Pattern: Squid Cat Toy with Refillable Catnip Pocket

I really, really like the Kitty Squid crochet pattern from Chronicles of a Yarn Obsession. It's such a staple in my pattern collection when I need a quick, cute gift for my cat-owning friends. Check out the changes I made to make a refillable catnip pocket that will truly drive your kitty wild! =^._.^=

Materials:

• The materials needed for the Kitty Squid pattern (scrap yarn, black yarn, crochet hook G, tapestry needle)
• Catnip
• Scrap piece of fabric (something to wrap the catnip such as a square of 3-4 inches in size, preferably a color that will blend in with the cat toy body)
• Sewable strip of Velcro (less than 2 inches, preferably white)
• Hand sewing needle 
• Sewing thread (pick a color that will blend in with the cat toy body)

Instructions:

1) Follow the Kitty Squid pattern and finish making the squid body and attach the eyes, but don't stuff the body yet or sew it shut.

2) Flip the squid upside-down and open the base of the body. Cut a length of Velcro that will span the width of the squid body opening. 

3) Separate the hook and loop sides of the Velcro. Hand sew the hook side and the loop side of the Velcro just inside the squid body opening. Try to keep the stitches hidden from the outside of the squid. When the Velcro pieces are fastened together, they should close the squid body opening entirely.

4) Place some catnip in the scrap fabric and fold it up to keep the catnip contained. Place the catnip pouch inside the body. If there is still room left in the body, you can put additional polyfill batting or scrap yarn inside. Seal the Velcro together.

5) Watch your cat go crazy for their new toy!