If you sew often, you probably have a growing pile of fabric scraps that feels too useful to throw away but too small for a full project. Instead of letting those scraps take over your sewing space, turn them into something your dog will love: handmade dog toys.
DIY dog toys are a fun, budget-friendly way to use leftover fabric, reduce waste, and create simple enrichment items for your pet. Best of all, many of these projects do not require advanced sewing skills. A few strips of fabric, some basic stitching, and a little creativity can go a long way.
Before making any toy, remember that no fabric dog toy is indestructible. Always supervise your dog during play, especially with handmade toys, and remove any toy that becomes torn, frayed, or unsafe.
Why Make Dog Toys from Fabric Scraps?
Fabric scrap dog toys are perfect for using up small pieces of fleece, cotton, flannel, denim, or canvas. They are also a great beginner sewing project because the measurements do not have to be perfect.
Making your own dog toys can help you:
- Use up leftover fabric from other sewing projects
- Save money on pet toys
- Customize toys for your dog’s size and play style
- Practice simple sewing skills
- Create quick handmade gifts for pet owners
This is also a great project if you sell handmade items or sewing patterns because dog lovers are always looking for practical, cute, and affordable pet products.
Best Fabrics for DIY Dog Toys
Not every fabric is ideal for dog toys. Choose fabrics that are washable, sturdy, and safe for play.
Good fabric choices include:
- Fleece: Soft, stretchy, and great for braided tug toys
- Denim: Durable and perfect for stronger chewers
- Canvas: Sturdy for stuffed toys or flat crinkle toys
- Flannel: Soft and easy to sew
- Cotton quilting scraps: Good for decorative outer layers, but best when reinforced
Avoid fabrics with sequins, beads, glitter, loose trim, or anything your dog could chew off and swallow.
Project 1: No-Sew Braided Tug Toy
This is one of the easiest dog toys to make from scraps, especially fleece scraps.
Supplies
- 3 long strips of fleece or knit fabric
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
Instructions
Cut three strips of fabric, about 2 to 3 inches wide and 18 to 30 inches long, depending on your dog’s size.
Tie the strips together in a tight knot at one end. Braid the strips firmly, just like you would braid hair. Once you reach the end, tie another tight knot.
Trim any uneven ends, and your tug toy is ready for play.
For a thicker toy, use six strips instead of three and braid them in pairs.
Project 2: Fabric Scrap Stuffed Bone Toy
A classic dog bone shape is simple to sew and easy to customize.
Supplies
- Two pieces of fabric large enough for your bone shape
- Fabric scraps for stuffing
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Scissors
- Pins or clips
- Optional: squeaker insert
Instructions
Draw a simple bone shape on paper and cut it out to use as your pattern. Place the pattern on your fabric and cut two matching pieces.
Put the fabric pieces right sides together and sew around the edge using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Leave a small opening for turning.
Clip the curves carefully, turn the toy right side out, and stuff it with smaller fabric scraps. Add a squeaker if desired.
Sew the opening closed with a strong hand stitch or topstitch around the entire toy for extra durability.
Project 3: Crinkle Fabric Dog Toy
Dogs love toys that make noise, and a crinkle toy is an easy way to add interest.
Supplies
- Two fabric scraps of the same size
- Clean crinkle material, such as a piece from a cereal bag or crinkle paper made for pet toys
- Sewing machine
- Pins or clips
Instructions
Cut two rectangles, squares, or simple shapes from your fabric. Place the fabric right sides together, then place the crinkle material on top.
Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening. Turn the toy right side out and topstitch around the edge to close the opening.
This toy works especially well for small dogs or puppies who enjoy light chewing and sensory play.
Project 4: Denim Knot Chew Toy
Old jeans and denim scraps make excellent dog toys because the fabric is sturdy.
Supplies
- Long denim strips
- Scissors
Instructions
Cut several strips of denim about 1 to 2 inches wide. Gather the strips together and tie knots along the length of the bundle.
You can make one large knot in the center or several knots for extra texture. Trim the ends, but leave enough fringe for your dog to grab.
This is a great way to use seams and odd-shaped denim scraps that might not work for other projects.
Project 5: Treat-Hiding Snuffle Braid
A snuffle-style toy encourages your dog to sniff, search, and use their brain.
Supplies
- Fleece scraps
- Scissors
- A rubber sink mat with holes or a sturdy braided base
- Small dog treats
Instructions
Cut fleece scraps into short strips. Tie the strips around the holes of a rubber mat or around sections of a braided fleece base.
Once the toy is full and fluffy, hide small treats between the fabric strips. Your dog will have to sniff and nudge through the fleece to find the treats.
Use this toy only during supervised play and put it away after treat time.
Tips for Making Safer DIY Dog Toys
Handmade dog toys should always be made with safety in mind.
Use strong seams, avoid tiny pieces that can be swallowed, and skip buttons, bells, beads, or glued-on decorations. If your dog is a heavy chewer, choose tougher fabrics like denim or canvas and inspect the toy often.
Wash fabric scraps before using them, especially if they have been stored for a while. Also, match the toy to your dog’s size. A toy that is too small can be a choking hazard, while one that is too large may be hard for a small dog to enjoy.
What to Do with Tiny Scraps
Even the smallest scraps can be useful. Use them as stuffing for fabric dog bones, add them inside crinkle toys for texture, or tie them onto snuffle mats.
This is a great zero-waste sewing habit because almost every piece of fabric can serve a purpose.
Final Thoughts
DIY dog toys from fabric scraps are simple, affordable, and fun to make. Whether you create a no-sew tug toy, a stuffed bone, a crinkle toy, or a treat-hiding snuffle mat, your scrap bin can become a source of creative pet projects.
These toys also make thoughtful handmade gifts for friends with dogs. Package a few together with a cute tag, and you have an easy gift basket idea for holidays, birthdays, or pet adoption celebrations.
So before tossing those leftover fabric pieces, turn them into something playful, useful, and tail-waggingly fun.
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