DIY Designer Dog Toys: Easy Handmade Dog Toys You’ll Actually Want to Leave Out
Have you ever noticed that most dog toys seem to come in neon colors, loud patterns, or cartoon characters? As much as I love spoiling my pups, I couldn’t find dog toys that fit the style of our home. I was officially on the hunt for designer dog toys, or at least something a little more aesthetic-but I came up empty-handed. So, I decided to make my own DIY Designer Dog Toys.
Using leftover designer upholstery fabric scraps from past decorating projects, I created durable, beautiful toys that look right at home in our living room. They’re simple to sew, endlessly customizable, and my dogs absolutely love them.
The best part? You don’t need designer fabric to make these. This project is perfect for using up scraps you already have, whether that’s old denim, thrifted fabric, canvas, or even clothing that’s ready for a second life.
Today I’m sharing the free pattern, the squeakers I use, and the poly-fil that gives these toys the perfect amount of fluff.
Why I Made My Own DIY Designer Dog Toys
As someone who loves decorating our home, I try to choose pieces that are both beautiful and functional.
That doesn’t stop when it comes to our dogs.
Their toys are scattered throughout the house every day, so I wanted something that blended in with our décor instead of distracting from it. Rather than buying another brightly colored toy that would end up on the living room floor, I decided to create one that looked intentional.
Using neutral fabrics with texture makes these toys feel more like home accessories than pet toys—and my dogs haven’t noticed the difference!
The Best Fabric for DIY Designer Dog Toys
One of the questions I get most is what fabric works best.
I used leftover designer upholstery fabrics from previous projects because they’re thick, durable, and made to withstand everyday wear.
So far, they’ve held up incredibly well, even with two dogs who love to play.
If you don’t have upholstery fabric, don’t worry! There are plenty of other great options.
Some ideas include:
- Upholstery fabric scraps
- Heavy canvas
- Old denim jeans
- Drop cloth fabric
- Thrifted fabric
- Vintage grain sacks
- Old flannel shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Heavy cotton
If your dog is a strong chewer, I definitely recommend choosing the thickest fabric you can find.
Supplies You’ll Need For These DIY Designer Dog Toys
You’ll only need a few simple supplies:
- My free printable dog toy pattern
- Durable fabric
- Poly-fil stuffing
- Dog toy squeakers
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Fabric scissors
- Pins or clips
I’ll link the exact squeakers and poly-fil I used below.
How to Make DIY Designer Dog Toys
These toys come together surprisingly quickly, making them a great beginner sewing project.
Simply:
- Download and print the free pattern.
- Cut two fabric pieces.
- Sew right sides together, leaving a small opening.
- Turn the toy right side out.
- Add poly-fil stuffing.
- Insert one squeaker.
- Hand stitch the opening closed.
That’s it!
In less than an hour, you’ll have a beautiful custom dog toy that’s much prettier than anything you’ll find at the pet store.
Use What You Already Have
One of my favorite things about this project is that it’s a great way to reduce waste.
Instead of throwing away leftover fabric from home projects, I’ve been able to turn those scraps into something our dogs enjoy every day.
This would also be a fun project using:
- Thrift store fabric
- Old jeans
- Canvas tote bags
- Worn-out jackets
- Leftover curtain fabric
- Furniture fabric samples
Almost any sturdy fabric can become a dog toy.
Durable Enough for Everyday Play
Every dog plays differently, so no homemade toy is indestructible.
That said, I have been pleasantly surprised by how well these have held up.
Because I used thick upholstery fabric, my dogs haven’t destroyed them yet, even after plenty of tugging, tossing, and squeaking.
If your dog is an aggressive chewer, always supervise play and replace toys if they become damaged.
Customize Them to Match Your Home
This might be my favorite part.
Instead of bright reds, greens, and blues, I made mine in neutral fabrics that coordinate with our home.
You could also make them using:
- Linen-look fabrics
- Ticking stripe
- Plaids
- Neutral florals
- Vintage-inspired prints
- Leather accents (for decoration only)
They’d also make wonderful handmade gifts for fellow dog lovers.
Grab My Free Pattern
I’ve included my free pattern below so you can make your own DIY designer dog toys at home.
Don’t forget to grab the squeakers and stuffing while you’re here so you’ll have everything you need before you start.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the best projects come from not being able to find exactly what you’re looking for.
I wanted beautiful dog toys that fit the style of our home, and making them myself turned out to be even better than buying them.
Whether you use leftover upholstery fabric like I did or repurpose old denim, thrifted textiles, or clothing, these DIY designer dog toys are an easy, affordable project that both you and your dog will love.
If you make a set, I’d love to see them! Tag me on Instagram so I can share your creations.
And if you found this tutorial helpful, don’t forget to save it to Pinterest so you can find it later and share it with other dog lovers and DIY enthusiasts!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fabric for homemade dog toys?
Upholstery fabric is one of the best choices because it’s thick, durable, and designed to handle heavy wear. Heavy canvas and old denim also work well.
Can I use old clothes to make dog toys?
Absolutely! Sweatshirts, denim, canvas jackets, and other sturdy clothing make great upcycled dog toys.
What stuffing should I use for DIY dog toys?
Poly-fil stuffing works well because it’s lightweight, washable, and easy to find.
Where can I buy squeakers for homemade dog toys?
You can purchase replacement dog toy squeakers online, and I’ve linked the exact ones I used in this tutorial.
Leave a Reply