This doughnut dog bed is a cozy, circular pet bed that looks like a giant frosted doughnut, complete with a plush “frosting” rim and a soft “sprinkles” center. It’s a fun and practical DIY project that uses simple materials and requires no sewing, making it accessible even for beginners. The design provides a supportive, cushioned spot for your dog to curl up, and the raised rim offers a sense of security.
Ingredients
- 1 large piece of fleece fabric, 60 x 60 inches (150 x 150 cm) for the base (choose a color for the “dough”)
- 1 large piece of fleece fabric, 60 x 60 inches (150 x 150 cm) for the “frosting” (choose a contrasting color)
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing, about 3–4 pounds (1.4–1.8 kg)
- Scissors (fabric scissors recommended)
- Chalk or fabric marker (optional, for marking)
- Measuring tape
Instructions
- Lay the two square fleece pieces on top of each other, aligning the edges. If you want a specific design, place the “frosting” color on top.
- Using a large plate or a piece of string tied to a pencil, draw a large circle on the top fabric. A 24-inch (60 cm) diameter circle works well for a medium dog. Cut through both layers to create two identical circles.
- To create the doughnut hole, draw a smaller circle in the center of one of the circles. The hole should be about 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) in diameter. Cut out this inner circle, again cutting through both layers. You now have two doughnut-shaped pieces.
- Cut fringe strips around the outer edge of both doughnut pieces. Make cuts about 2 inches (5 cm) deep and 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Do the same around the inner hole. These strips will be tied together.
- Match the two doughnut pieces together, wrong sides facing (the “right” sides of the fabric should be facing out). Start tying the outer fringe strips together in a double knot. Work your way around the outer edge, but leave a 12-inch (30 cm) opening un-tied.
- Through the opening, stuff the doughnut bed firmly with polyester fiberfill. Start with the outer ring, then fill the center. Make sure the stuffing is distributed evenly and the bed is plump but not overly hard.
- Once fully stuffed, tie the remaining outer fringe strips closed. Then, tie the fringe strips around the inner hole to close the center. The inner hole will be smaller than the outer ring, creating the doughnut shape.
- Fluff and shape the bed with your hands. The raised outer rim is the “frosting” and the flat center is the “dough.”
Tips
- Choose the right fabric: Anti-pill fleece is durable and resists pilling, making it ideal for a pet bed. Avoid fabrics that fray easily, as they will not hold up to tying.
- Adjust the size: For a small dog, use 36 x 36 inch (90 x 90 cm) squares and a 4-inch (10 cm) inner hole. For a large dog, use 72 x 72 inch (180 x 180 cm) squares and a 7-inch (18 cm) hole.
- Make it washable: To make the bed machine-washable, use a removable cover. You can sew a simple zippered cover or use a large pillowcase as a liner. Alternatively, spot clean the fleece as needed.
- Common mistake: Don’t overstuff the bed. If it’s too firm, it won’t be comfortable for your dog to curl up. Aim for a firm but squishy feel.
Serving Suggestions
Place the doughnut dog bed in your dog’s favorite napping spot, such as a quiet corner of the living room or near your bed. It’s perfect for dogs that like to curl up, as the raised rim provides a sense of security and head support. You can also add a soft blanket inside the center for extra warmth on cold nights.
Variations
- Color combos: Use a brown fleece for the “chocolate” dough and a pink fleece for “strawberry frosting.” Or go classic with white and chocolate.
- Add sprinkles: Cut small, colorful fleece circles and tie them onto the “frosting” edge for a playful sprinkle effect.
- Non-slip bottom: Sew a piece of non-slip rug grip fabric to the bottom of the bed to keep it from sliding on hardwood floors.
- Heated version: Place a microwavable heating pad (designed for pets) under the center cushion for a warm, cozy spot in winter.
Storage and Reheating
To store the doughnut dog bed, simply fold it in half and place it in a closet or under a bed. If it gets dirty, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For a deeper clean, you can un-tie a few knots and remove the stuffing, then wash the fleece cover in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry. The bed is not meant to be reheated, but if you use a heating pad, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for warming and never leave it unattended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without sewing? Yes, this design is completely no-sew. All the pieces are tied together with fringe strips, so you only need scissors and your hands.
What if my dog chews on the fringe? Some dogs may be tempted to chew the ties. If your dog is a heavy chewer, consider sewing the edges instead of tying, or use a durable fabric like canvas. Supervise your dog the first few times they use the bed.
How much stuffing do I need? The amount depends on the size of the bed. For a 24-inch (60 cm) bed, about 3–4 pounds (1.4–1.8 kg) of fiberfill is usually enough. You can always add more if needed.
Can I use an old sweater or blanket? Yes, you can repurpose old fleece or knit blankets. Just make sure the fabric is sturdy enough to hold the stuffing and withstand washing.
How do I clean the bed? Spot cleaning is easiest. If you want to machine wash, remove the stuffing first by untying a few knots. Wash the cover in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry. Do not put the stuffing in the washing machine.
Will this bed fit in a standard washing machine? The outer cover of a large bed may be too big for a standard top-loader. If you have a front-loader with a large capacity, it should fit. Otherwise, hand wash in a bathtub with mild soap.
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