Knitting Tutorial: Orange Tabby Cat in Striped Dress – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful knitted orange tabby cat is dressed in a soft blue, green, and cream striped garden dress with tiny embroidered flowers, brown sandals, a crossbody purse, and a sweet floral headband. The set also includes a matching brimmed hat, a tiny watering can, and a small potted plant to recreate the cozy outdoor handmade look shown in the photo.

 

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

Finished Size and Skill Level

This pattern is written to make a seated standing-style knitted cat doll approximately 13 inches tall from the bottom of the sandals to the top of the ears. The head is large and rounded, the body is narrow under the dress, and the skirt flares gently outward. The look depends on firm stuffing, small needles, neat seaming, and careful facial embroidery.

• Finished cat height: about 13 inches.
• Head width: about 4 1/2 inches after stuffing.
• Body height: about 5 inches before the dress skirt is added.
• Dress length: about 5 1/2 inches from shoulder to lower hem.
• Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.
• Construction: knitted flat and seamed, with small pieces worked separately.

Materials

Use smooth DK weight yarn for the doll and clothing. The original look has a slightly rustic knitted texture, so a wool or wool-blend DK yarn works beautifully. Keep your stitches firm so the stuffing does not show through.

• DK yarn in orange tabby fur color, about 110 yards.
• DK yarn in cream muzzle and paw color, about 55 yards.
• DK yarn in warm tan for inner ears and hat, about 45 yards.
• DK yarn in green for dress stripes, headband, leaves, and pot details, about 60 yards.
• DK yarn in soft blue for dress stripes and eye embroidery, about 55 yards.
• DK yarn in brown for sandals, purse, stripes, nose, and outlines, about 45 yards.
• Small amounts of pink, yellow, lavender, and light blue yarn for flowers.
• Black embroidery floss or fine yarn for pupils and lashes.
• White embroidery floss or fine yarn for eye highlights and whisker accents.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• One pair US size 2 needles, 2.75 mm.
• One pair US size 3 needles, 3.25 mm, for clothing and accessories.
• Tapestry needle.
• Removable stitch markers.
• Four small buttons, optional, for purse flap and dress flower centers.

Gauge

Gauge for the cat body: 7 stitches and 10 rows equal 1 inch in stockinette stitch using US size 2 needles. The knitting should be dense and firm. If your fabric is loose, go down one needle size.

Gauge for the dress and accessories: 6 stitches and 8 rows equal 1 inch in stockinette stitch using US size 3 needles. The dress should be flexible enough to flare, but not loose or floppy.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st/sts: stitch/stitches.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• ssk: slip 1, slip 1, knit slipped stitches together through the back loops.
• m1: make 1 stitch by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting through the back loop.
• St st: stockinette stitch, knit RS rows and purl WS rows.
• Garter st: knit every row.

Color Notes for Matching the Photo

The cat is a bright orange tabby with cream paws, cream muzzle pads, and darker brown stripes. The dress alternates wide horizontal bands of cream, green, and blue. The sandals and purse are brown, with small green leaf embroidery. The headband is pale green with tiny flowers placed slightly off center.

• Use orange for most of the head, arms, legs, tail, and outer ears.
• Use cream for muzzle pads, chin, chest, hands, toes, and lower paws.
• Use brown embroidery for tabby stripes on forehead, cheeks, arms, legs, and tail.
• Use blue, black, and white embroidery to make the large round eyes.
• Use brown yarn to embroider a small triangular nose and mouth line.

Head

The head is the most important shape in this design. It is round, slightly taller than wide, with a soft cat muzzle sewn on the front. Work firmly, stuff gradually, and keep the seam at the back of the head.

Using orange yarn and US size 2 needles, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1: purl.
2. Row 2: kfb in every st. 20 sts.
3. Row 3: purl.
4. Row 4: k1, kfb across to last st, k1. 38 sts.
5. Row 5: purl.
6. Row 6: k2, kfb, repeat from k2, kfb to last 2 sts, k2. 50 sts.
7. Rows 7 through 12: work in St st.
8. Row 13: purl.
9. Row 14: k10, kfb, k28, kfb, k10. 52 sts.
10. Rows 15 through 24: work in St st.
11. Row 25: purl.
12. Row 26: k8, k2tog, k32, ssk, k8. 50 sts.
13. Row 27: purl.
14. Row 28: k6, k2tog, k34, ssk, k6. 48 sts.
15. Rows 29 through 34: work in St st.
16. Row 35: purl.
17. Row 36: k4, k2tog, repeat from k4, k2tog across. 40 sts.
18. Row 37: purl.
19. Row 38: k3, k2tog, repeat across. 32 sts.
20. Row 39: purl.
21. Row 40: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 24 sts.
22. Row 41: purl.
23. Row 42: k1, k2tog, repeat across. 16 sts.
24. Row 43: purl.
25. Row 44: k2tog across. 8 sts.

