Dumpling Cats are academically-inclined critters in cozy sweaters. The name comes from the way the head is cinched closed at the top, much in the same way dumpling wrappers are twisted closed. Dumpling Cats are always ready to dive into a new special interest, tackle a big book, and sit moodily on benches in the fall with a cup of black coffee. They’re the perfect size for a squish-able desktop companion, cuddle-able reading buddy, or scary appointment support-from-your-bag friend.

Size
The finished cat is 28cm / 11.25” tall (not including the ears), and 18.5cm / 7.5” around at the widest point on the body. See the schematic in the images for all the measurements.

Yarn and Yardage
The cat uses DK weight cotton yarn, and needs ~100 yards, which is just under half a skein (so a full skein nets you two cats!) I’ve used Cascade Noble Cotton in cat colours like Natural, Chocolate, Gingersnap, and Light Grey.

The sweater and pants each take 50 yards of DK weight wool yarn. Any colours you wish will work for these, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers from other projects. The samples pictured used Sandnes Garn Double Sunday and Midknit Cravings Comfort Sport.

Notions
Knitting needles (DPNs or circulars for magic loop), darning needle, two pieces of scrap black DK weight yarn for eyes, scrap brown fingering weight yarn for mouth, polyfill for stuffing.

Techniques
This pattern has lots of fiddly bits, including working small circumferences in the round, picking up stitches, and attaching limbs. That said, the pattern includes step by step photo instructions for the tricky bits to make construction as smooth and easy as possible!