If there is one thing you need to know about me, it is I love animals. I am a supporter of several animal rescues including the Idaho Animal Rescue Network. I recently started making doggy beds for them out of old pillowcases stuffed with fabric and batting scraps. It's great in that they supply the scrap batting. The founder of IARN has a family member that is a longarm quilter and she saves the leftover batting and fabric scraps. Perfect!
Making a doggy bed is a fast and worthwhile project.
First thing to do is to wash your pillowcases. Once that is done, it is time to sew!
Start by turning the pillowcase inside out. We are going to box the ends to give the doggy bed a little shape. Align the side seam of the pillowcase (or the fold line if no seam) with the bottom seam (or fold line). Pull it into a point and smooth out. I used a 3" seam so I measured down 1-1/2" from the point and marked my sewing line.
Making a doggy bed is a fast and worthwhile project.
First thing to do is to wash your pillowcases. Once that is done, it is time to sew!
Start by turning the pillowcase inside out. We are going to box the ends to give the doggy bed a little shape. Align the side seam of the pillowcase (or the fold line if no seam) with the bottom seam (or fold line). Pull it into a point and smooth out. I used a 3" seam so I measured down 1-1/2" from the point and marked my sewing line.
Stitch twice across line, backtacking at ends. This helps to reinforce the boxed ends. Normally when I am making bags, I cut off the point, leaving about a 1/2" seam allowance. For the dog beds, I left the points intact. Repeat boxing for the other side seam.
On the cuff end of the pillowcase, stitch down 5 to 6 inches on each side, leaving about a 12 inch opening.
Repeat boxing of cuff seams.
Turn pillowcase right side out and stuff with fabric and batting scraps. I cut my larger scrap batting pieces into smaller pieces and strips to help mix into the fabric scraps. The batting provides more bulk, reduces weight, and adds softness to the doggy bed.
Fill the bed to desired thickness. For mine, I loosely filled each pillowcase approximately half full. When you are done adding stuffing, sew opening closed. I used an overlock style stitch on my machine but do whatever you want. Just make sure to backtack the ends of the seam.
Fluff the doggy bed and let them enjoy it or donate to your local shelter or rescue group. I am sure they will appreciate them!
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