Knitting Tutorial: Garden Tabby Cat in Daisy Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet garden tabby cat is knitted as a soft standing doll with a rounded head, white muzzle, gray tabby stripes, pointed ears, large glossy eyes, and a flower crown of tiny daisies. The outfit includes a yellow striped T-shirt, sage green daisy overalls, white paws, striped arms, sandals, an orange crossbody bag, a brown backpack, a tiny watering can, and a terracotta flowerpot.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Finished Size

The finished cat measures about 10.5 inches tall from the sandal sole to the top of the ears when worked with sport weight yarn and 2.75 mm needles. The head is about 3.25 inches wide, the body is about 3 inches wide, and the overalls are shaped to sit snugly over a rounded belly.

• Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
• Construction: Small pieces are knitted flat, seamed, stuffed, and assembled.
• Main fabric: Stockinette stitch, with garter stitch edges where noted.
• Recommended stuffing: Firm polyester fiberfill so the doll stands with support.

Materials

• Sport weight yarn in warm gray for the tabby head, arms, tail, and outer ears.
• Sport weight yarn in white for muzzle, lower face, paws, feet, and inner ear highlights.
• Small amounts of dark gray and tan yarn for embroidered tabby stripes.
• Yellow and cream yarn for the striped T-shirt.
• Sage green yarn for the overalls.
• Rust orange yarn for the crossbody garden bag.
• Dark brown yarn for the backpack and sandal straps.
• Light tan yarn for sandal soles and buttons.
• White, yellow, green, pink, peach, and blue embroidery yarn for daisies, leaves, bees, and flowers.
• Small black safety eyes, 10 mm to 12 mm, or embroidered eyes.
• Pink embroidery yarn for the nose and mouth.
• 2.75 mm knitting needles.
• 2.25 mm needles for small accessories and flower crown.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, stuffing, and optional craft wire for the watering can handle.

Gauge

Gauge is important because this doll relies on firm shaping. Work at a tight gauge so stuffing does not show through. On 2.75 mm needles, 28 sts and 38 rows should measure about 4 inches in stockinette stitch.

If your stitches are loose, move down one needle size. If your fabric is too stiff to seam neatly, move up one needle size. The finished toy should feel firm but still soft enough to shape by hand.

Abbreviations

• BO: bind off.
• CO: cast on.
• dec: decrease.
• inc: increase.
• k: knit.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
• p: purl.
• p2tog: purl 2 stitches together.
• RS: right side.
• ssk: slip, slip, knit.
• st or sts: stitch or stitches.
• WS: wrong side.

General Pattern Notes

All pieces are worked flat unless stated otherwise. Leave long yarn tails for seaming. Use mattress stitch for vertical seams and a small whip stitch for tiny accessories.

The cat in the image has a large rounded head, a smaller rounded body, short arms, small feet, and slim legs hidden under the overalls. Keep the head well stuffed and the neck firm so the head sits upright.

The tabby markings are embroidered after the head and limbs are stuffed. Use long straight stitches and small duplicate-stitch lines. Do not pull the embroidery too tightly, or the face will pucker.

Main Head

Use warm gray yarn. The head is knitted as one shaped oval, then seamed at the back. The white lower face and muzzle are added separately so the cat has the soft rounded cheeks shown in the photo.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1, WS: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb across. 24 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k1, kfb, repeat across. 36 sts.
6. Row 5: p all sts.
7. Row 6: k2, kfb, repeat across. 48 sts.
8. Rows 7 to 15: Work in stockinette stitch, beginning with a purl row.
9. Row 16: k10, kfb, k26, kfb, k10. 50 sts.
10. Rows 17 to 27: Continue in stockinette stitch.
11. Row 28: k10, k2tog, k26, ssk, k10. 48 sts.
12. Row 29: p all sts.
13. Row 30: k4, k2tog, repeat across. 40 sts.
14. Row 31: p all sts.
15. Row 32: k3, k2tog, repeat across. 32 sts.
16. Row 33: p all sts.
17. Row 34: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 24 sts.
18. Row 35: p all sts.
19. Row 36: k1, k2tog, repeat across. 16 sts.
20. Row 37: p all sts.
21. Row 38: k2tog across. 8 sts.
22. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and seam the back of the head.

Stuff the head firmly. Shape the face by pressing the front gently with your thumbs. The widest part should sit just below the eye line, creating the kitten-like round cheeks.

