CATFISH ­PURR-MAID

58089

by Brenda K. B. Anderson

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS NOTIONS

Stands about 19” tall, excluding ears Yarn Needle
Removable Stitch Markers
YARN
Fiberfill Stuffing
Mighty Stitch™ (worsted weight, 80% Acrylic, 20%
2 skeins of charcoal gray embroidery floss, 1 skein of light
Superwash wool; 208 yards/100g): MC Spruce 26826, 2
pink embroidery floss for features
skeins; C1 White 26807, 2 skeins; C2 Mint 26812 and C3
Blush 26818, 1 skein each GAUGE
Outer Ear should measure 3” tall and 4” wide at bottom
Alternate colorway shown uses Fairy Tale 26835 for C2
edge when flattened. (Gauge for this project is approximate)
HOOKS
US E/4 (3.5mm) Crochet hook, or size needed to obtain
gauge
US B/1 (2.25mm) Crochet hook, or size needed to obtain a
crocheted piece without gaps between stitches (for facial
features done in embroidery floss)

©Copyright WeCrochet®. All rights reserved. For private, non-commercial use only.
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For pattern support, please contact yarnville@gmail.com

 Catfish ­Purr-Maid
Notes
It’s just so hard to choose between mermaids and kittens, but
now you don’t have to! This super-cuddly catfish purr-maid is
practically begging you to hug her, but be careful—once you
start, you won’t be able to stop.

The fun fish-scale textured tail is worked back and forth in

rows for cleaner results. The Tail Fin is worked back and forth
in vertical rows through the back lps to give it a ribbed
appearance. Features are crocheted with embroidery floss
and then stitched to head, making it easier to get the
expression you want. The rest of this Catfish Purr-maid’s
pieces are worked in the round in typical amigurumi style.

Special Stitches
Notes about the Fish-Scale stitch pattern
The overlay of contrast color scales is worked at the same time
as the main color. You will only be using one color at a time, but
you will switch back and forth between colors as indicated. All
MC rows are worked back and forth—you will not need to
fasten off until entire tail is finished. All C2 rows are worked
across with RS facing, fastening off at the end of each C2 row.
The C2 rows are designated with an “a”, for example “row 2a”.
You will need to begin with a new strand of C2 at the beginning
of each C2 row. C2 stitches are made through the FRONT LPS
only, leaving the back lps of MC open to be worked into on the
following row; the following row will be made with MC and is
designated with a “b”, for example row “2b”.  Rows 3-5: Ch 1 (does not count as st), SC across, turn. 36
Tips on overlay
As you work the C2 overlay rows, you will work some stitches
into the front lps of the previous MC row. Then you will make a
chain and skip some stitches and continue in pattern working
into the front lps of the previous MC row. These chain lps will
just hang there while you work 4 rows of MC and then on the
following row of C2 you will catch these floating chains (when
indicated) to pull them up to the working row.
When indicated to “SC Flp in next st catching the chain
below” you will work as follows
Bring chain from previous C2 row up so that it sits just in
front of the working row. Insert hook under this chain and
then under the front lp of the MC working row, complete the
SC st as normal, trapping the C2 chain in your stitch.
DIRECTIONS
Tail (Make 2)
Note: Work in turned horizontal rows from bottom to top and
seamed up center back.
With MC, ch 37.
Row 1 (RS): Beg with 2nd ch from hook and working in
bottom of ch, SC across. 36 SC. Pull on lp to elongate (or
place marker so the work does not ravel) and remove hook
from lp. Do not turn.
Row 2a (RS): With C2, insert hook into Flp of first SC of a
Row 1 and pull up lp, ch 1 (does not count as a st), SC Flp of
same st, SC Flp of next st, [ch 6, sk next 3 sts, SC Flp in next
3 sts] 5 times, ch 6, sk next 3 sts, SC Flp in last st, fasten off.
6 ch-6 lps.  Flp in next 2 sts, SC Flp in next st catching lp below, SC Flp
Row 2b (WS): Place MC lp back on hook, ch 1, turn, SC
across last MC row, working in the un-used lps from previous
rnd where applicable or in both lps when they are both
available, turn. 36 SC.
SC. The last row is a RS row; do not turn after working the
last row. After working last row, elongate lp and remove hook
from lp.
Row 6a (RS): With new strand of C2, ch 3, sk first 2 sts, [SC
Flp in next st, SC Flp in next st catching lp below, SC Flp in
next st, ch 6, sk next 3 sts] 5 times, SC Flp in next st, SC Flp
in next st catching lp below, SC Flp in next st, ch 3, sk last st,
fasten off. 5 ch-6 lps with half of a ch lp at beg and end of row.
Row 6b (WS): Rep Row 2b.
Rows 7-9: Rep Rows 3-5.
Row 10a (RS): With C2, insert hook in Flp of first SC of
previous row and pull up lp, ch 1 (does not count as st), SC Flp
of same st, SC Flp of next st, [ch 6, sk next 3 sts, SC Flp in
next st, SC Flp in next st catching lp below, SC Flp in next st] 5
times, ch 6, sk next 3 sts, SC Flp in last st, fasten off. 6 ch-6 lps. 
Row 10b (WS): Rep Row 2b.
Rows 11-13: Rep Rows 3-5.
Row 14a (RS): Repeat Row 6a.
Row 14b (WS): Rep Row 2b.
Rows 15-17: Rep Rows 3-5.
Row 18a (RS): Rep Row 10a.
Row 18b: Rep Row 2b.
Row 19 (RS): Ch 1, [SC in next st, 2 SC in next st, SC in next st]
12 times, turn. 48 SC.
Row 20: Ch 1, SC across, turn.
Row 21: Ch 1, SC across, do not turn, elongate lp and remove
hook from lp. 48 SC.
Row 22a (RS): With new strand of C2, ch 4, sk first 2 sts, [SC

