Crochet a Charming Cat Applique — Easy Step-by-Step Pattern

Make a delightful crochet cat applique to embellish bags, hats, garments, or gifts for cat lovers. This step-by-step pattern walks you through the head, ears, body, tail, eyes, nose and paws — perfect for crocheters looking for a quick, whimsical project. Gather your yarn, hook and sewing supplies, and follow the rows below to assemble and embroider your kitty.

Crocheting a beautiful cat applique could be a purrfect addition to your crafting repertoire! Whether you're an experienced crocheter or just starting out, creating this adorable feline design can bring a touch of whimsy to any project. With some yarn, a crochet hook, and a little bit of creativity, you'll have a charming cat applique to embellish your bags, hats, or even make as a special gift for a fellow cat lover. So, gather your supplies, follow a simple pattern, and enjoy the therapeutic rhythm of crochet as you bring this cute kitty to life!

Abbreviations

st – stitch

sts – stitches

ch – chain

sl st – slip stitch

sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

dc – double crochet

tr – treble crochet

Materials Used

Crochet cotton or wool, I used Scheepjes Maxi Sweet Treat 2 ply crochet cotton colours (106) Snow White, (222) Tulip, (389) Apple Green and (110) Black.

Crochet hook, I used a 1mm hook.

Scissors.

Thread to sew the cat together.

Sewing needle.

Darning needle to weave in ends.

Size

Medium cat (Using 4 ply crochet cotton & a 1.5mm hook)

6.5cm x 14cm or 2.5” x 5.5”

Small cat (Using 2 ply crochet cotton & a 1mm hook)

6cm x 12cm or 2.25” x 4.5”

Head

Make a magic loop.

Row 1: 3 ch, 5 dc, 3 tr, 6 dc, 3 tr, Pull loop tight and join with a sl st in 3rd ch.

Row 2: 3 ch, 1 dc in same place as ch, 2 dc in each of next 5 dc, 2 tr in each of next 3 tr, 2 dc in each of next 6 dc, 2 tr in each of next 3 tr. Join with a sl st in 3rd ch.

Row 3: 3 ch, 1 dc in same st, (1 dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) 3 times, 1 dc in next 2 sts, (2 tr in next st, 1 tr in next st) 3 times, (2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 2 sts) 4 times, (2 tr in next st, 1 tr in next st) 3 times, sl st into 3rd ch.

Row 4: 3 ch, (1 dc in each of next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st) repeat around. Join with a sl st. in 3rd ch. Fasten off if not at the right place to start on ear.

Ears

Join cotton.

Row 1: 2 ch, 1 hdc in each of next 5 sts. Turn.

Row 2: 2 ch Joined hdc over next 2 sts, hdc in next st, joined hdc over next 2 sts. Turn.

Row 3: 2 ch, Joined hdc over all sts. Fasten off.

Body

Make a magic loop.

Row 1: 3 ch. Work 14 dc into loop and pull tight. Slip st. into 3rd ch.

Row 2: 3 ch. Work 2 dc into each dc. Join with a sl st.

Row 3: 3 ch. .*Work 1 dc in each of next 2 dc and 2 dc in following dc, * repeat from * to * to end, sl st. in 3rd ch.

Row 4: 3 ch. .*Work 1 dc in each of next 2 dc and 2 dc in following dc, * repeat from * to * to end, sl st. in 3rd ch.

Row 5: 3 ch. .*Work 1 dc in each of next 2 dc and 2 dc in following dc, * repeat from * to * to end, sl st. in 3rd ch.

Tail

30 ch, miss first 3 ch, 1 dc in each of next five ch, (joined dc over next 2 sts, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts) 3 times, 2 dc in next st, 1 dc in each of next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, tr in last 2 sts. Sl st into body. Fasten off.

Eyes (Outside)

Make a magic loop.

2 ch, 10 hdc in loop. Fasten off.

Eyes (Inside)

Make a magic loop.

1 ch 6 sc in loop. Fasten off.

Nose

Make a magic loop.

1 ch, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 2 sc, sl st into ch. Fasten off.

Paws (make 2)

8 ch, 1 dc in 4th st from hook, 1 dc in each of next 4 sts, turn.

Row 2: 3 ch, 1 dc in each st to end. Turn.

Row 3: 4 ch, 3 tr cluster in same place as ch, 1 tr in each st to last, 4 tr cluster in last st. Fasten off.

Inner Ear (Make 2)

Make a magic loop.

3 ch, 3 dc cluster in loop, pull tight.

To Make Up

Attach inner eyes to outer eyes as shown.

Attach inner ears, eyes and nose to face.

Embroider mouth and whiskers.

Attach head to body and paws to head.