{ "schema_version": "2.0", "page_type": "crochet_pattern_article", "source_id": null, "slug": "cat-claws-granny-square", "title": "Cat Claws Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern", "meta_description": "Free Cat Claws granny square crochet pattern with hdc paw pads worked in 6 rows plus 4 toe beans. Two colors, 3mm hook, finished 3.75 x 3.35 inches", "published_at": "2026-08-12", "updated_at": "2026-08-12", "author": "Nora", "thumbnail_url": "data/images/cat-claws-granny-square-hero.webp", "meta": { "title": "Cat Claws Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern", "pattern_name": "Cat Claws Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern", "difficulty": "Easy", "time_needed": "1-2 Hours", "rating": 4.8, "made_count": "1.2K", "taxonomy": { "category": "Granny Squares", "skill_level": "Advanced Beginner", "yarn_weight": "DK / Sport", "tags": [ "granny square", "cat granny square", "free crochet pattern", "paw print crochet", "half double crochet", "hdc2tog", "back loop only", "dk weight crochet", "cat lover gift", "crochet blanket square", "two color crochet", "beginner granny square" ] } }, "cards": [ { "order": 1, "card_type": "hero", "code": "hero", "title": "Cat Claws Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "hero-info-1", "label": "Advanced Beginner", "value": "If you can work hdc, hdc2tog and back-loop stitches, you already have everything this square asks", "raw_text": "If you can work hdc, hdc2tog and back-loop stitches, you already have everything this square asks", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "info", "code": "hero-info-2", "label": "One Evening Square", "value": "About 1-2 hours from the first chain 9 to weaving in the last tail", "raw_text": "About 1-2 hours from the first chain 9 to weaving in the last tail", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "info", "code": "hero-info-3", "label": "Cat Lover Charm", "value": "A tiny paw print in yarn — irresistible for anyone with a cat curled on the sofa", "raw_text": "A tiny paw print in yarn — irresistible for anyone with a cat curled on the sofa", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 2, "card_type": "about", "code": "about", "title": "About", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "about-info-1", "label": "", "value": "This Cat Claws granny square turns a soft paw print into a tidy, flat crochet motif you can make again and again. The cat's claws consist of two parts — the paw pads and the cute toe beans. At the beginning of this pattern you crochet the paw pads over 6 rows of half double crochet, then you add the 4 toe beans while turning the piece into a square. It is the kind of square that makes people pick up your blanket and say \"wait, is that a paw?\" — perfect for cat parents, vet techs, shelter volunteers, and anyone building a themed sampler blanket one motif at a time", "raw_text": "This Cat Claws granny square turns a soft paw print into a tidy, flat crochet motif you can make again and again. The cat's claws consist of two parts — the paw pads and the cute toe beans. At the beginning of this pattern you crochet the paw pads over 6 rows of half double crochet, then you add the 4 toe beans while turning the piece into a square. It is the kind of square that makes people pick up your blanket and say \"wait, is that a paw?\" — perfect for cat parents, vet techs, shelter volunteers, and anyone building a themed sampler blanket one motif at a time", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "info", "code": "about-info-2", "label": "", "value": "This cat claw granny square is slightly different than regular ones. At the lower part, the borders are made with single stitches, while the other three sides are made with regular double crochet stitches — because we want to make it a \"square.\" You start with a chain 9 and work into the back loops of those chains, which gives the pad a clean, ridge-free edge. From there, three shaping rows all follow the same simple rhythm — chain 2 to start, hdc2tog in the first and last stitch, plain hdc across the middle — so the pad tapers smoothly without any fiddly math. Turning the work over between rows keeps the fabric flat and even. Expect around 1 to 2 hours, less once the rhythm clicks", "raw_text": "This cat claw granny square is slightly different than regular ones. At the lower part, the borders are made with single stitches, while the other three sides are made with regular double crochet stitches — because we want to make it a \"square.\" You start with a chain 9 and work into the back loops of those chains, which gives the pad a clean, ridge-free edge. From there, three shaping rows all follow the same simple rhythm — chain 2 to start, hdc2tog in the first and last stitch, plain hdc across the middle — so the pad tapers smoothly without any fiddly math. Turning the work over between rows keeps the fabric flat and even. Expect around 1 to 2 hours, less once the rhythm clicks", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "info", "code": "about-info-3", "label": "", "value": "The finished square measures roughly 3.75 by 3.35 inches in DK or sport weight on a 3.00mm hook — small enough to stitch a dozen in a weekend, large enough for the paw to read clearly from across the room. The hdc fabric feels dense and squishy rather than lacy, so it holds its shape in a blanket, a cushion cover, or a pot holder. Stitch nine of them together and you have a gift that any cat person will keep forever", "raw_text": "The finished square measures roughly 3.75 by 3.35 inches in DK or sport weight on a 3.00mm hook — small enough to stitch a dozen in a