Crochet the Kitten, Step by Step

The ordered routine from magic ring to face embroidery, with the typical failure named at each stage.

Step 1 — start a magic ring. The adjustable loop closes the first round tightly; if it is worked loosely, a hole stays at the top of the head and stuffing shows through later.

Step 2 — work spiral rounds with increases to form the head. Amigurumi figures are worked in spiral rounds of stitches, so each round flows into the next without a joining slip stitch. Keep the stitch marker on the first stitch; lose it and the increase points shift, which appears as a lopsided head.

Step 3 — decrease and stuff. Add small tufts of filling while the opening still admits them, pressing each into the corners. Leaving stuffing until the last round produces a lumpy toy.

Step 4 — crochet the body and ears. The same increase-and-decrease rhythm shapes them; work the ears flat and lightly stuffed so they stand without wire.

Step 5 — assemble and embroider the face. Sew head to body with the yarn needle, attach the ears, then set safety eyes if they were not installed before the head closed — after the closing rounds the washer cannot be reached from inside.

• Magic ring — failure: loose loop leaves a hole
• Spiral rounds with increases — failure: lost marker, lopsided head
• Decrease and stuff — failure: stuffing added in one lump
• Body and ears — failure: overstuffed ears that will not stand
• Assembly and face — failure: eyes installed too late

Further reading

• Materials: Yarn, Hook and Stuffing
• From 1185 to Etsy: History of the Craft