There are many options for repurposing or donating old clothing. For pet owners, here is one more option: making a custom pet bed. This simple DIY project will help you transform an old sweatshirt into a cozy new bed for your small dog or cat. Here is all of the information you need to get started:
Materials & Tools
- Scissors
- Sewing thread
- Thick sewing needle
- Pins
- Chalk
- Cushion filling
- Small pillow
- Rectangular scrap of fabric (optional)
Step by step
- To begin, turn the sweatshirt inside out. Remove the tag if there is one, and gather the edges of the collar together.
- Using either a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew the collar of the sweatshirt closed, then flip it right-side out.
- Draw a straight line from one armpit to the other. Mark the line with pins or chalk.
- Sew along the line and remove the pins.
- Line up the sleeves along the sides of the sweatshirt and sew them together.
- Take your choice of filling and stuff it into the cuffs of the sleeves. This will form the outer edge of the bed.
- Fill the rest of the sweatshirt through the bottom. You can use a small pillow, more pillow stuffing or another stuffing material of your choice.
- Sew along the opening at the bottom of the sweatshirt, then join and sew the cuffs together around the bottom.
- As an optional step, you can add a sleeve of scrap fabric over the cuffs to hide the stitching. Otherwise, your new pet bed is ready for your cat or dog to sleep in and enjoy.
Now you know a great way to repurpose an old favorite sweatshirt. These same instructions also work well with long-sleeved shirts made of heavy cotton or other durable fabric. Regardless, your pet will love their new cozy DIY bed.
About the Author
Jan Kennemer
Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.