weekend, large enough for the paw to read clearly from across the room. The hdc fabric feels dense and squishy rather than lacy, so it holds its shape in a blanket, a cushion cover, or a pot holder. Stitch nine of them together and you have a gift that any cat person will keep forever", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 3, "card_type": "why_love", "code": "why-love", "title": "Why You'll Love This Pattern", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "why-love-1", "label": "", "value": "I have made a lot of granny squares, and this one still makes me grin. What I love most is how the paw pad is built as its own separate piece first — that chain 9 with the skip 2 and back-loop hdc row gives you an instant curved shape before you have even finished your first minute of work. Then those three tapering rows fall into such a satisfying pattern: ch2, hdc2tog, hdc across, hdc2tog. By row 5 you are down to hdc2tog, 1 hdc, hdc2tog and the little pad shape is just sitting there in your hand, unmistakably a paw. The turn-over instruction between rows is a small thing but it matters — it keeps both faces of the pad looking identical, which means no fussing about which side is \"right\" when you assemble. And the finishing touch, that ch1, hdc, ch1, slip stitch to the hdc2tog before fastening off, gives each claw a rounded tip instead of a blunt corner. Then come the four toe beans in the second color, and the moment the last one is worked the whole thing reads as a paw print. Two colors, one hook, an evening on the sofa. That is a very good trade", "raw_text": "I have made a lot of granny squares, and this one still makes me grin. What I love most is how the paw pad is built as its own separate piece first — that chain 9 with the skip 2 and back-loop hdc row gives you an instant curved shape before you have even finished your first minute of work. Then those three tapering rows fall into such a satisfying pattern: ch2, hdc2tog, hdc across, hdc2tog. By row 5 you are down to hdc2tog, 1 hdc, hdc2tog and the little pad shape is just sitting there in your hand, unmistakably a paw. The turn-over instruction between rows is a small thing but it matters — it keeps both faces of the pad looking identical, which means no fussing about which side is \"right\" when you assemble. And the finishing touch, that ch1, hdc, ch1, slip stitch to the hdc2tog before fastening off, gives each claw a rounded tip instead of a blunt corner. Then come the four toe beans in the second color, and the moment the last one is worked the whole thing reads as a paw print. Two colors, one hook, an evening on the sofa. That is a very good trade", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 5, "card_type": "common_mistakes", "code": "common-mistakes", "title": "Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-1", "label": "Working the return row into both loops", "value": "The pattern specifically says BL of the next 7 ch. Flip the chain so the bumps on the back face you, and insert your hook under that single back bump. If you work into both loops, the bottom edge of the pad becomes bulky and curls, and the pad will not sit flat against the background when you assemble. If you already worked it wrong, it is genuinely faster to rip back to the chain than to try to block it flat", "raw_text": "The pattern specifically says BL of the next 7 ch. Flip the chain so the bumps on the back face you, and insert your hook under that single back bump. If you work into both loops, the bottom edge of the pad becomes bulky and curls, and the pad will not sit flat against the background when you assemble. If you already worked it wrong, it is genuinely faster to rip back to the chain than to try to block it flat", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-2", "label": "Treating the starting ch2 as a turning", "value": "The pattern calls it \"ch2 as a standing st\" — it stands in for height only, and your very first hdc2tog is worked into the first two real stitches, not skipped past. Skipping the first stitch will eat one stitch per row, so by row 5 your counts will be short and the pad will lean to one side instead of tapering evenly. Count your stitches at the end of each row: 7, then 5, then 3", "raw_text": "The pattern calls it \"ch2 as a standing st\" — it stands in for height only, and your very first hdc2tog is worked into the first two real stitches, not skipped past. Skipping the first stitch will eat one stitch per row, so by row 5 your counts will be short and the pad will lean to one side instead of tapering evenly. Count your stitches at the end of each row: 7, then 5, then 3", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-3", "label": "Forgetting the Turn Over instruction before rows 3, 4 and 5", "value": "Each shaping row begins with Turn Over, and it is not optional. Skipping it means you work several rows in a spiral facing the same direction, which produces a visibly twisted, lopsided pad with one bumpy face and one smooth face. If you catch it a row later, rip back — there is no way to correct the fabric direction after the fact", "raw_text": "Each shaping row begins with Turn Over, and it is not optional. Skipping it means you work several rows in a spiral facing the same direction, which produces a visibly twisted, lopsided pad with one bumpy face and one smooth face. If you catch it a row later, rip back — there is no way to correct the fabric direction after the fact", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-4", "label": "Pulling the hdc2tog decreases too tight at the pad edges", "value": "A hdc2tog worked with a death grip creates a hard little