Gauge:
4 sts x 6 rows = 1 inch (but, not all that important!)
Materials:
Any worsted weight yarn will do (I used a variegated pastel Peaches
n' Cream which worked nicely)
#6 or #7 16" circular needles, dpn's
stuffing (optional bb's to give the tail weight, if using the cat for
a doorstop)
small amounts of yarn or embroidery thread for eyes, nose, mouth and
whiskers
Pattern:
* Note: Unless indicated, every row is knitted even.*
Cast on 35 sts. Place a BLUE marker. After this marker, cast on 35 more sts, and place a RED marker. (70 sts)
Knit in the round for 6 rows.
Row 7: Decrease 1 st before and after the BLUE marker.
Row 11: Repeat Row 7.
Rows 15, 19, 23, 27, 31 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53: Repeat Row 7.
Row 56: Decrease 1st before and after both BLUE and RED markers.
Rows 59, 62, 65, 71, 74: Repeat Row 7.
Row 77: Decrease 1st before and after the RED marker.
Row 85: Increase 1 st before and after BLUE and RED markers.
Rows 89, 95, 99: Decrease 1st before and after the RED marker.
Row 103: K6, break yarn, slip 7 sts to a holder, K6.
Row 104, 105: K
Ears
Row 106: slip 6 sts each ear onto dpn's
Row 108, 111,: Decrease 1 st.
Row 112: Draw yarn through remaining stitches to finish off.
Tail
Cast on 20 sts on dpn's.
Knit 48 rows.
Row 49: Decrease 2 sts, K to end.
Row 50, 51: Knit
Row 52: Decrease 2 sts, K to end.
Rows 53, 53: Knit
Row 54: Decrease 2 sts, K to end.
Row 55: Knit
Row 56: Draw yarn through remaining sts to finish off.
Finishing:
Stuff the tail firmly with stuffing (use bb's added to the stuffing
to give the tail more "weight", if desired). Sew the base of the tail to
the lower side of the cat that is angled. The bottom of the tail should
be even with where the bottom of the cat will be, as if he is sitting,
with his tail curled on the floor just in front of his paws.
Stuff the cat's ears first, using small amounts at a time. Work downwards, and when you get to the bottom, fold over the front of the cat's bottom, turn under and sew.
Embroider or stitch eyes, nose, mouth and whiskers.