The Midnight Whiskers Cat Applique Free Pattern – A Knitted Black Cat with Embroidered Moon Eyes

There's something undeniably magical about a black cat—especially one that seems to carry a bit of moonlight in its gaze. The Midnight Whiskers Cat Applique is a bewitching knitted project that captures that very charm, transforming simple stockinette stitch into a graceful feline silhouette with pointed ears, a sweeping tail, and glowing golden eyes. Whether you're looking to adorn a cozy sweater, a tote bag, or a nursery mobile, this applique adds a touch of celestial whimsy to any surface. Best of all, it's a free pattern that uses basic knitting techniques and a bit of crochet edging, making it accessible for confident beginners and seasoned crafters alike. Let's dive into creating this gothic-yet-cuddly companion.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The pattern calls for worsted-weight yarn and small amounts of contrasting colors for the face details. Here's your complete shopping list:

• Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Black (worsted weight) – approximately 50 yards for the main body and tail.
• Yarn for details: Small amounts of Gold (for eyes and optional star) and White (for nose, mouth, and whiskers).
• Knitting Needles: US Size 5 (3.75 mm) straight needles.
• Crochet Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) for the edging.
• Other Tools: Tapestry needle for sewing and embroidery, scissors, and a towel for blocking.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this applique, but maintaining consistent tension will help the piece lie flat and look neat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in two flat pieces: the body/head and the tail. Once knitted, you'll sew them together, add a crochet border, and embroider the face. Follow along carefully, and you'll have your own Midnight Whiskers cat in no time.

Body and Head (Knit Flat)

Using black yarn and your US Size 5 needles, cast on 30 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row. This forms the cat's rounded body.

Shaping the Ears

Now you'll decrease stitches to create the pointed ears at the top of the head. Work the following rows exactly as written:

Row 1 (RS): K12, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k12 (28 sts).
Row 2 (WS): Purl all.
Row 3 (RS): K11, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k11 (26 sts).
Row 4 (WS): Purl all.
Row 5 (RS): K10, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k10 (24 sts).
Row 6 (WS): Purl all.
Row 7 (RS): K9, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k9 (22 sts).
Row 8 (WS): Purl all.
Row 9 (RS): K8, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k8 (20 sts).
Row 10 (WS): Purl all.
Row 11 (RS): K7, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k7 (18 sts).
Row 12 (WS): Purl all.
Row 13 (RS): K6, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k6 (16 sts).
Row 14 (WS): Purl all.
Row 15 (RS): K5, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k5 (14 sts).
Row 16 (WS): Purl all.
Row 17 (RS): K4, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k4 (12 sts).
Row 18 (WS): Purl all.
Row 19 (RS): K3, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k3 (10 sts).
Row 20 (WS): Purl all.
Row 21 (RS): K2, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k2 (8 sts).
Row 22 (WS): Purl all.
Row 23 (RS): K1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1 (6 sts).
Row 24 (WS): Purl all.
Row 25 (RS): K2tog, k2, k2tog (4 sts).
Row 26 (WS): Purl all.
Row 27 (RS): K2tog, k2tog (2 sts).
Row 28 (WS): Purl 2 together (1 st).

Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull it through the remaining stitch to secure. This creates a rounded head with two distinct pointed ears at the top.

Tail (Knit Flat)

Cast on 6 stitches with black yarn. Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 6 inches. Then shape the tip as follows:

Row 1 (RS): K2tog, k2, k2tog (4 sts).
Row 2 (WS): Purl all.
Row 3 (RS): K2tog, k2tog (2 sts).
Row 4 (WS): Purl 2 together (1 st).

Cut yarn and pull through the remaining stitch. Your tail is complete.

Finishing and Assembly

Now it's time to bring your cat to life. Follow these steps in order for a polished result.

1. Weave in all ends. Use your tapestry needle to hide any loose yarn tails on the wrong side of both pieces.

2. Attach the tail. Position the tail so it curves gracefully from the lower right side of the body, extending upward along the side. Use a whip stitch with black yarn to sew the tail securely to the body. Make sure the curve looks natural and the tip points upward.

3. Crochet border. Using your US G/6 crochet hook and black yarn, single crochet evenly around the entire outer edge of the cat shape (treating body and tail as one piece). Work 1 sc in each row-end and 2-3 sc in corners to keep the edge flat and prevent puckering. When you reach the starting point, join with a slip stitch and fasten off. Weave in the end.

4. Embroider the face. Using gold yarn, embroider two crescent-shaped eyes with a satin stitch. Place them about 1 inch apart and 1 inch down from the top of the head. The crescents should curve slightly downward at the outer edges for a serene, moonlit expression. Using white yarn, embroider a small triangle nose in the center of the face, just below the eyes. Then, with a stem stitch, create a delicate "w" shape for the mouth, starting from the bottom point of the nose.

5. Add whiskers. Using white yarn, embroider three straight stitches on each side of the nose, radiating outward. Keep them evenly spaced and about 0.5 inches long for a balanced look.

6. Optional celestial detail. For an extra touch of magic, use gold yarn to embroider a small star or crescent moon on the cat's chest or side. A simple five-pointed star or a tiny crescent adds to the celestial theme.

7. Block the applique. Pin the finished cat flat to a towel, shaping it gently. Lightly steam it with an iron (do not press directly) to set the shape and smooth the stitches. Allow it to dry completely before removing the pins.

Your Midnight Companion Awaits

Your Midnight Whiskers Cat Applique is now ready to sew onto any project! Attach it to a denim jacket, a canvas tote, a throw pillow, or even a child's backpack for a touch of gothic charm. The combination of rich black texture, glowing golden eyes, and delicate white details makes this applique a standout piece that's both cozy and mysterious. Enjoy your new feline friend, and happy crafting!