Knitting Tutorial: Little Cat in Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted little cat is dressed exactly as shown: a cream body with orange tabby patches, glossy black eyes, a tiny pink nose, brown floral overalls, rust shoes, a blue-and-cream striped cardigan, a small beige bow, a matching blue pom-pom hat, and two tiny succulent pots for the display scene.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern creates a soft stuffed cat doll with a rounded head, short body, small arms, straight legs, removable-style cardigan details, overalls, shoes, bow, hat, and miniature plant props. The finished look is cozy, handmade, and close to the reference image.

The doll is worked mostly in the round on double-pointed needles or using magic loop. Small flat pieces are included for the cardigan fronts, overall bib, straps, bow, leaves, and decorative details.

• Finished cat height: about 8.5 in / 21.5 cm from feet to ear tips.
• Hat width: about 4.5 in / 11.5 cm across when laid flat.
• Succulent pots: about 1.25 to 1.5 in / 3 to 4 cm tall.
• Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.
• Construction: knitted pieces, stuffed firmly, then sewn together.

Materials

• Yarn weight: sport weight or light DK yarn.
• Main cat color: warm cream, about 45 yd.
• Tabby markings: burnt orange, about 10 yd.
• Cardigan main color: medium sky blue, about 35 yd.
• Cardigan stripe color: cream, about 12 yd.
• Overalls: light brown or tan, about 30 yd.
• Shoes: rust brown, about 18 yd.
• Bow: beige or taupe, about 6 yd.
• Hat: medium sky blue, about 25 yd.
• Succulents: sage green and blue-green, about 15 yd total.
• Pots: rust brown and beige, about 12 yd total.
• Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needle for magic loop.
• Optional smaller needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm for tighter plant leaves.
• Safety eyes: two black 7 mm eyes, or black yarn embroidery.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
• Extras: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn, small buttons, sewing thread, embroidery floss.

Gauge

Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 in / 2.5 cm in stockinette, worked in the round with light DK yarn and US 2 needles.

Exact gauge is less important than firm fabric. The knitted fabric should be tight enough so stuffing does not show through. If your stitches look loose, go down a needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st / sts: stitch / stitches.
• rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
• M1L: make 1 left increase.
• M1R: make 1 right increase.
• inc: increase.
• dec: decrease.
• St st: stockinette stitch.

Important Pattern Notes

The cat has a large rounded head, a small soft body, short cream arms, straight cream legs, and small rust shoes. The head is slightly wider than the body, giving the doll the cute toy proportions shown in the image.

The cardigan is knitted separately and sewn in place so it sits open at the front. The left front crosses slightly with one button, matching the relaxed cardigan shape in the photo.

The overalls are made as a separate tan lower garment with short legs, a front bib, thin straps, rolled cuffs, and tiny embroidered floral marks. The overalls should sit under the cardigan and cover the torso.

Work with firm tension. Stuff the head and feet more firmly than the arms. The doll should be soft, but the face needs enough structure to hold the eyes, nose, and tabby markings neatly.

Color Placement Guide

• Cat body: cream head, body, arms, and visible lower legs.
• Tabby markings: orange patches on top of head, ears, and small stripes around forehead and side face.
• Cardigan: blue base with narrow cream stripes on sleeves and fronts.
• Overalls: tan with dark embroidered seed-like floral speckles.
• Shoes: rust brown with cream sole edge and tiny flower button on the outer side.
• Bow: beige bow attached near the cat’s right ear.
• Hat: separate blue ribbed beanie with a round pom-pom.
• Props: two tiny knitted succulent pots, one rust pot and one beige pot.

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Head

Work the head in cream, in the round. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

1. CO 8 sts in cream. Divide over needles and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnds 11-24: k all sts for 14 rounds.
13. Rnd 25: repeat k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
14. Rnd 26: k all sts.
15. Rnd 27: repeat k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
16. Rnd 28: k all sts.
17. Rnd 29: repeat k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
18. Pause here and install the eyes between Rnds 17 and 18, about 10 sts apart.
19. Rnd 30: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
20. Stuff the head firmly, shaping it into a rounded oval.
21. Rnd 31: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
22. Rnd 32: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
23. Rnd 33: k2tog around. 6 sts.
24. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Head Shaping Tip

The head should look round and slightly wide. After closing, roll it gently between your palms. Add more stuffing through the neck opening area before final assembly if the face looks flat.