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Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread through the remaining stitches and pull gently to close the top. Sew the back seam from crown to neck edge, leaving a 1 1/2 inch opening. Stuff the head firmly, adding extra stuffing to the cheek area so the face looks round and friendly. Close the opening neatly.

Muzzle Pads and Chin

The muzzle has two cream oval pads with a small cream chin underneath. These pieces sit on the lower front of the face and create the sweet expression seen in the image.

Left Muzzle Pad

Using cream yarn and US size 2 needles, CO 6 sts.

1. Row 1: purl.
2. Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb. 8 sts.
3. Row 3: purl.
4. Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Rows 5 through 8: work in St st.
6. Row 9: purl.
7. Row 10: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
8. Row 11: purl.
9. Row 12: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
10. BO all sts.

Right Muzzle Pad

Make the same as the left muzzle pad. Sew both pads side by side on the lower face, with the inner edges touching. The top of the muzzle should sit about halfway down the head.

Chin Patch

Using cream yarn, CO 5 sts. Work 6 rows in St st. Next row: k2tog, k1, ssk. 3 sts. Purl 1 row. BO. Sew the chin patch directly under the two muzzle pads.

Ears

The ears are tall, triangular, and slightly rounded at the base. Each ear has an orange outer piece and a tan inner piece. The ears lean outward slightly, matching the alert garden-cat look in the photo.

Outer Ear, Make 2

Using orange yarn and US size 2 needles, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 4: work in St st.
2. Row 5: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
3. Row 6: purl.
4. Row 7: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
5. Row 8: purl.
6. Row 9: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
7. Row 10: purl.
8. Row 11: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
9. Row 12: purl.
10. Row 13: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
11. Row 14: purl.
12. Row 15: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
13. Row 16: purl.
14. Row 17: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
15. Row 18: purl.
16. Row 19: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
17. Row 20: p2tog. 1 st.
18. Fasten off.

Inner Ear, Make 2

Using tan yarn, CO 14 sts. Work the same shaping as the outer ear, beginning with 14 sts instead of 18. Sew each inner ear onto an outer ear, leaving an even orange border around the edge.

Fold the base of each ear slightly inward and sew the lower edge closed. Attach the ears to the top sides of the head, about 1 inch apart at the inner points. Angle them outward so the doll has the same wide, curious expression as the image.

Body

The body is mostly hidden by the dress, but it should be firm enough to support the head and arms. Use orange for the back and cream for the front chest area if you want the dress neckline to reveal a pale chest.

Using cream yarn and US size 2 needles, CO 12 sts.

1. Row 1: purl.
2. Row 2: kfb in every st. 24 sts.
3. Row 3: purl.
4. Row 4: k3, kfb, repeat across. 30 sts.
5. Rows 5 through 10: work in St st.
6. Change to orange yarn.
7. Rows 11 through 24: work in St st.
8. Row 25: purl.
9. Row 26: k3, k2tog, repeat across. 24 sts.
10. Rows 27 through 32: work in St st.
11. Row 33: purl.
12. Row 34: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 18 sts.
13. Rows 35 through 38: work in St st.
14. BO all sts.

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Sew the back seam, leaving the upper edge open. Stuff firmly but keep the neck narrower than the head. Sew the body to the underside of the head with small strong stitches. Check from the front that the cream chest sits centered under the muzzle.

Arms

The arms are narrow and orange with cream hands. They hang down at the sides of the dress. Add brown tabby stripes after knitting.

Arm, Make 2

Using cream yarn and US size 2 needles, CO 10 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 6: work in St st.
2. Change to orange yarn.
3. Rows 7 through 28: work in St st.
4. Row 29: k2tog across. 5 sts.
5. Cut yarn, thread through stitches, and pull closed.

Sew each arm seam from wrist to shoulder. Stuff lightly, keeping the arms soft and flexible. Use brown yarn to embroider three short horizontal tabby stripes around the outer side of each arm. Sew arms to the body just below the shoulder line, angled slightly forward.

Legs and Feet

The legs show below the dress and are orange with cream lower paws and brown sandals. The feet point forward and sit slightly apart, just like the photo.

Leg, Make 2

Using cream yarn and US size 2 needles, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 8: work in St st.
2. Change to orange yarn.
3. Rows 9 through 34: work in St st.
4. Row 35: k2tog across. 6 sts.
5. Cut yarn, thread through stitches, and pull closed.

