Need easy crochet stitch for challenged beginner

13 years ago

I'm not a crochet'er or knitter. But I want to make simple rectangle cat pads/mats for the feral cat that lives in a box on my patio. I bought some all wool #4 yarn and a K crochet hook.

Since I couldn't find a thick all wool I thought I'd double the strands.

Any help with

1) instructional video - a woman at the store mentioned a yarn...B something whose website she thought had good ones but I can't remember the name.

2) recommendations of a good for this purpose stitch that is really truly easy to figure out and do (I am really bad at figuring out spatial things and directions).

I thought, and still may, do a.....regular? straight? plain? stitch but thought I'd ask if there was something else that

(a) would be warmer and (b) may be less likely to snag.

Last, the yarn available, Lion Fishermen's wool, says perfect for felting. Does this mean I should make my rectangle bigger and wash it so it tightens to a tighter mat? Some air pockets sometimes mean warmer, not sure which way to go here.

Thanks!

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Comments (10)

oilpainter
13 years ago
Wool or any yarn is not too good for a cat. You would be better off with a piece of carpeting. Cats tend to dig their claws into things and scratch. The yarn would get caught in their claws.

I'd save the yarn for a pair of felted slippers, but if you did use it I'd suggest you go with single or double crochet and felt it. Yes it would have to be bigger if you felted it.
marys1000
Original Author
13 years ago
I thought about the claw catching thing, just hoping for the best. I want wool because it provides warmth even when wet, just in case it gets damp, it really reflects warmth and even though there's no warming/electrical thing in the box if I can figure out a way to rig something (no ideas have worked so far) I want it to be fire resistant. Personallly I think wool is a wonderful material.
Carpet, yes, don't know where I'd get wool carpet cheap.

So, single, double crochet means nothing to me. How much bigger to felt? And do I just throw it in the wash? dry?
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I am a crocheter - did some knitting but never took the time to perfect it. Crocheting seems to go faster but uses more yarn. I rather spend money on the yarn and finish sooner! You could use a very simple stitch I am currently using the Sweet Stripes for a baby blanket so I guess it depends on the colors you selected if it is too babyish. If you bought the Splash - blue/green combo I think you are fine. I think the blue/white should be OK but the others signal "baby" to me (maybe others think differently). Another option is using Homespun from LionBrand since it is very soft yarn and a mixture of colors to add some richness to the scarf. They have some patterns for "short" scarves using only one skien and a few others also. Check their site and they also have instructions posted on how to knit/crochet. There is one major drawback for a new knitter/crocheter in using either sweet stripes or homespun - they are a curly/wavy type of yarn and it is harder to distinguish where the stitch actually is. I think a smooth yarn is easier for a beginner and would suggest using a sport weight if you want a light, softer scarf. A solid color is easier to work with for a beginner but the Bernat Softee Baby in Baby Denim Marls has just a hint of color so it is easy enough to work with. I like the His Jeans Ombre but even ombres are harder for beginners. Guess it really depends on whether you have a live resource to help you if you get stuck. Keep the first one simple and then build up your skills.
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marys1000
Original Author
13 years ago
I thought about the claw catching thing, just hoping for the best. I want wool because it provides warmth even when wet, just in case it gets damp, it really reflects warmth and even though there's no warming/electrical thing in the box if I can figure out a way to rig something (no ideas have worked so far) I want it to be fire resistant. Personallly I think wool is a wonderful material.
Carpet, yes, don't know where I'd get wool carpet cheap.

So, single, double crochet means nothing to me. How much bigger to felt? And do I just throw it in the wash? dry?
jjknitter
13 years ago
What about buying a woolen blanket for the cat?
Babka NorCal 9b
13 years ago
Get something easily washable for a liner. You will want to use hot water to get rid of fleas! You can make a covered box lined with sheet foam insulation. We did that for our house (?) cat and he did fine even when the outside temps were below zero. The inside of the box wasn't a whole lot bigger than he was with a front entry hole of about 6 or 8" square. I like wool too, but not for a cat, and anything you knit or crochet will get shreaded for sure.

-Babka
acraftylady
13 years ago
Here is a nice site with the basics for left and right handed. Mary

Here is a link that might be useful: crochet videos
msmeow
13 years ago
Oooh, cats just LOVE crocheted and knitted things! They love doing that "fluffing" thing. The cat would sort of naturally "felt" the crochet. My two are always fluffing up whatever I'm working on.

My concern would be with the cat chewing it up and swallowing the yarn. As long as it's a natural fiber like wool that probably wouldn't be a problem. Man-made fibers like acrylic or nylon could cause serious problems for the cat.

Donna
barb_roselover_in
13 years ago
Seems like we have some cat lovers here. Speaking of feral cats, where do you go to get some material on them? I am taking care of my husband's cat (he passed away a year ago and she is about seventeen years old. The neighbor's mama cat had kittens in my barn and one is very easy to take care of but the other is a spitfire. I am getting her used to being fed by me but worry about them this winter. I have a heated garage, but don't know whether I can get them in. Paid to get both of them taken care of. Didn't mean to highjack your thread----but interested. - Barb
gardenway
13 years ago
barb_roselover, if you put "feral cats" in search, lots of info comes up.
gardenway
13 years ago
marys1000 - if you still need info on sizing before and after felting, this might help

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/knitting/cat-bed.shtml

Need easy crochet stitch for challenged beginner

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oilpainter

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Need easy crochet stitch for challenged beginner

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