Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
This is the link to the full tutorial https://youtu.be/BZembi-Lhx0
Table of Contents
How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging
If you’ve ever wanted to learn How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging, you’re in the right place. This beginner-friendly sewing tutorial will show you every step of the process, from tracing your applique pieces to mounting your finished project onto a canvas. Whether you’re making this adorable cat wall hanging for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift, this project is fun, relaxing, and easy to customize.
One of the best things about learning How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging is that you can personalize every detail. Change the fabric colors to resemble your own cat, experiment with different embroidery floss, or even add free-motion quilting for extra texture. No matter your sewing experience, this project is a wonderful introduction to fusible applique techniques.
This tutorial uses Steam-A-Seam, a double-sided fusible web that makes positioning your applique pieces incredibly easy. If you don’t have Steam-A-Seam, HeatnBond or another fusible web product will work just as well.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a beautiful handmade wall hanging that celebrates your love of sewing and cats.
Materials Needed for How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging
Before you begin, gather all of your sewing supplies.
Fusible Products for How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging
- Steam-A-Seam 2 (double-sided fusible web) – https://amzn.to/4ygktVR
- Or HeatnBond as an alternative https://amzn.to/4oUi4vo
Sewing Supplies for How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging
- Fabric scissors – https://amzn.to/3Rev5DI
- Small embroidery scissors – https://amzn.to/4vAb9dq
- Iron – https://amzn.to/4wEuYkb
- Ironing board – https://amzn.to/3SWrURD
- Friction pen https://amzn.to/4xXDOut
- Chalk pencil https://amzn.to/4vFg0tN
- DMC Embroidery Floss 535 https://amzn.to/4fdYyGY
- Embroidery needle https://amzn.to/4vBMNzZ
- Canvas frame 12″ x 12″ https://amzn.to/4xZgXPm
- Quilt batting https://amzn.to/3TcpAG8
- Glue stick https://amzn.to/4eF7a9t
- Staple gun https://amzn.to/4gNpWNg
Cut the following
Out of Fabric
Nose – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
Cat Face 8″ x 8″
Sunglasses 3″ x 6″
Back ground Fabric
17″ x 17″
Quilt Batting
11″ x 11″
Having everything prepared before you start makes How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging much more enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love Learning How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging
Applique is one of the easiest quilting and sewing techniques to learn. Instead of piecing small fabric sections together, you simply attach shapes onto a background fabric using fusible web before securing them permanently.
Benefits include:
- Perfect for beginners
- Great fabric stash buster
- Endless customization
- Quick weekend project
- Makes beautiful handmade gifts
- Excellent project for practicing embroidery
Once you’ve mastered How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging, you’ll be able to use these same applique techniques on tote bags, pillows, quilts, table runners, clothing, and many other sewing projects.
Another reason you’ll enjoy learning How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging is that it allows you to express your creativity without requiring advanced sewing skills. You can easily change the fabric colors to match your favorite pet, add decorative stitching, or embellish the design with buttons, ribbons, or embroidery to make it uniquely yours.
This project is also an excellent way to use up fabric scraps left over from previous quilting or sewing projects, making it both fun and economical. Because the design is completed one step at a time, you’ll build confidence with every stage, from tracing and cutting to ironing and stitching. Whether you’re decorating your sewing room, creating seasonal décor, or making a thoughtful gift for a fellow cat lover, How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging is a rewarding project that you’ll enjoy making again and again.
Download Your Free Pattern for How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging
The first step in How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging is downloading the free applique pattern available in the Faodail Creation Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/405258636506758
Print the pattern at 100% scale so all of the pieces fit together correctly. Before cutting anything, double-check that the finished size matches the measurements listed in the tutorial.
Tracing the Applique Pieces for How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging
Prepare the Steam-A-Seam
Place your Steam-A-Seam directly over the printed pattern.
One advantage of Steam-A-Seam is that it is repositionable, making it much easier to assemble your design before permanently ironing everything into place.
Trace each applique piece individually.
These include:
- Cat face
- Sunglasses
- Nose
Leave a small space between each traced shape so they’re easier to cut apart later.
