How to Make a Dog Crate Cover

Dog experts recommend plastic or wire crates for dogs. These crates are durable, most will break down into smaller pieces, and they are practically indestructible for even the most strong-willed dog. The downside to crates is they are unattractive when placed in a home environment, and lack the coziness needed to comfort a crated dog. This can be overcome by fabricating a homemade dog crate cover that is easy, quick and relatively inexpensive to make yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Fabric
  • Pins
  • Tape
  • Sewing machine or fabric glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the sides and top of the crate, and determine how close to the ground you want the cover to fall. Be sure to add about 2 inches to the top and bottom measurements to allow for the hem. When determining yardage, allow at least an extra yard of fabric in case of measurement errors.

    • 2

      Select a fabric width that's at least as wide as the crate sides are tall. Ideally it should be wrinkle-resistant and dark enough for privacy. Appropriate fabrics are natural blends made with at least 50 percent cotton. You'll be working with large pieces, so select a fabric that isn't too slippery.

    • 3

      Turn your biggest piece of fabric inside out. With one end in hand, tape one corner to the top edge of the front door. Wrap the fabric all the way around the three sides, ending at the opposite edge of the front door. Leave enough overlap on the front corners of the crate to make a snug, boxy fit around the top corners. Also, leave room for a hem, and do not cover the front door.

      Pin or tape this wrapped piece in place, and cut. Create a hem by folding over all unfinished edges, and sew or gluing in place. Re-attach this piece to the crate sides using tape, with the fabric inside out.

    • 4

      Lay another piece of fabric piece on top of the crate, wrong side facing up. Place the edges over the top of the larger, finished piece to allow for a seam and attach. Carefully take this three-sided cover and turn it inside out. Attach them together using your method of choice.

    • 5

      Create a roll up "front door" cover for the dog crate. Place your new 3-sided crate cover on the crate, right side out. Attach a piece of fabric, right side out, to the top of the crate cover above the front door, about 3 inches from the edge. Cut to size, hem the edges, then attach to the top of the cover. You can leave the cover open for daytime use by rolling it up and placing along the top of the crate.