10 cat quilt patterns to make

Create the cutest kitty portrait using clever FPP cat quilt pattern, plus 10 more cat quilt patterns, free or to buy online

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Jo Carter

Sophia Cano

Published: April 7, 2022 at 7:26 am

Is there anything cuter than a cat? Yep, a cat quilt pattern, free for you to make! The lovely Jo Carter originally designed this cat quilt block for Love Patchwork & Quilting (check out their latest issue for more cute quilts) but now it's here on Gathered just for you. You'll love the level of detail you can achieve with Foundation Paper Piecing: the technique allows you to create his sweet face and green eyes, making him look more realistic. Stitch this little kitty quilt for yourself or give it to a cat-lover in your life – you could even change the cats colouring to match their pet.

If you're new to the world of quilting, don't worry, you can still sew this little fella. Just head over to our quilting for beginners guide for technical help and our best sewing machine for quilting round-up for detailed machine reviews. Or, treat yourself to a long arm quilting machine. But for now, it's time to hand over to Jo and her cat quilt pattern! Don't forget to check out our pick of 10 more cat quilt patterns you can find online – you'll find this underneath Jo's brilliant cat quilt block instructions.

You will need

  • Background fabric: one (1) fat quarter
  • White fabric (ears and muzzle) 8in square
  • Grey cat fabric: 14in square
  • Light brown box fabric (Fabric A) 16in square
  • Beige box fabric (Fabric B) 12in square
  • Medium brown box fabric (Fabric C) 14in square
  • Dark brown box fabric (Fabric D) 14in square
  • Green scrap (eyes) 5in square
  • Black scrap (eyes) 2in square
  • Pink scrap (nose) approx 1½ in square
  • Backing fabric: 17in square
  • Batting: 17in square
  • Binding fabric: ¼yd
  • One copy each of Cat Section A–M templates

Finished size

15½ in square

Notes

  • Seam allowance is 1/4in throughout, unless otherwise noted.
  • Press seams to the side, unless otherwise instructed.
  • Templates include seam allowances around the outer edge only.
  • Download templates from Love Patchwork & Quilting templates issue 60 (Peek a boo templates)
  • FPP = Foundation Paper Piecing.
  • WST = wrong sides together.
  • WOF = width of fabric.

Fabrics Used

  • Grey cat fabric is Knock On Wood in Light Grey by Deena Rutter for Riley Blake Designs.
  • Background fabric is Twinkle in Snow/ Night Sky, Eat, Drink and Be Ugly by Sandy Gervais for Moda.
  • Fabric B is Spectrum Solid in Beige by Makower. Fabrics A, C, D and scraps are all Kona Cotton Solids by Robert Kaufman:
  • Fabric A: Parchment.
  • Fabric C: Honey.
  • Fabric D: Biscuit.
  • Scraps are Snow, Peapod, Black and Primrose.
  • Find the full collection of Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids at Wool Warehouse (woolwarehouse.co.uk)

Layout Diagram

Cat Quilt Pattern

You will need:

  • Fabric
  • Batting
  • Binding

Cutting out

Step 1

From the background fabric cut:

  • Two (2) 14in x 2¼in strips.
  • Two (2) 15½in x 1½in strips.

Step 2

From the binding fabric cut:

  • Two (2) 2½in x WOF strips.

Step 3

From the remaining fabric, using the templates and referring to the Layout Diagram, cut out fabric for each section of templates A–M. Make sure each piece is at least ¼in larger than the section they cover, all the way around. Note, the Layout Diagram is a reverse image of the completed block. Box fabrics A–D are also marked to indicate colours.

Step 4

Take one Cat Section A template and one Section A1 fabric piece. Place the fabric right side up on the unprinted side of the template against Section A1. Make sure that it covers the whole section plus at least ¼in all the way around. Pin in place, making sure not to pin along the seam line between Sections A1 and A2.

Step 5

Take a Section A2 fabric piece and place it right side down on top of the Section A1 fabric piece, matching up the raw edges on the side where Sections A1 and A2 will be joined and making sure that when folded back along the seam line, Section A2 will be covered by the fabric plus at least ¼in all round. Pin in place.

Step 6

Turn the template over to the printed side and, using a short stitch length (we recommend 1.5mm), stitch along the marked line between Sections A1 and A2. Check that when pressed open, the fabric will cover all of Section A2, plus ¼in all the way around.

Step 7

Fold the template away from the seam and trim to ¼in. Fold the template back, turn the work over to the fabric side, flip Section A2 open and then press.

Step 8

Repeat steps 5–7 to piece the remaining sections on the template in numerical order. Carefully trim the finished pieced template along the dotted seam allowance line on the template.

Step 9

Repeat steps 4–8 to piece template Sections B–M (Templates G, K and M are unpieced but need to be cut to size).

Step 10

Piece the templates together as follows, matching points and ends of sections as shown. Return your stitch length to its normal length, join sections, remove paper from seam only and press seams open.

