How to make cat clothes (tank top)

1. Materials & tools

Materials (a standard cat)

• Fabric (jersey knit, smooth knit, cotton) — about 30 × 40 cm (12 × 16 in)
• Bias tape or rib knit for the neck and front-leg openings — enough for each circumference

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Pets” → “Cat clothes (tank top)” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the chest, body length, belly length, neck, front-leg position, front-leg width and ease, or pick a kitten / standard / large preset. Recommended seam allowance 0.7 cm.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Cut the back panel
   Cut one back panel — a trapezoid that's narrow at the neck and wider at the rear.
2. Cut the belly panel
   Cut one belly panel — shorter than the back, with large front-leg cut-outs.
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or overlock the seam edges of each piece.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the sides

1. Place the back and belly panels right sides together and sew both sides (behind the front-leg openings).
2. Press the seams open or to one side.

4-2. Finish the neckline

1. Measure the neckline and cut bias tape or rib into a loop about 85–90% of the neckline length.
2. Sew it on while stretching slightly, then press the seam allowance inward.

4-3. Finish the front-leg openings

1. Sew bias tape or rib around each front-leg opening, easing it along the curve without pulling.

4-4. Hem

1. Triple-fold the hem, press, and topstitch 2 mm from the edge.

5. Tips & variations

• Easy on and off: widen the neck a little, or add buttons/snaps at the back. Never force it — start with short sessions.
• How to measure: take the chest at the widest point just behind the front legs, and the body length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Allow at least 5 cm of ease.
• Have fun with prints: stripes or florals look great; use lightweight interfacing for comfort.