How to Make Dog Blankets

In the wild, dogs scratch at the ground to create a soft sleeping area. Pet owners can keep their dog comfortable at home by lining his bed or favorite chair with a fleece blanket. Fleece is a good choice for dog blankets, as the fabric is soft, comfortable, easy to work with and easy to wash. Depending on your abilities and the amount of time you wish to spend, you can sew a blanket or make a no-sew variation. Different fleece colors and patterns are available at fabric stores.

Things You'll Need

  • Fleece
  • Measuring tape
  • Rotary mat and cutter
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine or needle and thread
Show More

Instructions

  1. Sewn Blanket

    • 1

      Measure your dog from head to tail to determine the length of the blanket. The blanket should be at least as long as your dog, but you can make it several inches longer if you want. Using a rotary mat and cutter or measuring tape and scissors, cut two fleece squares according to this measurement: both the length and the width of each square should be equal to the dog's length or longer. 30-by-30 inch squares work well for medium sized dogs.

    • 2

      Place one square on top of the other with the right sides facing in. The right side of a piece of fabric is the finished side of the fabric, or the side with the pattern. Pin three of the sides together with straight pins. Place the pins horizontally at 1/2 inch. intervals.

    • 3

      Hand sew the three sides of the blanket, or use a sewing machine and a zigzag stitch.

    • 4

      Remove the pins and turn the blanket right side out. Sew the remaining edge together the same way you sewed the other sides.

    No-Sew Blanket

    • 5

      Measure your dog from head to tail to determine the length of the blanket. The blanket should be at least as long as your dog, but you can make it several inches longer if you want. Using a rotary mat and cutter or measuring tape and scissors, cut a fleece square according to this measurement. Both the length and the width of each square should be equal to the dog's length or longer. A 30-by-30 inch square works well for medium sized dogs.

    • 6

      Cut fringe along each side of the square with a pair of sharp scissors. For smaller blankets, make each piece of fringe about 1/2 inch wide and 2 inches long. For large blankets, make each piece of fringe about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long.

    • 7

      Tie each individual fringe strip into a knot at the top to make fleece "tassels" all around the blanket.