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Free diy cat toys – mice and fish sewing patterns

Free diy cat toys - mice and fish sewing patternsFree diy cat toys – mice and fish sewing patterns! I’m always looking for fun ways to upcycle old jeans and with two new adopted kittens, it seemed like the perfect time to chop them up for some colorful kitty toys! These are super quick to sew and dirt cheap, which is good because I have a feeling that they’re going to all end up hiding under our bed. I’m thinking about sewing a cat bed next; let me know if you have sewn your kitties anything else fun!

what to sew for a cat

Here they are! Adopted from our local rescue of course, from a friend who was fostering them. Named Artemis Meowmeow and Apollo Bowser; greek mythology mixed with little kid silliness. They’re joining the “pandemic puppy” we adopted a few months ago, the longer we stay home the more critters we seem to be acquiring.

Check out these other posts while you’re here!

upcycled cat toy tutorial

They’re super simple, easy to make. I used a mix of machine and hand sewing but it would be easy to do one or the other, too. I’m sure the body edges will fray a bit as time goes on but as long as the dogs leave them alone I’m not too worried about longevity.

handmade cat toy idea

Kitten approved! Aren’t they cute!

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free cat toy sewing pattern

 

Free diy cat toys – mice and fish sewing patterns

Ready to make your own?

Supplies

  • Fabric scraps! I used old jeans + wool felt (this is my favorite felt shop)
  • Embroidery floss + needle
  • Mini rotary cutter or small scissors
  • Thin ribbon + fray check or a lighter
  • Freezer paper (optional)
  • Stuffing/shredded fabric scraps to stuff – also consider including catnip (Amazon or Etsy) for the scent, a piece of cereal bag for a crinkle, a marble so it rolls, or a jingle bell for interest!
  • Download the free pdf 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

The steps are pretty much the same for each toy shape so I mixed and substituted as needed!

upcycled jean free pattern

Step 1- Cut your patterns out! The fish is symmetrical so cut two of it; the mouse you’ll need to “mirror” the pattern or flip it over and cut so it matches up.

cutting felt with freezer paper

Step 2- Time to cut fins and ears; I like tracing the pattern to freezer paper, ironing it on, and cutting precisely around it before peeling off the freezer paper. I used wool felt for color and texture, my kitties love wool, and a bonus is that the edges won’t fray.

hand embroidered cat toy tutorial

Sew the accents on and throw in an eyeball!

Step 3- If you’re doing the mouse, now is the time to stick in the tail. Use fray check or a lighter to seal the ribbon end otherwise it might unravel. You can use a regular school glue stick to hold it in place if you’re worried.

free mouse softie pattern

Step 4- Layer the body pieces wrong sides together and sew around the edges, leaving a 2-3″ gap. Stop to insert stuffing and noise makers as desired, then sew the gap shut and get ready to play! You’re done!

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Melodie

Monday 11th of April 2022

This was a waste of time. I've tried and tried to get the patterns. Could not find a place to get a newsletter. Could not find patterns. I'm following on Pinterest. Guess I'll look elsewhere.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Tuesday 4th of July 2023

Melodie, the instructions are listed under 'supplies'.

Annette

Thursday 7th of October 2021

I can't seem to download pattern for cat in the pocket.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Thursday 7th of October 2021

Hi Annette! Did you get signed up for the newsletter? There's a link under supplies to sign up and then after you confirm, you'll get a password and link to where all the freebies are. Let me know if you have other issues, I'll make sure you get sorted out!

Rebecca

Friday 18th of December 2020

Thank you for not splitting them apart. You will make a good cat mama.

Cindy Langston

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

Your two kitties are adorable! Are they siblings? We adopted brother and sister kitties recently and I couldn't be happier that we did. They are so fun to watch and I really enjoy how much they love each other. Mine really like things that are crinkly but honestly I think they're favorite thing is a plain old cardboard box! Enjoy your new babies!

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

Thank you Cindy!! They are siblings; I couldn't bear to split them up and just like you said, it is so fun to watch them :D

Athena Sheppard

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

I have acquired 3 covid kittens to go with out 2 adult cats and our 2 Great Danes. Guess who rules the house, one hint, not the dogs. One of our new kittens, who was from the street and I was in fear for his life, has become best friends with Ophelia our female Dane. Watching them play is such a hoot. From the time he was allowed to join the family he ran to her and besties ever since.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

Great danes and kittens!!! Oh my gosh. Your house sounds like loads of fun Athena! Thank you for reading and sharing :D

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