2 Catfish ­Purr-Maid
 in next 2 sts, ch 7, sk next 3 sts] 5 times, SC Flp in next 2 sts, Row 42a: With C2, insert hook into Flp of first SC of previous
SC Flp in next st catching lp below, SC Flp in next 2 sts, ch 3, row and pull up lp, ch 1 (does not count as st), SC Flp of same
sk last st, fasten off. 5 ch-7 lps with half of a ch lp at beg and st, SC Flp of next 3 sts, [ch 11, sk next 8 sts, SC Flp in next 3
end of row. sts, SC Flp in next 2 sts catching lp below, SC Flp in next 3
Row 22b: Rep Row 2b. sts] 5 times, ch 11, sk next 8 sts, SC Flp in last 4 sts, fasten
Row 23 (RS): Ch 1, [SC in next 2 sts, 2 SC in next st, SC in off. 6 ch-11 lps. 
next st] 12 times, turn. 60 SC. Row 42b: Rep Row 2b.
Row 24: Ch 1, SC across, turn. Rows 43-45: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), SC across, turn.
Row 25: Ch 1, SC across, do not turn, elongate lp and remove 96 SC. The last row is a RS row, do not turn after working the
hook from lp. 60 SC. last row. After working last row, elongate lp and remove hook
Row 26a: With C2, insert hook into Flp of first SC of from lp.
previous row and pull up lp, ch 1 (does not count as st), SC Row 46: Rep Row 38a.
Flp of same st, SC Flp of next 2 sts, [ch 8, sk next 5 sts, SC Row 47: Rep Row 38b.
Flp in next 2 sts, SC Flp in next st catching lp below, SC Flp Rows 48-50: Rep Row 39-41.
in next 2 sts] 5 times, ch 8, sk next 5 sts, SC Flp in last 2 sts, Fasten off MC, leaving long tail after working Row 50.
fasten off. 6 ch-8 lps.  Row 51a (RS): With C2, pull up lp in Flp of first st of row, beg
Row 26b: Rep row 2b. with the same st, SC Flp in next 15 sts, [SC Flp in next 2 sts
Row 27 (RS): Ch 1, [SC in next 2 sts, 2 SC in next st, SC in catching lp below, SC Flp in next 14] 5 times, SC Flp in last st.
next 2 st] 12 times, turn. 72 SC. 96 SC. Fasten off. Using MC and yarn needle, sew center
Row 28: Ch 1, SC across, turn. back seam at MC portion of tail. Using yarn needle, fasten
Row 29: Ch 1, SC across, do not turn, elongate lp and remove each of the C2 ch ends to the center line, keeping in the
hook from lp. 72 SC. same scale pattern. Bury the yarn tails on the WS of the tail;
Row 30a (RS): With new strand of C2, ch 5, sk first 3 sts, these yarn tails from the C2 ch ends can be tied to each
[SC Flp in next 2 sts, SC Flp in next 2 sts catching lp below, other on the inside of the fish tail as long as you take a