knot that puckers the taper. Yarn over, insert, yarn over and pull up a loop to the same height as a normal hdc on both legs, then yarn over and draw through all five loops in one smooth motion. Keeping that pull-up loop generous is what makes the paw pad curve softly instead of angling sharply", "raw_text": "A hdc2tog worked with a death grip creates a hard little knot that puckers the taper. Yarn over, insert, yarn over and pull up a loop to the same height as a normal hdc on both legs, then yarn over and draw through all five loops in one smooth motion. Keeping that pull-up loop generous is what makes the paw pad curve softly instead of angling sharply", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-5", "label": "Fastening off at the claw tips without", "value": "The claw tips finish with ch1, 1 hdc, ch1, slip stitch, fasten off — and those tiny tips have almost no fabric to hide a short end in. Leave at least 6 inches so you can thread a darning needle and weave the tail back down through the body of the pad rather than along the tip, where it would show and eventually work loose", "raw_text": "The claw tips finish with ch1, 1 hdc, ch1, slip stitch, fasten off — and those tiny tips have almost no fabric to hide a short end in. Leave at least 6 inches so you can thread a darning needle and weave the tail back down through the body of the pad rather than along the tip, where it would show and eventually work loose", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-6", "label": "Completing the color-change stitch with the wrong yarn", "value": "In Round 8 the instruction \"1hdc(change to white on final yo)\" means you work the hdc with the old color until 3 loops remain on the hook, then yarn over with white and pull through to finish the stitch. Finishing that last yarn over in blue leaves a blue nub at the top of the stitch and the next white stitch will sit crooked. The same logic runs Round 9: the sc4tog is worked in blue and completed with a white yarn over", "raw_text": "In Round 8 the instruction \"1hdc(change to white on final yo)\" means you work the hdc with the old color until 3 loops remain on the hook, then yarn over with white and pull through to finish the stitch. Finishing that last yarn over in blue leaves a blue nub at the top of the stitch and the next white stitch will sit crooked. The same logic runs Round 9: the sc4tog is worked in blue and completed with a white yarn over", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 7, "row_type": "mistake", "code": "mistake-7", "label": "Carrying the second color loosely", "value": "This square uses two colors, and long floats behind the pad will snag on fingers, buttons and cat claws — the real kind. Cut and rejoin instead of carrying, or if the gap is only a stitch or two, catch the float under the next few hdc as you work. Then weave the ends in on the wrong side following the direction of the stitches, not across them, so the weave does not show through the dense hdc fabric", "raw_text": "This square uses two colors, and long floats behind the pad will snag on fingers, buttons and cat claws — the real kind. Cut and rejoin instead of carrying, or if the gap is only a stitch or two, catch the float under the next few hdc as you work. Then weave the ends in on the wrong side following the direction of the stitches, not across them, so the weave does not show through the dense hdc fabric", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 6, "card_type": "materials", "code": "materials", "title": "Materials", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [ { "order": 1, "group_code": "group-1", "group_name": "", "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-1", "label": "", "value": "Yarn of your choice —2 colors; the sample is made with DK Sports. The finished granny square is about 3.75 inches by 3.35 inches.", "raw_text": "Yarn of your choice —2 colors; the sample is made with DK Sports. The finished granny square is about 3.75 inches by 3.35 inches." }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-2", "label": "", "value": "Crochet hook- we are using a 3.00mm hook", "raw_text": "Crochet hook- we are using a 3.00mm hook" }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-3", "label": "", "value": "Darning Needle", "raw_text": "Darning Needle" }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "item", "code": "mat-1-4", "label": "", "value": "Scissors", "raw_text": "Scissors" } ] } ], "rows": [] }, { "order": 7, "card_type": "abbreviations", "code": "abbreviations", "title": "Abbreviations", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-ch", "label": "ch", "value": "chain stitch", "raw_text": "ch = chain stitch", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "ch", "meaning": "chain stitch" }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-ch-sp", "label": "ch-sp", "value": "chain space", "raw_text": "ch-sp = chain space", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "ch-sp", "meaning": "chain space" }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-dc", "label": "dc", "value": "double crochet", "raw_text": "dc = double crochet", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "dc", "meaning": "double crochet" }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-sc", "label": "sc", "value": "single crochet", "raw_text": "sc = single crochet", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "sc", "meaning": "single crochet" }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-hdc", "label": "hdc", "value": "half double crochet", "raw_text": "hdc = half double crochet", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "hdc", "meaning": "half