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White Face Panel

The white panel forms the center forehead, nose bridge, mouth area, and soft cheeks. It should look like a rounded upside-down heart from the front.

1. With white yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 10: Work in stockinette stitch.
7. Row 11: p all sts.
8. Row 12: k2tog, k8, ssk. 10 sts.
9. Row 13: p all sts.
10. Row 14: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
11. Rows 15 to 18: Work in stockinette stitch.
12. Row 19: p2tog, p4, p2tog. 6 sts.
13. BO all sts.

Pin the panel to the front of the head. The narrow top should reach between the eyes, and the rounded lower section should cover the muzzle area. Sew around the edge using small hidden stitches. Lightly stuff under the lower half before closing the last inch.

Rounded Cheeks

Make 2 in white. These small domes sit on either side of the nose and create the plush cat muzzle.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb across. 16 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 7: Work in stockinette stitch.
5. Row 8: k2tog across. 8 sts.
6. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight, seam into a small oval, and stuff lightly.

Sew the cheeks onto the lower face panel. Place them side by side with a small valley between them for the nose and mouth embroidery.

Ears

Make 2 outer ears in warm gray and 2 inner ears in pale gray or white. The ears are tall triangles with slightly rounded bases.

Outer Ear

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Row 5: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts.
5. Row 7: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts.
7. Continue decreasing 1 st at each edge on every RS row until 4 sts remain.
8. Next row: p all sts.
9. Next row: k2tog twice. 2 sts.
10. Next row: p2tog. 1 st.
11. Fasten off.

Inner Ear

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Row 4: p all sts.
4. Row 5: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
5. Continue decreasing at each edge every RS row until 2 sts remain.
6. p2tog and fasten off.

Sew one inner ear to each outer ear. Fold the base of each ear slightly inward and sew to the top sides of the head. The ears should angle outward, matching the alert garden-cat expression in the image.

Body

The body is a soft pear shape. It is wider at the belly and narrower at the shoulders so the overalls can sit naturally over the front.

1. With white yarn, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb across. 28 sts.
4. Row 3: p all sts.
5. Row 4: k3, kfb, repeat across. 35 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 8: Work in stockinette stitch.
7. Change to yellow yarn.
8. Rows 9 to 12: Work in stockinette stitch.
9. Change to cream yarn.
10. Rows 13 to 14: Work in stockinette stitch.
11. Change to yellow yarn.
12. Rows 15 to 18: Work in stockinette stitch.
13. Change to sage green yarn for the overalls lower body.
14. Rows 19 to 34: Work in stockinette stitch.
15. Row 35: k5, k2tog, repeat across. 30 sts.
16. Row 36: p all sts.
17. Row 37: k3, k2tog, repeat across. 24 sts.
18. Row 38: p all sts.
19. Row 39: k2, k2tog, repeat across. 18 sts.
20. Row 40: p all sts.
21. BO, leaving a long tail for seaming.

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Seam the back of the body. Stuff the belly firmly and keep the shoulder area slightly flatter. The body should look round and huggable, with the green section covering most of the front.

Yellow Striped T-Shirt Sleeves

Make 2 sleeves. These sit over the top of the striped gray arms and create the short-sleeve shirt look visible under the overalls.

1. With yellow yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 2: k all sts for a garter edge.
3. Rows 3 to 4: Work in stockinette stitch with yellow.
4. Rows 5 to 6: Work in stockinette stitch with cream.
5. Rows 7 to 10: Work in stockinette stitch with yellow.
6. Row 11: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
7. Row 12: p all sts.
8. BO.

Wrap each sleeve around the upper arm before attaching the arm to the body. Seam the sleeve at the underside so it looks like a neat knitted shirt sleeve.

Arms and Paws

Make 2. The arms have white paws, gray tabby forearms, and yellow sleeves near the shoulder.

1. With white yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb across. 20 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 8: Work in stockinette stitch.
5. Row 9: k2tog across. 10 sts.
6. Change to warm gray yarn.
7. Rows 10 to 13: Work in stockinette stitch.
8. Change to dark gray yarn.
9. Rows 14 to 15: Work in stockinette stitch.
10. Change to warm gray yarn.
11. Rows 16 to 19: Work in stockinette stitch.
12. Change to dark gray yarn.
13. Rows 20 to 21: Work in stockinette stitch.
14. Change to warm gray yarn.
15. Rows 22 to 25: Work in stockinette stitch.
16. BO.

