DIY dog bed

When getting a dog, try to create a cozy and comfortable environment for your pet. Our pets also deserve their own space, even if you live in a very small apartment. A dog bed, which you can make yourself if you're so inclined, can be the solution.

How to choose

The choice of model depends on many factors: coat length, size, personality, and individual breed characteristics. Therefore, before getting started, familiarize yourself with all the different types of dog beds and then choose the most comfortable option that's right for your pet.

The most popular types include:

1. A cradle (or platform). This secluded refuge is best suited for smaller animals who prefer peace and quiet. Dog cradles typically feature removable cushions or bedding, the material of which can be changed according to the season.
2. A sleeping pillow. This option is very easy to care for, doesn't take up much space, and will suit almost any decor. What's more, this pillow-shaped bed can be made for both large and small dogs. If desired, it can be placed in a low basket.
3. A bed with a side. The most common option. Depending on the dog's size, you can create a small cozy nest or a full-size sofa for relaxing.
4. A cozy house. Just like cradles or stages, these structures require a fair amount of time and effort to build. But it's worth it! As a result, your pet will have their own private quarters where they can sleep or hide from strangers. In winter, the house can be insulated by lining the bottom with sheepskin or faux fur.

The advantage of a homemade bed is that you can choose the material and color for the bed yourself, and also have it tailored to the exact size of your dog.

How to sew

To make a sleeping area of ​​any size, you will need the following materials: strong thread and a needle, scissors, paper for a pattern, several types of fabric, as well as foam rubber, synthetic padding, or silicone for filling.

Let's look at some of the most convenient options and tell you how to make a dog bed.

Personal pillow

Even a novice needlewoman can sew this bed model. You don't even need to cut out a separate pattern—just draw the length and width of the future pillow with a ruler. The key is choosing the right size and fabric.

For smooth-haired breeds, a fleecy material is suitable to keep your pet warm on cold evenings, while shaggy dogs will appreciate a pillow made of thick cotton, denim, or linen.

A step-by-step tutorial on making a dog bed yourself:

1. Lay a piece of fabric on the floor and draw two sections of the proposed crib on it. One section will be the same shape as shown in the picture, and the other will be the same size, but without the sides (rectangle a).
2. Once you've determined the pillow's size (it should accommodate the animal with its legs extended), draw the details on the fabric using a ruler and pen. It can be square or rectangular, or any other shape you desire.
3. Now the resulting fragments can be cut out, stepping back from the edge of the line by a few centimeters.
4. Next, stitch the corners of one piece and sew the two pieces together (remember to leave an unsewn section through which you'll fill the pillow with silicone). After that, all that's left to do is turn the pillow inside out and stuff it tightly with filling.
5. At the end, carefully sew up the filling area with thick threads.

You can also sew several types of pillowcases, taking into account the season and the interior of the room.

Lounger with sides

Option No. 1

To save money, you can get creative and try making a dog bed yourself from an old knit sweater. This unwanted item will get a new life, and your pet will certainly appreciate your efforts.

To do this you need:

1. Sew the sweater horizontally from one armpit to the other, thereby dividing the jacket into 2 parts: the bottom will serve as the bottom for the sleeping area, and the sleeves and chest area will become excellent sides.
2. Fill the bottom pouch with padding polyester, or simply stuff an old, unwanted pillow inside. Tie the bottom of the sweater together by threading a drawstring through it, or simply sew it neatly with strong thread.
3. Sew the two sleeves together to create a single, continuous tunnel, which should be evenly filled with synthetic padding. Be generous with the padding, as the sides should be firm, elastic, and resistant to deformation under the pet's weight.
4. After filling the entire top with padding polyester, sew the neck closed. Next, attach the sides of the bed along the entire perimeter of the bottom.

To make the product easy to wash from time to time, it is enough to sew 2 small zippers into the bottom and top parts of the sweater.

Option #2

The next model of dog bed is just as easy to sew as the first. It's a round or oval bed with a filled bottom. To create a beautiful dog bed yourself, carefully examine the patterns.

To sew such a product you need:

1. Take a large piece of fabric and fold it in half with the back side facing up.
2. Measure the dog and, using the measurements taken, draw a circle on the fabric with chalk or soap (so that it can be cleaned).
3. Step back 25-30 cm and draw another circle around it for the future sides.
4. Measure another 2-3 cm on the fabric and draw another circle to tighten the sides.
5. Cut out the product with scissors, leaving a couple of centimeters for seam allowances.
6. Sew the smallest circle, leaving a small gap for filling. Stuff the bottom of the crib tightly with padding polyester and sew up the opening where you filled it.
7. Sew the second circle and fill it with filler just like the previous one.
8. Along the third circle, you also need to sew a seam, leaving an unsewn area, and then carefully pull a long cord, ribbon, or rope through the entire perimeter of the circle.
9. Pull and tie the lace tightly to bring the sides into a vertical position.

This type of lounger is also convenient because, if necessary, the cord can be easily untied and the bed can be turned into a practical mattress.

A cozy little house

Now that you know how to sew a pillow-shaped dog bed, you can try more complex designs. For example, a small pet house that resembles a cozy burrow. For this, you'll need plenty of dense foam sheets and upholstery material.

When sewing a dog bed yourself, it's best to use the patterns shown in the photo. All you have to do is choose the color and size.

The sequence of work is as follows:

1. Fold the lining fabric in half and carefully draw the pattern (you can substitute your own dimensions, the main thing is to maintain the proportions).
2. Cut out all the pieces with seam allowances (the picture shows one whole piece, but the parts of the house need to be made from pieces that then need to be carefully sewn together).
3. Using the same principle, draw and cut out the foam pieces. They should be 1-2 cm smaller than the fabric pieces (use the foam thickness as a guide).
4. Cover all foam parts with fabric and fasten them together.

Where the "lock" sign appears, you can insert a zipper or sew on some strong Velcro. It's best to sew a separate cushion into the center of the pet house, making it easy to remove and wash.

Product care

Finally, it's worth mentioning that pillowcases and removable bedding should be washed regularly. Choosing materials that repel hair and water can help avoid frequent cleaning and washing. You'll still need to beat the pillows and fluff the filling at least once every six months. But this has its own benefit: giving your dog his own private space means you won't have to constantly pick up hair and dirt all over the house.

Read also:

• DIY Dog Run
• How to build a dog house with your own hands?
• How to make an origami dog out of paper