An Introduction from Patricia to Your Waving Cream Kitty
Hello there, my fellow yarn enthusiasts! I'm Patricia Poltera, and it warms my heart to welcome you to this little corner of my crochet world. There's something truly magical about taking a strand of yarn and, with a few loops and twists, bringing a character to life, isn't there? Today, I'm just so delighted to share this Waving Cream Kitty Amigurumi Pattern with you all, completely free. This little feline, with its cheerful wave and sweet smile, is sure to bring a ray of sunshine wherever it goes.
Materials You'll Need for The Waving Cream Kitty
To bring your own Waving Cream Kitty to life, you'll want to gather these bits and bobs. Remember, yarn weights and hook sizes can be adjusted, but this will affect your final size and yarn quantities!
Yarn
- Main Color (MC): Light Cream or Off-White (Worsted weight, approx. 100g). I used a soft cotton blend for a lovely stitch definition.
- Muzzle Accent (MA): White (Worsted weight, small amount - can be same as MC if you prefer a less contrasted muzzle, though the image shows a slightly brighter white).
- Inner Ear/Mouth Lining (IEP): Light Pink or Pale Peach (Worsted weight, small amount).
- Nose Accent (NA): Soft Orange/Coral (DK or sport weight, or embroidery floss, very small amount).
- Scarf (S): Soft Mustard Yellow/Gold (Worsted weight, small amount).
- Embroidery: Black embroidery floss or thin black yarn (for eyes, eyelashes, and whiskers).
Hooks & Notions
The Absolute Essentials:
- Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E/4) or a size appropriate for your chosen worsted weight yarn to achieve tight stitches so the stuffing doesn't show.
- Polyester Fiberfill: For stuffing.
- Yarn Needle: For assembling and embroidering details.
- Scissors.
- Stitch Markers: To keep track of your rounds.
My 'Game Changer' Recommendations (Optional, but oh-so-helpful!):
- Bent Tip Yarn Needle: Makes getting into those tight spots for assembly just a tad easier.
- Embroidery Needles: A set with various sizes helps when switching between yarn and floss for facial features.
- Sharp, Fine-Pointed Scissors: For clean snips, especially with embroidery floss.
- Locking Stitch Markers: They won't slip out as easily as the looped kind!
Skills Required & Techniques Demystified for The Waving Cream Kitty
This pattern is best suited for those with a comfortable grasp of basic amigurumi techniques. If you're newer to crochet, don't be shy – take it one stitch at a time!
Key Techniques
- Magic Ring (MR): The classic start for amigurumi, creating a tight, closed beginning.
- Single Crochet (sc): The star stitch of amigurumi!
- Increase (inc): Working two single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
- Invisible Decrease (dec): A neat way to decrease, perfect for amigurumi. (Insert hook into front loop of first stitch, then front loop of second stitch, yarn over, pull through both front loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook).
- Working in a Continuous Spiral: Most amigurumi is worked this way, without joining rounds. Use a stitch marker!
- Basic Embroidery: For the facial features. We'll keep it simple and effective.
- Changing Colors: While minimal, it's used for the inner mouth.
- Assembly: Attaching all the crocheted pieces together. Patience is your friend here!
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- approx. – approximately
- BLO – back loop only
- ch – chain
- dec – invisible decrease
- FLO – front loop only
- hdc – half double crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in one st)
- MC – Main Color (Light Cream)
- MA – Muzzle Accent (White)
- IEP – Inner Ear/Mouth Lining (Light Pink)
- NA – Nose Accent (Soft Orange/Coral)
- S – Scarf Color (Mustard Yellow)
- MR – magic ring
- Rnd(s) – round(s)
- sc – single crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- [...] x ... – repeat instructions in brackets ... times
- (...) – number of stitches at the end of the round/row
A Note on Photos & Your Unique Waving Cream Kitty
Remember, my dears, every handmade creation is a little piece of art and will have its own unique charm. Your Waving Cream Kitty might look slightly different from the one in the picture, or even from one you made before, and that's the beauty of it! The type of yarn, your personal tension, and even the way you stuff it can make tiny differences. Embrace them – it’s what makes your kitty uniquely yours!
