Christmas crochet is even more fun when it includes a cat: a tiny ornament for the tree, a soft amigurumi to tuck into a stocking, or a festive applique to add to a handmade gift. I searched for creator-made patterns and video tutorials first, then selected six different projects with links to the designers’ own instructions.
This roundup includes free written patterns, video make-alongs and an interactive ePattern. One creator offers a paid printable PDF alongside free online instructions, and other sources provide PDF links whose current terms should be checked on the creator’s page. The illustrations in this article were generated for styling inspiration; they are not the designers’ original pattern photos or a promise that the finished makes look exactly like these concepts. Use the linked pattern pages for the actual stitch instructions, photos, sizing and material requirements.
Choose a project that suits your holiday plans
| Project type | Good for | Pattern format |
|---|---|---|
| Small stuffed kitten | Stocking gift or tree ornament | Free PDF download |
| No-sew cat bauble | Quick beginner project | Free online pattern; optional paid PDF |
| Heart-shaped cat | Applique or gift tag | Free written pattern, photos and video |
| Santa-hat amigurumi | A larger shelf display | Video series or interactive ePattern |
| Pet-size Santa hat | A supervised festive photo only | Video tutorial; PDF details on creator’s page |
Before you begin, check whether the instructions use US or UK crochet terms, how the pattern handles safety eyes, and whether the finished project is meant to be a toy, a decoration or an accessory for a pet. Those small details influence your yarn choice, hook, finishing and how you will use the item.
1. Christmas Kitty: a small tree-hanging amigurumi
This beginner-friendly Sweet Softies design is available free through Hobbii and makes a small kitten about 10 cm tall before you include the tail. The page notes that it can be used as a stocking stuffer or turned into a tree ornament, so it works well when you want a soft little gift that does not need a full-size plush. Download the designer’s instructions from the source page and review the materials list before shopping; yarn choices and gauge affect the final size. It is a good first option for a maker who wants a recognizable cat shape and a simple festive finish. The illustration here is our own concept image, not Sweet Softies’ actual sample.
At a glance: Free downloadable pattern · Beginner · Approx. 10 cm.
2. No-sew Christmas cat bauble with a removable hat
Crochet at Midnight’s free written pattern is designed as a small hanging bauble, with a removable Santa hat so the cat can stay in use after the holidays. The designer lists a finished size of about 10 × 7 cm, a 2.5 mm hook and 4-ply yarn, and describes the project as beginner-friendly with no sewing required for the cat body; the face is finished separately. The website instructions are free, while the creator also offers a printable PDF for purchase. If you prefer to keep your hands on the work instead of a screen, check the PDF option and price on the creator’s page before deciding.
At a glance: Free online instructions · Beginner · Optional paid printable PDF.
3. I Love My Cat: a heart-shaped ornament and applique
Sara Sach’s design combines a heart silhouette with cat ears, turning the same small motif into a tree ornament, gift tag or applique. The free source page includes written instructions, photographs and a linked video tutorial. The creator lists worsted-weight yarn, a 5 mm hook and a finished size around 4 × 5 inches. Since it is flat rather than a stuffed toy, it is a fast choice for decorating a stocking, wrapping a present or making a matching set in different pet colors. Follow the original page for its exact stitch sequence and finishing notes.
At a glance: Free written pattern + photo steps + video · Easy · Approx. 4 × 5 in.
4. Christmas cat with Santa hat: a three-part video make-along
AmiSaigon’s Christmas cat is a stuffed amigurumi wearing a small crocheted Santa hat. Its source page organizes the tutorial into three video parts, which can be convenient if you prefer to pause between the body, smaller pieces and finishing. The page also provides a separate PDF download link, so check that listing for current access and price details before choosing it. Use the video links on the creator’s page to follow the correct sequence and materials. This is a more involved make than a flat ornament, but it gives you a complete cat figure for a shelf, gift basket or handmade holiday display.
At a glance: Three-part video tutorial · PDF link on source page · Check source for current terms.
