Cooper the Cat – Free Crochet Pattern

ByNicole Chase Updated on

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Meet Cooper the Cat! This adorable free cat crochet pattern is a perfect project for any cat lover. This pattern is beginner-friendly, although it includes a fun striped body for those who are ready for an intermediate colorwork challenge.

A small yellow and white amigurumi tabby cat named Cooper, a free cat crochet pattern.

I would classify this free cat crochet pattern as “advanced beginner/intermediate”. It would be helpful to have had some experience with amigurumi before creating this project.

I hope you enjoy this free crochet pattern available here on my blog! An ad-free, formatted PDF version of this crochet pattern is also available for purchase here:

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Etsy

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An orange and white tabby cat being held in a hand, named Cooper, a free cat crochet pattern.

Free Crochet Pattern for Cooper the Cat

Pattern Specifics

Measurements: Approximately 5.5” tall (sitting) or 7” tall (standing)
Gauge: Not necessary for this pattern; see notes
Hook Size: 4.0mm (G) crochet hook
Other Tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors
Yarn Weight: Medium (4) Worsted Weight
Yarn Used: WeCrochet/Knit Picks Brava Worsted
Yardage: color A (light yellow): 77 yds, color B (yellow): 16 yds, color C (white): 14 yds, color D (brown): 3 yds, color E (black): 1 yd
Other Materials: poly-fil stuffing, 9mm safety eyes

Abbreviations

st = stitch
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
SC = single crochet
SC2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease is recommended)

Special Stitches

SC2tog (using invisible decrease method): Insert hook into front loop of the first stitch. Insert hook into front loop of second stitch. Yarn over. Draw through the first two loops on hook. Yarn over. Draw through both loops on hook.

Notes

  • Checking your gauge is not required for this pattern. Use a hook that is smaller than the size recommended for your yarn weight. This will ensure that your stuffing will not show through the stitches.
  • All pieces are worked in the round. Use a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of each round.
  • Invisible decreases are recommended. Please see “Special Stitches”.
  • Safety eyes and noses pose a choking risk for babies; therefore, if making this toy for a baby, I recommend using yarn, felt, or embroidered details.
  • Body, head, legs and arms require stuffing. Stuff each piece as you work to ensure the piece is completely filled. Do not add stuffing to the ears or tail.
  • See tutorial photos.

Pattern

Using 4.0mm (G) hook:

Body

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow) and color B (shown as yellow), as written:

R6: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts) [Color A: 6 sts, Color B: 18 sts, Color A: 6 sts]

The first colorwork is completed with R6 of the body.

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R7-8: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow) and color B (shown as yellow), as written:

R9: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts) [Color A: 6 sts, Color B: 19 sts, Color A: 5 sts]

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R10-11: 1 SC in each st around. (30 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow) and color B (shown as yellow), as written:

R12: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts) [Color A: 6 sts, Color B: 13 sts, Color A: 5 sts]

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R13-14: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow) and color B (shown as yellow), as written:

R15: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts) [Color A: 8 sts, Color B: 10 sts, Color A: 6 sts]

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R16: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Fill with stuffing.

Finished crocheted body of Cooper the Cat pattern.

Using color C (shown as white):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R5-6: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times (3 repeats in total). 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (21 sts)

R8: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times (3 repeats in total). 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (24 sts)

R9: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times (3 repeats in total). 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (27 sts)

R10: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 5 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times (3 repeats in total). 1 SC in each of the next 9 sts around. (30 sts)

R11: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * an additional 2 times (3 repeats in total). Add a st marker to the last worked st. **2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from ** an additional 2 times (3 repeats in total). (36 sts)

The added st marker, and the st marker at the beginning of this round helps to indicate the front sides of the face. The first sequence of sts between the first and second st markers indicates the top of the head. The second sequence of sts between the second and first st markers indicates the bottom of the head. If using safety eyes, insert eyes between R9-10, with 7 sts between. You can now remove your second st marker. See tutorial photos.

Finished R11 of the head, showing where the eyes should be placed.
Eye placement for Cooper the Cat pattern.

