How to Knit a Cat's Paw Design
Once you have learned the basics of knitting, more diverse stitches can be mastered with a little time and practice. The Cat's Paw Design Stitch is a beautiful variation that adds elegance to any project. This pattern works wonderfully in a sweater or scarf. The stitches may seem intimidating at first, go slowly and you'll soon be proud of your progress and creativity.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Cast stitches in multiples of 12 stitches plus 1 stitch onto your knitting needles with your choice of yarn.
-
2
Begin row one by knitting 5 stitches, then a repeated pattern of yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k9 until there are 8 stitches left. Then finish the row as yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k5. Purl row two.
-
-
3
Continue with row three by knitting 3 stitches, then a repeating pattern of k2tog, yo, k3, yo, skpo, k5 until there are 10 stitches left. Then, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, skpo, k3. Purl row four to the end.
-
4
Begin row five by knitting 5 stitches, then a repeated pattern of yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k9 until there are 8 stitches left. Then finish the row as yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k5. Purl row six.
-
5
Knit rows seven and eight as follows: knit row seven to the end; purl row eight to the end. This is a good time to stop and check your progress. If you find you're having trouble keeping track, try a row and stitch counter to help you stay on top of things.
-
6
Start row nine by knitting 2 stitches together, then knit a repeating pattern of yo, k9, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso until there are 11 stitches left. Then, these last stitches will be yo, k9, yo, skpo. Purl row ten to the end.
-
7
Knit row eleven by knitting 2 stitches, then a repeating pattern of yo, skpo, k5, k2tog, yo, k3 until there are 11 stitches left. Treat these remaining stitches in this way: yo, skpo, k5, k2tog, yo, k2. Purl row twelve to the end.
-
8
Go on to row thirteen by knitting 2 stitches together, then a repeating pattern of yo, k9, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso. When there are only 11 stitches left, finish as yo, k9, yo, skpo. Purl row fourteen to the end.
-
9
Finish up this pattern by knitting row fifteen and purling row sixteen.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Yo = yarn over
Sl = slip
Skpo = (xl1, k1, psso) = slip 1, knit 1, then pass the slipped stitch over
k2tog = knit two stitches together as one
psso = pass slipped stitches over
This pattern assumes a basic knowledge of casting on, stockinette and purl stitches and the ability to read a pattern.
