Materials Needed
Before you make your first stitch, gather everything on the list. The sushi cat is a small project, so a little preparation goes a long way. This guide follows the original adorable crochet sushi cats free pattern by Chubbies by Ash, and every round count below matches that source.
- Cotton 5 ply, acrylic, sport weight or thin chenille yarn in white, black, orange, dark pink and yellow
- A 3 mm crochet hook
- Stuffing material
- UHU glue
- Stitch markers, a darning needle, pins and scissors
Each color has a job. White and black make the cat bodies, orange makes the salmon eggs, dark pink makes the fish, yellow makes the omelet, and black returns for the seaweed strip.
If you are new to amigurumi and would like to warm up your hands first, these fun beginner friendly crochet project ideas are a lovely place to start.
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Crochet Abbreviations
The pattern uses the standard amigurumi shorthand. Keep this list nearby while you work so you never have to guess what a symbol means.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ch | chain |
| st | stitch |
| mr | magic ring |
| sc | single crochet |
| inc | increase |
| dec | decrease |
| Bob | bobble stitch |
| dc | double crochet |
| BLO | back loop only |
| FLO | front loop only |
| slst | slip stitch |
| * | repeat the instructions |
| [] | the total stitch count for that round or row |
The brackets at the end of each round show the total stitch count you should have when that round is finished. If your count is off by a stitch or two, it is usually easier to fix it right away than to undo several rounds later.
Body
The body is the largest piece of the project, and it sets up everything that follows. You work it in joined rounds, so after every round you join with a slip stitch into the first single crochet.
Then you begin the next round with a chain 1 and start again from the single crochet you just joined into. Neither the chain 1 nor the slip stitch counts toward the stitch totals, so the numbers in brackets always describe working stitches only.
Start with a slip knot using black or white yarn, depending on which cat you are making, and make 10 chains.
- R1: Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 1 increase, 7 single crochet, 4 single crochet in one chain, 7 single crochet, 1 increase, then 1 slip stitch into the first single crochet of R1 [22].
- R2: Chain 1, 1 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 7 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 2 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 7 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 1 single crochet, 1 slip stitch [30].
- R3: Chain 1, 2 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 9 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 4 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 9 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 2 single crochet, 1 slip stitch [38].
- R4: Chain 1, 3 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 11 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 6 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 11 single crochet, 3 single crochet in one stitch, 3 single crochet, 1 slip stitch [46].
- R5 to R9: Chain 1, 46 single crochet, 1 slip stitch. Repeat this round for 5 rounds in total [46].
- R10: Chain 1, 4 single crochet, 1 bobble, 13 single crochet, 1 bobble, 8 single crochet, 1 bobble, 13 single crochet, 1 bobble, 4 single crochet, 1 slip stitch [46]. The bobble stitches in this round are made of 4 double crochet only.
- R11: Chain 1, 3 single crochet, 3 single crochet decrease, 11 single crochet, 3 single crochet decrease, 6 single crochet, 3 single crochet decrease, 11 single crochet, 3 single crochet decrease, 3 single crochet, 1 slip stitch [38].
- R12: Chain 1, 2 single crochet, 3 single crochet decrease, 9 single crochet, 3 single crochet decrease, 4 single crochet, 3 single crochet decrease, 9 single crochet, 3 single crochet decrease, 2 single crochet, 1 slip stitch [30].
Begin stuffing the body after R12, then keep adding small amounts after each of the following rounds. Stuffing in stages keeps the shape smooth and even instead of lumpy.
- R13: Chain 1, (3 single crochet, 1 decrease) six times, 1 slip stitch [24].
- R14: Chain 1, (2 single crochet, 1 decrease) six times, 1 slip stitch [18].
- R15: Chain 1, (1 single crochet, 1 decrease) six times, 1 slip stitch [12].
- R16: Chain 1, 6 decrease [6].
Cut the yarn leaving a long tail, then close the remaining hole with a darning needle.
Once the body is closed, embroider the face. Using three strands of black yarn, work the eyes on R7 in the middle, leaving 6 single crochet between the two eyes. Then embroider two whiskers beside each eye using two strands of yarn.
Ears
The ears are crocheted directly onto the body, so there is no sewing involved. Work them straight across R3 to R5. Chain 3, then starting from the 2nd chain from the hook, work 1 single crochet and 1 double crochet.
Skip one round, which is R4, then make 1 slip stitch on the body. Cut the yarn and weave in the ends. Repeat the same steps on the opposite side of the head so the ears sit level with each other.
