Stitching cats might just be one of our all favourite crafts! We adore our furry friends, so they make the purr-fect inspiration for a cross stitch project.
These adorable cat cross stitch patterns are available to download for free, so you can stitch your favourite, or stitch all of them! Find lots more patterns in our free cross stitch collection.
The patterns have been created by a variety of talented designers. Our wonderful selection of cat cross stitch patterns includes five designs by Durene Jones. Ten designs by Kate Mawdsley, a Christmas cat from Rhona Norrie, a set of four cat cross stitch patterns for cards, plus a birthday cat cross stitch pattern designed by Jenny Barton.
1. Calico cat pattern by Durene Jones
This gorgeous girl is inspired by a The World of Cross Stitching reader, Joy Gartside who sent in a beautiful picture of her cat Purrdy to be stitched by the talented Durene Jones.
If you love Calico cats too, stitch up this gorgeous design to celebrate your furry friend!
This design was published in The World of Cross Stitching issue 326.
About the calico cat cross stitch pattern
- Stitching Time - Approx. 7 hours
- Type of Stitches -Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch
- Ease of Stitching - Advanced beginner
What you'll need:
- Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in)
- Stranded cotton as listed in the key
- Size 24 tapestry needle - Find out more about cross stitch needle sizes.
- Square single-fold card
- Patterned backing paper
- White paper
- Acid-free double-sided tape
Download the calico cat cross stitch pattern
Calico cat cross stitch pattern
2. Cute cat cross stitch (set of 3) by Durene Jones
This quirky trio of cats was designed by Durene Jones for The World of Cross Stitching issue 238.
About the cat cross stitch trio
- Stitching Time - Approx. 26 hours
- Type of Stitches - Cross stitch, backstitch
- Ease of Stitching - Beginner
What you'll need:
- Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 23x23cm (6x6in) for the picture, 18x18cm (7x7in) for the card and 20x15cm (8x6in) for the sachet
- Stranded cotton as listed in the key
- Size 24 tapestry needle - Find out more about cross stitch needle sizes.
- Square aperture card
- A frame of your choice with a minimum aperture of 13x13cm (15x15in)
- Backing fabric of your choice
- Ribbon of your choice.
Download the cat cross stitch pattern
Click the link to download the cat cross stitch pattern. The download is three patterns and an accompanying key.
How to make a scented bag
- Gently wash and press your finished stitching. Trim to make a patch, leaving a border of three aida blocks. Fray one block all around, with tweezers, for the fringe.
- Cut your fabric for the sachet, around 45x10cm (18x4in). Fold in half and press, as a guide for centring your cat patch. Pin this to the unfolded sachet front - it should be about 10-12cm (4-5in) down from the short edge. Machine or hand-sew in place.
- Turn over and pin a double hem measuring 1cm (¾in), on both top edges, and sew. With the right sides facing, re-fold the sachet along your initial pressed line and pin the edges. Sew using a 2cm (1in) seam allowance.
- Turn through and stuff firmly with wadding and add a few drops of essential oil or lavender. Finish by tying the top with a length of coordinating ribbon.
3. Free cat cross stitch patterns (set of 10) by Kate Mawdsley
These ten motifs, designed by Kate Mawdsley are the perfect size for a cross stitch card or another small gift item.
We've included suggested colours in the key, but you can swap in different threads to make the designs even more like your own pets.
Download the 10 free cat cross stitch patterns
4. Christmas cat cross stitch pattern
From his sweet backstitch whiskers to those big white paws, this festive feline will make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Here we’ve patched the design onto a square single-fold card, with some complementary backing paper.
Designed by Rhona Norrie, Santa Kitty originally appeared in issue 249 of The World of Cross Stitching).
About the Christmas cat cross stitch pattern
- Stitch count: 22 high x 22 wide
- Design area: 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 4x4cm (1½x1½in)
- This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton
Download the Christmas cat cross stitch pattern
Download the free Christmas cat cross stitch pattern. The download is an A4 PDF with the Christmas cat cross stitch pattern and accompanying key.
5. Birthday cat cross stitch pattern
Stitch this oh-so-cute cat cross stitch card to brighten up a loved one’s birthday! Taking only a few hours to stitch, you’ll rustle one up in no time. Then, simply patch it onto a single-fold card for a fast finish. You could also stitch the smaller furry feline to make a gift tag, too.
Designed by Jenny Barton, this originally appeared in issue 216 of The World of Cross Stitching.
About the birthday cat cross stitch pattern
- Fabric Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in)
- Thread Stranded cotton as listed in the key
- Needle Size 24 tapestry needle
- Extras Single-fold, deckle-edge card, Backing paper of your choice
Download the birthday cat cross stitch pattern
Download the birthday cat cross stitch pattern.
6. Pet cat cross stitch pattern by Durene Jones
This lovely design of Theo the cat was designed by Durene Jones from the Pet of the Month column in The World of Cross Stitching issue 271.
Do you have a grey and white cat like Theo? Then download this cat cross stitch pattern!
About the Theo cat cross stitch pattern
- Stitching Time Approx. 5 hours
- Type of Stitches Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots
- Ease of Stitching Advanced beginner
Download the Theo cat cross stitch pattern
Click to download the Theo cat cross stitch pattern. The download is an A4 PDF with cat cross stitch pattern and an accompanying key.
7. Cat cross stitch patterns for cards
Look at the adorable cluster of cats in a cup! This gorgeous cat cross stitch pattern is designed by Durene Jones!
This set of 4 cats cross stitch patterns for cards was originally published as part of a chartbook that came with The World of Cross Stitching issue 292.
About the cat cross stitch patterns for cards
- Stitching Time Approx. 6-10 hours each
- Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch
- Ease of Stitching Beginner
Download the cat cross stitch patterns for cards
Download the cat cross stitch patterns for cards.
8. Cat cross stitch card by Rhona Norrie
Make this little paper poppet for any tots you know, whether it’s to say happy birthday or to celebrate them going to pre-school.
If you haven’t stitched on perforated paper before then you’ll love trying out this new material. It's sturdy and fun to stitch on - perfect for making three-dimensional shaped cards like our animal crew.
This adorable cat cross stitch was originally published in issue 302 of The World of Cross Stitching and designed by Rhona Norrie, as part of a set of 4 cards.
About the cat cross stitch patterns for cards
- Stitching Time Approx. 12-15 hours
- Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch
- Ease of Stitching Beginner
Download the cat cross stitch patterns for cards
Find the lovely cat cross stitch pattern, plus an alphabet for personalisation.
Our pets are a great source of inspiration!
We all love our pets, and just pets in general, which might be why stitching our furry friends is popular!
Are you a dog person too?
You're in luck, we have free dog cross stitch patterns for you to try. Choose from a fluffy Corgi or a cute Jack Russell.
