Chic Mouse with Overlay Ears: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
Meet the Chic Mouse, a tiny Parisian-inspired cat toy that looks far more complicated than it is. Worked in a rich burgundy cotton with gold ears and a gold chain tail, it brings a little Left Bank elegance to your cat's toy basket. The egg-shaped body is simple single crochet from start to finish, so even a first-time amigurumi maker can finish it in an evening. The only special touch is the overlay crochet edging on the ears, which adds a raised, textured border and a pop of shine. At about 3 inches long, it is the perfect size for batting, carrying, and hiding under the sofa.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn. Color A (burgundy): 20 yards. Color B (gold): 10 yards. Cotton is recommended because it is durable and washable for pet toys.
- Hook: 3.5 mm (US E-4) crochet hook.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, small amount of polyester fiberfill (or a tiny catnip sachet if you prefer).
- Finished size: Approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- sl st — slip stitch
- inc — increase: work 2 sc in the same stitch (adds one stitch)
- dec — decrease: work 2 sc together into one stitch (removes one stitch)
- MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop you crochet into to start a closed circle
- FO — fasten off
- sts — stitches
Gauge
20 sc and 22 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. To check it, crochet a small flat swatch in sc and measure a 4-inch section; if you have more stitches than 20, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.
Tips Before You Start
- Work tightly and evenly so the stuffing does not show through; if your stitches look loose, drop to a 3.25 mm hook.
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place in the spiral.
- Stuff the body lightly and firmly before the final decrease round, shaping it into an egg as you go.
- Keep the overlay slip stitches loose enough to sit on top of the ear edge without pulling it out of shape.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Body (Color A)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnds 4-8: sc in each st around (18 sts).
Rnd 9: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 10: dec x6 (6 sts). Stuff the body lightly before closing.
FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close the final 6 sts by weaving the tail through the front loops and pulling snug.
Ears (make 2, Color B)
Rnd 1: Ch 2, work 3 sc in the 2nd ch from hook (3 sts).
Rnd 2: inc x3 (6 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x3 (9 sts).
Rnd 4: sc in each st around (9 sts).
Rnd 5: [sc, dec] x3 (6 sts).
FO, leaving a tail for sewing. Do not stuff the ears; flatten them slightly.
Overlay Edging on Ears (Color B)
With Color B and the right side of an ear facing you, work surface crochet: insert the hook into the edge of the ear and pull up a loop, then sl st around the entire outer edge of the ear, working one sl st into each edge stitch or space. Join with a sl st to the first sl st and FO. Repeat on the second ear. This creates the raised gold border.
Tail (Color B)
Row 1: Ch 10 (10 ch).
Row 2: sl st in each ch across (10 sl sts). FO, leaving a tail for sewing.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew the two gold ears to the burgundy body at Rounds 2-3, near the top and slightly toward the front, using the yarn tails and a tapestry needle. Sew the gold tail to the back of the body at Round 9 (the lower back), letting it curl naturally. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, tucking them into the body so no loose loops can be pulled out. Lightly steam or damp-block the ears so the overlay edging lies flat, then reshape the body into a neat egg and let it dry fully before handing it to your cat.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the gold for silver or cream for a different Parisian palette, or make the body in charcoal for a classic "city mouse" look.
- Add a tiny pinch of catnip inside the stuffing before closing the body for extra appeal.
- Work the overlay edging in a contrasting metallic cotton to make the ears stand out even more, or repeat the overlay around the tail for a matching set.
