Instructions for Handcrafted Toys for Cats & Dogs
Cats and dogs make wonderful family members, but they also come with a cost. Though cat and dog toys might not immediately break the bank, spending money on them over time can add up. Make your own toys for the furry friends in your life and save money while creating truly unique toys that your pets are sure to enjoy playing with for hours on end. Crafting pet toys is relatively easy and makes an enjoyable hobby. Perhaps you could even sell some on the side for your dog or cat food fund.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton poplin
- Cardboard
- Pen
- Scissors
- Tailor's chalk
- Catnip
- Squeaky insert
- Cotton stuffing
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Needle
Instructions
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1
Decide on the shape you want your cat or dog toys to be. Dogs often like a bone shape, while cats prefer a log, mouse or ball shape.
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2
Trace the shape you want your pet toy to be onto the cardboard with a pen. Trace a second line 1/4 inch outside the first, all the way around. This is your seam allowance.
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3
Cut out the outline on your cardboard, along the outermost line.
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4
Set the cardboard template on top of the wrong side of your fabric and trace around it with tailor's chalk. Repeat so that you have two outlines on your fabric.
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5
Cut out the fabric toy outlines and pin them together so that their right sides are facing.
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6
Sew a 1/4-inch seam all the way around the toy, leaving a 1-inch gap on one end for stuffing.
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7
Turn the pet toy right side out and stuff it through the small opening. Use cotton stuffing to ensure that the toy is washable. For cat toys, stuff dried catnip into the opening. For dog toys, include a squeaky.
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8
Slip stitch the small opening to secure, tying off the ends and clipping any excess thread. For a special touch, place completed pet toys in a basket at floor level, where your dog or cat can easily reach them.
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References
- Photo Credit cat image by nutech21 from Fotolia.com