Orange Tabby Markings

The photo shows warm orange patches on the top of the head and ears, plus short narrow stripes. These details are embroidered after knitting so the markings sit cleanly on the cream fabric.

• Top center patch: embroider a 6-st wide orange patch from the crown down to the forehead.
• Left top patch: embroider a small irregular patch over 5 sts near the left ear base.
• Right top patch: embroider a narrow patch over 4 sts near the bow side.
• Forehead stripes: make three short vertical orange stitches, each about 3 rounds long.
• Side stripes: add two short horizontal orange stripes on each side of the face.

Use duplicate stitch for the larger patches. Use backstitch for narrow stripes. Keep the orange markings soft and rounded, not sharply geometric.

Ears

Make two triangular ears. Each ear uses cream with orange at the outer upper tip. Work flat, then fold slightly before sewing to the head.

Ear One

1. CO 12 sts in cream.
2. Row 1, RS: k all sts.
3. Row 2, WS: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
7. Row 6: p all sts.
8. Change to orange.
9. Row 7: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. 6 sts.
10. Row 8: p all sts.
11. Row 9: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. 4 sts.
12. Row 10: p all sts.
13. Row 11: ssk, k2tog. 2 sts.
14. Row 12: p2tog. 1 st.
15. Cut yarn and fasten off.

Ear Two

Repeat Ear One, but place orange only on one edge if desired. This gives the ears a natural mismatched tabby look, similar to the image.

Lightly steam or finger-block the ears. Pinch each ear at the base before sewing so it stands upright and slightly rounded.

Body

The body is cream but mostly covered by the overalls and cardigan. It should be shorter than the head and shaped like a soft oval cylinder.

1. CO 10 sts in cream. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k5, kfb around. 35 sts.
8. Rnds 7-20: k all sts for 14 rounds.
9. Rnd 21: repeat k5, k2tog around. 30 sts.
10. Rnd 22: k all sts.
11. Rnd 23: repeat k4, k2tog around. 25 sts.
12. Rnd 24: k all sts.
13. Rnd 25: repeat k3, k2tog around. 20 sts.
14. Stuff the body firmly but keep it slightly softer than the head.
15. Rnd 26: repeat k2, k2tog around. 15 sts.
16. Rnd 27: repeat k1, k2tog around. 10 sts.
17. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

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Legs

Make two legs. The lower visible leg is cream. The shoe section is rust brown with a cream edge, matching the small rounded shoes in the photo.

First Leg and Shoe

1. With cream, CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-12: k all sts.
3. Change to rust brown for shoe.
4. Rnd 13: k all sts.
5. Rnd 14: repeat k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
6. Rnds 15-19: k all sts.
7. Rnd 20: k5, k2tog, k4, ssk, k5. 16 sts.
8. Rnd 21: k4, k2tog, k4, ssk, k4. 14 sts.
9. Rnd 22: k all sts.
10. Change to cream for the sole edge.
11. Rnd 23: p all sts to create a raised shoe rim.
12. Rnd 24: k all sts.
13. Stuff the shoe firmly and the leg lightly.
14. Rnd 25: k2tog around. 7 sts.
15. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Second Leg and Shoe

Repeat the first leg. Make sure both shoes are stuffed evenly so the doll can sit nicely and the feet point forward.

Shoe Flower Detail

• On the outside of each shoe, sew a tiny beige flower using five small straight stitches.
• Add one small brown or gold stitch in the center.
• Keep each flower about 0.25 in / 6 mm wide.

Arms

The arms are cream at the hands and blue-striped at the cardigan sleeves. Work them from hand to shoulder so the cream paws show at the ends.

