How to Make Dog Beds & Blankets

Even dogs who sometimes share their owners' beds enjoy having one of their own. When you make a bed for your dog, you select both the fabric and the stuffing. Cedar, a natural flea repellent, is a good choice. You can also use quilt batting or soft foam. Although dogs might enjoy a blanket when they first settle down, most quickly get too warm. They need a blanket for comfort more than for warmth. A piece of an old worn blanket or flannel nightgown that smells like the owner would please most dogs.

Things You'll Need

  • Wicker basket
  • Soft fabric
  • Quilt batting or stuffing
  • Worn blanket or clothing
  • Edging material
  • Needle and thread or sewing machine
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Instructions

  1. Dog Bed

    • 1

      Choose a wicker basket in a size that will fit your dog comfortably. Many dogs like a strong support against their back. If your dog is used to sleeping on a cushion bed that has worn out and needs replacing, he might not need a basket.

    • 2

      Make a large cushion for your dog to serve as his bed. It can be rectangular, oval or any shape that fits him. Measure the dimensions before buying any fabric. Choose a material that will be soft against his fur.

    • 3

      Select the stuffing for the bed. How much you buy depends on how firm you want the bed to be. Don't overstuff the bed.

    • 4

      Cut the fabric to the dimensions you've measured, leaving 1 inch all around for hemming. Either by hand or by machine, sew the two rectangles with right sides together. Leave about a foot at the end open so you can stuff it later.

    • 5

      Turn the bed right side out. Fill the bed with stuffing. When it's as firm as you want it, sew up the outside edge. Arrange it in the basket for your dog.

    Dog Blanket

    • 6

      Take an old blanket that's worn thin or an old piece of clothing large enough to make a dog blanket. For large dogs, you might need to make a patchwork blanket using scraps of clothing.

    • 7

      Size the blanket according to the size of your dog. You want a piece of fabric that will cover him without allowing more than a foot to hang off in any direction.

    • 8

      Sew the border around the edges of the blanket so it doesn't unravel. Purchased edging gives new life and a nice finish to an old blanket.