If you ask any of my friends, they’ll tell you—I’m completely obsessed with my kitties! Sir George and Professor Peanut rule our house, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. They nap on my newly knitted blankets, steal my yarn, and demand attention at the worst possible moments (like when I’m counting stitches). But they also bring comfort and warmth when I’m curled up with a good book and use their purrs to heal me when I’m not feeling my best. Naturally, I had to design a knitting pattern inspired by my fur babies!
These Purrfect Throw Pillows are a fun way to show your love for cats in a subtle, stylish way. They also make a fantastic housewarming or birthday gift—especially if you know any fellow crazy cat ladies like me! The pattern is very simple—just two square panels worked in stockinette stitch. Once the panels have been completed, the duplicate stitch is used to add the designs! I’ve included two different cat designs, so you can mix and match, use them both, or leave one side blank for a more minimal look. It’s a great way to personalize your space while getting in some relaxing knitting time. Keep reading for the free pattern and step by step instructions on using the knit duplicate stitch for color work.
What is the Knit Duplicate Stitch?
The duplicate stitch is a simple embroidery technique used in knitting to add color and designs to finished projects without needing to carry multiple yarns while knitting. You just trace over your knitted fabric with a new color, mimicking the look of knit stitches. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch to cover, and then follow the steps below!
Duplicate Stitch Steps
Step 1
Cut a length of yarn in your contrast color and thread it onto a tapestry needle. Bring the needle up through the base of the first stitch you want to cover, from the back of the fabric to the front.
Step 2
Follow the knit stitch shape by inserting the needle under both legs of the stitch above. Then pull it through. This will cover the first leg of the stitch.
Step 3
Bring the needle back down through the same spot where you started, completing the “duplicate” stitch.
That’s it! Repeat the above 3 steps for each stitch stitch in the design. When finished, weave in the ends on the back of the fabric to secure your work.
Duplicate Stitch Tips
Here are some tips to help you get the best results:
- It’s best to work from the bottom of the chart to the top.
- Work horizontally in rows, moving left to right (or vice versa). This keeps your tension even and prevents distortion.
- Be careful not to pull the yarn too tightly—it should sit neatly on top of the knitted stitches without puckering the fabric. If you have a float in the back, try to keep it loose as well.
- Keep your yarn tension loose but consistent to match the original knitting tension.
- A blunt-tip tapestry needle works best, as it won’t split the yarn fibres.
- Count your stitches carefully before starting.
Duplicate Stitch FAQ’s
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the duplicate stitch to read through before you start.
1. How long should my yarn be for duplicate stitch?
It’s best to cut a manageable length of yarn—about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm)—so it doesn’t tangle or fray as you stitch. If you need more, just weave in the end and start a new strand.
2. How do I keep my stitches neat and even?
Make sure to pull the yarn snug but not too tight—just enough to lay flat against the knit fabric without puckering. Taking your time and keeping an even tension will help maintain a clean, polished look.
3. Will the back of my work be messy?
Since duplicate stitch involves carrying yarn on the back, it’s normal for the wrong side to have some loose ends. To keep things tidy, weave in your yarn tails as you go and avoid pulling stitches too tightly.
4. Can I use duplicate stitch on any knitting pattern?
Yes! As long as your fabric has a smooth stockinette surface, you can use duplicate stitch to add designs. It works best on solid backgrounds where the contrast color can stand out.
5. Does duplicate stitch make the fabric thicker?
A little bit, since you’re adding an extra layer of yarn on top of the stitches. However, if you use a lightweight yarn and keep your stitches even, the difference is minimal.
Duplicate Stitch Video Tutorial
I also put together a quick YouTube tutorial on the duplicate stitch because sometimes it’s just easier to see it in action. Click the video below to watch and see how simple it really is!
Save for Later!
I hope you enjoy this pattern as much I did creating it! Please feel free to share the link to this page on your social media or save it for later on Pinterest.
I truly appreciate all of you who get the word out about this site and my patterns!
❤️ Alnaar
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Free Purrfect Pillows Knitting Pattern
What You’ll Need – Materials & Supplies
You will need the following materials for one pillow:
- Knit Picks Swish Bulky Weight Yarn
- Color A – 411 yards (3 skeins) Nutmeg Heather
- Color B – 35 yards (about 1/4 skein) Black
- 14″ Size 10 (6 mm) straight knitting needles
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry/yarn needle
- 20″ X 20″ Pillow Form
Pattern PDF File
The free pattern for these throw pillows is available right here on this page, as this site is sustained through ad support.
If you’d like your own copy (includes step by step instructions for the knit duplicate stitch), the Ad-Free PDF file can be purchased through Ravelry, or by clicking the “Purchase PDF File” button to the right. The file will be automatically sent to the email address that you enter on purchase.
Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share my passion with you all.
Gauge
14 stitches X 18 rows = 4″ in stockinette stitch.
Measurements
Each square panel will measure 20″ X 20″.
Construction Notes
This pillow cover is created by knitting two stockinette stitch panels, then embroidering on the cat design with the duplicate stitch, and finally seaming the panels together.
Next on Your Needles – More Knitting Patterns to Love!
Pattern Instructions
Create Two Square Panels
With Color A, cast on 70 stitches.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 below to knit in stockinette stitch.
- Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
- Row 2: Purl all stitches.
Work in stockinette stitch for 89 rows, ending with a knit row.
Bind off: On Row 90, bind off purlwise to maintain the stockinette stitch edge.
Repeat the steps above to make a second panel.
Add A Cat Design To Each Panel
Once both square panels are complete, use the duplicate stitch with Color B to embroider a cat design below onto each one. Each square in the grid represents one knit stitch. Pick a stitch to start at, and then use a stitch marker to mark it before you begin. Feel free to use different designs for each panel or leave one side plain.
Seam Together
Lay the front and back panels together with the right sides facing out. Seam the sides using your preferred method (I used vertical and horizontal mattress stitches).
After seaming three sides, insert the pillow form, then close up the final side. Once finished, pull the tail end to the inside of the covers (using the tapestry needle or a crochet hook) for a clean finish.
I hope you enjoyed this free knitting pattern.
If you’d like your own copy (includes step by step instructions for the knit duplicate stitch), the Ad-Free PDF file can be purchased through Ravelry, or by clicking the “Purchase PDF File” button to the right. The file will be automatically sent to the email address that you enter on purchase.
Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share my passion with you all.
