Make Your Own Dog Bed

If you want to create a peaceful place for your dog to rest or sleep, all you need to get started is an old suitcase in order to make your own dog bed. With an old suitcase and a few easy to find materials, you can craft your own Deluxe Dog Bed in just minutes. Not only that but once your dog is used to the bed it is easy to travel with. All you need to do is close the suitcase add a few of their toys and travel accessories pop it in the car and your dog is set. Having a bed that travels easily is a great way for you to create a special space while traveling that your dog knows is theirs. Most dogs I know will jump right into a suitcase on top of your clean clothes while you are packing so you should have no problem convincing them to check out their new dog bed as soon as you finish creating it.

The design options on this dog bed are endless. In fact you could absolutely have multiple fabric options for different seasons (fleece for winter, satin for summer) or holiday fabric or even just to change it out while one fabric is getting cleaned. How spoiled your dog is well that is completely up to you and them 😉

Supplies needed for your suitcase dog bed:

Old suitcase. It should have a hard outer casing. If you don’t have one they are easy to find at yard sales or thrift stores. As long as it opens and closes go for whichever suitcase you would like keeping in mind the size of your dog.
Cotton batting
½ yard of scrap fabric
Hot glue, glue gun

We found our old suitcase at a local thrift shop for just a few dollars. Look for one that is clean, has the hard and sturdy outer shell, and stays open when propped open. The other items are easy to find at your local craft store and you might even have some already at home from other craft projects.

Directions to make your own deluxe dog bed:

1. Begin by opening the suitcase and making sure it will stay propped open on its own. If not, use tools to remove the hardware so you are only using one half of the suitcase.
2. Fill the half of the suitcase with cotton batting. You want it to be nice and full, and even slightly overflowing.
3. You can now cover the batting with your scrap fabric. Tuck it into the sides nice and snug.
4. Secure the fabric in place but applying some hot glue to the perimeter of the suitcase. Press the fabric to the glue until it is dry and secure.

Rather have an option that allows you to wash the cover when necessary? Instead of cotton batting buy a pillow that fits snug in the suitcase. Depending on the size of your suitcase you might or might not be able to squeeze a full sized pillow meaning tons of options for a covering. Using a pillow case would allow easy washing of both the pillow case and the pillow as well.

Your dog bed is now ready for your dog to jump in. You can add any other dog safe embellishment you wish or just leave it as is. Either way, your dog is sure to enjoy his cozy suitcase dog bed and all of the work you put into making it. This design makes a perfect Retro Dog Bed you can go all out and find scraps of retro fabric or make it a deluxe dog bed and go with satin fabric or thick and rich curtain fabric.