Tail
The tail is crocheted directly onto the body, just like the ears. Place it on R5 right in the middle, which keeps the shape balanced. Chain 6, then starting from the 2nd chain from the hook, work 1 slip stitch and 4 single crochet.
Cut the yarn and weave in the ends. The result is a small curled tail that stands out from the back of the cat.
Salmon Eggs
Start with a slip knot using orange yarn and make 50 chains. Starting from the 3rd chain from the hook, work a 3 double crochet cluster stitch, skip 1 chain, then 1 single crochet. Repeat that sequence 16 times in total.
The finished strip has a bumpy texture that reads as a row of salmon roe once it is placed on the cat.
Fish
The fish uses dark pink yarn. Start with a slip knot and make 7 chains.
- R1: Starting from the 2nd chain from the hook, 1 increase, 4 single crochet, 4 single crochet in one chain, 4 single crochet, 1 increase, 1 slip stitch [16].
- R2: Chain 1, (3 single crochet, 1 increase) four times, 1 slip stitch [20].
- R3 to R11: Chain 1, 20 single crochet, 1 slip stitch. Repeat for 9 rounds [20].
- R12: Chain 1, (3 single crochet, 1 decrease) four times, 1 slip stitch [16].
Cut the yarn leaving a long tail, close the meat, and embroider the white stripes using white yarn. That long tail is the one you will use to close the opening and to stitch the fish onto the cat later.
Omelet
Start with a slip knot using yellow yarn and make 13 chains. In R1, starting from the 2nd chain from the hook, work 12 slip stitches. In R2, work in the back loop only with 12 slip stitches.
Repeat R2 until the piece reaches the width you want, and the original pattern repeated it until the omelet was 4 cm wide. Cut the yarn leaving a long tail.
Slip stitches make this piece firm and flat, which is exactly what you want for a folded omelet on top of the sushi cat.
Seaweed Strip
Start with a slip knot using black yarn and make 3 chains. In R1, starting from the 2nd chain from the hook, work 2 single crochet [2]. For R2, chain 1 and turn, then work 2 single crochet [2].
Repeat R2 until the strip is the length you need and it fits your sushi cat perfectly. Cut the yarn and weave in the ends. A short strip usually works best, since the seaweed should wrap around the food without hiding it.
Assembly
Assembly is where all your pieces finally come together. You can glue the food to the cats, or you can sew it on. The original pattern used a mix of glue and the leftover yarn tails to sew, which gives a firm hold with a tidy finish.
This stage can be challenging, especially if you are new to amigurumi. Take it one piece at a time: place the fish or the omelet where you want it, pin it if that helps, and only then glue or stitch it down.
Working patiently, one step at a time, is what turns a small pile of crocheted shapes into a finished sushi cat.
You have done an amazing job getting this far. Take a moment to admire your work and be proud of what you have made with your own hands.
It may not look exactly like the photos, and that is completely fine. Every little difference shows your own creativity and the care you put into it.
If you share photos of the sushi cats you make from this pattern, please credit the original designer. That is how the crochet community keeps growing and how other makers find the pattern too. Thank you for reading, and happy crocheting.
If you enjoy small, cute makes like this one, these duck crochet pattern ideas free amigurumi patterns are a lovely next project. For another take on the same idea, you can also browse this crochet sushi cat pattern free.
FAQs
What type of yarn is recommended for the crochet sushi cat pattern?
The pattern works best with cotton 5ply, acrylic, sport weight, or thin chenille yarn in white, black, orange, dark pink, and yellow. Choosing a smooth, non-splitting yarn in a light color makes it easiest for beginners to see their stitches. Using a 3mm crochet hook with sport-weight yarn creates the tight stitches required for amigurumi.
Is the adorable crochet sushi cat pattern a good project for a beginner crocheter?
The sushi cat pattern is approachable for confident beginners who are familiar with basic amigurumi stitches. The pattern uses simple rounds of single crochet and increases, though it does introduce the bobble stitch for the body texture. Beginners should practice the bobble stitch and carefully counting their joined rounds before starting the project.
What is the best method for attaching the sushi toppings to the crochet cat body?
You can either sew the food components like the salmon or omelet onto the cat body using leftover yarn tails or secure them with fabric glue. The designer recommends a mix of both glue and sewing for a durable hold on the finished toy. Whichever method you choose, taking your time during assembly ensures a neat and professional finish.
