How to Make a Dog Bed with a Teddy Bear Cover

Keep your dog off the furniture with a dog bed.

A bed of its own gives a dog a place to rest without destroying your furniture. It's not only comfortable, but provides a safe place for the dog, should he not want to be bothered. Encourage children and other adults to leave the dog if he is on the bed. It is his private place, where he need not worry about being overwhelmed.

Things You'll Need

• Foam
• Teddy bear fabric
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Felt tip marker
• Sewing needles
• Sewing machine

Instructions

Preparations

1. Measure your dog while he is sleeping. Note whether he likes to curl up or sprawl out. Add five inches to the total measurement to accommodate seams.

2. Cut the foam to size using fabric scissors or a sharp knife. Measure the thickness of the foam and add five inches.

3. Place teddy bear fabric wrong side up on the floor. Measure the length and width of the dog bed, marking the size with a fabric marker. Repeat the process for the bottom of the dog bed. Measure the length of the bed (the shorter side) and the height on the fabric twice. Measure the width of the bed (the longer side) and the height on the fabric twice. Cut out all six pieces.

Execution

1. Match the top panel of the fabric to the first side panel; make sure the lengths match. Place fabric right side in, so both panels are touching. Pin panels together.

2. Sew the seam of the panels together, wrong side out, leaving one inch of space from the edge of the fabric. Remove pins as you sew.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with remaining panels. Leave one panel unattached. Turn the fabric so the teddy bear print shows on the outside. Insert the foam into the fabric case. Pin the final four sides together. Sew the remaining sides with the sewing machine, removing pins as you approach the needle.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add embellishments to the dog bed if you are an experienced sewer. A zipper or Velcro will allow the casing to be removed for easy washing.

• If your dog is a puppy, add additional inches to accommodate growth.

• Piping added to dog beds will create a professional appearance.

• Remove pins prior to sewing. Sewing over pins can damage the needle and the sewing machine.

References

• Make & Build Dog Stuff: Make A Dog Bed