Onwards, creative spirit! The full pattern instructions await you on the next page.
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The Waving Cream Kitty Amigurumi Pattern
Always use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round when working in a spiral. Stuff pieces firmly as you go, unless otherwise instructed.
Head (with MC - Light Cream)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] six times. (18)
Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] six times. (24)
Rnd 5: [Sc 3, inc] six times. (30)
Rnd 6:
Rnd 7: [Sc 5, inc] six times. (42)
Rnd 8: [Sc 6, inc] six times. (48)
Rnd 9-16: Sc in each st around (8 rounds). (48)
Rnd 17: [Sc 6, dec] six times. (42)
Rnd 18: [Sc 5, dec] six times. (36)
Rnd 19: [Sc 4, dec] six times. (30)
Rnd 20: [Sc 3, dec] six times. (24)
Rnd 21: [Sc 2, dec] six times. (18) Begin stuffing the head firmly. Continue stuffing as you go.
Rnd 22: [Sc 1, dec] six times. (12)
Rnd 23: Dec six times. (6) Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Finish stuffing. Weave the tail through the front loops of the final 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Hide yarn tail.
Muzzle (with MA - White)
The muzzle is worked as an oval, then shaped slightly.
Rnd 1: Ch 7. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook: inc, sc 4, 4 sc in last ch. Continue on the other side of the foundation ch: sc 4, inc in last st (which was the first st worked into). (16)
Rnd 2: Inc, inc, sc 4, inc, inc, inc, inc, sc 4, inc, inc. (24)
Rnd 3: Sc 1, inc, sc 1, inc, sc 4, [sc 1, inc] four times, sc 4, [sc 1, inc] two times. (32)
Rnd 4-5: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (32) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. We will shape the mouth opening during assembly.
Inner Mouth Piece (with IEP - Light Pink)
This piece will be placed behind the muzzle.
Rnd 1: Ch 5. Starting in 2nd ch from hook: sc 3, 3 sc in last ch. Continue on other side: sc 2, inc in last. (10)
Rnd 2: Inc, sc 2, inc, inc, inc, sc 2, inc, inc. (16) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. This piece should be slightly smaller than the desired mouth opening on the muzzle. You can adjust the starting chain if needed.
Ears (Make 2 with MC - Light Cream)
Rnd 1: Start 4 sc in a MR. (4)
Rnd 2: [Sc 1, inc] two times. (6)
Rnd 3: [Sc 2, inc] two times. (8)
Rnd 4: [Sc 3, inc] two times. (10)
Rnd 5: [Sc 4, inc] two times. (12)
Rnd 6: [Sc 5, inc] two times. (14)
Rnd 7: [Sc 6, inc] two times. (16) Rnd 8: Sc in each st around. (16) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff. Flatten the ears.
Inner Ear Appliqué (Make 2 with IEP - Light Pink or Pale Peach)
These are small triangles to sew onto the front of the ears. Row 1: Ch 5. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 3 ch. (4) Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Dec, dec. (2) Row 3: Ch 1, turn. Dec. (1) Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Body (with MC - Light Cream)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc 1, inc] six times. (18)
Rnd 4: [Sc 2, inc] six times. (24)
Rnd 5:
Rnd 6: [Sc 4, inc] six times. (36)
Rnd 7: [Sc 5, inc] six times. (42)
Rnd 8-14: Sc in each st around (7 rounds). (42)
Rnd 15: [Sc 5, dec] six times. (36)
Rnd 16-17: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (36)
Rnd 18: [Sc 4, dec] six times. (30)
Rnd 19-20: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (30)
Rnd 21: [Sc 3, dec] six times. (24)
Rnd 22: Sc in each st around. (24) Begin stuffing the body firmly. Continue stuffing as you go.
Rnd 23: [Sc 2, dec] six times. (18)
Rnd 24: Sc in each st around. (18)
Fasten off, leaving a very long tail for sewing to the head. Finish stuffing.