Seam each arm into a tube and stuff lightly. The paws should remain rounded but not bulky. Slide the yellow shirt sleeve over the top of each arm and stitch it in place.

Legs and Feet

Make 2. The feet are white and rounded, with tan soles and brown sandal straps added later.

1. With white yarn, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: p all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb across. 20 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 9: Work in stockinette stitch.
5. Row 10: k6, k2tog 4 times, k6. 16 sts.
6. Row 11: p all sts.
7. Row 12: k4, k2tog 4 times, k4. 12 sts.
8. Change to sage green yarn.
9. Rows 13 to 20: Work in stockinette stitch.
10. BO.

Seam each foot and leg. Stuff the feet firmly and the legs lightly. Sew the legs to the lower body with a small gap between them, leaving the center notch visible under the overalls.

Sage Green Overalls Front Bib

The overalls are a separate layer over the body so the chest bib, straps, and cuffs stand out clearly. The bib should sit over the yellow striped shirt and reach just below the neck.

1. With sage green yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 2: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 12: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. Row 13: k2tog, k20, ssk. 22 sts.
5. Row 14: p all sts.
6. Row 15: k2tog, k18, ssk. 20 sts.
7. Rows 16 to 22: Work in stockinette stitch.
8. Rows 23 to 24: k all sts.
9. BO.

Center the bib on the front body, beginning just above the belly curve. Sew only the sides and lower edge so the top looks like a separate garment. Leave the upper edge slightly raised for dimension.

Overall Pants Cuffs

Make 2 green cuffs to sit above the sandals. These create the rolled pant legs shown in the image.

1. CO 22 sts in sage green.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k all sts.
3. Rows 5 to 6: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. BO.

Wrap one cuff around each lower leg and sew at the back. The garter edge should sit at the bottom and look like a soft rolled hem.

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Overall Straps

Make 2. The straps run from the top of the bib over the shoulders and attach near the back.

1. With sage green yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Repeat Row 1 until the strap measures 4.25 inches.
4. BO.

Sew one strap from the left top corner of the bib over the left shoulder. Repeat on the right. Add a small tan button at the front base of each strap.

Buttons

Make 2 small knitted buttons, or use tiny wooden buttons if preferred.

1. With tan yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight, and roll into a tiny disk.

Sew one button on each upper bib corner. Use a darker tan stitch across the center to imitate a buttonhole.

Tail

The tail is curved and striped. It comes out from the lower back and bends toward one side, just like the tail visible beside the overalls.

1. With warm gray yarn, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Change to dark gray yarn.
4. Rows 7 to 8: Work in stockinette stitch.
5. Change to warm gray yarn.
6. Rows 9 to 16: Work in stockinette stitch.
7. Change to dark gray yarn.
8. Rows 17 to 18: Work in stockinette stitch.
9. Change to warm gray yarn.
10. Rows 19 to 28: Work in stockinette stitch.
11. Row 29: k2tog across. 6 sts.
12. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight, and seam into a tube.

Stuff very lightly. Curve the tail while seaming by tightening the inner side slightly. Sew it to the back lower body so it peeks from the left side.

Face Details

The face gives the garden tabby its character. Place the eyes wide apart and low enough to make the forehead appear round and kitten-like.

1. Mark the eye positions about 6 rows above the top of the cheeks, with 10 sts between them.
2. Attach black safety eyes or embroider glossy eyes using black yarn.
3. Add a ring of moss green embroidery around each eye with tiny straight stitches.
4. Add a thin cream highlight around the green ring if desired.
5. Embroider a small pink triangle nose between the cheeks.
6. Work one short vertical pink stitch below the nose.
7. Work two tiny curved mouth stitches in soft pink or gray.
8. Add white whiskers using three long straight stitches on each side.

For the tabby forehead, embroider three dark gray vertical stripes from the top center down toward the eyes. Add tan stitches between the gray stripes. Add short curved cheek stripes on both sides of the face.

Daisy Flower Crown

The flower crown sits across the forehead between the ears. It is made from a green knitted cord with small white daisies sewn along the front.

Green Crown Band

1. With green yarn and 2.25 mm needles, CO 4 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Repeat Row 1 until the band measures 5.75 inches.
4. BO and sew the band across the front of the head from ear base to ear base.

Small Daisies

Make 7 daisies: 3 larger flowers for the center and 4 smaller flowers for the sides.

