Most of the 25 patterns in Knits for Kitties can be completed in just a couple of hours, and with yarn you already have in your stash. There are patterns for every skill level from beginner to advanced, and each one has lots of options and ways to personalize it. These patterns were designed to be cat toys, but they make great human toys too!

Don’t have any worsted weight yarn or size 4 needles? No worries – use whatever yarn and needles you have on hand. Gauge is not important for these little toys; just make sure that the fabric you knit is tighter than normal so that the stuffing doesn’t show through. This usually equates to going down two needle sizes from what is recommended for the yarn you choose.

These toys are a great place to start if you’re new to working in the round on dpns. Ripping out and starting over won’t take up your whole day, and your cat will love you for it. :-)

Paperback published in August 2011 by Barron's Educational Series