Coastal Granny Collar Slip-On: Free Crochet Pattern for Cats

Introduction

The Coastal Granny Collar Slip-On is a sweet little crochet project made for the cats in your life. It's a soft, slip-on collar that needs no buttons, ties, or fasteners, so it simply slides over your cat's head and sits comfortably around the neck. Two solid granny squares in a sunset ombre of coral and peach are folded over a cozy cream band, giving it a layered, bandana-like look that's full of charm. Worked in plush chenille yarn, it feels cloud-soft against the fur and works up quickly, making it a wonderful first granny-square project or a fast handmade gift for a feline friend.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Chenille plush yarn, super bulky (weight 6), 100% polyester, in 3 colors: Color A (coral) 20 yd, Color B (peach) 20 yd, Color C (cream) 10 yd
• Hook: 6.0 mm (J-10) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, scissors, a stitch marker (optional)
• Finished size: Band circumference approx. 10 inches (25 cm), band width 1.5 inches (4 cm); each square approx. 3 x 3 inches (7.5 x 7.5 cm)

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through everything on the hook
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
• hdc – half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops
• MR – magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start working in the round
• sp – space (usually a ch-2 space)
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• rep – repeat

Gauge

8 sts x 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. To check, crochet a small swatch in sc and measure a 4-inch section; if you have more stitches than 8, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Chenille yarn sheds and can be tricky to rip out, so work slowly and count your stitches at the end of every round and row.
• Keep your tension relaxed and even; tight chenille stitches can make the band stiff and less comfortable for your cat.
• Use a slightly larger hook than you think you need for the magic ring so the center stays open and flat.
• Before sewing, lay the squares on the band and try the collar on your cat (or measure a favorite collar) to check the fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Square 1 (Color A)

Rnd 1: In a magic ring, work 3 sc, 2 hdc, 3 dc, ch 2, [3 dc, ch 2] x3, 2 hdc, 3 sc; join with sl st to first sc (24 sts, 4 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), [2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in same sp, *3 dc in next sp, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in next sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch 3 (36 sts, 4 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in each st around, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in each ch-2 sp, join with sl st to top of ch 3 (48 sts, 4 ch-2 sps). Fasten off.

Square 2 (Color B)

Work exactly as Square 1, using Color B. Fasten off.

Band (Color C)

Row 1: Ch 41, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (40 sc).

Rows 2-4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (40 sc). Fasten off.

Assembly

Place the squares on the band, aligning one corner of each square with the center of the band and overlapping the squares slightly. Sew the squares to the band using matching yarn.

Edging

With right side facing, join Color C at any corner of the band, ch 1, sc evenly around the entire outer edge, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the squares to the band with a tapestry needle and matching yarn, using small, secure stitches along the edges of each square so they lie flat. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, threading each tail through a few stitches before trimming. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping flat, then let it dry completely before slipping it onto your cat.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the ombre for any two colors your cat's coat complements, or make both squares the same shade for a simpler look.
• Add a second edging round in Color A or B for a bolder border that frames the squares.
• For a slightly wider band, add one or two more sc rows before assembly, keeping the same stitch count.