DIY Dog Bed from an Old Sweatshirt: No-Sew Method

Updated at: 15/03/2025

Give your beloved canine companion the ultimate comfort upgrade with this incredibly easy, no-sew DIY dog bed project! Using only an old sweatshirt, you can transform a discarded garment into a cozy and snuggly haven for your furry friend in just minutes. This eco-friendly project is perfect for those who want to avoid needles and thread, offering a sustainable and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought beds. Say goodbye to expensive pet store purchases and hello to a personalized, perfectly-sized sleeping space tailored to your dog's unique needs.

Forget complicated instructions and frustrating sewing machines; this project is so simple, even the most novice crafter can confidently tackle it. With just a few easy steps and a little creativity, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a warm and inviting bed your dog will adore. Ready to get started and spoil your pup with a handcrafted haven? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Old sweatshirt
  • Contrasting color yarn
  • Chalk
  • Darning needle
  • Stuffing (old pillow or batting)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise your dog with their new bed, especially initially, to ensure they don't ingest any fabric pieces that might come loose.
  • Use only clean, soft sweatshirts. Avoid sweatshirts with embellishments like buttons, zippers, or beads that could pose a choking hazard.
  • Ensure the sweatshirt is large enough to comfortably accommodate your dog's size and sleeping posture. A snug fit can restrict movement and comfort.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweatshirt

    • Draw a chalk line from the armpits in an arch towards the neck, leaving it under the neck. This will be the top of the bed.
    • Measure and fold the sleeves to find where the cuff meets the sleeve. Lay them together to form the bed's sides.
    • Outline loosely outside the sleeves with chalk to create the bed's shape.
    • Cut along the bottom chalk line up to the sides. Do not cut along the top chalk line. Cut off the waistband.
    Cut along the bottom chalk line up to the sides. Do not cut along the top chalk line. Cut off the waistband.Cut along the bottom chalk line up to the sides. Do not cut along the top chalk line. Cut off the waistband.Cut along the bottom chalk line up to the sides. Do not cut along the top chalk line. Cut off the waistband.Cut along the bottom chalk line up to the sides. Do not cut along the top chalk line. Cut off the waistband.
    Prepare the Sweatshirt

  2. Prepare the Stuffing

    • Prepare stuffing from an old pillow or batting.
    Prepare stuffing from an old pillow or batting.
    Prepare the Stuffing

  3. Assemble the Dog Bed Body

    • Open the bottom of the sweatshirt and fit the batting inside the chalk outline.
    • Sew across the top chalk line, keeping the batting intact.
    • Take a few stitches to hold the bottom closed temporarily.
    Take a few stitches to hold the bottom closed temporarily.Take a few stitches to hold the bottom closed temporarily.Take a few stitches to hold the bottom closed temporarily.
    Assemble the Dog Bed Body

  4. Assemble the Sleeves

    • Stuff the sleeves and upper neck area. Put one sleeve inside the other and sew them together.
    Stuff the sleeves and upper neck area. Put one sleeve inside the other and sew them together.
    Assemble the Sleeves

  5. Stuff and Finish

    • Stuff the neck hole and sleeves completely.
    • Sew up the neck hole.
    Sew up the neck hole.Sew up the neck hole.
    Stuff and Finish

Read more: DIY Glamorous Pet Beds from Upcycled Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use contrasting yarn for easier visibility.
  • Old towels can be used as an alternative to pillow stuffing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Sweatshirt Too Small

Reason: Choosing a sweatshirt that's too small for your dog will result in a cramped and uncomfortable bed.
Solution: Use a larger sweatshirt or add extra fabric pieces to increase the bed's size.

2. Uneven Stuffing Distribution

Reason: Inconsistent stuffing leads to lumps and bumps, making the bed uneven and less comfortable for your dog.
Solution: Carefully redistribute the stuffing to ensure it's evenly distributed throughout the bed.

FAQs

My sweatshirt is quite small. Will this method still work for a larger dog?
While this method works best with medium to large sweatshirts for larger dogs, you can adapt it. Use multiple sweatshirts layered together or consider using a larger, softer fabric like an old blanket or fleece along with the sweatshirt to increase the size and cushioning.