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Include a pet in any DIY challenge

Include a pet in any DIY challenge
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Make a cozy pet bed with cardboard, fabric, and stuffing, with adult help for cutting and gluing; measure, decorate, and learn pet care.

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Step-by-step guide to make a cozy pet bed with cardboard, fabric, and stuffing

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DIY Projects for My BUNNY 🐇 Small Pet Ideas (Sew + No Sew)

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard sheet, craft glue, decorations like stickers ribbons or fabric markers, fabric piece large enough to cover base and sides, measuring tape or ruler, pencil or marker, scissors, strong tape, stuffing or pillow filler

Step 1

Measure your pet from nose to tail and side to side while they sit or lie down using the measuring tape and write the numbers down.

Step 2

Add a few extra inches to each measurement for seams and sides and draw a rectangle that size on the cardboard with your pencil.

Step 3

Ask an adult to cut the cardboard along your marked lines.

Step 4

Fold up the edges to make low sides and tape the corners to form a shallow box shape.

Step 5

Ask an adult to cut the fabric so it covers the base and wraps up the sides with extra to tuck under.

Step 6

Lay the fabric over the cardboard base and smooth it flat so there are no big wrinkles.

Step 7

With adult help glue or tape the fabric under the cardboard to secure it in place.

Step 8

Put stuffing in the center to make a soft cushion and spread it evenly.

Step 9

Tuck the fabric up around the stuffing and ask an adult to help glue or tape the fabric closed if needed.

Step 10

Decorate the bed using stickers ribbons or fabric markers to make it cozy and special for your pet.

Step 11

Place the bed where your pet likes to rest and gently invite your pet to try it.

Step 12

Decide with an adult how often to wash or spot clean the fabric so the bed stays fresh and your pet stays healthy.

Step 13

Share a photo and a short story about your finished pet bed on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a measuring tape, cardboard, or stuffing?

When the instructions say to 'Measure your pet', use a piece of string or ribbon measured against a ruler instead of a measuring tape, replace the cardboard base with a shoebox lid or taped-together cereal boxes, and use old pillows or clean socks as stuffing.

My fabric keeps wrinkling or the corners pop open—what should I try?

Follow the 'Lay the fabric over the cardboard base' step carefully by smoothing from the center outward, cut and tuck the extra inches you added for seams, and have an adult hold the corners while you secure them under the base with strong tape or hot glue.

How can this activity be changed for younger kids or older kids?

For younger children, have an adult handle the 'Ask an adult to cut' and 'help glue or tape' steps while the child measures and decorates, and for older kids challenge them to sew a removable cover and precisely measure and cut the fabric on their own.

How can we make the pet bed cozier or more personalized?

To enhance the bed, sew or attach a removable cover with Velcro or a zipper for washing, glue a non-slip shelf liner under the cardboard, and personalize it using the 'Decorate the bed' step with fabric markers, ribbons, or a sewn name tag.

Watch videos on how to make a cozy pet bed with cardboard, fabric, and stuffing

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PLAY INSPIRATION | Easy DIY Toy Pet Carrier: A Creative Craft for Little Animal Lovers!

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Facts about DIY pet projects for kids

📦 Cardboard fibers can usually be recycled 5–7 times before they wear out, making it a great upcycling material.

🐱 Cats sleep about 12–16 hours a day, so a comfy bed is a pet-worthy investment!

🐶 Dogs often prefer a dedicated spot—having their own bed helps them feel safe and relaxed.

📏 Measure your pet from nose to tail and add about 10–15% so they can curl or stretch comfortably.

🧵 Old T-shirts, fleece, or fabric scraps can be stuffed to make soft, eco-friendly filling for a pet bed.

How do you make a cozy pet bed with cardboard, fabric, and stuffing?

Start by measuring your pet’s length and width while they’re relaxed to decide bed size. Cut a cardboard base and optional raised sides; an adult should handle cutting. Cover the cardboard with fabric and stuff with polyfill or old pillow pieces, securing with non-toxic glue or stitching. Let the child decorate with fabric markers, ribbons, or safe paint. Test the bed with your pet and adjust stuffing or size for comfort.

What materials do I need to make a cozy pet bed?

You'll need sturdy cardboard for the base and sides, soft fabric for lining, and stuffing (polyfill, foam, or old pillows). Have measuring tape, marker, scissors (adult use), non-toxic glue or a hot glue gun handled by an adult, and needle and thread if sewing. Optional items include fabric paint, ribbons, velcro, and pet-safe treats for reward. Choose washable materials and avoid small parts that could be chewed off.

What ages is this DIY pet bed activity suitable for?

This project suits children aged about 4 and up with adult supervision. Ages 4–6 can measure, stuff, and decorate while adults handle cutting and gluing. Ages 7–10 can help design, measure accurately, and use simple tools under supervision. Ages 11+ can take on more sewing or hot-glue tasks with guidance. Always consider a child’s fine motor skills, attention span, and the pet’s temperament; supervise pet interactions.

What are the benefits and safety tips for making a pet bed with kids?

Making a pet bed builds measuring, cutting, decorating, and empathy for animals, teaching responsibility and basic pet care. Safety: always let adults handle sharp tools and hot glue, choose non-toxic, washable fabrics, and avoid small decorations that are choking hazards. Secure seams and edges so pets can’t pull stuffing out. Introduce the bed slowly, reward the pet for trying it, and check for chewing or allergy reactions. Supervision is required whenever pets and children interact.
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