Mastering the Cat Stitch Crochet: A Complete Guide to Adorable Designs

Are you looking for a unique and charming crochet pattern to add a touch of whimsy to your projects? Look no further than the delightful cat stitch crochet! This adorable pattern, also known as the “Cat Paw Stitch,” creates a textured fabric that resembles tiny cat paws, heads, and ears, making it purr-fect for blankets, scarves, bags, and more. Join us as we unravel the steps to creating this captivating cat stitch crochet design, perfect for adding character to any handmade item.

Materials You’ll Need

To begin your journey into the cat stitch crochet world, you’ll typically need:

• A Size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook
• Worsted weight yarn (feel free to use multiple colors for a playful look!)

Getting Started: The Foundation Chain

Every beautiful cat stitch crochet project begins with a solid foundation.

1. Start by chaining 35, or any multiple of five, to achieve your desired width.
2. Make a double crochet (dc) in the fourth chain from your hook. The chains you skipped will count as your first double crochet, setting the stage for your charming cat stitch crochet pattern.

Row One: Building the Shell Base

This row lays the groundwork for the unique texture of the cat stitch crochet.

1. Skip four chains.
2. In the next chain, create a shell stitch. A shell stitch consists of:
   • Two double crochet stitches
   • A chain one
   • Two more double crochet stitches

   (All of these stitches go into that same chain.)

3. Repeat this pattern across the row: skip four chains, then make another shell stitch in the next chain.
4. Continue until you have six chains remaining.
5. Skip four chains and make a double crochet in the last two remaining chains.

Congratulations, your first row of the cat stitch crochet is complete!

Row Two: The Next Foundation Layer

Row Two is a simple but crucial step in defining your cat stitch crochet pattern.

1. Chain three (counts as a double crochet) and turn your work.
2. Make another double crochet in the very next stitch. You’ll always have two double crochet stitches on both ends of your row for this design.
3. For the remainder of this row, you’ll work a shell stitch directly into the chain-one space of each previous shell stitch.
4. Continue making shell stitches in shell stitches across the row.
5. Finish the row with two double crochet stitches.

Row Three: Introducing the Cat Paws (Extended Cluster Stitch)

This is where the magic of the cat stitch crochet truly begins to emerge! This row forms the distinctive “cat paw” elements.

1. Chain three (counts as a double crochet) and turn.
2. Make a double crochet in the previous double crochet stitch.
3. Now, create an extended double crochet cluster stitch. This is the core of the cat paw:
   • Begin a double crochet by inserting your hook into the space from two rows down (not the row directly below).
   • Draw up a tall loop.
   • Yarn over and pull through two loops.
   • Begin a second double crochet stitch, inserting your hook into the same space from two rows below.
   • Yarn over and pull through two loops.
   • Finally, yarn over and pull through all remaining loops on your hook. This completes your extended double crochet cluster stitch.
4. After the cluster stitch, in the next shell stitch, just make a regular shell stitch (two double crochet stitches, a chain one, and two double crochet stitches).
5. Then, in the next space, make another extended double crochet cluster stitch, following the steps above.
6. These cluster stitches are intentionally worked around the shell stitches, giving that adorable “cat’s paw” appearance that defines the cat stitch crochet.
7. Continue this alternating pattern across the row.
8. At the end, always place two double crochet stitches: one in the previous row’s double crochet, and one on top of the turning chain.

Visual Guide to the Cat Stitch Crochet

To help you visualize these steps, especially the unique extended cluster, watch this helpful tutorial:

And here’s a closer look at the beautiful texture you’ll create with the cat stitch crochet:

Row Four: Forming the Cat’s Head

This row simplifies the pattern to create the rounded “head” of your little crocheted cat.

1. Chain three and turn.
2. Make another double crochet on the end.
3. In each previous shell stitch, make a regular shell stitch (two double crochet stitches, a chain one, two double crochet stitches).
4. Continue with this pattern across the row.
5. At the end, you’ll have the two double crochet stitches.

You’ll see the distinct outline of the cat’s head forming in your cat stitch crochet!

Row Five: Defining the Cat’s Ears

Row Five acts as a repeat of Row Four, further defining the top of the cat’s head and subtle “ears.”

1. Chain three and turn.
2. Do one more double crochet on the end.
3. In each shell stitch, make a shell stitch.
4. Continue this pattern across the row.
5. At the end, make the two double crochet stitches.

Continuing Your Cat Stitch Crochet Journey & Color Changes

As you continue your cat stitch crochet project, a common technique is to change colors every three rows for a striking effect:

• Row Six is a repeat of Row Three. You’ll chain three and turn, make a double crochet on the end, and then alternate between the extended double crochet cluster stitch (using the space from two rows below) and the regular shell stitch. These cluster stitches further define the “ears” or tops of your cats from the previous rows. Continue this pattern across the row.
• Row Seven is a repeat of Row Four. On this row, you’ll do the double crochet stitch on the end, and then in each shell stitch, make your traditional shell stitch again.
• Row Eight is a repeat of Row Five, where you do the shell stitch over shell stitches again.

To continue your beautiful cat stitch crochet pattern, simply keep repeating Rows Three, Four, and Five. Many crocheters find it aesthetically pleasing to end their project on a Row Three, which helps to define the last cat shape at the top of your design.

Unleash Your Creativity with the Cat Stitch Crochet!

The cat stitch crochet is a truly charming and versatile pattern that adds a playful touch to any item. Whether you’re crafting a cozy baby blanket, a whimsical scarf, or unique home decor, this stitch will undoubtedly bring smiles. Experiment with different yarn colors and weights to see how the “cat” motif transforms! Happy crocheting!