Wrap your space in cozy cuteness with this Hugging Cats Round Crochet Rug pattern! Featuring two sweet kitties curled up in a loving embrace, this heartwarming design brings a sense of comfort and charm to any room. Whether you’re decorating a nursery, adding a whimsical touch to your living space, or just adore feline-inspired decor, this pattern lets you stitch up a rug that’s as delightful to look at as it is to step on. 🐱💞🧶
Crafted for both beauty and fun, this pattern invites you to play with soft yarns, gentle curves, and expressive details like whiskers, tails, and sleepy eyes. Use neutral tones for a subtle look or go bold with playful colors to make your cats pop. Whether it’s a thoughtful handmade gift or a cozy addition to your own home, this Hugging Cats Round Crochet Rug is a joyful and satisfying project—perfect for bringing a touch of handmade love to every stitch! 💖🌈✨
🐱 Hugging Cats Round Crochet Rug Pattern
Brighten up your space with this joyful round crochet rug featuring two hugging cartoon-style cats surrounded by a rainbow scallop border! This lovable design is ideal for nurseries, reading nooks, or as a playful floor piece for any cat lover.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – involves appliqué shaping, sewing, and optional tapestry crochet for advanced crafters.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 100–120 cm (40–48 in) diameter, depending on yarn and hook size.
🧶 Materials
- Chunky/Bulky weight yarn (or t-shirt yarn):
- Lavender or Pink (Background)
- Orange (Tabby Cat)
- Light Gray (Striped Cat)
- Black (Outlines, stripes, eyes, whiskers)
- White (Bellies, cheeks, eye accents)
- Pink (Inner ears, cheeks)
- Yellow, Red, Blue (For optional border scallops)
- Hook: 6 mm or suitable for your yarn
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Optional: non-slip rug backing
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – Magic Ring
ch – Chain
sc – Single Crochet
hdc – Half Double Crochet
dc – Double Crochet
inc – Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
dec – Decrease (sc two stitches together)
sl st – Slip Stitch
BLO – Back Loop Only
🌸 Part 1: Circular Base (Lavender/Pink)
Base Circle (Start with Pink or Lavender):
MR, 6 sc
inc x6 (12)
(sc, inc) x6 (18)
(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
Continue increasing evenly (3 sc, inc), (4 sc, inc)… until desired diameter.
Work approximately 24–28 rounds for a large base.
Use BLO every few rows to add texture rings. Switch colors every 2–3 rounds for a rainbow scallop border effect.
🐱 Part 2: Hugging Cats Appliqué
Option 1 – Advanced: Tapestry Crochet
Create a pixel chart using StitchFiddle or graph paper. Begin colorwork from the center once the base circle is halfway done. Use intarsia tapestry techniques, carrying unused yarn inside stitches and cleanly switching colors.
Option 2 – Recommended: Appliqué Method
Create each cat as separate pieces and sew them onto the round base.
🔸 Appliqué Pattern Instructions
🧡 Orange Tabby Cat
Body:
- With orange yarn, ch 16
- Row 1: sc across, turn
- Rows 2–10: sc across with increases at both ends
- Shape the bottom by tapering off with dec
- Add white oval for belly using felt or white yarn
- Add black stripes with surface sl st or sew small pieces
Head:
- MR, 6 sc
- Continue increasing to 36–42 sc in the round
- Add ears (triangle shapes), inner ears in pink
- Embroider face with black: smile, whiskers
- Eyes: white oval + black pupil + white safety dot
Tail:
- Ch 20
- sc back across, increase at the base
- Add black stripes
🩶 Gray Striped Cat
Repeat the same steps as the orange cat but use light gray instead of orange. Mirror the body and face to face the opposite direction.
Add black stripes, face embroidery, and eyes similarly.
🖤 Assembly Tips
- Lay both cats on the center of the circle, arms hugging and faces touching
- Use pins to secure positions
- Sew each piece using a whip stitch or invisible stitch with matching yarn
- Optional: outline cats with black surface sl st to give cartoon definition
🌈 Part 3: Rainbow Scallop Border
Alternate rounds of red, orange, yellow, blue, and lavender:
Scallop Round:
- (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) in one stitch, skip 1–2 sts, sl st into next
- Repeat around for a fun rainbow frame
🪡 Final Touches
- Add non-slip backing for hardwood floors
- Steam block for perfect flatness
- Optional: embroider or applique names or hearts inside the circle
🎉 Congratulations!
You’ve completed your very own Hugging Cats Round Crochet Rug! This pattern combines cuteness and creativity into one unforgettable project. Whether you’re gifting it or enjoying it yourself, this handmade rug is sure to warm both hearts and floors! 💕
