Making a dog bed new again

We've had a dog bed for a few years that wasn't serving our needs anymore. It was expensive when we bought it, most of the materials were still fine, and it would be silly to replace it. But we hated it. So.... time to upcycle!


Step 1: Take pictures of the dog looking sad in the bed so you can post the project on permies.

Step 2: Very carefully seam rip the bed apart. Discover that in some places they sewed over the same seams on different layers and curse while you figure it out without unraveling the woven fabric.

Step 3: Take more pictures of all the pieces apart and then wash your hands because you've been neck deep in a dog bed that hasn't been washed in a year.

Step 4: Wash all that stuffing. Two full loads worth. And then spend so long trying to dry it out. Rejoice that washing and drying the fabric will be much simpler.

Step 5: Try to source fleeces to felt for structure under the pillow stuffing. Look high and low and then feel guilty when you buy foam from the craft store because you can't find a fleece for less than $120. It is worth it because the dog is spoiled and will beg to get on the couch unless this bed is very comfortable.

Step 6: Hold the various shaped pieces of fabric up and pin for a few hours trying to figure out how to make it a new shape without losing any of the size at all.

Step 7: Get frustrated and start sewing. Try it on the bed as you go. Finish the bed in less than 30 min.

Step 8: Let the dog test the bed before you really finish the edges. That way you can make changes when it isn't good enough. Be pleasantly surprised when the cat steals the dog bed immediately. That means it's really good.


Things I've learned from this project:

- It's worth taking the time to disassemble something methodically. I had zero waste from this project (unless you count the seam ripped thread) and came out with about half the stuffing and some of the fabric left over for other projects.

- Sometimes you have to design as you go. I spent hours trying to figure out the right cuts to turn an oval into a slightly bigger rectangle. Finally I just started sewing and trying it on as I went and it worked. Seam rippers exist for a reason.

-It is worth buying a quality from the start if you can. Even though I remade this to work better for us, I was able to do that because all of the stuffing and fabric was heavy duty. It shows no signs of wear after years of use.

-Plan for everything the item has to do. I almost made this bed bigger. Then I took the pillow and I stuck it in the washing machine. And I realized it didn't fit. So I took out some stuffing until it did fit. A cushy bed was important but a cushy bed that can be washed was crucial.


Thanks for reading my silly story about upcycling a dog bed!

I was recently baby sitting a friend's geriatric dog. She washed his bed before bringing it, but between it going lumpy and smelling of clothes washing detergent, he didn't use it even once.

So making something that can be washed easily without going all weird is worth the time and effort! I'm a great fan of zipper covers for that reason.

Your dog definitely looks happy with the results.

I make dog bed covers for all our dog's beds.  She has two that she uses every day  Since she is a small dog her beds are just a little bigger than a pillowcase which is how I make the cover like a pillowcase. An easy rectangle sewed on three sides with a finished opening just like a pillowcase.

If I sew the fourth side once the dog bed is inside it keeps the bed from getting dirty.  Letting it air out when the cover is off for washing is sometimes all that is needed as the sunlight and air freshen the dog bed.

I get comforters or thick blankets from thrift stores/ yard sales, etc., fold them a couple of times, and voila, a dog bed. When they get dirty, they get washed and hung out to dry on a sunny day.

Yep, I sewed the fourth side for now, just to keep the stuffing in. But if I end up with some muslin in the future I might make a bag for the stuffing so just the cover can be washed and taken on and off like a pillowcase. I'm sure letting it air out in the sun would help as well. I'll have to try that this summer and see if we can't keep it smelling better without needing a full wash.

My dog has that same exact bed!  Thanks for the idea!

Annie Collins wrote:I get comforters or thick blankets from thrift stores/ yard sales, etc., fold them a couple of times, and voila, a dog bed. When they get dirty, they get washed and hung out to dry on a sunny day.

Same! Or I drape them over various dog beds or use them to make tipis. Plus it gives me an excuse to relieve thrift stores of their beautiful plaid wool blankets.