Save those old sheets and make a new washable pet bed! Crochet a pet bed using 2-inch strips of sheets and a single crochet stitch. Any color and any size sheet will work for this project. The breakdown for a medium size pet bed requires one of the following: two queen size sheets; one queen size sheet, two full sheets and one twin; four full size sheets; or eight twin sheets. Flat sheets less work but fitted sheets will work also. Remove the elastic from the edge of the fitted sheets before beginning the project.
Things You’ll Need:
Sheets
Ruler
Scissors
Size Q/16mm crochet hook
1 pillow case or 1 yard washable fabric
Newspaper
Pencil
Straight pins
Thread
Sewing machine
Fiberfill or cushion
Sewing needle
Crochet Pet Bed Instructions:
Step 1 – Cut or tear the sheets into 2-inch strips
Step 2 – Cut a 1-inch hole perpendicular to the 2-inch edge on each end of the strip. Center the 1-inch hole approximately ½-inch from the end of the strips
Step 3 – Connect the strips together. Insert the end of a strip (Strip 1) through the opening cut on the end of a second strip (Strip 2.) Pull Strip 1 through the hole in Strip 2 approximately 4-inches. Insert the opposite end of Strip 1 through the opening on the 4-inch portion. Pull Strip 1 tight. This connects the two strips together without forming a knot, thus making it easy to crochet. Repeat the process to connect all strips. An option way to connect the strips is sewing each one together
Step 3 – Roll the connected strips into a ball or several balls or connect the strips while you are crocheting the pet bed.
Step 4- Chain 21 stitches. Single crochet in the second chain from the end and in each chain across. Single crochet 5 stitches in the last chain stitch. Turn the strip and single crochet in each stitch across. Complete 5 single crochet stitches in the last chain. Do not slipstitch together.
Step 5 – Single crochet in the next 18 stitches. 2 single crochets in the next stitch then single crochet in the following stitch – repeat this step twice. Complete 2 single crochet stitches in the next stitch. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the strip.
Step 6 – Single crochet in the next 18 stitches. 2 single crochets in the next stitch then single crochet in the following stitch – repeat this step 3 times. Complete 2 single crochet stitches in the next stitch. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the strip.
Step 7 – Single crochet in the next 18 stitches. 2 single crochets in the next stitch then single crochet in the next 2 stitches – repeat this step twice. Single crochet in the next 4 stitches. Complete 2 single crochet stitches in the next stitch. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the strip.
Step 8 – Single crochet in the next 18 stitches. 2 single crochets in the next stitches then single crochet in the next 3 stitches – repeat this process twice. Single crochet in the next 6 stitches. Complete 2 single crochet stitches in the following stitch. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the strip.
Step 9 – Single crochet in the next 18 stitches. 2 single crochets in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 4 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch- repeat this process twice. Single crochet in the next 8 stitches. Complete 2 single crochet stitches in the following stitch. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the strip.
Step 10 – Single crochet in the next 18 stitches. 2 single crochets in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 5 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch – repeat this process twice. Single crochet in the next 10 stitches. Complete 2 single crochet stitches in the following stitch. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the strip.
Step 11 – Single crochet in the next 18 stitches. 2 single crochets in the next stitch, single crochet in the next 6 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch- repeat this process twice. Single crochet in the next 12 stitches.
Step 12 – Single crochet in each stitch around for a total of 12 rows. Finish off and weave the end through the last row of stitching.
Pet Bed Cushion Instructions:
Step 1 – Open a sheet of newspaper and place it on a flat work surface. Sit the finished pet bed on the newspaper. Trace around the outside edge of the pet bed. Cut the newspaper along the traced line.
Step 2 – Turn the pillow case inside out or fold the fabric in half so the front side of the fabric is on the inside. Pin the paper pattern the fabric. Cut along the outside edge of the pattern. Remove the paper.
Step 3 – Sew a straight ½-inch seam along the outer edge of the fabric leaving a 2-inch opening. Turn the fabric so the seam is on the inside.
Step 4 – Stuff the casing with fiberfill until it is approximately 2-inches thick. Sew the opening.
Step 5 – Place the finished pet bed cushion in the new crocheted pet bed.
Tips: Wash the crocheted pet bed and liner using the same settings as you would for the sheets. Adjust the pattern for a smaller or larger pet bed by either subtracting or adding chain stitches to the first row.