SC Flp in next 2 sts, ch 9, sk next 6 sts] 5 times, SC Flp in slightly different path through the MC fabric.
next 2 sts, SC Flp in next 2 sts catching lp below, SC Flp in
next 2 sts, ch 4, sk last 3 sts, fasten off. 5 ch-9 lps with half of
a ch lp at beg and end of row.
Row 30b: Rep Row 2b.
Row 31 (RS): Ch 1, [SC in next 3 sts, 2 SC in next st, SC in
next 2 sts] 12 times, turn. 84 SC.
Row 32: Ch 1, SC across, turn.
Row 33: Ch 1, SC across, do not turn, elongate lp and remove
hook from lp. 84 SC.
Row 34a: Insert hook into Flp of first SC of previous row and
pull up lp of C2, ch 1 (does not count as a st), SC in Flp of
same st, SC in Flp of next 3 sts, [ch 10, sk next 7 sts, SC Flp
in next 3 sts, SC Flp in next st catching lp below, SC Flp in
next 3 sts] 5 times, ch 10, sk next 7 sts, SC Flp in last 3 sts,
fasten off. 6 ch-10 lps. 
Row 34b: Rep Row 2b.
Tail Fins (Make 2)
Row 35 (RS): Ch 1, [SC in next 3 sts, 2 SC in next st, SC in
With MC, ch 35.
next 3 sts] 12 times, turn. 96 SC.
Row 1: Beg with 3rd ch from hook and working in bottom of
Row 36: Ch 1, SC across, turn.
ch, HDC in next 16, ch 1, skip next ch st, HDC in next 16 sts,
Row 37: Ch 1, SC across, do not turn, elongate lp and remove
turn. 32 HDC, 1 CH. Place marker in center ch.
hook from lp. 96 SC.
Rows 2-7: Ch 2, HDC Blp across to center ch, ch 1, sk center
Row 38a: With new strand of C2, ch 6, sk first 4 sts, [SC Flp
ch, replace marker, HDC Blp to end, turn. 32 HDC, 1 CH.
in next 3 sts, SC Flp in next 2 sts catching lp below, SC Flp in
Rows 8-9: Ch 2, HDC Blp across until there are 2 sts left
next 3 sts, ch 11, sk next 8 sts] 5 times, SC Flp in next 3 sts,
before marker, HDC2tog Blp, ch 1, sk next ch st, HDC2tog
SC Flp in next 2 sts catching lp below, SC Flp in next 3 sts,
Blp, HDC Blp to end, turn. 28 HDC, 1 CH after working Row 9.
ch 5, sk last 4 sts, fasten off. 5 ch-11 lps with half of a ch lp at
2 sts dec per row.
beg and end of row.
Row 10: Ch 2, HDC Blp in next st, 2 HDC Blp in next st, HDC
Row 38b: Rep Row 2b.
Blp across until there are 2 sts left before marker, HDC2tog
Rows 39-41: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), SC across, turn.
Blp, ch 1, sk next ch st, HDC2tog Blp, HDC Blp until there are
96 SC. The last row is a RS row, do not turn after working the
2 sts left, 2 HDC Blp in next st, HDC Blp in last st. St count
last row. After working last row, elongate lp and remove hook
remains unchanged as 2 sts were decreased and 2 sts were
from lp.
increased in this row.

