Waffle Checker Ring Collar Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This waffle checker ring collar is a sweet little project for anyone who wants to make something special for their cat without fussing over buckles, buttons, or snaps. It's a short straight tube worked in alternating bands of oatmeal and charcoal, so it looks like a chunky checkerboard wrapped around your pet's neck. The plush chenille yarn gives it a soft, Victorian-romantic finish that feels gentle against fur and looks lovely in photos. Because it simply slips over the cat's head, there's nothing to fasten, and it's a wonderful first project for an advanced beginner ready to try front-post stitches.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Super bulky (6) chenille plush yarn, 100% polyester. Oatmeal (A): approx 30 yd. Charcoal (B): approx 30 yd.
- Hook: 6.0 mm (US J-10).
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors.
- Finished size: Circumference 10 in (25.5 cm) unstretched, stretches to 14 in (35.5 cm); height 2.5 in (6.5 cm).
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sl st — slip stitch
- sc — single crochet
- dc — double crochet
- fpdc — front-post double crochet: work a double crochet around the post of the stitch two rounds below, bringing the hook in front of the fabric
- st / sts — stitch / stitches
- rnd / rnds — round / rounds
- rep — repeat
Gauge
Waffle stitch in the round: 8 sts x 8 rnds = 4 in (10 cm); 1 rnd = 0.5 in (1.25 cm). To check, work a small swatch in pattern and measure a 4 in (10 cm) section; adjust your hook if your stitches are much larger or smaller.
Tips Before You Start
- Chenille yarn sheds and can be tricky to frog, so count your stitches every round rather than ripping back later.
- Work in a continuous spiral with no join; keep the stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you always know where the round begins.
- The fpdc is worked around the post of the stitch two rounds below, not the stitch directly below — this is what creates the raised waffle grid.
- Keep your tension relaxed so the tube stays stretchy enough to slip comfortably over the cat's head.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes: waffle st = dc in rnd below next st (fpdc around post of st 2 rnds below); work in continuous spiral, no join, use marker.
Tube (A)
Setup: With A, ch 20, sl st to first ch to form ring, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, dc in each ch around (20 sts). Place marker in first st.
Rnd 2: [dc, fpdc around post of st 2 rnds below] x10 (20 sts).
Rnd 3: [fpdc around post of st 2 rnds below, dc] x10 (20 sts).
Rnds 4-7: Rep Rnds 2-3 twice (20 sts). Change to B.
Rnds 8-13: Rep Rnds 2-3 three times (20 sts). Change to A.
Rnds 14-19: Rep Rnds 2-3 three times (20 sts). Change to B.
Rnds 20-21: Rep Rnds 2-3 once (20 sts).
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Edging (A)
Top edge, Rnd 1: Join A with sl st at any st of top edge, ch 1, sc in each st around (20 sts). Fasten off.
Bottom edge, Rnd 1: Rep as for top edge (20 sts). Weave in all ends.
Assembly and Finishing
Turn the tube so the right side faces out. Weave in all remaining ends neatly on the inside of the tube. Block lightly to set the checkerboard pattern and even out the waffle texture, then let it dry completely. Slip the collar over the cat's head; no fastening is required.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the two colors for a softer look, or use a single color for a subtle all-over waffle texture.
- Add one more repeat of Rnds 2-3 to make a taller collar, or remove one repeat for a slimmer band.
- Work the edging in a contrasting color for a crisp border that frames the checkerboard.
