By request, I’m posting an explanation of how to make a dog sleeping bag similar to the one Mr. Gonzo Bunny-Ears and Chick have been modeling over the past few weeks, especially here.

The final dimensions of our bag are 35 inches deep by 31 inches wide. I wanted a bag that was small enough to be cozy but big enough that Chick could get in and turn fully around so his face could point outward, and this seemed like the right size. Turns out it’s the perfect size for Chick, but also the perfect size for 50 pound Chick and 35 pound Gonzo.

The dimensions of the fabric that I’ve listed are estimates – I don’t think I measured when I first put this bag together, and if I did, I definitely didn’t write the measurements down.

I sewed this using a regular low-end sewing machine, though it would have been much easier (read: fewer jams) if I had a heavy-duty machine. It would also be possible to sew this by hand, of course, though it would take more time and patience.

A final note: I am not an experienced seamstress and in fact I have only sewn a few things in my life, which explains the lack of actual sewing terminology below. Hopefully this is easy to follow anyway.

MATERIALS:

Red fleece. 40”x70”. I used the most heavy-duty fleece I could find.

Beige fleece. 40×70”. For the inside of the bag, I opted for the kind of fleece that resembles lambsfleece.

Quilt filling or egg crate mattress topper: 36×30”. I used quilt filler and actually had to sew it to the fleece, but if I did it again I would use the egg crate mattress pad and simply make a pouch for it just like the instructions below show.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place red fleece and beige fleece on top of each other with the right sides facing. Sew around the to long sides and one short side using a double straight stitch, about an inch in from the edges.

Turn right side out, so the seams are hidden. Place the foam or filler on top of the fleece, arranging it about two inches from the unsewn edge. Mark the fabric about 1-2 inches from the other side of the foam or filler, and sew with a double straight stitch. Slide the foam or filler in to the slot you have made for it.

Fold the sleeping so that the short sides are aligned, with the inside out (red fabric should be on the inside).  Sew with a double-straight stitch or hand-finish to bind the two edges together.

Turn your bag inside out, and enjoy!!