By Jenni Designs: Free Crochet Pattern: Kitty Catnip Toys

(Shown in (Large & Medium) Bernat Softee Chunky Ultra Blue, Glowing Gold, Pumpkin & Lavendar.

(Small) Bernat Softee Chunky Lavendar, Red Heart Super Saver Pumpkin, Spring Green & Bright Yellow)

Last week I shared how I made a Breeze Blocker. Well, little Marley thought the breeze blockers were for him so I whipped up some basic toys based off of the breeze blocker pattern and thought I would share. These toys are very simple and a great way to use up some odds and ends from your yarn stash, they're also much more durable than most toys that I've purchased at the store!

Thanks for stopping by and reading!

-Jenni

Skill Level: Easy

Supplies:
Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn, 25-75 yards depending on which size you are making.
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, for small toy only
Size K (6.50mm) Crochet Hook
Size H (5.0 mm) Crochet Hook
Poly-fil
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Catnip

Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms):
BLO - Back Loop Only
Ch - Chain
Sc - Single Crochet
Sc2tog - Single Crochet 2 Together
Sl St - Slip Stitch

Note:
-Joins are made with sl st.
-Ch 1 does not count as a stitch.
-Sc2tog counts as one sc.

Gauge: 3 sc & 3 rows = 1"

Small Toy

Finished size: 6" in length (including the curls).

Row 1: Magic circle, ch 1, 6 sc in circle. Join. (6 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, *Sc, sc, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (8 sc)

If you haven't already, sew in your beginning end.

Row 3: In BLO: Ch 1, sc in each around. Join. (8 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each around. Do not join, instead work an sc in the first sc from this row and you will now be working in the round. (8 sc)
Row 5-9: Sc in each around.

Stuff your toy with poly-fil, catnip and/or a bell (if you decided to use it).

Row 10: Sc around, sl st in last space.
Row 11: Ch 1. In BLO: *Sc, sc, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join.(6 sc)
Fasten off leaving a long end to sew hole shut.
Sew shut and then sew in the end.

Switch to your size H hook & worsted weight yarn for the next step.

To make the curls join yarn at the end of the toy with a slip stitch. Chain 15 (or more if you'd like a long curl), work 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. After you make your last sc, join to the toy with a slip stitch. Fasten off and sew in your ends. Repeat for as many curls as you would like on both ends.

Medium Toy

Finished size: 12" in length (including the fringe).

Row 1: Magic circle, ch 1, 6 sc in circle. Join. (6 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each around. Join. (12 sc)

If you haven't already, sew in your beginning end.

Row 3: In BLO: Ch 1, sc in each around. Join. (12 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each around. Do not join, instead work an sc in the first sc from this row and you will now be working in the round. (12 sc)
Row 5-14: Sc in each around.

Stuff your toy with poly-fil, catnip and/or a bell (if you decided to use it).

Row 15: Sc around, sl st in last space.
Row 16: Ch 1. In BLO: Sc2tog around. Join. (6 sc)
Fasten off leaving a long end to sew hole shut.
Sew shut and then sew in the end.

Now, using 8" pieces of yarn and your tapestry needle thread yarn through the ends of the toy. Secure pieces by double knotting the pieces together.

Large Toy

Finished size: 18" in length (including the braid).

Row 1: Magic circle, ch 1, 6 sc in circle. Join. (6 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each around. Join. (12 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, *sc, 2 sc in next.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (18 sc)

If you haven't already, sew in your beginning end.

Row 4: In BLO: Ch 1, sc in each around. Join. (18 sc)
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each around. Do not join, instead work an sc in the first sc from this row and you will now be working in the round. (18 sc)
Row 6-19: Sc in each around.

Stuff your toy with poly-fil, catnip and/or a bell (if you decided to use it).

Row 20: Sc around, sl st in last space.
Row 21: Ch 1. In BLO: *sc, sc2tog.* Repeat *to* around. Join. (12 sc)
Row 22: Ch 1, sc2tog around. Join. (6 sc)
Fasten off leaving a long end to sew hole shut.
Sew shut and then sew in the end.

Now, using pieces of yarn about 12" in length and your tapestry needle thread yarn through the ends of the toy. Grab all the pieces together and make one knot to secure them together. Braid & knot again at the end.