As any true cat lover knows, you can never have too many cats around. That’s why we’ve put together a collection of the best free crochet cat patterns, including everything from adorable amigurumi cats to kitty-themed hats and home decor. These patterns range from quick and beginner-friendly to more advanced designs for the seasoned crocheter. So grab your yarn and enjoy these fun patterns celebrating your favorite feline friends!
Free Crochet Cat Patterns
Whether you’re looking to create a decorative piece for your home, a fun accessory to wear, or a special gift for a friend or family member – it’s more fun when it’s cat-related!
This pattern collection includes everything from tiny amigurumi kittens to cute feline decor to larger crochet cat patterns, such as afghans. No matter what type of project you’re looking to create, we’ve got you covered with these fantastic cat crochet projects.
Best Crochet Cat Patterns for Beginners
Many of these patterns are suitable for beginner crocheters, and can be whipped up in less than an hour! Some patterns use intermediate-level techniques, and would be an excellent choice for the more experienced crocheter.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend checking out the Black Cat Slouch Hat (#6), Swirly Cat Coasters (#8), Pusheen Amigurumi (#10), or the Cute Crochet Cat Coasters (#12). They’re all easy enough for beginners to tackle, and are relatively quick projects. Plus, they’d make great gifts or popular items to sell at craft shows.
18 Free Crochet Cat Patterns
Enjoy these free cat crochet patterns for your next project!
Dumpling Kitty
This pudgy kitty has a flat base so you can set her anywhere to keep you company! This striped crochet cat stands about 4” tall and is a good pattern for comfortable beginners or intermediates. It’s crocheted in the round.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Amineko Crocheted Cat
This super soft and flexible crochet cat is fun to play with or to use as decor. Both written instructions and diagrams are included to walk you through the steps of crocheting and assembling this project. The author suggests using fiberfill for the body and plastic pellets for the hands and feet to give them some weight.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Ski Yarn Fingering
Chubby Cat Amigurumi
After you make one of these chubby little cats, you’re going to want to make more! They’re adorable in both classic cat colors and brighter shades. Enjoy these cute and round little creatures!
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: YarnArt Jeans
Many Cats Square
With this afghan crochet cat pillow, you can make cats in all of your favorite colors and background shades! This project would be great for stash busting. It’s made with 16 squares, but you can make your pattern using as many (or as few) as you’d like!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
Crochet Purrmaid Mermaid Cat
What could be cuter than this sleepy mermaid-cat? That tiny kitty face plus the colorful mermaid tail is just too cuddly and irresistible! This pattern comes with a video tutorial.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Scheepjes Stone Washed
Black Cat Slouch Hat
This chunky and slouchy cat would make a perfect gift for a cat lover in your life! It’s made with stretchy ribbing for a cozy fit, and the super bulky yarn allows it to work up quickly. A video tutorial is included for this adorable hat pattern.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta Thick & Quick
Valentine’s Day Heart Cat
What better way to say “I love you” than with this heart-shaped Valentine’s kitty!? This intermediate-level pattern measures about 4” and is worked in continuous rounds. Add a bow and string and gift this cute kitty to a cat lover in your life!
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: YarnArt Jeans
Swirly Cat
This cute and easy cat crochet pattern is both fun and quick to make! It could be used as a coaster, a table decoration, or be hung up. There’s no limit to the color combinations that you could choose for this swirly pattern!
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Drops Paris
Pattern: Covered In Cats Afghan
This gorgeous, cat-themed afghan is made using the corner-to-corner technique. Its finished size measures approximately 52” x 69”. Cozy up with your feline friends on this beautiful afghan!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti Pilling
Pusheen amigurumi
This free and easy amigurumi cat pattern would be a fun gift to give and is quick to make! You’ll need to know how to chain, slip stitch, single crochet, increase, and single crochet two together in order to make this pattern. The body is worked in a continuous spiral.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti Pilling
Donut Cat Pattern
Cats + donuts = too sweet! If you can chain, single crochet, slip stitch, increase, and decrease, you can make this pattern! Don’t forget to add the colorful stripes!
