What’s better than a free cat sewing pattern? A free cat sewing pattern that fits in your pocket! My two year old is obsessed with her new kitty-cats; I’m sharing this pattern as a fun, easy thing to sew up by hand for Valentine’s Day. It is simple enough to sew with older kids too, I designed it as a part of the ongoing Sew A Softie Day project. The kitties slip right inside a child’s pocket as a little friend, and are super quick to make. They are the perfect size for toddler hands to hold and carry, without being so small that they’re easily lost- measuring approximately 2.25″ wide and 3.75″ tall.
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The cat’s face is a heart, and so is the nose! The facial features are very simple to embroider, but they could also be drawn on with a fabric pen.
I turned this cat into an ornament a few years after the original post, see more details here with the cat ornament tutorial!
This was been one of my most popular patterns, and I love seeing how people stitch it up!
“My kitties!! I love them!” she says; I can’t get over how cute they look, hanging out of her pocket.
I also have a DIY altoid tin bed tutorial that the kitty fits into, check it out here.
I made both of these, including taking pictures, while watching a movie (The Imitation Game, which I’d never heard of and found quite fascinating) so I’m confident in saying they’re a fast project. I can see this cat as an ornament, an applique, maybe even a garland of cool cats?
See how many kitties were sewn up and sent to a children’s hospital, in this post! Since this post was originally written, I have had so many people say they sewed up a little pocket kitty for their kiddo to take to school with them when they’re feeling anxious, it warms my heart.
Pin this free cat sewing pattern for later, using this link or photo:
How to make a free cat sewing pattern
Supplies
- Small amount of stuffing
- Transfer method for the pattern (I love Fabri-Solvy, see a blog post about how to use it, here!)
- Needle – I like these
- Embroidery floss or thread
- Scissors with a micro tip – these are my favorite
- Chopstick or hemostats* for stuffing
- Wool blend felt – 2 8 X 10″ sheets of each main body color, will leave enough coordinating for the faces if you want. These are all from my favorite, Benzie Design.
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Free cat sewing pattern –sign up for my newsletter and get the free download once you confirm your subscription! If you’re already a subscriber, you can access the pattern with the password in each newsletter, in the resource library.
Steps
Step 1- Cut two body pieces, 1 face, and stitch the eyes and nose. You can get creative but I used a back-stitch for the eyes and a satin stitch for the nose.
Step 2-Center and sew on the heart face piece, I used a running stitch.
Step 3- Sew on the whiskers! I used perle cotton for these with one big stitch, and love how they look. If you used Fabri-Solvy like me to transfer the pattern, now is the time to wash it all off!
Step 4- Sew around about 1/8″ from the edge, with the two body pieces wrong sides together. Leave a small gap, stuff, and then finish sewing it up. I used a running stitch.
Read to sew your own? I’d love to see them if you make any pocket kitties!
Cynthia West
Monday 16th of January 2023
I would love to have this kitty pattern for a altoid tin project. Please.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Thursday 9th of February 2023
Hi cynthia! all you have to do is sign up for my newsletter, link under the supply list!
Heather
Wednesday 21st of September 2022
These are so cute! As soon as I showed the post to my daughter she asked to make them. We are using woven fabric remnants instead of felt. She traced the pattern to her fabric and is using a hoop to stabilize it since she is just learning to hand sew, and pinking the edges once stuffed and closed up. Thank you for sharing this tutorial.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Wednesday 21st of September 2022
aw that sounds lovely, I'd be thrilled to see them when she's done!
Stacy Myers
Monday 31st of January 2022
Greetings! Your little kitty pattern is adorable. I would like to make them with a group of kids from my church. Would you be willing to email the pattern to me? Many thanks. Stacy
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Monday 31st of January 2022
Hi Stacy! All the PDF files are for newsletter subscribers - if you look under 'supplies' there's a link to sign up :) If you have trouble with that just email me and we'll get you figured out!
GRITSEMA
Wednesday 10th of November 2021
Hi Stephanie I have been trying to find the printable pattern and have not been able to find it. All the info leads me right back to the start. How do I find it? I would love to make some for my grandkids. Thanks, Grace Ritsema
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Wednesday 10th of November 2021
Hi Grace! Did you get signed up for my newsletter? The link is under the supply list; once you get on there and confirmed you'll have access to all the pattern pieces :)
Debbie Robertson
Friday 5th of November 2021
I would like to get the instructions on how to sew your felt pocket kitty. The pattern is so cute. I want to make some for the babies in church.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Saturday 6th of November 2021
Hi Debbie! The instructions are in this post? Do you mean you need help finding the pattern?