DIY Dog Chew

WORDS:: Chyka Keebaugh

PHOTOS:: Lisa Atkinson

 

If your pets are anything like mine, they will chew through any toy given to them! I don’t know how many times I have found half eaten bits and pieces all over the housE; a few chewed shoes here and a few odd socks there. 

 

It's free and easy to make this unique dog toy from some scrap clothing. I found myself creating these t-shirt chews when the threaded rope toys my dogs loved playing with would always shed string throughout the house; I would also find them chewing on them a little too much and eventually digesting them. The one I made in this project has since been through the wash twice thanks to Milo, so I can tell you now they are a hit!

By recycling old t-shirts, you won’t find loose threads, and you can feel pretty proud of yourself knowing you made something for the pets you love. You can even make them to co-ordinate with the colours of your home!

What you’ll need…

  • Two old t-shirts (you could also use any scraps of fabric, tea towels or ripped bed sheet you were going to throw out)

  • Scissors

Method

  • Cut the body of both t-shirts off and cut it into smaller strips.

  • Once finished you should have about 35-45cm strips all in one length - depending on the size of your t-shirt. Keep 2 spare strips aside.

  • Collect one colour pile and tie it up with a spare strip of fabric, add the strands from the second colour way and attach to make one large collection.

  • Divide all the pieces into three sections and plait together, trying carefully to keep it as taught as possible.

  • Once plait is complete, tie the end with the other spare strip of fabric, cut the edges to keep at one neat length and you are done.

  • It’s that simple! Once you make one, I promise you won’t be able to stop, every old piece of clothing will morph into a dog toy before you know it. Upcycling at it’s finest! And the best thing is - when it starts to look a little worse for wear and covered in slobber you can throw it straight into the washing machine for a little freshen up! No longer will you feel bad about chucking the worn out toys; simply make a new one!