Don’t worry about tracing the cat in reverse. Since the design is symmetrical, it won’t affect the finished appearance.
Cutting the Fusible Shapes for How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging
After tracing every section, cut around each piece.
Instead of cutting directly on the traced line, leave a small border around every shape.
This extra border makes the pieces easier to handle while you’re ironing them onto the fabric.
Take your time with the sunglasses, as they’re the smallest and most detailed pieces in the project. A pair of embroidery scissors works especially well for these curves.
When learning How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging, accuracy during cutting is very important because it directly affects how clean and professional your final design will look. Try to rotate your fabric rather than your scissors when cutting around tight curves, as this gives you better control and smoother edges. It also helps to work slowly and in good lighting so you can clearly see your traced lines.
If any pieces feel too small or difficult to manage, you can lightly press them between your fingers before cutting to keep them stable. This prevents fraying edges and helps maintain the shape of each applique element. Remember, patience during this stage of How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging will make the ironing and assembly process much easier and more enjoyable later on. Clean, precise cuts ensure your final cat design looks sharp, balanced, and beautifully handmade.
Preparing the Background Fabric
Before assembling the applique, prepare your background fabric.
Fold the fabric in half.
Then fold it in half again.
This allows you to locate the exact center of your project.
Mark the center lightly using a friction pen or another removable fabric marker.
If you’re using black fabric, take a lint roller over the surface before beginning. Dark fabrics tend to collect lint, threads, and dust, which can show up easily during sewing and photography.
A clean background helps your finished wall hanging look polished and professional.
Ironing the Applique onto the Fabric
Now comes one of the most enjoyable parts of How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging.
Place each traced Steam-A-Seam piece onto the correct fabric.
For this project, the cat is made using black fabric, inspired by a real-life black cat.
If your Steam-A-Seam sticks to the wrong paper backing, simply press your thumb against the adhesive. This helps release the correct side so you can remove the backing without damaging your traced lines.
Position every applique piece carefully.
Once you’re happy with the placement, press each piece according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Allow everything to cool before moving on to the next step.
This stage of How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging is where your design truly starts to come to life. Take a moment to step back and check that all pieces are aligned properly and balanced on the fabric. Small adjustments made now will save you time later and ensure a polished finish. Make sure your iron is set to the correct heat level for your chosen fabric type to avoid any scorching or distortion. Once pressed, gently run your hand over the surface to confirm everything is securely bonded before continuing.
Cutting Out the Fabric Applique
After ironing, carefully cut each applique piece directly on the traced lines.
Take your time around curves.
The sunglasses especially benefit from small, sharp embroidery scissors.
If you’d like to customize your design, now is a great opportunity.
For example, you could:
- Make a larger nose.
- Create different sunglasses.
- Add a bow tie.
- Add flowers.
- Change the ears.
- Create a smiling mouth.
Applique allows endless creativity.
Positioning the Cat Design
One reason many sewists love Steam-A-Seam is because it remains repositionable before final pressing.
Remove the paper backing.
You’ll immediately notice the exposed adhesive.
Arrange each applique piece onto your background fabric.
Move the sunglasses, nose, and face until everything looks perfectly balanced.
Step back occasionally and look at your project from a distance.
Sometimes a tiny adjustment makes a surprisingly big difference.
Once you’re satisfied, press everything firmly into place using your iron.
Now your cat design is permanently attached and ready for embroidery.
This stage of How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging is where your creativity really shines. Take your time experimenting with placement until the expression of the cat feels just right. You can tilt the sunglasses slightly for a playful look or adjust the nose placement to change the personality of the design.
Because the adhesive is still repositionable at this stage, don’t be afraid to lift and reposition pieces multiple times until you’re fully happy. This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages when learning How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging, especially for beginners who want full control over their finished result.
Adding Embroidered Details
Embroidery gives this applique project personality.
Use a chalk pencil to lightly draw the outline of the cat’s face.
Next, mark the whiskers.
Where the markings cross onto darker fabrics, switch to a friction pen so they’re easier to see while stitching.
