How to make a tail (costume)

1. Materials & tools

Materials (For one tail)

• Main fabric (boa, faux fur or felt) — a scrap about (length + 10 cm) square
• Polyester stuffing — a handful
• A safety pin, or tape / a clip for a belt loop
• Sewing thread

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 “Accessories” → “Tail (costume)” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the length, base width and curve. Presets for cat, dog and devil. Set the curve to 0 for a straight tail.
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. Decide the shape
   A larger curve gives a cat's curl; near zero gives a straight devil or dog tail. Set length and thickness to taste.
2. Cut
   Cut two of the same shape. With boa or fur, keep the nap running the same way (flowing toward the tip) for a clean finish.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the two layers

1. Put the two pieces right sides together and sew all around except the base.
2. Clip the seam allowance on the curves and the narrow tip so it does not pull when turned.

4-2. Turn and stuff

1. Turn right side out through the base opening. Push the narrow tip out with an awl or a chopstick.
2. Stuff a little at a time, from the tip. Overstuffing straightens the curve, so check the shape as you go.

4-3. Add a fastening

1. Fold the base seam allowance in and close it.
2. Add a safety pin, a clip, or a loop of tape so it attaches to trousers or a skirt.

✏️ With long-pile boa, tuck the pile inward as you sew so it does not catch in the seam — the tail comes out full and fluffy when turned.

5. Tips & variations

• Change the animal: short and thick for a squirrel, thin and long for a devil, stripes for a tiger or raccoon.
• Match the cat ears: make the cat-ear headband (separate pattern) in the same fabric for a set.
• Contrast the tip: a different fabric at the tip reads as a white-tipped fox or cat.