Sew the leg seam. Stuff each leg firmly but do not overfill the top. Embroider three brown tabby stripes around each shin. Sew the legs to the lower body, leaving about 1 inch between them so the skirt can hang naturally.

Foot Pads, Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Work 2 rows in St st. Next row: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts. Work 5 rows in St st. Next row: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts. BO. Sew one foot pad to the bottom front of each leg, shaping it into a rounded paw.

Tail

The tail appears behind the doll on the left side, softly curved and striped. It should be lightly stuffed so it bends naturally.

Using orange yarn and US size 2 needles, CO 12 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 44: work in St st.
2. Row 45: k2tog across. 6 sts.
3. Cut yarn, thread through stitches, and pull closed.

Sew the long seam and stuff lightly. Embroider brown tabby rings every 3/4 inch along the tail. Sew the tail to the back of the body before adding the dress, placing it low enough to peek from behind the skirt.

Striped Dress

The dress is one of the main visual features. It has a fitted bodice, short sleeves, and a flared striped skirt. The stripes are cream, green, blue, green, cream, and blue near the hem. Small embroidered flowers decorate the bodice and lower skirt.

Dress Bodice

Using green yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 42 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 4: work in garter st for the lower bodice texture.
2. Change to cream yarn.
3. Row 5: knit.
4. Row 6: purl.
5. Change to green yarn.
6. Rows 7 through 10: work in St st.
7. Change to blue yarn.
8. Rows 11 through 14: work in St st.
9. Change to cream yarn.
10. Rows 15 through 18: work in St st.
11. Row 19: k8, BO 4 sts, k18, BO 4 sts, k8.

You now have a right back section, front section, and left back section. Work each section separately to create armholes.

Right Back Bodice

1. Work 8 sts in St st for 6 rows.
2. Next RS row: k2tog, k6. 7 sts.
3. Work 3 rows in St st.
4. BO all sts.

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Front Bodice

1. Rejoin yarn to the 18 front sts.
2. Work 4 rows in St st.
3. Next RS row: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
4. Next WS row: purl.
5. Next RS row: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
6. Work 2 rows in St st.
7. BO all sts.

Left Back Bodice

1. Rejoin yarn to the remaining 8 sts.
2. Work 8 sts in St st for 6 rows.
3. Next RS row: k6, ssk. 7 sts.
4. Work 3 rows in St st.
5. BO all sts.

Sew the shoulder edges together. Leave the back open for now so the dress can be placed around the doll. After the dress is on the body, sew the back seam from the waist upward, leaving a 1 inch opening at the top if desired.

Short Sleeves, Make 2

Using cream yarn, CO 16 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 2: knit.
2. Change to blue yarn.
3. Rows 3 through 6: work in St st.
4. Change to green yarn.
5. Rows 7 through 8: knit.
6. BO all sts.

Sew one sleeve into each armhole. The blue band should show as the main sleeve color, with green trim at the edge. Seam the underside of the sleeve carefully around the arm.

Flared Skirt

The skirt is worked separately and sewn to the lower edge of the bodice. It is wider than the body and should flare outward in a soft bell shape.

Using blue yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 72 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 4: knit for the lower hem ridge.
2. Rows 5 through 10: work in St st with blue yarn.
3. Change to green yarn.
4. Rows 11 through 18: work in St st.
5. Change to cream yarn.
6. Rows 19 through 26: work in St st.
7. Change to green yarn.
8. Rows 27 through 34: work in St st.
9. Change to blue yarn.
10. Rows 35 through 42: work in St st.
11. Change to cream yarn.
12. Rows 43 through 48: work in St st.
13. Row 49: k4, k2tog, repeat across. 60 sts.
14. Row 50: purl.
15. Row 51: k3, k2tog, repeat across. 48 sts.
16. Row 52: purl.
17. Row 53: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 36 sts.
18. Rows 54 through 56: work in St st.
19. BO all sts.

Sew the back skirt seam, stopping 1 inch from the top if you need room to dress the cat. Sew the top of the skirt evenly to the bottom of the bodice. The skirt should sit at the waist and spread over the legs, leaving the cream paws and sandals visible.

Dress Embroidery

The photo shows tiny flowers across the waist and lower skirt. Use simple embroidery after the dress is sewn. Do not make the flowers too large; they should look delicate and scattered.

• At the waist, embroider five tiny flowers across the front using pink, blue, and lavender yarn.
• For each flower, make five small straight stitches from the center outward.
• Add a yellow or cream center with one tiny knot.
• On the lower cream stripe of the skirt, embroider six small flowers with green stems.
• Add leaves using two slanted green stitches on each side of a stem.
• Keep the embroidery flat so the dress remains soft.