5. Chloe the Christmas Cat: an interactive ePattern
Sleeping Cat Crochet’s Chloe pattern is listed as a free, intermediate-level Ribblr ePattern. The finished project is an amigurumi cat with a Santa hat; Ribblr describes it as requiring only a few sewn joins for the head, ears, hat and tail. Its interactive format can show progress round by round and includes stitch tutorial videos, which may be helpful if you prefer making from a phone or tablet. This pattern is not a printable PDF; instructions are followed on Ribblr. Because the skill level is intermediate, it may suit crocheters who already know how to work in the round and shape amigurumi pieces.
At a glance: Free interactive ePattern · Intermediate · Built-in stitch videos, no PDF.
6. Crochet Santa hat for a real cat: video and printable instructions
Shyler Crochets’ tutorial demonstrates a Santa hat made specifically for a cat, worked from the tip down to the head opening. The YouTube description mentions a four-page printer-friendly pattern with materials, sizing, stitch counts and adjustments for kittens, plus a 5 mm hook and red and white yarn. Check the video description for the creator’s current written-pattern link and terms. This is an accessory for a real pet, not an amigurumi; only try it if your cat is comfortable with headwear, keep the fit loose and the session brief, and remove it immediately if the cat resists or seems stressed.
At a glance: undefined.
Tips for choosing yarn and finishing a Christmas cat
- Match the hook to the pattern. Amigurumi usually needs a firm fabric so stuffing does not show through. Use the source designer’s suggested hook and yarn first; adjust only when you understand how the change affects size.
- Check the finished measurements. A 10 cm ornament, a 4 × 5 inch flat motif and a shelf-size plush need different amounts of yarn and stuffing. Measure your hanging space or gift box before starting.
- Use embroidery for small details when appropriate. For a toy intended for a young child, embroidered eyes and noses avoid small plastic components that could detach. Follow the designer’s safety guidance and local toy standards.
- Keep hanging ornaments secure. A short, firmly attached loop is easier to manage on a tree than a long loose strand. Place small decorations where children and pets cannot chew them.
- Respect pattern terms. Free instructions and PDFs still belong to the designer. Use the linked source page, do not repost the full pattern, and check the designer’s rules before selling finished makes.
- Try colors from your own cat. A white, ginger, charcoal, tabby or calico color scheme can make the ornament feel personal. Keep decorative pieces such as bells or bows firmly secured and away from pets that might chew them.
A note about crochet hats for real cats
The last project is a wearable headpiece for an actual pet, so it needs a different kind of consideration than an amigurumi or ornament. ASPCA advises dressing a cat only if you know the cat enjoys it, and says a costume should not restrict movement, sight or breathing; remove it if the animal seems distressed. The hat is optional—never force it on a cat. A crocheted plush or ornament is a better choice if your pet does not comfortably tolerate clothing. Read ASPCA’s costume-safety guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Are these patterns all free?
Several selected sources provide free patterns or free videos. Crochet at Midnight offers its web instructions free and sells an optional printable PDF. AmiSaigon’s page links to a PDF download separately from its three-part video series; check that source for the current price and access terms. Ribblr’s Chloe ePattern is listed as free but is read interactively rather than downloaded as a PDF.
Which project is easiest for a beginner?
The Hobbii Christmas Kitty is labeled beginner level, and Sara Sach’s flat heart-shaped cat ornament is labeled easy. A small flat motif or simple ornament is often less demanding than a stuffed figure with several pieces to join. Check the stitch list and tutorial format before you choose.
Can I use the generated illustrations as the pattern photos?
No. They are original visual concepts made to help you imagine the holiday mood. They do not show the exact stitch counts, construction or finished appearance from each designer. Follow the linked pattern source for accurate reference photos and steps.
Can I put a crochet Santa hat on my cat?
Only if your cat is already comfortable with headwear, and only for a brief, supervised moment. It must not block vision or restrict movement or breathing. Stop immediately if the cat tries to remove it, freezes, hides or seems distressed. When in doubt, use the hat on a plush toy instead.
More crochet cat ideas
For another original project, follow our free mini crochet cat pattern with a lacy collar, make a cozy cat gnome, or browse our roundup of free crochet cat amigurumi patterns for year-round ideas.
Pattern availability and download conditions can change. The links above lead to the designers’ own pages or their selected pattern platforms; always read the instructions and terms there before starting.
