Knitting Tutorial: Tabby Cat in Autumn Cable Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This cozy knitting pattern creates a soft tabby cat doll dressed in cream autumn cable overalls, a mustard sweater, brown button shoes, a tiny acorn headband, and a fox crossbody bag. The finished set also includes a spotted mushroom beret and a small knitted watering can, matching the handmade garden-table scene in the image.

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 Construction Notes

The finished cat measures about 12 inches tall when worked with DK weight yarn and US 3 needles. The head is slightly oversized, the body is rounded, the arms are short and soft, and the legs are long enough to show the cream cable overalls and brown shoes clearly.

• Finished cat height: about 12 inches from shoe sole to ear tip.
• Head width: about 4 1/2 inches when stuffed firmly.
• Body width: about 3 3/4 inches at the belly.
• Leg length: about 4 inches including shoes.
• Arm length: about 3 1/2 inches from shoulder to paw.
• Mushroom beret: about 4 inches across.
• Watering can: about 2 1/2 inches tall.

This pattern is written for knitting in the round with double-pointed needles or the magic loop method. Small flat pieces are seamed with mattress stitch. Stuff firmly but not tightly, so the doll keeps a soft handmade look.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in cream for muzzle, paws, body base, and overalls.
• DK weight yarn in warm gray for tabby head and tail markings.
• DK weight yarn in charcoal gray for dark stripes.
• DK weight yarn in mustard yellow for sweater and headband.
• DK weight yarn in chestnut brown for shoes, acorns, mushroom top, and bag strap.
• DK weight yarn in tan for fox bag base.
• Small amounts of rust, white, black, pink, olive green, and copper yarn for details.
• US 3 knitting needles or size needed for tight plush fabric.
• US 2 needles for small accessories if desired.
• Two 10 mm black safety eyes or embroidered eyes.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Four tiny wooden buttons, about 1/4 inch wide.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, row counter, and scissors.

Gauge

Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds equal 1 inch in stockinette stitch with DK yarn on US 3 needles. A tight gauge is important because stuffing should not show through the fabric.

If your fabric looks loose, move down one needle size. If the doll becomes stiff and hard to shape, move up one needle size. Keep the same gauge for all doll pieces so the proportions stay close to the photo.

Abbreviations

• k: knit
• p: purl
• st or sts: stitch or 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
• M1R: make 1 right-leaning stitch
• M1L: make 1 left-leaning stitch
• BO: bind off
• CO: cast on
• pm: place marker
• sm: slip marker
• sl: slip
• rep: repeat

Tabby Cat Head

The head is round with a cream lower face, gray tabby forehead, darker side stripes, and a pink embroidered nose. Work the head from the neck upward, changing colors for the face panel.

Head Base

1. With cream yarn, CO 12 sts. Divide across needles and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, M1R around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k2, M1R around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: k3, M1R around. 48 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: k4, M1R around. 60 sts.
10. Rnds 9 to 13: k all sts.

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On the next rounds, begin the tabby color placement. The front center 24 stitches stay cream for the muzzle and cheeks. The remaining stitches are gray. Carry the unused yarn loosely behind the work or cut and rejoin if preferred.

1. Rnd 14: with gray k18, with cream k24, with gray k18.
2. Rnd 15: with gray k17, with cream k26, with gray k17.
3. Rnd 16: with gray k16, with cream k28, with gray k16.
4. Rnd 17: with gray k15, with cream k30, with gray k15.
5. Rnd 18: with gray k15, with cream k30, with gray k15.
6. Rnd 19: with gray k16, with cream k28, with gray k16.
7. Rnd 20: with gray k17, with cream k26, with gray k17.
8. Rnd 21: with gray k18, with cream k24, with gray k18.

Now continue in gray for the top of the head. Add dark tabby lines later with duplicate stitch, because embroidered lines sit more cleanly on the rounded face.

1. Rnd 22: with gray, k all 60 sts.
2. Rnd 23: k all sts.
3. Rnd 24: k8, k2tog around. 54 sts.
4. Rnd 25: k all sts.
5. Rnd 26: k7, k2tog around. 48 sts.
6. Rnd 27: k all sts.
7. Rnd 28: k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
8. Rnd 29: k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
9. Rnd 30: k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.

