August 24, 2010

How To: Make An Catnip Mouse

I have to admit that I find it hard to throw even the smallest bit of fabric away.  At the end of each new hat I make I end up with another pile of scraps that I swear I will turn into something useful.   And what could be more useful than a catnip mouse, if you have a cat of course!  These mice require no pattern and minimal sewing skill.  
Materials:
a 6x6 inch square of fabric
yarn (for the tail and face)
1/4 cup catnip
thread to match fabric

Fold the fabric in half and cut a half-heart shape on the
fold so when you open the fabric, it will look like a heart.
 
Cut 3 pieces of yarn about three times the height of the
center of the heart. Tie a knot at one end.
With the wrong side of the fabric facing you,
lay the yarn on the fabric with the knotted end at the
bottom point of the heart.
 Using a zigzag stitch sew the yarn to the center of the heart.
Fold the heart in half with the right side of the fabric facing in.  Starting at the point sew a 1/4 inch seam around the heart leaving a 1 inch opening at the end.
Turn the heart right side out.
Using yarn (or embroidery floss) embroider eyes and a nose.
Be sure to secure tightly.
Cut 2 small circles from remaining fabric (or a different fabric if you like) for the ears.
Sew these in place securely by hand.
Fill your mouse with the catnip.
My cats like Yeowww! an organic brand that is VERY potent.
Sew the opening up by hand.  Tie a knot at the end of the yarn close to the seam.
Braid the 3 pieces of yarn together,
tie and cut to form the tail.
Voila you have a catnip mouse.  Why not make some more and donate them to your local pet shelter?
Holly
Ellis Designs

10 comments:

Anne said...

What cute little kitty toys!!! I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-catnip-mouse-kitty-toys/2010/08/24/

--Anne

Holly said...

Thanks for the link! These make great pet shelter donations. I make tons of them from my leftover scraps and then donate a portion of each sale to a local shelter.

Steph/Lotus said...

So sweet ! Thanxs I love :)
Have nice day :)

Anonymous said...

Merci beaucoup pour ce tuto

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to let you know I have linked to this project and thumbnail on our site. I think it’s a great project that our readers will love to make! We are always looking for more tutorials and sewing patterns, so if you have any similar projects please feel free to send them my way or let me know if you prefer we not link to you. Thanks!

Karisa
ktell@primecp.com
Editor, www.AllFreeSewing.com

KimmChi said...

Thanks for linking!

Unknown said...

I just made 3 of these for my 3 cats and they LOVE them...it was like cats gone wild. My only warning is be careful sewing with the cat climbing onto your lap trying to get the mouse before you're done with it!!
Mandy

Anonymous said...

Please keep in mind that yarn (if eaten) can cause major problems, some that require surgery, in cats (and dogs). If your cat is like mine and tends to eat things, perhaps a different style of tail would be appropriate.

Unknown said...

The yarn is sewn in extremely well so don't think there would be an issue with that. :) I just made my first one and boy are they adorable!! I will be doing several of these with my scraps! My cats are in heaven LOL

Lauren said...

I made a couple of these today for my cats. :) They liked them quite a bit! Thanks for the neat little tutorial!