How to Make a Bed For a Dog’s Crate

Every dog deserves to sleep in a comfy area like her owner. Dog beds can be purchased at numerous kinds of stores, but tend to be expensive and might not fit into your dog’s crate. Instead, keep reading to make a custom-shaped, rather inexpensive version.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• 2-inch thick foam
• Scissors
• Inexpensive, washable, soft material
• Marking pen
• Needle and thread
• 1-inch wide non-roll elastic

1. Measure the interior length and width of your dog’s crate. Using a straight edge and a marker, draw the measurements on the foam. In addition, measure a 2 to 4-inch high panel for each of the three sides of the bed–you don’t need to make a panel for the side of the crate with the door. Cut out all pieces of foam using a sharp pair of scissors. Be aware that the foam may shred as you cut.

2. Place the main piece of foam on the material, making sure the wrong side of the material is facing up (inside out). Pull the material up to cover each side and a little bit of the bottom. Add 2 to 3 inches. You don’t want to cover the bottom completely. Once you're done, you'll need to be able to take the foam out in order to wash the bed. Using a pen, mark the pattern on the wrong side of the material and cut it out. Because the ends will be on the underside, measuring with a straight edge won’t matter.

3. Fold more of the material, inside out, over each of the side panels. Add about 1/2 to 1–inch on one of the shorter sides to be sewn together and leave the other end open. You will ultimately create a pocket to slip the foam in and out of. Using a pen, mark the patterns and cut them out.

4. Place the main piece of foam on the main pattern, inside out. Pull the pattern down over the foam. Sew a band of the elastic onto the ends of the material as you fold in the corners of the material to create a better fit around the foam. Continue until the material forms a snug but slightly expandable cover around the foam. Take the foam out, reverse the material and re-insert the foam.

5. Fold the material of the side pieces, inside out, over their matching pieces of foam. Sew one end and the bottom edges together to form a snug pocket for the foam. Don’t forget to leave one end open. Take out the foam, reverse the material and re-insert the foam.

6. Put the pieces in their appropriate spots in the crate and watch your dog enjoy his new plush bed.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to wash all of the coverings before your dogs sleeps on it in case there are any small odds and ends of material or foam left for him to swallow.
• If you think your dog will try to pull out the foam and eat it, this may not be the kind of bed for you.