Megan Kreiner - Crochet Cats: 10 Adorable Projects for Cat Lovers

When it comes to yarn for your toy projects, think quality over quantity. Look for high-quality yarns that will crochet into a smooth and sturdy material. Easy-to-clean and/or washing-machine-safe cottons, blended fibers, and acrylic yarns are ideal for making toys. 150175 yards of your cats main color and 5070 yards of the secondary colors should be enough to cover each pattern.

Available in most craft stores, polyester fiberfill stuffing will maintain its loft over time and is easy to clean and care for.

Crochet hooks come in a variety of materials, sizes, and handle styles. Its ideal if you can try a hook or two out before purchasing a set. For the most accurate sizing, refer to the millimeter measurements when selecting a hook for your project.

The projects in this book can be made with either a G/6 4mm or F/5 3.75mm hook (whichever gives you a tighter stitch for your yarn). If you find that your stitches are still not tight enough, or the stuffing shows though your work, try going down one or two more hook sizes.

A good pair of scissors will make for clean cuts and quick snips.

A quality metal tapestry needle will make sewing your work together a snap! Avoid plastic needles as they sometimes bend when going through multiple layers of crochet.

Safety eyes and noses are attached using a plastic washer and are great for toys intended for children ages three and older. For children younger than three years of age, noses can be embroidered () and eyes can be applied in tight groupings of satin stitches or as a pair of French knots.

Here is a list of a few more goodies to add to your crochet supplies!

Stitch Counter: A row or stitch counter will help you keep track of where you are in your pattern.

Marking Pins: Super handy for helping to position your pattern pieces before sewing everything together.

Split or Locking Rings: While some patterns will specifically call for place markers (abbreviation: pm) to help mark useful landmarks on your work, these rings can also help you track where your rounds begin, mark the corners of a square piece, or hold two edges of your work together for easier sewing.

Automatic Pencil and Sticky Notes:

Great for jotting down notes and sticking them into your book as you work.

Project Bags: A small project bag (like a pencil case) is great for storing smaller tools and notions while a larger bag can hold everything you need for your current project. I find that reusable canvas shopping bags make great project bags!