double crochet" }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-rep", "label": "rep", "value": "repeat", "raw_text": "rep = repeat", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "rep", "meaning": "repeat" }, { "order": 7, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-st", "label": "st", "value": "stitch", "raw_text": "st = stitch", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "st", "meaning": "stitch" }, { "order": 8, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-slst-/-sl-st", "label": "slst / sl st", "value": "slip stitch for joining different rounds", "raw_text": "slst / sl st = slip stitch for joining different rounds", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "slst / sl st", "meaning": "slip stitch for joining different rounds" }, { "order": 9, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-sk", "label": "sk", "value": "skip", "raw_text": "sk = skip", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "sk", "meaning": "skip" }, { "order": 10, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-sc2tog", "label": "sc2tog", "value": "single crochet 2 stitches together", "raw_text": "sc2tog = single crochet 2 stitches together", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "sc2tog", "meaning": "single crochet 2 stitches together" }, { "order": 11, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-sc4tog", "label": "sc4tog", "value": "single crochet 4 stitches together", "raw_text": "sc4tog = single crochet 4 stitches together", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "sc4tog", "meaning": "single crochet 4 stitches together" }, { "order": 12, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-hdc2tog", "label": "hdc2tog", "value": "half double crochet 2 stitches together", "raw_text": "hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 stitches together", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "hdc2tog", "meaning": "half double crochet 2 stitches together" }, { "order": 13, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-inc", "label": "inc", "value": "increase", "raw_text": "inc = increase", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "inc", "meaning": "increase" }, { "order": 14, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-tlo", "label": "TLO", "value": "third loop only", "raw_text": "TLO = third loop only", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "TLO", "meaning": "third loop only" }, { "order": 15, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-flo", "label": "FLO", "value": "front loop only", "raw_text": "FLO = front loop only", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "FLO", "meaning": "front loop only" }, { "order": 16, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-yo", "label": "yo", "value": "yarn over", "raw_text": "yo = yarn over", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "yo", "meaning": "yarn over" }, { "order": 17, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-bl", "label": "BL", "value": "back loop", "raw_text": "BL = back loop", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "BL", "meaning": "back loop" }, { "order": 18, "row_type": "abbrev", "code": "abbrev-tr", "label": "tr", "value": "treble crochet", "raw_text": "tr = treble crochet", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": "tr", "meaning": "treble crochet" } ] }, { "order": 8, "card_type": "part", "code": "main-pattern", "title": "Main Pattern", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-r1a", "label": "Row 1 — Paw pads foundation", "value": "The main paw pads are worked in 6 rows. This row makes the foundation chain the whole pad is built on.", "raw_text": "Row 1 – Paw pads fundation. The main paw pads are worked in 6 rows.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-1", "label": "Row 1", "value": "Foundation Chain Knot, ch9.", "raw_text": "Row 1- Foundation Chain Knot, ch9.", "round_start": 1, "round_end": 1, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-r2a", "label": "Row 2 — Start Crochet the Main Pad", "value": "You now work back along the chain you just made, into the back loops only, adding an increase at each end so the pad starts out curved.", "raw_text": "Row 2- Start Crochet the Main Pad", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-2", "label": "Row 2", "value": "Start Crochet the Main Pad Return , sk2, BL of next 7 ch: hdc-inc, 5hdc, hdc-inc.", "raw_text": "Row 2- Start Crochet the Main Pad Return , sk2, BL of next 7 ch: hdc-inc, 5hdc, hdc-inc.", "round_start": 2, "round_end": 2, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-r35a", "label": "Rows 3-5 — the rhythm", "value": "These 3 Rows follow one pattern: Ch2 to start, work hdc2tog in the first and last st, and hdc in the remaining sts between. Turn the work over at the start of each of these rows.", "raw_text": "These 3 Rows follow one pattern: Ch2 to start, work hdc2tog in the first and last st, and hdc in the remaining sts between.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-3-5", "label": "Rows 3-5", "value": "Row 3: Turn Over. ch2 as a standing st, hdc2tog, 5hdc, hdc2tog. Row 4: Turn Over. ch2 as a standing st, hdc2tog, 3hdc, hdc2tog. Row 5: Turn Over. ch2 as a standing st, hdc2tog, 1hdc, hdc2tog.", "raw_text": "Row 3-5", "round_start": 3, "round_end": 5, "is_range": true, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 7, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-1", "label": "Step by step:", "value": "Row 3: Turn Over. ch2 as a standing st, hdc2tog, 5hdc, hdc2tog. — Row 4: Turn Over. ch2 as a standing st, hdc2tog, 3hdc, hdc2tog. — Row 5: Turn Over. ch2 as a standing st, hdc2tog, 1hdc, hdc2tog.", "raw_text": "Row 3: Turn Over. ch2 as a standing st, hdc2tog, 5hdc, hdc2tog.