Crochet is a hobby that lets you make magic. With just a hook, some yarn, and some imagination, you can make things come to life. One of the best things you can make are stuffed toys.
These toys, known as amigurumi, come in all types, but one of the most popular designs are cats. While the end result is sure to impress and amaze, the process of crocheting cats is quite simple. Some patterns begin with a magic circle, others are just a series of simple stitches. If you’re not sure you can follow a pattern, many of them also come with an instructional video tutorial to guide the process.
Just like real cats, amigurumi patterns all come with their own personalities. Take a look through some of our top picks and discover which cat speaks to you most, then get to crocheting!
1. Ginger Cat
Beginner-friendly, no video
If you’re crocheting a cat to cuddle with, then look no further than this adorable ginger cat. The pattern shows it in orange, but the beauty of making your own project is that you can opt for any color you’d like.
This pattern is free (though you might have to sign up with their blog–also free–for access) and suited for even beginners to try their hand at amigurumi.
2. Cecil the Cat
Advanced-Beginner, with video tutorial
For a slightly bigger challenge than the ginger cat, try Cecil.
Cecil the Amigurumi Cat comes as a free pattern with a helpful video tutorial, so you can easily follow along. It’s just as cut as the ginger cat, and, of course, you can make it come to life in any color you like!
3. Simple Stackable Cats
Beginner, with video tutorial
This free amigurumi pattern is what the author calls “kitty mod,” meaning there are a lot of ways to modify this simple pattern.
If you follow the instructions as they are, you’ll come back with these cute tiny cats that play well together. They’re a quick crochet project, so once you make one you’ll be excited to go back in another color to make the whole litter.
4. Pusheen Unicorn Cat
Beginner, no video tutorial
The beloved internet cat Pusheen is known for her vibrant personality. Even if you’re not familiar with her internet presence, this free crochet pattern is a cute project to make a cat dressed like a unicorn.
If you do know Pusheen, then you’ll definitely love seeing her dressed up in a full vibrant unicorn ensemble. It’s twice as nice that you can use this free crochet pattern to bring her to life yourself!
5. Pusheen with Ice Cream
Beginner, partial video tutorial
Pusheen is so energetic because she eats… a lot.
The free patterns guide you through making a pusheen holding an ice cream cone. This is just one of the many favored deserts of this lovable internet character, and you can do it yourself. There’s no video tutorial, but this pattern suggests a few tips for perfecting amigurumi.
6. Mini Pusheen
Beginner, no video tutorial
Whether you’re a huge Pusheen lover or you’re just looking for a simple crochet cat amigurumi, this free pattern hits the mark.
The mini Pusheen is so tiny it will fit in your palm. This tiny design can be made very quickly, meaning you can complete it fast and move on to making it in all the other colors you like!
7. Dumpling Kitty
Beginner, partial video tutorial
This free amigurumi pattern creates a plump little cat with stripes. Since it’s so much body, the biggest challenge is attaching the tail, feet, and ears.
The author provides a video tutorial specifically so you know how to attach the ears. The rest of it is quite simple to do!
8. Roly Poly Cats
Beginner, no video tutorial
Like the dumpling cat, these roly-poly crochet cats are mostly body. This is a great pattern to teach you how to crochet in the round to make a sphere.
Each part of the body is broken out into simple steps, so even though there’s no video, you can still make these easy amigurumi cats in no time.
9. Fat Cat
Beginner, with video tutorial
This fat cat is another round-bodied amigurumi crochet cat, but this time you can cuddle with it. Made by stitching in the round and attaching legs and ears, this is a great pattern for beginners to work on. For the cuddliest amigurumi, use a velvet yarn.
10. Hanna the cat
Beginner, no video tutorial
The buzzworthy blog Akamatra created this cute little amigurumi kitty named Hanna. This free crochet amigurumi pattern is simple to do with plenty of room for customizable flexibility.
The body and head come together in one piece, and the tail and ears are attached later. This is a great amigurumi pattern for beginners.
11. Spooky Black Cat
Intermediate
Whether you’re decorating for Halloween or have a soft spot for spooky things, you’ll love this free pattern for a Halloween cat.
You’ll need to know how to make the magic loop (like many of these cat amigurumi patterns), but calls for some more intermediate stitches.
12. Halloween Cat
Intermediate, no video
This is a true Halloween pattern but hey, if you want to leave it out year-round we don’t judge. This cute kitty wears a witch’s hat and holds a flying broomstick – all quintessential tokens of Halloween.
With all of these components, advanced stitches, and no video tutorial, this pattern is best suited to intermediate or advanced crocheters. Still, if you love it, try it out!
13. Lying Kitten
Beginner, with video tutorial
For your everyday lazy kitty, this pattern is a great choice. It creates a cute lazy cat that’s less than 5 inches (about 12 cm). It’s fun to make and adorable to relax with when it’s all finished.
Since it’s so small and simple to do, you can make yourself a whole bunch of these cute little cats to lie around or as gifts. Since it comes with a video tutorial as well, this pattern is suited to even ultra beginners.
14. Playing kittens
Beginner, no video tutorial
If you want a cat that has a little more energy, but is still cute and easy to make, try this free pattern for playing kittens. The only issue here is, you almost certainly have to make two so they can play together!
15. Kitty Bean
Beginner, no video tutorial
This adorable kitty pattern is a great place to start if you’re looking to make some amigurumi decor. While this pattern shows them in Halloween colors, you can make them in any color.
Go for another holiday theme, match a nursery, or make a welcoming doorway project. With an easy and flexible cat pattern like this, there’ plenty of creativity open for you.
16. Itty Bitty Kitty
Beginner, no video tutorial
This free amigurumi pattern gives you another easy-to-do kitty that you can incorporate into bigger projects, or not.
The only attachment you have to add is the tail, so it’s just two pieces that come together quickly. This is another one that will certainly inspire you to make several itty bitty kitties!
17. Easy Little Cat
Beginner, with video tutorial
If you’re looking for a cat that has a more defined body shape, this is the pattern for you. Since it’s not just a round body, it will take a little more steps to create the contours of the legs. Luckily, there’s a video tutorial to walk you through the process if you hit a snag.
18. Quiet Cat
Beginner, no video tutorial
If you really want to amaze yourself, try this amigurumi cat pattern. The end result is a beautiful cat that sits and has long huggable arms.
Surprisingly, it’s quite easy to do and comes together with very simple stitches. The flower crown is optional, but oh so cute and unique.
19. Small Standing Cat
Beginner, no video tutorial
This adorable amigurumi cat is made in the round with a specific design for conjoined legs. These are so cute when you make them as a pair: one with a striped shirt and one with a tutu.
While it looks like a difficult project, it really only requires three simple stitches, making it perfect for beginners!
20. Long-Legged cat
Beginner, with video tutorial
This amigurumi pattern is the ultimate cuddle buddy cat, even if it does have a grumpy face! That’s something that you can adjust later, but the pattern itself is easy to do, even for beginners, with very simple stitches.
The finished result is a long-legged cat that can cross its arms or give little hugs, which is a great gift for kids to play with, or to send subtle hints to your housemates.