Insert safety eyes between Rnds 17 and 18, spaced 12 stitches apart. The eyes should sit just above the widest part of the cream face. Begin stuffing the head firmly, shaping the cheeks outward with your fingers.

1. Rnd 31: k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 32: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 33: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 34: k2tog around. 6 sts.
5. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Muzzle Pads

The cat in the image has soft raised cream cheeks. Make two small oval muzzle pads and sew them below the eyes, touching at the center.

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k1, M1R, k6, M1L, k1. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: k all sts.
7. Row 6: p all sts.
8. Row 7: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
9. Row 8: p all sts.
10. Row 9: ssk, k4, k2tog. 6 sts.
11. BO loosely. Make a second piece.

Lightly stuff each muzzle pad while sewing. Place them side by side between the eyes and lower face. Do not overstuff, because the pads should be rounded but not bulky.

Ears

The ears are triangular with cream inner centers and gray outer edges. They lean slightly outward like the photo.

1. With gray yarn, CO 18 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k2, with cream k14, with gray k2.
5. Row 4: p2 gray, p14 cream, p2 gray.
6. Row 5: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
7. Row 6: p all sts.
8. Row 7: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
9. Row 8: p all sts.
10. Row 9: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
11. Row 10: p all sts.
12. Row 11: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
13. Row 12: p all sts.
14. Row 13: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
15. Row 14: p all sts.
16. Row 15: k2tog, k4, ssk. 6 sts.
17. Row 16: p all sts.
18. Row 17: k2tog, k2, ssk. 4 sts.
19. Row 18: p all sts.
20. Row 19: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
21. Row 20: p2tog. 1 st. Fasten off.

Make two ears. Fold each ear slightly at the base and stitch to the head from Rnd 24 to Rnd 29. The inner cream triangle faces forward. Add a thin charcoal duplicate-stitch outline along each outer edge.

Body

The body is pear-shaped, wider at the belly and narrower at the neck. It is mostly hidden under the overalls, but the shape gives the doll the rounded tummy shown in the image.

1. With cream yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, M1R around. 36 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k5, M1R around. 42 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: k6, M1R around. 48 sts.
8. Rnds 7 to 18: k all sts.
9. Rnd 19: k6, k2tog around. 42 sts.
10. Rnd 20: k all sts.
11. Rnd 21: k5, k2tog around. 36 sts.
12. Rnd 22: k all sts.
13. Rnd 23: k4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
14. Rnd 24: k all sts.
15. Rnd 25: k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
16. Rnd 26: k all sts.
17. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head.

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Stuff the body firmly. Keep the base rounded and the neck opening flat. Sew the body to the underside of the head, centering the cream face over the front belly.

Legs and Brown Shoes

The legs are knitted separately from the shoe upward. The brown shoes have a rounded toe and a tiny button strap, matching the image.

Shoe and Leg

1. With chestnut brown yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, M1R around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k6, M1R, k6, M1L, k6, M1R, k6, M1L. 28 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 8: k all sts.
7. Rnd 9: k8, k2tog 6 times, k8. 22 sts.
8. Rnd 10: k7, k2tog 4 times, k7. 18 sts.
9. Change to cream yarn.
10. Rnd 11: k all sts through back loops to make a shoe edge.
11. Rnds 12 to 28: k all sts.
12. Rnd 29: k8, M1R, k2, M1L, k8. 20 sts.
13. Rnds 30 to 34: k all sts.
14. BO loosely.

Make two legs. Stuff the shoes firmly and the upper legs moderately. Sew the top of each leg to the lower body, leaving about 4 stitches of space between the inner thighs.

Shoe Straps

1. With chestnut brown yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 14: k all sts.
3. BO. Make two straps.

Sew one strap across the front of each shoe. Add one small wooden button at the outer side of each strap. The buttons should sit visibly on the side, as shown in the photo.