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 8, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-6", "label": "Row 6", "value": "Turn Over. ch1, 1hdc in next hdc, ch1, slst to next hdc2tog, fasten off.", "raw_text": "Row 6 Turn Over. ch1, 1hdc in next hdc, ch1, slst to next hdc2tog, fasten off.", "round_start": 6, "round_end": 6, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 9, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-r6a", "label": "Step by step:", "value": "Turn Over. — ch1, 1hdc in next hdc, ch1, slst to next hdc2tog, fasten off.", "raw_text": "Turn Over. ch1, 1hdc in next hdc, ch1, slst to next hdc2tog, fasten off.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 10, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-r7a", "label": "Round 7 — Border the Main Pad", "value": "The pad is finished; this round works a single crochet border all the way around it so it becomes the center of the square.", "raw_text": "Round 7- Border the Main Pad", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 11, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-7", "label": "Round 7", "value": "Border the Main Pad Rotate 180 degrees. Join new yarn to the right gap on top. ch1+sc-inc , 5sc , sc-inc , ch2 . Work along outer loops: (sc-inc)×5 . 3sc in next st(back loop). Work along outer loops: (sc-inc)×5 . ch2 , sl st to the first sc.", "raw_text": "Round 7- Border the Main Pad Rotate 180 degrees. Join new yarn to the right gap on top. ch1+sc-inc , 5sc , sc-inc , ch2 . Work along outer loops: (sc-inc)×5 . 3sc in next st(back loop). Work along outer loops: (sc-inc)×5 . ch2 , sl st to the first sc.", "round_start": 7, "round_end": 7, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 12, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-r7b", "label": "Step by step:", "value": "Rotate 180 degrees. Join new yarn to the right gap on top. — ch1+sc-inc, 5sc, sc-inc, ch2. — Work along outer loops: (sc-inc)×5. — 3sc in next st (back loop). — Work along outer loops: (sc-inc)×5. — ch2, sl st to the first sc.", "raw_text": "Rotate 180 degrees. Join new yarn to the right gap on top. ch1+sc-inc , 5sc , sc-inc , ch2 . Work along outer loops: (sc-inc)×5 . 3sc in next st(back loop). Work along outer loops: (sc-inc)×5 . ch2 , sl st to the first sc.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 13, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-r8a", "label": "Round 8 — Add Four Toe Pads", "value": "We will change yarn colors to establish the claws image. And there is a special change method: 1hdc(change to white on final yo): Work your hdc with the old color until 3 loops remain on the hook. Yo with white yarn, and pull through both loops to complete the st and change color.", "raw_text": "Round 8- Add Four Toe Pads. We will change yarn colors to establish the claws image. And there is a special change method: 1hdc(change to white on final yo): Work your hdc with the old color until 3 loops remain on the hook. Yo with white yarn, and pull through both loops to complete the st and change color.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 14, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-8", "label": "Round 8", "value": "Four Toe Pads ch1+1sc, 8sc, (1sc+ch2+1hdc)in next ch-sp, 3hdc, hdc-inc. [1hdc(with blue yarn)+3dc+1hdc(change to white on final yo)] in next st.", "raw_text": "Round 8- Four Toe Pads ch1+1sc, 8sc, (1sc+ch2+1hdc)in next ch-sp, 3hdc, hdc-inc. [1hdc(with blue yarn)+3dc+1hdc(change to white on final yo)] in next st.", "round_start": 8, "round_end": 8, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 15, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-4", "label": "Step by step:", "value": "**ch1, sk1, sc2tog, ch1, sk1. [1hdc(with blue yarn)+3dc+1hdc(change to white on final yo)] in next st**. ch1, sk1, 1hdc, ch1, sk1, 1hdc(with blue yarn)+3dc+1hdc(change to white on final yo).", "raw_text": "**ch1, sk1, sc2tog, ch1, sk1. [1hdc(with blue yarn)+3dc+1hdc(change to white on final yo)] in next st**. ch1, sk1, 1hdc, ch1, sk1, 1hdc(with blue yarn)+3dc+1hdc(change to white on final yo).", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 16, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-5", "label": "Step by step:", "value": "Rep from ** to **. hdc-inc, 3hdc, (1hdc+ch2+1sc) in next ch-sp, sl st to first sc.", "raw_text": "Rep from ** to **. hdc-inc, 3hdc, (1hdc+ch2+1sc) in next ch-sp, sl st to first sc.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 17, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-r9a", "label": "Round 9 — finish the toe pads", "value": "To complete the four toe pads, for each pad: Always omit the first blue hdc, work an sc4tog in blue across the remaining 4 stitches, but completing the final yarn over and pull through with white.", "raw_text": "To complete the four toe pads, for each pad: Always omit the first blue hdc, work an sc4tog in blue across the remaining 4 stitches, but completing the final yarn over and pull through with white.