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After searching through the many ideas online I came across this easy cat cushion knitting pattern with 4 styles from which to choose.
I’d been looking for something I could knit as a gift for a cat lover. As the person that I want to make it for likes to lead a minimalist lifestyle, I knew I had to make something useful.
These delightful creatures are small enough to be arranged on the couch as well as being useful to support her back while sitting at the dining table.
Contents
Download the Pattern
To download the pattern just click the image of the cats – you’ll be directed to the website where it is available for a small investment.
About the Pattern
There are four different cats – one black, one Siamese, one brown and white and one grey and white. They all follow the same basic cat instruction pattern but are created differently by changing the colours of the yarn at various points in the knitting.
A stocking stitch is used throughout.
What Yarn is Needed?
The designer Carolina Speek has used a double knitting weight yarn called Scheepjes Softfun but any similar DK yarn will work. As I have enough Aran and chunky yarn in my stash, I plan on using them for this project. As both Aran and chunky yarn are thicker I will use bigger 5 mm needles and I expect my cushion will come out a bit bigger.
Needles?
When you follow the pattern , you will see that for double knitting yarn the suggested needles are 3.5mm (US 4)
What Else is Needed for the Project?
As well as a blunt-ended large-eyed sewing needle, you will also need something to fill the pillow such as soft toy stuffing. You will also need a pair of safety cat eyes around 15mm in size.
What Stitches Do You Need To Know How to Do?
The knitting skills needed to do this project are basic ones such as being able to
- cast on and off,
- knit and purl,
- know how to make simple decreases and increases and
- how to add in a new colour of yarn.
When you are changing from one colour to the next I think a bit of intarsia knowledge would be beneficial. When you are alternating with the colours it is important not to have a hole in your work. Intarsia colour work teaches you how to avoid this by twisting the strands around each other or bringing the new colour under the old so it is trapped. The video below demonstrates this technique.
This is a quick little project for new knitters to practice their basic knitting skills and also to perhaps learn the intarsia colour work technique on a small scale.
I love that this design gives the instructions to alter the basic cat pattern to make 4 different versions. It makes a nice handmade gift for cat lovers that looks attractive as well as being of practical use.