I cut this pattern freehand but most times I get inspiration online or find a picture from calendars, coloring books, magazines, etc. I then have the picture shrunk or enlarged to the size I want. I cut around the outside of the picture and Voila! I now I have my pattern.

This cat heating pad is 7" x 11" finished size. I think this is the perfect size to snuggle with. So you would increase the size of your pattern to about 8" x 12". After you cut out the fleece, sew it all around the edge about 1/2 inch or less around the outside, clip the curves and leave about a 4 inch opening to turn it inside out.




I bought long grain white rice to put inside and filled it about 1/2 way full.  You can close the opening either by hand or machine. I closed it by machine. It's really much quicker and will hold up longer than hand stitching will.

I made a bunch of them as you can see. Lots of people I know like heating pads. :) This is so economical to make also. Joann's has fleece on sale (if not you can get a coupon on your phone and give it to the cashier). At $5. a yard for fleece, you can make about 8 small heating pads. It looks good and it is a gift that "keeps on giving" so to speak... (comfort, warmth).