Does anyone remember this Disney short Figaro and Cleo? I loved it as a child (and an adult).
“I just can’t eat that itty, bitty fish 🐟…”
It has absolutely no bearing on today’s post, I just thought it was sort of apt since I’m adding cat pockets to my Cleo pinafore today! And I now can’t get that song out of my head…
So here’s my black Cleo pinafore! It’s not needlecord like I wanted it to be by the way, it just kind of looks like it. It’s some weird heavyweight velvet like thing of unknown quality that I got in Singapore but it seemed perfect for this project!
This Cleo is slightly different to the one I made before in that this is the final, off-the-shelf version, not the tester version so there are some ever so slight differences. Not that anyone else would notice!
My main addition to this version though, are these cat pockets! I’ll show you how to make them too if you want to have some cats of your very own – just follow the tutorial at the bottom!
How cute are these? I’ve made one grumpy and one happy. I figured there was no way I was going to end up making them identical so I might as well give them character!
Cat pocket tutorial
What you’ll need:
Fabric
Lining
A contrast topstitch thread
Any decorative extras (fabric paint, coloured threads etc) if wanted
Got your bits? Good, let’s go!
- Draw out your cat shape or download my version here
- Cut out 2 cats in your fabric and 2 in a lining
- Right sides together, sew 1cm from the edge all the way around, leaving a small gap at the base (between the notches on the pattern piece).
- Turn your cats right side around and press, making sure all the edges are neat. Tuck in the excess fabric at your opening and press that flat too.
- Add on your cat’s features! You could do this with fabric paint, machine embroidery, hand stitches – the choice is yours! I’ve done mine with a straight stitch on the machine with upholstery thread.
- Topstitch 3-4mm from the edge all the way around
- Place your pockets in position and pin.
- Stitch carefully 2mm from the edge of the pocket from tip of the ear to tip of the ear
Ta-da! Cat pockets!
Of course these aren’t just limited to Cleos. These pockets will go on pretty much anything! Where else would you put your cat pockets?
23 Comments
Lovely! The cat pockets are adorable, great idea!
Thanks! 🙂
OMG those cats pockets are EVERYTHING! I love how they don’t match – it makes the outfit more interesting. Now I need to go put cats on everything!
I’m doing the same! Cat pockets on everything!!
*runs off to cat pocket her entire wardrobe* (and purses and omg everything) <3
What a wonderful, creative idea! I can imagine doing those pockets on a handbag, jacket or kids’ clothes, too!
Thanks! They’re perfect for adding abbot of whimsy to any item!
How cute are these? – Very! I love that you did smiley cat and grumpy cat.
Thanks! Though to be fair it’s probably easier to do two different ones than two of the same!
What a great looking pockets. Thanks for sharing the idea and the tutorial.
Loving Cleo too – just bought it yesterday and it’s whoosing up my sewing list!
It’s definitely worth putting it up there! It’s a very satisfying make!
Looks great! Just a thought with the fabric, is it uncut cord, i.e.corduroy before it’s been trimmed into stripes?
Possibly? I’m not sure the pile is thick enough for that but I really don’t know!
Those are amazing pockets! What a great idea! Thanks, fellow cat lady!
Haha, thanks!!
Great idea for the cute pockets, they really make the dress different😃
Thanks! 🙂
Love these pockets , they are super cute , purrfect for the Cleo and would look great on back pockets , giving a smile or a scowl to anyone watching your rear!
Haha, that’s a good idea! Scowling cats if anyone’s looking at your behind!
Those are the CUTEST POCKETS EVER! It’s even better because they aren’t the same. I’m also impressed at how well the stitching stands out on them.