Oh, the joy of a new amigurumi project! If you're anything like me, there's just something incredibly satisfying about bringing a little creature to life with yarn and a hook. Today, I'm thrilled to share a pattern that's captured my heart: the "Gatto Bianco," our adorable white crochet cat.

This little feline friend is perfect for cuddling, decorating, or gifting. Imagine the soft texture, the gentle curves – it just begs to be held. Ready to make your own purr-fect companion?

Meet Gatto Bianco: Your Next Crochet Obsession

From the moment I sketched out this little kitty, I knew it would be a favorite. Its simple, elegant design makes it approachable for crocheters of all levels, yet the finished product looks so professional and charming. I whipped up the prototype on a quiet afternoon, and before I knew it, I had a little white cat staring back at me with those sweet embroidered eyes. It's a quick project too, so you can have a finished buddy in just a few dedicated hours.

What You'll Need

Gathering your materials is half the fun! For Gatto Bianco, quality yarn makes all the difference. I recommend something soft and durable, perhaps a lovely cotton blend that holds its shape well. You'll want to feel those stitches come together nicely.

• Yarn: Drops Paris Cotton Yarn, Aran/Worsted (10ply), in White (100g / 75m) - approximately 50g
• Hook: 3.5 mm crochet hook (US E/4)
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill
• Safety Eyes: 8mm black safety eyes (or embroidery floss for sleepy eyes)
• Nose Embroidery: Pink or black embroidery floss
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and assembly
• Stitch Marker: Essential for working in continuous rounds
• Scissors

Abbreviations

• MR: Magic Ring
• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
• dec: Decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
• sl st: Slip Stitch
• FO: Fasten Off
• st(s): Stitch(es)
• R: Round

The Gatto Bianco Amigurumi Pattern

We'll work this little cat from head to body in one continuous piece, then add the ears, tail, and limbs separately. Remember to stuff firmly as you go!

Head & Body (White Yarn)

R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: 6 inc (12)
R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
R4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
R5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
R6-R10: 30 sc (5 rounds)
R11: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
R12: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)

Insert safety eyes between R9 and R10, about 5 stitches apart. Stuff the head firmly.

R13: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
R14: 12 sc (12) - *This forms the neck base*

R15: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
R16: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
R17: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
R18-R24: 30 sc (7 rounds)
R25: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
R26: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)

Stuff the body firmly.

R27: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
R28: 6 dec (6)

FO, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the front loop of each remaining stitch and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Ears (Make 2 - White Yarn)

R1: 4 sc in MR (4)
R2: (1 sc, inc) x 2 (6)
R3: (2 sc, inc) x 2 (8)

FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Flatten the ear and sew to the top of the head around R3-R4, about 7 stitches apart.

Arms (Make 2 - White Yarn)

R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2-R5: 6 sc (4 rounds)

Lightly stuff the end of the arm. Flatten the opening and sc through both sides to close. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew to the sides of the body around R16-R17.

Legs (Make 2 - White Yarn)

R1: 6 sc in MR (6)
R2: 6 inc (12)
R3: 12 sc (12)
R4: (1 sc, dec) x 4 (8)
R5-R6: 8 sc (2 rounds)

Stuff firmly. Flatten the opening and sc through both sides to close. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew to the bottom of the body around R21-R22.

Tail (White Yarn)

R1: 5 sc in MR (5)
R2-R8: 5 sc (7 rounds)

Do not stuff. Flatten the opening and sc through both sides to close. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew to the back of the body.

Assembly and Finishing Touches

1. Embroider Face: Using pink or black embroidery floss, embroider a small inverted triangle for the nose directly below the eyes. Then, make a straight line down from the center of the nose and two small 'V' shapes for the mouth.
2. Attach Parts: Carefully sew the ears, arms, and legs to the body using the long tails you left. Use pins to position them first to ensure symmetry.
3. Weave in Ends: Use your tapestry needle to securely weave in all remaining loose ends.
4. Final Shaping: Gently squish and shape your Gatto Bianco to distribute the stuffing evenly and give it that perfect cuddly form.

Pro Tips for Your Gatto Bianco

• Tight Stitches are Key: For amigurumi, a tight tension prevents stuffing from showing through your stitches. If your stitches are too loose, consider going down half a hook size.
• Stuff Firmly, but Evenly: Don't be shy with the stuffing! A well-stuffed amigurumi holds its shape better, but ensure you distribute it evenly to avoid lumps.
• Stitch Markers are Your Best Friend: Seriously, especially when working in continuous rounds, a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round saves so much frustration.
• Safety Eye Placement: Experiment with eye placement before securing them. A tiny shift can change the entire expression of your Gatto Bianco.
• Invisible Decrease: For a cleaner look, use the invisible decrease method (insert hook into front loop of first st, then front loop of second st, yarn over, pull through both front loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook).
• Yarn Tails for Sewing: Always leave long tails when you FO pieces that need to be sewn on. It saves you from having to attach new yarn.

I truly hope you enjoy making your Gatto Bianco as much as I enjoyed designing it. It's such a comforting little project, and the result is just pure cuteness. Happy hooking, friends!

Clara Miliano is a passionate crafter and designer who believes every stitch tells a story. She loves sharing easy-to-follow patterns that bring joy to fellow makers.