Hey everyone. Today you will learn how to sew a cozy, washable pet bed from one wide cut of Evergreen Cuddle.
Here we go.
Meet the fabric first
This is the 3 Yard Cuddle 110" Cut in Evergreen, from Shannon Fabrics.
It is their classic Solid Cuddle 3 minky plush.
It comes as a wide back pre-cut.
You get 3 yards, and the width is 108/110 inches.
That is a whole lot of soft, y'all.
The surface is smooth and ultra-soft.
The pile is 3mm, so it feels plush without getting bulky.
It is 100% polyester.
And Evergreen is a deep, rich green. It looks calm on the floor, and hides a little pet hair between washes really, really well.
The product notes list pet beds as an ideal use. I agree, folks.
Care is simple too. Machine wash cold with like colors. No fabric softener. Tumble dry with no heat, and no dryer sheet.
Why this fabric suits a pet bed
A pet bed has one job.
Be softer than your spot on the couch.
Dogs circle it. Cats knead it. Both claim it fast.
This Cuddle holds up to daily use, and that smooth surface feels good against paws and bellies.
I really, really like the size math here. One pre-cut is 3 yards by 108/110 inches wide. Cut a medium bed, about 28 by 36 inches finished, and you will still have plenty left for a crate mat or a second smaller bed.
A simple stuffed cushion is the best place to start. No zipper needed. Just soft on soft, with boxed corners for loft.
Materials list
- 3 Yard Cuddle 110" Cut - Evergreen — about 1 yard for one 28" x 36" bed
- Polyester fiberfill, about 2 to 3 pounds, or shredded foam if your pet likes a firmer bed
- Rotary cutter, long ruler, and a big cutting mat
- Pins or clips — lots of them, every 1 to 2 inches
- Walking foot for your machine
- 90/14 ballpoint or stretch needle
- Polyester thread to match, and a 3.0 to 3.5mm stitch length
- Hand-sewing needle and strong thread for closing
- Chopstick or turning tool for the corners
Brief steps
1. Shake the fabric outside first. Cut edges shed a little fluff. That is normal.
2. Watch the nap. Rub your hand down the fabric. Smooth is the direction you want running from head to tail on both layers.
3. Cut two rectangles, each 29 by 37 inches, for a finished bed near 28 by 36 inches. Cut single layers when you can.
4. Place the layers right sides together, nap running the same way. Pin or clip every 1 to 2 inches. This fabric likes to travel, folks. Pinning is how you tell it to stay put.
5. Sew around all four sides with a 1/2-inch seam allowance and that 3.0 to 3.5mm stitch length. Leave an 8-inch opening on one long side for turning and stuffing.
6. Box the corners for loft if you like. Flatten each corner, stitch 3 inches across, and trim. Or keep it flat. Completely up to you.
7. Slow down at the corners. Slow down or the needle snaps — well, forcing a thick corner sure can make it complain. Pivot with the needle down.
8. Turn right side out. Push corners out with a chopstick. Stuff in small handfuls and fluff as you go. Full, not hard.
9. Fold the opening edges in, pin well, and ladder-stitch it closed by hand. Just like that.
Practical tips from my table
Test on a scrap first. If the seam grins open when pulled, shorten your stitch a touch.
Use a walking foot. It feeds both layers together, so corners line up.
Check the nap before you sew. I have sewn layers running opposite ways. Oh my goodness. The green looked like two colors, and yes, I fixed it. Learn from my seam ripper, y'all.
For older pets, stuff it firmer. For cats, leave it looser so they can nest.
Wash it as directed. Cold wash, no softener, no heat to dry. Fluff by hand after.
And here is your permission beat, because we all need one: it does not have to be perfect. A wobbly seam will never matter to the pet asleep on it. You are your own worst critic. Take your time. It is not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
This is a super duper fun weekend make, and somebody furry is going to love you for it.
Thanks for sewing along with me today, folks. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the 3 Yard Cuddle 110" Cut - Evergreen at Linda's Electric Quilters.