How do you embroider the face to give the sushi cat its cute kawaii expression?
Use three strands of black yarn to embroider the eyes, placing them on round 7 of the body with six single crochet stitches between them. Embroider two whiskers on each side using two strands of black yarn. Proper placement gives the sushi cat its cute kawaii expression.
Adorable Crochet Sushi Cats
Description
Materials Needed Before you make your first stitch, gather everything on the list. The sushi cat is a small project, so a little preparation goes a long way.
Ingredients
Materials Needed
Cotton (5ply), Acrylic, Sport or Thin Chenille yarn in White, Black, Orange, Dark Pink, Yellow
3mm crochet hook
Stuffing material
UHU Glue
stitch markers, darning needle, pins and scissors
Instructions
1-Body: Body: Start with a slip knot using black or white yarn. Make 10ch. R1: Starting from 2nd ch from the hook, 1inc, 7sc, (4sc in one ch), 7sc, 1inc, 1slst (into the 1st sc of R1) [22]. R2: Ch1, 1sc, (3sc in on st), 7sc, (3sc in on st), 2sc, (3sc in on st), 7sc, (3sc in on st), 1sc, 1slst [30]. R3: Ch1, 2sc, (3sc in on st), 9sc, (3sc in on st), 4sc, (3sc in on st), 9sc, (3sc in on st), 2sc, 1slst [38]. R4: Ch1, 3sc, (3sc in on st), 11sc, (3sc in on st), 6sc, (3sc in on st), 11sc, (3sc in on st), 3sc, 1slst [46]. R5-R9: Ch1, 46sc, 1slst (5 rounds) [46]. R10: Ch1, 4sc, 1BOB, 13sc, 1BOB, 8sc, 1BOB, 13sc, 1BOB, 4sc, 1slst [46]. R11: Ch1, 3sc, (3sc dec), 11sc, (3sc dec), 6sc, (3sc dec), 11sc, (3sc dec), 3sc, 1slst [38]. R12: Ch1, 2sc, (3sc dec), 9sc, (3sc dec), 4sc, (3sc dec), 9sc, (3sc dec), 2sc, 1slst [30]. Start stuffing after R12. R13: Ch1, (3sc,1dec)*6, 1slst [24]. R14: Ch1, (2sc,1dec)*6, 1slst [18]. R15: Ch1, (1sc,1dec)*6, 1slst [12]. R16: Ch1, 6dec [6]. Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Close hole using darning needle.
2-Embroider the Face: Embroider the Face: Using three strands of black yarn, embroider the eyes on R7 in the middle with 6sc apart between two eyes. Embroider two whiskers beside each eye using the two strands of yarn.
3-Ears: Ears: Crochet the ears directly across R3 to R5. Ch3, starting from 2nd ch from the hook, 1sc, 1dc, skip 1round (R4), 1slst on the body. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
4-Tail: Tail: Crochet the tail directly onto the body just like the ears on R5 right in the middle. Ch6, starting from 2nd ch from the hook, 1slst, 4sc. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
5-Salmon Eggs: Salmon Eggs: Start with a slip knot using Orange yarn. Make 50ch. Starting from 3rd ch from the hook, (3dc cluster st, skip 1ch, 1sc)*16.
6-Fish: Fish: Start with a slip knot using dark pink yarn. Make 7ch. R1: Starting from 2nd ch from the hook, 1inc, 4sc, (4sc in one ch), 4sc, 1inc, 1slst [16]. R2: Ch1, (3sc,1inc)*4, 1slst [20]. R3-R11: Ch1, 20sc, 1slst (9 rounds) [20]. R12: Ch1, (3sc,1dec)*4, 1slst [16]. Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Close the meat and embroider white stripes using white yarn.
7-Omelet: Omelet: Start with a slip knot using Yellow yarn. Make 13ch. R1: Starting from 2nd ch from the hook, 12slst. R2: BLO, 12slst. Repeat R2 until desired width (4cm wide). Cut yarn leaving a long tail.
8-Seaweed Strip: Seaweed Strip: Start with a slip knot using black yarn. Make 3ch. R1: Starting from 2nd ch from the hook, 2sc [2]. R2: Ch1 & turn, 2sc [2]. Repeat R2 until desired length. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
9-Assembly: Assembly: Use glue or sew the food together with the cats. I used a mix of glue and remaining yarn tails to sew.
- Method: other
Keywords: Adorable Crochet Sushi Cats