Introduction
This delightful crochet project features an adorable white cat face at the center, surrounded by vibrant, three-dimensional flowers and fresh green leaves. The entire motif is framed within a classic granny square, bordered in a neutral or pastel shade for a crisp, finished look. Each flower pops with bold color—yellow, purple, pink, blue, and red—creating an inviting spring garden effect. The playful design and raised shapes give the square a rich texture that is both eye-catching and fun to crochet.
Perfect as a blanket square, a statement cushion, a wall hanging, or even a cheerful bag panel, this motif brings character and charm to any handmade project. The combination of applique and granny techniques provides a wonderful opportunity to experiment with color while mastering several crochet skills. Crafters of all levels will appreciate the tactile flowers and the sweet, instantly recognizable cat—a design sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Making this piece is both satisfying and enjoyable. Not only will you hone your applique and motif-joining skills, but you’ll also end up with a versatile square that stands out. Whether you’re building a multi-square blanket or just want a fun accent piece, this detailed pattern can help guide you every step of the way.
Project Overview
This square is constructed in several simple parts. First, you’ll crochet the main cat’s face and ears (appliqué style) and sew them onto a partially-completed granny square background. Next, you’ll make several three-dimensional flowers and leaf motifs, which are attached around the cat, spilling outward. Finally, you’ll add a border to complete the square, joining all elements seamlessly.
Work is done both in rows and rounds, combining basic and intermediate stitches. Appliqué elements (cat face, ears, flowers, leaves) are crocheted separately, then neatly attached atop the granny square foundation.
Skill Level
Intermediate. The project combines simple granny square construction with more advanced applique, color changes, three-dimensional embellishments, and precise joining. Confident beginners who already know the basic stitches and can follow directions closely will enjoy the challenge, but some experience with attaching motifs and working with multiple colors is helpful.
Materials
- Yarn:
- Worsted weight (category 4) acrylic or cotton blend yarn for best stitch definition and easy care.
- Colors (approximate):
- White – 20 g (cat face, granny square)
- Black – <5 g (cat facial details)
- Yellow, Red, Blue, Purple, Pink – 5-10 g each (flowers)
- Green – 5 g (leaves, flower centers)
- Background Color (beige, cream, light blue or pastel) – 15-20 g (border and granny square)
- Crochet Hook: US size G/6 (4.0 mm) or appropriate size for your chosen yarn
- Tapestry Needle: For sewing on applique and weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers (optional but helpful for tracking rounds and placements)
- Small embroidery needle (for fine facial details)
Finished Size
- Approximately 18 cm x 18 cm (7″ x 7″) per square
To adjust the size, simply use a different yarn weight and appropriate hook size, or add/remove border rounds as needed.
Gauge
Gauge is less critical for motifs, but for a 4″ (10 cm) x 4″ (10 cm) square in double crochet: 14 dc and 8 rows. Small gauge differences may affect your final square size; check periodically if joining multiple motifs.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- MR – magic ring
- inc – increase (work 2 stitches in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (sc2tog or invisible decrease)
- (…) – repeat the instructions inside the parentheses as indicated
Important Pattern Notes
- Ch-3 at the start of a round counts as a double crochet unless otherwise noted.
- Rounds of the granny square background are joined with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain (unless otherwise specified).
- Change colors carefully at the last pull-through of the stitch before the new color.
- Sew applique pieces onto the square after creating them, using a tapestry needle and matching yarn.
- Work flowers, leaves, and cat face as separate motifs for neater results.
- Use stitch markers to keep corners and motif placements precise.
- Right side should face up when attaching applique elements for best appearance.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Granny Square Background (Start in White or background color)
Round 1: With white or your chosen background color, MR, ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, (3 dc in ring, ch 2) three times, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. Tighten MR. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 corners)
Round 2: Sl st in next 2 dc to corner, ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp (corner made), [ch 1, in next ch-2 sp: (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc)] three times, ch 1, join with sl st to beg ch-3. (24 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
Round 3: Sl st to next corner sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner, [ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner] three times, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, join with sl st. (36 dc, 4 ch-2 sps)
Round 4: Continue as established: corners get (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc), sides get ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 sps, ch 1 between, until square reaches ~15 cm (6″). Stop and fasten off if you’d like to seam last round after attaching applique.
Part 2: Cat Face Appliqué (White, plus Black for facial features)
Face Oval:
- Round 1: With white, start with a MR, ch 2 (counts as hdc), 9 hdc in ring, join with sl st to first hdc – 10 hdc.