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: YarnArt Jeans
Cute Crochet Cat Coasters
Brighten up your home with these quick and easy crochet cat coasters! They’re fun to make, worked in one piece, and can be finished with or without the embroidered face. You could totally whip up a bunch of these in no time to give as gifts or to sell at craft shows!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Arturo the Sleepy Cat
This sleepy amigurumi cat is shaped like a tube and makes an adorable desk buddy! You can choose any colors you like for the stipes to customize this cute kitty! This beginner pattern is worked in rounds and uses the magic ring, chain, slip stitch, single crochet, decrease, and increase.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Pusheen with Ice Cream
This pudgy amigurumi cat is worked in continuous spiral rounds and measures approximately 17 cm tall. The head and body are crocheted in one piece, with the additional pieces seamed onto the main body. Use whatever colorful scraps you have on hand to make your favorite flavor of ice cream cone!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti Pilling
Free Playing Cats
This small but realistic free crochet cat pattern will remind you of your favorite energetic kitten! Make sure to use plenty of stuffing to get a nice, firm kitty. Enjoy this quick, fun, and playful pattern!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
Amigurumi Small Cat
This little amigurumi kitten can be crocheted with either a shirt or a skirt and bow. This easy pattern is worked in continuous rounds and measures about 6” tall. You’ll need to know how to work a magic ring, single crochet, half double crochet, and single crochet two together to make this pattern.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Drops Cotton Light
Itty Little Simple Kitty
This simple and sweet amigurumi pattern is fun for both beginners and experienced crocheters to make. You can make your kitty in a solid color or with patches or stripes. No matter what you choose, that cute and curious face is just irresistible!
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Solids
Lying Kitten Amigurumi Pattern
From her reaching paws to the bow on her tail, this little 5” cat is cute as can be! She’s made with basic stitches such as the chain, single crochet, slip stitch, increases, and decreases. She would make a sweet gift for anyone!
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Alize Cotton Gold
Supplies You’ll Need
Before getting started, read through your pattern’s instructions thoroughly and collect all the supplies you’ll need. Here are some of the most common supplies you’ll need to make your crochet cat pattern.
- Yarn
- Crochet hook – for amigurumi, it’s usually best to use a hook one or two sizes smaller than you’d generally use
- Other notions (tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, etc.)
Other supplies for making cat toys
If you’re creating cat toys or amigurumi (stuffed yarn creatures), you’ll likely also need the following supplies:
- Toy stuffing/fiberfill
- Safety eyes (Please note that safety eyes can pose a choking hazard for children under age 3. If you plan to give your cat project to a child, it’s best to embroider the eyes instead.)
Crochet Techniques to Know for Making Cat Patterns
Not sure whether you’re ready to make your crochet cat pattern? Here are some common techniques that you’ll find in many of the patterns below. If you’re not quite comfortable with them yet, check out these links and tutorials to learn more.
- Magic circle
- Basic crochet stitches, such as the chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, and treble crochet
- Increases and decreases
- Changing colors in crochet
- Working in the round
- Seaming pieces together
- Weaving in ends
Brand new to crochet? Make sure to read through our beginner How to Crochet guide to get all the details before jumping in.
Tips for Making Crochet Cat Patterns
Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind.
Choose the right pattern for your skill level.
Before getting started, read through your pattern thoroughly to get a good idea of the stitches and techniques used. It’s no fun to get partway through a project and feel frustrated about not knowing how to proceed! Choose a pattern that fits your skill level, and if any stitches are new to you, learn how to work them before jumping into your design.
Use a smaller hook for crochet amigurumi.
This collection has so many adorable options for cat amigurumi! When crocheting amigurumi, it’s a good idea to use a hook one or two sizes smaller than you would typically use. Working with a smaller hook creates a tighter fabric, which keeps your stuffing from falling out between the stitches.
Don’t overstuff or understuff crochet cat amigurumi.
Speaking of stuffing, be careful not to overstuff or understuff your cat amigurumi! Overstuffing can cause your project to become too stiff. Start with less stuffing than you think you need, and then see if you need any more before seaming up your kitty.
Check your gauge
If you’re creating a project that you want to be a specific size, such as a sweater or a pillow cover, checking your gauge before you start stitching is especially important. If it’s too small or large, adjust your hook size or try a different yarn.
Embroider the eyes when crocheting for small children.
If you plan to give your crochet cat pattern to a child under 3, it’s best to avoid using safety eyes. If safety eyes get pulled off, or otherwise become detached, they can become a choking hazard for little ones. For small children, embroidering your cat’s eyes is the best option.
More Crochet Patterns
If you love to crochet, you may be interested in these related pattern collections.
- 17 Adorable (and Free!) Crochet Bunny Patterns
- 25 Easy Crochet Animal Patterns for Beginners
- How to Crochet a Mushroom + Free Pattern
- 27 Free Crochet Dinosaur Patterns To Roar About
- 17 Free Crochet Octopus Patterns: Fun for All Ages
- 30 Free Easy Crochet Flower Patterns (plus ideas to use them!)
- 30 Free Crochet Doll Patterns
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