Welcome to our cozy corner of the internet, where I will teach you everything you need to know to craft the perfect Dog Bed Pattern with zippers to remove the covers for your best friend in the world!
I know that there are many sewing patterns for dog beds out there. But today, I want to share with you why OUR pattern stands out from the rest.
In this post, you will learn everything you need to know about making the most incredible pet bed pattern with our unique Donut Dog Bed Pattern, which comes in 5 different sizes.
I will give you all the tips, hacks, and tricks you need to make this easy project for your furry friend.
So get your coziest materials ready, and let’s make your best friend the best bed ever!
NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase using one of the links in this article, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you (To know more about this, click here.)
Why make a DIY Bed for your Dog?
We all know that dogs are more than “just a pet.”
These gorgeous creatures hold a special place in our hearts, our families, and our homes. That is why making sure they have a comfy place to rest and sleep should be on our priority list!
Making them dog beds that match their personalities is a fantastic way to pamper them.
And even though there are countless options available in stores, they will never compare to the personal touch that making it yourself can give.
In my home, I have not one, not two, but three gorgeous dogs. And they are inside dogs, too. They are my best friends and my family. I can honestly say that I can’t live without their paws and their tails wiggling at me every day.
That is why having a super special and comfortable place for them to rest and sleep was on my top priority list.
But it couldn’t be just any bed! Oh no.
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Customize your dog bed to match your home decor.
It had to be a FANCY SMANSHY bed matching my house’s color palette and decorations.
And let me tell you. There is just something special about donut-shaped dog beds that scream fancy to me.
Fancy AND comfy!
By choosing the right material for it, I was sure that these beds would not only be a cozy spot for my doggies but also a great complement to my home style.
And the best thing about it is that I could ultimately make them work when I change my seasonal decorations by changing the bed covers!
Yes, my dearest friend, this sewing pattern has completely removable covers, which makes it great for when it’s time to wash the beds or simply change the style and colors.
Isn’t great??
How can I make my own dog bed?
Here is what you need to do to complete this sewing project:
- Get the Donut Dog Bed Sewing Pattern from My Golden Thimble’s PatternShop.
- Print and assemble the pattern at home, following the provided instructions.
- Choose the style for your DIY Dog bed, considering options like a soft, fancy style, a quilted top, or a casual design with denim and leather touches.
- Select the bed size you want to make; we offer five sizes from XS to XL to accommodate small and large dogs.
- Refer to the instruction manual included with the pattern for the recommended fabric quantities based on your bed size.
- Follow the pattern-cutting directions to cut your fabric pieces accurately.
- Sew the dog bed from start to finish by following the step-by-step tutorial provided in the sewing instruction manual included with the pattern files.
We will give you every resource you need to sew this bed from start to finish in the product files. Additionally, if you have any further questions, you can post them on our Sewing Club Facebook page.
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What is the best fabric for a dog bed?
Many sewing patterns available suggest using fleece exclusively for these types of projects.
But you don’t have to stop with these options only. You can choose to twist your doggy bed by opting for more unconventional materials like these.
- Canvas: Canvas fabric is a popular choice for dog beds. It’s sturdy, abrasion-resistant, and can handle frequent washing.
- Denim: Denim is another durable choice for dog beds. It’s tough and can withstand scratching and digging.
- Fleece: Fleece is a soft and cozy option. It’s comfortable for your furry friend and provides warmth.
- Outdoor or Waterproof Fabric: If you want a dog bed that’s easy to clean and resistant to moisture, consider outdoor or waterproof fabrics like nylon or polyester.
- Faux Fur or Sherpa: These plush fabrics provide a soft, snuggly surface for your dog.
- Cordura or Ballistic Nylon: These fabrics are exceptionally tough and resistant to abrasions.
- Cotton or Cotton Blends: Cotton is a versatile and breathable option for dog beds. It’s comfortable and comes in a wide range of patterns.
- Quilted Fabric: Quilted fabrics can add extra padding and comfort to the bed.
- Heavyweight Upholstery Fabric: These fabrics are strong and durable, making them a good choice for larger or heavier dogs.
New On Dog Prints Fabric:
For the pillow inserts, I recommend using a polyester lining (which will be harder to stain). As for the bottom/base of the bed, the best way to go is to choose a non-slip fabric. That last one will help the bed stay in place.
How many yards of fabric do I need for a dog bed?
