Welcome, crochet lovers! Today, we’re diving into a delightful project that’s equal parts playful and practical—the Cat & Mouse Throw & Pillow Set designed by Deb Richey. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, this pattern is a joy to work on, and the result is a charming, whimsical addition to any home.

Imagine snuggling under a blanket adorned with cute cats and mischievous mice, or resting your head on a matching pillow—it’s the ultimate cozy combo! 🧸 This project is perfect for gifting (hello, cat-loving friends!) or treating yourself to a fun, creative escape. The repetitive stitches make it great for practicing your tension, while the playful details keep things interesting.

So grab your hooks, pick your favorite soft yarn, and let’s get started on this purr-fect crochet adventure!

Materials

For the Throw:

• Yarn: Simply Soft (170 g/6 oz, 288 m/315 yds)
  • Contrast A (Soft Pink #9719): 8 skeins
  • Contrast B (Black #9727): 5 skeins
  • Contrast C: 1 skein (color not specified)

For the Pillow:

• Yarn: Simply Soft (same as above)
  • Contrast A (Soft Pink #9719): 1 skein
  • Contrast B (Black #9727): 1 skein

For the Set (Throw & Pillow):

• Contrast A (Soft Pink #9719): 9 skeins
• Contrast B (Black #9727): 2 skeins

Tools:

• Crochet hook (size not specified, but check your yarn label for recommendations)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional)

Abbreviations

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for the stitches used in this pattern:

• Ch(s): Chain(s)
• Sc: Single crochet
• Sp(s): Space(s)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Sc dec: Single crochet decrease (insert hook into next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull through all loops)
• Sl st: Slip stitch
• Hdc: Half double crochet

Gauge & Sizing

Gauge:

• Blanket & Pillow: 16 sc = 4 inches; 20 sc rows = 4 inches

Finished Sizes:

• Throw: 45 x 56 inches
• Pillow: 12 inches square

Step-by-Step Instructions

Special Techniques

• Sc Decrease: Insert your hook into the next two stitches, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over again, and pull through all three loops. Voilà—a neat decrease!

The Throw

Squares (Make 6 Pink & 6 Black)

1. Row 1: Chain 45, sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and each chain across. Turn. (44 sc)
2. Rows 2-54: Chain 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn.
3. Rnd 55: Work around the edges—3 sc in the first stitch, sc evenly along the sides (42 sc per side), and join with a slip stitch. Fasten off.

Cats (Make 6 Pink & 6 Black)

Body:

1. Row 1: Chain 13, sc in the 2nd chain and each chain across. Turn. (12 sc)
2. Rows 2-3: Increase at both ends (2 sc in first and last stitches).
3. Rows 4-7: Continue shaping with increases and a tail section (follow the pattern for detailed rows).

Head & Ears:

• Shape the head with increases, then create ears by working on separate sections and decreasing.

Mice (Make 20)

1. Row 1: Chain 30, work 9 sc for the body, leaving the rest for the tail.
2. Rows 2-8: Shape the mouse with increases, decreases, and cute details like embroidered eyes and legs.

Assembly

1. Sew the cat heads to their bodies.
2. Center and attach each pink cat to a black square and vice versa.
3. Sew the squares together in 4 rows of 3 squares each.
4. Add the edging (black for pink squares, pink for black squares).

The Pillow

Follow the same square instructions as the throw (make 1 pink and 1 black). Assemble with the pillow form inside and finish with a decorative edging.

Tips for Beginners

• Take it slow: The cats and mice have small details, so work one section at a time.
• Embroider with care: Use satin stitch for eyes and straight stitches for whiskers to bring your critters to life!
• Block your squares: This helps them lay flat for easier assembly.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a cozy, whimsical Cat & Mouse Throw & Pillow Set that’s as fun to make as it is to use! 🎉 Whether you’re curling up with a good book or gifting this to a fellow yarn enthusiast, it’s sure to bring smiles.