How to sew a cat bed from a towel
Learning how to sew a cat bed not only brings joy to you and your feline friend but also allows you to tap into your creative side. This DIY project can be a fun 10 minutes activity that results in a cozy resting place customized to your pet’s size and your home décor. Follow along as I guide you through the simple steps of sewing a cat bed from a towel, a simple yet comfortable bed/cushion that your cat will love.
In today’s tutorial I’ll show you how to sew a cat bed in a crazy easy, simple and quick way! If you’re tired of constantly replacing your cat’s worn-out bed, or struggling to find the perfect one in stores, I’ve got you covered. This tutorial will guide you through creating a comfortable, durable, and customizable DIY cat bed for your feline friend in about 10 minutes!
There are countless reasons why sewing a cat bed is a great idea. For starters, it allows you to use materials that you already have at home, like old towels and fabric scraps like I did here. It makes it cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Plus, by using your own choice of fabric and filling material, you can create a personalized bed that your cat will love. And let’s not forget the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that comes with making something by hand.
Ready to sew your own fluffy cat pillow? Let’s get started!
How to sew a cat bed
Materials you’ll need
- Old towel (or two towels if you don’t have one large enough to fold)
- Matching thread
- Fabric scraps or poly-fill (for filling the cat bed)
Substitutes
If you don’t have an old towel, you can use any thick and sturdy fabric. But this will make the process a little longer as you’ll need to cut the fabric to size, then sew them right sides together, clip the corners and turn right side out)
As for the filling, you can also use old clothing or blankets that are no longer in use. The fluffier the better.
Equipment needed
- Sewing Machine: A sewing machine will make the process quicker and more precise, but you can still complete this project by hand if you don’t have one. Just make sure to use a strong needle and thread.
- Pins: Pins are essential for keeping your fabric in place while sewing. Make sure to use sharp pins that won’t damage the fabric.
- Fabric Scissors: A good pair of fabric scissors will make cutting through thick materials easier and more accurate. You might not even need scissors if you don’t want to shred the fabric scraps into smaller pieces (smaller scraps give a fluffier feel to the cushion)
Preparations
- Begin by washing and drying the old towel or fabric you will be using for the base. This will ensure that it is clean and free of any odors. Pets and cats in particular are sensitive to smells, they might not want to use their bed if the smells are a repellent to them.
- Cut your chosen fabric scraps into smaller pieces, or use poly-fill for the filling material. If your scraps are soft and fluffy (like scraps of tulle or silk), you don’t need to cut them smaller.
Sewing the cushion
- Fold the big towel in half. If you’re using two towels, place them on top of each other with the right sides facing out.
- Pin the open edges together, leaving a small opening to insert the filling later (about 3 inches should be fine).
- Using a sewing machine or by hand, sew along the pinned edges, leaving the opening open. I used a 3/8″ seam allowance but you may need to use a different allowance, depending on the thickness of the towels (1/4″ for thinner towels or 1/2″ for thicker towels). Lift the foot at the corners and pivot, then lower the foot and continue sewing.
- Fill the bed through the gap with your chosen filling material, until it reaches your desired level of fluffiness. For my larger, heavier cat I used more filling than for the other two. You can chop these scraps into even smaller ones to add fluffiness to the bed.
- You can hand-sew or use a ladder stitch to close the opening. Or use your sewing machine. Push the filling aside in the gap area, and pin.
- Sew the gap closed with your chosen seam allowance then fluff up the pillow to distribute some of the filling to the gap area.
- You can also add additional stitching around the edge for added durability and decoration. Or you can cover the entire seam with bias binding. I wanted this project to take me no more than 10 minutes and I skipped this option.
Tips
- When selecting the old towel or fabric for the base, choose one that is durable and soft. Your cat will appreciate a bed that stands the test of time and feels comfortable to lie on.
- Before sealing the bed completely, you might want to allow your cat to test the level of fluffiness. Some cats prefer a firmer surface while others like it super fluffy and soft. Adjust the amount of filling accordingly.
- You can sew a simple zipper or use Velcro on one side, in the gap. This makes it easy to remove the filling or add more when worn out.
Sewing project variations
- Use a sturdy and waterproof fabric that won’t fray for the base to create an outdoor cat bed.
- Add extra padding between the layers of fabric for cats who like a plush sleeping surface.
- Try adding dried herbs like lavender or chamomile for a natural calming effect on your cat.
- Add a removable toy, a catnip pocket or mall accessories like bows or buttons to the bed for added entertainment.
- Add your cat’s name with embroidery or iron-on letters for a personalized touch.
- Sew a border to the edges to make it look more like a bed than a pillow.
- Sew buttons into the corners and middle to create a more structured bed for cats who like to curl up in small spaces.
- Use old clothes with sentimental value, like a favorite t-shirt or sweater, as the base fabric for a unique and meaningful cat bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to sew a cat bed?
It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on your sewing skills and whether you are using a towel or fabric.
Can I use batting instead of fabric scraps for filling?
Yes, you can use batting as an alternative to fabric scraps or poly-fill. But only if you have very small scraps that you can’t use in other sewing projects. Otherwise I don’t see a reason for wasting good batting, especially since it’s not the most affordable sewing supply.
Can I make a larger cat bed for multiple cats?
Absolutely! Simply use larger towels and adjust filling accordingly.
More sewing projects you’ll enjoy
Sewing a cat bed is a fun and practical way to provide your furry friend with their very own special spot in your home. With just a few materials and some basic sewing skills, you can create a comfortable and personalized bed that your cat will love for years to come.
I hope you enjoyed this simple tutorial! I would love to hear your feedback so please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below with your thoughts, suggestions or any questions you might have. Happy sewing!
How to sew a cat bed
Materials
- towel
- fabric scraps
- matching thread
- poly-fill
Tools
- scissors
Instructions
- Fold the big towel in half. If you're using two towels, place them on top of each other with the right sides facing out.
- Pin the open edges together, leaving a small opening to insert the filling later (about 3 inches should be fine).
- Using a sewing machine or by hand, sew along the pinned edges, leaving the gap open. I used a 3/8" seam allowance but you may need to use a different allowance, depending on the thickness of the towels (1/4" for thinner towels or 1/2" for thicker towels)
- Fill the bed through the gap with your chosen filling material, until it reaches your desired level of fluffiness. For my larger, heavier cat I used more filling than for the other two.
- You can hand-sew or use a ladder stitch to close the opening. Or use your sewing machine. Push the filling aside in the gap area, and pin the gap.
- Sew the gap closed with your chosen seam allowance then fluff up the pillow to distribute some of the filling to the gap area.
- You can also add additional stitching around the edge for added durability and decoration. Or you can cover the entire seam with bias binding. I wanted this project to take me no more than 10 minutes and I skipped this option
Video
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ABOUT PETRO
Hi, I’m Petro, author and founder of Easy Peasy Creative Ideas. Sewist, crafter, avid DIY-er, foodie, photographer, homemaker and mommy to one. I’m an expert at coming up with quick, clever sewing tips, recycling crafts and simple, easy recipes! You can find my ideas featured in reputable publications such as Country Living, Good House Keeping, Yahoo News, WikiHow, Shutterfly, Parade, Brit & Co and more. Thanks for stopping by and hope you’ll stay for a while, get to know me better and come back another time. Stick around for real fun projects! Read more…