How to Sew a Cloak for Your Cat

Does your cat need an extra layer for warmth because he has less fur or poor temperature control due to aging or illness? Sewing a cloak for your cat is a straightforward task, and you'll be able to do it easily by following these instructions and images for a simple fleece cat coat.

1. Familiarize yourself with sewing. This is important, as to sew this cloak correctly, you'll need how to do basic sewing.
2. 

    Measure your cat's height from the top of his back to where you want the bottom of the cloak to be.
   Measure your cat's height from the top of his back to where you want the bottom of the cloak to be. Double this and add 1/2" to the height for sewing seams and the width of the cat's back. Write down the outcome as "length" on a piece of paper.
3. 

    Measure your cat's length from the chest to back by the tail.
   Measure your cat's length from the chest to back by the tail. Double this and add 1/2" (1.27cm) to the length for sewing seams. Write down the new measurement on the same sheet of paper as "width".
4. 

    Measure all the way around the cat's neck.
   Measure all the way around the cat's neck. Add 2" (5cm) to the measurement. Whatever the measurement outcome is, that's how much elastic you'll need. You'll also need to write the measurement down to avoid forgetting it. You'll also need to allow enough additional elastic to make ties for the elastic, so it's better to get too much than too little. If you have a piece exactly that size, stitch non-elastic grosgrain ribbon or seam binding ties to the ends.
5. Using the piece of paper with the measurements as a "list", go shopping and buy all the necessities. Double check the list before you leave the store to ensure all of the supplies.
   • The height x length is the amount of fabric you'll need.
6. 

    From the measurement around the cat's neck, draw a circle on paper to represent the neck.
   From the measurement around the cat's neck, draw a circle on paper to represent the neck. It's better for the coat to be a bit loose than too small.
7. 

    Cut out the bottom right quarter of the circle (mentioned above) like in a pie diagram.
   Cut out the bottom right quarter of the circle (mentioned above) like in a pie diagram. You'll need this in the upcoming step.
8. 

    Lay out the fabric folded in half horizontally.
   Lay out the fabric folded in half horizontally. If it's wrinkled, then iron it. Pin the 1/4 of a circle onto the top left corner.
9. Cut around the paper (on the fabric) as if it were a pattern. Try to make is as smooth a quarter circle as ever.
10. Using a sewing machine, sew seams 1/4" (0.63cm) on the main piece of fabric. When you reach the neck area, do a 1/2" (1.27cm) seam and don't sew directly next to the edge of the fold; instead try to sew next to the edge, but not too close or the stitching will come out. If you use a zigzag stitch, you can go right to the edge and the width of the stitch inwards - this is very secure and prevents unraveling.
11. 

     Clip the safety pin onto the edge of the elastic and thread this through the space in-between the seam of the neck.
    Clip the safety pin onto the edge of the elastic and thread this through the space in-between the seam of the neck.
12. 

     The finished product
    Secure the outfit onto your cat and tie the elastic together. Enjoy!

• If you your cat will be using this for warmth, try using a thick wool instead of flannel. Also, you could try lining it with a liner, and covering the wool in a waterproof-canvas too, if your cat is going to be out in the weather.

• Even though most cats will be able to get this off if they don't like it, do not tie it too tight! If you tie it too tight, you cat could get choked. Instead, try sewing on a band of snug, thick, elastic around the belly of this cloak too, to help it stay on the cat.
• Some cats just sit there with clothing on, and they won't enjoy it. Make it perfect for them.

• Cat
• 1/3" (0.84cm) wide elastic
• Ribbon (optional)
• Fabric (any color, fleece works well)- use wool for warmth
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine (with accessories like thread)
• Sewing shears
• Piece of paper
• Pen or pencil
• Fabric marker
• Safety pin