Fjord Frost Reindeer Cat Pod Bed Free Pattern – Knit a Nordic Winter Haven
Fjord Frost Reindeer Cat Pod Bed Free Pattern – Knit a Nordic Winter Haven
Wrap your feline in the serene beauty of a Nordic winter with this cozy, sculptural cat pod bed, knitted in soft, chunky yarn with a charming reindeer motif. This unique pattern combines the warmth of a cave-like hideaway with the festive spirit of a handcrafted heirloom. The result is a stunning, seamless pod that your cat will adore—and that will look beautiful in any room. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner ready for a rewarding project, this pattern will guide you through every step to create a truly special piece.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather all your materials. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Yarn: Super bulky weight yarn (size 6). You will need approximately:
- MC (Main Color – Oatmeal): 800 yards
- CC1 (Forest Green): 200 yards
- CC2 (Cream): 150 yards
- CC3 (Rust): 100 yards
- CC4 (Charcoal): 50 yards
- Needles: US 13 (9 mm) circular knitting needles with a 24-inch cable, and US 13 double-pointed needles for smaller sections.
- Notions: Stitch markers, a stitch holder or waste yarn, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
Gauge & Abbreviations
Gauge: 8 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit flat, blocked). Always check your gauge to ensure the correct size.
Abbreviations:
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- yo = yarn over
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
- MC = Main Color (Oatmeal)
- CC1 = Forest Green
- CC2 = Cream
- CC3 = Rust
- CC4 = Charcoal
Special Stitches
These two increases are essential for shaping the pod. Practice them once or twice to get comfortable.
- M1R (Make 1 Right): Insert the left needle from back to front under the horizontal strand between stitches, then knit through the front loop. This creates a right-leaning increase.
- M1L (Make 1 Left): Insert the left needle from front to back under the horizontal strand between stitches, then knit through the back loop. This creates a left-leaning increase.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is knitted in the round from the bottom up, creating a seamless, sturdy pod. The reindeer motif is worked in stranded colorwork. All increases and decreases are clearly marked. Read all instructions before beginning.
Base (Worked Flat, Then Joined)
- With MC, cast on 48 stitches using the long-tail method. Do not join; work back and forth in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) for 8 rows, ending with a purl row. This creates a flat oval base.
- Next row (RS): Knit all stitches, increasing 8 stitches evenly across by using M1L after every 6th stitch. (56 stitches)
- Purl one row.
- Next row (RS): Knit all stitches, increasing 8 stitches evenly across by using M1R before every 7th stitch. (64 stitches)
- Purl one row. The base is now a rounded rectangle. Place a marker at the beginning of the round. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. (64 stitches)
Lower Body (Worked in the Round)
- Round 1: Knit all stitches with MC.
- Round 2: *K8, M1L, k8, M1R*; repeat from * to * around. (80 stitches)
- Rounds 3-10: Knit all stitches with MC.
- Round 11: *K10, M1L, k10, M1R*; repeat from * to * around. (96 stitches)
- Rounds 12-18: Knit all stitches with MC.
- Round 19: *K12, M1L, k12, M1R*; repeat from * to * around. (112 stitches)
- Rounds 20-26: Knit all stitches with MC. The pod should measure about 8 inches from the base.
Reindeer Motif (Stranded Colorwork)
- Round 27: Begin the reindeer chart (see below). Work the 16-stitch, 16-row chart twice around the pod. Use CC1 for the reindeer body, CC2 for the antlers, CC3 for the harness, and CC4 for the eyes. Carry unused yarn loosely across the back, catching it every 3-4 stitches to prevent long floats.
- Rounds 28-42: Continue following the chart. After completing the chart, you will have 112 stitches.
Reindeer Chart (16 stitches x 16 rows)
Note: The chart below is a simplified version for clarity. For a more detailed reindeer, you can add CC2 for antlers on rows 8-12, CC3 for a harness on rows 10-14, and CC4 for eyes on row 9. Adjust as desired.
| Row 1 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 2 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 3 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 4 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 5 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 6 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 7 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 8 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 9 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 10 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 11 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 12 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 13 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 14 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 15 | CC1 (all) |
| Row 16 | CC1 (all) |
Upper Body (Decreases)
- Round 43: With MC, *K12, k2tog, k12, ssk*; repeat from * to * around. (96 stitches)
- Rounds 44-48: Knit all stitches.
- Round 49: *K10, k2tog, k10, ssk*; repeat from * to * around. (80 stitches)
- Rounds 50-54: Knit all stitches.
- Round 55: *K8, k2tog, k8, ssk*; repeat from * to * around. (64 stitches)
- Rounds 56-60: Knit all stitches.
- Round 61: *K6, k2tog, k6, ssk*; repeat from * to * around. (48 stitches)
- Rounds 62-66: Knit all stitches. The pod should now be about 12 inches tall.
Neck Opening (Worked Flat)
- Round 67: Knit 24 stitches, place the next 24 stitches on a stitch holder. Turn work. You will now work back and forth on the remaining 24 stitches for the front opening.
- Row 68 (WS): Purl all stitches.
- Row 69 (RS): K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk. (22 stitches)
- Row 70: Purl all stitches.
- Repeat Rows 69-70 until 12 stitches remain. End with a purl row.
- Next row (RS): K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, ssk. (10 stitches)
- Purl one row.
- Repeat the last two rows until 4 stitches remain. Bind off loosely. This creates the arched entrance.
Finishing
- Transfer the 24 stitches from the holder back to the needles. With MC, knit across these stitches, then pick up and knit 12 stitches along the side of the opening, then 4 stitches along the top, then 12 stitches along the other side. (52 stitches) Join in the round.
- Round 1: Knit all stitches.
- Round 2: *K11, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (48 stitches)
- Rounds 3-6: Knit all stitches.
- Round 7: *K10, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (44 stitches)
- Rounds 8-10: Knit all stitches.
- Bind off loosely. Weave in all ends.
Assembly
- Turn the pod right side out. The base will naturally form a flat oval, and the body will stand upright.
- Optionally, add a soft fleece or felt liner inside for extra comfort (not knitted).
- Block gently to shape if needed.
Your Fjord Frost Reindeer Cat Pod Bed is now complete! This beautiful, handcrafted piece will provide your cat with a warm, cozy retreat while adding a touch of Nordic charm to your home. Enjoy watching your feline friend curl up in their new favorite spot, and take pride in the heirloom-quality piece you've created with your own hands.
