Easy Knitting for Kids : Knitted Cat Tutorial : Discovering Waldorf

There is something supremely satisfying for our children when they are able to make a tangible creation with their own two hands. It’s one of the things I love most about Waldorf education, this sense that kids can make whatever they want. I’ve seen the gift unfold often over the years. I have watched as they have toiled over handwork, woodwork, art. It’s not easy at first. But it’s wonderful to see that, with perseverance and encouragement, their little hands become more skilled and they grow in the confidence in their own ability.  I’ve watched handwork turn into a love and a passion that I know they will both carry into adulthood. Lucky them!

Knitting

Teddy knitted a cat the other day, all on his own. He thought he was the cleverest boy in the whole world. Just look at the photos of his face… do you see what a sense of accomplishment this project has given him? His eyes sparkle with triumph and he exudes ‘Yay!’.

I’ll share our easy knitting pattern, perfect for a child.

Teddy has become a proficient knitter. The entire project took him under an hour to complete.

 

Photo of a yarn cat knitted by a kid

Easy Knitted Cat Tutorial for Kids :: Discovering Waldorf Educations :: www.theMagicOnions.com

Photo of a yarn cat knitted by a kid

 

With medium weight yarn, knit a square; 12 rows of 12 stitches. Here is a previous post we have shared on knitting with kids.

 

Photo of a yarn cat knitted by a kidPhoto of a yarn cat knitted by a kid

 

When your knitted square is complete, finger knit a 6 inch tail. Here is a previous post we shared on finger knitting with kids.

 

Photo of a yarn cat knitted by a kidPhoto of a yarn cat knitted by a kidPhoto of a yarn cat knitted by a kidPhoto of a yarn cat knitted by a kidPhoto of a yarn cat knitted by a kidPhoto of a yarn cat knitted by a kid

 

Here are the step-by-step instructions (drawings by Kitty).

Teddy's Fairy Garden-1

 

photo of a child knitting a cat

 

Method :

1. Use medium sized yarn and needles.

2. Cast on 12 stitches. Knit 12 rows. Cast off. (Here’s an article on how to teach your children how to knit).

3. Fold knitted square in half. Use your yarn to sew/thread the long edge together.

4. Use your yarn to sew/thread ONE short edge together.

5. Stuff your cat’s body with wool until he is nice and plump.

6. Finger knit a 6 inch tail for your cat. (Here’s an article on how to teach your children how to finger knit). Use your yarn to sew the tail onto the cat. Use a piece of red yarn to tie a bow around your cat’s neck. This yarn bow will form the cats head.

VOILA!! Your child has knitted a sweet and soft cat.

Here’s a fun tutorial on how kids can make their own knitting needles : Tutorial for kids, Make your own Knitting Needles.

Here’s a great article on handwork in the Waldorf home.

Happy crafting,

Blessings and magic,

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2 Responses

  1. Thank you for posting this! It encourages me to keep working on knitting with my 8 year old. We have been knitting together for a couple of years, but she hasn’t quite got the hang of it. I think she loves the one on one time with me more than the actual knitting :)

    1. Hi Mimi,
      I have felt the same so many times, with so many different things… wondered if working through difficult projects with the kids was worth the effort (for both of us)… I find it difficult not to push too hard. But when it all suddenly clicks, it’s such an amazing feeling… for all of us :) Your little one will probably be a life long lover of knitting. xo Donni

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