Step-by-Step Sushi Cat Crochet Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Materials Needed
3. Making the Foundation Chain
4. Working on the Novel Shape
   • Making Single Crochets in the Back Loops
   • Increasing Stitches
5. Continuing the Sequences
   • Increasing and Decreasing Stitches
6. Placing the Eyes
7. Stuffing the Kitty's Body
8. Working on the Ears
9. Creating the Top of the Sushi Cat
10. Making the Belt
11. Sewing the Ears, Top, Mouth, and Whiskers
12. Connecting the Belt
13. Conclusion

Amigurumi Sushi Cats: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Are you a fan of cute and adorable amigurumi dolls? If so, you're in for a treat! In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process of creating your very own amigurumi sushi cats. These little creatures have become quite popular, and for good reason! They are not only incredibly cute but also make for great decorations or gifts. So, grab your crochet hook and let's get started!

Introduction

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed toys. It allows you to create cute and cuddly creatures using basic crochet stitches. In this tutorial, we will be making sushi cats, which are a fusion of two beloved things – sushi and cats. These little kitties are perfect for cat lovers and sushi enthusiasts alike.

Materials Needed

Before we begin, let's gather all the materials you'll need for this project. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• 2.5mm crochet hook
• Red, black, and white yarn (I used Yarn Art Jeans, but you can use any brand you prefer)
• Fiberfill or stuffing
• Stitch markers (or safety pins or short strands of yarn)

Make sure to have these materials ready before we proceed to the next steps. Once you have everything, let's start making our adorable sushi cats!

Making the Foundation Chain

To begin, we will create the foundation chain for our amigurumi. This will serve as the base for shaping the body of the sushi cat. Follow these steps:

1. Start with a slip knot and chain nine stitches.
2. We are going to make a novel shape out of this foundation chain. Usually, it can be a bit tricky to achieve this when starting with a magic circle. However, by using the foundation chain technique, we can easily create the desired shape right from the beginning.
3. Starting from the second chain from the hook, work in the back loops only and make single crochet in the next seven stitches. Be sure to grab only one loop for each stitch.
4. If you're not familiar with how to make a single crochet, you can refer to my stitch tutorial in the description below. Essentially, it involves inserting your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over again, and pull through both loops on the hook. Repeat this process seven times.

Working on the Novel Shape

Now that we have our foundation chain, let's continue shaping our amigurumi sushi cat in a novel shape. Follow these steps:

1. Make four single crochets in the last chain. This means that you need to make four single crochets into the same stitch. It's important to note that this is the last stitch because you have already made seven single crochets.
2. Proceed to the other side of the foundation chain and make single crochet in the next six stitches.
3. Increase in the last stitch. An increase means making two single crochets into the same stitch. This will help create a rounded shape for the body of the sushi cat.
4. Now would be a good time to place a stitch marker to indicate the end of the row. Stitch markers are useful for keeping track of your progress and identifying the end of each round. You can use plastic stitch markers or even a small piece of yarn or safety pin.

Continuing the Sequences

Our sushi cat's body is starting to take shape! Let's continue with the sequences to further shape the body and add more details. Follow these steps:

1. In row three, make an increase and then single crochet in the next seven stitches. Repeat this sequence till the end of the row.
2. In row four, make an increase in the next two stitches, followed by single crochet in the next seven stitches. Repeat this sequence till the end of the row.
3. Continue with the sequences, adjusting the number of single crochets and increases where indicated in the pattern. This repetition will help create the desired shape and size for the body.
4. Stuff the kitty's body with fiberfill, ensuring it is firm but not overly stuffed. You want the body to be soft and cuddly.
5. Complete the remaining rows, making single crochet in every stitch, until you reach row 17.

Placing the Eyes

Now that we have created the main body of our sushi cat, it's time to add some personality by placing the eyes. Follow these steps:

1. Place the eyes between the 13th and 14th rounds. This will give the sushi cat a cute and expressive look.
2. Secure the eyes in place by attaching the safety backs or using plastic washers that often come with safety eyes. Make sure they are tightly fastened to ensure they don't come off.

Stuffing the Kitty's Body

Before we move on to the next steps, make sure to stuff the kitty's body with fiberfill. Carefully fill the body, ensuring it is evenly distributed and feels soft but firm to the touch. Take your time to ensure the stuffing is spread out properly, giving the sushi cat a rounded and plush appearance.

Working on the Ears

With the body stuffed, we can now move on to making the ears. Follow these steps:

1. Start by creating a magic circle and place eight single crochets into it.
2. Pull the tail of the magic circle to close the gap, and then secure it with a stitch marker to indicate the end of the row.

Creating the Top of the Sushi Cat

The top of the sushi cat adds a fun and colorful element to its design. Follow these steps to create the top:

1. Using red yarn, create a magic circle and make six single crochets into it.
2. Work an increase round by making two single crochets in each stitch. This will help create a larger round shape.
3. Follow the pattern, making single crochet and increases as indicated in each round. This repetition will create gradual shaping of the top.
4. Continue working until you reach row 20, making single crochet in every stitch.

Making the Belt

To give our sushi cat a cute and authentic touch, let's create a belt using black yarn. Follow these steps:

1. Chain 51 stitches to create the belt.
2. Starting from the second chain from the hook, make a single crochet in every stitch.
3. Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sewing the Ears, Top, Mouth, and Whiskers

Now that we have all the components ready, it's time to assemble them. Follow these steps:

1. Sew the ears to the appropriate place on the sushi cat's head. You can sew them between the 14th and 17th rows, ensuring they are securely attached.
2. Attach the top just behind the ears, allowing it to sit nicely on the sushi cat's head.
3. Use black yarn to sew the mouth of the kitty. Create a cute little smile or whatever expression you prefer.
4. Use black yarn again to sew the whiskers onto the sushi cat's face. This adds a fun and playful touch.

Connecting the Belt

To complete the sushi cat's look, let's connect the belt. Follow these steps:

1. Sew the ends of the belt together to create a circle.
2. Ensure the belt is securely attached, making it look like a proper sushi cat.

Congratulations! You have successfully created your very own amigurumi sushi cat! Give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work and attention to detail. These little creatures are sure to bring joy and cuteness to anyone who sees them.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and had fun making your own amigurumi sushi cats. The possibilities for creativity with amigurumi are endless, so feel free to experiment with different colors, accessories, and designs. Don't forget to share your creations with me and let me know how they turned out.

Thank you for joining me on this amigurumi adventure! If you found this tutorial helpful, don't forget to like and subscribe to my channel for more exciting crochet projects. Stay awesome and happy crocheting!