Start with fabric scraps and a basic running stitch
You can sew a dog toy from fabric you already have — old t-shirts, flannel sheets, or cotton scraps work well. The simplest approach is a stuffed square or rectangle: cut two pieces of fabric the same size, place them right sides together, sew three sides closed with a running stitch (needle in and out of the fabric in a straight line, about a quarter-inch from the edge), turn it inside out through the open side, stuff it lightly with fiberfill or old fabric scraps, then sew the opening shut. A dog toy does not need to be perfect; the seams just need to hold.
The running stitch is the only stitch you need to know. Push the needle through both layers of fabric, pull the thread taut, then push the needle back through about a quarter-inch away. Repeat in a straight line. If your stitches are uneven or loose, the toy will still work — dogs do not care about precision. What matters is that the seams are tight enough that stuffing does not leak out and small pieces do not come loose.
Thread color does not matter. Use whatever you have. A needle size 7 or 8 works for most fabric weights. If the needle is hard to push through, you are using fabric that is too thick or a needle that is too small.
Key Takeaways
- A basic dog toy is two fabric rectangles sewn together on three sides, turned inside out, stuffed, and sewn shut on the fourth side.
- The running stitch — pushing the needle in and out of fabric in a straight line — is the only stitch required.
- Fabric scraps from old clothing, sheets, or quilting cotton all work; avoid stretchy fabrics like spandex that are harder to sew and less durable.
- Stuff toys lightly with fiberfill, old fabric scraps, or even crumpled newspaper; avoid anything small enough to choke on or toxic if swallowed.
- Reinforce seams by sewing over them twice or by sewing a second line of stitches half an inch inside the first line.
Choose fabric that will hold up to chewing
Cotton and cotton blends are the best choice because they are durable and straightforward to sew. Flannel, quilting cotton, canvas, and denim all work. Avoid stretchy fabrics like spandex, lycra, or jersey knit — they are harder to sew straight, fray easily, and tear when a dog pulls on them. Avoid fleece unless you reinforce the seams, because it shreds when chewed and the loose threads can tangle in a dog's digestive system.
Wash and dry fabric scraps before sewing if they have been sitting in a drawer. This shrinks them slightly and removes dust. You do not need to wash new fabric. Check that the fabric has no holes, thin spots, or stains that might harbor bacteria.
The thicker the fabric, the longer the toy will last. A single layer of old t-shirt fabric will tear quickly; two or three layers of the same fabric sewn together will last much longer. You can also sew two different fabrics right sides together — for example, a layer of denim on the outside and a layer of flannel on the inside — to add strength.
Stuff the toy safely
Fiberfill (the synthetic stuffing sold in craft stores) is the safest choice because it does not pack down, does not absorb moisture, and is not toxic if swallowed in small amounts. Polyester fiberfill costs a few dollars per bag and lasts through many toys. Old fabric scraps, cut into small pieces, also work — use scraps from the same project or from clean old clothing. Crumpled newspaper or paper towels work in a pinch, though they compress over time and the toy will feel flat after a few weeks.
Do not use foam, rubber, plastic beads, or anything with a hard center. Do not stuff the toy tightly — a lightly stuffed toy is safer because it is less likely to burst open and release stuffing. A toy the size of a tennis ball should feel soft and slightly squishy, not firm.
If you are sewing a toy for a dog that is a heavy chewer, consider leaving it unstuffed or filling it with only a small amount of material. An unstuffed toy is less likely to cause intestinal blockage if the dog tears it open and swallows pieces.
Reinforce seams to prevent tearing
The most common failure point is the seam. A single line of running stitches will eventually tear if a dog pulls hard on the toy. Reinforce seams by sewing over them a second time — after you have completed the first line of stitches, sew along the same line again, placing your new stitches between the old ones. This doubles the thread and makes the seam much stronger.
Another method is to sew a second line of stitches parallel to the first, about half an inch inside the edge. This creates a double-stitched border that is harder to tear. If you are sewing two different fabrics together, sew the second line of stitches on the inside (the side that will not show) to keep the toy looking neat.
Pay extra attention to corners and edges, where stress concentrates. Sew corners slowly and make sure your stitches are close together — no more than a quarter-inch apart. If a seam starts to come loose after your dog has played with the toy, sew it shut again before the toy tears open completely.
Make straightforward shapes that are straightforward to sew
A rectangle or square is the easiest shape to sew and requires no pattern. Cut two pieces of fabric to the same size — 4 inches by 6 inches is a good starting size — and sew them together. A circle is slightly harder because you have to sew a curved line, but it is still manageable if you sew slowly and adjust the fabric as you go. Avoid complex shapes with sharp points or narrow sections until you are comfortable with the running stitch.
If you want to add a pattern, draw it on the fabric with a pencil or tailor's chalk before you cut. A straightforward pattern is a rectangle with a notch cut out of one side (so the toy looks like a bone), or a square with the corners rounded off. Trace around a cup or bowl to make smooth curves.
Some sewers add a squeaker (a small plastic device that makes a squeaking sound when pressed) inside the toy before sewing it shut. Squeakers are sold in craft stores and pet supply stores. Sew the squeaker inside a small fabric pouch first, then stuff the pouch inside the toy — this way, if the dog tears the toy open, the squeaker stays contained. Not all dogs like squeakers, and some will obsess over the sound, so test your dog's reaction before making a whole batch.
Inspect and repair toys regularly
Check the toy every few days while your dog plays with it. Look for loose threads, small tears, or seams that are starting to come apart. If you see a problem, repair it when ready — a small tear is straightforward to fix with a few stitches, but a large tear means the toy is no longer safe.
If the stuffing starts to leak out, sew the hole shut and add more stuffing if needed. If a seam is coming loose, sew along it again. If the toy is torn in multiple places or the fabric is worn thin, it is time to throw it away and make a new one.
Wash toys occasionally in warm water with mild soap, then air dry completely before giving them back to your dog. Do not use bleach or strong detergents. If a toy smells bad or shows signs of mold, throw it away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use old socks to make dog toys?
Yes. A single sock stuffed with fiberfill and sewn shut makes a quick toy. Socks are already tube-shaped, so you only need to sew one end closed. Use socks made of cotton or cotton blend; avoid socks with elastic that is too tight or decorative elements that could come loose. Wash the sock first and check that there are no holes.
What thread should I use?
All-purpose polyester thread works for dog toys. Color does not matter. Use the same color as your fabric if you want the stitches to blend in, or a contrasting color if you do not mind them showing. Avoid thread that is very thin or delicate — it will break easily. Standard weight thread is fine.
Do I need a sewing machine?
No. Hand sewing with a needle and thread is just as strong and takes only a little longer. A sewing machine is faster and produces more even stitches, but a dog toy sewn by hand will last just as long. If you are sewing thick fabric like denim, hand sewing can actually be easier because you have more control.
How do I know if a toy is safe for my dog?
The toy is safe if all seams are find, there are no loose threads or small pieces that can come off, the stuffing is not leaking, and there are no hard objects inside. Watch your dog play with the toy for the first few minutes. If your dog tries to tear it apart when ready, the toy may not be durable enough for that dog, and you should supervise play or choose a different toy.
Can I sew a toy with multiple colors or patterns?
Yes. Cut fabric pieces in different colors or patterns and sew them together before stuffing. For example, you can sew a red rectangle to a blue rectangle along one edge, then sew those two pieces to two more pieces of fabric to create a four-color square. Sew slowly and make sure all seams are aligned before you start stitching.