Free Advanced Amigurumi Cat Pattern: Crochet Milo, the Mushroom Forager

My dearest creator,

Welcome. I am so glad you have joined me in the atelier today for a project that is truly close to my heart. We are not simply making a toy; we are embarking on an adventure. The creation you are about to begin—Milo, the Mushroom Forager—is a testament to the joy of a handcrafted journey. His little stitched jacket, his sturdy backpack, his curious gaze... they all tell a story of care, patience, and the magic that happens when we transform simple yarn into a soulful being.

May this pattern be more than just instructions; may it be a quiet companion on your own creative journey. Let every stitch be a step on a peaceful woodland path.

🎨 The Artisan's Vision: Why This Project is Special

Milo is what I call an heirloom creation. He is born from the idea that the process of making is as important as the finished piece. This pattern was designed for the crafter who finds deep satisfaction in detail, who sees a complex assembly not as a chore, but as the final, loving act of bringing a character to life. When you crochet Milo, you are weaving a story—of a little cat on a grand adventure, and of your own skill and passion. He is meant to be a treasured keepsake, a testament to the beautiful things we can make with our own two hands.

✨ Skills You'll Master (And Why They Matter)

This project is a beautiful crucible for refining your skills. You will practice advanced shaping to create Milo's plump body and curious head. The true artistry, however, lies in crafting his attire. Creating miniature, separate garments like his jacket and backpack will elevate your skills beyond simple toy-making into the realm of character design. Finally, the detailed assembly and delicate facial embroidery are the final brushstrokes that give your creation its soul.

🧶 The Alchemist's Trove: Materials & Tools

• Yarn: DK weight (Light Worsted / 8-ply) yarn in the following colors:
  • Creamy White
  • Russet Orange
  • Warm Beige
  • Moss Green
  • Earthy Brown
• Crochet Hook: 2.75mm (C) or a size that matches your yarn and tension.
• Safety Eyes: 12mm pair, black.
• Embroidery Floss: A small amount of dark brown or pink for the nose and mouth.
• Other Essentials: Fiberfill stuffing, yarn needle, scissors, stitch markers.
• For the Staff (Optional): A small wooden dowel or sturdy twig, approx. 15cm long.

💡 The Language of the Craft: Stitches & Abbreviations

This pattern is written in standard US crochet terminology.

• mr: magic ring
• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec: decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• BLO: back loop only
• FLO: front loop only
• (...): stitch count at the end of a round
• *...*: repeat instructions within asterisks

💡 The Artisan's Advisor: Pro Tips & FAQs

Is this pattern suitable for beginners?▼

Due to the numerous small parts, intricate clothing items, and detailed assembly, I've designed this as a rewarding project for intermediate to advanced crocheters. A confident beginner who loves a challenge could certainly try, but it requires patience and a good understanding of basic amigurumi techniques.

How do I get the smoothest finish?▼

The secret is tension and stuffing. Try to keep your stitches consistent and tight enough that the stuffing doesn't show through. When stuffing, use small bits of fiberfill at a time and push it firmly into all the corners to avoid lumpiness. The "yarn under" single crochet method (as opposed to "yarn over") also creates a tighter, more defined stitch for amigurumi.

Can I use different yarn or eye sizes?▼

Absolutely! That is the alchemist's joy—making a creation your own. Be aware that changing the yarn weight will alter the final size. A thicker yarn will create a larger Milo, and a thinner yarn a smaller one. You will need to adjust your hook and safety eye size proportionally to maintain the desired look.

The full, step-by-step pattern begins below.

📖 Woven into Being: The Complete Milo the Forager Pattern

Head

(Using Creamy White yarn)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)

Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)

Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat 6 times (18)

Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* repeat 6 times (24)

Rnd 5: *sc 3, inc* repeat 6 times (30)

Rnd 6: *sc 4, inc* repeat 6 times (36)

Rnd 7: *sc 5, inc* repeat 6 times (42)

Rnd 8: *sc 6, inc* repeat 6 times (48)

Rnd 9: *sc 7, inc* repeat 6 times (54)

Rnd 10-18: sc in each st around (54) - 9 rounds

Rnd 19: *sc 7, dec* repeat 6 times (48)

Place safety eyes between Rnds 15 and 16, about 9 stitches apart.

Rnd 20: *sc 6, dec* repeat 6 times (42)

Rnd 21: *sc 5, dec* repeat 6 times (36)

Rnd 22: *sc 4, dec* repeat 6 times (30)

Begin stuffing the head firmly.

Rnd 23: *sc 3, dec* repeat 6 times (24)

Rnd 24: *sc 2, dec* repeat 6 times (18)

Finish stuffing. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Body

Start with Warm Beige yarn for the trousers.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)

Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)

Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat 6 times (18)

Rnd 4: *sc 2, inc* repeat 6 times (24)

Rnd 5: *sc 3, inc* repeat 6 times (30)

Rnd 6: *sc 4, inc* repeat 6 times (36)

Rnd 7: *sc 5, inc* repeat 6 times (42)

Rnd 8: *sc 6, inc* repeat 6 times (48)

Rnd 9-14: sc in each st around (48) - 6 rounds

Change to Creamy White yarn for the shirt.

