CARLOS THE CAT KNITTED DOLL (FREE KNITTING PATTERN)
Excerpted with permission from Knit Your Own Dolls: Over 35 patterns for dolls and their outfits, accessories, and pets.
Cheeky, sassy, and more than a little bit bossy, Carlos is kingpin cat in his neighborhood. Favorite activities include chasing mice, howling, and climbing trees. But best of all, he loves lounging around. There’s no doubt about it, Carlos is one cool cat.
Before starting this doll, you'll want to check the pattern for the Basic Knitted Doll, which Carlos the Cat is based on.
Step 1
YARN AND MATERIALS:
Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (55% wool, 33% acrylic, 12% cashmere), 137yd (125m) per
1-3/4 oz (50g) ball of sport weight (light DK) yarn
3/4 ball of Bamboo 307 (A) - main cat
1/4 ball of Primrose 01 (B) - top
1/4 ball of Sea Green 99 (C) - top
1/4 ball of Sienna 67 (D) - cropped pants
Very small amounts of Black 300 and White 100—eyes, nose, whiskers
1oz (30g) polyester toy filling
NEEDLES AND EQUIPMENT: US3 (3.25mm) knitting needles Yarn sewing needle Large-eyed embroidery needle 4 stitch markers or small safety pins 3 stitch holders
GAUGE (TENSION): Approximately 25 stitches and 34 rows to 4in (10cm) over st st main doll - Work body, head, and arms in A
LEGS:
(MAKE 2) Cast on 24 sts in A. Work 4 rows in st st beg with a k row.
Row 5: K6, [ssk] 3 times, [k2tog] 3 times, k to end. (18 sts) Row 6: Purl. Row 7: K5, [ssk] twice, [k2tog] twice, k to end. (14 sts) Row 8: Purl. Row 9: K5, ssk, k2tog, k to end. (12 sts) Work 29 rows in st st beg with a p row. Bind (cast) off
EARS:
(MAKE 4) Cast on 6 sts in A. Work 2 rows in st st beg with a k row.
Row 3: Ssk, k2, k2tog. (4 sts) Row 4: P2tog, p2tog tbl. (2 sts) Row 5: K2tog. (1 st) Fasten off.
Step 2
TO MAKE UP CAT:
Make up main animal as for basic doll. For the ears, place two pieces right sides together and over sew around the two sides, leaving the lower edges open. Repeat with two remaining pieces to make two ears. Turn the right way out and sew in position using the photograph as a guide. For eyes, work French knots using black yarn. Using white yarn, work a circle of chain stitch around each French knot. Using black yarn, work a small triangle in satin stitch for the nose, using the photograph as a guide. Add a straight vertical stitch at the bottom. Using a single strand of black yarn, work a few whiskers. Weave in all loose ends.
Step 3
Top - FRONT: (MAKE 1) Cast on 24 sts in B. Row 1: Knit. Work 16 rows in st st beg with a k row. Break B and join in C.* Work 3 rows in st st beg with a k row. Next row: P10, k4, p to end. Next row: Knit. Next row: P10, k4, p to end. Mark both ends of last row with stitch marker or small safety pin. Next row: K2, ssk, k8, turn. (11 sts) Work on 11 sts just worked, leaving rem sts on needle. Next row: K2, p to end. Next row: K2, ssk, k to end. (10 sts) Next row: K2, p to end. Next row: Knit. Next row: K2, p to end. Rep last 2 rows 3 times more. Break yarn. Leave sts on a holder or spare needle. Rejoin C to rem 12 sts on RS of work. Next row: K to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. (11 sts) Next row: P to last 2 sts, k2. Rep last 2 rows once more. (10 sts) Next row: Knit. Next row: P to last 2 sts, k2. Rep last 2 rows 3 times more. Break yarn. Leave these sts on a holder or spare needle.
Step 4
BACK:
(MAKE 1) Work as for front to *. Work 6 rows in st st beg with a k row. Mark both ends of last row with stitch marker or small safety pin. Next row: K2, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. (22 sts) Next row: Purl. Rep last 2 rows once more. (20 sts) Work 6 rows in st st beg with a k row. Next row: [K2, ssk] twice, k4, [k2tog, k2] twice. (16 sts) Next row: Purl. Break yarn. Leave these sts on a holder or spare needle. Arrange stitches so that the RS of work is facing and knit across the neck edges of the right side of the front, the back, then the left side of the front using C. (36 sts) Next row: K10, [ssk] 3 times, k4, [k2tog] 3 times, k to end. (30 sts) Knit 9 rows. Bind (cast) off.
Step 5
SLEEVES:
With RS facing, pick up and knit 9 sts from one safety pin or marker to shoulder edges and another 9 sts from shoulder edges to second safety pin or marker. Work 18 rows in st st beg with a p row. Bind (cast) off k wise. Rep for second sleeve.
Step 6
TO MAKE UP TOP:
Join side and sleeve seams. Weave in all loose ends.
Step 7
Cropped Pants:
(MAKE 1) Cast on 18 sts in D. Work 26 rows in st st beg with a k row. Break yarn and leave sts on needle. Cast on 18 sts on needle with sts. Row 1: Knit. Work 26 rows in st st beg with a k row but do not break yarn. Now work across all 36 sts. Work 14 rows in st st beg with a k row. Next row: [K1, p1] to end. Rep last row once more. Bind (cast) off keeping to the k1, p1 patt.
Step 8
TO MAKE UP PANTS:
Sew inside leg and back seams. Weave in all loose ends.
Excerpted with permission from Knit Your Own Dolls: Over 35 patterns for dolls and their outfits, accessories, and pets.