First Arm

1. With cream, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-5: k all sts.
3. Change to blue.
4. Rnd 6: k all sts.
5. Rnd 7: p all sts to form the sleeve cuff ridge.
6. Rnds 8-9: k in blue.
7. Change to cream cardigan stripe.
8. Rnds 10-11: k in cream.
9. Change to blue.
10. Rnds 12-14: k in blue.
11. Change to cream.
12. Rnds 15-16: k in cream.
13. Change to blue.
14. Rnds 17-20: k in blue.
15. Stuff the hand lightly. Leave the upper sleeve mostly flat.
16. Rnd 21: k2tog around. 5 sts.
17. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed, and secure.

Second Arm

Repeat the first arm. Keep the stripe sequence identical so both sleeves match the cardigan in the image.

Brown Overalls

The overalls are tan, cropped, and roomy. They cover the body and upper legs. The photo shows short pant legs, a front bib, shoulder straps, rolled cuffs, and tiny dark floral speckles.

Overall Shorts Base

Work the shorts from the waist down in the round. They should fit snugly around the body but not squeeze it.

1. With tan yarn, CO 36 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: p all sts for the waistband ridge.
3. Rnds 2-5: k all sts.
4. Rnd 6: repeat k5, kfb around. 42 sts.
5. Rnds 7-12: k all sts.
6. Divide for legs: place first 21 sts on one needle set and second 21 sts on holder.
7. First pant leg, Rnd 13: join to work 21 sts in the round.
8. Rnds 14-18: k all sts.
9. Rnd 19: p all sts for rolled cuff ridge.
10. Rnds 20-21: k all sts.
11. BO loosely.
12. Return held 21 sts to needles.
13. Repeat Rnds 13-21 for second pant leg.

Sew the small crotch gap closed with tan yarn. Slide the shorts onto the body before attaching the legs permanently if you want a cleaner finish.

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Front Bib

1. With tan yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1, RS: k all sts.
3. Row 2, WS: p all sts.
4. Rows 3-12: continue in St st.
5. Row 13: k1, ssk, k8, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
6. Row 14: p all sts.
7. Row 15: k all sts.
8. Row 16: p all sts.
9. BO loosely.

Sew the bib to the front waistband, centered on the body. The top of the bib should reach just below the cat’s neck.

Overall Straps

1. Make two straps. With tan yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-24: k all sts for garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.

Cross the straps slightly at the back or keep them straight. Bring them over the shoulders and sew them to the upper corners of the bib. Add tiny dark stitches to suggest buttons.

Overall Floral Speckles

• Use dark brown embroidery floss for scattered stems and dots.
• Make each flower from one short vertical stitch and two tiny diagonal stitches.
• Place 10 to 14 motifs across the overalls.
• Keep the motifs irregular so the fabric looks printed, not perfectly arranged.

Blue Striped Cardigan

The cardigan is open at the front, soft blue with cream horizontal stripes. It has long sleeves already built into the arms, plus separate front and back panels. The cardigan should look relaxed and slightly oversized.

Back Panel

1. With blue yarn, CO 30 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k all sts for garter hem.
3. Rows 5-6: work St st in blue.
4. Rows 7-8: work St st in cream.
5. Rows 9-12: work St st in blue.
6. Rows 13-14: work St st in cream.
7. Rows 15-18: work St st in blue.
8. Rows 19-20: work St st in cream.
9. Rows 21-26: work St st in blue.
10. Row 27: k6, BO 18 sts, k6.
11. Work left shoulder on 6 sts for 2 rows, then BO.
12. Rejoin yarn to right shoulder and work 2 rows, then BO.

Left Front Panel

1. With blue yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k all sts for garter hem.
3. Rows 5-6: work St st in blue.
4. Rows 7-8: work St st in cream.
5. Rows 9-12: work St st in blue.
6. Rows 13-14: work St st in cream.
7. Rows 15-18: work St st in blue.
8. Rows 19-20: work St st in cream.
9. Rows 21-24: work St st in blue.
10. Row 25, RS: k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 15 sts.
11. Row 26: p all sts.
12. Row 27: k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
13. BO loosely.

Right Front Panel

1. With blue yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1-24: work the same stripe sequence as the left front.
3. Row 25, RS: k1, ssk, k to end. 15 sts.
4. Row 26: p all sts.
5. Row 27: k1, ssk, k to end. 14 sts.
6. BO loosely.

