Floppy Deer Cat Quilt Tutorial: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 11/07/2025

Are you ready to add a touch of whimsical charm to your home décor, or perhaps create a unique and heartwarming gift? Then get ready to embark on a delightful quilting journey with this Floppy Deer Cat quilt tutorial! This adorable design, featuring a playful deer cat motif, is surprisingly simple to create, even for beginner quilters. Its charming aesthetic is perfectly suited for children's rooms, nurseries, or anywhere you want to inject a dose of playful personality. Forget complicated patterns and frustrating techniques; this project emphasizes easy-to-follow instructions and manageable steps, making it a perfect weekend crafting project.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can bring this endearing creature to life in fabric form! This step-by-step guide will walk you through each stage of the process, from cutting the fabric to the final quilting and binding, ensuring a beautiful and professional finish. Let’s dive into the fun and create your own delightful Floppy Deer Cat quilt!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Fabric (various colors and patterns)
  • Sewing machine
  • Scissors
  • Iron
  • Purple turning tool (optional)
  • Pins
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use a sharp rotary cutter and cutting mat to prevent injury and ensure clean cuts. Improper cutting tools can lead to accidents.
  • When using a sewing machine, keep fingers clear of the needle at all times. Use a seam ripper carefully to avoid pricking yourself.
  • Supervise children closely if they are assisting with any part of the project. Small pieces pose a choking hazard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Fabric

    • Pre-cut fabric pieces according to provided measurements (displayed on screen).

  2. Create a Single Cat (Standing)

    • Fold a small square piece in half, sew a 1/4 inch seam down each side, turn right side out.
    • Sew a white and printed fabric strip together corner-to-corner, creating a bias strip. Trim 1/4 inch from seam and press flat.
    • Sew the bias strip to the top of the main body piece using a 1/4 inch seam. Press seam open.
    • Tack the ears to the top white portion of the cat's face with an 1/8 inch seam.
    Attach ears to the face: Tack the ears to the top white portion of the cat's face with an 1/8 inch seam.Attach ears to the face: Tack the ears to the top white portion of the cat's face with an 1/8 inch seam.Attach ears to the face: Tack the ears to the top white portion of the cat's face with an 1/8 inch seam.Attach ears to the face: Tack the ears to the top white portion of the cat's face with an 1/8 inch seam.
    Create a Single Cat (Standing)
    • Sew the ear/face assembly to the main cat body using a 1/4 inch seam. Press seam open.
    Sew the ear assembly to the main body: Sew the ear/face assembly to the main cat body using a 1/4 inch seam. Press seam open.
    Create a Single Cat (Standing)

  3. Create Multiple Cats

    • Repeat steps 2-6 to create multiple cats (both left and right facing).

  4. Assemble Quilt Blocks

    • Arrange four cats (two laying down, two standing, facing each other) and sew 2.5 inch sashing strips between them.
    Assemble the quilt blocks: Arrange four cats (two laying down, two standing, facing each other) and sew 2.5 inch sashing strips between them.
    Assemble Quilt Blocks

  5. Assemble Quilt Rows

    • Sew quilt blocks together to create rows (either vertically or horizontally).

  6. Add Sashing Between Rows

    • Add sashing between the rows.

  7. Add Border (Optional)

    • Add a border (optional).

Read more: No-Sew DIY Pet Tank Top: Easy Leggings Upcycle!

Tips

  • Don't clip the corners of the ears if you want rounder ears.
  • Use a purple turning tool or similar to turn the ear pieces right side out.
  • To create a left- or right-facing cat, change the sewing direction of the bias strip (cat's face).
  • Pay attention to seam alignment when assembling the quilt blocks and rows to ensure a neat finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Seam Allowances

Reason: Varying seam allowances throughout the quilt can lead to inaccurate piecing and mismatched blocks, resulting in a wonky finished product.
Solution: Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance consistently throughout the entire project by using a seam allowance guide or a sewing machine with an adjustable foot.

2. Improper Fabric Selection and Preparation

Reason: Using fabrics with different weights or shrinkage rates can create puckering or distortion in the finished quilt. Not pre-washing fabrics can lead to shrinking after the quilt is complete.
Solution: Pre-wash and pre-dry all fabrics before cutting to ensure consistent sizing and prevent shrinkage after quilting.

FAQs

What materials do I need to make the Floppy Deer Cat quilt?
You'll need fabric in various colors (for the deer cat, background, and binding), batting, quilt backing fabric, thread, a sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand-sewing), scissors, pins, and a ruler or cutting mat.
What skill level is this quilt project suitable for?
This project is designed for beginners! The instructions are easy to follow, and the techniques are basic. Even if you're new to quilting, you'll be able to create this adorable quilt.
How long does it take to make the Floppy Deer Cat quilt?
The time it takes will vary depending on your sewing speed and experience. However, with a little dedication, you can realistically complete this project within a weekend or a few evenings.