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 18, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-9", "label": "Round 9", "value": "For each sc4tog: Pull up blue yarn and make 1 incomplete sc in each of the next 4 stitches. Yarn over with white and pull through all loops to complete sc4tog and change color.", "raw_text": "Round 9 For each sc4tog: Pull up blue yarn and make 1 incomplete sc in each of the next 4 stitches. Yarn over with white and pull through all loops to complete sc4tog and change color.", "round_start": 9, "round_end": 9, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 19, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-6", "label": "Step by step:", "value": "ch1+1sc , 9sc , 1sc+ch2+1hdc in next ch-sp, 7hdc , ch1 .", "raw_text": "ch1+1sc , 9sc , 1sc+ch2+1hdc in next ch-sp, 7hdc , ch1 .", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 20, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-7", "label": "Step by step:", "value": "** sc4tog (switch colors), ch1 , 1dc in next ch-sp, (1tr+ch3+1tr) , 1dc in next ch-sp. ch1 , sc4tog (switch colors), ch1, sk1 **.", "raw_text": "** sc4tog (switch colors), ch1 , 1dc in next ch-sp, (1tr+ch3+1tr) , 1dc in next ch-sp. ch1 , sc4tog (switch colors), ch1, sk1 **.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 21, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-8", "label": "Step by step:", "value": "1sc in next ch-sp, 1sc , 1sc in next ch-sp, ch1 .", "raw_text": "1sc in next ch-sp, 1sc , 1sc in next ch-sp, ch1 .", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 22, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-9", "label": "Step by step:", "value": "Rep from ** to ** while omitting the final sk. 7hdc , 1hdc+ch2+1sc in next ch-sp, 1sc, sl st to first sc.", "raw_text": "Rep from ** to ** while omitting the final sk. 7hdc , 1hdc+ch2+1sc in next ch-sp, 1sc, sl st to first sc.", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 23, "row_type": "info", "code": "main-pattern-info-r10a", "label": "Round 10 — Enlarge This Square", "value": "This round grows the motif out to its final square shape, working a corner increase into each of the four corners.", "raw_text": "Round 10- Enlarge This Square", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 24, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-10", "label": "Round 10", "value": "ch1+1sc. 10sc, (1sc+ch2+1sc) in next corner, 13sc, (1sc+ch2+1hdc) in next corner, 13hdc, (1hdc+ch2+1sc) in next corner, 13sc, (1sc+ch2+1sc) in next corner, 2sc, sl st to the first sc.", "raw_text": "Round 10 ch1+1sc. 10sc, (1sc+ch2+1sc) in next corner, 13sc, (1sc+ch2+1hdc) in next corner, 13hdc, (1hdc+ch2+1sc) in next corner, 13sc, (1sc+ch2+1sc) in next corner, 2sc, sl st to the first sc.", "round_start": 10, "round_end": 10, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 25, "row_type": "round", "code": "main-pattern-round-11", "label": "Round 11", "value": "ch3(count as 1dc). 3dc in each corner, dc in remaining sts. sl st to the true dc after the first ch3, fasten off.", "raw_text": "Round 11 ch3(count as 1dc). 3dc in each corner, dc in remaining sts. sl st to the true dc after the first ch3, fasten off.", "round_start": 11, "round_end": 11, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 9, "card_type": "important_notes", "code": "important-notes", "title": "Important Notes", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-1", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 The listed hook is 3.00mm with DK or sport weight yarn, which is a half size tighter than the ball band usually suggests. That is intentional — it produces the dense, no-gaps fabric that keeps the paw shape crisp. If your square comes out floppy or you can see light through it, drop to 2.75mm rather than changing yarn", "raw_text": "💡 The listed hook is 3.00mm with DK or sport weight yarn, which is a half size tighter than the ball band usually suggests. That is intentional — it produces the dense, no-gaps fabric that keeps the paw shape crisp. If your square comes out floppy or you can see light through it, drop to 2.75mm rather than changing yarn", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-2", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Place a removable stitch marker in the first stitch of each row before you start the hdc2tog. Because the ch2 stands in for a stitch visually, it is very easy to lose track of where the row actually begins, and one misplaced decrease throws the whole taper off", "raw_text": "💡 Place a removable stitch marker in the first stitch of each row before you start the hdc2tog. Because the ch2 stands in for a stitch visually, it is very easy to lose track of where the row actually begins, and one misplaced decrease throws the whole taper off", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-3", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Count after every single row while the pad is shaping. You should have 7 hdc after row 3, 5 after row 4, and 3 after row 5. Ninety percent of wonky paw pads come from a missed count in these three rows, and catching it immediately means ripping one row instead of four", "raw_text": "💡 Count after every single row while the pad is shaping. You should have 7 hdc after row 3, 5 after row 4, and 3 after row 5. Ninety percent of wonky paw pads come from a missed count in these three rows, and catching it immediately means ripping one row instead of four", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-4", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 The finished square is about 3.75 inches by 3.35 inches in DK Sports on a 3.00mm hook. Work a single square first and measure it before you commit to a whole blanket's worth — that is your gauge check for this pattern", "raw_text": "💡 The finished square is about 3.75 inches by 3.35 inches in DK Sports on a 3.00mm hook. Work a single square first and measure it before you commit to a whole blanket's worth — that is your gauge check for this pattern", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-5", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 The lower edge of this square is different from a