1. For each petal, CO 3 sts with white yarn.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k3tog. Fasten off.
5. Make 6 petals for each large daisy and 5 petals for each small daisy.
6. Sew petals in a circle.
7. Add a yellow French knot or small woven stitch in the center.

Sew the daisies along the green band. Place the largest flower at the center forehead, then arrange smaller daisies toward both ears. Add a few tiny green leaf stitches between flowers.

Sandals

The sandals have tan soles and brown straps. They are sewn directly over the white feet so the toes remain visible.

Tan Soles

Make 2.

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3 to 10: k all sts.
5. Row 11: k2tog, k6, ssk. 8 sts.
6. BO.

Sew one sole to the bottom of each foot. Let the edge show slightly around the white foot, like a soft sandal base.

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Brown Straps

1. CO 3 sts with dark brown yarn.
2. Knit every row until the strip measures 2.25 inches.
3. BO and make 4 strips total.

Sew two straps across each foot. Place one near the toes and one near the ankle. Add a tiny embroidered flower on the outer side of each sandal, using peach and green stitches.

Orange Crossbody Garden Bag

The orange bag hangs from the cat’s shoulder and rests on the front right side of the overalls. It has a flap and a little flower button.

Bag Body

1. With rust orange yarn, CO 16 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 2: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 18: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. Rows 19 to 20: k all sts.
5. BO.

Fold the lower edge up to create a pocket about 1.5 inches deep. Sew the side seams neatly.

Bag Flap

1. CO 16 sts with rust orange yarn.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Row 7: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
4. Row 8: p all sts.
5. Row 9: k2tog, k10, ssk. 12 sts.
6. BO.

Sew the flap to the back top edge of the bag and fold it forward. Add a small flower button made with one yellow center stitch and five brown or peach petal stitches.

Bag Strap

1. CO 3 sts with rust orange yarn.
2. Knit every row until the strap measures 10 inches.
3. BO.

Sew the strap to both upper corners of the bag. Place the strap diagonally from the cat’s left shoulder to the right hip and secure it with hidden stitches.

Brown Backpack

The backpack is a small soft rectangle with a rounded flap and two straps. It sits beside or behind the cat, matching the garden helper theme.

Backpack Main Piece

1. With dark brown yarn, CO 24 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: k all sts.
3. Rows 5 to 28: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. Rows 29 to 32: k all sts.
5. BO.

Fold the piece in half with the garter edges at the top and bottom. Sew the side seams. Stuff very lightly so it looks soft, not round.

Backpack Flap

1. CO 20 sts with dark brown yarn.
2. Rows 1 to 10: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Row 11: k2tog, k16, ssk. 18 sts.
4. Row 12: p all sts.
5. Row 13: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
6. Rows 14 to 15: Work in stockinette stitch.
7. BO.

Sew the flap to the top back edge. Fold it down and add a small tan stitch at the center as a button detail.

Backpack Straps and Handle

1. For each shoulder strap, CO 4 sts and knit every row for 5 inches. Make 2.
2. For the top handle, CO 4 sts and knit every row for 2.5 inches. Make 1.

Sew the straps to the back of the backpack. Sew the handle into a loop at the top. Place the backpack beside the cat or tack it lightly to the back if you want a permanent display.

Tiny Watering Can

The tiny watering can is knitted in pale gray and beige stripes. It sits beside the cat as a garden accessory.

Can Body

1. With pale gray yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 2: k all sts.
3. Rows 3 to 4: Work in stockinette stitch with beige.
4. Rows 5 to 6: Work in stockinette stitch with pale gray.
5. Rows 7 to 8: Work in stockinette stitch with beige.
6. Rows 9 to 10: Work in stockinette stitch with pale gray.
7. Row 11: k2tog across. 9 sts.
8. Cut yarn, thread through sts, pull tight, seam the side, and stuff lightly.

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Spout

1. CO 6 sts with pale gray yarn.
2. Rows 1 to 8: Work in stockinette stitch.
3. Row 9: k2tog across. 3 sts.
4. BO and seam into a small cone.

Handle

1. CO 3 sts with pale gray yarn.
2. Knit every row until the strip measures 2 inches.
3. BO and curve into a handle.

Sew the spout to one side of the can and the handle to the opposite side. Add two tiny cream stitches on top for the little knobs shown in the picture.

Tiny Terracotta Flowerpot

The flowerpot is rust orange with a small green sprout. It should be small enough to sit beside the cat’s shoulder or near the watering can.

