I love handmade projects that have to do with pets! My cat are always trying to get into my knitting and crochet supplies anyway, so why not make something for them? I decided to make a cat-sized rug for them to curl up on because they really love a particular afghan that I made from acrylic yarn a few years ago and pull out for warmth each winter. This rug uses the same type of yarn and I can keep it out all year and easily move it from room to room.
To make this rug extra thick and cushy I crocheted using 4 strands of Aran 10ply acrylic yarn at once (just like the big skeins of Red Heart or TLC yarn you can easily find in most craft stores). I chose two shades of blue and two shades of gray and grabbed a big plastic crochet hook, too (I used a P/10mm hook).
Round 1: Using all four strands of yarn as one, chain 5. Use a slip stitch to join the chain into a circle, then chain 3 (this chain 3 counts as your first DC). DC 9 into the circle (10 DC all together).
Round 2: Chain 3. 2DC into each stitch around.
Round 3: Chain 3. *1DC in first stitch, 2DC in next stitch; repeat from * to end.
Round 4: Chain 3. * 1DC in first stitch, 2DC in next stitch; repeat from * to end.
Round 5: Chain 3. * 1DC in first stitch, 2DC in next stitch; repeat from * to end.
Round 6: Chain 3. *1DC in first stitch, 1DC in second stitch, 2DC in third stitch; repeat from * to end.
Round 7: Chain 3. 1DC in stitch around.
Round 8: Chain 3. *1DC in first stitch, 1DC in second stitch, 2DC in third stitch; repeat from * to end.
Your rug should measure about 18.5 inches/47cm across. This is a great size for a cat or small pup!
If you notice that your rug isn't laying flat as you work on it (I sometimes have trouble with curling edges) it is helpful to adjust your tension (looser) or gently spread out your work and pull the edges to flatten them.
Happy crocheting!
