How to Make a Dog Bed With Pillows

A dog bed can be expensive. Spare the expense by making a dog bed from pillows. You can use foam or feather pillows, but feather pillows will allow the two pillows to expand and smooth out any dips (after the original pillow case is slit). An old sheet can be used for the inner case, but a durable and heavier, washable fabric should be used for the outer lining.

Things You'll Need

• Two pillows
• Fabric for lining
• Fabric for cover
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Measuring tape
• Razor blade

Instructions

1. 

   Lay the pillows side by side, positioning the longest sides next to each other.

2. 

   Measure the perimeter of the pillows. Note the measurements, and add 2 inches to the narrowest side, and add 6 inches to the longer side. For example, if the pillows measure 3' x 4', the measurement would be 3' 1" x 4' 6". We will call this the final measurement.

3. 

   Cut out two pieces of fabric. Each should be the same size as the "final measurement" dimension. For example, if we were using the measurements in Step 2, each piece of fabric would be 3' 1" x 4' 6".

4. 

   Lay the two pieces of fabric on top of each other, with the wrong side out. Sew the two pieces together, along three edges with a ¼" seam. Leave one end opened (along a narrower side).

5. 

   Turn the pillow case that you have just sewn, right side out. Push the first pillow far into the case. After it is inserted, take a sharp razor blade and slit along the outer edge of the pillow's case. Do not pull apart the cut edges. Later, this will allow the feathers to move out of the original pillow case, and fill in the gap, so there will not be a dip in the bed.

6. 

   Slip the second pillow into the large pillow case. Right as you put it all the way in, slit the edge entering the case first. Carefully push the pillow in the rest of the way, and try not to spill the feathers. Sew up the end of the pillow case.

7. Make a second pillow case, using the measurements of the first, but adding an inch to each side. Use heavier material. Instead of sewing up the end, sew a hem and add Velcro or a zipper to secure the end. The outer case can then be removed to be laundered.