Arms and Paws

The arms are short and rounded. They begin with cream paws, then change to mustard sleeves to match the sweater.

1. With cream yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, M1R around. 20 sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 6: k all sts.
5. Rnd 7: k3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
6. Change to mustard yarn.
7. Rnd 8: k all sts through back loops.
8. Rnds 9 to 25: k all sts.
9. Rnd 26: k2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
10. BO, leaving a long tail.

Make two arms. Stuff the paws and sleeves lightly. Sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the head. Angle them slightly downward so they rest beside the overalls.

Mustard Sweater Front and Back

The visible sweater is a mustard pullover under the cream overalls. Only the sleeves and upper chest show, so this simple fitted layer keeps the look accurate without unnecessary bulk.

1. With mustard yarn, CO 48 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: k1, p1 around for ribbing.
3. Rnds 5 to 14: k all sts.
4. Rnd 15: BO 8 sts for first armhole, k16, BO 8 sts for second armhole, k16.
5. Work the front 16 sts flat.
6. Front Row 1: k all sts.
7. Front Row 2: p all sts.
8. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 four more times.
9. BO front 16 sts.
10. Work back 16 sts the same way and BO.

Slide the sweater body onto the cat before attaching the arms permanently, or seam it around the body if the doll is already assembled. The sweater should sit just below the neck and peek out above the overalls.

Cream Cable Overalls

The overalls are the most important clothing detail. They are cream, roomy, and textured with vertical cable panels on both legs. The bib is plain stockinette with embroidered autumn leaves at the center.

Right Overall Leg

1. With cream yarn, CO 28 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: k2, p2 around for cuff.
3. Rnd 5: k8, p2, k6, p2, k10.
4. Rnd 6: k8, p2, k6, p2, k10.
5. Rnd 7: k8, p2, C6F, p2, k10.
6. Rnd 8: k8, p2, k6, p2, k10.
7. Rnd 9: k8, p2, k6, p2, k10.
8. Rnd 10: k8, p2, k6, p2, k10.
9. Repeat Rnds 7 to 10 three more times.
10. Rnd 23: k8, p2, C6F, p2, k10.
11. Rnd 24: k all knit sts and p all purl sts.
12. BO 2 sts at inner leg, place remaining 26 sts on holder.

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Left Overall Leg

1. With cream yarn, CO 28 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: k2, p2 around for cuff.
3. Rnd 5: k10, p2, k6, p2, k8.
4. Rnd 6: k10, p2, k6, p2, k8.
5. Rnd 7: k10, p2, C6F, p2, k8.
6. Rnd 8: k10, p2, k6, p2, k8.
7. Rnd 9: k10, p2, k6, p2, k8.
8. Rnd 10: k10, p2, k6, p2, k8.
9. Repeat Rnds 7 to 10 three more times.
10. Rnd 23: k10, p2, C6F, p2, k8.
11. Rnd 24: k all knit sts and p all purl sts.
12. BO 2 sts at inner leg, keep remaining 26 sts live.

C6F: slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, k3, then k3 from cable needle. This cable gives the raised rope texture seen on the overall legs.

Join Overall Legs and Shape Seat

1. Place right and left leg sts on one circular needle. You have 52 sts.
2. Rnd 1: k around, casting on 2 sts over each inner-leg gap. 56 sts.
3. Rnd 2: k all sts.
4. Rnd 3: k12, p2, C6F, p2, k16, p2, C6F, p2, k12.
5. Rnd 4: k knit sts and p purl sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: k all sts.
8. Rnd 7: k6, k2tog, k20, ssk, k8, k2tog, k20, ssk. 52 sts.
9. Rnd 8: k all sts.
10. Rnd 9: k5, k2tog, k18, ssk, k8, k2tog, k18, ssk. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 10: k all sts.
12. Rnds 11 to 14: k all sts.
13. BO back 28 sts. Keep front center 20 sts live for the bib.

