DIY Tufted Suitcase Dog Bed

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My pups, Bitly and Buffer, are practically my whole world (the hubby and cat fit in there too). They are my constant companions and the best snuggle buddies you could ever ask for. With the recent update (full update post coming soon) to our master bedroom, my furbabies needed an updated bed too!

I stumbled across a couple of vintage suitcases recently and I knew exactly what I would do with them! The first project? A new DIY Tufted Suitcase Dog Bed for my girls!

I was actually surprised with how quickly and easily this DIY Tufted Suitcase Dog Bed came together! And bonus! It does no permanent damage to the suitcase itself, so if you change your mind or need to use it for something else, you can!

Want to make your own DIY Tufted Suitcase Dog Bed? Here’s what you need:

2″ thick foam  (at least 24″ W x 72″ L)
Foam Board x2
2 yards Minky Fabric (or something equally as soft and cuddly)
Upholstery needle and thread
fabric covered button kit (with at least 5 buttons)
5 regular buttons (check that the upholstery needle will fit through them)
staple gun and staples

Step #1: Trace the top/lid of the suitcase onto the foam board. Trip inside this line to get a shape that will fit inside the suitcase lid. Repeat for the second piece of foam board.

Step #2: Use the foam board as a template, trim the 2 inch foam to fit. 1 Piece for the top and 2 pieces for the bottom.

Step #3. Use the button kit and cover the fabric buttons for the tufted top for the DIY Tufted Suitcase Dog Bed.

Step #4: Hopefully the back of your foam board has a grid on it. If so, count to find the center and mark (otherwise you have to do the math and find the center). Mark 4 more spots equal distance from the center in a rectangle (as shown). Punch a hole through these spots.

Step #5: Add one foam piece to the marked foam board. Cut fabric to fit around with an extra 2-3 inches for securing to the back of the foam board. Add 4 staples to the corners to secure fabric (we’ll add more in a minute).

Step #6: Thread your needle with a double strand of upholstery thread. Flip the fabric+ top foam + board over so you can see the holes on the back. Starting with the center hole, thread the needle through a regular button, then through the foam board, foam and fabric. Attach fabric covered button. Thread BACK through fabric, foam and foam bard and through the regular button. Tie a TIGHT knot over the regular button, pulling the fabric covered button into the foam, giving the tufted effect. Repeat on other 4 holes. Secure the fabric around the foam and foam board with lots of staples. Set aside.

Step #7: Layer the 2 bottom pieces of foam on the foam board. Cover with fabric and trim, leaving 2 to 3 inches for securing on the back side. Smooth fabric over foam and flip over. Staple 4 corners first, then pull the fabric taunt and secure remaining fabric with lots of staples. (Tufting here is optional. My dogs are “nesters” and would pop out the buttons so I skipped adding the tufts on the bottom)

Step #8: Add the fabric covered foam and boards with the suitcase. They should just fit inside snuggly- no need to glue or staple in place!

Step #9: Add Dogs!

In case you can’t tell, I like to pamper my pups. They are basically my children, and I want to make sure they have everything then could ever want and need! That includes what they eat too! These girls are PICKY eaters, and that can make finding a food that meets my requirements, from a nutritional stand point, that they will actually EAT almost impossible!

Thank goodness for Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® DISH!! Bitly and Buffer get so excited when its time for breakfast now! Doesn’t matter what room they’re in or how far away they are, when I open of that bag of food, they come RUNNING! It must taste amazing because they love it! And I LOVE that I can see REAL vegetables in the mix! Nutrish recipes are made with simple, but wholesome ingredients like real meat or fish and vegetables, and do not contain poultry by-product meal or fillers <– WINNING!

And for added convenience, I have our favorite flavor, Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® DISH Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, set to auto ship every month from chewy.com!

Are your pets picky eaters? Try Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® DISH recipes and save $4.00 with coupon! (Coupon valid through end of this year. Print up to 2 times. Not applicable online – must be redeemed in-store)

Have you ever made something like this DIY Tufted Suitcase Dog Bed for your furbabies? I’d love to see what you’ve made for your pups!