Description
Beaded Cat
I created my beaded cat pattern at the request of Hazel, owner of Blue Haze Arts and Crafts, where I teach a lot of beading workshops. I first taught the pattern at a workshop and it proved a great success. You can see some of the results in the gallery image above. As with all workshops, the range of different colours that everyone used really impressed me. I love seeing my designs made in new colour combinations!
The pattern uses herringbone and square stitch to encase two sizes of Swarovski Rivoli (14mm and 27mm), then add ears and a tail. You will be using seed beads (rocailles) in sizes 8, 11 and 15. The techniques used for the beaded cat are basic variations of each stitch. So this is a project that you can try even if you are not terribly experienced. You can find some helpful technique sheets in the free tutorials page on here.
Once you have created your beaded cat, you can add a split ring to make a pendant, or stitch on a brooch back. The beaded cats also make great hanging ornaments, so if you know a cat-lover, this could be the perfect gift! You might also like to think about personalising your beaded cat by adding a ribbon around its neck. You can create a simple ribbon using a flat piece of herringbone made with size 15 seed beads, or even buy a piece of narrow ribbon and just tie this around the neck. This is particularly handy if you feel that the join between your cat’s head and body is a little untidy!
If you enjoy making beaded animals, then there are a few other patterns on here that you might like to try. For example, the beaded fish that I added to a bracelet.