R12-15: 1 SC in each st around. (36 sts)

R16: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 4 sts. Repeat from * around. (30 sts)

R17: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (24 sts)

R18: 1 SC in each st around. (24 sts)

R19: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R20: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Fill head with stuffing.

R21: *SC2tog. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, weave yarn in and out of remaining sts. Pull tight to close. Tie off and weave in ends.

Finished head of the Cooper the Cat pattern.

Legs (make 2)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts. Repeat from * around. (20 sts)

R5-6: 1 SC in each st around. (20 sts)

Using color B (shown as yellow):

R7: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 8 sts. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R8-9: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

Using color B (shown as yellow):

R10: *SC2tog, 1 SC in each of the next 7 sts. Repeat from * around. (16 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R11-12: 1 SC in each st around. (16 sts)

Using color B (shown as yellow):

R13: 1 SC in each st around. (16 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R14: 1 SC in each st around. (16 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

R15: Fold the leg closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (7 sts)

leg piece, filled with stuffing, prior to the leg being closed
leg piece with hook inserted through both sides to crochet them together
leg piece closed nearly all the way with single crochet stitches
leg piece closed nearly all the way with single crochet stitches, with hook through both sides of the next st
finished leg piece prior to fastening off
finished leg piece with long tail for sewing

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Finished legs for the Cooper the Cat pattern.

Arms (make 2)

Using color C (shown as white):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 2 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (18 sts)

R4-5: 1 SC in each st around. (18 sts)

R6: *SC2tog, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R7: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Using color B (shown as yellow):

R8: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R9-10: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Using color B (shown as yellow):

R11: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

Fill with stuffing.

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R12: Fold the arm closed. Working through both sides, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st on each side. See tutorial photos. (5 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Finished arms for the Cooper the Cat pattern.

Ears (make 2)

Ears (make 2)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R1: Begin with 6 SC in a magic ring. (6 sts)

R2: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

R3: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (9 sts)

R4: 1 SC in each st around. (9 sts)

R5: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. (12 sts)

R6: 1 SC in each st around. (12 sts)

R7: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in each of the next 3 sts. Repeat from * around. (15 sts)

R8: Fold the ear closed. Working through both sides to close, 1 SC in each st across, leaving 1 unworked st at the beginning of the fold. See tutorial photos. (7 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Finished ears for the Cooper the Cat pattern.

Tail

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R1: Begin with 4 SC in a magic ring. (4 sts)

R2: *2 SC in next st, 1 SC in next st. Repeat from * around. (6 sts)

R3-6: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

Using color B (shown as yellow):

R7: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R8-9: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

Using color B (shown as yellow):

R10: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R11-12: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

Using color B (shown as yellow):

R13: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R14-15: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

Using color B (shown as yellow):

R16: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R17-18: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

Using color B (shown as yellow):

R19: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

Using color A (shown as light yellow):

R20-21: 1 SC in each st around. (6 sts)

Join with a sl st to beginning.

Cut yarn, leaving long strand for sewing. Fasten off.

Finished tail for the Cooper the Cat pattern.

Assembly & Finishing

See tutorial photos.

Attach each ear on the top of the head between R14-15, with each end of the ear curving over R13. Leave approximately 4 sts between each ear.

Ears being held in place with pins on top of the cat's head.
Ears sewn in place onto the cat's head.

Using color D (brown), embroider a nose between R3-4 across approximately 4 sts. See tutorial photos.

Embroidering the nose on the cat crochet pattern, step 1.
Embroidering the nose on the cat crochet pattern, step 2.
Embroidering the nose on the cat crochet pattern, step 3.
Embroidering the nose on the cat crochet pattern, nearly finished.
Finished nose embroidery on the cat crochet pattern.

Using color E (black), attach a small piece of yarn to each side for whiskers between R3-4, on each side of the nose.

Attaching whiskers to the side of the cat's head.
Finished whisker attachment.

Using color B (yellow), embroider 3 lines on the top of the head, wrapping the yarn around twice for each line. The middle line should be over R11-16, with a shorter line on each side over R12-14.

