Dera-Cats in Deramores Studio - Downloadable PDF

Dera-Cats in Deramores Studio Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for knitting a collection of decorative stuffed cat toys designed by Amanda Berry. Each finished cat measures approximately 22cm tall when sitting, making them charming handmade accessories or gifts. The pattern is presented as an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for crafters with some prior knitting experience.

Craft and Technique Overview

Dera-Cats are created using fundamental knitting techniques combined with toy-making methods. The pattern employs standard flat knitting on straight needles, with pieces subsequently assembled and stuffed to create three-dimensional toy forms. This approach allows crafters to build individual components—such as the body, head, limbs, and ears—which are then joined together using a tapestry needle. The toys are finished with safety eyes and polyester toy stuffing to achieve a soft, huggable final product.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches appropriate for toy construction:

• Knit (K) – The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P) – Used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and pattern
• Stocking Stitch – The primary fabric structure, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce a smooth, finished appearance
• Kfb (Knit into front and back) – An increase technique used to shape the toy pieces
• K2tog (Knit two together) – A decrease technique for shaping and reducing stitches

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for Deramores Studio DK weight yarn in five coordinating colorways, with 100g of each color provided:

• Yarn A: Oatmeal
• Yarn B: Frost
• Yarn C: Ebony
• Yarn D: Chocolate
• Yarn E: Burnt Orange

Needles: A pair of 3.75mm (US 5) straight knitting needles with a minimum length of 20cm are required for working the pattern at the specified tension.

Additional Supplies: The pattern requires a tapestry needle for seaming and assembly, six 12mm cat toy safety eyes for facial features, and approximately 500g of polyester toy stuffing to fill the completed cat forms.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows over a 10cm x 10cm square worked in stocking stitch on 3.75mm needles. However, the instructions note that precise tension matching is not critical for this toy project, allowing for some flexibility in individual gauge variations without significantly affecting the final result.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Classified as an intermediate knitting project, Dera-Cats are suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle simple shaping techniques and toy assembly. The finished toys are not recommended for children under 3 years of age due to small parts, including the safety eyes and potential choking hazards.