Introduction: DIY Shelter Kennel Cover From Feed Sacks

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About: I like making something from nothing so I don't through away items until I know for sure it has out lived it's usefulness. So you might want to Follow Me to see how nothing can become something Useful.

Here is another useful project made from something that would have been tossed into the trash. After my neighbor saw my Tarp made from Feed sacks she asked if I could make a Kennel Cover for her Pet Pig "Buddy". Buddy needed protection from the winter elements and wanted half the kennel covered and the sides able to roll up for ventilation, down for wind breaker.

The first part of this project is done much like my Instructables  https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Tarp-Cover-Made-From-Feed-Sacks/ and to make it easier I will include those instructions here as well.

While working with these 2 projects more project ideas from feed sacks came to mind and look forward to posting them in the future. Here is one idea, You could apply this shelter project by substituting with Pallets as the frame and the Feed Sacks to cover it. This would make an ideal Temporary Shelter for animals or outdoor equipment with very little cost to you  Hope this project has gave you an helpful idea.

Step 1: Tools & Material Needed:

Feed Sacks (My project needed 19 sacks)
Dish Washing Soap & Scrubbing Brush
Sewing Machine
Sewing Machine Needles for heavy material
2 Outdoor UV Resistant Sewing Thread (Walmart)
Scissors
Several Clips
Marker
Carpet Tape
Tape Measure
Rope
2x4 board
Foam Pipe Insulators
Plastic Zip Ties
Buggy Cords

A LOT of elbow-room
You can Do this Project by yourself but it will be a lot easier if you recruit a helper

Step 2: Preparing Feed Sacks

Remove the seam at the bottom of the Feed Sack. The easiest way requires luck, if you pull on the correct string the whole seam will unravel. If your not you will have to use scissors or seam ripper.

Find the glued seam on the sack, here is where it will be separated to make a 44"x32" flat sheet. Once you have pulled it apart enough to get a solid grip with both hands then pull it apart fast and it will come apart cleanly with no snags. If you pull gently it will hang up and tare. Once pulled apart you may have to trim the edges.

Lay sheets out to the size you want, my pattern requires 2 sets. 15 sheets and 4 Sheets.

Wash feed sacks using dish washing soap. My stock tank sure made it easy scrubbing them.

Step 3: Sewing Sections

Set you stitch at the longest setting and be sure your using the heavy duty sewing machine needle.

When sewing a row make a double seam on the 32" edge and the side you want exposed facing each other.

First Section: A row will cover the top & both sides, my project required 5 sheets

After sewing 1st row place it on the kennel to make sure sure you are satisfied with the length then make 2 more rows.

This is where the Extra Person comes in handy. When sewing have your helper sit on the opposite side of sewing machine to help pull and guide the feed sack as you sew.

Lay the 1st row down with the good side facing up then lay the second row on top of the 1st row with bad side facing up. Have your helper stand at the opposite end so you can pull to make the row lay flat. Place several clips on one side to help hold it in place. You and your Helper are ready to take it to the sewing machine to be given a double stitch.

Repeat this process for the third row. As you can see in the photos having elbow room and a Helper makes the project easier but not necessary.

Second Section: This section is for the end of the kennel.
Sew 2 sheets together on the 32" edge with a double seam this will be a row, repeat this process.

Lay the 1st row down with the good side facing up then lay the second row on top of the 1st row with bad side facing up. Sew a double seam.

Step 4: Sewing Hem & Tie Straps

You will need to put a hem around the 2 completed sections of your tarp to prevent unraveling. You will make your folds for your hem as you sew by folding twice so the cut edge is hidden. The clips are handy keeping the folds in place while you sew.

When hem is done on both sections place it on the kennel bad facing out. use marker to mark where you want tie straps to be.  You will not only put tie straps on the outer edges but the interior as well, these will allow you to pull your tarp tight by tying to the chain link fence. Sew the interior tie straps where the double seam are.

To make the tie straps cut 44" strip 3" wide.
Fold the strip in half and press to make a crease.
Fold both edges in till they meet center crease then press.
Fold in half and sew in place.

Place the strip at the edge of the tarp's edge and extend it out then fold it to the width you want. Then sew it on putting sewing machine forward  and reverse several times. Then cut the remaining strip off. Repeat this step till have the amount of tie straps you want.

Step 5: Sewing Sections Together

Before sewing the 2 sections together make sure all the tie down straps are sewed where you want them to be. There should be at least 5 tie straps on both ends of the top as shown in photo. If you don't use marker to mark the spot to sew.

Set first section in place on kennel with good side facing up. Then place the end section on top of kennel with bad side facing up. Place clamp as shown in photo. Sew the 2 sections together, the seam should not continue down the side stop at the clamp. You should also use a marker to mark the spot in case the clamp falls off.

Step 6: Attaching Cover to Kennel

I choose foam pipe insulators on the top to make a smooth surface for the cover to rest on, I attached it using plastic zip ties. This will keep the chain link fence from poking holes in the tarp. You could use other materials to make a smooth surface such as old rags and if you still have feed sacks use them.

Next I attached a 2x4 across the top of kennel to be used for attaching the cover to. Drill 4 holes at each end then use plastic zip ties to attach 2x4 to kennel.

Place your cover over the kennel. Fold the end back to where it is resting on top. Your tie down straps should be visible, Here is the 1st place to start Attaching the cover to the kennel. I used rope to be able to untie and tighten the cover when needed. You can use buggy cords or zip ties as well. The 2nd place will be going to the opposite end and attach the cover to the 2x4. Pull the cover tight. Continue stretching cover and attaching the rest of the tie down straps to the fence.

The end sections I used buggy cords see photo. I used a pole to role the sides up, a plastic clamp to keep it in place.

Hope this project has helped you out with your pets. It has been up for 3 months now and still holding up good. Now that the cool weather has hit she has let both sides down. Would be surprised the amount a warmth it holds when the sun is out. Buddy is a Happy Camper in his new home.


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