Rnd 15-16: sc in each st around (48)

Rnd 17: *sc 6, dec* repeat 6 times (42)

Rnd 18-19: sc in each st around (42)

Rnd 20: *sc 5, dec* repeat 6 times (36)

Rnd 21-22: sc in each st around (36)

Begin stuffing the body.

Rnd 23: *sc 4, dec* repeat 6 times (30)

Rnd 24: sc in each st around (30)

Rnd 25: *sc 3, dec* repeat 6 times (24)

Rnd 26: sc in each st around (24)

Finish stuffing. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Warm Beige yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)

Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)

Rnd 3: *sc 1, inc* repeat 6 times (18)

Rnd 4-7: sc in each st around (18) - 4 rounds

Stuff the foot part.

Rnd 8: *sc 1, dec* repeat 6 times (12)

Rnd 9-12: sc in each st around (12) - 4 rounds

Stuff the leg lightly. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Creamy White yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)

Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12)

Rnd 3-10: sc in each st around (12) - 8 rounds

Stuff lightly, leaving the top flat. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Ears and Tail

Ears (Make 2, Creamy White):

Rnd 1: 4 sc in mr (4)

Rnd 2: *sc 1, inc* repeat 2 times (6)

Rnd 3: *sc 2, inc* repeat 2 times (8)

Rnd 4: *sc 3, inc* repeat 2 times (10)

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Tail (Creamy White):

Rnd 1: 6 sc in mr (6)

Rnd 2-15: sc in each st around (6) - 14 rounds

Do not stuff. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Mushroom Hat

Cap (Russet Orange):

Work as a large flat circle.

Rnd 1-9: Create a flat circle, increasing by 6 stitches each round until you have 54 stitches (same as head Rnd 1-9).

Rnd 10: *sc 8, inc* repeat 6 times (60)

Rnd 11-12: sc in each st around (60)

Change to Warm Beige for the gills.

Rnd 13: In FLO, *sc 4, dec* repeat 10 times (50)

Rnd 14: *sc 3, dec* repeat 10 times (40)

Fasten off. Optionally, embroider a few small spots on top of the cap with beige yarn.

Jacket

Using Russet Orange yarn. This piece is worked in rows.

Row 1: ch 37, sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (36)

Row 2-5: ch 1, turn, sc across (36) - 4 rows

We will now separate for armholes.

Row 6: ch 1, turn, sc 8. (Right Front Panel)

Row 7-10: ch 1, turn, sc 8. Fasten off.

Rejoin yarn at the other end of Row 5.

Row 6: ch 1, sc 8. (Left Front Panel)

Row 7-10: ch 1, turn, sc 8. Fasten off.

Rejoin yarn in the middle for the back panel.

Row 6-10: ch 1, turn, sc 20. Fasten off, leaving a tail to sew shoulders.

Sleeves (Make 2): Join yarn at armhole opening. Work 15 sc around. Crochet in continuous rounds for 6 rounds. Fasten off.

Accessories

Backpack (Warm Beige):

ch 11. Work sc on both sides of the chain to create a base of 22 st. Work in BLO for one round. Then work 10 rounds of sc. For the flap, work 10 sc in rows, decreasing on each end until you have a point. Add straps by chaining 20 on each side.

Neckerchief (Moss Green):

ch 2. In 2nd ch from hook, make 3 sc. ch 1, turn, inc, sc 1, inc. Continue increasing on both ends for 5 rows until you have a small triangle. Fasten off, leaving long tails to tie.

🧵 The Final Flourish: Assembly & Embellishment

This is the sacred moment where the separate pieces become a whole being. Work slowly, with intention. Every stitch is an act of love.

1. Body & Head: Sew the head securely to the body.
2. Legs: Sew the legs to the base of the body, positioning them so Milo can sit stably.
3. Facial Features: Using dark brown floss, embroider a small 'Y' shape for the nose and mouth, centered between and just below the eyes.
4. Ears & Tail: Sew the ears to the top of the head, slightly curved. Attach the tail to the lower back of the body.
5. Arms: Sew the arms to the sides of the body, just below the neck.
6. Jacket: Sew the shoulder seams of the jacket. Weave in all ends. The jacket can now be placed on Milo.
7. Final Touches: Dress Milo in his jacket, tie the neckerchief around his neck, place the backpack on, and set the mushroom hat gently on his head. If you wish, you can add a few securing stitches to hold the hat and backpack in place.

💌 From Patricia's Hook & Heart: A Final Word

You have done it. Look at the wonderful creation resting in your hands. You have followed the path, taken the journey, and breathed life into yarn. This little forager is a reflection of your own patience, skill, and heart. He is more than a collection of stitches; he is a story, an heirloom, a tangible piece of the joy you found in the act of creation.

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your artistic journey. May this little adventurer remind you of the magic you hold in your own hands.