In less than half an hour and for less than 5 Euros, an old wool sweater from the thrift store or taken from a forgotten corner of your closet can be transformed into a cozy cat bed (or for dogs if the dog is small. and the sweater is very big). Now you just need a needle and thread!
Steps
Step 1. Spread the sweater out on a flat surface
If the sweater is made of wool, you should first make it felted (follow the advice at the end of the article). With thread and upholstery needle, make stitches on the sewn edge of the sleeve on one side of the sweater, up to the seam of the armpit (make sure that the stitches are clearly visible).
Step 2. Fold the bottom edge of the sweater up and put the sleeve in front
Roll (or fold) the bottom part of the sweater so that both cuffs overlap.
Step 3. Sew the sleeve to the edge of the top of the rolled-up sweater
Use an overedge stitch or reinforcement stitches. Remember that you will need to fill the sleeves, so be sure to sew only the top.
Step 4. Repeat with the other sleeve
When the cuffs slightly overlap in front, place one cuff inside the other and sew the outside of the cuff edge along the top layer. Make sure that when you insert the batting there will be enough space to sew the tube you will create with the sleeves.
Step 5. Make a running stitch between one "armpit" and the other
Create an arched shape to make the bed look rounder. Make sure you sew through both layers of the sweater. You should now have a "tube" that you can fill with plain padding, old rags or pieces of old sweaters. Keep stuffing until you get some kind of sausage. If you want to stuff the underside as well, this is the right time.
Step 6. Sew the opening of the neck of the sweater and give the bed to your favorite cat or dog
Consider making more to donate to animal shelters. It takes longer to write an article like this than to do the sunbed. This is to show that it is a very easy and very fast job!
Advice
To make a wool sweater felted, make sure the wool is 80%. It is best to use a large and loose sweater, as it will shrink. Wash it with hot water if possible with a washing machine that loads from the top - you can also put jeans or towels in it - and hang it out to dry. This procedure, even if it is not necessary, makes the wool more resistant and lasting. If the sweater is made of acrylic material, skip this step. However, bear in mind that wool is much warmer than acrylic materials
- Use the pet owner's clothes such as a wool robe. The owner's smell is very important in making puppies feel safe.
- Before making the sleeves, add some catnip to the inside of the sweater, in the chest area. The kitten will love it.