If your pup loves to snuggle, a dog blanket is the perfect project to keep them cozy and comfortable. Whether you’re making one to match your home décor, to save your sofa from muddy paws, or simply because you want something special for your furry best friend, creating a DIY dog blanket is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a dog blanket from start to finish.
Why Make a Dog Blanket?
Store-bought blankets are fine, but a handmade blanket has a few advantages:
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Personalized style – Choose fabrics and patterns that suit your home or your dog’s personality.
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Durable & washable – Pick materials that hold up to paw traffic and lots of washing.
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Budget-friendly – Making your own blanket is often less expensive than buying one, especially for larger dogs.
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Full of love – Your pup will literally be wrapped up in something you made just for them.
What You’ll Need
*There are a couple of affiliate links for products I've tried and genuinely love.
Before you start, gather a few supplies:
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Fabric (fleece is most popular since it’s soft, warm, and doesn’t fray)
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Fabric scissors or rotary cutter (I love the Fiskars rotary cutter)
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Measuring tape
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Sewing machine (optional) – depending on your design
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Thread (if sewing) or just your hands (for no-sew styles)
Step 1: Choose the Right Size
Think about your dog’s size and where the blanket will be used.
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Small dogs/cats – about 24” x 24”
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Medium dogs – about 36” x 36”
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Large dogs – about 42” x 52” or bigger
Tip: Always size up! Dogs love to burrow and curl into extra fabric.
Step 2: Pick Your Fabric
The most common choice is fleece because it’s soft, warm, and doesn’t require hemming. But you can also use:
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Quilted cotton (for a lighter blanket)
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Flannel (warm but breathable)
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Old t-shirts (eco-friendly and budget-conscious)
If you're in Canada, check out www.fabricville.com or www.funkymonkeyfabrics.com for some wonderful options. In the USA, I love the fleece selection at Your Fleece.
Step 3: Decide on Style
You can make a dog blanket two ways:
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No-Sew Dog Blanket
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Cut two fleece pieces the same size
- The size depends on the size of your pets; you can go 30" by 30" for a cat or small or medium dog.
- You can use fabric scissors or the rotary cutter
- Trim the edges evenly.
- Cut a square out from each corner, 5"
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Cut 3–4” strips around all sides, about 1” wide.
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Tie the top and bottom strips together in knots.
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Done! A soft, fringe-edged blanket your pup will love.
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Sewn Dog Blanket
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Cut two fabric pieces the same size.
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Place right sides together.
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Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening. Big enough to get your hand in comfortably.
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Turn right-side out, then top-stitch or hand sew the opening closed.
- Optional: make a square with chalk about 4" from the edge, and sew a top stitch. This will make sure your blanket doesn't bunch in the wash.
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Optional: Add quilting or decorative stitching.
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Step 4: Wash & Enjoy
Before giving it to your pup, wash the blanket with a pet-safe detergent. This removes any leftover lint and makes it extra soft. Then spread it out on your dog’s bed, sofa, or crate, and watch them snuggle in.
Extra Ideas
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Personalize it with your dog’s name (iron-on vinyl or embroidery).
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Use seasonal fabrics for festive dog blankets.
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Make a matching human-and-dog blanket set!
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make a dog blanket is a simple project that even beginners can handle. With just a little fabric and creativity, you’ll have a stylish, cozy piece your dog will treasure—and you’ll love knowing you made it yourself.