Pot

1. With terracotta yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: k all sts.
3. Rows 4 to 10: Work in stockinette stitch.
4. Row 11: k2tog, k14, ssk. 16 sts.
5. Row 12: p all sts.
6. Row 13: k2tog, k12, ssk. 14 sts.
7. BO.

Seam the pot into a tapered cup. Stuff lightly. Fold the garter edge outward to form the rim.

Leaves

1. With green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts.
4. Row 3: k2tog, k1, ssk. 3 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts.
6. Row 5: k3tog. Fasten off.
7. Make 4 leaves.

Sew the leaves into the top of the pot. Angle them outward so the sprout looks fresh and playful.

Garden Embroidery on the Overalls

The overalls are decorated with tiny flowers, bees, and leaves. Use embroidery yarn and keep every stitch small so the details stay delicate.

• Front center bee: Use yellow yarn for a small oval body, add two black stripes, and stitch two white wings above it.
• Left lower bee: Repeat the bee with a smaller body near the left pant leg.
• Orange flowers: Work five straight stitches around a yellow center knot.
• Blue flowers: Work four pale blue stitches around a white or yellow center.
• White daisies: Make five white stitches around a yellow center.
• Leaves: Use green lazy daisy stitches around the lower legs and bib.
• Vines: Add a few tiny curved green running stitches near the lower left side.

Place the embroidery unevenly, as shown in the image, so it looks like a handmade garden outfit. Add more decoration near the lower pant legs and a few small motifs on the bib.

Facial Stripe Embroidery

Use dark gray and tan yarn to create the tabby pattern. Start with the center forehead. Work one dark stripe down the middle, then two shorter stripes on each side.

Add tan highlight stitches beside the dark stripes. On the cheeks, work three short curved stripes on each side, following the round shape of the head. Add two small gray stripes on each arm if needed.

Whiskers

Use white or clear nylon thread for fine whiskers. Insert the needle at one cheek edge and bring it out at the opposite cheek edge, leaving three long whiskers on each side.

Knot gently inside the cheek seam if possible. Trim the whiskers evenly so they extend beyond the face but do not overpower the eyes.

Assembly Order

1. Seam and stuff the head.
2. Sew on the white face panel and rounded cheeks.
3. Add eyes, nose, mouth, whiskers, and tabby embroidery.
4. Sew the inner ears to the outer ears, then attach ears to the head.
5. Seam and stuff the body.
6. Attach the legs and feet to the lower body.
7. Add sandal soles and straps.
8. Seam and stuff the arms, add sleeves, then attach arms to the shoulders.
9. Sew the head firmly to the body.
10. Add the overall bib, straps, cuffs, and buttons.
11. Attach the tail to the lower back.
12. Add the flower crown across the forehead.
13. Place the crossbody bag diagonally over the shoulder.
14. Finish the backpack, watering can, and flowerpot props.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all pieces are attached, hold the doll upright and check the balance. Add extra hidden stitches at the neck if the head tilts forward. The eyes should face straight ahead, and the ears should sit evenly on both sides.

Use your fingers to shape the cheeks and belly. Smooth the overalls over the body and secure any loose edges with tiny stitches. Add final flower embroidery only after the outfit sits correctly.

Care Notes

Spot clean only with cool water and mild soap. Do not soak the doll because small embroidered flowers, eyes, and accessories may shift. Press gently with a towel and allow the toy to air dry flat.

• Keep away from high heat.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, buttons, or wire are used.
• Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly stuffed and round.
• The white cheeks are even and softly raised.
• The tabby stripes are balanced on the forehead and cheeks.
• The overalls sit smoothly over the belly.
• The straps cross over the shoulders without twisting.
• The orange bag rests at the front right side.
• The daisy crown sits between both ears.
• The sandals show tan soles and brown straps clearly.
• The backpack, watering can, and flowerpot are complete.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, dust the cat gently with a soft dry brush. Support the head while cleaning so the neck seam does not loosen. If the doll is stored, wrap it in acid-free tissue or clean cotton fabric.

Avoid plastic bags for long storage because trapped moisture can affect the yarn. Keep the tiny accessories together in a small box so the watering can, flowerpot, and backpack do not get crushed.

If any embroidery loosens, thread the yarn tail through a tapestry needle and secure it inside the nearest seam. Trim only after the stitch is anchored. This keeps the garden details neat and helps the finished cat stay beautiful for many seasons.