CAT HEAD knitting pattern | CATS COLLECTION
This pattern was originally published in 2020. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.
Calling all cat lovers! I am so excited to bring a favorite back from the vault: the Cat Head block. Part of our The Animal Kingdom Collection, this pattern uses a clever combination of knit and purl textures to create a sweet, recognizable feline silhouette. It’s a wonderful project for beginners looking to practice following a chart while creating something truly adorable. Whether you’re knitting a set of playful dishcloths or adding a ‘purr-fect’ panel to a nursery blanket, this 52SP-standard design is sure to bring a smile to your needles.
| Project Detail | Requirement |
| Skill Level | Beginner (only knits and purls) |
| Yarn Weight | DK or Worsted |
| Needle Size | 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches) |
| Finished Size | 8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm) |
Materials & Tools
- Yarn: approx. 70 yds (64 m) of DK weight yarn. Cotton is recommended for dishcloths; wool or acrylic blends work beautifully for blankets.
- Needles: 4 mm (US 6) straight needles (I suggest using 4.5 mm / US 7 needles specifically for casting on and binding off to keep your edges flexible).
- Tools: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in stocking stitch.
You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks.
Cat Head Dishcloth or Blanket Square
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st: stitch
- k: knit
- p: purl
The Pattern: General Instructions
- Cast on sts
CO 43 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
I always cast on and bind off stitches with larger needles than I use for the main work. This prevents my cast on and bind off rows from being too tight. - Garter stitch bottom border
With US 6 (4 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
Slip first stitch on every row as if you were to knit it, but without knitting it (except on the first row). It will form a neat and sturdy border. - Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
4 garter sts, CAT HEAD knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Cat Head knitting pattern. - Garter stitch top border
Knit 4 rows.
- Bind off
Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
- (Optional) Blocking
Block your square to its final measures.
Cat Head knitting pattern: Written instructions
Click to expand
Row 1) and every following odd row (RS) Knit all stitches
Row 2) Purl all stitches
Row 4) Purl all stitches
Row 6) Purl all stitches
Row 8) Purl all stitches
Row 10) p12, k11, p12
Row 12) p10, k15, p10
Row 14) p8, k19, p8
Row 16) p6, k10, p3, k10, p6
Row 18) p5, k10, p5, k10, p5
Row 20) p4, k27, p4
Row 22) p4, k27, p4
Row 24) p4, k8, p2, k7, p2, k8, p4
Row 26) p4, k8, p2, k7, p2, k8, p4
Row 28) p4, k27, p4
Row 30) p5, k25, p5
Row 32) p6, k23, p6
Row 34) p6, k23, p6
Row 36) p6, k2, p3, k13, p3, k2, p6
Row 38) p6, k2, p3, k3, p7, k3, p3, k2, p6
Row 40) p6, k2, p2, k3, p9, k3, p2, k2, p6
Row 42) p6, k2, p1, k3, p11, k3, p1, k2, p6
Row 44) p6, k5, p13, k5, p6
Row 46) p6, k4, p15, k4, p6
Row 48) p all sts
Row 50) p all sts
Row 52) p all sts
Row 54) p all sts
Row 55) k all sts
Cat Head block pattern: CHART
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
⚠️ Note: These charted instructions represent the 35-stitch design area. Remember to work your 4-stitch garter borders at the beginning and end of every row.
Pin it!
You can use the image below to save this pattern in your Pinterest knitting board.
Download the Printable PDF
Oh La Lana! shop
You can also buy this pattern in Etsy and Ravelry.
Looking for more patterns?
Check out these three from The Animal Kingdom, the Travel Log, and the Texture Collection:
Planning a Blanket?
You might find useful our guide on How to Join Knitted Squares!
<– Return to The Animal Kingdom Hub
Do you want to see more CAT related patterns?
You can check the following:
I love it! Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! 😘
That is a cute pattern!! I love the whiskers.
Thank you!! 🥰