Make your own roll up settle mat for your dog with our DIY Dog Settle Mat Tutorial, follow along our free tutorial with measurements included.
This settle mat can be used for teaching your dog or puppy to relax. The mat is portable and can be carried so you can easily bring it to a cafe or restaurant with you. The mat provides a comfy place for your dog to relax while you're busy. It's also a great training tool to help teach a dog or puppy to settle.
This is a tutorial which is a size medium, if you'd like to make the bed smaller or larger then you can follow the same instructions but just alter the size of your rectangle pieces.
What you'll need for the DIY Dog Settle Mat
Fabric for the top (you could try a cotton canvas, or a fleecy fabric!)
Non-Slip Fabric or waterproof fabric for the base (if the plan is to use indoors on carpet you can use a general fabric)
Polyester Wadding or batting (choose an appropriate thickness - you can always double up the layers).
Velcro / Hook and Loop Tape
Matching colour thread
Binding tool (optional)
Sewing machine (we use a Brother machine, which is a good versatile sewing machine for home projects)
Scissors
Pins
Iron & Ironing board
Watch the video and follow along at your own pace!
Instructions
Step 1 - Measure and Cut out the Pieces
Measure and mark out the following measurements directly onto the fabric using chalk or a disappearing pen. Then cut out the pieces.
Top & Base fabric: 50cm x 70cm
Wadding: 48cm x 70cm (smaller for seam allowance)
Handle and Ties (x3 pieces): 10cm x 40cm
Step 2 - Assemble the Ties
Fold each strip in half and iron. Open them back out and fold each side into the centre before ironing again. Then fold the whole piece in half and iron, this creates a neat strip (similar to binding) which will be used later for the ties and the handle of the settle mat.
Continue this process on all 3 pieces. Then remove and set aside one piece (handle) for later. With the remaining pieces fold each short edge inwards by 1cm and iron, this creates a nice neat hem for where the velcro will be sewn and means it will be less bulky to sew through.
Top stitch all the way around the edges for the tie pieces, then for the handle you can leave both edges open as they will be tucked into the settle mat later on.
Step 3 - Sewing the Hook and Loop Tape
Cut 4 pieces of hook and loop tape. (x2 hook and x2 loop). Cut approximately 10cm long, they just need to be long enough so you can wrap the pieces around the settle mat when rolled up.
Start by top stitching the hook piece to one side of the tie piece. Once this is done, you will want to put the opposite piece (so the loop piece) on the other side of the tie. You can check by creating a loop with the tie as this is how it will be attached later on. Repeat for both tie pieces.
Step 4 - Sewing the Settle Mat Pieces
Layer the fabric pieces as follows:
Base piece (right side facing up)
Top Fabric (right side facing down)
Wadding
Carefully pin all the way around the mat, take care with this as the pieces can easily move around under the machine. Making sure that it's positioned so the wadding is all the way to one side, leaving a seam allowance of around 2cm at one side.
Once this is pinned, carefully top stitch all the way around the mat. Take care with the wadding as it can move around a little bit, go slow and keep holding all the pieces as you guide it through the machine.
Once you have done this trim down the wadding close to the stitch line, I find this makes it less bulky when it's bagged out.
Step 5 - Bagging out
Before turning the settle mat the right way around I find it helps to snip some of the fabric away close to each corner. Start by reaching your hand inside and grabbing hold of each edges (a bit like when you're putting on a duvet cover) and pull it through.
Once it's the right way round you can use a blunt pencil or your finger to push the fabric into the corner to create a nice point.
Once this is all done, take the open edge and fold each side over inwards around 2cm, pin in place.
Step 6 - Securing the Ties and Handle
Tuck each edge of the handle into the settle mat, re-securing with pins. Where you put this is really down to personal preference but just keep it centred and equal. You also want to make sure the handle is a comfortable size for you to carry.
Then fold each tie in piece and tuck the fold into the seam next to the handles. Check that the hook and loop tape is the right way round, both should be the same way around on each tie piece. Secure with pins.
Now top stitch all the way across, securing each tie piece and the handle into the mat. This may be bulky in places to just take care and go slowly.
Step 7 - Secure the Wadding and Finish
Once this is done your settle mat is pretty much ready! The final step is to top stitch a shape onto the mat. You could get creative with this or just do a simple rectangle like we have done. The stitching helps to keep everything together and the wadding in place.
Mark around 10cm in from each edge with your chalk and then secure all around each side of the line with pins - this is important as the wadding will move around under the machine! There are special tools you can get to help with this such as a Walking Foot - this helps keep all the layers from moving around and bulking up.
Once you have stitched all the way around the mat, dust away any chalk marks, snip any excess threads and you're finished!
Make sure to check out our other tutorials and tag us on socials if you make anything! @thecaninestory
Disclaimer: This tutorial is provided for entertainment purposes only. The individual creating the project should exercise their own discretion when selecting fabrics and materials, ensuring they are safe and suitable for their pet. Always prioritise the well-being and safety of your pets.
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