These bird toys are fantastic for many reasons, whether you just want to make one/some for your own cats/friends cats or to make dozens to exchange for animal charity donations, there are so many possible variations, it can get pretty addictive!

Just follow these easy steps to get started making the basic model and then think about what else you might add...

Step One: Print the design below by taking a screen snip and resizing to your preferred size, I make my birds about 11cm long without tail feathers.

Step Two: Cut out the bird body and the wing shape to use as the template for cutting your material.

Step Three: Meanwhile, make your feather tail attachment using cruelty free decorative feathers, https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=cruelty+free+decorative+feathers&ie=&oe= I use a picture bead http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/kids/kids-craft-activities/picture-beads to hold the feather quills and then glue them into place with a strong non-toxic glue such as superglue.

Step Four: Pin the templates onto your chosen fabric, I use felt because it's soft and easy to stitch by hand, but also doesn't need hemming because the edges don't fray. You can buy sheets of felt from your local fabric shop if you have one, otherwise Hobbycraft stock a very good selection at reasonable prices http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/craft-essentials/craft-blanks-and-bases/felt-and-foam-sheets

Step Four: Cut out two of each shape, I like to use different coloured felt for the body and wings, but you don't have to, it's just personal preference. Draw the eyes on with a non-toxic permanent marker, Sharpie are good for this http://www.sharpie.com/en-GB or if you are feeling particularly keen, you can add the eye in using a couple of stitches of black thread.

Step Five:

Pin and stitch the wings into place using running stitch, I use embroidery thread because it works well with the felt and looks nice. Again, I use contrasting colours, but I don't think my cat really cares....lol.

Step Five: Stitch the two bird shapes together using a running stitch, if you are a bit of crafter (which regretfully I am not) then feel free to use blanket stitch. I usually start at the throat and work my way up round the beak and to the tip of the tail. At this point place your feather attachment and rotate it until the feathers point the way you want. You'll want to stitch this in tightly, because, believe me, it's going to get A LOT of attention from your cat. I continue stitching until all that is left is a 3 cm gap, this is where you start stuffing and adding any variations you might want. I use soft toy stuffing, if it's safe for kids, it's safe for kits! I also add organic catnip to the filling, https://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=22&pf_id=64768 and occasionally a bell or squeaker for added excitement (as if it were needed), https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Kebinfen+25mm+squeakers

Step Six: Complete the stitching needed to close the bird up and finish off by over stitching your final stitch, this holds the thread in place and allows you to cut it off close to the bird. Then ta-dah, you have made your first very own cat toy....sit back, relax and feel proud!!

Hand-made bird toys your cat will love!

Lee Lalande

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