Make a cute orange cat amigurumi with this easy beginner-friendly crochet pattern. This Garfield-inspired design features a rounded head, pointed ears, a soft body, chunky paws, a curved tail, expressive embroidered facial details, and classic black stripe accents.

This is an original, simplified crochet construction inspired by Garfield’s recognizable orange-cat appearance. It is not an official Garfield pattern or an exact reproduction of another designer’s pattern. Existing Garfield crochet patterns use different constructions and skill levels; for example, published versions range from beginner to intermediate and commonly use orange, black, white, yellow, and pink yarn. StringyDingDing

The pattern below is designed to be approachable for crocheters who are learning amigurumi techniques such as working in the round, increasing, decreasing, stuffing, and sewing pieces together.

Project Details

Project type: Amigurumi cat

Style: Garfield-inspired orange cat

Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

Crochet terminology: US terms

Main technique: Crochet in the round

Suggested finished size: Approximately 18–22 cm

Main color: Orange

Accent colors: Black, white, yellow, and pink

Main stitches: Single crochet, increase, and decrease

Materials Needed

Orange medium-weight yarn: approximately 100–150 g

Black yarn: small amount

White yarn: small amount

Yellow yarn: small amount

Pink yarn: small amount

3.0–3.5 mm crochet hook

Polyester fiberfill stuffing

Tapestry needle

Embroidery needle

Stitch marker

Scissors

Pins

Safety eyes, optional

Black embroidery thread

Pink embroidery thread

For a tighter amigurumi fabric, use a crochet hook smaller than the size normally recommended for your yarn. Published Garfield-inspired amigurumi projects commonly use orange as the main color with black and lighter accent colors. Ravelry

Crochet Abbreviations

MR — magic ring

ch — chain

sc — single crochet

inc — increase

dec — decrease

sl st — slip stitch

st — stitch

sts — stitches

FO — fasten off

BLO — back loop only

FLO — front loop only

rep — repeat

rnd — round

Before You Begin

Work the amigurumi tightly so the stuffing cannot easily be seen through the stitches.

Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round.

Count your stitches after every increase and decrease round.

Add stuffing gradually as you crochet.

Avoid overstuffing because it can stretch the stitches and change the shape.

For a clean finish, use an invisible decrease whenever possible.

Amigurumi does not require a traditional garment gauge. The most important thing is achieving a firm fabric with no large gaps.

Step 1: Crochet the Body

Start with orange yarn.

Round 1

Make a magic ring.

Work 6 sc into the ring.

6 sts

Round 2

Work 2 sc in each stitch around.

12 sts

Round 3

Sc in the next stitch, inc in the next stitch.

Repeat around.

18 sts

Round 4

Sc in the next 2 stitches, inc in the next stitch.

Repeat around.

24 sts

Round 5

Sc in the next 3 stitches, inc in the next stitch.

Repeat around.

30 sts

Round 6

Sc in the next 4 stitches, inc in the next stitch.

Repeat around.

36 sts

Round 7

Sc in the next 5 stitches, inc in the next stitch.

Repeat around.

42 sts

The bottom of the body should now have a rounded shape.

Step 2: Build the Body

Rounds 8–16

Sc in every stitch around.

42 sts

Continue working evenly without increasing.

The body should become slightly rounded through the middle.

Check the shape as you work.

Step 3: Shape the Upper Body

Round 17

Sc in the next 5 stitches, dec in the next 2 stitches.

Repeat around.

36 sts

Round 18

Sc in the next 4 stitches, dec.

Repeat around.

30 sts

Round 19

Sc in the next 3 stitches, dec.

Repeat around.

24 sts

Begin adding small amounts of stuffing.

Round 20

Sc in the next 2 stitches, dec.

Repeat around.

18 sts

Continue adding stuffing until the body has a soft, rounded shape.

Round 21

Sc, dec around.

12 sts

Round 22

Dec around.

6 sts

Add the final amount of stuffing.

