Happy “Almost” Halloween! Just in time, I’m releasing this as a free pattern! The inspiration for this one was…of course – you guessed it! Kitty Cats! Similar to the Keep Shining beanie is a free pattern too and has so many color possibilities!
I would love to see all your beautiful colors, so please tag #MeowKittyBeanie or #MeowBeanie and show me your MEOW! The Meow Crochet Cat Beanie is a fun crochet project and you’ll love making it!
This pattern is created by using the waistcoat stitch. Here are a few tips on working the knit stitch, and there is a full video tutorial at the bottom of the post along with video tutorials on how to change colors.
Autumn Harvest Blog Hoppers!
Hi friends! If you made it here for the hop, scroll down to the bottom and find the Autumn Harvest Blog Hop Button to get the pattern – Thanks for being here and I hope you enjoy the FREE PDF today!
Learning the Waistcoat Stitch
All of the stitches have tutorial links in the stitch guide below. I hope you enjoy this pattern and please share, because sharing helps me keep my blog alive.
How to get that knit look with crochet
I’ve fallen in love with the knit stitch. I used it my recent Fair Isle Beanie, it’s a great stitch that creates a nice thick fabric without holes. Which is great for warmth in the Fall & Winter. I’m working on a series of beanies that will be a lot of fun – I hope you enjoy them all, so keep an eye out over the next few weeks :).
Check out the video at Below to help you work the Knit (Waistcoat) stitch!
Knit / Waistcoat Stitch Tutorial
A whole new world opens up for you when you dive into learning this simple stitch. You will be amazed at how easy it is. Here are a few tips on keeping your stitches looking good and even.
Tips Working The Knit Stitch
Tension – this stitch requires you to loosen up a bit. If you are a tight crocheter, you’ll have to consciously loosen or “pull-up” on each stitch to make sure it doesn’t get too tight.
Consistency – when you make color changes using this stitch, you have to be consistent on how you work the color changes. It will make a big difference in the back of your work. This pattern requires a consistent band otherwise, when you flip up the brim, it will look messy! No one wants that :).
Patience – learning this stitch takes time and practice. The first time I created a pattern with it, I got calluses on my fingers because my stitches were too tight! I even wore down one of my fingernails. So just be patient and take your time. This stitch is one that takes patience and as you practice more, your speed will increase.
How to Crochet the Waistcoat Stitch aka Crochet Knit Stitch
Printable PDF is also available on Ravelry & Etsy.
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Ready to make it!? Let’s Go!
Meow Crochet Cat Beanie
PATTERN
Gauge:
12 ks x 19 rows = 4 x 4” or (10 x 10 cm)
Work in the round – fsc 20, join, *ch 1.
knit stitch in each fsc, beginning in same st as join, and in each st around. Repeat from * until you reach 19 rows.
Measure 12 sts by 19 rows to obtain gauge.
Materials
Suggested Yarn:
I used Lion Brand Heartland yarn in Acadia, Denali & Yosemite, click here to see.
Suggested Yarn Details:
100% Acrylic, 251yds/230m per skein (3.5 oz/100g)
Yardage Needed: (1 skein of each color)
Adult: 150-200 yds (136.16 – 182.88) (approximately)
Toddler 100-125 yds (91.44 – 114.3) (approximately)
Hook Size: 6.00 mm (J)
Scissors
Darning Needle
Poly-fill or yarn scraps
Abbreviations:
fsc | foundation single crochet |
ks | knit stitch |
sl st | slip stitch |
ch | chain |
MC | main color |
CC | contrasting color |
rnd | round |
ch | chain |
st(s) | stitches |
beg | beginning |
Stitch Guide:
Stitches include tutorial links
the knit stitch is a single crochet stitch that works into the center V of the st from the previous round, instead of the top two loops.
fsc – foundation single crochet
Size(s):
Toddler, Small, Medium, Large
Measurements:
Lying Flat: (approximate)
Toddler:
Height = 7.5” (19.05 cm), Width = 8” (20.32 cm)
Circumference of brim = 15.5” (39.37 cm)
Adult Small, Medium, Large: (Measurements below are with negative ease and meant to stretch slightly)
Small:
Height = 9.25” (23.5 cm), Width = 10.25” (26 cm)
Circumference of brim = 20.5 (52.07 cm)
Medium:
Height = 9.25” (23.5 cm), Width = 10.75” (27.30 cm)
Circumference of brim = 21.5” (54.61 cm)
Large:
Height = 9.25” (23.5 cm), Width = 11.25” (28.57 cm)
Circumference of brim = 22.5” (57.15 cm)
Pattern Notes – Please Read
- Sizing: Adult Small, Medium, & Large, and Toddler
- Joining: Joins are made with sl st into the ch 1 at end of rnd, unless otherwise indicated.
- Stitch count: Foundation round count is stitch count throughout.
