Tabby Stripes Tutorial

This tutorial is an accompaniment to my Tabby Cat pattern to assist with stripe placement.

Before

After

 Stripes are added using a fabric marker. Pick one that does NOT need heat to set the ink.

The most important part of the striping to get a recognizable tabby is to draw a "M" on the forehead. There are usually a few additional stripes parallel to the legs of the "M"

Many tabbies also have winged "eyeliner" that follows the edge of the nose, across the top of the eye, and around to the side of the head.

Color the remainder of the body with varying thicknesses of stripes. Most stripes will not go entirely around the body or leg. Stripes can be multiple colors.

Blended black and brown stripes

For sharply defined stripes, smooth fur flat and draw across the top with short strokes in the direction of the fur.

Black stripes only

For softer stripes, tipping, and shading, fluff the fur up and draw marker through the fluffed part. The marker should never touch the stitches themselves.



Note: Depending on the yarn and marker, some of the ink may come off. Be sure to let ink dry completely, then rub gently with a paper towel to check. Remove excess by rubbing parallel the to stripes. Rubbing perpendicular to the stripes may transfer ink to unmarked areas.