Depending on the size of the bed you want to use, here are the estimates you will need in order to create these bed patterns for your dog, considering you get a 60” wide fabric.
| 60″ Width | Main Fabric | Pillows | Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | .83 yards | .88 yards | .5 yards |
| S | 1.8 yards | 1.9 yards | .6 yards |
| M | 2.3 yards | 2.3 yards | .8 yards |
| L | 2.8 yards | 2.8 yards | .8 yards |
| XL | 3.2 yards | 5 yards | 1 yard |
Tips & Tricks for Making an Exceptional Dog Bed
When it comes to sewing the perfect bed for your furry friend, there are a few tips and tricks that can make all the difference in creating a cozy and functional resting place. Let’s take a look at some key considerations:
Tip 1: Selecting Pet-Friendly Fabrics (Durable, Easy to Clean)
Choosing the right fabric for your dog bed is crucial. Opt for fabrics that are not only comfortable but also durable and easy to clean.
We all know some dogs can be more playful and rough than others, so if you have one of those dogs select materials that can withstand wear and tear, as well as the occasional accident.
Fabrics like canvas, denim, and outdoor materials are excellent choices for a doggy like this.
Tip 2: Use Non-Slip Fabrics for the base of the Bed
Non-slip fabrics will make your bed stay in its place at all times.
Your best friend will be able to confidently step onto the bed, knowing it won’t slide away unexpectedly.
Plus, you won’t need to constantly rearrange the bed’s position, providing a stress-free experience.
Some non-slip fabrics that can be great for this are vinyl, antislip fabric with rubber dots, or antislip cotton.
Tip 3: Over Stuff the Pillows
Put as much filling as you can on the inner pillows.
Having a good amount of stuffing on each pillow will give a much better body to your donut bed.
I like to overstuff the cushions, especially the walls of the bed, so that they can stand very still and won’t deform when the doggies roll on them.
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Save on Material!
This tip might not resonate with some of you. But if you are like me, you surely want to save a couple of bucks on your fabrics.
I have two great ways of doing that!
The first one is to simply reuse some left-over fabrics you already have to make new canvases to cut your pattern pieces. You can use the crumb quilting technique to achieve many interesting results.
At the very least, you can use this technique for the pillows only, given that no one will be seeing those if you are not that happy with the crumb quilt look.
The second one is to panel your pattern pieces. The pattern for the donut portion (the bed walls) of this design is quite large. And if you follow the pattern-cutting directions, you will find that you need a good amount of fabric to cut it into one piece.
But if you slice the pattern in half (and you add seam allowance between those cuts), you will be able to cut this pattern piece horizontally instead of vertically.
That way, you will need way less fabric than if you were cutting that part in one piece.
Bear in mind, though, that you will have an extra seam across this part. So, if you are not crazy about that, this solution might not be the one for you.
Maintenance Tips To Elongate Your Dog Bed’s Life
1. Regular Cleaning. Maintain your dog’s bed by regularly cleaning it. Wash the cover, vacuum the bed, and clean any stains or messes promptly to keep it fresh and hygienic.
2. Rotate and Fluff. Rotate the bed occasionally to ensure even wear and tear. Fluffing the padding or filling helps maintain its shape and comfort.
3. Inspect for Wear and Tear. Check the bed for signs of wear, including loose seams, tears, or flattened padding. Repair or replace it as needed to keep it comfortable and safe for your pet.
4. Protect from Chewing. If your dog is prone to chewing, provide appropriate chew toys and discourage them from using the bed as a target.
5. Regular Inspections. Inspect the bed and its surroundings for any hazards, like loose threads or nearby items that could harm your pet.
Dog Bed Sewing Pattern PDF Download.
Go to the product pattern page and follow the instructions to download your PDF dog bed sewing pattern.
After your purchase, you will be redirected to the download page. You will also receive the document in your inbox with the link to download the pattern.
Enjoy making the best Dog Bed Sewing Pattern ever!! And Happy Sewing!!
hi I’m new to your blog & I join things sometimes that end-up being recycled info from other sites by people thar really know less than me-that would be ZILCH. your dog bed tutorial is so detailed,it’s amazing! thanks for your hard work. also as someone who considers auto-correct a frenemy I think it’s ‘custom’,, not costume.
Stefanie! Thank you so, so much for letting me know what you think about this pattern. It means so much to me that you liked it!
And you are right! It was custom oops!