Brown Sandals

The sandals are simple brown straps over the cream paws with little green leaf decoration. They are sewn on after the legs are attached.

Sandal Sole, Make 2

Using brown yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 10 sts.

1. Row 1: knit.
2. Row 2: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
3. Rows 3 through 8: knit.
4. Row 9: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
5. Row 10: knit.
6. BO all sts.

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Sew one sole under each cream foot pad. The sole should extend slightly beyond the paw edge to create a soft slipper shape.

Sandal Strap, Make 2

Using brown yarn, CO 18 sts. Knit 3 rows. BO. Wrap one strap across the front of each paw and sew the ends to the sides of the sole. Embroider two tiny green leaves on each strap using straight stitches.

Crossbody Purse

The small purse hangs from the cat’s shoulder to the front of the dress. It is brown with a patterned flap, tiny flowers, and a long strap crossing the chest.

Purse Body

Using brown yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 14 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 4: knit.
2. Rows 5 through 16: work in St st.
3. Rows 17 through 20: knit.
4. BO all sts.

Fold the lower half upward so the purse body measures about 1 1/2 inches tall. Sew the side seams. Let the upper garter section fold over as the flap.

Purse Flap Decoration

• Embroider a cream zigzag line across the flap.
• Add tiny blue and pink flowers below the zigzag.
• Sew one tiny button or embroidered circle at the center front.
• Use green straight stitches for small leaves near the flowers.

Purse Strap

Using brown yarn, CO 70 sts. Knit 2 rows. BO. Sew one end of the strap to each upper side of the purse. Place the strap over one shoulder and across the dress so the purse sits at the front hip.

Floral Headband

The headband rests across the top of the cat’s forehead and between the ears. It is pale green with small flowers placed near one ear.

Using green yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 58 sts. Knit 3 rows. BO. Wrap around the head and sew the ends together at the back. Secure the headband to the head with a few hidden stitches.

Headband Flowers

• For each tiny flower, CO 8 sts with pink, lavender, or cream yarn.
• BO immediately, leaving tails for sewing.
• Coil the strip into a small flower and stitch it to the headband.
• Make three flowers and place them slightly to the cat’s right side.
• Embroider small green leaves beside the flowers.

Brimmed Garden Hat

The hat sits beside the doll in the photo, not on the head. It has a cream crown, blue and green bands, a wide brim, and a bow. Make it as a separate accessory.

Hat Crown

Using cream yarn and US size 3 needles, CO 36 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 6: work in St st.
2. Row 7: k4, k2tog, repeat across. 30 sts.
3. Row 8: purl.
4. Row 9: k3, k2tog, repeat across. 24 sts.
5. Row 10: purl.
6. Row 11: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 18 sts.
7. Row 12: purl.
8. Row 13: k1, k2tog, repeat across. 12 sts.
9. Row 14: purl.
10. Row 15: k2tog across. 6 sts.

Cut yarn, draw through the remaining stitches, and sew the back seam. Stuff the crown very lightly or leave it hollow.

Hat Brim

Using cream yarn, CO 70 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 4: knit.
2. Change to green yarn.
3. Rows 5 through 6: knit.
4. Change to blue yarn.
5. Rows 7 through 8: knit.
6. Change to cream yarn.
7. Rows 9 through 12: knit.
8. BO loosely.

Sew the short ends together to make a ring. Sew the inner edge of the brim around the lower edge of the crown. Shape the brim flat and slightly wavy with your fingers.

Hat Bow

Using tan yarn, CO 16 sts. Knit 8 rows. BO. Wrap yarn tightly around the center to form a bow. Sew the bow to the front side of the brim.

Tiny Watering Can

The watering can is a small knitted prop in soft taupe or light brown. It sits near the cat and adds the garden theme shown in the image.

Watering Can Body

Using taupe yarn and US size 2 needles, CO 18 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 12: work in St st.
2. Row 13: k2tog across. 9 sts.
3. Row 14: purl.
4. Row 15: k2tog across to last st, k1. 5 sts.

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Cut yarn and pull through the remaining stitches. Sew the back seam and stuff very lightly so the body keeps a rounded bucket shape.

Watering Can Spout

Using taupe yarn, CO 6 sts. Work 14 rows in St st. BO. Roll into a narrow tube and sew the long edge. Attach one end to the side of the can, angling the spout upward.

