Introduction: Polar Fleece Dog Nest
My 10lb yorkie-mix dog likes to be cozy and warm. I made these fleece 'nests' for her, after being inspired by a similar fleece pet blanket at the local store. Since I had scrap fleece on hand and a trusty sewing machine, I knew that I could make one for her. You can too.
When laid flat, the blanket is big enough to lie one. When folded into itself and set on the base and the sides folded over to create a 'nest' shape.
These instructions will be pretty general so that you can customize the pet nest to suit your pets' needs.
When laid flat, the blanket is big enough to lie one. When folded into itself and set on the base and the sides folded over to create a 'nest' shape.
These instructions will be pretty general so that you can customize the pet nest to suit your pets' needs.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials and Equipment
You'll need
A - one piece of polar fleece approximately 36" long x 48" wide
B - two pieces of polar fleece approximately 24" x 18"
pins
sewing machine
The amount of material needed depends on the size of your dog. My dog is on the small side of medium (when lying down she's about 14" long, 6" wide). I've used scrap fabric and pieced fabric together.
A - one piece of polar fleece approximately 36" long x 48" wide
B - two pieces of polar fleece approximately 24" x 18"
pins
sewing machine
The amount of material needed depends on the size of your dog. My dog is on the small side of medium (when lying down she's about 14" long, 6" wide). I've used scrap fabric and pieced fabric together.
Step 2: Make a Tube
Take piece A and fold in half with the nice side on the inside.
Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew the tube, making sure to leave a 6" opening in the side seam. You'll need this opening to turn your project rightside out.
Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew the tube, making sure to leave a 6" opening in the side seam. You'll need this opening to turn your project rightside out.
Step 3: Marking the Centres
Mark the centre on both ends of the tube A and on all sides of Piece B1 and Piece B2.
Using the pins, mark the centre of each side. I typically do this by folding the material in half. This saves me from measuring and doing math!
Using the pins, mark the centre of each side. I typically do this by folding the material in half. This saves me from measuring and doing math!
Step 4: Preparing to Close the Tube
Match the centre pins on en end piece and on the open tube and pin the sides. Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew all sides of the tube. Do this for both ends.
Don't forget to remove the pins. While taking the pins out, just check the seams to make sure that all the edges are caught in the seam. If not, now is the time to fix it.
Don't forget to remove the pins. While taking the pins out, just check the seams to make sure that all the edges are caught in the seam. If not, now is the time to fix it.
Step 5: Turn Right Side Out
If you want you can trim the threads but since the tube will be closed I didn't bother.
Carefully turn the closed tube inside out. Start with one corner and feed that through the opening in the side seam. When the closed tube in completely right-side out, prepare to close the side seam. I typically use a zig-zag stich.
Carefully turn the closed tube inside out. Start with one corner and feed that through the opening in the side seam. When the closed tube in completely right-side out, prepare to close the side seam. I typically use a zig-zag stich.
Step 6: Admire Your Work
Now your pets new bed is finished. Polar fleece is light, warm and machine washable. Plus it comes in lots of fun colours and patterns. Once you have all the material, it should take about 30 minutes to make a fleece nest....just in time for Christmas.