Cardigan Neck and Front Edge

• Sew shoulder seams of the back and front panels.
• With blue yarn, pick up 12 sts along one front edge, 16 sts around the neck, and 12 sts along the other front edge.
• Work 3 rows in garter stitch.
• BO loosely.

Cardigan Button and Pocket Flap

• Sew one small tan button on the lower right front, about 5 rows above the hem.
• Embroider a short blue loop opposite the button if you want it functional.
• For the small lower pocket look, sew 5 short blue stitches in a rectangle below the button.

Attach the cardigan panels to the body after the arms are sewn on. Let the fronts overlap slightly and sit open so the tan bib remains visible.

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Beige Bow

The bow sits near one ear and is small, soft, and slightly puffy. Work it flat in garter stitch so it holds its shape.

1. With beige yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-10: k all sts.
3. BO loosely.
4. Weave in ends, then pinch the rectangle at the center.
5. Wrap beige yarn around the center 8 to 10 times.
6. Secure the wrap at the back.
7. Sew the bow near the cat’s right ear, slightly angled.

Blue Ribbed Beanie

The hat shown beside the cat is a separate blue beanie with a folded ribbed brim and round pom-pom. It is sized to fit loosely over the cat’s head, though it can also be displayed beside the doll.

Hat Brim

1. With blue yarn, CO 48 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-10: repeat k2, p2 around for ribbing.
3. Rnd 11: k all sts.

Hat Body

1. Rnds 12-24: k all sts.
2. Rnd 25: repeat k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
3. Rnd 26: k all sts.
4. Rnd 27: repeat k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 28: k all sts.
6. Rnd 29: repeat k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
7. Rnd 30: k all sts.
8. Rnd 31: repeat k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
9. Rnd 32: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
10. Rnd 33: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
11. Rnd 34: k2tog around. 6 sts.
12. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Pom-Pom

• Wrap blue yarn around two fingers 45 times.
• Tie tightly at the center with a 10 in yarn tail.
• Cut loops and trim into a round pom-pom about 1.25 in wide.
• Sew firmly to the top of the beanie.

Mini Succulent Pot One

The first pot is rust brown with a dark soil top and sage green succulent. It matches the small warm-toned pot in the upper left of the image.

Rust Pot

1. With rust brown yarn, CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: p all sts.
3. Rnds 2-8: k all sts.
4. Rnd 9: repeat k1, kfb around. 27 sts.
5. Rnd 10: p all sts for pot rim.
6. Change to dark brown.
7. Rnd 11: k all sts.
8. Rnd 12: repeat k1, k2tog around. 18 sts.
9. Stuff pot lightly.
10. Rnd 13: k2tog around. 9 sts.
11. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed.

Sage Succulent Leaves

Make 12 leaves in sage green. Use smaller needles if you want firm pointed leaves.

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Rows 3-6: k all sts.
5. Row 7: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 8: sl1, k2tog, psso. 1 st.
7. Fasten off.

Sew 7 leaves around the outer edge of the soil, 4 leaves inside that circle, and 1 small curled leaf in the center.

Mini Succulent Pot Two

The second pot is beige with a darker soil top and blue-green succulent. It is slightly shorter and wider, matching the lower left plant in the image.

Beige Pot

1. With beige yarn, CO 20 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: p all sts.
3. Rnds 2-7: k all sts.
4. Rnd 8: repeat k4, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 9: p all sts for pot rim.
6. Change to dark brown.
7. Rnd 10: k all sts.
8. Rnd 11: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
9. Stuff lightly.
10. Rnd 12: k2tog around. 9 sts.
11. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull closed.

Blue-Green Succulent Leaves

Make 14 leaves in blue-green. Make 8 larger leaves and 6 smaller leaves.

Larger Leaf

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
4. Rows 3-7: k all sts.
5. Row 8: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
6. Row 9: sl1, k2tog, psso. 1 st.
7. Fasten off.

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Smaller Leaf

1. CO 3 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: k all sts.
3. Row 5: sl1, k2tog, psso. 1 st.
4. Fasten off.

Sew the larger leaves around the rim first. Add the smaller leaves in a tighter center spiral. Angle the leaves upward so the succulent looks plump.