Choose DMC embroidery floss number 535 for a soft gray finish.
Separate one strand at a time until you have three strands together.
Three strands create embroidery that’s bold enough to stand out while remaining delicate and neat.
Thread your needle and begin stitching around the facial outline and whiskers using smooth, even stitches.
These embroidered details bring your cat to life and add beautiful handmade charm to the finished wall hanging.
Finishing Off the Canvas
Once your applique and embroidery work is complete, the final step in How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging is mounting everything onto the canvas to create a professional-looking wall display.
Start by preparing your canvas frame. Make sure it is clean, smooth, and free from dust or debris. Lay it face down on a flat surface so you can work on the back easily.
Next, take a glue stick and apply an even layer across the front surface of the canvas. This helps secure the batting and gives your wall hanging a soft, padded finish that looks more polished and dimensional.
Place your quilt batting over the glued canvas. Smooth it down gently with your hands, making sure there are no wrinkles or bubbles. The batting should sit evenly across the entire surface, as this will support your fabric and give the wall hanging a professional quilted look.
Now position your finished applique fabric on top of the batting. Take your time to center the design properly. This is an important step in How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging, as correct alignment ensures your cat design looks balanced and visually appealing once mounted.
Smooth the fabric from the center outward, pressing out any air pockets as you go. You want a flat, tight surface so the final piece looks neat and well-finished.
Once everything is in place, flip the canvas over carefully. Pull the fabric tightly around the back of the frame, making sure it remains smooth on the front. Start stapling one side at a time, working opposite edges to keep the tension even. This prevents puckering or shifting.
Fold the corners neatly, similar to wrapping a gift, and secure them with staples. Take your time here, as clean corners make a big difference in the final presentation of your How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging project.
Continue stapling until all sides are secure and the fabric is firmly attached. Check the front again to ensure there are no wrinkles or loose areas. If needed, you can gently adjust before finishing the last few staples.
Once complete, your canvas wall hanging is fully assembled and ready to display. You can hang it in a sewing room, craft space, hallway, or gift it to someone special who loves handmade décor.
Conclusion
Learning How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging is a rewarding project that combines simple applique techniques with creative embroidery and easy finishing methods to produce a beautiful handmade piece of décor. From tracing and cutting your fusible shapes to carefully positioning each detail, every step builds confidence and helps you develop stronger sewing skills.
One of the best parts of How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging is how flexible and beginner-friendly it is. You don’t need advanced quilting experience or specialist tools to achieve a professional-looking result. With just a few basic supplies like fusible web, fabric, embroidery floss, and a canvas frame, you can create something truly unique and personal.
This project also encourages creativity. You can change the colours, adjust facial expressions, or add extra embellishments to make your cat wall hanging completely your own. Every version you make will look slightly different, which is part of the charm of handmade sewing projects.
Once you complete How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging, you’ll also have a strong foundation in applique techniques that you can apply to future projects. Whether you move on to tote bags, quilts, cushions, or seasonal décor, the skills you’ve learned here will carry forward into many other creative makes.
Most importantly, take your time and enjoy the process. Sewing is not just about the finished product, but also about the relaxing, creative journey that comes with it. Your finished cat wall hanging will be a reminder of your progress and creativity every time you see it displayed.
If you enjoyed this tutorial, don’t forget to explore more sewing and quilting projects to continue building your skills and confidence.
- How to Cut Fabric with a Cricut Maker : The Ultimate Easy Beginner Guide
- How to Sew a Fabric Popcorn Pouch : Easy Beginner Sewing Project You’ll Love
- How to Applique a Cat Wall Hanging: The Ultimate Easy Beginner Guide for Stunning Home Décor
- Introduction to How to Stipple Stitch Free Motion Quilt
- How to Piece Triangles for Quilting – Easy, Powerful & Beginner-Friendly Triangle Method
Read this next : Cut Applique Pieces with Your Cricut Maker – The Ultimate Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Fabric Shapes https://faodailcreation.ca/2026/06/24/cut-applique-pieces-with-your-cricut-maker/
