18 free cat cross stitch patterns

Stitching cats might just be one of our all favourite crafts! We adore our furry friends, so they make the purr-fect inspiration for a cross stitch project. These adorable cat cross stitch patterns are available to download for free, so you can stitch your favourite, or stitch all of them!

The patterns have been created by a variety of talented designers. Our wonderful selection of cat cross stitch patterns includes three designs by Durene Jones. Ten designs by Kate Mawdsley, a free Christmas cat cross stitch pattern from Rhona Norrie, a set of 4 cat cross stitch patterns for cards, plus a bonus cat cross stitch from Durene Jones and a birthday cat cross stitch pattern designed by Jenny Barton.

These patterns are suitable for beginners, but if you are new to cross stitching you can always check out our how to cross stitch guide. Once you're done stitching all these adorable kitties, find your next project from our huge library of free cross stitch patterns.

1. Cute cat cross stitch (set of 3) by Durene Jones

This quirky trio of cats was designed by Durene Jones for The World of Cross Stitching issue 238.

Factbox:

• Stitching Time - Approx. 26 hours
• Type of Stitches - Cross stitch, backstitch
• Ease of Stitching - Beginner

What you'll need:

• Zweigart* 14-count white aida measuring 23x23cm (6x6in) for the picture, 18x18cm (7x7in) for the card and 20x15cm (8x6in) for the sachet
• Stranded cotton as listed in the key
• Size 24 tapestry needle - Find out more about cross stitch needle sizes.
• Square aperture card
• A frame of your choice with a minimum aperture of 13x13cm (15x15in)
• Backing fabric of your choice
• Ribbon of your choice.

Download the cat cross stitch pattern

Click the link to download the cat cross stitch pattern. The download is three patterns and an accompanying key.

Make a scented bag

• Gently wash and press your finished stitching. Trim to make a patch, leaving a border of three aida blocks. Fray one block all around, with tweezers, for the fringe.
• Cut your fabric for the sachet, around 45x10cm (18x4in). Fold in half and press, as a guide for centring your cat patch. Pin this to the unfolded sachet front - it should be about 10-12cm (4-5in) down from the short edge. Machine or hand-sew in place.
• Turn over and pin a double hem measuring 1cm (¾in), on both top edges, and sew. With right sides facing, re-fold the sachet along your initial pressed line and pin the edges. Sew using a 2cm (1in) seam allowance.
• Turn through and stuff firmly with wadding and add a few drops of essential oil or lavender. Finish by tying the top with a length of coordinating ribbon.

2. Free cat cross stitch patterns (set of 10) by Kate Mawdsley

These cat cross stitch patterns were originally featured in Cross Stitch Crazy issue 201, but are available for you to download for free from Gathered. These 10 motifs, designed by Kate Mawdsley for Cross Stitch Crazy magazine are the perfect size for a cross stitch card or another small gift item. With 10 sweet cat cross stitch patterns to choose from, there are plenty of motifs to use for both of these! We've included suggested colours in the key, but please do swap in different threads to make the designs even more like your own pets.

Download the 10 free cat cross stitch patterns

3. Christmas cat cross stitch pattern

From his sweet backstitch whiskers to those big white paws, this festive feline will make you feel all warm and fuzzy. We think this Christmas cat cross stitch pattern is purr-fect for sending your season’s greetings to a loved one. Here we’ve patched the design onto a square single-fold card, with some complementary backing paper.

Designed by Rhona Norrie, Santa Kitty originally appeared in issue 249 of The World of Cross Stitching).

About the Christmas cat cross stitch pattern

• Stitch count: 22 high x 22 wide
• Design area: 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 4x4cm (1½x1½in)
• This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton

Download the Christmas cat cross stitch pattern

Click the link to download the free Christmas cat cross stitch pattern. The download is an A4 PDF with the Christmas cat cross stitch pattern and accompanying key.

4. Birthday cat cross stitch pattern

Stitch this oh-so-cute cat cross stitch card to brighten up a loved one’s birthday! Taking only a few hours to stitch, you’ll rustle one up in no time. Then, simply patch onto a single-fold card for a fast finish. You could also stitch the smaller furry feline to make a gift tag, too.