Overall Bib

1. Work the 20 front sts flat.
2. Row 1 RS: k all sts.
3. Row 2 WS: p all sts.
4. Rows 3 to 14: repeat Rows 1 and 2.
5. Row 15: k2, ssk, k12, k2tog, k2. 18 sts.
6. Row 16: p all sts.
7. Row 17: k2, ssk, k10, k2tog, k2. 16 sts.
8. Row 18: p all sts.
9. Rows 19 to 22: work in stockinette.
10. BO loosely.

Overall Straps

1. With cream yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 34: k all sts.
3. BO. Make two straps.

Cross the straps lightly over the back or keep them straight over the shoulders as in the front-facing photo. Sew each strap to the top back waist and bring it over the shoulder to the bib. Add a small wooden button at each front strap end.

Autumn Leaf Embroidery on Bib

Use rust, copper, and olive yarn to embroider two small leaves at the center of the bib. Each leaf is worked over about 5 stitches wide and 6 rows tall.

• For the left leaf, make one center stem with straight stitch from lower right to upper left.
• Add three diagonal satin stitches on each side of the stem in rust yarn.
• For the right leaf, make one shorter olive stem leaning right.
• Add two olive side stitches and one copper top stitch.
• Keep the embroidery flat so the bib remains smooth.

Tabby Face Embroidery

The face gives the cat its personality. Use short stitches and do not pull too tightly. The image shows a gentle, sweet expression with large glossy eyes and fine tabby striping.

• With pink yarn, embroider a small triangle nose centered between the muzzle pads.
• Make the nose about 4 stitches wide and 3 rows tall.
• With pink yarn, stitch a short vertical line down from the nose.
• Add a soft curved mouth with two tiny angled stitches.
• With charcoal yarn, embroider three short stripes on each cheek.
• Add two darker vertical forehead stripes above the eyes.
• Add two small brown-gold stitches above the eyes for warm tabby highlights.
• With cream yarn, add one tiny catchlight beside each safety eye if desired.

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Tail

The tail is small and optional in the front photo, but it helps the doll feel complete. Use gray with darker tabby rings.

1. With gray yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: k all sts.
3. Change to charcoal yarn.
4. Rnd 5: k all sts.
5. Change to gray yarn.
6. Rnds 6 to 10: k all sts.
7. Change to charcoal yarn.
8. Rnd 11: k all sts.
9. Change to gray yarn.
10. Rnds 12 to 20: k all sts.
11. Rnd 21: k2, k2tog around. 9 sts.
12. Rnd 22: k1, k2tog around. 6 sts.
13. Cut yarn, thread through sts, and close.

Stuff lightly and sew the tail to the back of the body before dressing, or leave it hidden under the overalls for a cleaner front display.

Mustard Headband

The cat wears a narrow mustard headband across the top of the head, sitting in front of the ears. It holds two little knitted acorns on one side.

1. With mustard yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 54: k all sts.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.

Wrap the strip around the head from one side of the neck, over the forehead, to the other side. Sew ends at the back of the head. The band should sit across the forehead without covering the ears.

Acorns

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k1, M1R around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3 to 5: k all sts.
5. Rnd 6: k2tog around. 8 sts.
6. Stuff lightly.
7. Change to chestnut brown yarn.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: k2tog around. 4 sts.
10. Cut yarn and pull closed.

Make two acorns. Embroider two short darker brown cap lines on each one. Sew both acorns to the right side of the headband, one slightly higher than the other.

Fox Crossbody Bag

The small tan bag hangs diagonally across the chest and rests at the cat’s right hip. The front has a rust fox face with white cheeks and dark eyes.

Bag Body

1. With tan yarn, CO 16 sts and work flat.
2. Rows 1 to 2: k all sts.
3. Row 3 RS: k all sts.
4. Row 4 WS: p all sts.
5. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until piece measures 2 inches.
6. Next Row: k2, ssk, k8, k2tog, k2. 14 sts.
7. Next Row: p all sts.
8. Next Row: k2, ssk, k6, k2tog, k2. 12 sts.
9. Next Row: p all sts.
10. BO.

Fold the lower half upward to form a pouch about 1 1/4 inches deep. Seam both sides. The shaped upper section becomes the flap.

