No-Sew Felt Catnip Toy: A Simple DIY Cat Toy Tutorial

Updated at: 26/01/2025

Does your feline friend deserve a fun, new toy? Are you looking for a quick and easy DIY project that won't break the bank? Then look no further! This tutorial will guide you through creating an adorable and irresistible no-sew felt catnip toy, perfect for keeping your kitty entertained for hours. Forget complicated sewing patterns and expensive store-bought options; this project utilizes readily available materials and requires minimal crafting experience, making it ideal for even the most novice DIY enthusiast.

With just a few simple supplies and a little bit of time, you can whip up a delightful catnip-filled toy that your furry companion will adore. No sewing machine needed – this project relies entirely on easy-to-master techniques, ensuring a stress-free crafting experience. Ready to get started on this fun and rewarding project? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Felt (two pieces)
  • Ruler
  • Marker
  • Scissors
  • Catnip
  • Polyfill or stuffing
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise your cat while they play with the toy to prevent ingestion of felt pieces or catnip.
  • Use only high-quality, non-toxic felt specifically designed for crafts. Avoid felt with potentially harmful dyes or chemicals.
  • Discard the toy if it becomes damaged or excessively worn to prevent your cat from swallowing small pieces.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gather Supplies

    • two pieces of felt, a ruler, marker, scissors, catnip, and polyfill or stuffing.
    Assemble your materials: two pieces of felt, a ruler, marker, scissors, catnip, and polyfill or stuffing.
    Gather Supplies

  2. Cut the Felt Square

    • Stack the two pieces of felt and cut a 9x9 inch square.
    Stack the two pieces of felt and cut a 9x9 inch square.
    Cut the Felt Square

  3. Mark the Inner Square

    • Measure 3 inches from each side, mark dots, and connect them to form a 3x3 inch square in the center.
    Measure 3 inches from each side, mark dots, and connect them to form a 3x3 inch square in the center.
    Mark the Inner Square

  4. Cut the Triangles

    • Cut two diagonal lines at each corner of the inner square, creating triangles. Cut at a 45-degree angle.
    Cut two diagonal lines at each corner of the inner square, creating triangles. Cut at a 45-degree angle.
    Cut the Triangles

  5. Cut the Fringe

    • Cut 1/2 inch strips from the edge of the fabric up to the center line, going through both layers of felt. Do this all the way around the square.
    Cut 1/2 inch strips from the edge of the fabric up to the center line, going through both layers of felt. Do this all the way around the square.
    Cut the Fringe

  6. Tie the Corners

    • Double knot each diagonal corner strip, tying the top felt piece to the bottom piece.
    Double knot each diagonal corner strip, tying the top felt piece to the bottom piece.
    Tie the Corners

  7. Tie the Sides

    • Double knot each side strip, leaving one side open for stuffing.

  8. Prepare the Filling

    • Mix catnip into the stuffing.
    Mix catnip into the stuffing.Mix catnip into the stuffing.
    Prepare the Filling

  9. Stuff the Toy

    • Stuff the toy through the open side, adding as much or as little as desired.
    Stuff the toy through the open side, adding as much or as little as desired.Stuff the toy through the open side, adding as much or as little as desired.
    Stuff the Toy

  10. Close the Toy

    • Double knot the remaining strips to close the opening.
    Double knot the remaining strips to close the opening.
    Close the Toy

Read more: No-Sew Sock Cat Tutorial: Adorable DIY Project

Tips

  • Don't worry about overlapping marker lines; they won't show after knotting.
  • Ensure you double knot each strip to prevent your cat from easily pulling it apart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Cutting Felt Pieces Too Small

Reason: The catnip pouch ends up too tiny to comfortably hold the filling and may easily rip.
Solution: Use a larger template or cut out slightly larger felt pieces to allow for ample seam allowance and stuffing.

2. Using Too Much or Too Little Catnip

Reason: Too much catnip can make the toy overly messy and potentially cause digestive upset for your cat, while too little will reduce the toy's appeal.
Solution: Start with a moderate amount of catnip and adjust based on your cat's preference and the size of the toy.

FAQs

What kind of felt is best for making catnip toys?
A medium-weight felt is ideal. It's sturdy enough to hold its shape and the catnip, but still soft enough for your cat to play with comfortably. Avoid very thin felt as it might tear easily.
How much catnip should I use?
Start with about 1-2 tablespoons of catnip per toy. You can always add more if your cat seems uninterested, but it's better to start small. Too much catnip can make the toy messy.