How to Make an Indoor Kennel Cover

A cover for your indoor kennel or crate can create a comfortable cave-like space for your dog to help keep it calm and happy. It can also conceal an unattractive metal kennel, helping it blend in with the decor in your home. For portable kennels, a crate cover can be essential in helping scared or reactive dogs cope in the car or other public setting.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure or yardstick
  • Several yards of fabric (amount depends on measurement of kennel)
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Needle
  • Fabric scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure kennel. Don't rely on standard measurements. Use a tape measure or yardstick to measure the height, width, and length of kennel.

    • 2

      Draw a diagram for reference. Draw a picture of the crate and note the measurements for the top and all four sides so you know how much fabric you will need and what size each section of the cover will be.

    • 3

      Select and purchase fabric. Choose anything from a neutral to a bold pattern. You can even mix and match fabrics on different sides of the cover. Choose breathable, natural fabrics like cotton. Avoid synthetics such as polyester which won't allow air to circulate. A heavier fabric such as canvas will be more durable, but may keep out too much air for summer months.

    • 4

      Measure and cut five sections of fabric based on the measurements you took, plus an additional 1 1/2 inches on the length and width of each section.

    • 5

      Lay fabric panels on a flat surface wrong side up. Pin the top side of each of the four side panels to the top panel an inch from the edge of the fabric. You will only be sewing the fabric together at the top so that you will later have the option of flipping up and any all sides of the cover.

    • 6

      Move pinned fabric to your sewing machine. Start at one corner and sew all the way around all four sides of the top section. Pin and sew the unfinished edges of each of the four side pieces. You may also do this step by hand if you don't have a machine.

    • 7

      Flip the cover right side out and place over the kennel.