Ribbed Rocket Catnip Toy Free Crochet Pattern

Ribbed Rocket Catnip Toy Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This little ribbed rocket is a quick, satisfying project for anyone who wants to make something fun for their cat. It is beginner-friendly: the whole body is worked in half double crochet through the back loop only, so you only need one stitch to build the entire shape. The plush chenille yarn makes it soft and squishy, while the back-loop-only rows create a deep horizontal rib that cats love to grab and kick. At about 4.5 inches tall, it is the perfect size to bat across the floor, carry around, or cuddle with after a good catnip roll.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Chenille plush yarn, super bulky (weight 6), 100% polyester. Lavender (A): about 30 yd; mint (B): about 10 yd; yellow (C): about 5 yd.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, small amount of polyester fiberfill, about 1–2 teaspoons of catnip (or a catnip sachet).
• Finished size: Approx. 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) tall x 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) diameter.

Abbreviations

• MR – magic ring: an adjustable loop you work the first stitches into.
• hdc – half double crochet.
• blo – back loop only: work into the loop of the stitch that is farthest from you.
• sc – single crochet.
• dc – double crochet.
• inc – increase: work 2 stitches into the same stitch.
• dec – decrease: work 2 stitches together into one.
• ch – chain.
• sl st – slip stitch.
• sts – stitches.

Gauge

8 hdc x 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in back loop only. To check, crochet a small swatch in hdc blo and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if your stitches are much larger or smaller.

Tips Before You Start

• Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place in the spiral.
• Work every body round in the back loop only; this is what creates the ribbed texture, so don't skip it.
• Chenille yarn sheds and can be tricky to frog, so count your stitches as you go rather than ripping out later.
• Stuff the body only lightly and keep the catnip in a small sachet or a tight pouch so it doesn't poke through the stitches.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rocket Body (Yarn A)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 hdc (6 sts).

Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [hdc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnds 4–12: hdc in blo around (18 sts).

Change to Yarn B.

Rnds 13–14: hdc in blo around (18 sts).

Change to Yarn A.

Rnds 15–16: hdc in blo around (18 sts). Do not fasten off.

Fins (Yarn B) – Make 3

Fin 1: Join B to any stitch on Rnd 16. Ch 1, sc in same st, hdc in next st, dc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st. Sl st to next st. Fasten off.

Fin 2: Skip 2 sts, join B, repeat Fin 1. Fasten off.

Fin 3: Skip 2 sts, join B, repeat Fin 1. Fasten off.

Flame (Yarn C)

Rnd 1: Join C to the top opening, ch 1, sc in each st around (18 sts).

Rnd 2: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, dec] x3 (9 sts).

Rnd 4: sc in each st around (9 sts).

Rnd 5: dec x4, sc in last st (5 sts).

Rnd 6: dec x2, sc in last st (3 sts). Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Stuff the body lightly with fiberfill and add the catnip (in a sachet or small pouch). Sew the top opening closed with the tapestry needle and matching yarn. Weave in all ends securely, especially inside the toy where a cat could pull them. Block lightly if needed by misting with water and shaping with your hands; do not iron the chenille yarn.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use a contrasting color for the fins and flame to make the rocket pop, or keep it all one color for a minimalist look.
• Add a small loop of yarn at the top before sewing closed to hang the toy from a cat tree.
• Make a mini version by working fewer straight rounds (Rnds 4–9) for a pocket-sized toy.