Love Darg 2020: Cat Comforter Pattern

For this year’s Love Darg, Cats Protection has suggested that in addition to making play mice (instructions are here) readers can make some comforters, which are knitted or crocheted squares.

Comforters are security blankets for cats. Each cat is given one when it comes into the care of Cats Protection and it goes with them when they move on.

It is something familiar to help the cats settle into a new place.

Instructions

• These comforters are simply squares measuring around 25 cm x 25 cm which can be knitted or crocheted. Please read the guidelines at the bottom of the page regarding the best yarns to use.
• If you are working in a double knitting yarn, check the tension guide on the ball-band. A double knitting square will take about 55/56 stitches and around 70 rows using 3.75 mm (No. 9) or 4 mm (No. 8) needles.
• If you would like to work in a chunky yarn, cast on around 34/35 stitches and work about 32 rows using 6 mm (No. 4) or 6.5 mm (No. 3) needles. Again, be guided by the tension information on the ball-band.
• Squares can be worked in garter-stitch (every stitch knitted), stocking-stitch (knit one row, purl one row), in rib (you may need to work with more stitches to do this) or in a mix of textured patterns such as a honeycomb pattern, or incorporating a cable.
• It’s OK to mix colours as long as you make sure all ends are stitched in very securely and the yarns used are all of the same weight.
• This is a great way to use up oddments of yarn.Also, it’s best to make sure that your yarn is machine washable.
• If you prefer to crochet a square, we would recommend working in double crochet to create a firm, solid fabric. As with the knitted squares, avoid loose stitches and make sure all ends are very securely stitched in.
• If you plan to make a lot of squares, Cats Protection will also welcome blankets made of squares stitched very firmly together. Four rows of five squares for cat hides or two rows of three squares for carrier baskets are the perfect size. Work in squares or rows, whichever you find simpler.

Important note

Do not use stretchy yarn, yarns that split easily, very fluffy yarns or yarns with sequins or beads. Use stitches that create a firm fabric, avoid loose weave and drop stitches and don’t use very large needles.

Make sure all stitching is very secure, sewing in all ends. Cats Protection also suggests that cat owners regularly inspect their own cat toys and blankets for signs of wear or damage and recommends not leaving cats unattended with knitted toys.

Do not use knitted toys or comforters with cats that have wool-chewing habits.

Photograph by Cats Protection.

How to donate

Please post your Love Darg make to one of Cats Protection’s centres around the country.

You can find your nearest centre address by clicking here, or by calling the National Information Line on 03000 121212.

You can also post to:

Cats Protection
Love Darg Campaign,
National Cat Centre,
Lewes Road,
Chelwood Gate,
Haywards Heath,
Sussex,
RH17 7TT

Cats Protection will use all donations for cats in their care, or to raise funds.

Please note that you must post your donations. Unfortunately, Cats Protection will not be able to acknowledge donations.

If you would like to donate money to help with the work of the charity, you can send a cheque to:

Love Darg Campaign,
National Cat Centre,
Lewes Road,
Chelwood Gate,
Haywards Heath,
Sussex,
RH17 7TT

Please make the cheque payable to Cats Protection and also write “The People’s Friend” on the back of your cheque.

Please do not send cash.

Alternatively, you can make a donation over the phone by calling 0800 917 2287 (office hours, Monday to Friday) and quoting “The People’s Friend Love Darg Campaign”.

Thank you for your support!

Queries

Do you have a query about the Love Darg?

If writing to us, please remember to include an SAE for our reply.

Click the tag below for more on the Love Darg 2020.