DJ

I know I got the idea here, but just want to say that I dropped off some pet beds at the local animal shelter, and they seemed very pleased to get them. I think some shelters don't want them. Ours gives them to people when they adopt a pet.

I have a large waste basket lined with a pillowcase (which I get at Goodwill). I usually don't get around to making the pet beds until my waste basket is overflowing and then there's enough to make several beds of different sizes. It's a great way to repurpose those little bitty scraps.

nativetexan

do they fluff up after being washed?

toverly

I can answer that. A member of our Guild's son made them for his eagle project. They do not. They are really one pet usage. But, considering they are meant to be used temporarily and made out of scraps. They work great. The only type of filling that wouldn't clump would be a fiberfill like a pillow. It's a great feeling that some lost pet gets comfort inside of the cage at the shelter.

DJ

Well, I've never used or washed one myself. Although toverly says they would not fluff up, I can't imagine why they wouldn't fluff up with a little shake if they are completely dry. The ones I donate are rather lightly stuffed so I would think they would fluff up.

Tartan

​Around here, cushions seem to disappear off couches put out on trash day. I am pretty sure that someone picks them up for animal beds as they would be perfect.

nativetexan

I wouldn't think they would like fiber fill like a pillow. dogs sometimes chew holes in things. Dogs do like having something to lay on though. homey!

tranum

I made 2 for a family member’s large dogs. He was so pleased & dogs used them all the time. He always put them away when he wasn’t home but one day he forgot and both beds were destroyed when he returned. He said it was an awful mess to clean up. Now I make cat or small dog size for the shelter, thinking it might be safer.

toverly

What happened when one was washed, (I learned the hard way.) was the threads matted together in tight little bundles and tied themselves into knots. Impossible to fully dry or get loose. You may do your beds different from the way ours were done. There was nothing fluffy to fluff once they were tied together inside.

thimblebug6000

Yes I make these and give to whomever wants one.... I tried washing one... and womp...womp... womp.... the cotton scraps ball up and make a lumpy ugly mess inside the pillowcase. I agree they are a one time use... and hopefully your area has a fabric recycle program you can donate it to after.

DDuMouchel

I used to make pet beds from my small scraps until I heard about a program at Salvation Army where they take fabric and turn it into high quality paper, which they sell. Then they use the funds to support their women-and-kids-only shelters. You can call your local Salvation Army and see if they are a collection point. Mine will take any cotton fabric so I include frayed towels, etc.