Step 11

cat quilt pattern figure 1 and 2

Join Sections D and C, then join Section E to the bottom (Fig 1). Join Section F to the left of this pieced section (Fig 2).

Step 12

cat quilt pattern figure 3

Join Sections A and B. Join this to the bottom of the pieced segment from the previous step. Then join Section G to the top (Fig 3), to complete the right hand side.

Step 13

cat quilt pattern figure 4 and 5

Join Sections H and I (Fig 4), then join Section J to the right side. Add Section K to the top (Fig 5).

Step 14

cat quilt pattern figure 6

Join Section L to the bottom of the pieced section from the previous step. Then join Section K to the top (Fig 6), to complete the left hand side.

Step 15

cat quilt pattern figure 7 and 8

Join the left and right hand sides together along the centre, carefully matching points and block ends. Remove the paper templates from the back of the block and press.

Step 16

Take the 14in x 2¼ in background fabric strips and sew one to the top and the other to the bottom of the block. Join the 15½in x 1½in strips to either side to finish the quilt top.

Step 17

Press the quilt top and backing well. Make a quilt sandwich by placing the backing fabric right side down, the batting on top, then quilt top centrally and right side up. Baste the layers together.

Step 18

Quilt as desired. Jo quilted triangles across the background and straight lines on the box. Leaving the box flaps un-quilted makes the design stand out.

Step 19

Trim off the excess batting and backing fabric and square up to 15½ in square.

Step 20

Join the binding strips together end to end using diagonal seams. Press the seams open and trim away the dog ears then press in half lengthwise, WST.

Step 21

With the raw edges aligned, sew the binding to the front of the quilt, folding a mitre at each corner.

Step 22

Bring the folded edge of the binding to the back of the quilt and hand stitch in place to finish

We hope you enjoyed sewing Jo’s cat quilt pattern. For more sweet quilting projects check out our round-up of quilt kits for beginners and our free English paper piecing templates. 

More cat quilting patterns…

Cats – we love ’em! And apparently, we’re not the only ones: cat quilt blocks are on the rise – and who’s surprised? These cute, cuddly creatures make the perfect addition to a cosy quilt. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to recreate in quilt form, with various designers crafting up clever ways to depict their iconic triangular ears and cute button noses. If Jo’s pattern has got you in the mood for some more cat quilts, read on…

If you’d like to hop on this quilty trend and piece your very own cats quilt pattern, we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to expand your quilty skillset with a Foundation Paper Pieced feline, or you’re after a traditionally pieced cat quilt block that commemorates your favourite furry friend, there are plenty of projects out there for all you cat-loving quilters. Luckily for you, we’ve narrowed down the options to present to you the ten best cat quilt patterns, so you can get started on your next kitty quilt project right meow!

 

  1. Kitten Around by Pen and Paper Patterns

In this adorable cat quilt block, four fun-loving cats engage in a familiar pastime: playing with balls of yarn! Emulate the sprawled wool with wiggly quilted lines, and capture the playful feel of these cheeky cats with bunting-like Half-square Triangles around the border. The Kitten Around quilt pattern by Pen and Paper Patterns combines conventional piecing with a spot of Foundation Paper Piecing for the kitten’s whiskers, making it a great skill-builder for intermediate level quilters. If you’re after a speedier make, why not piece just one block to make the perfect pillow or mini?

A cats quilting pattern showing 5 cats arranged in a square at 90 degrees to each other

2. FPP Cat Quilt Block by Jo Hart

If you’ve got a mischievous pet in your life that frequently causes chaos, this peaceful sleeping cat quilt block will be a sight for sore eyes. You’ll be able to hone your Foundation Paper Piecing skills and develop your confidence due to the detailed instructions in this beginner-friendly project. Find this, the second block in Jo Hart’s Home Sweet Home Block of the Month series, in issue 100 of Love Patchwork & Quilting magazine, available now as a digital issue on Zinio, Apple News, Google Play or the LP&Q App.

Foundation Paper Pieced grey cat block of the month

3. Smitten Kitten by Sew Fresh Quilts

Raid the fat quarters in your fabric stash for this scrap-happy Smitten Kitten quilt pattern by Sew Fresh Quilts! You’ll be able to flaunt your favourite fabrics and showcase a range of different prints with this colourful, versatile cats quilting pattern, available in two different sizes depending on how large a gang of cats you want to stitch up. Traditional piecing and clear, comprehensive instructions make this detailed quilt deceptively simple, even for quilting beginners!

fat quarter friendly cat quilt

4. I Love Cats by Jedi Craft Girl

We ‘heart’ this wholesome cat quilt by Jedi Craft Girl. It’s aptly named the ‘I Love Cats’ quilt… so do we Amanda, so do we! This easy-piece, fat quarter friendly cats quilting pattern comes with three versatile designs to choose from: one features sweet gingham hearts punctuating the cat blocks, then there’s the spooky Halloween-themed version with pumpkins instead of hearts, and witchy black cats! Plus, there’s a third Christmas version in festive red and blue, featuring rows and rows of Christmas tree ornaments. The hardest part about piecing this quilt will be choosing which design to go for!

