Original Pattern – Photo Credit Lion Brand Yarn.
My toy is based on the free Crochet Pattern: Door Hanger Bouncy Cat Toy by Lion Brand® Wool-Ease® (Pattern #: 80063AD) (you’ll need to sign up for a free membership to download it). I didn’t have any wool available so I made it with leftover Caron Simply Soft Brites Yarn (H9700B) Blue Mint from my Amigurumi Easter Bunny Basket project (see: Crochet How To: Free Pattern and white from my Granny Square blanket.
To the ball I added stripe of white by switching yarn for row 7 without tying off. On row 8 I switched back to the blue mint and tied off the white leaving the ends inside the ball. Instead of sewing the ball in place on the end of the toy, I slip-stitched it with my hook and then single crocheted around the top to make it more secure (our house cat is a brut!). I added two more squiggles (of which I’m hooked now on making). I did them varying lengths by chaining 41, 51, and 61. One of the squiggles was made with both colors on my hook at the same time. I love the look of the colors together and it gives it more body.
For the handle, I slip-stitched in white and to put it together I continued put right sides together and then single crocheted to close the loop when I came to it. then because I’d left 4″ tails at the beginning and end of all of my squiggles, I tied them to the handle. Sewing them it didn’t seem strong enough for our big cat.
So how does Sam the cat like it? I don’t know yet. He’s been sleeping all day and refuses to do anything else. I suppose I’ll find out about 3am this morning.
Crochet How To: What I’ll do Differently Next Time:
I’ll do the handle as a single piece in the round (continuous) and then crochet the squiggles from the center point Less tying off and more structured so fewer places for seams to come apart. I’ll also add a bell to the ball, one large enough that should the cat be able to get the ball out, there wont be any danger of him swallowing it.
Crochet How To: Easy Crochet Project For Kids and Beginners
This is the perfect pattern for kids or beginners. Gauge doesn’t matter and mistakes don’t show. It uses a small amount of yarn and is perfect for using up leftovers. Your kitty won’t mind if it’s one color or 10.
Crochet How To: My Must-Have Crochet Tools
- Clover Takumi Getaway Soft Touch Crochet Hooks, 8 Sizes
- Clover Chibi with Darning Needles
- Clover Lock Ring Marker
- Fiskars 5-Inch Scissors
What size hook do you use to crochet it?
Great project for the whole family to learn and our cat will love it for sure. Thank you for sharing.
I love this project! I crochet “cat mats” (tightly-crocheted rectangles for cats to curl up on) that I donate to our local no-kill shelter. I bet they’d love to get some of these cute toys, too. Thanks for the pattern.
That is very cute!
I knit, not very well, but I can make a scarf (usually). I’ve never crocheted, but this is such a cute project I think I may have to learn!
I tried knitting….I’m a better crocheter 🙂 I still make mistakes, they’re just easier to hide in crochet.
I think my cat would like this and I might be able to make it. Thanks.