regular granny square on purpose: the lower border is worked in single crochet while the other three sides use regular double crochet stitches. That is what pulls the motif into a true square, so do not \"correct\" it to match the other sides", "raw_text": "💡 The lower edge of this square is different from a regular granny square on purpose: the lower border is worked in single crochet while the other three sides use regular double crochet stitches. That is what pulls the motif into a true square, so do not \"correct\" it to match the other sides", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-6", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Block each finished square to exactly 3.75 by 3.35 inches with rustproof pins on a foam mat, and let them dry fully before joining. HDC fabric has more give than you expect, and squares that go into a blanket unblocked will bulge at different rates and pull the whole join out of true", "raw_text": "💡 Block each finished square to exactly 3.75 by 3.35 inches with rustproof pins on a foam mat, and let them dry fully before joining. HDC fabric has more give than you expect, and squares that go into a blanket unblocked will bulge at different rates and pull the whole join out of true", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 7, "row_type": "info", "code": "note-7", "label": "Note", "value": "💡 Wind your two colors into separate small cakes and keep them on opposite sides of your lap. It sounds fussy for a square this size, but if you are making a dozen of them the untangling time adds up fast, and DK weight yarn is exactly the weight that loves to twist around itself", "raw_text": "💡 Wind your two colors into separate small cakes and keep them on opposite sides of your lap. It sounds fussy for a square this size, but if you are making a dozen of them the untangling time adds up fast, and DK weight yarn is exactly the weight that loves to twist around itself", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": null, "answer": null, "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] }, { "order": 10, "card_type": "faq", "code": "faq", "title": "FAQ", "raw_heading": "", "quantity": 1, "groups": [], "rows": [ { "order": 1, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-1", "label": "Can I make this Cat Claws granny square", "value": "Absolutely — just size your hook up to a 4.00mm or 4.5mm and expect the finished square to land closer to 4.5 by 4 inches. The stitch counts stay exactly the same, only the scale changes. The one rule is consistency: make every square in your project from the same weight so they block to matching dimensions", "raw_text": "Absolutely — just size your hook up to a 4.00mm or 4.5mm and expect the finished square to land closer to 4.5 by 4 inches. The stitch counts stay exactly the same, only the scale changes. The one rule is consistency: make every square in your project from the same weight so they block to matching dimensions", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "Can I make this Cat Claws granny square with worsted weight yarn instead of DK?", "answer": "Absolutely — just size your hook up to a 4.00mm or 4.5mm and expect the finished square to land closer to 4.5 by 4 inches. The stitch counts stay exactly the same, only the scale changes. The one rule is consistency: make every square in your project from the same weight so they block to matching dimensions", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 2, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-2", "label": "Why does the pattern say Turn Over instead of just turn?", "value": "Turning over means flipping the piece so the opposite face is toward you, which alternates the direction of your hdc rows and keeps the paw pad completely flat and symmetrical. A regular turn on a shaped piece like this can bias the fabric to one side. It also means both faces of the finished pad look the same, so there is no wrong side to worry about when you assemble", "raw_text": "Turning over means flipping the piece so the opposite face is toward you, which alternates the direction of your hdc rows and keeps the paw pad completely flat and symmetrical. A regular turn on a shaped piece like this can bias the fabric to one side. It also means both faces of the finished pad look the same, so there is no wrong side to worry about when you assemble", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "Why does the pattern say Turn Over instead of just turn?", "answer": "Turning over means flipping the piece so the opposite face is toward you, which alternates the direction of your hdc rows and keeps the paw pad completely flat and symmetrical. A regular turn on a shaped piece like this can bias the fabric to one side. It also means both faces of the finished pad look the same, so there is no wrong side to worry about when you assemble", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 3, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-3", "label": "My paw pad is curling at the bottom edge — what went wrong?", "value": "That is almost always the foundation row worked into both loops instead of back loop only. The BL instruction on those 7 chains is what gives the bottom edge its flexibility. Rip back to the chain and redo the return row into the single back bump of each chain, and the curl will disappear", "raw_text": "That is almost always the foundation row worked into both loops instead of back loop only. The BL instruction on those 7 chains is what gives the bottom edge its flexibility. Rip back to the chain and redo the return row into the single back bump of each chain, and the curl will