how to sew a cat doll

How to Sew a Cat Doll.

A cat doll is a simple sewing project suitable for beginners and children who are being taught to sew. The cat doll can be used as a toy for a child or a pet or it can be given away as a gift. They only take five to thirty minutes to make and the end result is utterly adorable.



Steps.

1. Find a scrap of fabric suitable for making the cat doll. The scrap needs to be roughly rectangular or squarish in shape and large enough to make the cat in the size you're wanting. If it's not already rectangular or square, simply cut to size.

2. Fold the scrap piece in half. This will determine the size of your cat; if needed, find a larger piece at this stage or make the piece smaller. Then, unfold.

3. Cut a long, inch (2.5cm) wide strip of the scrap fabric. The longer it is, the better.

4. Fold the strip in half again. Cut a small curve shape from the top, leaving two small triangular points of fabric sticking up for the cat's ears.

5. Thread a needle. Begin to sew the fabric (still folded). Use a blanket stitch, and start from the bottom left corner. Stop sewing halfway through the right side of the cat.

6. Stuff the cat firmly. The ears don't have to be stuffed, and can be left floppy.

7. Sew up the gap you left to fill the cat.

8. Embroider or draw on the face. Sew on eyes, nose, and whiskers.

9. Sew on a small tail made from yarn. Congratulations, you just sewed a cat! Make sure your kitty gets a good home. As well as being a simple doll, this cat doll can be used for other purposes such as:

A gift embellishment.

A holiday decoration, perhaps on the tree.

Make a few and turn them into a cat wreath.

Sew onto bed linen, t-shirts, etc. to add a pretty embellishment.

Glue onto a handbag for a cat upgrade.

Hang from your car's rear vision mirror.

Use as a good luck charm.

Make lots and sell as fundraisers.

Sew onto cushions for a pretty decorative effect.

Place in a shadow box to make a cat themed picture.

You are done! Have fun with your new little cat toy!



Question : How do I make clothes for the cat?

Answer : You can just use ribbons to make flowers and scarfs for the cat. If you know how to crochet, knit, or sew, you can certainly make clothes that way. You can also get some fabric, wrap it once around the cat, and sew or stick buttons on the front.

Question : Can I use glue if I can't sew?

Answer : You can, just make sure it is fabric glue. However, sewing is recommended, since fabric glue doesn't always hold well.

Question : Can I use this to make a dog?

Answer : You can, but will have to make the ears/face differently. Make the ears long and floppy, and change the face by making the nose bigger.

Question : Can I make a giraffe or penguin with this?

Answer : Yes. Just narrow the neck and make it taller for the giraffe, and add a beak and remove the ears for the penguin.



Tips.

If you're skilled at sewing, you could make the cat doll some clothes to wear.

You could make a family of cats to give to each member of a close family!

Give the cat doll a name and a story. If it's a gift, this will make it even more personal to the recipient.

For a scented kitty, pour some vanilla essence over the stuffing, and leave to dry, or add in some dried flower petals to the stuffing.

You can cut out tiny shapes of fabric and sew them onto your stuffed cat to make it even more cuter!

Warnings.

Use care with needles and scissors. If teaching children to sew, supervise them closely and teach them good habits about keeping sharp implements away from their hands when not in use. Make it a rule to always return items to their storage spot straight after use.

If you give this doll to a pet, it may not last long. That is part of the fun though!

Things You'll Need.

A scrap piece of fabric (any kind).

A needle and thread.

Embroidery threads (or fabric markers).

Small piece of yarn.

Stuffing.

Scissors.