Easy Crochet Plush Cat: Free Step-by-Step Amigurumi Pattern

Looking for a quick, adorable crochet project? This chubby plush cat is perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike. Using bulky plush yarn, you can create a soft, squishy friend in just one sitting. This pattern features an “all-in-one” body style where the legs and tail are worked directly into the piece, minimizing sewing!

Materials You Will Need

• Yarn: Super Bulky Plush/Chenille Yarn (e.g., Bernat Blanket or Himalaya Dolphin Baby)
• Hook: 4.0 mm (G) crochet hook
• Eyes: 10mm or 12mm safety eyes
• Filling: Fiberfill stuffing
• Tools: Yarn needle, scissors, and embroidery thread for the nose and whiskers

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring
• Sc: Single crochet
• Inc: Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
• Dec: Decrease (sc 2 together)
• Ch: Chain
• Sl st: Slip stitch
• Hdc: Half double crochet
• Dc: Double crochet
• Tr: Treble crochet
• Bobble: 4 or 6-dc cluster stitch (used for legs)

Main Body & Head Pattern

Note: The piece is worked from the nose toward the tail.

Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6)

Round 2: 6 inc (12)

Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)

Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)

Rounds 5-6: 24 sc (24) — Place safety eyes between rounds 3 and 4, approximately 6 stitches apart.

Round 7: (2 sc, dec) x 2, 16 sc (22)

Round 8 (Front Legs): 14 sc, Bobble stitch, 3 sc, Bobble stitch, 3 sc (22)

Round 9: (1 sc, inc) x 5, 12 sc (27)

Round 10: 27 sc (27)

Round 11: (2 sc, inc) x 5, 12 sc (32)

Rounds 12-13: 32 sc (32)

Round 14: (2 sc, dec) x 5, 12 sc (27)

Round 15 (Back Legs): 19 sc, Bobble stitch, 6 sc, Bobble stitch (27)

Round 16 (Tail Placement): 1 sc, (1 sc, dec) x 3, Tail (see instructions below), (1 sc, dec) x 2, 12 sc (Approx 24)

Round 17: 24 sc (24) — Note: If you end up with 22 or 23 stitches here, don’t worry! Simply continue; the slight difference won’t be visible once stuffed.

Round 18: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)

Round 19: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12) — Stuff the body firmly.

Round 20: 6 dec (6)

Fasten off and sew the remaining hole closed.

Ear Options

You can choose between two styles of ears. Attach or work them onto the head about 2 rows above the eyes, spaced 2-3 stitches apart.

Option 1: Simple Triangle Ears

In one stitch: Ch 2, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dc, ch 3, and sl st into the same stitch.

Option 2: Shaped Ears

Join yarn to the head:

Stitch 1: 1 sc

Stitch 2: 1 hdc, 1 tr, 1 hdc, ch 1

Stitch 3: 1 sc, sl st.

Finishing Touches

Using black embroidery thread or a thinner yarn, stitch a small “T” shape between the eyes to create the nose and mouth. You can also add straight lines on the sides of the face for whiskers.

Pro Tips for Variation:

• Longer Muzzle: Repeat Round 2 of the pattern to give the cat a more prominent snout.
• Alternative Legs: If you prefer sewing parts, you can make legs separately (6 sc in MR, 6 inc, then 2 rounds of 12 sc) and sew them onto the belly.
• Custom Colors: Try variegated yarn for a calico look or grey yarn for a classic tabby!

Enjoy your new handmade plush companion!