PET TOYS Have you ever brought home a squeaky new toy for that lovable fur ball of yours, only to be met with uninterest—or worse yet, to see it torn to pieces in minutes? The cost of dog toys can add up quickly. Why not make your own? By using up those worn out T-shirts, you’re not only reducing waste, helping to protect the environment (and your favorite armchair), but also giving your pet a toy that already has a familiar and friendly smell. These tugs are so easy to make that you can even stash a few away for another day. Be careful where you stash a catnip toy. The kitties will seek them out!
Dog Tug
NOTE This makes a toy for a large dog. For smaller dogs you can use shorter lengths of yarn and fewer pieces.
YOU’LL NEED
Quality catnip • Large T-shirt scraps
Assemble
Lay your pieces together in 2 sets of 10. Twist each set separately.
Then twist the 2 sections together and tie a large knot at each end. Your knot should be tight and secure.
Catnip Knots
YOU’LL NEED
20 lengths 1˝ × 20˝ of T-shirt yarn in a variety of colors (See Making Yarn.)
Prep
1. Cut 4˝ × 7˝ rectangles from scraps. The shape or size doesn’t have to be exact, but make sure you have enough room to secure your catnip in a knot.
2. Place 1 teaspoon of catnip in the center of fabric pieces.
3. Take 1 rectangle and start at the long edge near you, tightly rolling the catnip in the material to create a tube. Tie the tube into a knot, securing your catnip inside.
4. Cut edges to create fringe.