- Round 2: Ch 2, hdc in same st, 2 hdc in each around, join – 20 hdc.
- Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in next st, 2 hdc next, (hdc in next, 2 hdc in next) repeat around, join – 30 hdc.
- Round 4: Ch 2, hdc in next 2, 2 hdc in next, (hdc in next 2, 2 hdc in next) around, join – 40 hdc.
Flatten oval. Fasten off, leaving a 15–20 cm (6–8″) tail for sewing.
Cat Ears (Make 2):
- With white, ch 6.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 4 – 5 sc. Turn.
- Row 2: Dec across first two, sc in next, dec across last two – 3 sc. Turn.
- Row 3: Dec, sc in last – 2 sc. Turn.
- Row 4: Dec – 1 sc.
- Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing.
- Lightly shape as triangle ears.
Attach Ears: Sew each ear at a slight outward angle to the top of the cat face. Place on granny square center, so that the cat is oriented upright (refer to photos for positioning). Sew face and ears at this moment, securing firmly and weaving in ends.
Cat Face Embroidery:
- With black yarn and a fine needle, embroider eyes as small arches for a cute sleepy effect.
- Stitch a simple nose (triangular), two short whiskers on each side, and a short mouth line in black (optional: pink or light brown nose).
- For extra definition, lightly outline inner ears with pale pink.
Part 3: 3D Crochet Flowers (Make 5, in assorted bright colors)
Rounded Petal Flower (for each, use any flower color):
- Round 1: With chosen flower color, MR, ch 2 (counts as dc), 11 dc into ring; join with sl st – 12 dc.
- Round 2: Work flower petals: *(ch 2, 2 tr, ch 2, sl st in next st), repeat from * around for 6 petals (work into every 2nd st). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Center: With yellow or green, embroider or sew a French knot or work a small circle (MR, 6 sc into ring, join and fasten off) and attach to flower center.
Part 4: Crochet Leaves (Make 7–8, in green)
- Ch 7. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next, dc in next two, hdc in next, sc in last – turn to work down the other side of chain: sc in base, hdc, dc in next two, hdc, sc. Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.
- Optional: Give each leaf a little pinch at one end for a pointed shape.
Part 5: Attach Decorative Elements
- Arrange flowers loosely in an arc or semicircle around one side of the cat face (from ear to base), mixing colors for a natural look.
- Sew each flower firmly to the granny square, tucking leaves as you go so they peek out beneath petals.
- Stitch down all ends neatly on wrong side.
Part 6: Border & Final Granny Rounds
Switch to your border color. With right side facing, join yarn in any corner ch-2 space.
- Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same corner space, *ch 1, 3 dc in each ch-1 space across to next corner, ch 1*, repeat from * to * for all sides. In remaining corners, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each ch-2 space. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3.
- Round 2 (optional): Continue as established until square measures ~18 cm (7″) as desired.
Fasten off and weave in all yarn tails securely.
Assembly and Finishing
Once all elements are securely attached, gently shape the square with your fingers. Pin into shape and steam block lightly if needed for crispness. To block, pin the square to a towel, mist lightly with water, and allow to dry completely.
Weave in all ends on the back of the work. If joining to other motifs, seam using whipstitch, mattress stitch, or join-as-you-go methods. Take care that the cat face remains centered and not distorted during assembly.
Customization Ideas
- Change flower colors for a seasonal palette (autumn, pastel spring, etc.)
- Use variegated yarns for unique petal or background effects
- Make a set of squares for a baby blanket, bedspread, or playful cushion
- Attach to a tote bag for a whimsical accessory
- Frame as nursery wall art, or string together for bunting
- Size up with chunky yarn for a larger throw pillow; size down for a coaster or applique patch
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your square curls, steam block and pin flat
- If edges are uneven, count stitches at the end of each round, adjusting as needed
- If the square is too large or small, check your gauge, and adjust hook size accordingly
- If color changes look loose, pull yarn tight and weave in tails on the back
- If applique elements look uneven, pin before sewing and use invisible whip stitch
- If tension is wobbly, try adjusting your grip or switching to a comfort grip hook
Care Instructions
- Hand wash or gentle machine wash in cold water, lay flat to dry
- If using acrylic, machine washing is generally safe; check your yarn label
- To retain crisp shapes, avoid wringing; reshape while damp and allow to air dry flat
Final Notes
Be sure to check your stitch counts as you go, and adjust tension for even results. Refer to the project photo as a visual layout guide, particularly when positioning the cat and flowers. Enjoy combining joyful colors and textures—and let your creativity shine via this playful, garden-inspired motif!