disappear", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "My paw pad is curling at the bottom edge — what went wrong?", "answer": "That is almost always the foundation row worked into both loops instead of back loop only. The BL instruction on those 7 chains is what gives the bottom edge its flexibility. Rip back to the chain and redo the return row into the single back bump of each chain, and the curl will disappear", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 4, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-4", "label": "How many squares do I need for a blanket?", "value": "roughly 3.75 by 3.35 inches each, a baby blanket around 30 by 34 inches takes about 80 squares, and a lap blanket around 40 by 50 inches takes roughly 150. Add a border round to each square if you want to reduce the count and make joining easier — a single round of sc adds about a quarter inch on every side", "raw_text": "roughly 3.75 by 3.35 inches each, a baby blanket around 30 by 34 inches takes about 80 squares, and a lap blanket around 40 by 50 inches takes roughly 150. Add a border round to each square if you want to reduce the count and make joining easier — a single round of sc adds about a quarter inch on every side", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "How many squares do I need for a blanket?", "answer": "roughly 3.75 by 3.35 inches each, a baby blanket around 30 by 34 inches takes about 80 squares, and a lap blanket around 40 by 50 inches takes roughly 150. Add a border round to each square if you want to reduce the count and make joining easier — a single round of sc adds about a quarter inch on every side", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 5, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-5", "label": "Can I use just one color for the whole square?", "value": "You can, and it looks lovely as a subtle texture-only motif — the hdc2tog shaping still reads as a paw shape in raking light. That said, the two-color version is what makes the paw pop from a distance, so if the square is going into a gift blanket, the contrast is worth the extra ends to weave in", "raw_text": "You can, and it looks lovely as a subtle texture-only motif — the hdc2tog shaping still reads as a paw shape in raking light. That said, the two-color version is what makes the paw pop from a distance, so if the square is going into a gift blanket, the contrast is worth the extra ends to weave in", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "Can I use just one color for the whole square?", "answer": "You can, and it looks lovely as a subtle texture-only motif — the hdc2tog shaping still reads as a paw shape in raking light. That said, the two-color version is what makes the paw pop from a distance, so if the square is going into a gift blanket, the contrast is worth the extra ends to weave in", "abbr": null, "meaning": null }, { "order": 6, "row_type": "faq", "code": "faq-6", "label": "How does the color change inside a stitch actually work?", "value": "\"1hdc (change to white on final yo)\": work the half double crochet with the old color until 3 loops remain on the hook, then yarn over with the white yarn and pull through to complete the stitch. The stitch body stays blue and its top loops come out white, so the next white stitch sits cleanly on top. Round 9's sc4tog works the same way — all four incomplete sc in blue, final yarn over and pull through in white", "raw_text": "\"1hdc (change to white on final yo)\": work the half double crochet with the old color until 3 loops remain on the hook, then yarn over with the white yarn and pull through to complete the stitch. The stitch body stays blue and its top loops come out white, so the next white stitch sits cleanly on top. Round 9's sc4tog works the same way — all four incomplete sc in blue, final yarn over and pull through in white", "round_start": null, "round_end": null, "is_range": false, "stitch_count": null, "question": "How does the color change inside a stitch actually work?", "answer": "\"1hdc (change to white on final yo)\": work the half double crochet with the old color until 3 loops remain on the hook, then yarn over with the white yarn and pull through to complete the stitch. The stitch body stays blue and its top loops come out white, so the next white stitch sits cleanly on top. Round 9's sc4tog works the same way — all four incomplete sc in blue, final yarn over and pull through in white", "abbr": null, "meaning": null } ] } ], "conflicts": [], "validation_warnings": [], "images": [ "data/images/cat-claws-granny-square-hero.webp", "data/images/cat-claws-granny-square-step-2.webp", "data/images/cat-claws-granny-square-step-3.webp", "data/images/cat-claws-granny-square-step-4.webp" ], "source_url": null, "thumbnail_images": [ { "url": "data/images/cat-claws-granny-square-hero.webp", "alt": "Cat Claws Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern — photo 1", "is_featured": true } ], "gallery_images": [ { "url": "data/images/cat-claws-granny-square-hero.webp", "alt": "Cat Claws Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern — photo 1", "is_featured": true }, { "url": "data/images/cat-claws-granny-square-step-2.webp", "alt": "Cat Claws Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern — photo 2", "is_featured": false }, { "url": "data/images/cat-claws-granny-square-step-3.webp", "alt": "Cat Claws Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern — photo 3", "is_featured": false }, { "url": "data/images/cat-claws-granny-square-step-4.webp", "alt": "Cat Claws Granny Square — Free Crochet Pattern — photo 4", "is_featured": false } ], "_sanitized_holiday_count": 2 }