Front Legs (Arms - Make 2 with MC - Light Cream)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: [Sc 1, inc] three times. (9)
Rnd 3-4: Sc in each st around (2 rounds). (9)
Rnd 5: [Sc 1, dec] three times. (6) (This creates a slight paw shape)
Rnd 6-14: Sc in each st around (9 rounds). (6) Stuff the paw area lightly. The arm should remain fairly slender. If you want the waving arm to hold its shape better, you can stuff it a bit more firmly or insert a pipe cleaner (ensure ends are safely folded in).
Rnd 15: Flatten the opening and sc 3 across, working through both layers to close. (3) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Hind Legs (Make 2 with MC - Light Cream)
Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR. (6)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12)
Rnd 3: [Sc 3, inc] three times. (15)
Rnd 4-6: Sc in each st around (3 rounds). (15)
Rnd 7: [Sc 3, dec] three times. (12)
Rnd 8: [Sc 2, dec] three times. (9)
Rnd 9: [Sc 1, dec] three times. (6) Stuff firmly.
Rnd 10: Flatten the opening and sc 3 across, working through both layers to close. (3) Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Tail (with MC - Light Cream)
Rnd 1: Start 5 sc in a MR. (5) Rnd 2-15: Sc in each st around (14 rounds, or desired length). (5) Do not stuff, or stuff very lightly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Scarf (with S - Mustard Yellow)
Row 1: Ch 5. Hdc in 3rd ch from hook (the skipped 2 ch count as first hdc) and in next 2 ch. (4 hdc including starting ch) Alternatively, for a slightly denser scarf: Row 1: Ch 41 (or desired length to loosely tie around neck). Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (40 sc) If doing hdc version: Row 2-20 (or desired length): Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), turn. Hdc in next 3 sts. (4 hdc) Fasten off, weave in ends if using sc version. If using hdc version, leave tails for tying or sewing ends together after wrapping around neck. The image shows a very simple band, so a short strip of about 2-3 rows of sc or 1-2 rows of hdc, long enough to tie, would also work well. Let's make it simple: Row 1: Ch 51 (this gives enough length to tie a small knot). Row 2: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. (50) Fasten off, weave in initial end. Use the other end to help secure the knot if needed.
Assembly Instructions for Your Waving Cream Kitty
Oh, this is where your little kitty truly comes alive! Take your time, pin pieces in place before sewing, and use matching yarn tails.
- Prepare the Muzzle:
- Take the white Muzzle piece. Position the pink Inner Mouth Piece on the back of the muzzle, centered where you want the mouth opening to be. You might want to fold the top edge of the muzzle slightly over the pink piece to create the upper lip.
- Using the pink yarn tail, sew the Inner Mouth Piece to the back of the Muzzle, shaping the visible pink area into a happy open mouth. You are essentially creating an appliqué on the back that shows through an opening you will define on the front. Alternatively, before sewing the muzzle to the head, carefully embroider or cut a slight opening in the muzzle and then attach the pink piece behind it. The image suggests the muzzle itself forms the upper lip.
- Pro Tip: I find it easiest to lightly stuff the muzzle after attaching the mouth lining but before sewing the whole muzzle to the head. This gives it a nice, rounded shape.
- Attach Muzzle to Head: Pin the assembled muzzle to the lower front of the Head (approx. Rnds 13-19 of the head, centered). Sew securely around the edges using the white yarn tail. Add a little stuffing to the muzzle before closing the last few stitches.
- Facial Features:
- Nose: Using the Soft Orange/Coral yarn (NA) or embroidery floss, embroider a small triangular or rounded triangular nose at the top center of the muzzle. Satin stitch works well here.
- Eyes: With black embroidery floss, embroider the closed, curved happy eyes. Refer to the image for placement – they should be above and to the sides of the muzzle. Each eye is an upward curve.
- Eyelashes: Add three small straight stitches fanning out from the outer corner of each eye.
- Whiskers: Embroider three straight whiskers on each side of the muzzle, below the eyes.
- Ears:
- Sew the Inner Ear Appliqués (IEP) to the front, flat side of each MC Ear piece.
- Pin the completed Ears to the top of the Head (approx. Rnds 5-10 from the starting MR of the head), positioning them symmetrically with a slight backward tilt. Sew firmly in place.
