Velvet Kerfuffle's Mock Turtleneck Sweater for Cats

Special features:
* Ribbed mock turtleneck expands and contracts, making it easier to slip on and off the cat while still maintaining
its shape when worn. It also provides more coverage for cats with long necks.
* A bit of shaping in the first rows of the back provides widening to accommodate shoulder movement when cat is
in different positions.
* One large armhole instead of individual sleeves allows more freedom of movement for the front legs. It also
makes it tons easier to put on the cat. This seems to be the only style of sweater that Coco will tolerate for long
periods of time.
* A bit of shaping in the lower half of the sweater widens the “belt” to better accommodate full bellies
* The uniform single crochet background is great for attaching decorative appliqués, should the mood hit you.
Sizing:
This was made to fit an 11-pound long cat. Will probably work for a 10-14 pounder of similar body type. Adjust
according to your animal — I find that the top-down approach makes it easier to try on the cat as you go so you
end up with fewer sizing errors at the end. Larger hook for a bigger cat, smaller for a wee one, etc.
Materials:
* around 164 yards (150 meters) of Aran-weight yarn (10 ply/8wpi) — or, y’know, whatever you want as long as
you adjust the pattern accordingly. I used a 75% Wool, 25% Nylon blend, since I figure she’ll probably ingest some
of the fibers at some point and I’d prefer they be mostly of animal origin.
* size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook — or whatever you need for the size of your animal and your personal gauge.
* yarn needle for finishing
Gauge:
I did 19 sc = 4″ with the 4mm hook. I crocheted on the tighter side for this sweater, since I wanted it to be thick,
sturdy, and insulating. However, since I typically run towards loose, my idea of “tighter” probably isn’t quite as
extreme as some other people’s.
Abbreviations:
Standard stuff. ch = chain, sc = single crochet, ss = slip stitch. All instructions are in US terms.
SWEATER
Ribbing
Chain 11.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each chain across (10 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Rows 2-42: Sc in back loops only, working in each sc (10 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Row 43: Align beginning and end edges to make seam and sc through both loops of both layers to attach them (10
sc total). Ch 1. Do not finish.
Body
Row 44: Turn piece 90 degrees clockwise so you are now working perpendicular to the ribbing. Sc at the end of
each row for the next 34 rows (34 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Row 45: Sc in the first 15 sc, 2 sc in the middle 4 sc, sc in the last 15 sc (38 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Rows 46-48: Sc in each sc across (38 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Row 49: Sc in first 18 sc, 2 sc in the middle 2 sc, sc in the last 18 sc (40 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Rows 50-60: Sc in each sc across (40 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Row 61: Sc in each sc across, ch 15, ss to connect with beginning of round on other side of arm hole. Ch 1, turn.
Row 62: Sc in each of 15 ch, sc in each of 40 sc, ss closed (55 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Rows 63-67: Sc in each sc across (55 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Row 68: Sc in first 47 sc, 2 sc in the next sc, sc in the next 7 sc, ss closed (56 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Row 69: Sc in first 7 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc, sc in next 47 sc, ss closed (58 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Row 70: Sc in first 44 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in last 4 sc (60 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Rows 71-75: Sc in each sc across (60 sc total). Ch 1, turn.
Row 76: Ss in each sc across (60 ss total). Fasten off and weave in ends.

© 2011 Angela Lai and Velvet Kerfuffle, all rights reserved. The content of this pattern is copyrighted. You may
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