How to Make a Dog bed

Does your dog or pet need a new bed that is not yours? This beginner sewing project is nothing but easy and fun.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pillow or two (or stuffing at fabric store)
• Fabric of your choosing(thicker the better)
• sewing machine
• thread matching fabric

1. Size of Bed is dependant on size of your pet. Measure how long is your pet (nose to tail). How tall is your pet (paw to top of head). Example: Height=12 long=18. Add 6" to each measurement. Example 18X24.
   The size can be made to fit a perfect spot in the house.
2. Cut Fabric giving yourself a 1" allowance for seams. This is a dog bed nothing needs to exact. Sew 3 sides with fabric good side to good side.
3. Leave a hole On fourth side sew each end leaving a 6" hole in the closer to add stuffing. Check seams to make sure they are firm. If you desire for extra strength turn fabric inside out which is now right sides out with a hole still on the fourth side.
4. Iron the fabric, concentrating on getting the edges and corners to lay flat.
5. Sew a straight stitch around the sides and corners of the fabric. This adds extra support for the seams (really needed if you have pets that like to dig in their bed).
6. Now stuff away. Open a bag of stuffing or cut an old pillow open. Stuff - Stuff making sure to get into corners and sides. This is not an exact art. I never knew a pet to go way this is not straight!
7. This and that Left over Material. Bandannas Mostly! Now the pet bed is full. Take the remaining seam that is open and sew it shut. This can be done by hand in about 5 minutes or just a minute if you can work around the fluff. ****** Final bring it home --- place a sock that you've worn(not washed) in the middle of the bed. Your pet will smell you and feel like they are cuddling with you.

Tips & Warnings

• Why buy fabric - Use old t-shirts, sheets, blankets, pillow cases, bandannas, and old clothes in general. Pets do not care about the shape and your friends will be really interested with the many fabric and shapes that you come up with.
• Always watch children around sewing machines and other sharp object that may be used on this project.