How to make a shelter pet pad

In the previous post I showed how I make stuffed pet beds. I make them from small bits of batting and trimmed parts of quilts that I chop into small pieces. I also occasionally have large quilted samples. I don't want to cut those up so I make them into pet pads. These turn into random sizes that are totally dependent on the size of the quilted sample. I assume most of these are for small dogs and cats.

 

This is a quilted samples that I won as a door prize in a Nichole Webb class a few years ago. It's not that I don't appreciate her beautiful work but sometimes I need to declutter and today was one of those times!

Spread the piece put flat and fold it into quarters. I match up the edges as best I can but I don't bother to trim it.

 

Stitch the two cut sides together leaving one edge (the first folded edge) open.

 

This is the open edge. It's important that the open edge be a folded edge to make this construction super fast. Turn the pad inside out. )Sometimes you might have to make a wider seam allowance if all of the raw edges were not caught in the original stitching.) Poke out the corner as much as possible.

 

Stitch the opening closed with a topstitch through all layers (it's the bottom edge in the photo) and then stitch a couple of rows of stitching through all layers to hold it all together.

I know, it's not pretty but the pet will not care. For me, these have to be fast and get rid of my "trash" easily to make it worth my time.

These 4 beds and 3 pads are going to one of my coworkers tomorrow. She works with one of our local shelters. That's a lot of bulk removed from my sewing room!

Comments

[Debra Spincic]

I firmly believe in using every little scrap so I have a big pillowcase made from some crappy fabric under my sewing table. Every little bit goes into it and when it is full, it becomes a pet pillow or bed.

Since I am still learning to FMQ, I save the batting scraps for practice but then when done, they are made into beds too. It's very gratifying and needed.

[GailM]

Wonderful. Quick and easy and such a nice little project. Just think how a nice snooze some puppy will have on that.

I just happen to be making some cat mats out of some of my scraps. When I get a dozen made, I'll be sending them to the shelter.

[Dena]

Great way to use up all those practice fabrics. Thanks!

[Becky in VA]

What a great project. Stitching the channels is a good way to keep the stuffing even in the bed. Add a scoop of cedar shavings to the stuffing and it will make the animal smell a little nicer and I think cedar helps repel fleas.

[*karendianne.]

Right on! I dig this. I should do this actually. LeeHaven and the cats and dogs could use this. I feel like I haven't my own dern Shelter...