This crochet cat mat pattern works up super quickly using size 6 Bernat Blanket yarn. The alternating single and double crochet give the mat a wonderful “cobbled” texture that your furry family member will love. Adding some tassels or fringe will add even more fun!
The Origin Of This Pattern
If you follow my blog regularly, then you might remember my recent pattern for the Peek-A-Boo Blanket. I made that using this same Bernat Blanket yarn. That was a much bigger project than this one and the whole time I was making it I was constantly chasing my cat off of it! She loved the squish! So, once I was finished with that project and found I had a little yarn left over, I decided to use it to make a little something just for her.
Another motivator for this pattern was my mom. She volunteers a lot of her time to rescuing cats and working with shelters to find them homes. She transports lots of kitties, fosters them in her home and takes them to adoption events at pet stores. One thing she is always asking me to make is cat mats to keep the cats comfortable in transport and in the pet stores. These cat mats are usually made up of cotton since it is easy to wash. (Next time you’re in a pet store, take a peek in those kitty cubbies and see if you spot a crocheted project in there!) I thought I’d give this Bernat Blanket yarn a try and see how the kitties liked it and how it held up over time.
Since I was looking at making more than one of these, I really wanted to create a pattern that was simple and quick. I decided to go with the lemon peel stitch (alternating double and single crochet) because it is a really basic and easy repeat, but it creates wonderful texture, which we know cats love! I added tassels so that the kitties would also have the option of something to play with if they were feeling frisky. I’m sure fringe could be just as fun!
THE YARN FOR THIS PATTERN
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As I mentioned, I decided to make this project when I ended up with extra Bernat Blanket yarn after finishing a blanket pattern. The best thing about this yarn is that it is thick, super soft and squishy! It feels so luxurious! It also does not fray or pill easily, so it’s a good pick for something that is going to get a little wear. The thickness of it makes any project work up very quickly!
I’m not exactly sure how well it holds up to wear and washing regularly, so I will have to come back later and let you know! I’m hoping it can hold up as well as the cotton option.
THE PATTERN
If you would like to purchase an inexpensive, ad-free pdf version of this Crochet Cat Mat pattern, you can find it here at my Etsy shop. (scroll down for the full free pattern)
Add this Crochet Cat Mat pattern to your Ravelry favorites HERE.
Materials:
Size 6 Yarn, approx. 165 yards, not including tassels (I used Bernat Blanket in Country Blue)
US P/ 11.5 mm Crochet Hook
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Gauge:
4 inch swatch of alternating Dc and Sc = 5 rows x 6 stitches
Finished size: 13” x 20”
Stitches Used:
(ch) Chain
(fdc) Foundation Double Crochet
(sc) Single Crochet
(dc) Double Crochet
Pattern Notes:
Starting chains do not count as a stitch in this pattern. In other words, the Ch 2 at the beginning of the row is not included in the stitch count for the row.
My gauge is tighter than most. If you crochet more loosely, you can either go down a hook size or two, or adjust the number of stitches and rows to get the sizing you want (see next paragraph).
This pattern is fairly easy to adjust to whatever size you like. If you want to decrease or increase the width of the blanket (shorter edge), just decrease or increase the number of stitches in your beginning chain or foundation row. Just keep the total number of stitches an even number. If you want to decrease or increase the height of your blanket (longer edge), simply decrease or increase your number of rows you complete.
Pattern:
Row 1: Fdc 20 (or until 13 inches).
Note: If you adjust your number of stitches to get a different width, just be sure to end with an even number.
Note: if you prefer to use a starting chain instead of a foundation double crochet you can chain 22. Dc in the third chain from the hook and in each chain across. (20)
Row 2: Ch 2. Turn. Dc in same st. Sc in the next stitch. *Dc in the next stitch. Sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * across. (20)
Rows 3-28: Repeat row 2 until roughly 20 inches long. (20)
Note: In rows 3-28 you will be putting dc stitches into sc stitches of the previous row and vice versa. This creates the “cobbled” texture.
Finish off and weave in ends.
Add embellishments if you like:
You can find directions for making tassels here.
You can find directions for adding fringe here.
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Note: Feel free to sell finished products made with this pattern. If finished products are posted online, please include a reference/credit to this pattern. Do not distribute or claim the pattern as your own, or alter and use my photos to market your finished products.
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