Fasten off and use a tapestry needle to close the opening.

Weave in the yarn end.

Step 4: Crochet the Head

The head should be larger and rounder than the body.

Using orange yarn, make a magic ring.

Round 1

6 sc into the magic ring.

6 sts

Round 2

Inc around.

12 sts

Round 3

Sc, inc around.

18 sts

Round 4

Sc in the next 2 stitches, inc.

Repeat around.

24 sts

Round 5

Sc in the next 3 stitches, inc.

Repeat around.

30 sts

Round 6

Sc in the next 4 stitches, inc.

Repeat around.

36 sts

Round 7

Sc in the next 5 stitches, inc.

Repeat around.

42 sts

Round 8

Sc in the next 6 stitches, inc.

Repeat around.

48 sts

Step 5: Continue the Head

Rounds 9–17

Sc around.

48 sts

Keep the head rounded.

Do not stuff yet.

Step 6: Shape the Face

Round 18

Sc in the next 6 stitches, dec.

Repeat around.

42 sts

Round 19

Sc in the next 5 stitches, dec.

Repeat around.

36 sts

Round 20

Sc in the next 4 stitches, dec.

Repeat around.

30 sts

Round 21

Sc in the next 3 stitches, dec.

Repeat around.

24 sts

Begin stuffing the head.

Add stuffing slowly and shape the cheeks with your fingers.

Round 22

Sc in the next 2 stitches, dec.

Repeat around.

18 sts

Round 23

Sc, dec around.

12 sts

Round 24

Dec around.

6 sts

Add the final stuffing.

Fasten off.

Close the opening with a tapestry needle and weave in the end.

Step 7: Make the Ears

Make 2 ears using orange yarn.

Round 1

Make a magic ring.

6 sc into the ring.

6 sts

Round 2

Inc around.

12 sts

Round 3

Sc, inc around.

18 sts

Round 4

Sc in the next 2 stitches, inc around.

24 sts

Rounds 5–6

Sc around.

24 sts

Do not stuff the ears heavily.

Fasten off and leave a long sewing tail.

Flatten the ear gently.

Repeat for the second ear.

Step 8: Attach the Ears

Place the ears near the top of the head.

Position them slightly outward to create a relaxed cat shape.

Pin both ears before sewing.

Look at the head from the front and side.

Once you are happy with the placement, sew the ears securely to the head.

Weave the yarn through several stitches inside the head.

Step 9: Make the Legs

Make 2 legs using orange yarn.

Round 1

6 sc into a magic ring.

6 sts

Round 2

Inc around.

12 sts

Round 3

Sc, inc around.

18 sts

Rounds 4–6

Sc around.

18 sts

Round 7

Sc in the next 4 stitches, dec.

Repeat around.

15 sts

Rounds 8–12

Sc around.

15 sts

Lightly stuff the lower portion of the leg.

Round 13

Sc in the next 3 stitches, dec.

Repeat around.

12 sts

Rounds 14–15

Sc around.

12 sts

Fasten off.

Leave a long yarn tail.

Repeat for the second leg.

Step 10: Attach the Legs

Place both legs underneath the body.

Position them so the cat can sit upright.

Pin them in place.

Check that both legs are the same height.

Sew each leg securely to the body.

Make several passes with the tapestry needle to reinforce the attachment.

Step 11: Crochet the Arms

Make 2 arms.

Using orange yarn:

Round 1

6 sc into a magic ring.

6 sts

Round 2

Inc around.

12 sts

Rounds 3–10

Sc around.

12 sts

Lightly stuff the lower section.

Round 11

Sc in the next 2 stitches, dec.

Repeat around.

9 sts

Round 12

Sc around.

9 sts

Fasten off.

Leave a long sewing tail.

Repeat for the second arm.

Step 12: Attach the Arms

Place the arms on the sides of the body.

Position them approximately halfway between the head and the bottom of the body.

Pin both arms.

Check that they are at the same height.

