd 4. [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (24)
Rnd 5. [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (30)
Rnd 6. [sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] repeat around (36)
Rnd 7 – 8. sc around (36)
Rnd 9. [sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog] repeat around (30)
Rnd 10 – 12. Sc around (30)
Rnd 13. [sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog] repeat around (24)
Rnd 14 – 17. sc around (24)
Rnd 18. [sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog] repeat around (18)
Rnd 19. sc around (18)
Stuff. (*If you are adding safety eyes, do so now!)
Rnd 20. 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:
Rnd 1. Mr 5 sc (5)
Rnd 2. 2 sc in each (10)
Rnd 3. sc around (10)
Rnd 4. [sc2tog, sc in next 3], repeat (8)
Rnd 5 – 6. sc around (8)
Rnd 7. [sc2tog, sc in next 2] repeat (6)
Stuff the end of the tail lightly.
Rnd 8 – 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 Itty Bitty Kitty crochet cat pattern, why not check out my other free and premium 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.