- Remember to count your stitches 😉.
- Knit Stitch: Work very loose – they tend to get very tight.
- Each square of graph represents 1 knit stitch.
Pattern:
Using J hook and MC (I used Black Canyon as main color (MC) and Acadia (white) as contrasting color (CC))
Reminder: Joins are made by sl st into the ch 1 at end of rnd, unless otherwise indicated
Pattern Adult M (S, L):
Work graph from right to left and from the bottom to the top.
(please refer to graphs for where to begin graph for S, M, L) – you can customize width by adding or removing 1 row from both the left and right side of the chart (so the text stays centered).
Rnd 1: fsc 70 (68, 72). Join in 1st fsc of rnd, making sure the chain is not twisted.
Rnd 2: ch 1, then begin working graph using the knit stitch (ks) – the 1st st of the round is made into the same as join – 70 (68, 72)
Rnd 3 – 45: Follow graph using the ks, leave an 8-12-inch tail for sewing – sew up top according to photos in the following columns/pages. 70 (68, 72)
Pattern Toddler:
Work graph from right to left and from the bottom to the top.
Rnd 1: fsc 57. Join in 1st fsc of rnd, making sure the chain is not twisted – 57.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, begin working graph using the knit stitch (ks) – the 1st st of the round is made into the same stitch as join – 57 sts.
Rnd 3 – 35: Follow graph using ks, leave an 8-12-inch tail for sewing – sew up top according to photos in the following columns/pages – 57 sts.
Graphs
Assembly:
Lay flat, with seam in the center. WS out and foundation row closest to you. Working on the top of the hat – Sew together both pieces as pictured below, working through top loops of the stitches.
Draw in the other two corners – to create an X with four corners.
Sew together the two corner you just pulled in. Then do the same with the four corners of the X, drawing them in and sewing to the center. This creates 8 corners.
Keep pulling in and sewing corners to the center, until all the corners are sewed in. Leave a long tail for attaching pom. It kind of looks like a mish mash, but just keep sewing up all the little holes.
Weave in all tails, Turn RS out.
Cat Ears (Make 2):
Front Piece
Using J (6mm) hook in CC (denali – pink); ch 6.
Row 1: Hdc 1 in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 3 chs, hdc 5 in last ch, continue working around on opposite side of the chain, hdc 1 in each of next 4 chs – 13 sts.
Row 2: Ch 2, turn, dc in each of next 4 sts beginning in same st at ch 2, sc 1 in each of next 2 sts, sc 3 in next st, sc 1 in each of next 2 sts, dc 1 in each of next 4 sts – 15 sts.
cut, and weave in tails.
Back Piece
Create the same as front piece using MC, but don’t cut yarn, then…using the following rows to join the two pieces together.
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, place front piece on top of back piece.
Join the two pieces with a sc through front and back pieces and in each of next 7 sts;
next; Sc 3 through front and back pieces of next st, continue down the other side, working through both front and back pieces, sc 1 in each of next 7 sts – 17 sts.
Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc 1 in each of next 8 sts, sc 3 in next st, sc 1 in each of next 8 sts – 19 sts.
Weave in all tails on front piece and beginning tail from back piece. Leave a long tail for sewing to hat – use a small amount of stuffing – or leave it empty – it’s up to you. I used a small amount of stuffing in my sample.
Attaching ears to beanie:
Add a little bit of stuffing to the ears (Optional).
Lay beanie flat, foundation row closest to your body. Starting at the seam, counting 14 sts in from both directions (using the top most white row as a guide) and mark with stitch marker (for Toddler, count 8-9sts in. (you can place the ears anywhere you’d like, of course).
Place the ears at an angle, where the bottom of the ear is covering the 14th st of the white row.
Sew through the hat, and both pieces of the ear at the same time.
Repeat on both sides; Weave in tails.
When you are finished try on your beanie and RAWR!
This beanie is designed for you to wear with brim folded up or brim down (as pictured above.)
If you make one! I’d love to see it!
Want to learn new stitches? Check out the Stitch Explorers Series or
better yet…get the latest on new stitches and premium patterns, by signing up for the Stargazers mailing list here.
Autumn Harvest Blog Hop
Hey friends! Get the free pattern PDF by clicking here >>> Meow Beanie PDF or click the graphic below.
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Hope you enjoy the pattern! Happy crocheting,
Please can you help I have added my email address (tried all of them) but keeps saying something has gone wrong trying later.. I hope you can help
I had this same issue, but trying it from another browser worked for me!
very nice, thank you
Tasha,I love the tutorial for the waistcoat stitch!! I followed a different one for a bag I was making, but I like how you say to grab the right leg then go into the stitch. That would have made things a lot easier; I just tried the stabbing process per that other designer. Now I have a great trick in my toolbox for future attempts at the stitch.