3 Catfish ­Purr-Maid
 Rows 11-22: Rep Rows 8-10 four more times. 12 HDC, 1 CH
after working Row 22.  10 SC.
Rows 23-24: Rep Rows 8-9 once more. 8 HDC, 1 CH after
working Row 24. Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.
Rep Rows 1-24 for other half of tail fin.
Upper Body/Head
Note: Work in spiral rnds without joining.
Rnd 1: With C1, working in unused MC Blp at top edge of tail,
pull up lp, [SC in next 7, 2 SC in next st] 12 times around, do
not join, work in spiral rounds. 108 SC.
Rnds 2-16: SC all.
Rnds 17-22: SC around, making one decrease per rnd. 102 SC
after working Rnd 22. Note: Place decreases in a different
location each rnd so that they are evenly spread out. This makes
the decreases less noticeable and creates a smooth shape.
Rnds 23-28: SC around, making two decreases per rnd. 90 sts
after working Rnd 28.
Rnds 29-34: SC around, making three decreases per rnd.
72 SC after working Rnd 34. Begin stuffing tail and body/head
with fiberfill, continuing to add stuffing as work progresses.
Rnds 35-44: SC around, making six decreases per round.
12 SC after working Rnd 44. Fasten off. Using yarn needle,
weave yarn tail through the Flp of each rem 12 SC, pull tight
to close top of head.  Rnds 10-11: SC all.
Outer Ears (Make 2)
With C1, make a magic circle.
Rnd 1: 6 SC in magic circle, pull tail to tighten. 6 SC. Do not
join, work in spiral rnds.
4 Catfish ­Purr-Maid
Rnd 2: [2 SC in next st, SC in next st, 2 SC in next st] twice.
Rnds 3, 6, 9, 12: SC all.
Rnd 4: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 3 sts, 2 SC in next st]
twice. 14 SC.
Rnd 5: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 5 sts, 2 SC in next st] twice.
18 SC.
Rnd 7: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 7 sts, 2 SC in next st] twice.
22 SC.
Rnd 8: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 9 sts, 2 SC in next st] twice.
26 SC.
Rnd 10: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 11 sts, 2 SC in next st] twice.
30 SC.
Rnd 11: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 13 sts, 2 SC in next st] twice.
34 SC.
Rnd 13: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 15 sts, 2 SC in next st] twice.
38 SC.
Rnd 14: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 17 sts, 2 SC in next st] twice.
42 SC.
Rnd 15: SC all. Fasten off leaving long tail.
Inner Ears (Make 2)
Note: Work in turned rows.
With C3, make a magic circle.
Row 1: 3 SC in magic circle, pull tail to tighten, turn. 3 SC.
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st now and throughout), SC
across, turn. 3 SC.
Row 3: Ch 1, 2 SC in next st, SC in next st, 2 SC in next st,
turn. 5 SC.
Rows 4, 6, 8: Ch 1, SC across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, 2 SC in next st, SC in next 3 sts, 2 SC in next st,
turn. 7 SC.
Row 7: Ch 1, 2 SC in next st, SC in next 5 sts, 2 SC in next st,
turn. 9 SC.
Row 9: Ch 1, 2 SC in next st, SC in next 7 sts, 2 SC in next st,
turn. 11 SC.
Row 10: Ch 1, SC across, do not turn. Do not fasten off.
Ear Edging
Keep same side facing, rotate work to crochet along side
edge of ear, ch 1, 8 SC along side edge of ear, (SC, ch 1, SC)
into tip of ear, 8 SC along opposite side edge of ear. Fasten
off leaving long tail for sewing.
Arms (Make 2)
With C1, make a magic circle.
Rnd 1: 6 SC in magic circle, pull tail to tighten, do not join,
work in spiral rnds. 6 SC.
Rnd 2: 2 SC around. 12 SC.
Rnd 3: [SC in next st, 2 SC in next st] 6 times. 18 SC.
Rnd 4: [2 SC in next st, SC in next 2 sts] 6 times. 24 SC.
Rnds 5-8: SC all.
Note: Stuff with fiberfill and continue to stuff as you work.
Rnd 9: SC in next 10 sts, SC2tog, SC in next 12 sts. 23 SC.
Rnd 12: SC in next 5 sts, SC2tog, SC in next 16 sts. 22 SC.
Rnds 13-14: SC all.
Rnd 15: SC in next 15 sts, SC2tog, SC in next 5 sts. 21 SC.
Rnds 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28: SC all.
 Rnd 17: SC in next 2 sts, SC2tog, SC in next 17 sts. 20 SC.
Rnd 19: SC in next 10 sts, SC2tog, SC in next 8 sts. 19 SC.
Rnd 21: SC in next 17 sts, SC2tog. 18 SC.
Rnd 23: SC in next 4 sts, SC2tog, SC in next 12 sts. 17 SC.
Rnd 25: SC in next 9 sts, SC2tog, SC in next 6 sts. 16 SC.
Rnd 27: SC in next 14 sts, SC2tog. 15 SC.
Rnd 29: SC in next 4 sts, SC2tog, SC in next 9 sts. 14 SC.
Fasten off leaving long tail.

