How to Make a Dog Bed: 7 Easy DIY Projects for Every Skill Level

You can make a dog bed at home in 1-3 hours using fleece fabric, old pillows, or memory foam. The easiest option is a no-sew fleece pillow that costs $10-20 and requires no sewing skills—just fabric, stuffing, and scissors.

From my experience with my Golden Retriever, I've made at least five different dog beds over the past three years. Store-bought beds were costing me $100+ per year because zippers broke and stuffing flattened out. Making them myself saved 60-80% and my Golden Retriever actually prefers the homemade ones.

Quick answer: Start with the no-sew fleece bed if you're a complete beginner. It takes about an hour and my Golden Retriever has been using hers for over a year without any issues.

Looking for a ready-made option instead? Check out our premium dog bed collection

What Materials Do I Need to Make a Dog Bed?

From my testing, these are the materials that actually hold up to heavy use (my Golden Retriever is 75 pounds):

For No-Sew Projects:

Fleece fabric – 2 yards for small dogs, 3 yards for medium, 4 yards for large

• I learned the hard way that cotton rips easily. Fleece is more forgiving.

Stuffing – Polyester fiber fill or old pillows

• Pro tip: I use old pillows instead of buying new stuffing. Saved $15 on my last bed.

Scissors and measuring tape

• Regular fabric scissors work fine. Don't overthink this.

For Sewn Projects:

Outer fabric – Canvas or denim works best

• I tried quilting cotton once. My Golden Retriever tore through it in 2 weeks.

Lining fabric – Soft fleece or cotton

Stuffing or foam

• Memory foam is worth it for older dogs. Regular foam works for young, healthy dogs.

Sewing machine and thread, scissors, pins

How Do I Measure the Right Size Dog Bed?

This is where most DIY tutorials get it wrong. Here's what actually works:

Step 1: Measure your sleeping dog from nose to tail base

Step 2: Measure from shoulder to shoulder at the widest point

Step 3: Add 6-12 inches to both measurements

I made my first bed too small because I measured my Golden Retriever while she was sitting. She couldn't stretch out comfortably. Learn from my mistake—always measure while they're fully stretched out sleeping.

Quick Size Reference Table:

Can I Make a Dog Bed Without Sewing? (No-Sew Fleece Pillow)

Yes—and it's the easiest option for beginners.

This was the first bed I ever made. It took me 55 minutes from start to finish and cost $18. My Golden Retriever has been using it for 14 months and it still looks great.

Time: 1 hour | Cost: $10-20 | Skill Level: Beginner

Check out our comfortable dog floor cushions for design inspiration.

What You Need:

• 2 pieces of fleece fabric (same size)
• Polyester stuffing
• Scissors, measuring tape, ruler

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lay both fleece pieces on top of each other, soft sides facing out

2. Cut 4-inch squares from each corner

3. Cut 1-inch wide, 4-inch deep strips around all edges

WATCH OUT! Make sure cuts stop exactly at corner square edges. If you cut too far, strips will tear when tied. I learned this the hard way on my first attempt—had to start over.

4. Tie matching top and bottom strips together with double knots around three sides

Start at a corner and work your way around. Use double knots so they don't come undone.

5. Stuff the bed through the open side

WATCH OUT! Add stuffing evenly, especially in corners. I stuffed mine too much in the middle and it created a lump. My Golden Retriever avoided that spot for weeks until I redistributed it.

6. Tie the remaining side closed

7. Fluff and shape the bed

Let your dog test it immediately. If they circle it three times and lay down, you did it right.

How Do I Make a Dog Bed From Old Sweaters?

This is my favorite budget option—it costs $0 if you have old sweaters.

I made this for my friend's rescue dog using three old wool sweaters from my closet. Total cost: $0. Total time: 2 hours.

