How to Sew a Cat Bed & House

A vintage suitcase is the base for a unique and personalized cat bed and house. Interesting old suitcases are available at thrift stores and garage sales and are the perfect size and shape for your cat's own space. The techniques used to make this cat bed and house are simple enough for beginners to master.

Things You'll Need

  • Suitcase
  • 4 screw-top wooden legs
  • 4 blots to fit the screws on the legs
  • Measuring tape
  • Plywood
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Fabric
  • Fiberfill
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the inside of your suitcase and cut a piece of plywood to these dimensions. The plywood should fit in the bottom of your suitcase. This will give the legs something in which to screw.

    • 2

      Drill through the plywood and the suitcase at each corner of the suitcase. These are the holes for the legs. Screw the legs into the holes and secure the top with a nut.

    • 3

      Cut two pieces of fabric, 2 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the dimensions of the inside of the suitcase. Pin the fabric pieces to each other with the brighter side of each together. Sew around the perimeter of the fabric with a 1/4-inch seam, leaving a 3-inch hole for turning. Turn the fabric right-side out and stuff with fiberfill. Tuck the raw edges of the turning hole in and sew closed. Place the pillow inside the bottom of the suitcase.

    • 4

      Measure the suitcase lid including the two sides and the front edge. Divide this measurement in half. Measure from the center of the suitcase lid, when opened, to the bottom of the suitcase. Cut two pieces of fabric 2-inches larger than these dimensions. These are the curtain panels. Press a 1/4-inch hem around the perimeter of each, followed by a 1/2-inch seam. Use a glue gun to attach the panels to the lid of the suitcase. Start with the first panel in one corner of the lid near the hinges and attach the panel around to the center front of the lid. Repeat with the second panel on the other side.

    • 5

      Arrange the panels so that they drape on the outside of the suitcase bottom, making a tent-like house for your cat.