CLOTH REVIVAL - LET’S UPCYCLE - A PET BED FROM A JUMPER

May 25, 2026

HELP THE PLANET ONE PROJECT AT A TIME

Every winter, I like to make and pass on upcycled items to animal charities. A lot of fundraising happens at this time of year. Pet Beds, made from upcycled jumpers and pillows are a relatively low cost option for this kind of project. Although they use basic sewing, it is not a difficult make and is very rewarding when you get to hand them over.

This is not exclusively a jumper make. Sweatshirts and jackets can also be used but these would need neater stitching because the stitches will not be buried in the pile of the fabric as happens with a knitted garment. Lengths of yarn is the best choice for jumpers, where a cotton or polyester thread is best for sweatshirts etc.

Before starting the project, wash and dry a jumper and pillow. Remove the outer bag from the pillow. You will use this to stuff the bed. Let the fun begin…..

1. Turn the jumper inside out. Sew a line of stitches along the top, from the top of the sleeve across to the same point on the opposite sleeve, sewing underneath the neck opening.

2. Turn the jumper right side out. You will now have a straight top edge. Sew a line of stitching straight across from underarm to opposite underarm. Cut the pillow the length of the jumper body, measured down from the underarm stitching.

3. Add the pillow to the main body of the jumper and the sew together the bottom of the jumper.

4. Using the remaining pillow stuffing, pull it into small(ish) sections and fill the sleeves/shoulder section of the jumper.

5. Wrap the arms around the outside edge of the stuffed centre. Fold in the cuffs and sew both arms together at the front.

6. Turn the bed upside down and sew the centre section to the underside of the sleeves. This creates the raised section around the outside of the bed.