DIY Dog Toy (upcycled)

I had some clothes that were going to be thrown away/donated tomorrow. While watching TV with Gizmo I noticed his toy was pretty worn. It was a stuffed giraffe I had donated to him a few months ago that was no longer stuffed, missing an eye, ear, etc. I decided to get to work on making him a new toy as most dog toys are expensive and since he is just going to rip it up, why bother?

I went through my clothes going to donation and came across some old pants.



Step One consists of finding some clothes that you don't use. It doesn't need to be pants, it could even be a shirt.



Step Two is to cut a panel from the clothing that you will be using.



Step Three requires you to cut the panel into strips. I cut mine into three as it is a very thick material. If you are able to do a four fold braid then feel free to do so.



Tie a knot with your cut strips and start to braid!

At this point I had caught Gizmo's attention (you can sort of see his toy giraffe.) He was watching me very curiously.





Braid, braid braid.



Tie a knot in the end of the braid.

I found it looked kind of plain on both ends so I added an extra step. I took the strips at the end of the knot and cut tiny slits into them. It added a bit of funk to his toy.



When all is done it was time to test out the toy and see if it was Gizmo approved.



For a couple of minutes we played tug of war and then he ran off with it. I found him in the other room happily wrapped up in his toy, chewing away.



From pants to new dog toy in seven easy steps. Can't get any easier can it?

Happy crafting!
Much Love,
Kay