Eyelashes (Make 2)
With embroidery floss and smaller hook, ch 14. Working in
bottom of ch, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, ch 6, working in
bottom of this new ch, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of
next 4 chs, continuing to work in bottom of original ch, SC in
next 2 chs, ch 5, working in bottom of this new ch, sl st in 2nd
ch from hook and each of next 3 chs, continuing to work in
bottom of original ch, SC in next 2 chs, ch 4, working in
bottom of this new ch, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of
next 2 chs, continuing across bottom of original ch, SC in
each of next 5 chs, sl st in rem 3 chs. Fasten off leaving long
tail for sewing.

Whiskers (Make 6)
With embroidery floss and smaller hook, working tightly, ch 10.
Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing.

Nose/Mouth Outline (Make 1)

With embroidery floss and smaller hook, ch 16, beg with 2nd
ch from hook and working in bottom of ch, sl st in next 4 sts,
ch 5, beg with 2nd ch from hook and working in bottom of
ch, sl st in next 4 sts of this new ch, continuing to work in
bottom of original ch, sl st in bottom of each of next 6 chs,
ch 6, beg with 2nd ch from hook and working in bottom of ch,
sl st in next 5 sts, sl st in bottom of last 5 sts of original ch,
ending at the top of right side of nose. Fasten off, leaving
long tail for sewing.
Finishing
Tail
Fold bottom of tail flat, paying attention to the center back
seam and the center front of scale pattern on tail. Pin in place.
Using MC, sew bottom edge of tail closed using a whip stitch.
Set aside for now.
Tail Fin
Fold tail fin pieces in half the long way along the ch-1
fold-line. Using yarn tails and yarn needle, sew bottom edges
of fin together with a whip stitch. Rotate Tail Fin 90 degrees
and continue to stitch fin closed until halfway up the short
side. Repeat for other half of tail fin. Butt tail fin pieces next to
each other at center line (short sides touching). Whip stitch
the fin pieces to each other from top down to the halfway
point along center line. Using MC, attach the top of the tail fin
to the bottom of the tail. Weave in ends.
Ears
Fold outer ears flat. Stitch bottom edge of ears together with
C1 and yarn needle. Pin inner ears to outer ears, matching up
the bottom edges and centering the inner ear over the outer
ear. Using C3 tails, sew inner ears to outer ears around all
three sides. Weave in C3 ends. Curl up the bottom edge of
the ear into a “c” shape and place on head (where ear makes
contact with head, the bottom edge of ear is shaped like the
letter “c”). Pin each ear to the sides of head with 2.5” between
ears; use photos as guide. Use C1 to attach the bottom of
each ear to head. Weave in ends.
Arms
Fold tops of arms flat and stitch both thicknesses together
along top edge. Stitching them to the body in this way allows
them some movement. Pin tops of arms to body in a
horizontal line so that they are about 9” apart (measured
across front chest) from each other and about 1.75” up from
top of Tail. Using yarn needle and yarn tails, attach securely
to body. Weave in ends.
Eyes, Nose/Mouth, and Whiskers
Pin, then using embroidery needle and embroidery floss
ends, stitch the eyes to face as pictured. Make sure they are
mirror images of each other. Take your time when placing and
stitching the eyelashes—it really affects the expression. Pin
then stitch the nose/mouth to the head as pictured. This
should look like a large “v” in the center of the face that is
connected to a smaller “v” (directly below) with a straight
vertical line. Using embroidery needle to stitch in place on
face. Using pink embroidery floss and embroidery needle, fill
in the top “v” with satin stitches to create nose.
Weave in ends. Hug.
#CatfishPurrMaid

5 Catfish ­Purr-Maid
 CROCHET ABBREVIATIONS all abbreviations are in US terms

beg beginning FSC foundation single crochet shell a group of stitches all
Blp single or double crochet in FPDC front post double crochet worked in the same stitch
back loop only FPtr front post treble sk skip
bo bobble HDC half double crochet sl slip
BPDC back post double crochet LDC linked double crochet sl st slip stitch
BPtr back post treble lp(s) loop(s) sp space
C (1, 2...) contrast color (1, 2...) MC main color st(s) stitch(es)
CC contrast color PC popcorn stitch tr treble crochet
ch(s) chain(s) PM place marker Tch top of turning chain made
ch-sp chain space PS puff stitch at start of previous row
CSC center single crochet (also rem remaining WS wrong side
known as waistcoat stitch rep repeat YO yarn over
or crochet knit stitch) RM remove marker * repeat directions given
DC double crochet rnd(s) round(s) from *
EDC extended double crochet RS right side [ ] work stitches within [ ] as
ESC extended single crochet SC single crochet many times as directed
Flp single or double crochet in SC2tog single crochet two together ( ) work stitches within ( ) in
front loop only the same stitch or space

TUNISIAN ABBREVIATIONS
FwP forward pass TKS Tunisian knit stitch Tslst Tunisian slip stitch
RetP return pass TPS Tunisian purl stitch Ttr Tunisian treble crochet
TDC Tunisian double crochet TRS Tunisian reverse stitch TTW Tunisian twisted stitch
TFS Tunisian full stitch TSC Tunisian single crochet
THDC Tunisian half double crochet TSS Tunisian simple stitch

6 Catfish ­Purr-Maid