A cats quilting pattern featuring 12 cats shapes is hung from a garden gazebo

5. Spring Kitty FPP Block by Center Street Quilts

Spring has sprung and what better way to celebrate it than with a sweet Foundation Paper Pieced kitty? The Spring Kitty FPP Block by Center Street Quilts features an adorable kitten peeking out of a plant pot, along with two beautifully blooming flowers. This project will be a fun, simple undertaking for anyone with an intermediate understanding of FPP who’s looking for a quick project with an adorable outcome. The cat quilt block would look great on a cushion cover or table runner – alternatively, why not make multiple blocks to piece a paw-fect quilt or mini?

kitten cat flower tulip foundation paper pieced block

6. Animal Magic by Jo Hart

Mix Foundation Paper Piecing with appliqué techniques to create this sweet cat block by Jo Hart. You can use up even the smallest scraps from your stash to piece this pawsome pal – plus, get creative with any mixture of blenders, prints and solids that you have to hand in order to give your kitty some personality and make it truly unique! The fun doesn’t stop there, as this cats quilting pattern includes four other adorable animals for you to stitch, including a dog, a rabbit, and a sheep. You can find Animal Magic in issue 95 of Love Patchwork & Quilting, available as a digital issue on Zinio, Apple News, Google Play or the LP&Q App.

foundation paper piecing applique cat

7. Tic Tac Cat by Polka Dot Chair

We’re not playing games when we say we absolutely adore this Tic Tac Cat quilt by Polka Dot Chair! This cats quilting pattern was designed by Melissa to go with her Chloe and Friends fabric collection for Riley Blake Designs, which is filled with sweet illustrations of Chloe, her daughter’s first cat, as well as a variety of fragrant florals and prints in pastel pinks and blues. You can mix and match the four different quilt blocks provided in this pattern to create your own version that’s uniquely yours. Take your pick from the cute cat quilt block, the cross block and the heart block – plus there’s a spooky witch’s hat block if you’re opting for a Halloween theme!

looking like a tic tac toe board this quilt has cat quilt books and crosses blocks

8. Scaredy Cat FPP Block by Tomte Studio

Boo! You’ll be able to master any fears you may have of Foundation Paper Piecing by piecing this impressive Scaredy Cat FPP quilt block by Tomte Studio. Perfect for those at an intermediate FPP skill level, this detailed cat quilt block gives off strong spooky vibes, making it an ideal addition to your yearly Halloween decorations! You can piece it into a pillow or mini quilt on its own, or browse Tomte Studio’s wide variety of Halloween FPP blocks – including a pumpkin, a bat and a mummy – to piece a hauntingly cute holiday quilt. a black cat with arched back features in this cat quilt block

9. Here Kitty Kitty by Reb’s Fab Stash

Here Kitty Kitty by Reb’s Fab Stash is an adorable cat-filled quilt featuring four rows of sweet furry friends! Repeated fabrics throughout the quilt create cohesion across the blocks, but each cat’s face can be made with slightly different fabric combinations, allowing for fun and creativity in your piecing process – and resulting in a totally unique quilt, made exactly to your tastes! This pattern pairs perfectly with the Woof Woof Meow fabric collection by Stacy Iest Hsu for Moda Fabrics, due to its variety of playful prints featuring dogs, cats and pet toys.

a cat quilt block with 12 cat faces in different colours and patterns

 

 

 

Jo Carter

Designer Maker

Jo worked for ten years as a soft toy designer turning company characters into soft toys ready for factory production. Whilst taking time out with her two sons she rediscovered her love of all sewing, and especially toy-making. She drinks tea by the litre and her work has been fearured in Simply Sewing and Love Patchwork and Quilting magazines. Her soft toy designs have won her an army of fans and she’s also appeared on Sewing Quarter TV. She sells a collection of her toy designs and kits in her Folksy store. Find her on Instagram @jo2owls.

Sophia Cano

Production Editor, Love Patchwork & Quilting

Keen crafter and editing aficionado Sophia loves to keep tabs on the latest trends in modern quilting and work with leading quilt designers worldwide to produce top quality content for Love Patchwork & Quilting magazine. Sophia feels at home in the crafting community, having successfully run an indie biz on Instagram selling hand-embroidered hoops, t-shirts and tote bags alongside studying for her degree from UCL in History of Art & Philosophy and running her university magazine as editor-in-chief. When she’s not busy editing, she’s probably embroidering at home, snuggled up in a jumper knitted by her abuela, or a blanket crocheted by her mum (evidence of her lineage from a long line of amazing crafty women).
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