Learn How to Crochet a Kitty LOVEY Blanket

Learn How to Crochet a Kitty LOVEY Blanket

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Making the Magic Ring
4. Creating the Lovey Blanket
5. Adding Cluster Stitches
6. Continuing the Round
7. Repeating the Last Row
8. Determining the Size of the Lovey
9. Making the Kitty Head and Arms
10. Finishing Touches
11. Conclusion

Introduction

In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process of crocheting a cute and adorable kitty lovey. We will focus on creating the lovey blanket, which is a fairly straightforward project. If you are interested in making the kitty head, arms, and ears, you can find a written tutorial on my website. Crocheting a lovey might seem daunting, but I assure you it is not as difficult as it may appear. By following the steps outlined in this video, you will be able to create a beautiful and impressive lovey that will delight both children and adults alike. So let's get started!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, let's gather all the materials you will need for this project:

• Worsted weighted yarn in the color of your choice (I used one skein of blush for the entire lovey)
• Thread or embroidery floss for the face
• Tapestry needle and regular needle
• Scissors
• 4mm crochet hook
• Polyfill stuffing

Making the Magic Ring

To start, we will create a magic ring to form the center of our blanket. Follow these steps:

1. Hold the end of the yarn between your thumb and middle finger, leaving a tail of about 4-6 inches.
2. Use your index finger and thumb to hold the yarn loop in place.
3. Insert the crochet hook through the loop, catching the working yarn and pulling it through.
4. Make a chain stitch to secure the loop.
5. Create an alternative turning chain by making a single crochet followed by another single crochet stacked on top of the first one.
6. Place 11 more double crochets into the ring to complete the first round.
7. Close the ring by making a slip stitch into the first stitch.

Creating the Lovey Blanket

Now that we have our magic ring, we can start working on the lovey blanket. Follow these steps:

1. Make slip stitches to move to the end of the round.
2. For the next round, start with an alternative turning chain that remains unfinished.
3. Make a single crochet and two more unfinished double crochets in the same stitch to create a cluster stitch.
4. Chain four and skip one stitch. In the next stitch, make three double crochets as a cluster.
5. Repeat the previous step until you reach the end of the round, always skipping one stitch and creating clusters in the designated stitches.

Continue the process until you have reached the desired size for your lovey.

Adding Cluster Stitches

From round three onwards, we will stop using slip stitches after the end of each round to create a seamless look. Follow these steps:

1. Start with a chain of four.
2. Make three single crochets in the chain four space of the previous round.
3. Place one single crochet on top of the cluster stitch.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 all the way around the lovey, creating a combination of chain four spaces and single crochets.

Continue this pattern for the following rounds.

Continuing the Round

As you continue crocheting the lovey, you will repeat the same pattern without slip stitches at the end of each round. Follow these steps:

1. Chain four at the end of each round.
2. Make two single crochets in the chain four space.
3. Place one single crochet in each stitch until the last stitch, which is skipped.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until you reach the desired size for your lovey.

Repeating the Last Row

To ensure a consistent look, you will repeat the last row over and over until you have reached the desired width for your lovey. Follow these steps:

1. Skip the last stitch of each round.
2. Chain four.
3. Make two single crochets in the chain space.
4. Place one single crochet in each stitch until the last stitch, which is skipped.

Continue this pattern until your lovey reaches the desired width.

Determining the Size of the Lovey

The size of your lovey will depend on personal preference. Some people prefer a smaller size, around 12 inches, while others opt for a larger size, up to 20 inches. Determine the width that suits your needs and adjust the number of rounds accordingly.

Making the Kitty Head and Arms

To complete your lovey, you can add a cute kitty head and arms. Use the same yarn to crochet these additional parts. Follow the pattern provided on my website for the instructions on creating the kitty head, arms, and ears. Attach these components to the lovey using a tapestry needle and some thread.

Finishing Touches

To give your kitty lovey a face, use black thread or embroidery floss. You can sew on eyes, a nose, and a mouth according to your preferences. Make sure to secure the thread properly to ensure that the face stays in place.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully created a beautiful and adorable kitty lovey. This project may seem overwhelming at first, but with practice and patience, you can master the art of crochet. Feel free to explore different color combinations and personalizations to make your lovey even more unique. Enjoy the process and the joy it brings to the recipient of your handmade creation.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different yarn weight for this project? A: While the pattern calls for worsted weighted yarn, you can experiment with different yarn weights to achieve different results. Keep in mind that using a different weight might alter the size and appearance of the final product.

Q: Can I make this lovey in multiple colors? A: Absolutely! You can use multiple colors to create a striped or gradient effect on the lovey blanket. Get creative and have fun with your color choices.

Q: Can I make this lovey bigger or smaller than the suggested size? A: Yes, you can adjust the size of the lovey by adding or subtracting rounds. Keep in mind that the size of the lovey might affect the proportions of the kitty head and arms.

Q: Is this lovey suitable for babies and young children? A: Yes, this lovey is safe for babies and young children. However, always supervise young children while they are playing with it to ensure their safety.

Q: Can I sell items made using this pattern? A: Yes, you can sell items made using this pattern. However, please credit the original pattern and provide a link to the source.

Q: How long does it take to complete this project? A: The time it takes to complete this project will depend on your crochet skill level and the amount of time you can dedicate to it. On average, it may take a few hours to a few days to finish the lovey.

Q: Can I use a different animal head instead of a kitty head? A: Yes, you can use a different animal head pattern instead of the kitty head. Feel free to explore different designs and incorporate them into your lovey.

Q: How do I wash and care for the lovey? A: It is recommended to hand wash the lovey using mild detergent and warm water. Gently squeeze out excess water and reshape the lovey before laying it flat to dry. Avoid using harsh chemicals and high heat when washing and drying the lovey.

Q: Can I use this pattern to make a lovey for myself or as a gift? A: Absolutely! This pattern is perfect for creating loveys for yourself, friends, or loved ones. Personalize it with unique color choices and additional embellishments to make it extra special.