Upcycle Old Dog Toys: A Cute & Easy DIY Guide

Updated at: 14/05/2025

Does your dog have a mountain of mangled toys threatening to take over your living room? Before you toss those tattered tennis balls and deflated squeaky toys, consider this: they might have a second life as adorable, and surprisingly useful, homemade items! Upcycling old dog toys is a fantastic way to reduce waste, unleash your creativity, and potentially save a few dollars on new pet supplies. It's a surprisingly simple process, perfect for even the most novice crafters, transforming beloved (but broken) playthings into something new and exciting.

This guide will walk you through several fun and easy upcycling projects, turning your dog's discarded treasures into charming home décor and practical items. From transforming old tennis balls into coasters to creating whimsical keychains from worn-out rope toys, get ready to be amazed by what you can achieve. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and breathe new life into those well-loved, slightly worse-for-wear canine companions!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Old dog toy
  • Fabric scraps
  • Stuffing (optional)
  • Squeaker toy (optional)
  • Sewing machine or needle & thread
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Iron
  • Pencil or fabric marker
Safety Guidelines
  • Always inspect upcycled toys carefully for any small, loose, or potentially choking hazards before giving them to your dog. Remove anything that could break off and be swallowed.
  • Avoid using materials that could be toxic to dogs if ingested, such as treated wood, certain fabrics, or rubber containing harmful chemicals. Stick to durable, pet-safe materials.
  • Supervise your dog with any new toy, even if it's made from upcycled materials, to ensure safe play and prevent accidental damage or ingestion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Old Toy

    • Remove stuffing and squeaker from the old dog toy.
    Remove stuffing and squeaker from the old dog toy.
    Prepare Old Toy

  2. Cut Fabric Pieces

    • Trace the old toy onto fabric, adding seam allowance (1/4 - 1/2 inch). Fold fabric in half to ensure symmetry.
    • Cut out two fabric pieces.
    Cut out two fabric pieces.Cut out two fabric pieces.
    Cut Fabric Pieces

  3. Sew Fabric Pieces

    • Place the two fabric pieces together (right sides facing), pin, and leave an opening on one straight side for turning.
    • Stitch around the perimeter, leaving the opening.
    Stitch around the perimeter, leaving the opening.Stitch around the perimeter, leaving the opening.
    Sew Fabric Pieces

  4. Turn and Iron

    • Make small cuts in the seam allowance at curves to facilitate turning the fabric right side out.
    • Turn the fabric right side out using a tool like a chopstick if necessary. Iron flat.
    Turn the fabric right side out using a tool like a chopstick if necessary. Iron flat.Turn the fabric right side out using a tool like a chopstick if necessary. Iron flat.
    Turn and Iron

  5. Stuff and Finish

    • Stuff the toy with the old stuffing and squeaker, packing it firmly.
    • Close the opening by hand or machine stitching.
    Close the opening by hand or machine stitching.Close the opening by hand or machine stitching.
    Stuff and Finish

Read more: How to Make a Tiny Loom Band Animal Toy (Rainbow Dog Tutorial)

Tips

  • Use a sturdy fabric for durable toys.
  • Double stitch seams for extra strength.
  • Use quilter's thread for increased durability.
  • Supervise your dog while playing with the toy to prevent choking hazards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using unsuitable materials

Reason: Choosing fabrics or stuffing that are too worn, dirty, or potentially hazardous to your dog (e.g., containing toxic chemicals) can compromise the safety and durability of the upcycled toy.
Solution: Inspect materials carefully, discarding anything ripped, soiled beyond cleaning, or showing signs of damage; opt for sturdy, clean fabrics and non-toxic stuffing.

2. Insecure stitching or weak construction

Reason: Loose stitching, insufficient reinforcement in high-stress areas (like seams and attachment points), and inadequate stuffing can lead to the toy falling apart quickly or posing a choking hazard.
Solution: Use strong thread, double-stitch seams, reinforce stress points with extra stitching or fabric, and firmly pack stuffing to prevent gaps.

FAQs

What types of old dog toys can I upcycle?
Almost any old dog toy can be repurposed! Tennis balls, rope toys, plush toys (even if slightly torn), and squeaky toys are all great candidates. Consider the material and condition – heavily soiled or severely damaged toys might be better suited for disposal.