- Attach Head to Body: Using the long tail from the Body, sew the Head to the Body. Ensure it's centered and secure. Add a little more stuffing to the neck area if needed for support.
- Attach Front Legs (Arms):
- Pin one arm to the side of the body, just below the neck, in a resting position. Sew securely.
- Pin the other arm in a waving position – slightly angled upwards. Sew securely.
- Attach Hind Legs: Pin the Hind Legs to the lower front/sides of the Body, so the kitty sits nicely. Sew securely.
- Attach Tail: Sew the Tail to the lower back of the Body.
- Add Scarf: Tie the Mustard Yellow Scarf around the kitty's neck. You can add a tiny stitch to hold the knot in place if desired.
Tips & Tricks for Your Waving Cream Kitty
Troubleshooting Common Crochet Challenges
- Holes in your fabric? You might be using too large a hook for your yarn, or your tension could be a bit loose. Try going down a hook size for amigurumi.
- Lumpy stuffing? Pull the fiberfill apart into smaller pieces before stuffing. Stuff a little at a time and use the end of your hook or a chopstick to distribute it evenly.
- Counting stitches: Always use that stitch marker! It's a lifesaver, especially when working in spirals. If you lose count, don't be afraid to frog (undo) a round or two – it's better than an uneven shape!
Customization Corner
- Different Colors: Why not a grey tabby, a black cat, or even a calico by using color changes?
- Safety Eyes: If you prefer, you could use 9mm or 10mm black safety eyes instead of embroidering them. Insert them before closing the head, around Rnd 14-15, with about 6-7 stitches between them. You'd then embroider a smaller, smiling mouth.
- Accessorize! A tiny bow on an ear, or a little embroidered fish friend – get creative!
Gifting Your Handmade Masterpiece
- Personal Touch: Include a little handmade tag with washing instructions (spot clean recommended for amigurumi) and your name.
- Presentation: Pop your kitty in a little gift bag or box with some tissue paper – it makes the handmade gift feel even more special.
- For Little Ones: If gifting to a very young child, ensure all parts are extremely securely sewn, and consider embroidering all features (like the nose) instead of using small attached pieces, just to be extra safe.
Frequently Asked Pattern & Finishing Questions for The Waving Cream Kitty
- Q1: My muzzle looks a bit flat. How can I make it more defined like the picture? A: Great question! Lightly stuff the muzzle just before you finish sewing it to the head. Also, when you attach the pink inner mouth piece, ensure you create a defined top edge for the muzzle that slightly overlaps the pink, giving it that lovely 3D look.
- Q2: What's the best way to get the eyelashes so delicate? A: I recommend using 2-3 strands of black embroidery floss rather than a full piece of yarn. Use a fine embroidery needle and make single, straight stitches. It takes a little patience, but the delicate result is worth it!
- Q3: Can I make this kitty bigger or smaller? A: Absolutely! To make it bigger, use a thicker yarn (like bulky) and a correspondingly larger hook. To make it smaller, use a finer yarn (like DK or sport weight) and a smaller hook. Just remember your yarn quantities and any safety eye sizes (if using) will need to adjust.
- Q4: How do I make sure the waving arm stays up? A: When sewing, attach it at a slightly upward angle. For extra support, you can stuff that arm a bit more firmly than the resting one, or even insert a chenille stem (pipe cleaner) that's been folded in half with the ends tucked safely inside the stuffing.
A Final Word & Caring for Your Adorable Waving Cream Kitty
And there you have it, my dear crocheter – your very own Waving Cream Kitty! I do hope you enjoyed bringing this little character to life as much as I enjoyed designing it for you. There’s such joy in seeing these little companions emerge from our hooks, ready to spread smiles. Seeing these little characters come to life through your hands is the greatest reward. Remember, your continued engagement and support – whether it's sharing your finished kitty online (I'd love to see it!) or simply enjoying this pattern – make it possible for me to keep these detailed patterns freely available for everyone.
For care, a gentle spot clean with a damp cloth is best for amigurumi. Avoid machine washing if you can, as it can affect the shape and stuffing.
Happy stitching, and may your days be filled with joyful yarn adventures!