Sew them firmly to the body.

Step 13: Crochet the Tail

The tail should remain flexible so it can curve naturally.

Using black yarn:

Round 1

6 sc into a magic ring.

6 sts

Round 2

Inc around.

12 sts

Round 3

Sc around.

12 sts

Change to orange yarn.

Rounds 4–12

Sc around.

12 sts

Lightly stuff the tip.

Continue working until the tail reaches approximately 10–14 cm.

Fasten off.

Leave a long sewing tail.

Avoid overstuffing the tail.

Step 14: Attach the Tail

Position the tail on the back of the body.

For a sitting cat, place it slightly toward one side.

Pin it in place.

Sew the base firmly to the body.

Curve the tail gently before securing the final stitches.

Step 15: Add the Eyes

You can use safety eyes or embroidered eyes.

For safety eyes, position them before completely closing the head if your particular eyes require access to the inside.

Place the eyes approximately around the middle of the face.

Keep them relatively close together for a cute, expressive appearance.

For a baby-safe decorative version, embroidered eyes can be used instead of plastic safety eyes.

Step 16: Create the White Eye Details

Use white yarn or embroidery thread.

Add small white areas around the eyes.

Keep both sides approximately symmetrical.

These details help create a more expressive cartoon-inspired face.

Step 17: Embroider the Nose

Use pink yarn or embroidery thread.

Create a small triangular nose.

Position it between the eyes and slightly below them.

Use several small stitches to build the shape.

Step 18: Embroider the Mouth

Using black embroidery thread, create a small curved mouth below the nose.

Add two short curved lines extending from the sides of the mouth.

Keep the lines neat and relatively small.

Step 19: Add the Cheeks

For a softer Garfield-inspired appearance, add rounded cheek details using a slightly lighter orange yarn.

You can crochet small circles and sew them onto the face.

Alternatively, use embroidery stitches to create subtle cheek shading.

Step 20: Add the Black Face Stripes

Using black yarn or embroidery thread, add short stripes on both sides of the face.

Make approximately 3 stripes per side.

Keep the stripes slightly curved.

Try to mirror the placement on the opposite cheek.

Step 21: Add the Body Stripes

Use black yarn to embroider short stripes along the sides and back of the body.

Place several stripes on each side.

Keep some space between the stripes.

Do not make every stripe exactly the same length.

This gives the finished amigurumi a more natural handmade appearance.

Step 22: Add the Leg Stripes

Add 2–3 short black stripes to each leg.

Work the stripes horizontally or with a slight curve.

Keep the design balanced on both legs.

Step 23: Add the Tail Stripes

Embroider several black stripes along the orange section of the tail.

Space them evenly.

Keep the black tip clearly defined.

Step 24: Add Optional Whiskers

Using black embroidery thread, add a few small whisker lines on each side of the face.

Keep them short and securely fastened.

For a plush toy intended for very young children, embroidered details are preferable to loose or detachable decorations.

Step 25: Assemble the Complete Amigurumi

Now check every part of the cat.

The head should be centered.

The ears should be even.

The eyes should be positioned correctly.

The arms should sit at the same height.

The legs should be balanced.

The tail should be firmly attached.

The facial embroidery should be secure.

The black stripes should look balanced.

Make any adjustments before trimming the remaining yarn ends.

Step 26: Shape the Amigurumi

Gently squeeze and shape the head.

Round out the cheeks.

Adjust the ears.

Shape the body into a comfortable sitting position.

Bend the tail into a soft curve.

Do not pull aggressively on any sewn pieces.

Step 27: Finish the Amigurumi

Weave every remaining yarn tail into the inside of the piece.

Pull gently.

Trim excess yarn.

Check all seams.

Inspect the eyes, face, limbs, and tail.

Your Garfield-inspired amigurumi is now complete.

Tips for Beginners

Keep your stitches tight and consistent.

Use a stitch marker at the beginning of every round.

Count your stitches frequently.

