DIY Cozy Round Pet Bed + Matching Blanket (Warm, Washable & Easy to Sew)

Sew your pet a soft, durable round bed using fleece, flannel, cotton, canvas, and other soft woven fabrics — plus a matching blanket for extra warmth.

If you’re looking for a sewing project that is useful every single day, this DIY round pet bed is one of the best things you can make.

Store-bought pet beds often go flat, tear easily, or aren’t truly washable. This homemade version is designed to be:

Soft enough for napping.

Warm for winter and cool evenings

Durable for claws and digging

Washable and easy to refresh

Customizable with fabrics you already own

Plus, we’ll make a matching pet blanket to go with it — because pets love something extra to snuggle into!

Why a Round Pet Bed Is the Best Shape

Round pet beds create a “nest” effect.

Most pets naturally curl up when resting, so a circle shape gives them:

A cozy boundary to lean against

More warmth (less open corners)

A secure, snuggly feel

Best Fabrics for a DIY Pet Bed

This project works best when you combine one soft fabric + one durable fabric.

Soft top fabric (sleeping surface)

Choose:

Fleece (anti-pill is best)

Flannel

Soft cotton woven fabric

Quilting cotton (works best with batting underneath)

Strong bottom fabric (base)

Choose:

Canvas (excellent choice)

Cotton duck cloth

Denim

Upholstery fabric (soft woven)

Fabrics to avoid

Loose knits that stretch too much

Fragile fabrics that snag easily

Slippery satin-like fabric

Best Fill Options for Comfort & Warmth

This bed uses batting + stuffing, which helps it stay warm and cushioned.

Stuffing choices (use one or mix)

Poly-fil stuffing

Shredded foam (most comfortable!)

Batting scraps (great use of leftovers)

Old clean blanket pieces cut into strips

Tip: If you want raised sides, use more stuffing near the edges and less in the center.

DIY ROUND PET BED TUTORIAL

Skill Level

Confident beginner

Time Needed

About 1–2 hours

Step 1: Choose Your Pet Bed Size

Pick a diameter based on your pet.

Small (cats + toy dogs)

Diameter: 20 inches

Side height: 4 inches

Medium (small–medium dogs)

Diameter: 26 inches

Side height: 5 inches

Large (larger dogs)

Diameter: 32 inches

Side height: 6 inches

Step 2: How to Draw a Perfect Circle (No Pattern Needed)

No pet bed pattern required!

Here are 2 easy methods:

Method A: Trace a round object

Use a:

Large pot lid

Serving tray

Round tabletop

Laundry basket rim

Method B: String + pencil compass method

Tie a string to a pencil

Measure the string to the circle radius (diameter ÷ 2)

Hold the string center in place

Draw your circle around

Example:

For a 26" bed → radius = 13"

Step 3: Cut Your Fabric Pieces

Cut these pieces:

A) Top Circle (soft fabric)

Cut 1 circle from fleece/flannel/cotton

Diameter = bed size chosen

B) Bottom Circle (durable fabric)

Cut 1 circle from canvas/duck cloth/denim

Same diameter as the top

C) Batting Circles

Cut 1–2 circles of batting

Same diameter

D) Side Wall Strip (makes the bed 3D)

This strip creates the “bowl” of the bed.

Strip width

= side height + seam allowances

Example: 5" side height → cut strip width 6"

Strip length

= circle circumference

Use this formula:

Circumference = 3.14 × diameter

Add 1 extra inch for seam allowance.

Examples:

20" diameter → 3.14×20 = 62.8" → cut 64"

26" diameter → 3.14×26 = 81.6" → cut 83"

32" diameter → 3.14×32 = 100.5" → cut 102"

If your fabric isn’t long enough, sew multiple strips together end-to-end.

Step 4: Sew the Side Strip into a Loop

Fold the side strip with right sides together and stitch the short ends.

Now you have a fabric ring.

Press seam open.

Step 5: Sew the Side Ring to the Bottom Circle

This step creates the real pet bed shape.

Pin or clip the side ring to the bottom circle (right sides together)

Match the seam of the ring to any point on the circle

Sew around with a ½" seam allowance

Important trick for sewing curves

To prevent puckers, snip the seam allowance of the side ring:

Cut small snips every 1"–2"

Do not cut through the stitch line

This helps the fabric curve smoothly around the circle.

Step 6: Quilt the Top Circle (Optional but Recommended)

If you want the bed to stay fluffy longer, quilt the top circle.

Layer:

Top fabric circle (right side up)

Batting circle underneath

Stitch a few lines across:

Straight lines

Large spiral

Simple grid

This keeps batting from shifting after washing.

Step 7: Attach the Top Circle

Now clip the top circle to the open edge of the side ring.

Right sides together

Sew around with ½" seam allowance

Leave a 6"–8" opening for turning and stuffing

Step 8: Turn the Bed Right Side Out

Turn the bed through the opening.

Smooth out the circle and seams.

Step 9: Stuff the Bed for Comfort & Raised Sides

Stuff the bed firmly.

For the best shape:

Stuff the outer edges more heavily to form bolsters

Keep the center slightly softer for sleeping

Tip: Roll batting scraps into “logs” and push them into the outer edge first. Then fill with Poly-fil to finish.

Step 10: Close the Opening

Fold the raw edges inward and stitch closed using:

A tight straight stitch

Or a ladder stitch by hand

Topstitch around the edge for a finished look.

Matching DIY Pet Blanket Tutorial

A pet blanket makes the bed extra cozy and protects furniture, car seats, and crate floors.

Blanket Size Ideas

Small: 20"–30"

Medium: 30"–40"

Large: 40"–55"

Blanket Option 1: Sewn Reversible Blanket (Recommended)

Cut:

1 fleece or flannel rectangle

1 cotton or flannel rectangle

Optional: 1 batting layer inside

Instructions:

Sew right sides together

Leave a turning opening

Turn the right side out

Topstitch around edges

Quilt a few lines across the blanket if using batting.

Blanket Option 2: Fast No-Sew Fleece Blanket

Cut fleece to your preferred size and round the corners.

Optional:

Cut fringe around the edge and tie knots

or leave raw edges (fleece doesn’t fray)

Washing & Care Tips

To keep your handmade pet bed fresh:

Machine wash cold or warm

Tumble dry low

Shake and fluff between washes

Tip: Use a lint roller or a vacuum hose to remove pet hair before washing.

This DIY round pet bed is one of those sewing projects that never goes to waste. It’s practical, warm, and easy to customize with fabric scraps — and your pets will love it.

You can also sew these beds as:

Holiday gifts

Shelter donations

Handmade items to sell

If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to visit my sewing shop for sewing patterns, project ideas, and sewing inspiration for everyday life