Face Embroidery

The face is minimal and gentle. The eyes are black and round. The nose is tiny and pale pink. The mouth is a single vertical dark line, giving the cat a calm expression.

• Eyes: place between Rnds 17 and 18 of the head, 10 sts apart.
• Nose: embroider a small horizontal pink rectangle centered between the eyes, about 2 rounds lower.
• Mouth: sew one vertical dark brown line from the nose down 3 rounds.
• Whisker marks: add one very fine short dark stitch on each side, angled slightly upward.
• Eyebrows: add a tiny curved stitch above each eye, using dark gray or brown thread.

Do not overfill the face with details. The image has a soft, simple expression, so each stitch should be small and carefully placed.

Joining the Doll

Before sewing, pin all parts together. Check the proportions from the front. The head should be large, the body small, the arms slightly angled outward, and the feet evenly placed below the overalls.

1. Sew the legs to the lower body, about 5 sts apart at the front.
2. Pull the overalls over the body and arrange pant cuffs above the shoes.
3. Sew the body to the lower back of the head with cream yarn.
4. Attach ears to the top of the head, about 12 sts apart.
5. Sew arms to the upper body, just below the head seam.
6. Place cardigan panels over the shoulders and around the arms.
7. Sew cardigan side edges lightly so it stays open but secure.
8. Attach the bow near the right ear.
9. Add final orange tabby stitches after the ears are secure.

Cardigan Finishing Details

• Use blue yarn to tack the cardigan at the shoulders.
• Keep the front opening wide enough to show the tan overall bib.
• Let one lower front edge hang slightly lower, like the photo.
• Sew the button only through the cardigan front, not into the body.
• Use small hidden stitches under the arms to hold the jacket in place.

Overalls Finishing Details

• Roll each pant cuff outward by one ridge and tack it with tan yarn.
• Place the bib center between the cardigan fronts.
• Sew tiny dark button marks at the top bib corners.
• Add scattered flower speckles after the garment is on the doll.
• Keep the embroidery loose enough that the fabric does not pucker.

Display Styling

For a display like the image, place the blue hat beside the cat instead of on the head. Set the two succulent pots near the left side of the doll. This creates the cozy tabletop scene shown in the reference.

The cat looks best when the arms angle slightly downward and outward. The shoes should point forward. The cardigan should sit open, with its cream stripes running evenly across both sleeves and front panels.

Beginner-Friendly Tips

• Use stitch markers at the beginning of every round.
• Count stitches after every increase and decrease round.
• Stuff small pieces gradually instead of all at once.
• Use mattress stitch for neat seams on flat pieces.
• Use duplicate stitch for tabby patches if you want a knitted look.
• Use embroidery floss for tiny details because it is easier to control.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all pieces are attached, check the doll from the front, side, and top. Adjust the ears so they stand evenly. Add a few extra stitches to the cardigan shoulders if the jacket shifts.

Shape the face by gently pressing around the eyes and cheeks. Add the pink nose last so it stays centered. Finish with the vertical mouth line and tiny brow stitches.

Care Notes

• Spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, buttons, or tiny plant pieces are attached.
• Let the doll air dry fully before storing.
• Keep away from pets and very young children if small buttons are used.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round, firm, and slightly larger than the body.
• Orange tabby patches are visible on the crown and sides.
• The bow is attached near one ear.
• The cardigan is blue with cream stripes and one small button.
• The tan overalls have a bib, straps, cuffs, and dark floral speckles.
• The shoes are rust brown with small cream flower details.
• The blue ribbed hat has a full pom-pom.
• Both succulent pots are finished and shaped.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished cat in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Long sunlight exposure can fade the blue cardigan, rust shoes, orange tabby markings, and green succulents.

To remove dust, use a soft dry brush. Brush gently in the direction of the knitted stitches. Avoid pulling the embroidered flowers or the small succulent leaves.

If the doll becomes flattened during storage, reshape it by hand. Gently squeeze the head, body, shoes, and hat back into form. Let the knitted pieces rest before displaying again.

For long-term storage, wrap the cat and accessories in acid-free tissue or a clean cotton cloth. Keep the bow, hat, and plant props beside the doll so they do not press into the face.