Recycled Suitcase Dog Bed

Okay, it’s not the most life-changing DIY you’ve ever seen, but the sad little dog bed my 4-pound Yorkie Winnie called home needed some help! Store-bought beds are easily $50 and not great quality, so I thought, “Hey, why not just make one.”

After much Internet research, a perfect solution (and creative inspiration!) was found via Kristen, a designer and Etsy seller.

Because Winnie is so tiny and likes to nest in small spots, I knew an ordinary suitcase would be too big for her. Luckily, in the back of my closet I had this vintage Samsonite hat case that I’ve been carting around for years–finally, a reason to dust it off!

Again, a stroke of luck when it turned out that Winnie’s old dog bed was the perfect fit! Check out Design^Sprout for more pictures and Kristen’s instructions (scroll to the bottom) for how to sew a pillow to custom fit your suitcase.

Next, I bought a colorful, vintage Afghan for only $1 (it was riddled with holes), cut off the offending parts and used some leftover yarn to sew a sleeve covering the old bed. I tucked in the open end at the bottom because I want to be able to remove it for washing. I then pounded a thin nail through the hinges, preventing them from ever being opened or falling closed, added dog toys (which she immediately attacked!), her favorite blanket and viola!

What was once kicked under the bed when guests arrived is now a conversation piece! All for $1. Doesn’t get much better than that.

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Danuta W.

12:15AM PDT on Aug 13, 2012

Thank you for sharing.

August 13
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June L.

9:48AM PDT on Jun 13, 2012

love the idea....I'm foing the same thing for my cats......

June 13
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Yulan L.

3:03AM PDT on May 21, 2012

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful idea.

May 21
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Anne H.

9:22PM PDT on Apr 12, 2012

@John P, the first thing that popped into my head was the Salvation Army stores. Maybe the tops of big trunks would work for bigger dogs. You can also find scrap foam at fabric shops and upholstery shops. I put my pet bed stuffings into an allergy cover first, makes it easier to keep clean. Such a great idea, thanks for posting.