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- 🧵 The DIY Pet Cooling Bed That Actually Works — And Costs Pennies
🧵 The DIY Pet Cooling Bed That Actually Works — And Costs Pennies
Make something with love and practicality — a safe, cooling bed your dog or cat will actually use this summer.
Marjorie Vaudreuil
June 24, 2025
Author: Marjorie Vaudreuil. Sewing Pattern Secrets, Design Secrets, TheSewingBuzz.com and TheSewingBrew.com
This summer, don't just sew something cute — sew something that actually helps. I know I’m Ms practicality ~ again…
If you’ve ever seen your dog sprawled across a tile floor, or your cat taking refuge in the bathtub just to cool down… you already know:
🔥 Pets feel the heat just as much as we do.
That’s why this month’s project isn’t just fun — it’s functional, heartfelt, and ridiculously affordable:
🧵 DIY Pet Cooling Bed
Freezable. Washable. 100% safe.
No gimmicks. No harmful gels. Just comfort you can make with love.
✂️ Choose the Right Fabric (Cool + Safe)
All of these are breathable, pet-friendly, and easy to sew. Use what you have or grab one online:
Microfiber Suede – pet-hair resistant, peach-soft
Low-Pile Minky – cozy and structured
Terry Velour – absorbent, spa-like feel
Bamboo French Terry – naturally cool and loop-backed
Stretch Velour – sews easy, feels luxe
Modal Jersey (Heavyweight) – drapes cool, resists wrinkles
Cotton Batik – tighter weave than quilting cotton
Brushed Cotton Twill – durable like denim, but softer
🧊 Fill It Smart — And Safely
Forget gel packs and herbal “cooling beads.” like people use. These can harm pets if chewed or torn open.
Use this instead:
Low-loft batting (cotton or poly): Soft, washable, and reliable
Optional: Flaxseed (in sewn channels): Holds chill without moisture — great for calm pets
Never use: essential oils, dried herbs, gel packs, cooling beads. Ask your vet for any ideas they may have.
📐 Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut 2 fabric rectangles – 28"x20" for a medium dog. Curve the edges and clip curves to reduce bulk. Add piping around the outer seam for a finished look.
Add 1–2 layers of batting inside, consider creating a channel in between batting sections for sewing needle to sew through, or be sure to use batting thin enough for your machine.
Stack: bottom fabric (right side out), batting, top fabric (right side in)
Sew with ½" seam around 4 outer edges, leave 4–5" gap hole to turn out the fabric.
Turn right-side out, press, topstitch edges to close gap
Quilt/Create the inner channels with a topstich. If using flaxseed: create vertical channels, fill, and seal.
Freeze for 30–45 minutes before use
It’s a quick afternoon project with real payoff.
It costs pennies. But it says: I love you, fuzzball.
🧵 Want more inspiring, practical projects like this? Our Sewing Pattern Secrets Database is packed with real clothing patterns, video lessons, and quick wins the whole family can enjoy — from stylish wardrobe staples to fun seasonal makes. Dive in before the price goes up to $87 mid-day, June 30 and snag the free summer bonus while you’re at it!
❤️
And if you make one, send us a photo — we’ll be featuring our community’s summer pet creations in next month’s roundup.
Stay cool out there (you and your four-legged friend),
Sewing Game
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