Share
We are in our Cat Lady era. This new Cat Doll from Maker Team member Megan of @mlevacy is perfect for cat lovers and folk art lovers alike! Anyone can make their own cat with minimal additions and alterations. With emphasis on the face rather than the body, expressions and personality is key. Make a whole set to create your own cat colony!
Folk art cats have always had a soft spot in my heart. This folk inspired cat doll is great for beginners and is highly customizable. When collecting your supplies, consider the color of cat you would like to make. What color are its eyes and its nose? Does it have any special characteristics like a spot on its ear or a bobbed tail? Choose felt and thread colors that reflect your vision.
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 1 1/2 - 2 Hours
Additional Supplies:
Cat Pattern (click to download)
Plastic Sandwich Bag
Directions:
1. Print Cat Pattern and cut out desired cat form - tall and slender or short and wide. Trace Body form twice onto selected felt color (Smoke in pictured example) using a Frixion pen. Trace Tail as well. Cut out.
2. Draw face with Frixion pen and embroider over guidelines with embroidery floss. Your face doesn’t have to be perfect. What can you do to make the personality of your cat come across in its expression?
If adding additional components such as spots, stripes or extra embroidery, do so now.
3. When embroidery embellishments are complete, place front and back Body pieces together with right sides facing. Pin in place.
4. Sew around perimeter of form with a running stitch and 1/8 - 1/4" seam allowance. Do not sew the bottom edge.
5. Flip right side out and stuff about 3/4 full with Polyfil. Use stuffing tool to make sure ears are stuffed.
6. With form taking shape, place partially stuffed doll on same color of felt used for Body. Trace around bottom opening to create a base for doll. Cut out.
7. To create a weighted bottom, fill plastic sandwich bag with Poly Pellets weighted beads. (You can use dried rice as well.) Tie corner of plastic bag and cut off excess plastic to create a small “bean bag.” Place inside doll to fill remaining space before attaching bottom.
8. Position bottom felt and hold or clip in place. Whip stitch around base with coordinating floss.
9. Place non-curling end of Tail at bottom center back of doll. Use a whip stitch and coordinating floss to stitch Tail to Body. Curl of Tail will wrap around the side and front edge of Body.
Congratulations! You’ve created your own Folk Cat Doll.
The possibilities for unique personalization are endless. Add beads or embroider flowers on your cat body, add stripes or spots with other colors of felt. The sky is the limit.
Thanks to Megan for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @mlevacy and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
