DIY Guide: Sweatshirt Pet Bed

by Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A. 09/01/2024

There are many options for repurposing or donating old clothing. For pet owners, here is one more option: making a custom pet bed. This simple DIY project will help you transform an old sweatshirt into a cozy new bed for your small dog or cat. Here is all of the information you need to get started:

Materials & Tools

Scissors
Sewing thread
Thick sewing needle
Pins
Chalk
Cushion filling
Small pillow
Rectangular scrap of fabric (optional)

Step by step

To begin, turn the sweatshirt inside out. Remove the tag if there is one, and gather the edges of the collar together.
Using either a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew the collar of the sweatshirt closed, then flip it right-side out.
Draw a straight line from one armpit to the other. Mark the line with pins or chalk.
Sew along the line and remove the pins.
Line up the sleeves along the sides of the sweatshirt and sew them together.
Take your choice of filling and stuff it into the cuffs of the sleeves. This will form the outer edge of the bed.
Fill the rest of the sweatshirt through the bottom. You can use a small pillow, more pillow stuffing or another stuffing material of your choice.
Sew along the opening at the bottom of the sweatshirt, then join and sew the cuffs together around the bottom.
As an optional step, you can add a sleeve of scrap fabric over the cuffs to hide the stitching. Otherwise, your new pet bed is ready for your cat or dog to sleep in and enjoy.

Now you know a great way to repurpose an old favorite sweatshirt. These same instructions also work well with long-sleeved shirts made of heavy cotton or other durable fabric. Regardless, your pet will love their new cozy DIY bed.

About the Author

Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A.

In her role as a real estate and relocation specialist in South Florida and Northern Virginia, Ady Artime prides herself on providing the highest level of service, confidentiality and professionalism to her clients. Based on her own experience as a government liaison, Ady is in familiar territory working with high powered individuals. She possesses a discreet and confidential work ethic, and her keen eye, attention to detail, and experience with multi-million dollar properties have earned her a high-profile, loyal clientele that expect the best from their realtor.

Known for her expertise and strong background in interior design, she stands out from other real estate agents. When a satisfied client says that Ady knows real estate "inside and out", the statement is to be taken literally. Over the course of her career, she has received recognition as an award-winning interior designer. She has designed and implemented interiors for countless luxury projects throughout the United States, and Europe. Her extensive knowledge of all facets of design, including working with architects and construction teams, led to a natural progression into the real estate arena and gives her a definite edge over the competition in serving her clients.

As and agent in South Florida and North Virginia, Ady lends her real estate expertise and design savvy to buyers and sellers. Ady's mission is to develop a faithful, repeat clientele by providing them with superior service and value. She is passionate about her work and takes the time to understand each client's needs and goals to accurately assess the options she provides. From overseeing the staging of a listed property in order to fetch the highest possible price to analyzing a potential purchase from a design and architectural perspective.