Crochet Squishie Cat

This creation is a crochet cat made into a tubular shape. I love the plushies in the shape of tubes, and I have made some large ones as gifts, though this one is about the size of my palm.

You will need to know how to perform a chain, single crochet, and double crochet. Knowing how to do some basic thread weaving is also helpful.

This project takes roughly 2-3 hours and uses US terminology.

Medium/worsted yarn from the brand "I Love This Yarn!" in dark gray and white (colors optional). Pink is recommended as well.

5.0 crochet hook

Stitch marker, though safety pins are a good substitute

Large eye needle/darning needle

Stuffing

Optional: Embroidery thread in black

The first step is to create the magic circle. For anyone unfamiliar with the magic circle, there are several ways to do this, the easiest being to start with two chain stitches in a slip knot, then creating six single crochets (sc) within the first one.

However, this usually ends up with a good sized hole in the center of the circle, which can be mitigated with a very tight first chain stitch. Personally I find it frustrating. If you are able to, instead lay the yarn as shown above, then use the hook to pull the lower part of the loop forward and chain once. Then sc 6 times in the loop. Place a stitch marker in stitch 1. This makes up row 1.

Row 2. Sc twice in the first stitch of row 1 (inc sc). In the first stitch of row 2 place a stitch marker. Sc twice (inc sc) in the other five stitches of row 1. You should have 12 sc in this row.

Row 3. In row 3 you start in row 2's first stitch with a single sc. The next stitch will be an inc sc. You will repeat this pattern 5 more times [(sc, inc sc) x 5] and end up with 18 sc by the end.

Row 4. In row 4 you will do the same as row 2, but with the pattern of 2 sc in a row followed by an inc sc. (2 sc, inc sc) x 6. You should have 24 sc.

From this point if you want the plush to be bigger you should follow this pattern of increasing the number of sc followed by an inc sc for each additional row. This will affect where you place the ears. It also makes the face a little easier to sew on if it is bigger. You can see the difference in the two cats at the beginning. The black cat goes up to 4 sc, 1 inc.

This is the first step of making the body. Add a stitch marker to the first stitch of the row and do not remove it.

Row 5. You will do a single sc in each stitch of row 4 (24 total sc). Four stitches from the marker, add another marker that will stay there. These markers make up the ears.

From this point continue adding stitch markers in stitch 1 of each row to keep track.

Row 6. Sc once in each stitch (24 sc). On step 22 is a color change to your second color. For a smooth transition start the stitch so you have two loops on the hook, but do not loop the yarn over to complete. Instead, use the second color yarn to do so. Do not cut the first color.

In order to switch colors from now on, just pull the color from the strand still connected. Keep it loose (to avoid tension on the project) and on the outside of the project (the wrong side). Later the cat will be flipped inside out. This avoids having to weave in a lot of ends by the end of the project.

Row 7. Continue the second color for 8 stitches, then switch back to color 1. Sc in each stitch for this row (24 sc).

Row 8. Complete first 23 sc in color 1, then switch to color 2 in the last stitch. (24 sc).

Row 9. The first 9 stitches are in color 2, then switched to color 1. (24 sc).

Row 10. The entire row is in color 1. (24 sc). The next row begins with color 2.

Row 11. The first 10 stitches are in color 2, then switch to color 1. (24 sc). Cut color 2 and weave into work.

Row 12. 24 sc in color 1. This is the end of the body. Do not cut thread or fasten off.

Flip the work inside out. Tie the beginning thread tight (if you did a magic circle) and leave the tail on the bad side (inside at this point).

Using a darning needle and embroidery thread, or just yarn if needed, add a face however you would like by sewing in the eyes, mouth, and nose. In the picture above is how I did it. Use the stitch markers to determine where the top of the head is. (The top is between the markers directly). Keep the face a row or two below the markers, as the ears will be placed there.

End by tying the thread on both ends and leaving the thread on the bad side.

Row 13. Start 2 sc, then do a 2 single crochet together (two sc from the previous row are used in a single stitch. Repeat this 5 more times [(2 sc, 1 dec sc)x 6] (18 sc).

Begin stuffing, and continue as needed until the project is closed.

Row 14. 1 sc, then a decreasing sc. (1 sc, 1 dec sc). (12 sc).

Row 15. 6 decreasing sc. (6 sc).

Before fastening off, make sure you can get your stitch markers out. They should be hooked on the right side. If you need to remove them, count 2 rows before the first stripe, then place four stitches from each end of the color 2 stripe. I had to do this as well, so don't feel bad if you messed up!

Fasten off a long tail and weave the tail into the six stitches to close them. Tie a knot and hide thread in the body.

To make a tail, start a new thread of either color 1 or 2 and chain 12.

Row 1. Make 10 total double crochets, starting from the third loop in the chain.

After making this, fasten off with a longish tail and sew the tail to the top of the back end of the cat. Use the stitch markers in the front to line up the tail. You can curl the tail as you would like simply by twisting the chain. You can also tie the beginning thread into the body for additional support and hide both in the body.

Complete these steps twice for 2 ears. (You will complete 4 total triangles, two in either color 1 or 2, and two in pink or a substitute).

Row 1. In either color 1 or 2 chain 2.

Row 2. Inc sc in the second chain from loop (2 sc).

Row 3. 1 sc in first stitch, then inc sc in second stitch (3 sc).

Row 4. 1 sc in first and second stitch, then inc sc (4 sc).

Row 4. 1 sc in first three stitches, then inc sc (5 sc).

Fasten off with a long tail.

Repeat with pink.

Using the pink's tail, weave together the halves of the ear together (a color 1/2 and the pink). Weave around the edges as close as possible, as you may lose part of the ear if you are too close to the interior. Tie pink end and do not cut. Flip the ear inside out and stuff any ends inside except for the long tail of color 1/2.

Weave in ear where the stitch markers are with the long tail, so that the interior edge of the back of the ear is where the stitch marker is. You will need to use the row in front of it as well if desired. Tie end and hide tail inside body.