Watering Can Handle

Using taupe yarn, CO 24 sts. Knit 2 rows. BO. Curve into a handle and sew both ends to the opposite side of the can.

Small Potted Plant

The small plant has a terracotta-style knitted pot and three green leaves. Keep it tiny so it remains in scale with the cat.

Plant Pot

Using terracotta yarn and US size 2 needles, CO 22 sts.

1. Rows 1 through 4: knit.
2. Rows 5 through 12: work in St st.
3. Row 13: k2, k2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, k2. 17 sts.
4. Row 14: purl.
5. Row 15: k1, k2tog, repeat across to last 2 sts, k2. 12 sts.
6. BO all sts.

Sew the side seam. Gather the lower edge and pull closed. Stuff lightly, then sew a flat circle of brown yarn or felt-like knitted fabric across the top as soil.

Leaves, Make 3

Using green yarn, CO 5 sts. Row 1: purl. Row 2: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts. Rows 3 through 6: work in St st. Row 7: k2tog, k3, ssk. 5 sts. Row 8: purl. Row 9: k2tog, k1, ssk. 3 sts. Row 10: purl. Row 11: k3tog. Fasten off.

Sew the three leaves into the top of the pot, arranging them like a small sprout with one center leaf and two side leaves.

Facial Embroidery

The face should be bright and expressive. The large blue eyes sit high above the muzzle, with dark pupils, white highlights, and small brown lashes. Take your time with this step because it gives the doll its personality.

• Mark eye placement about 1 inch above the top of the muzzle pads.
• Keep about 1 inch between the eyes.
• Using blue yarn, satin stitch two round eye shapes about 5/8 inch wide.
• Use black yarn to stitch a smaller round pupil in the center of each eye.
• Add a tiny white highlight on the upper outer side of each pupil.
• Outline each eye lightly with brown yarn.
• Add two short brown lashes above each eye.

For the nose, use brown yarn and stitch a small triangle centered where the two muzzle pads meet. Make one short vertical stitch down from the nose. Add two tiny curved mouth stitches spreading gently to each side.

For whiskers, use fine cream or white thread. Add three whiskers on each side of the muzzle. Keep them long and delicate, extending outward past the cheeks. Do not pull too tightly, or the muzzle will pucker.

Tabby Stripe Placement

The tabby markings are stitched after the cat is assembled. Use brown yarn and short straight stitches. The stripes should look hand-stitched and soft, not perfectly rigid.

• On the forehead, stitch one long center stripe and two shorter curved stripes on each side.
• On each cheek, stitch two short angled stripes pointing toward the muzzle.
• On each arm, stitch three horizontal bands around the orange section.
• On each leg, stitch three horizontal bands above the cream paw.
• On the tail, stitch evenly spaced rings from base to tip.
• On the ears, add a fine brown outline along the inner ear edge if desired.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Place the dress on the cat before permanently closing the back seam. Adjust the skirt so the stripes are level and the hem sits evenly above the sandals. Sew the arms down lightly at the shoulders, letting the hands rest beside the skirt.

Sew the purse strap across the body after the dress is in place. Position the purse on the front right hip, matching the photo. Add the headband between the ears and secure the flower cluster near one ear.

Check the face from several angles. If the eyes look uneven, adjust the outline stitches before knotting the yarn. Add final whiskers, forehead stripes, and tiny cheek shaping stitches last.

Care Notes

Spot clean only with cool water and mild soap. Avoid soaking the doll because the stuffing may shift and the embroidered face may distort. Pat gently with a towel and let the piece air dry flat.

• Do not machine wash.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Keep away from rough play if small buttons are used.
• For a child-safe version, embroider all buttons instead of sewing on hard pieces.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly stuffed and smoothly rounded.
• The ears are angled outward and evenly placed.
• The muzzle pads are centered under the eyes.
• The blue, green, and cream dress stripes are level.
• The skirt flares softly and does not pull at the waist.
• The sandals show clearly below the hem.
• The purse crosses the body and rests at the front hip.
• The hat, watering can, and plant are finished as separate props.
• The tabby stripes are balanced on the face, arms, legs, and tail.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished cat in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Long exposure to bright light may fade the orange fur, blue dress stripes, and embroidered flowers. If displaying the doll on a shelf, gently dust it with a soft clean brush.

To preserve the shape, do not compress the head, ears, or skirt under heavy items. If the dress hem curls over time, smooth it with damp fingers and let it dry flat. Keep the accessories together in a small fabric bag when not displayed.

If a thread end appears, do not cut it close to the fabric. Use a tapestry needle to weave it back through the nearest seam. This keeps the knitted surface tidy and helps the handmade doll last longer.