Embroidering the first stripe on the cat crochet pattern, step 1.
Embroidering the first stripe on the cat crochet pattern, step 2.
Embroidering the second stripe on the cat crochet pattern, step 1.
Embroidering the second stripe on the cat crochet pattern, step 2.
Embroidering the third stripe on the cat crochet pattern, step 1.
Embroidering the third stripe on the cat crochet pattern, step 1.
Tying of the stripe embroidery on Cooper the Cat.
Finished stripe embroidery on top of the cat's head.

Attach head to body so that the nose is facing straight out, attaching body to approximately R11-16 of the bottom of the head. The stripes of the body should be facing the back.

Head of the cat being held in place to the body with sewing sticks.
Side view of the cat's head sewn in place.
Underside view of the cat's head sewn in place.
Backside view of the cat's head sewn in place.

Attach legs over R4-5 of the body, with each inside end of the legs touching in the middle.

Legs being held in place to body for sewing with pins.
Cat's legs sewn into place, in a sitting position.
Cat's legs sewn into place, view laying down.
Cat's legs sewn into place, view from the underside.

Attach arms over R10-15 on each side of the body. At the top of the arms, leave approximately 9 sts between each arm across the front of the body. At the bottom of the arms, leave approximately 14 sts between each arm across the front of the body.

Arms of Cooper the Cat being held in place for sewing with pins.
Arms sewn in place, showing the distance of 9 and 14 sts between each arm.
Side view of the cat's arm sewn into place.
A view of the cat's arms sewn into place at its sides.

Attach tail to the back of the body between R5-6.

The tail of Cooper the Cat being held into place on the body for sewing with pins.
The tail sewn into place on the free cat crochet pattern.
Another view of the cat's tail sewn into place.

Using color D (brown), embroider 3 nails on each arm, over R3-4, leaving about 2 sts between each nail. Using color D (brown), embroider 3 nails on each leg, over R3-5, leaving about 2 sts between each nail. To do so, using a tapestry needle, thread the yarn through and wrap around the designated stitch one time. See tutorial photos.

Embroidering the first nail on the leg of the cat.
Embroidering the second nail on the cat, step 1.
Embroidering the second nail on the cat, step 2.
Embroidering the third nail on the cat.
Three nails embroidered on the leg of the act, with the yarn tails waiting to be tied off.
The finished nails embroidered on the leg of the cat.
The finished nail embroidery on the arm of the cat.

I hope you enjoyed this free cat crochet pattern! I would love to see how your Cooper the Cat turned out. Please share a photo and tag me on social media!

A finished crochet cat, made with the free cat crochet pattern called Cooper.
Brava yarn by Crochet.com

Ad-Free PDF Pattern for Cooper the Cat

Ravelry
Etsy

Tips & Tricks

Whether your new to amigurumi, or looking to improve your skills, these tips and tricks can help you get the best possible finish on this free cat crochet pattern.

  • Use stitch markers: When working in continuous rounds, a stitch marker is your best friend. It helps you keep track of your rounds and count your stitches correctly.
  • Pin for assembly: Before you start sewing, use pins to hold your pieces in place. This ensures everything is aligned correctly and helps you get a nice, even finish.
  • For more in depth tips, check out my full post on amigurumi tips and tricks.

Alterations & Customizations

Want to make this cute amigurumi cat pattern your own? You can easily customize the size and look of your cat with these simple alterations:

  • Make a bigger cat: Use a chunky yarn and a larger hook to create a larger, huggable version of Cooper the Cat. I recommend Parfait Chunky. Be sure to use a comparable hook size that suits your yarn choice.
  • Make it your own: This free cat crochet pattern is a great base for creating your own cat! Change the color to match your cat’s fur, or embroider unique markings to make a one-of-a-kind amigurumi.
A back view of the finished crochet at, showing the details of the stripes on its body, tail, arm, and leg.

More Free Amigurumi Animal Crochet Patterns

Loved making this free cat crochet pattern? If you’re ready for your next project, you can find a lot more free patterns here on my blog!

I hope you enjoyed this pattern! If you make it, leave me a comment below.

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Follow along with me on Instagram for daily updates and a behind the scenes look at my designs.

I’d love to see what you make with this tutorial! Don’t forget to share your finished work with me: on social media by tagging me @thenicolechase, in your Ravelry projects, or post over in my Facebook group!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy crafting!

Nicole

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