Trying Something New: My First Crochet Cat Cuddly Toy

Until now I've only made clothing items and a tote bag - nothing with a particularly unique shape (unless you count slippers as having a unique shape). I've also only crocheted beginner friendly patterns. But it was time! Time to venture into making something different and my first "intermediate" skill level pattern.

This was also my first time using a pattern that had minimal photos and no video instructions. Thus, I needed to improve my written pattern reading skills for this project.

I made this cat toy (commonly referred to as a cat cuddler or lovey, but I don't love that association, so I am calling it a cuddly toy). I'm so proud of making this! And in today's blog I am going to give you all the tips and tricks to be able to make this - even if you still classify yourself as a beginner.

How awesome is this cat?

Can you make this?

This pattern is classified as an intermediate pattern, mostly because it includes a special stitch - the puff stitch.

Puff stitch

At some point all of us beginners may be ready to take on a slightly more challenging project and therefore I do think that even if you are a beginner, you will be able to make this - especially with the tips included in this blog! That being said I don't recommend this as your first crochet project. Check out my other crochet projects for some inspiration for other projects to do first before doing this one (I'll explain why).

The reason I don't recommend this as your first project is because I think it best to start with projects that only include the basic stitches initially, but also, I think it helps to start with projects that include more photos and videos so that you can visually see what you are doing. The most skill improvement requirement (sorry for that weird phrasing) for me to take on more complex projects is reading and understanding written patterns better. Because I've done several projects using both videos and the written pattern, I felt confident to do this one that included only a few photos and the written pattern.

BUUUUT - I am going to provide loads of tips that will help you with this project and provide links to videos that I found helpful or ones I made to help.

Table of content:

1. What you'll need

2. Getting started - making the blanket

3. The body parts

4. Putting the parts together

5. Embroidering the face

6. The crochet written pattern

What you'll need?

1. Yarn - I use thrifted yarn for most of my projects. For this one I used a Bernat Shoftee Chunky Weight Acrylic Yarn that I thrifted. I had 4 balls. I used 3 + a bit of 80g balls. So, I used probably about 250g of yarn. The yarn I linked is the exact same yarn, except it now comes in 100g balls. Which means you can get 3 and that should be enough for this project.

2. Crochet hooks - 5 & 4 mm crochet hooks.

3. Fill / stuffing - I have linked the one that I buy for projects, but for this project I did use one that I was given by a friend. I like the one I buy more because it is softer and separates easier (so it makes sticking a needle through it easier).

4. Doll needle - Used for doing the facial features.

5. Yarn needle - Used for attaching the parts.

6. Embroidery floss or some other yarn for the facial features. I used yarn, because I thought the embroidery floss would be too thin, but in hindsight I think the embroidery floss would have looked better. I have linked the one I buy for other projects.

7. Row counter - I like to use a row counter app on my phone for some parts of projects to help me keep track and avoid mistakes. I have linked the free app I use.

8. Stitch marker - I have linked the ones I use. Initially for projects that require a stitch marker I used paper clips, but honestly it was really annoying, and it was worth it for me to get proper stitch markers. This is used for the head, arms & ears because you crochet them in continuous rounds.

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Getting started - the blanket

This pattern starts using a magic circle. I've only used a magic circle in one project before this, so I turned to my most favorite crochet resource as a reminder for how to do it.

I definitely recommend this book. It is affordable and so helpful!

In row 3 you'll be required to do a puff stitch. You can find how to do the puff stitch here. A tip - because I was not (yet) familiar with the puff stitch I found it difficult to know initially which stitches to skip and which to work into. I detail that in the link I provided (I show you on this actual pattern in the video).

Once you've done Row 3 it will become easier to do the blanket because the rest of the rows are the same only with more stitches.

The last row of the blanket is not hard, but it is time consuming compared to the other rows because it has many puff stitches. It creates the beautiful border.

Remember to use a row counter if you want assistance with keeping track of the stitches or rows. I usually use it to count stitches and not rows. I remember the row I am on with this project, but the bigger the blanket became the more likely I would need to attend to my kiddo and stop wherever I was and lose count if I didn't make a note of it.

The body parts

Here you will need to use your stitch marker because instead of doing a slip stitch - you will do continuous rows. The marker helps you keep track of the row number and where to start.

If you want to think ahead you can also put additional stitch markers where the eyes, nose & mouth will go as you are creating those rows. I didn't do this, but it is a tip if you want to.

I didn't find doing the head difficult. It is basic stitches with increases and decreases. However, learn from me and I think the head should be stuffed more to be firmer. I was worried about stretching the yarn. I think the yarn could take more and the head could do with being firmer and fuller than what I did.

Putting the parts together

I probably should have looked up the best way to do this, but I didn't I just stitched them together using a yarn needle. Since I am giving this to a toddler, I stitched all the parts very well to make sure that nothing will come off with pulling and tugging.

Here is my cat completed (with just the face left to do).

Embroidering the face onto the crocheted cat

Like I said earlier I did this using yarn, but I think embroidery floss would look better.

Since this was my first time doing this, I looked up how to do the embroidery part. I watched a few videos, but this one was by far the most straight forward and helpful. I used a small doll needle and the video, plus the instructions from the pattern I aside from it maybe being a little thick I think it turned out well.

And there you have the final product!!

Cat cuddly toy crochet pattern

Full credit for the pattern goes to Jessica Underwood. You can find the FREE pattern here on her website.

I will definitely be making this again. I want to try it using two different colors of yarn and potentially try it using cotton yarn.

Crocheting my first cat cuddly toy was a rewarding experience, and it reminded me that trying something new can be both challenging and exciting. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, I hope this post inspires you to pick up a crochet hook and create something special.

If you enjoyed this post, I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, tips, or your own crochet experiences in the comments below. And if you’re ready to try making your own cuddly toy, check out the links to the materials and patterns I used.

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Happy crafting! 💕

Carmen