Wednesday, January 26, 2011

How to make a catnip mouse by CreativeCritters

Handmade Red and Green Plaid Castnip Mouse Cat Toy with organic catnip
I've been making catnip mice and other catnip toys for my own cats for years. After I started making them as gifts for friends and family, I found out just how popular they really were! They're not hard to make, and they're a good way to recycle scraps of fabric. I grow my own organic catnip, which I sell in 1/2 ounce bags at CreativeCritters. This catnip is perfect for stuffing toys, or sprinkling on your cats favorite areas.


To make a catnip mouse you'll need:
  • dried catnip,
  • cardboard pattern for body and ears,
  • scrap fabric,
  • yarn,
  • needle,
  • thread,
  • marker, and
  • scissors

I just drew a very simple mouse shape onto cardboard for the body pattern and a large rounded ear pattern. Fold your fabric so the right side (the side that will show when the mouse is finished) is on the inside. Trace two ears and one body pattern onto the wrong side (the side that will be inside the mouse when he's done) of the fabric using a marker. Be sure to mark an opening on the body for turning and stuffing.

Sew around the ears, leaving the bottom open for turning. I sew these by hand and use a small back stitch. Cut the ears and body out, leaving about 1/4" to 1/2" seam allowance. Before sewing the body, we want to make the tail. Decide how long you want the tail to be and cut 9 strands of yarn (I chose red and green to match the fabric). Tie them together at the top with a strong knot, then braid them tightly together, tying them at the bottom.
Take the tail and place it between the layers of the body, with the knot sticking out and the rest of the tail inside the mouse. As you sew the body, be sure to trap the tail in the seam. I recommend sewing over this area a few times, just to be sure your cat can't pull the tail out.
Now you're ready to turn your mouse right side out and stuff him with catnip and fabric scraps.
After your mouse is firmly stuffed, sew up the opening securely using a ladder stitch and sew the ears onto the body. You can give your mouse all sorts of personality, depending on how you position his ears. Use yarn or embroidery thread to make the eyes (simple knots), and the whiskers, which can be as long as you choose. And this is what you end up with.


Handmade Red and Green Plaid Castnip Mouse Cat Toy with organic catnip
This little mouse will provide your cat hours of fun play time! Stop in toCreativeCritters to see my other catnip toys, or purchase some garden grown organic catnip for your furry friend!
Thanks for stopping by!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

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I have two wonderful cats of my own who are very happy to be product testers for all my cat toys designs. Calcifer, my year old Maine Coone is my constant companion, no matter what I happen to be creating. You can also find fantasy sculptures, miniatures, stuffed animals, jewelry, and more at CreativeCritters.

7 comments:

Rachael said...

Great blog post. I love your simple, clear instructions and all of your photos going, step by step too.
Rachael AKA BlueShedCrafts

TS Beading said...

I agree with Rachael, awesome directions and love the photos! Thanks for sharing!

Chelle said...

Thank you so much! This is my first, but certainly not my last, How To. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Tina said...

Thank you for the great blog post and sharing your instructions. I might have to try a few for our local animal shelter since I don't have any cats. God bless.
-Tina of ZoeaeYarnCrafts

Debra at Sleepy Cat Designs said...

Nice tutorial! Thanks so much for taking the time to share it. It is a lot of fun to make cat toys for friends and their cats as little gifts, as well as to sell!

El at Tantalizing Stitches said...

Lovely. And its great you make your own organic catnip. If people don't have the time to do it, they can wander over to your store!

Expressions by BJ said...

You've been one of my favorite artisans on Artfire for a long time. Your items are so creative & thanks for sharing this one with us. I may try it for my cats instead of buying them.
Just adorable!