Easy Catnip Dumpling Toy

Or wonton, potsticker, pierogi, gyoza...whatever you call it, this is a cute, easy catnip toy that requires only a tiny bit of sewing and that your cat will love.

• fabric
• needle and thread
• scissors
• pins
• fiber fill stuffing
• catnip
• bowl or other circular object about 4 or 5" in diameter
• air soluble pen
• small funnel

Trace outline of bowl onto fabric with air soluble pen. Cut out circle.

Fold circle in half, GOOD SIDE OUT. You won't be reversing the fabric after you sew it (this allows you to make the crimped dumpling edge).

Pin folded circle and mark a smaller circle 1/2-3/4" in from the edge.

Sew along the inner circle you marked in the last step using a long running stitch (I'm doing about 1/4" stitches). You can tuck the end of the thread between the cut edges of the fabric to hide it. Stop sewing when you're about 3/4 of the way around the dumpling, but don't tie off the thread yet.

Stuff the dumpling, alternating bits of fiber fill with catnip. Use a funnel to insert the catnip for minimal mess.

Sew to 1/4" from the end. Tug the thread to gather/ruche the fabric, then sew the final stitch and tie off (again tucking the end of the thread between the cut edges of the fabric to hide it). Adjust the ruching so it's evenly distributed along the edge of the dumpling.

...if she hasn't tried to steal it from you already!