If you lose your stitch count, stop and check the previous round before continuing.

Stuff small amounts at a time.

Shape the head while adding stuffing.

Pin every piece before sewing.

Always check symmetry before permanently attaching pieces.

Use embroidery for facial details rather than trying to crochet extremely tiny pieces.

Take your time with the stripes because neat embroidery makes a big difference to the finished character.

How to Customize Your Amigurumi

Make a Smaller Cat

Use thinner yarn and a smaller hook.

Reduce the number of rounds in the head and body.

Make proportionally smaller ears, arms, legs, and tail.

Make a Larger Cat

Use thicker yarn and a larger hook.

Add additional rounds to the head and body.

Increase the size of all the other components proportionally.

Make a Sleepy Cat

Embroider half-closed eyes.

Lower the eyelids slightly.

Use a small curved mouth.

Make a Sitting Cat

Keep the body rounded.

Place the legs toward the front.

Attach the tail lower on the back.

Shape the tail along the side of the body.

Make a Mini Cat

Use cotton yarn with a 2–2.5 mm hook.

Reduce the number of rounds.

Use embroidered eyes and facial details.

This can create a small decorative amigurumi.

Color Ideas

Classic orange with black stripes

Orange with cream details

Pumpkin orange with dark brown

Orange with pink accents

Soft orange with white

Orange with mustard yellow

Orange with cream and black

The traditional visual combination for Garfield-inspired crochet is an orange body with black stripes and lighter facial accents. Similar published designs use this palette. Ravelry

Common Problems and Solutions

The Stuffing Is Showing

Your stitches are too loose.

Try using a smaller crochet hook.

The Head Looks Too Small

Add another increase round before beginning the straight rounds.

Make sure the body remains proportionally smaller than the head.

The Head Looks Too Long

Reduce the number of straight rounds before starting the decreases.

The Ears Are Uneven

Pin both ears before sewing.

Look at the amigurumi from the front, side, and top before securing them.

The Body Does Not Sit Properly

Check the position of the legs.

Move them slightly forward if necessary.

The Tail Is Too Stiff

Remove some stuffing.

The tail should contain enough stuffing to hold its shape while remaining flexible.

The Face Looks Uneven

Place the eyes and nose first using pins or removable markers.

Only embroider them permanently after you are satisfied with the placement.

Care Instructions

Spot clean the finished amigurumi whenever possible.

Use a damp cloth and mild soap.

Avoid soaking the toy unless the yarn manufacturer recommends it.

Allow the amigurumi to dry completely.

Do not use high heat.

Inspect the toy regularly for loose stitches, damaged seams, or detached parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Garfield amigurumi suitable for beginners?

Yes. The construction uses basic amigurumi techniques including single crochet, increases, decreases, stuffing, and sewing. Some published Garfield patterns are classified as beginner, while others are intermediate, so the difficulty depends on the specific design. Ravelry

What yarn should I use?

Medium-weight orange yarn is a good choice for a larger plush. Sport or DK-weight cotton can be used when you want a smaller and more defined amigurumi.

What crochet hook should I use?

A 3.0–3.5 mm hook is a good starting point for medium-weight yarn. For tighter amigurumi, choose a hook that creates firm stitches without visible gaps.

Do I need safety eyes?

No. You can use embroidered eyes instead. This is also a useful option when making a toy for a young child.

How much stuffing should I use?

Add stuffing gradually until the head and body are firm but not overly hard.

Can I change the colors?

Yes. You can change the orange shade or use different colors for the stripes and facial details.

Can I make this into a keychain?

Yes. Make a smaller version with thinner yarn and add an appropriate keychain attachment at the top. Make sure all components are securely attached.

Can I sell the finished amigurumi?

If you create your own original version, check the applicable rules concerning the commercial use of recognizable copyrighted characters and trademarks. Also respect the licensing terms of any third-party crochet pattern you use. This tutorial is an original Garfield-inspired construction rather than an official Garfield pattern.