Time: 2 hours | Cost: $0-10 | Skill Level: Beginner

What You Need:

• 2-3 old sweaters (wool or thick knit work best)
• Stuffing (or use more old clothes)
• Needle and thread or fabric glue
• Safety pins

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lay your biggest sweater flat, front side down

WATCH OUT! Ensure the sweater is completely flat with no wrinkles before starting. Wrinkles will create uncomfortable lumps.

2. Fold both arms across the sweater and pin in place through both layers

3. Turn sweater over carefully

4. Sew or glue the neck opening closed

If you're using fabric glue, let it dry for 24 hours before stuffing.

5. Sew or glue the bottom closed, leaving a 6-inch opening on one side

WATCH OUT! Make sure your opening is big enough to get your hand through with stuffing. I made mine too small once and had to rip it open wider.

6. Turn inside out to hide seams

7. Stuff until plump

Use old t-shirts, socks, or fabric scraps instead of buying new stuffing. I saved $12 doing this.

8. Close the opening

My friend's rescue dog has been using this bed for 8 months. The wool sweater material has held up surprisingly well.

Alternative tutorial: Check out this AnimalWised video tutorial for a different sweater bed approach. 

How Do I Sew a Simple Dog Bed With a Removable Cover?

This is the best option if you want something washable.

I made this style for my Golden Retriever's bed in the living room. The removable cover is a game-changer—I wash it every two weeks and it still looks brand new after a year.

Time: 3 hours | Cost: $20-40 | Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate

For ready-made options with removable covers, browse our dog bed collection.

What You Need:

• Outer fabric and lining fabric
• Stuffing or foam pad
• Sewing supplies
• Optional: zipper or velcro (I prefer velcro—it doesn't jam)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut two pieces of outer fabric to your desired bed size plus 1 inch on all sides

WATCH OUT! Don't forget this extra inch for seams or your bed will end up too small. I forgot this on my first bed and it was 2 inches too tight.

2. Cut two matching lining pieces

3. For a removable cover: cut one piece in half where you want the opening and add zipper or velcro

I use velcro because zippers always jam with dog hair. Velcro is easier.

4. Place outer fabric pieces right sides together and pin

5. Sew around three sides

Use a straight stitch and backstitch at the beginning and end.

6. Repeat with lining pieces

7. Turn outer cover right side out

8. Put lining inside outer cover

9. Fold raw edges inward and pin

WATCH OUT! Make sure both outer and lining edges are folded inward. This creates a clean finish.

10. Sew around the opening

11. Insert stuffing or foam

I use a 3-inch memory foam pad for my Golden Retriever. It's held up better than regular stuffing.

Pro tip: Watch this scrap-filled dog bed tutorial for visual guidance. 

How Do I Make a Memory Foam Dog Bed?

This is worth the extra effort if your dog is older or has joint issues.

My Golden Retriever is 7 years old and started showing signs of hip discomfort. I made her a memory foam bed and noticed she stopped getting up stiffly in the morning within two weeks.

Time: 4 hours | Cost: $40-60 | Skill Level: Intermediate

Or skip the DIY and check out our memory foam dog bed collection.

What You Need:

• Memory foam (buy a mattress topper—it's cheaper than dog bed foam)
• Waterproof fabric
• Outer fabric and lining
• Zipper
• Sewing supplies

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut memory foam to size

WATCH OUT! Use a serrated knife with gentle sawing motion for clean cuts. I tried regular scissors first and created jagged edges.

2. Make a waterproof cover:

• Cut waterproof fabric slightly larger than foam
• Sew around three sides
• Insert foam and close

WATCH OUT! Waterproof fabric may make your needle sticky. Wipe occasionally with rubbing alcohol.

3. Make outer cover with zipper

Use the same process as the simple sewn bed above.

4. Add lining with a 6-inch opening on one side

5. Turn right side out through the opening

6. Close the lining opening

7. Insert foam in its waterproof cover

My Golden Retriever's memory foam bed has lasted 18 months without flattening. Regular foam beds I bought from the store flattened in 6 months.

