I found this easy pattern:
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+knit+a+circle&rlz=1C1CHBF_enCA806CA806&oq=how+to+knit+a+circle&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i512l5j69i60l2.8447j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_ftqTY8XID_iZptQP-OqRuAU_32
Not sure yet how big a circle it will be when I reach 128 sts. Sounds too big?
What amount of sts would work for a pot holder size; say 5 or 6 inch diameter?
Ok, this pattern doesn’t suit. So, here’s my plan:
I cast on 3 sts, knit, KFB, knit, KFB, knit, and so on until I get the size I want. Then do I simply decrease a st on each row to form the circle?
I’ve made this pattern. I don’t recall that I did anything special to make the tail curve. Doing decreasing on the side where you want the curve might work. I’ve made this pattern several times in different yarn weights. It’s fun. I think a straight tail would be just as cute if you don’t get the curve you want. I could suggest short rows but that’s a lot of effort on such a small diameter piece. If you look on Ravelry you might see something for free you could look at for help.
How many stitches you want to ultimately have for your circle depends on the yarn and your st/in. I have a very technical, complicated way of figuring this out. I knit until I like the size…then stop knitting. 
It’s not rocket science. Play around with the idea, enjoy what you’re doing, and see what happens. I think you’ll like the result. By the time this project is completed you’ll have accomplished so much and be a more fearless knitter. I applaud you for pursuing it!
This is an 8" round pot holders, a bit bigger than you want but it’s a free pattern and perhaps just looking through the pattern might help work out what you want?
Or these
Looking at offjumosjacks link to the crotchet pattern id say any bend in the tail is accidental through fabric curl rather than intentional. The photos there show a really flat tail.
It surprised me as I thought from the first pic that this was more 3 dimensional with stuffing and maybe i-cord legs.
Purrrfect! Lol. Thank you!
Thank you, I will check this pattern out.
I’m losing hope that I won’t be able to figure this out. But maybe this Drops 120-54 pattern will work. Will keep you updated.
That’s how I was thinking; just keep knitting until I like the size of the circle.
That’s very kind of you. My brain doesn’t always cooperate so questions might sound dumb, but really I have no idea.
Very appreciative of all the help!
Ok, instructions say:
"Work the first 5 sts, turn and work return row, work the first 10 sts, turn and work return row, work the first 15 sts, turn and work return row, work all sts, turn and work return row *.
What do they mean turn your work? Am I doing this on 4 needles?
I have been at this for almost 3 hrs. I’m going to quit while I’m ahead.
Thank you everyone for your help, but I just can’t knit; fingers don’t work very good anymore.
It was so nice to see how many people reached out to help.
Thank you all again.
I see you have decided to give this project a miss for now. Sometimes it’s better to find an enjoyable alternatuve rather than fight with a pattern that isn’t working.
If you decided to have another go, there are video tutorials attached to every drops pattern. The short rows you mentioned (work 5 stitches, turn work 10 stitches etc) are demonstrated in one of the videos. It’s a continental style video which for me is harder to follow as I’m a thrower (yarn in right hand) so I’d prefer a different video but I’m sure there are some to be found. We could also talk you through it if you find the videos don’t suit you.
There is a video for the spiral design pattern too.
Anyway, we’re here and happy to help whether you decide to have another go with this or something else.
Short answer is with short rows.
Do you plan to knit a flat tail or in the round like a finger of a glove?
Thank you! You are ever so kind.
I will keep this in mind for future projects 
I think I was getting the pattern right, I had too much trouble trying to do the sts with my fingers not working. Maybe someday I’ll try the pattern again when hands feel better.
Thank you. I will keep this for reference.
Take care of yourself. There’s no point fighting with yarn and needles. Much better to find a relaxing and therapeutic project. I hope your hands improve for you.
Thank you so much!
I have Neuropathy. But, there’s always hope.
Merry Christmas to you!
