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15 DIY Cat Clothes – Plans & Patterns You Can Make Today (With Pictures)

Rachael Gerkensmeyer

By Rachael Gerkensmeyer

White cat in red clothes

Dressing kitties up in clothes is fun and sometimes necessary. Some cats get cold during the winter months and can use extra protection from the chilly weather. Other cats simply enjoy wearing a shirt or sweater.

You can always buy clothes for your cat, but making cat clothes is a great way to show your love and create a bigger bond with them. Luckily, there are plenty of plans and patterns available for various cat clothes, so you can create a cool wardrobe for your kitty. Here are some plans and patterns that you can start making today.

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The 15 DIY Cat Clothes

1. Simple DIY Sock Onesie by Cole and Marmalade

DIY cat clothes
Image By: Coleandmarmalade
Materials and Tools: An old long sock, scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy

This snuggly DIY sock onesie is sure to keep your kitty warm on chilly days. It was designed to keep cats from licking their incisions after being spayed or neutered, but it can be used at any time as a cute outfit for your feline family member. All you need is a long sock and scissors. After cutting a few strategic holes in the sock, it should fit on your kitty like a glove.


2. Cute DIY Shirt for Kittens by Abuzer Channel

Materials and Tools: An ankle sock, scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy

Kittens look adorable in little shirts, but they tend to mess them up while playing and exploring. So, why not make your kitten a cute shirt out of an ankle sock that is okay to ruin? This DIY kitten shirt project will help you do just that. All you need is an ankle sock, scissors, and about 15 minutes to make your own kitty shirt. Whenever your kitty ruins a shirt that you make, you can simply make another.


3. Unique DIY Cat Hoodie by acetually

Materials and Tools: Material, sewing machine, needles, thread, tape measure, scissors
Difficulty Level: Hard

If you want your cat to wear store-quality clothes, this is the perfect DIY clothing project to consider. This DIY cat hoodie looks like just it came off a department store shelf when complete. Choose your colors and your embellishments, then take measurements and get to sewing. Before you know it, your cat will look like it just got off work.


4. Protective DIY Cat Coat by Oh You Crafty Gal

DIY cat clothes
Image By: ohyoucraftygal
Materials and Tools: Material, tape measure, pencil, sewing machine, needles, thread, scissors
Difficulty Level: Hard

This DIY cat coat is great for winter months when it snows. Whether your cat goes outside or not, this coat will keep them warm so they don’t have to hide away in a bed to stay comfortable. This plan comes complete with a little hood, but the hood can be left off if your cat does like having things on their heads.


5. DIY Cat Onesie by Creature Buffoonery

Materials and Tools: Onesie, scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy

Making a cat outfit out of a baby onesie is a creative and fun way to dress up your cat. All you need is a baby onesie, some scissors, and a little bit of imagination. To start, choose a onesie in a color that you think will look good on your cat. Then, cut a hole out of the part of the onesie that covers the diaper for your cat’s tail. Next, cut the ends of the sleeves off to make them a little wider.


6. Patriotic DIY Cat Hankie by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

DIY Cat Outfits- Sew A Patriotic Cat-Kerchief
Image Credit: Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

Materials and Tools: Sewing machine, sewing needles, cotton fabric, pencil, measuring tape
Difficulty Level: Easy with sewing experience

This cat hankie is a fun and easy DIY project that can be completed by anyone with basic sewing skills. To start, choose a fabric that you like and cut it into a square shape. Then, fold the fabric in half and sew the edges together, leaving a small opening. Turn the fabric right side out and stitch up the opening. Next, fold the corners of the square towards the center to create a diamond shape. Fold the top corner down towards the bottom corner and stitch it in place to create a triangle shape. Your cat handkerchief is now ready to use or give as a gift!


7. DIY Cat Hoodie w/ Ears by Mey Lynn

DIY Cat & Dog Clothes - Pikachu, Hoodies & More!
Image Credit: Mey Lynn

Materials and Tools: Hoodie fabric, sewing machine, sewing needles, tape measure, pencil
Difficulty Level: Easy

This cat hoodie requires some basic sewing skills, fabric, and a pattern to follow. The first step is to measure the cat’s body to get an accurate size for the hoodie. Then, select the fabric and pattern that best suits the cat’s personality and style. Once the fabric is cut and the pattern pieces are assembled, it’s time to begin sewing. You’ll need good measurements and to pay attention to detail, but anyone can make this cozy and fashionable hoodie for their feline friend.


8. DIY Crochet Cat Sweater by Crochet 365 Knit Too

Crochet Cat Sweater
Image Credit: Crochet 365 Knit Too

Materials and Tools: Yarn, scissors, sewing machine, sewing needles, measuring tape
Difficulty Level: Medium

Crocheting has been a popular hobby for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a relaxing and rewarding way to create beautiful and functional pieces, such as blankets, scarves, and even clothing. One quirky item that you can crochet is a cat sweater with this free pattern. The biggest thing to remember when crocheting is to get the pattern down. Once you do that, you’re good to go. Using soft and colorful yarn, you can design a fun and cozy hoodie for your feline friend. The process of crocheting a cat hoodie involves creating a base pattern and then adding the hood and sleeves. The result is a unique and adorable garment that your cat will love to wear. Check out how to do it here.


