How to Sew a Fleece Dog Bed Pattern

A round dog bed is the most common, but they can be any shape.
Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Everyone needs a comfy place to relax and snooze, and your dog is no exception. Dogs need a bed that will cushion them and keep them warm. They like the security of having a bed that hugs them on their sides while they lie on it. You can make a bed, or several beds, for your dog, using basic pillow-construction techniques. Making a bed allows you to customize fabric choices and fit the bed to your dog's exact size to achieve that snuggle effect. You can make a dog bed in hours that will comfort him for years.

Step 1

Choose a solid color for the bed bottom and fleece to cover the top.

Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Measure your dog's height at the shoulder, and double that number. If your dog is 14 inches tall at the shoulder, make a circle pattern of 28 inches' diameter. Cut a paper circle from tissue paper or newspaper in the size you have measured.

Step 2

Draw the circles on the fabric and cut carefully.

Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Pin the paper pattern on the fabric and secure with pins, then cut two circles from the heavy fabric, and one from the fleece. Also cut a circle from the foam, if that is your stuffing of choice.

Step 3

Fleece can be natural or man-made replicas. You can also use an warm fabric for your dog bed.

Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Lay the fabric circles on top of each other, with the fleece as the middle layer. Pin edges around the outside of the circle.

Step 4

Reinforce your seams with zigzag stitching.

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Sew the edges of the circle, making a 5/8-inch seam, leaving an opening of about 1/4 of the edge. Serge or zigzag the edges for reinforcement.

Step 5

Turn the circles inside-out, with the seams inside and the fleece on top.

Step 6

Insert stuffing -- foam, polyfill or other material of choice -- into the bed casing, and pin the opening closed. Hand-stitch where you have pinned to finish the closing.

Warnings

  • Be careful to manage sewing supplies around dogs. Some will steal pins or fabric pieces and swallow them.

Tips

  • If you're an advanced sewer, add a zipper or buttons at the closing site so you can remove the foam filling during washing.

  • Piping at the seam adds a professional look but can be difficult for beginners. If you choose to add piping, start at the pinning step and catch the edges of the pipping in the seam.

  • For a little fun, add decorations such as fringe, appliques or other items. Sew to the sides or top of the bed.

Items You Will Need

  • Fabric -- amount depends on the size of your dog -- fleece for the top, and stronger fabric for the bottom
  • Thread
  • Stuffing -- foam pieces, fiber-fill or other stuffing
  • Sewing machine
  • Serger -- optional
  • Tissue paper or newspaper
  • Tape measure
  • Marking pen
  • Scissors
  • Hand-stitching needle
  • Straight pins
  • Zipper, buttons, piping, decorations (optional)