A cat carrier is an essential item for any pet owner. In this article, we’ll tell you how to make a cat carrier out of a scarf.
This winter, you may have noticed a lot of your friends with their cats in carriers. It may seem silly to make a cat carrier out of a scarf, given how short the season is. But given that this is a DIY project, it’s not going to cost you anything to make one!
All you need is an old scarf and some scissors. The project can be completed in about 15 minutes. If you’re able, I recommend finding a fabric that matches your home decor or favorite sports team. You could also keep it neutral if your kitty isn’t picky about colors!
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the steps from start to finish so you’ll know what to do when you want to create your own cat carrier out of a scarf!
Step 1: Gather Supplies
You’ll need:
– An old (or new!) scarf that’s at least 3 feet in length and has a width of 10 inches.
– Scissors to cut the fabric
– A sewing machine to finish the project
By following this pattern, you’ll be able to make your own cat carrier out of a scarf!
Step 2: Cut Scarf
to the Right Size
You should measure your cat from their neck to their tail to find out how long you need to make the scarf. It’s usually best to keep it a few inches longer than your measurement so they can be comfortable while sitting in it.
Once you know how long you want your scarf, use scissors to cut the fabric. You may think about cutting under the arms of the cat carrier, but this just makes it difficult for them to get in and out of it!
Instead, cut off one corner of the fabric that is not connected at the seam. This will leave a hole for them to climb into.
Step 3: Assemble Ribbon
To assemble the ribbon, lay out the scarf so one of the edges is running horizontally. Fold the scarf in half so that the two edges line up.
Measure a length of ribbon that’s long enough to tie around your cat’s neck and then tie them securely together in a knot.
The width of the ribbon should be about as wide as your pet’s tail. This will help keep them from getting stuck inside once you close it with a simple knot!
Take the other end of the ribbon and attach it to one side of your new cat carrier. Tie it securely onto both sides as well as across the top. If you want to make sure your carrier will stay closed, you can loop another piece of ribbon through each hole before tying it on each side and on top.
Step 4: Sew Up the Opening
One of the last steps you’ll need to take is sewing up the opening. This will be the only part of this project that may require a needle and thread, so be prepared!
Start by pulling the scarf tightly over the top of the carrier. Then, fold it in half so that one side covers one side and cut off any excess fabric.
Sew down each side for about an inch or two, securing both ends. Sewing down this section will close up the opening you left earlier.
You’re now finished with your DIY cat carrier! You can use it as a winter accessory to carry your furry friend around or save it for later when they’re ready to venture outside. It’s also a great gift idea for friends who love cats too!
Optional (extra step): Add Slits for Easier Access
In the interest of making your kitty carrier as easy to use as possible, I recommend adding slits for easier access. This will make it so you can easily get your cat in and out of the carrier.
To do this, cut slits on opposite sides of the ribbon, leaving a few inches in between each one. After you have made enough slits, fold the scarf back together and tie it up like a bag.
These are just some ideas about what you can do with old scarves. If you’re looking for more DIY ideas that don’t involve cats, check out these blog posts:
How to Make a Decorative Scarf from an Old T-shirt
How to Make a Duct Tape Wallet
Optional (extra step): Add Velcro to the Inside of the Carrier
When you’re done making the carrier, you’ll want to line the inside with some Velcro so when you wrap it around your cat’s neck, it will stay in place.
Cut a rectangle of Velcro approximately 8 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. On one side of this rectangle, use a needle and thread to sew the two sides together, then fold in half lengthwise with the rough sides touching. Sew down both sides to create a loop that can be sewn onto the inside of your carrier.
To attach this loop to your carrier, fold about 5 inches of fabric over on one end of the scarf where you want the loop to be attached (this is where your cat’s head will go). Fold up 3-4 inches of fabric around this same section and pin the loop in place. You’ll then need to sew it into place. When finished, make sure that there are no loose threads hanging out of the loop or else they may get caught on something while traveling! If you’re traveling with a cat, you need the best cat carrier for long distance car travel. This guide will show you which are the best carriers for your needs.
Make sure it is not too tight on your cat’s neck.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when trying to make a cat carrier out of a scarf is that they don’t leave enough room for their cat’s neck.
Cats can move their heads in every direction, so it’s important to give them some space. Cutting your scarf to be about 8-10 inches wide should do the trick.
If you want an even wider scarf, use two scarves together (like this tutorial). The width will be determined by how big you want your carrier to be.
Once you have the right measurements, fold your fabric over and sew a straight line down the middle with a sewing machine or by hand. This will create a tunnel for your kitty to walk through!