9. DIY No-Sew Sweater by Do & Be Different Farmily

Materials and Tools: Cotton-based sweater, scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy

Creating a cute “catfit” for your cat can be achieved by repurposing the sleeves of an old sweater. This DIY project is not only cost-effective, but it also gives new life to your old clothes. First, find a sweater that fits your cat’s body size and cut off both sleeves. Next, trim the edges of the sleeves to create a tapered shape, making sure to leave a small opening for your cat’s front legs. Then, sew the bottom of the sleeves together to create the body of the outfit. Finally, add some finishing touches such as ears and a tail to complete the look. Check out this quick video to see how it’s done.


10. Fitted & Comfy DIY Cat Tee by Esperanza Channel

Style 12 - How to make Cat Clothes | DIY Pet:Cat Clothes | With Pattern
Image Credit: Esperanza Channel

Materials and Tools: Onesie, sewing machine, scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy

If you have a baby onesie and a cat, you can easily transform the former into a custom-made cat tee. First, turn the onesie inside out and cut off the bottom portion, leaving enough fabric to create sleeves. Measure your cat’s neck and arm circumference with a measuring tape and use those measurements to cut out holes for the neck and arms. Then, sew the sides of the onesie together, leaving openings for the legs. Finally, hem the openings and sleeves to create a clean finish. Check out this vid on how to take the measurements and set up your sewing machine.


11. Simple DIY Cat Sweater by Quentin Bengalí

DIY - Cat Sweater
Image Credit: Quentin Bengalí

Materials and Tools: Old sweater (preferably cotton), ruler, scissors,
Difficulty Level: Easy

If you have an old sweater that you’re not wearing anymore, don’t throw it away just yet. You can repurpose it by making a cozy turtleneck for your cat. To start, find a sweater that fits your cat’s body size (from neck to tail) and cut off the sleeves just above the elbow. Turn the sweater inside out and sew the cut ends of the sleeves to the bottom of the neckline to create a turtleneck. Trim off any excess fabric from the ends and simply turn it right side out. And if you want to get a bit fancy, try adding some decorative elements like a bow or buttons.


12. DIY Cat Sock Sweater by Art Craft By Linta

How to Make a DIY clothes from socks|Cat clothes|Art Craft by Linta
Image Credit: Art Craft By Linta

Materials and Tools: Cotton socks, scissors, measuring tape (or ruler)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Here’s another fun idea out of a sock. Making a cat turtleneck out of old socks is not only budget-friendly and super easy to do, it can also be a fun DIY project for cat owners. By cutting the ends off a sock and doing a bit of measuring, you can create a stylish and comfortable turtleneck that your cat will love to wear when colder weather arrives. Feel free to add buttons like in the video or other decorative pieces to make it stand out–it’ll be perfect for those Christmas photos. Plus, since it’s made from old socks, you can feel good about upcycling materials and reducing waste.


13. DIY Foxy Feline Crop Top by Esperanza Channel

Style 25 - How to make Cat Ruffled Crop Top Clothes | DIY Pet:Cat Dress Clothes | With Pattern youtube
Image Credit: Esperanza Channel

Materials and Tools: Fabric, sewing machine, measuring tape, pencil, scissors
Difficulty Level: Hard

Here’s an interesting but challenging project that can be a fun and creative project for fashion enthusiasts. This cat crop top is guaranteed to garner attention from your neighbors and houseguests. Who said cats can’t have style? To begin, select a fabric that is lightweight and suitable for warm weather. Next, create a pattern for the crop top using measurements that fit your body. Once you have the pattern, cut out the fabric and begin sewing the pieces together. To add the ruffles, cut strips of fabric and gather them using a basting stitch. Sew the ruffles onto the crop top in a desired pattern, creating an adorable cat-like appearance. Note that this does require some sewing experience but check out this vid to see how it’s done.


14. Simple DIY Kitten Top from Sock by PushPaws

Cat clothes from socks! PushPaws
Image Credit: PushPaws

Materials and Tools: Sock, scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy

Have a fluffy kitten that you want to keep warm? Well, here’s a simple and quick project to make one that will keep your kitten as toasty as a bun. All you need is a sock, a pair of scissors, and some basic sewing supplies. First, cut off the toe section of the sock and trim it to create two small triangles for the ears. Then, cut two small holes on either side of the sock to create armholes–and done. Doesn’t get any simpler than that. Just remember to make sure that the sock is big enough beforehand by measuring your cat’s torso length and girth.


15. Fancy DIY Feline Cat Dress by Sew Ashley

CAT CLOTHES! | Sewing a Dress For My Cat
Image Credit: Sew Ashley

Materials and Tools: Cotton fabric, sewing machine, pencil, scissors, tape measure
Difficulty Level: Medium

Here’s another cat clothing video from Sew Ashley’s channel. However, this one is a bit more challenging than the previous sweater sleeve shirt. If you’re interested in creating a cute and stylish outfit for your cat, then sewing a simple dress for your female cat is an excellent option. To start, choose a soft and comfortable fabric that will feel good against your cat’s fur. Next, measure your cat’s body to ensure that the dress will fit properly. Create a pattern for the dress by cutting out the fabric according to your cat’s measurements. Sew the pieces together, making sure to leave space for your cat’s legs and tail. Finally, add any embellishments or accessories to make the dress unique and visually appealing.

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Final Thoughts

Not all cats like to wear clothing, but those that do will really enjoy handmade clothes just as much as store-bought options. From super simple to complex, the DIY cat clothing plans and patterns featured on this list are sure to cure your cravings for cuteness while helping your cat stay warm and cozy.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: MabelAmber, Pixabay

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