With fall just around the corner, it’s time to whip out those sweaters, or better yet, buy new ones! I don’t know about you, but I have had my sweaters for far too long. It’s time to replace them.
But what can you do with your old ones?
Obviously you can donate them, but if you’d like to reuse one or two of them, you can use them to make a pet bed!
Here’s how.
What you’ll need is:
- An old sweater
- A pre-made round pillow form (size will depend on the pet’s size)
- Loose poly-fil
- Walking foot (optional, but very helpful)
First, turn your sweater inside out and place your sleeves inside, lying them flat. The side seams should be flat on both the arms and the side. Make sure nothing is twisted.
Match the side seams with the seams in the arms. Pull those two seams to touch each other. Then, pull the ends of the two arms together in the center so there’s a slight gap at the bottom opening.
Be sure to match up the seams and match up the bottom. Pin all of the layers together, then stitch around, leaving the neck open. Put the pillow in through the neck, then smooth it out and pin in place.
Stitch around the pillow to hold it in place. Take your poly-fil and stuff through the neck into the arms, then stitch shut and make the neck as smooth as possible. The technique will vary depending on the sweater.
If you’d like to put a dimple in the middle of the pillow, use a long needle and heavier-duty thread to push it all the way through the middle to the other side. Repeat this at least 4 times at a 1/2″ space.
Tie a knot in the back, trim your excess thread, and you’re done!
What kind of sweater are you going to use for yours?