How to make a cat tail

Put some real sparkle into playtime by making cute cat costumes for kids. Here's how to make a cat tail and cat mask ready for Halloween.

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Published: October 5, 2020 at 9:30 am

Put some real sparkle into playtime by making cute cat costumes for kids. Here's how to make a cat tail and here's a cat mask template free!

Ever wondered how to make a cat tail? Yep, we know it's the costume every wants to make this DIY costume for Halloween. Make a cat mask and flying superhero mask and cape in Mollie Makes 60 (available on the Mollie Makes app). Whip up the cat tail following the method below, then complete the look following the cat mask instructions in the magazine. It’s incredibly easy to sew up too, making a great last minute stocking filler.

Try adding tiger stripes or use different coloured fabric to customise your tail. If you decide to use felt for this project do bear in mind that felt doesn’t wash as well as fabric.

The templates should fit two-to-ten-year-olds, but you may need to scale up or down to fit. If in doubt, take a quick copy and mock up the mask in paper first, cutting out the eyes for size.

If you're looking for more spooky seasonal outfits, check out our list of 35 DIY Halloween costumes that are easy to make – there's a great selection for both adults and children. You can also get ready for a Halloween party or trick or treating with our 27 DIY Halloween decoration ideas to make at home and set the scene with our how to carve a pumpkin for beginners guide. We've also got 40 easy Halloween crafts for kids so you can get the whole family involved. Looking for a cute sewing project? Try our bat plush pattern.

Are you into crochet or knitting? Then take a look at our Top 15 free Halloween crochet patterns or our Halloween knitting patterns: 4 Halloween patterns to knit.

projects shot in the studio

projects shot in the studio

You will need

• Sewing pins • 2 pieces of soft black fabric, 44 x 30cm (We used brushed cotton moleskin but felt also works well.) • Cat tail and cat mask template • Tailor’s chalk or pencil • Sewing machine • Matching sewing threads • Scissors • 60cm length of 2.5cm wide elastic • 2 x Velcro squares 2cm • Soft toy stuffing • Fabric scraps or ribbon for the bow • Needle • Jingle bell

How to make a cat tail

You will need:

  • Stuffing
  • Needle
  • Velcro
  • Fabric scraps
  • Scissors
  • Fabric
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Chalk
  • Elastic

Step 1

How to make a cat tail step 1

Pin the two pieces of black fabric together right sides facing. Print and cut the paper cat tail template and pin the tail shape to the fabric. Trace around the tail shape using Tailor’s chalk then add a 1cm seam allowance. To do this, simply draw a second outline 1cm from the first one.

Step 2

How to make a cat tail step 2

Sew along the first outline, taking care to lock stitch or reverse stitch at the start and end to secure your sewing.
Cut out the tail shape along the second outline making sure you don’t cut the stitching. Clip the curves of the tail in places up to 2mm from the stitching to allow the tail to turn evenly. Turn.

 

Step 3

Cut the elastic in half (or measure to fit your little hero). Fold the raw end of elastic 0.5cm, place the Velcro square on top and sew in place. Do the same with the other piece of elastic and Velcro square.

Step 4

How to make a cat tail step 4

Fill the tail with soft toy stuffing all the way to the end. This part is fiddly but will achieve a great result. Folding the raw edge of the tail in 1cm, pin the raw elastic ends inside and sew shut.

Step 5

How to make a cat tail step 5
How to make a cat tail step 6
How to make a cat tail step 7
How to make a cat tail step 8
How to make a cat tail step 9

To make the bow: cut a square of gold fabric 6 x 6cm. Fold in half and sew along the raw edges leaving a gap to turn. Turn. Sew two lines in the middle of the bow using a large setting on your machine (we used size 4), and pull the thread tails to gather. Using a needle and thread, stitch the bow on to the tail near the elastic and add a jingle bell.

 

Complete the look and make the cat mask. Download your free cat mask template. For the full instructions turn to page 45 of Mollie Makes 60 available via our app.

Project by Kirsty Hartley

Kirsty’s children’s brand, Wild Things, creates out-of-the-ordinary, everyday clothes that put imagination back into childhood. Her first sewing book, Wild Things Funky Little Clothes to Sew, is available now.