by Cynthia Baker
A winsome little black cat face appliqué sewn to your knitted or crocheted Snuggle kennel mat or bed helps the potential pet owner to make the connection to the potential pet a little easier.
Face is worked from chin up to top corner of head; the last 2 rows form the ears.
Skill Level & Abbreviations
Easy; worked row by row. Uses the following crochet stitches:
- ch = chain stitch
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
Supplies
- US size G/6/4mm crochet hook
- worsted weight acrylic yarn:
- about 6 yds black
- 18" greenish-gold for eyes
- 12" pink for nose & mouth
- tapestry needle
Size & Gauge
Finished appliqué in photograph measures about 2.5" x 2.5" / 6.5 cm x 6.5 cm. Gauge not essential; use hook size appropriate to yarn weight for slightly firm but not tightly distorted textile.
Crochet Instructions
Head
[.GIF of symbol crochet diagram coming soon]
Make slip knot. Ch 6.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc across. (5 sts)
Row 2: Ch 2. Turn. Sc in 2nd ch from hook (counts as 2 sc). Sc across. 2 sc in last ch. (7 sts)
Row 3: Ch 2. Turn. Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc across. 2 sc in last ch. (9 sts)
Row 4: Ch 2. Turn. Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc across. 2 sc in last ch. (11 sts)
Row 5: Ch 2. Turn. Sl st in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sl st. Sc across. 2 sc in last ch. (13 sts)
Ears
Row 6: Ch 4. Turn. Sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 hdc. 1 dc. Skip 2 sc. Sl st to next sc. Sl st across.
Row 7: Ch 4. Turn. Sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 hdc. 1 dc. Skip 2 sc. Sl st to next sc. Cut yarn 18" from work and pull tail out of last loop, then hook it through next sl st for a smoother finish.
[.JPG of Row 7]
Embroidery Instructions
Face
Eyes
[.GIF of embroidery chart coming soon]
Thread tapestry needle with greenish yarn. Knot one end of yarn to back of head.
*[Pass needle through head from back to front between 5th & 6th Rows, 1 sc from edge. Insert needle through 4th Row, 2 sc from edge] 2 times. [Pass needle through head from back to front on 5th Row, 3 sc from edge. Insert needle through 4th Row, 2 sc from edge] 2 times.* One eye complete, in a "V" formation.
Allow yarn to float across back of head to position of 2nd eye. Repeat from * to * for second eye. Knot yarn tail to back of head and cut.
Nose
Thread tapestry needle with pink yarn. Knot one end of yarn to back of head.
*[Pass needle through head from back to front between 5th & 4th Rows, 4 sc from edge. Insert needle through head between 5th & 4th Rows, 2 sc toward other edge] 2 times.*
Repeat from * to * slightly lower than previous insertion points to shape nose.
Muzzle Frenulum
Pass needle through head from back to front at bottom center of nose. Insert needle through top of lowest row.
Mouth
*Pass needle through head from back to front, 1 row higher & 2 sc over. Insert needle through center top of lowest row, at base of frenulum.*
Repeat from * to * for other side of mouth. Knot yarn tail to back of head and cut.
Sewing Instructions
Pass end of 18" tail of black yarn through tapestry needle. Sew appliqué to a bright, contrasting knitted or crocheted background using overcast stitch or running stitch around entire edge of face. Backstitch to secure appliqué, then pass needle between face and background to inside/wrong side of object being appliquéd, then cut yarn tail.
Copyright
© 2008 Cynthia N. Baker. All rights reserved on pattern text and illustrations. Do NOT make items from this pattern for commercial use. This pattern is provided to raise awareness of the plight of black cats; they are rarely adopted and are euthanized in shelters more often than cats of other colors.
If you use this pattern for a personal project, please also make a mat or bed to give to your local animal shelter, with a black cat face appliqué sewn on it to encourage the adoption of a homeless black cat. Help The Snuggles Project by filling out the online Donation Report to track your gifts.
Do NOT redistribute this pattern without permission.