My friend Kristy has two black cats, Pickle and Mouse, so after seeing these Cat Nap Pillow Cases, I was inspired to embroider a pair for her. This process can be used for any shape, and the possibilities are endless: books, sailboats, lobsters!
My first step was to do a Google Images search for “cat drawing outline“. Once I found a basic drawing that suited my taste, I saved the image as a JPG on my computer. Using Microsoft Paint, I formatted the picture to print onto four sheets of 8.5″ x 11″ inch paper in landscape, since four sheets of paper are approximately the size of a standard pillowcase. Depending on the quality of the original image, the outline will likely be very pixelated when it prints. Don’t worry! Since it’s only used as a template, this doesn’t matter – just cut along the outside of the pixelated line. After cutting out the image, I taped the four sheets of paper together and had a cat template.
Next, with the help of my cat Ada to hold down my template, I used a disappearing ink marker to trace around the (paper, not real) cat.
Once my outline was finished, I used black embroidery floss to outline the shape of the cat and silver embroidery floss to add whiskers. I did the whiskers freehand because I didn’t like the placement in the template, but you could draw them on with disappearing ink during the tracing process too. The final step is to use a wet cloth to dissolve the disappearing ink.
Ada approves, and I can only hope the Pickle and Mouse will be equally excited:
Not feeling crafty? Xenotees sells her Cat Nap Pillow Cases on Etsy.
May 14, 2013 at 8:58 PM
Your cat pillows have so much personality!
May 2, 2013 at 9:03 PM
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the last part
I care for such information much. I was looking for this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
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March 12, 2013 at 12:02 PM
That’s such a simple but genius idea! You remind me of how I made my bed to welcome my cat’s stay. Check it out http://cautioncattitude.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/how-to-prepare-a-purrfect-cat-bed-that-shelters-your-sleepy-kitty-cat/
February 25, 2013 at 1:05 PM
Thanks so much for sharing this, you just gave me a solution for the what-should-I-give-my-boyfriend-for-his-birthday-problem
This is perfect, he likes cats as well as sleeping….
February 24, 2013 at 10:38 AM
Lovely idea, adorable model!
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February 20, 2013 at 11:13 AM
I’m so excited that Pickle & Mouse are famous now! I’ll have to get them to pose next to the pillow cases in case you want to do a follow up.
February 18, 2013 at 11:04 PM
How sweet! Now you will always be reminded of your little kitties! This is such a cute idea! Xo, M&K at BT