Are you looking to begin a new knitting project but are unsure what it will be? Consider these knitting patterns for cats and kittens in honour of International Cat Day which is celebrated each year on the 8th of August.
On this day ( and most others too) you will find more memes and videos being shared that are centred around cats and all the crazy things they get up to. There are many patterns freely available to make knitted cats and kittens. You’ll also find patterns for items they need such as cat toys and accessories. There are many ideas to choose from such as their knitted beds and even specialist cat blankets!
Cats and knitting make a good combination. So many people love these creatures! If you knit something with a cat theme you are sure to find someone who will love it as a gift. The cat protection societies are always looking for items they can use for their animals or to sell for desperately needed funds.
Knit a Cat or Kittens from Free Patterns
When you search online you’ll find many free toy cat knitting patterns. Many do not require a great deal of yarn so you could use up something you already have in your stash of yarn.
I find ordering yarn online is convenient and there is always a large selection. I cannot pass a local yarn store without going in and almost never leave without purchasing some yarn.
If you have no leftover wool to start with then there is a wide choice of colours and yarn types to choose from online that can be delivered right to your door. Double knitting is one of the most widely used yarns for knitted toys.
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Lovecrafts and The Knitting Network are the places I like to go to when looking to buy yarn.
Knitted cat patterns can range from simple hand-held toys for young toddlers to more complex, larger, realistic-looking ones.
Video Tutorial Knitting Patterns Cat and Kittens
Here is a video which shows how even a beginner can knit a cat ….
You can make smaller kittens by knitting the initial rectangle smaller. This is an easy project for new knitters and children to make, as it only requires knowledge of casting on, knitting, and casting off.
Knitting Pattern to Make Tabitha the Cat
Click HERE to download the pattern to knit Tabitha. Use up leftover bits of yarn to make this cheerful cat that children will love to cuddle. This pattern is set at an intermediate level but if you are a beginner it is an ideal small project to use as a way of learning some new stitch skills. What stitch skills are these you might be wondering?
Here are the stitches you need to be able to do ( search YouTube to find out how)
- K – knit
- K2tog – knit 2 stitches together (dec count by 1 st)
- K3tog – knit 3 stitches together (dec count by 2sts)
- M1R – make 1 right – insert the right-hand needle under the horizontal bar between the stitches and lift. Slip the stitch onto the left-hand needle purlwise. Knit into the front of the stitch.
- M1L – make 1 left – insert the right-hand needle under the horizontal bar between the stitches and lift. Slip the stitch onto the left-hand needle knitwise. Knit into the back of the stitch.
- PSSO – pass slipped stitch over
- Sl1PW – slip 1stitch as if to purl
- SSK – slip slip knit – slip knitwise, slip knitwise, knit the 2 slipped stitches together (decrease by 1)
Make 4 versions from this 1 Cat Knitting Pattern
Other patterns like the one pictured below come with the option to make four versions from the one pattern just by changing the colours and yarn type.
Click the image to download the pattern to knit these 4 adorable cats.
Fine yarns will make a smaller cat, while thicker fluffy type of yarns will result in a bigger cat.
Variations such as you see with the ginger and tabby cats are achieved by using horizontal stripes.
Experiment with different yarn weights and corresponding needle sizes to achieve bigger or smaller sizes. You could even use up leftover yarn to take creative liberties and produce a unique cat.
Share Kitty – another Knitted Cat Pattern
Share Kitty is another free pattern you might also like to make. Click HERE to get the free pattern.
I hope this selection of free patterns has inspired you to think about which one you might like to make to celebrate International Cat Day.
For more knitting patterns for cats and kittens try searching on Lovecrafts
