Round, soft, and impossibly cute: meet the mochi cat. This little crochet kitty is made almost entirely in one piece, so you can skip the sewing and go straight to the fun part.
If you love chubby amigurumi that look like they belong on a cozy shelf, this one is for you. It is quick, forgiving, and perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself, no judgment).
Why You’ll Love This Mochi Cat
- No sewing required. The ears and other details are crocheted directly onto the body, so everything stays neat and symmetrical.
- Beginner-friendly. A few basic stitches are all you need.
- Fast and satisfying. It works up quickly, which makes it a great weekend project.
- Squishy and huggable. The soft, rounded shape is what makes a mochi cat so charming.
- Easy to customize. Change the yarn colors and you can make a whole cat family.
What Does “Mochi” Mean in Amigurumi?
The name comes from the soft, round Japanese rice cake. In amigurumi, a mochi-style animal has a plump, rounded body, a simple face, and a squishy feel. The look is minimal, which is why it is so popular and so easy to personalize.
What Is the No-Sew Method?
Traditional amigurumi means making the head, ears, and limbs separately and then sewing them on. It takes time, and the placement can end up uneven.
With a no-sew pattern, you crochet the extra parts onto the body as you go. The benefits:
- Stronger, cleaner joins
- Evenly placed ears
- Less time with a yarn needle
- A smoother finish
Materials You’ll Need
- Soft yarn in your favorite cat color (cotton or acrylic both work well)
- A crochet hook that suits your yarn, ideally a bit smaller so the stitches stay tight
- Polyester fiberfill
- Safety eyes, or black embroidery thread for a child-safe version
- A stitch marker
- Scissors and a yarn needle (just for weaving in ends)
- Optional: a little pink yarn or blush for rosy cheeks
Skills to Know Before You Start
- Magic ring
- Single crochet (sc)
- Increase (inc) and decrease (dec)
- Working in continuous rounds
- Slip stitch to finish off
Not sure about one of these? The video shows each step clearly, and you can pause or replay any part.
Tips for a Perfect Mochi Cat
Keep your stitches snug. Tight tension stops the stuffing from showing through, which matters most on a plump, round shape.
Stuff firmly, but evenly. A mochi cat looks best smooth and full. Add stuffing in small amounts and shape it as you go.
Mark your rounds. Use a stitch marker at the start of every round so you never lose your place.
Test the face before locking the eyes. Place the eyes a little low and wide apart for that classic cute look, and check it from a few angles first.
Finish invisibly. Weave the tail through the last stitches, pull to close, and tuck the end inside.
Ideas to Make It Your Own
- Cream, gray, orange, black, or calico colors
- Tiny embroidered whiskers or a little smile
- A small bow, bell, or scarf
- A keychain loop for a mini version using thinner yarn
- A set of several cats in different colors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the mochi cat good for beginners?
Yes. Round shapes and no sewing make it one of the easiest amigurumi to start with.
How big will it be?
That depends on your yarn and hook. Thicker yarn gives a bigger cat, and thinner yarn gives a mini one.
Can I give it to a baby or toddler?
Yes, but use embroidered eyes instead of safety eyes.
Can I sell finished cats made from this tutorial?
Check the video description for the creator’s terms, and always credit the designer.
Watch the Full Video Tutorial
Ready to crochet your own? Grab your yarn and hook, press play, and follow along at your own pace.
Video tutorial by Yarn Symphony. All design credit goes to the creator, so please show some love by subscribing to the channel.
Happy crocheting! If you make your own mochi cat, I would love to see it. Share a photo and tag us, and save this pattern on Pinterest so you can find it again later.