This bed is made from those old pairs of jeans that, for some reason, you just cannot seem to throw away. By using them in this project, you can feel good that they are not going to waste hanging in your closet or sitting in a drawer, but can instead be a comfort for your four-legged, tail-wagging, loves-to-curl-up-and-sleep-any-chance-he-gets friend. We also include instructions for the pillow insert and a lavender sachet to keep it all smelling fresh. If you do not want to make your own insert, you can purchase one from a variety of home and craft stores. When purchasing a commercial product, be sure to look for the following nontoxic materials: natural latex foam (not synthetic), wool-stuffed pillows, or feather-and-down stuffed pillows.
SIZES
• Small: 22 by 22 inches
• Medium: 28 by 28 inches
• Large: 36 by 36 inches
MATERIALS
• Several pairs of old jeans
• 2 to 4 yards of cotton broadcloth (depending on the size bed you’re making)
• Matching cotton thread
• Sew-on Velcro
TOOLS
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Sewing tape measure
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Straight pins
01. First, decide which size bed you would like to make. For the small-size bed, you will need a 23-by-57-inch pieced-together denim panel. For the medium-size one, the panel should be 29 by 69 inches, and for the large-size one, 37 by 85 inches.
02. Cut off the seams and hems of the jeans to create flat panels. (Save all the scraps to use for the insert.)
03. Cut square and rectangular pieces out of the flat panels, making sure that the width is consistent. The lengths may vary, depending on your design.
04. Using the cut pieces, lay out a pattern that you like and that will be of the chosen size. Keep in mind that you need to allow a ½-inch seam allowance on all sides. For example, see diagrams on page 95.
05. Sew your pieces together in strips.
06. Once all the strips are sewn, begin sewing them together to form the larger panel.
07. When the panel is done, fold over the width edges 1 inch, twice. Iron to hold the crease.
08. Pin the folded hem in place and sew closed, as close to the inner edge as possible.
09. Lay the full panel right-side up. Measure the desired final length, less 2 inches, in from the left-hand side (e.g., for the small bed, the desired end length is 22 inches, so measure in 20 inches).
10. Fold this panel over to match the right side together.
11. Measure 2 inches beyond the folded edge, fold over the right-hand side of the panel, and crease it on this measurement.
12. Pin in place, making sure that as you sew, you remove the pins, so you don’t end up running over them with the sewing-machine needle.
13. Sew up the length sides, ½ inch in from the edge.
14. Flip the pillowcase, making sure to point out the corners as much as you can.
15. Iron to press out all the edges flat.
This bed insert is a great way to recycle used clothing that’s not fit to be worn.
01. Cut out one piece of cotton broadcloth that is two times the finished length of the denim cover, plus 4 inches, and 1 inch wider than the finished cover.
02. Fold down the width edges 1 inch, twice. Iron to hold the crease.
03. Pin and sew it closed, as close to the inner edge as possible.
04. Measure the Velcro to fit along the width edge of the panel.
05. Pin the male side of the Velcro to one edge and the female side to the other edge.
06. Sew around the outer edge of the Velcro strip.
07. Fold the panel in half lengthwise, so that the Velcro strips are on the outside and not touching.
08. Pin the panel together, and sew along the length sides, ½ inch in from edge.
09. Flip the cover so the Velcro pieces meet.
10. Fill the pillowcase with any remaining fabric scraps, old T-shirts, socks, sweatshirts, towels, and any clean, soft clothing that your dog would enjoy snuggling into.
11. Seal the Velcro ends closed and insert the stuffed pillow into the denim cover. Toss in a couple of lavender sachets as a pest and odor deterrent.
12. As an extra personal touch, you can embroider your dog’s name or initials onto the outer cover.
BED INSERT
(twice th size of Finished dog-bed cover, plus 2” on each short plus ½” on each long end)