Saturday, November 15, 2014

DIY Dog Pod



This dog bed idea came to me from Pinterest, and more specifically Yanko Designs.  As far as I know, this dog pod is not currently on the market; I contacted the designer via email, and while willing to make one for me, it was really expensive.  I don't remember the exact amount, but several hundred dollars.

Soooooo, I decided that I could make one myself!  It was pretty easy, once I figured out how to make it all work AND be able to take it apart to clean the bedding.  If you have any questions, feel free to email me with them.

Supplies Needed:

  • 4x4 eight foot board
  • 4 sets closet rod holders (8 total pieces)
  • Wooden dowel OR closet rod- the length will be determined by the size of your dog pod
  • 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 yards fleece- depending how much fluff you want in your bed
  • Sewing machine
  • Paint/stain (optional)


All of these supplies are easily and cheaply found at your local hardware and fabric store.  

Directions:
  1. Either have cut or DIY the 4x4 board into 4 eight inch pieces (I used my miter saw) 
  2. Determine the final length of your dog pod.  From this number, subtract 4 1/2 inches.  Cut two pieces of dowel to this size
  3. Determine the final width of your dog pod.  From this number, subtract 4 1/2 inches.  Cut two pieces of dowel to this size
  4. Attach the closet rod holders to the 4x4 post.  I recommend pre-drilling to avoid spitting the wood.  Put the holders on adjacent sides of the post.  I put mine an inch and a half from the top and centered left/right on the post.  See picture A at the bottom
  5. Optional step:  paint the wood
  6. With your fleece laying flat in front of you, fold it in half.  Fold two opposite sides of the fleece over to make a pocket for the dowel, ensuring that it is big enough to easily slide the dowel through.  Pin, starting in the center and moving towards the edges.  leave the last  6 inches un pinned.  Fold the opposite sides into a pocket, following the same procedure as before.  
  7. In the corners where it is not pinned, you will need to cut a notch in the fabric.  Using fleece or wool will keep you from having to hem the edges.  Cutting the notch will ensure that your corners will be nice and the fabric will fit around the 4x4.   
  8. Sew your pinned pockets
  9. Once you are this far, it is time to assemble the dog pod.  Run the dowels through the fabric pockets you created.  Insert the rods into the closet rod holders on the four corner posts.  Fluff the fabric in the middle and you are done!
           Picture A

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