Photos: Cats Peek Out from Shirt Pockets in Hiroko Kubota's Clever Embroideries

[Donkees]

Cats are known to wedge themselves into tiny spots and generally treat people as human jungle gyms, and artist Hiroko Kubota (previously) translates that lack of spatial awareness into her tiny embroideries. Stitched onto collared shirts, the Nara-based artist’s portraits are cleverly placed to depict furry faces peering over the edge of a pocket and sometimes, attempting to climb out from their garment confines. Since she started the designs about a decade ago, Kubota has embroidered hundreds of characters, each with their distinct personalities and mischievous expressions.













This spring, Kubota is participating in an Osaka cat event with photographers and other handcraft artists and is planning a solo exhibition this fall. She’s paused international commissions for now, but you can stay updated on her work on Instagram.

https://www.thisiscolossal.com/category/design/

[Hotler]

1. well done and a neat idea. nt

[Cracklin Charlie]

2. That is some amazing needlework!

Wow. Must be a mixture of machine and hand work.

[Donkees]

4. Her Book: Embroidered Cat in My Pocket (step by step instructions)

Each project has step by step instructions, taking you through the intricate colour changes and blending required to complete each threadpainted masterpiece. Every stitch you place will slowly animate your furry companion, until you’ve achieved such realism, people will think there really is an inquisitive kitty peeking out of your pocket.

https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/new-book-embroidered-cat-in-my-pocket/

[Fla Dem]

3. Those are beautiful. Wish there was a version for sale.

[Donkees]

5. An iron-on embroidery patch - cat?

[3catwoman3]

6. They are all impressive. The first one...

…looks so real I thought it was a photograph of a living cat.