This summer, don’t just sew something cute — sew something that actually helps. I know I’m Ms practicality ~ again…

If you’ve ever seen your dog sprawled across a tile floor, or your cat taking refuge in the bathtub just to cool down… you already know:

🔥 Pets feel the heat just as much as we do.

That’s why this month’s project isn’t just fun — it’s functional, heartfelt, and ridiculously affordable:

🧵 DIY Pet Cooling Bed

Freezable. Washable. 100% safe.
No gimmicks. No harmful gels. Just comfort you can make with love.

✂️ Choose the Right Fabric (Cool + Safe)

All of these are breathable, pet-friendly, and easy to sew. Use what you have or grab one online:

• Microfiber Suede – pet-hair resistant, peach-soft
• Low-Pile Minky – cozy and structured
• Terry Velour – absorbent, spa-like feel
• Bamboo French Terry – naturally cool and loop-backed
• Stretch Velour – sews easy, feels luxe
• Modal Jersey (Heavyweight) – drapes cool, resists wrinkles
• Cotton Batik – tighter weave than quilting cotton
• Brushed Cotton Twill – durable like denim, but softer

🧊 Fill It Smart — And Safely

Forget gel packs and herbal “cooling beads.” like people use. These can harm pets if chewed or torn open.

Use this instead:

• Low-loft batting (cotton or poly): Soft, washable, and reliable
• Optional: Flaxseed (in sewn channels): Holds chill without moisture — great for calm pets

Never use: essential oils, dried herbs, gel packs, cooling beads. Ask your vet for any ideas they may have.

📐 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut 2 fabric rectangles – 28″x20″ for a medium dog. Curve the edges and clip curves to reduce bulk. Add piping around the outer seam for a finished look.
2. Add 1–2 layers of batting inside, consider creating a channel in between batting sections for sewing needle to sew through, or be sure to use batting thin enough for your machine.
3. Stack: bottom fabric (right side out), batting, top fabric (right side in)
4. Sew with ½” seam around 4 outer edges, leave 4–5″ gap hole to turn out the fabric.
5. Turn right-side out, press, topstitch edges to close gap
6. Quilt/Create the inner channels with a topstich. If using flaxseed: create vertical channels, fill, and seal.
7. Freeze for 30–45 minutes before use

It’s a quick afternoon project with real payoff.

It costs pennies. But it says: I love you, fuzzball.

🧵 Want more inspiring, practical projects like this? Our Sewing Pattern Secrets Database is packed with real clothing patterns, video lessons, and quick wins the whole family can enjoy — from stylish wardrobe staples to fun seasonal makes. Dive in before the price goes up to $87 mid-day, June 30 and snag the free summer bonus while you’re at it!