Join in our Love Darg appeal for cats in need

Please continue to support our Love Darg appeal by knitting or crocheting squares to make comforters to help cats in Cats Protection’s care.

Cats Protection has suggested that in addition to making play mice (instructions were in last week’s issue and on our website) 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.

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 and the yarns that should not be used.

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. Remember comforters are practical items and likely to get dirty, so we would suggest that it is probably best to avoid very pale shades. For this reason, 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.

As with the knitted squares, avoid loose stitches and make sure all ends are very securely stitched in.

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.