Christmas Idea #1 – Kitty toys

Last year I made cat toys for my friends with kitties. Our cats loved them so much that I thought I’d again make some for gifts.

Before I start the tutorial I want to show you the quality control inspector. I’d hate for any of these toys to go out of the house without spot checking the product.

I gave one to Puddin, Inspector #2, and immediately she started playing with it. It is hers now.

Puddin with new cat toy
Momma, I love my new toy!

So let’s get started.

You will need fabric, stuffing, catnip, scissors, needle, and thread. Also, I use my sewing machine, but they can be sewed by hand. Rotary cutter, mat and glue are optional.

Cut the fabric 5 x 4.5 inch squares.

Cut fabric 5 x 4.5 inch blocks
Cut fabric 5 x 4.5 inch blocks

Next fold fabric square right sides together. Then cut it in the shape of one side of a heart. Seems like we did a lot of this cutting in school!

Cutting fabric into a heart
Cutting fabric into a heart

Open up the heart and cut in half.

Cutting heart in half
Cutting heart in half

Cut a 1 inch square of felt for the ears. Cut it in an oval.

Cutting felt into ears
Cutting felt into ears

Glue folded ear to right side of one half of heart. You could stitch this felt down instead.

Attaching ears to fabric with glue
Attaching ears to fabric with glue

Place other half of heart  pattern side down on half side with ears attached. Sew all around leaving an opening in the bottom.

Put right sides together and sew
Sides are sewn together

Turn inside out and stuff.

Stuffing toy
Stuffing toy

Don’t forget about the catnip.

Stuffing toy with catnip
Stuffing toy with catnip

Once they are stuffed, sew up the opening.

Opening sewn closed
Opening sewn closed

Now, before they are sent to their new homes, I will spritz them with the Catnip Hydrosol. This step is optional. In fact, the one Puddin is playing with did not get sprayed!

Adding Catnip Hydrosol
Adding Catnip Hydrosol

The finished toy…

Cat toy
Cat toy

You don’t have to add the ears and you could add a tail. It’s a great way to use up some of those fabric scraps.

Meanwhile back with Puddin and her new toy.

Puddin with new toy
It's all mine!