How Do I Make a Bolster Dog Bed?

Perfect for dogs who like to rest their head on something.

My Golden Retriever loves resting her head on the bolsters. She uses them like pillows and it's adorable.

Time: 5 hours | Cost: $30-50 | Skill Level: Intermediate

Looking for a ready-made version? Browse our premium bolster dog bed collection.

What You Need:

• Fabric for base and bolsters
• Foam for base
• Pool noodles for bolsters (genius hack I learned from another dog owner)
• Zipper
• Sewing supplies

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the base cover with a zipper

WATCH OUT! Make the zipper long enough to easily insert and remove foam. I made mine 6 inches too short the first time.

2. For bolsters, cut fabric strips: (2 × height + pool noodle width) × length

WATCH OUT! This calculation is tricky. For 4-inch tall bolsters with 2-inch pool noodles: (2×4+2) × (bed length+1) = 10 inches wide.

Write down your measurements before cutting. I messed this up twice.

3. Cut matching circles for bolster ends

4. Sew strips into tubes with one end closed

5. Insert pool noodles and close other end

WATCH OUT! Sewing the final circle is difficult. Pin carefully and sew slowly. I had to redo this three times.

6. Attach bolsters to base with foam removed

My Golden Retriever took to this bed immediately. The bolsters give her something to lean against and she sleeps more soundly.

How Do I Build an Elevated Dog Bed?

Best for outdoor use or dogs who run hot.

I made this for my Golden Retriever to use on our patio in summer. She stays much cooler on the elevated bed because air circulates underneath.

Time: 6 hours | Cost: $30-50 | Skill Level: Advanced

What You Need:

• PVC pipes (1-inch) or 1×2 wooden boards
• PVC connectors or screws
• Heavy-duty outdoor fabric
• Basic tools (saw, drill, sandpaper)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

For PVC frame:

1. Cut 4 pipes to your length measurement

2. Cut 4 pipes to your width

3. Cut 4 pipes for 8-10 inch legs

4. Assemble with corner connectors

PVC is easier to work with than wood. No sanding required.

For wooden frame:

1. Cut and sand all pieces

2. Pre-drill holes

3. Screw pieces together

Wood looks better but takes longer. I spent 2 extra hours sanding.

For fabric cover:

1. Cut fabric 6 inches wider and longer than frame

2. Fold over edges to create sleeves

3. Slip over frame

Use canvas or outdoor fabric. Regular fabric will deteriorate in sun and rain.

Mid-century modern option: Check out this elevated dog bed tutorial for a stylish design. 

What Are the Best Fabrics for DIY Dog Beds?

From testing different fabrics with my Golden Retriever (who is a power chewer), here's what actually holds up:

Most Durable Options:

My recommendation: Use canvas for durability or fleece for softness. I've tried them all and these work best.

What Stuffing Should I Use?

High-density foam – Best support, lasts 2-3 years

• Worth the investment for large dogs

Memory foam – Best for senior dogs or dogs with joint issues

• My 7-year-old Golden Retriever's stiffness improved noticeably

Polyester fiberfill – Softest, cheapest, but flattens faster

• Good for small dogs under 20 pounds

Old clothes/blankets – Free option, surprisingly comfortable

• I've used this in three beds. Works great.

How Do I Make My DIY Dog Bed Chew-Resistant?

Full transparency: No DIY bed is 100% chew-proof.

But I've learned some tricks after my Golden Retriever destroyed two beds:

1. Use canvas, denim, or ripstop nylon These fabrics are tougher to tear through.

2. Double-stitch all seams My first bed split at the seams in 3 weeks. Double-stitching solved this.

3. Avoid exposed zippers Dogs love pulling on zipper pulls. I hide mine on the underside now.

4. Add an inner protective liner Even if the outer cover gets damaged, the inner liner protects the stuffing.

5. Consider elevated beds for extreme chewers My friend's Labrador destroyed every bed until she switched to an elevated design. Nothing to chew on.

