Learn how you can make a cozy pet bed from your old sweaters. This method is significantly cheaper than purchasing from a pets store. We will give you step by step guides on how to make DIY crafts.
Your cute and cuddly friend is likely feeling cold in the winter months. But don’t worry, as there are plenty of methods to DIYing them an affordable yet comfortable pet bed. There’s no need to go to a pet store and spend hundreds of dollars on one that they are probably going to grow out of.
Instead, use multiple tips and tricks to learn how to craft a simple pet bed using sweaters. In this article, we will provide you with a tutorial with various types of beds to make. This way, you and your pup can find something that both of you enjoy.
Different Types of Sweater Beds
There are rumors methods for making pet beds from a sweater, and we’re going to give you various options. These all range in size, softness, and ease of crafting. So, be sure to choose the one you feel comfortable making. Although, we always advise that you measure your dog’s length and width and add a few inches on each side to know that they will fit on the sweater bed. If you need more information, check out Pets Expert.
Cuddly Sweater Bed
This sweater bed is comfortable to wash and make. It’s designed to have removable stuffing, and it will only take a bit of time to make. So, without further hesitation, let’s get into the pet steps for bed;
Supplies
- Wool old sweater preferably rounded neck
- Stuffing or pillow or pillow innards
- Zipper, snap, or velcro
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Baby blanket or fleece material
- Take the stuffing and begin to stuff every inch of the sweater. We find it easier if you stuff the arms first, then the main body. You’ll want it fully stuffed so that it has enough thickness to be comfortable while your pet lies down.
- Measure around the stuffed sweater and see how much fabric it takes to cover both around the width and girth of it. After that, outline and cut pieces of material that can wrap around it before sewing them on the top of the sweater.
- Use velcro or snaps at the opening of the sweater where the neckline would be and install them.
- Sew the cuffs of the sweater together, bringing them around the bottom of the sweater. This way, they will look like the edge of a dog bed. Sew them into place.
- Zip or velcro the sweater shut and sew any remaining openings. From here, fluff the bed and make sure it stays in place; all you’ll need to do is wait and see if your pup likes it.
Upcycled Winter Sweater Bed
The upcycled winter seater bed is better used if you get a new sweater from the store. Make sure you find one that’s one size up of what your dog seems to like it needs, otherwise your pup might not fit onto the bed comfortably. Here are the following steps;
Materials
- Oversized winter sweater
- Sewing needle and thread or sewing machine
- Pillow and extra stuffing
- First, check to see if the pillow you can fit inside the sweater without any issues. If not, you’ll need to find a pillow that fits into the main torso area of the sweater.
- Start by sewing up the neck of the sweater. After this is done, you’ll want to go back and stitch it completely closed.
3.next, you’re going to want to sew across armpit to armpit, making a delightful ending for the pillow.
- Take your stuffing and put them into the arms of the sweater before sealing them up with more stitching.
- Take the pad and place it into the lower part of the sweater. Secure it into place by sewing the opening at the bottom of the sweater.
- Stuff one sleeve into another and use them as the edge of a dog bed.
Top Tips & Tricks
As you can see, it’s not that difficult to make a dog bed. It’s much easier if you’re doing it using a sweater than instead trying to make it by hand. Your dog has a nice little indent where they feel comfortable, and they can rest their heads on the side arms.
However, we do want to offer a few tips and tricks that can help you avoid any mistakes. Firstly, try and choose sweaters that are big enough for your dog and don’t have a rough texture. Sweaters should be soft, non-shedding, and be comfortable to the touch.
Secondly, using a sewing machine can help ensure that the stitches won’t come undone. Hand sewing is much more comfortable, but dogs are notorious for being rough with everything they come into contact with. If your little one uses the bed as a toy, the stitching may come out, and you’ll go home to a living room full of stuffing.
Lastly, make sure that your pup has a big enough sweater bed. Small dog breeds tend to need a small to medium sweater from the women’s section. Medium to large breeds is suitable for men’s small and medium. And a big dog may require an extra or XXXL size from the men’s section.
Conclusion
These methods of creating your dog beds are remarkably cheaper than going out and purchasing one from the pet store. Not only are these affordable, but often they are more comfortable too. Your pup will enjoy the familiar scent of you and your home while they are resting, which makes them like it even more. Hopefully, we’ve helped you how to make pet beds via DIY crafts.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
