This is a relatively easy toy to make for the kitties. Sure, you could buy toys in bulk, but if you’re a creator, then you would understand the joy of making one yourself.
The first time I made this, I used acrylic yarn, polyester fill, and a larger hook. Those mice are in bad shape! The poly fill is coming out from the gaps in the stitches, and the acrylic yarn has frizzed up. Now, I have switched to all cotton materials (hey, they’re natural) and a smaller hook. I use Sugar ‘n Cream yarn, which is sturdy. Coupled with a USD3 hook, it yields a tight and durable fabric that can withstand the abuse from cats.
These are great to work up while passively watching television, and sometimes the cats will help!
Notes:
1. The pattern is worked in the round without joining to the first stitch of each round. Essentially, it is worked in a spiral.
2. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. It will spare you a headache!
Materials:
- USD3 / 3.25mm crochet hook
- #4 medium weight unmercerized cotton yarn
- stitch markers
- polyester or cotton fill
- catnip (optional)
Pattern:
We will begin with the tail.
Using a 3.25mm hook, ch 17.
Round 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and continue to the end. (16 sts)
Round 2: 7 sc in 1st sc from hook. Place marker. (7sts)
We will now work the body.
Round 3: 2 sc in each sc. Place marker. (14 sts)
Round 4: *sc in 1st sc, 2sc in 2nd sc*, repeat 6 times. Place marker. (21 sts)
Round 5–7: sc in each sc. Place marker. (21 sts)
Round 8: *sc in 5 sc, sc2tog*, repeat 2 times. Place marker. Stuff with cotton fill and optional catnip. (18 sts)
Round 9: *sc in 4 sc, sc2tog*, repeat 2 times. Place marker. (15 sts)
Round 10: *sc in 3 sc, sc2tog*, repeat 2 times. Place marker. (12 sts)
We will work the ears into FLO of 4 sc. We will use BL to complete Round 11.
Ears: ch 2, 2dc in FL of same sc, sl st in same FL; sl st in FL of 2 sc; ch 2, 2dc in FL of next sc, sl st in same FL. Place marker (new beginning point of remaining rounds).
We will finish by working the snout.
Round 11: *sc in 2 sc, sc2tog*, repeat 1 time. sc in 2 BL, sc2BLtog. Place marker. (9 sts)
Round 12: *sc in 1 sc, sc2tog*, repeat 2 times. Place marker. (6 sts)
Round 13: *sc2tog*, repeat 2 times. (3 sts) Sl st and cut yarn, leaving a 2-inch tail. Pull tail through and fasten. Weave in any loose ends.
Passing time caring for critters.
Creating while they nap.