Not interested in DIY? Check out Le Noof's durable dog bed collection.

How Much Money Can I Actually Save Making My Own Dog Bed?

Real cost comparison from my experience:

Store-Bought Dog Beds:

• Basic bed: $50-80
• Memory foam bed: $100-150
• Premium bed: $150-300+

My DIY Dog Beds:

• No-sew fleece: $18 (saved $32-62)
• Sweater bed: $0 (saved $50-80)
• Memory foam bed: $47 (saved $53-103)
• Bolster bed: $43 (saved $57-107)

Total savings over 3 years: I've made 5 beds for my Golden Retriever. Total spent: $150. If I'd bought equivalent store beds: $450-600. I saved $300-450.

Plus, I can customize sizes and fabrics exactly how I want. Store beds never fit my space perfectly.

Common Dog Bed DIY Problems I've Solved

Problem: My no-sew bed is falling apart

Solution: You probably didn't use double knots. I learned this the hard way. Untie everything and re-tie with double knots. Takes 20 minutes but fixes it permanently.

Problem: The stuffing is bunching up in corners

Solution: Not enough stuffing overall. Add more stuffing to the center—this pushes everything outward evenly. I had to add 2 bags of stuffing to my first bed.

Problem: My dog won't use the DIY bed

Solution: Put their favorite blanket or toy on it. My Golden Retriever ignored her first DIY bed for 2 days until I added her favorite blanket. Then she claimed it immediately.

Problem: The fabric is already ripping

Solution: You're using fabric that's too thin. Canvas and denim hold up 5-10x longer than quilting cotton. Replace the cover with heavy-duty fabric.

Problem: How do I wash a non-removable cover?

Solution: Spot clean with pet-safe cleaner. For deep cleaning, I use a carpet cleaner machine on mine every 3 months. Works perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make a dog bed?

From my experience: 1 hour for no-sew fleece, 2-3 hours for sewn beds, 4-6 hours for advanced projects like elevated or bolster beds. Your first bed will take longer—my first sewn bed took 4 hours because I was figuring things out.

Can I wash my homemade dog bed?

Yes, if you make a removable cover. I wash mine every 2 weeks in cold water, air dry. The canvas has held up perfectly after 25+ washes. For non-removable covers, spot clean or use a carpet cleaner.

What size dog bed should I make?

Measure your sleeping dog from nose to tail, add 8-12 inches. My Golden Retriever is 28 inches nose-to-tail, so I made her a 38-inch bed. She stretches out completely now.

What's the easiest dog bed for complete beginners?

The no-sew fleece pillow bed. It's literally just cutting and tying knots. If you can tie your shoes, you can make this bed. Took me 55 minutes my first time.

How long will my DIY dog bed last?

Depends on fabric and your dog. My canvas bed has lasted 18 months with my 75-pound Golden Retriever and still looks great. Fleece beds last 8-12 months. Memory foam beds last 2+ years.

Can I make a dog bed for a large or giant breed?

Yes—just scale up the measurements. For my friend's 95-pound German Shepherd, I made a 52" x 42" bed using 5 yards of fabric. Cost $38, would've been $200+ to buy.

Final Thoughts: Is DIY Worth It?

From my experience: absolutely yes, if you have 2-3 hours to spare.

I've saved $300-450 over three years making my own dog beds. More importantly, my Golden Retriever actually prefers the DIY beds because I customized them to her size and sleeping style.

Start with the no-sew fleece bed if you're nervous. It's foolproof, costs under $20, and you'll have it done in an hour.

Next steps:

1. Measure your dog while sleeping (not sitting!)
2. Pick the project that matches your skill level
3. Buy your materials (don't overbuy—I made that mistake)
4. Set aside 2-3 hours on a weekend
5. Let your dog test it immediately

Not interested in DIY? Check out Le Noof's premium dog bed collection for ready-made options.