Designed by Jenny Barton, this originally appeared in issue 216 of The World of Cross Stitching. Visit www.jbcrossstitch.com to view more of Jenny's cross stitch designs. And for more projects to make for a special birthday, check out The World of Cross Stitching magazine.

About the birthday cat cross stitch pattern

• Fabric Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in)
• Thread Stranded cotton as listed in the key
• Needle Size 24 tapestry needle
• Extras Single-fold, deckle-edge card, Backing paper of your choice

Download the birthday cat cross stitch pattern

Click the link to download the birthday cat cross stitch pattern. This is an A4 PDF with birthday cat cross stitch pattern, key, information and subscription offer.

5. Pet cat cross stitch pattern

This lovely design of Theo the cat was designed by Durene Jones from the Pet of the Month column in The World of Cross Stitching issue 271. Do you have a grey ands white cat like Theo? Then download this cat cross stitch pattern!

About the Theo cat cross stitch pattern

• Stitching Time Approx. 5 hours
• Type of Stitches Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots
• Ease of Stitching Advanced beginner

Download the Theo cat cross stitch pattern

Click to download the Theo cat cross stitch pattern. The download is an A4 PDF with cat cross stoic pattern, accompanying key and the request letter from Theo's owner.

6. Cat cross stitch patterns for cards

Look at the adorable cluster of cats in a cup! This gorgeous cat cross stitch pattern is designed by Durene Jones! This set of 4 cats cross stitch patterns for cards was originally published as part of a chartbook that came with The World of Cross Stitching issue 292. Besides the adorable cat teacup in the pictures, you'll also find lots of other delightful cat cross stitch patterns! Look out for the cat with a balloon, cats with wool and an 'I Love Cats' cross stitch pattern - perfect for any cat lover.

To see more of Durene's designs, visit her Etsy store.

About the cat cross stitch patterns for cards

• Stitching Time Approx. 6-10 hours each
• Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch
• Ease of Stitching Beginner

Download the cat cross stitch patterns for cards

Click to download the cat cross stitch patterns for cards. The download is an A4 PDF with 2 pages, with 4 cats cross stitch patterns and an accompanying key. Please note that the original chart book for this design came with 3 free charms, and you'll see suggestions on these cats cross stitch patterns for where to attach charms. The charms are not necessary to complete these designs.

7. Cat cross stitch card by Rhona Norrie

Make this little paper poppet for any tots you know, whether it’s to say happy birthday or to celebrate them going to pre-school. This cute kitty has big eyes, a soft smile and a squidgy nose. Best of all, you can bring this cross stitch cat to life with a special stand at the back – just follow the cutting and folding lines on the chart, then slot them together.

If you haven’t stitched on perforated paper before then you’ll love trying out this new material. You may feel like you have to handle the paper more carefully than fabric, but it’s actually quite sturdy and fun to stitch on - perfect for making three-dimensional shaped cards like our animal crew. Using cross stitch and backstitch, it’ll take just a few evenings to stitch this card. Simply follow our ‘how to’ guide to create the shapes, then line up the paper pets on a child’s bedroom shelf, stand back and say ‘aw’!

About the cat cross stitch patterns for cards

• Stitching Time Approx. 12-15 hours
• Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch
• Ease of Stitching Beginner

Download the cat cross stitch patterns for cards

Find the lovely cat cross stitch pattern, plus an alphabet for personalisation.

This adorable cat cross stitch was originally published in issue 302 of The World of Cross Stitching and designed by Rhona Norrie, as part of a set of 4 cards.

How to use your cat cross stitch patterns

Looking for some ideas to present your stitched cat cross stitch motifs? Make a fabric tag with ourHow to make a fabric tag guide, or present a fancy card with our How to mount cross stitch in a triple fold card guide. If you'd rather make your own aperture card, see ourHow to make a DIY cross stitch card post, or make a quick and easy gift with our How to display cross stitch in a hoop tutorial.

If you loved the cat cross stitch and want to take on more projects why not add some cosy decor to your home, try this lovely durene jones cross stitch and create a beautiful fox. A fan of the oranges and browns of autumn? You’ll love these autumn cross stitch patterns. If you are thinking of getting someone you love a gift, get them started on this lovely craft with these beautiful modern cross stitch kits. More of a dog person, we've got you covered! try these cute dog cross stitch patterns. We have plenty more free cross stitch patterns available right here on Gathered.