This Crochet Project Makes Purr-Fect Gift

Crocheted animals such as the one here make a simple, fun project. You’ll create a firm, durable fabric using single crochet, the most elementary crochet stitch.

We received some helpful tips on making this unique cat from California designer Stephanie Gildersleeve.

Q. Was this your first stuffed animal design?

A. I designed a snowman and a bear last year. Both appeared on the cover of the November ‘95 Family Circle magazine.

Doing these two gave me ideas for making other crocheted animals. To add whimsy, I especially like the idea of adding some fun buttons, a little vest like the one on the cat, or even a hat or scarf.

Q. We know that you make both knit and crochet designs. Do you prefer one or the other?

A. For me, crochet is like speaking English. It seems so natural since I’ve been doing it for so long, and it was the first thing that I learned to do.

Q. The gauge given in the cat pattern of single crochet is in rounds as opposed to a flat gauge. Is this necessary?

A. When you work single crochet in rounds, you create a thinner, more flexible fabric. To work the gauge, I suggest that you make a bit of the leg.

If your gauge is OK, you have part of your cat completed.

I’d like to point out that single crochet in the round will bias slightly. This is not terribly important for small projects such as my cat, but if you were making a large piece, you might run into problems.

Q. You’ve done some shaping as you worked the cat. How did you do your increasing and decreasing in single crochet?

A. I used very simple increases and decreases on this project to keep it as easy to work as possible. To increase, I worked 2 single crochets into 1 stitch. To decrease, I just worked 2 single crochets together.

Q. We noticed that you call for adding the fiberfill stuffing to each piece as you work. Why is this?

A. For ease in making, I recommend stuffing the pieces as you work. In some sections, after working part of the piece, you stuff, work some decreasing and then close the section. You can use a crochet hook or needle to help distribute the filling.

Don’t overstuff. This will give the cat a nice flexibility.

Q. If you don’t have a great deal of crochet experience, is this a good project?

A. Oh, yes! The pattern is written out in rounds. Just check off the rounds as you crochet.

It’s definitely a rewarding project.

Decked out in a snappy buttoned vest, the soft and cuddly crocheted cat is fun to make and even more fun to give as a gift. It measures 14 inches when seated and is worked with a worsted-weight yarn.

MEMO: To obtain directions for making the Cuddly Cat, send your request for Leaflet No. 051996 with $2 and a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The NeedleWorks, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 051996 by sending a check or money order for $19.95 to The NeedleWorks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and worsted-weight yarn to complete the project in off-white, denim blue and black. Fiberfill stuffing and buttons are not included. For kit orders only, you may call 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays at: (800) 873-9537.