Easy Black Cat Crochet Applique Pattern

by Emily Hall

Spooky season is upon us, which means black cats are all the rage right now. (Though as someone who shares their home with a black cat, I think black cats are all the rage all the time.) If you’re looking for an easy but fun crochet project to fit the season, my easy black cat crochet applique pattern is just the ticket! It’s cute and simple, and you can use it for all different kinds of other projects.

Of course, you could follow this pattern with any color yarn to create a cat that looks most like your own. I’ve made solid black ones, gray ones, and even a tuxie one by adding a white stitch at the end of the tail. But to keep with the season, I’ll be making a black cat today. 

Pattern

Finished size: approximately 4 inches tall

Materials: 

• Size 4 worsted weight yarn (I used I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby)
• 4.0mm hook
• Scissors
• Darning needle to weave in ends

Pattern level: Beginner/Intermediate

Abbreviations/Stitches used:

• Stitch (st)
• Chain (ch)
• Slip stitch (sl st)
• Single crochet (sc)
• Half-double crochet (hdc)
• Double crochet (dc)
• Treble crochet (tc)
• 2 Chain Picot* (2chp)

*Special Stitch – 2 Chain Picot: To make this stitch, chain 2, then slip stitch into the two loops shown in the photo below.

Row 1: Ch 20

Row 2 (tail): Starting in 2nd ch from hook, work in back loops of foundation chain – 1 sl st, (2 sl st in next 3sts, 6 sl st (this completes the cat’s tail)

Row 2 continued (body): Continue working along the back loops of your foundation chain – 1 dc, 2 tc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc, 2 sl st

Row 2 continued (head): In final chain of your foundation chain – 3 dc, 2chp, 2 dc, 2chp, 2 dc

Row 2 continued (body, opposite side): Now working along opposite side (front loops) of your foundation chain – 2 sl st, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 2 tc, 1 dc, 1 sl st to finish off, weaving in your ends

Note: Row 2 ends where the cat’s body and tail meet. You will not work any more stitches along the other side of the cat’s tail. 

Crochet Cat Applique Ideas

Now that you have a completed crochet cat applique, it’s time to figure out what you want to do with it! Of course, you can just enjoy it as is. It is a super cute kitty. But here are a few ideas of other projects you could incorporate your cat into:

Make a Garland

Make a handful of black cat appliques and string them together to make a Halloween-themed garland! Hang it over a doorway, on a wall, or across your fireplace mantle to get in the spirit.

Make a Keychain

Turning a small crochet applique into a keychain is super easy! Just purchase a keychain ring and attach it to the top of the applique cat’s head. 

Add It to a Larger Project

Appliques can easily be added to other larger projects or items, such as blankets, bags, pillows, hats, scarves, sweaters, etc. They can be sewn or stitched on, or you can use a hot glue gun to attach. If you opt for hot glue, just be sure to use a low-temperature glue gun so you don’t risk melting the yarn. 

Remember the tuxie cat applique I mentioned before? I hot-glued him onto the front of a Kindle sleeve I made myself. He represents my sweet boy Sampson, who is no longer with us. 

Let me know if you give this pattern a try! I’d love to see your finished work. If you’re a CWA member, post a photo in the CWA Members Only private Facebook group or on groups.io.

Not a member? What are you waiting for?! Apply now! 

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