Cavendish Cat

Cavendish Cat Knitting Pattern by Amanda Berry

What is Being Made

Cavendish Cat is a soft, cuddly knitted toy kitten designed by Amanda Berry. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sweet little stuffed cat suitable for display or as a handmade gift. The finished toy is constructed from individual knitted pieces that are seamed together and filled with toy stuffing to create a three-dimensional feline figure.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs intarsia colour-work as a primary technique, allowing knitters to incorporate multiple yarn colors within the same rows to create detailed features and markings on the cat. The use of bobbins is recommended to manage the separate yarn colors during intarsia knitting, which helps prevent tangling and maintains tension consistency. Seaming techniques are essential for assembling the various knitted components into the finished toy.

Stitches and Construction

While specific stitch abbreviations are referenced in the pattern (indicated by "foll" for "following" and other standard knitting abbreviations), the pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for creating a stuffed toy. The construction method involves knitting separate pieces that are then joined together using a darning or tapestry needle, a common approach for toy making that allows for easier assembly and stuffing.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for DK weight yarn (also known as double knitting, light worsted weight, or 8 ply), with a minimum of 50g each in two shades: cream and brown. An alpaca blend DK yarn is recommended for authenticity and softness, with Rowan Alpaca Classic DK or similar yarns suggested as suitable substitutes. The original sample was knitted in an alpaca blend yarn that has since been discontinued.

Needles and Notions

• A pair of 3.5mm (US 4) single pointed needles with a minimum length of 20cm to 50cm
• A darning or tapestry needle for seaming the pieces together
• Bobbins for managing intarsia colour-work
• Several large handfuls of toy filling for stuffing
• Two 5mm black beads for the eyes
• 60cm of pink DK yarn for embroidering the nose
• Sewing yarn and thread to attach beads and embroider details
• Optional: Toy whiskers or clear nylon thread for additional facial features

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle color-work and toy assembly. The intarsia technique and the precision required for creating a recognizable cat figure require some experience beyond absolute beginner level.