Fox Face on Bag

• With rust yarn, embroider a V-shaped fox forehead on the flap.
• Fill the upper triangle with satin stitch.
• With white yarn, stitch two small cheek triangles below the rust section.
• With black yarn, add two tiny eyes and one tiny nose.
• With tan yarn, secure loose ends inside the bag.

Bag Strap

1. With jute-brown or tan yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 86: k all sts to make an i-cord-style narrow strap.
3. BO and sew one end to each side of the bag.

Place the strap over the cat’s left shoulder so the bag sits on the right hip. Tack the strap invisibly at the shoulder and side so it stays in place.

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Mushroom Beret

The round brown spotted piece beside the cat looks like a soft mushroom beret. It can be worn on the cat or displayed as an accessory.

1. With chestnut brown yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: M1R in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k1, M1R around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts.
7. Rnd 6: k2, M1R around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts.
9. Rnd 8: k3, M1R around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts.
11. Rnd 10: k4, M1R around. 48 sts.
12. Rnds 11 to 14: k all sts.
13. Rnd 15: k4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
14. Rnd 16: k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
15. Rnd 17: k2, p2 around.
16. Rnd 18: k2, p2 around.
17. BO in rib.

With white yarn, embroider scattered short oval spots across the top. Make about 14 spots, unevenly placed, so the beret looks handmade and natural like the photo.

Tiny Knitted Watering Can

The watering can is pale blue-gray with a round body, curved handle, and small spout. It is knitted tightly so it keeps its shape without a wire frame.

Can Body

1. With pale blue-gray yarn, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts.
3. Rnd 2: k2, M1R around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts.
5. Rnd 4: k3, M1R around. 30 sts.
6. Rnds 5 to 12: k all sts.
7. Rnd 13: k3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 14: k all sts.
9. Rnd 15: k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
10. Stuff firmly.
11. Rnd 16: k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
12. Rnd 17: k2tog around. 6 sts.
13. Cut yarn and close.

Can Opening

1. With pale blue-gray yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k all sts.
3. BO.

Roll this strip into a small ring and sew it to the top front of the can. Leave the center open-looking by stitching only around the outer edge.

Handle and Spout

1. For the handle, CO 4 sts with pale blue-gray yarn.
2. Rows 1 to 28: k all sts.
3. BO and sew into a curved handle on one side of the can.
4. For the spout, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
5. Rnds 1 to 10: k all sts.
6. Rnd 11: k2tog around. 4 sts.
7. Cut yarn and close.

Sew the spout to the opposite side of the can, angled upward. Add two rust stitches near the body if you want the same warm handmade accent visible in the image.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

• Sew the head firmly to the body, keeping the face centered.
• Attach arms at a slight downward angle.
• Attach legs evenly so the doll sits flat when placed on a table.
• Dress the cat in the mustard sweater, then add the cream cable overalls.
• Sew the overall straps to the bib and add two front buttons.
• Place the headband across the forehead and secure the acorns to one side.
• Add the fox bag diagonally across the chest.
• Check the eyes, nose, muzzle, and tabby stripes from the front before hiding yarn tails.

Care Notes

Spot clean gently with cool water and mild soap. Do not soak if you used wooden buttons or safety eyes. Press with a towel and reshape the head, shoes, ears, and overalls while damp.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is round and slightly larger than the body.
• The cream muzzle is centered and softly raised.
• The gray tabby stripes are balanced on both sides.
• The overalls have visible cable panels on both legs.
• The mustard sleeves show clearly under the straps.
• The fox bag rests at the right hip.
• The acorns sit on one side of the headband.
• The mushroom beret has scattered white spots.
• The watering can has a handle, spout, and top opening.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished cat away from direct sunlight to protect the mustard, rust, and gray colors. Keep it in a dry place with good airflow. If displaying with plants, make sure the knitted pieces do not touch damp soil or wet surfaces.

For long-term storage, wrap the doll in clean cotton fabric and place it in a breathable box. Avoid plastic bags, because trapped moisture may flatten the stuffing or affect the embroidered details.