Dog Crate Cover Tutorial

As I shared recently our family now has a dog- Lucky.

And along with having a dog comes dog accessories, which for us includes a crate.

In reading about crate-training a dog I read that dogs actually like their crates because it becomes their own little space or den.  And I read that many dogs especially like for their crate to be covered on the sides and top because it adds to the den-like feeling.  So I made a cover for his crate.

Sure, I could buy a crate cover on Amazon but they start at about $20 and go up from there.  I was able to make this crate cover with very little effort for less than $2.  I was able to keep the cost super low by using a utility fabric that I found at Zinks for $0.83 per yard.

So here’s how I made it.

1. Measure & Plan- I measured the crate and drew out my plans.

2. Wash, Iron, & Cut Out Fabric- I cut out each of my fabric pieces.  If you look closely at my plan I wrote down the exact dimensions of the crate sides and top.  When I cut my pieces I added an inch to each measurement for seam allowances.  For example, the top piece of the crate measured 24 in X 18 in so I cut a piece of fabric for the top that was 25 in X 19 in.

3. Make the Front- I decided to make the front piece more of a window.  I like for my dog to be able to see out of the crate when it is closed.

To make the front window I took each piece and ironed over 1/4 inch on one side.  Then I hemmed all the way across one side on the top pieces.

On the side pieces I hemmed until I was 2 inches from the top and 4 inches from the bottom of the inside.  At the two inches from the top spot and the 4 inches from the bottom spot I cut a little notch in the fabric so that when I sewed the sides and top and bottom together it would be easier.  In the picture below you can see the inside of the front pieces once I had joined the top to the sides.

Attach the sides to the top and the bottom pieces of the front.

Once you have your sides, top, and front pieces of the front together you will have your window made for the front piece.

4. Hem the Bottoms of the Side & Back Pieces

5. Attach the Front, Sides, & Back-

After sewing each side together I pressed the seams down to help things look nicer once I turned it right side out.

6. Attach the Top.

Turn it right side out and slide it on to your dog crate.

If you really wanted to simplify things you could just cut out the entire front “window” piece and it would still work.

The crate cover I made is pretty plain Jane but you could make one out of a fabric that goes along with your own tastes if you were looking for something more bold or exciting.  Our crate sits behind our living room couch and doesn’t get looked at much so I didn’t feel the need to make it stand out design wise.

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