*This pattern is for personal use only. Copying the pattern to distribute is prohibited. Please contact ex-scapes for questions.
My dog recently began to ride in my car a lot when I take her for walks and short trips around town. As a result, the back seat of my car has been getting a bit hairier! I looked online at some car seat covers. The ones that got the better reviews could cost up to $100 or more! I figured I could make my own, have a custom design, save some $$!
The good thing about making a hammock style is that if you have any sudden stops, it keeps from from falling into the floor and possibly hurting them! It can also keep them from jumping into the front seat, thankfully Roxie doesn’t do that!
What You Will Need
- Measuring Tape
- Sewing Machine/Thread/Pins
- 2 Yards Cotton Twill Fabric, Duck, or Canvas
- 2 Yards Fleece Fabric
- 3 Yards 1″ Cotton Strapping
- 4 1″ Plastic Buckles
1. First measure the width and length of the back seat of your car. The width of mine was 48″. I decided to make this car seat cover as a ‘hammock’, so I was going to make it 70″ in length. This meant I needed 2 yards of fleece and twill fabrics that came in 54″ width. If you don’t make it hammock style, determine how much fabric you will need to fit your seat. You will also only need half the amount of cotton strapping and only 2 plastic buckles.
2. Wash and dry your all of your fabric and strapping
3. Flatten out the twill fabric and center the fleece on top to leave at least a 2″ boarder of twill around the fleece. Trim the fleece and twill to this layout. Make sure both pieces are nice and flat. This is probably the hardest step to do! I found it’s easier to drape over an ironing board. Pin together.
4. Fold over the twill on itself to make a 1″ border around the fleece. Then fold the will again to fold over the fleece. This acts as the binding. Pin. You could also buy bias tape to sew on the edges, which might be a little easier, but adds expense.
5. At the corners, make a quilting corner. Take the point of the twill and fold over like a triangle. Then fold over the twill on the edges like you did before.
6. Sew with 1/4″ seam around the binding!
7. Remove all pins. Cut the fabric left in the quilting corner.
8. Now for the strapping. Cut your 3 yards of strapping into 4 equal pieces.
9. Determine where you want to put the straps by pinning them where the headrests are in your backseat. Pin them to the back of the seat cover, on the twill.
10. Starting on the left side of the strapping, sew with a zig-zag stitch downward, then reverse the stitch, sew backwards, then sew forwards again. That means you stitched over it three times. Continue like this on each side. This will also keep the strapping from fraying. Do this 8 times, for all 4 straps.
11. Even up each half of one of the four straps and cut the strap in two. Each of these sides will be threaded with a buckle piece.
12. This is a good time to test the seat cover in your car again so you can determine where the buckles should be placed on the straps.
13. Take the strapping and thread through the ‘claw’ piece of the buckle. Fold over the end of the strapping and sew it with a zig-zag stitch again to keep the ‘claw’ from coming off.
14. Thread the strapping through the ‘snap’ piece of the buckle. This piece will be stationary on the strap. Fold over the strap onto itself and sew together.
15. Do the same for all four buckles.
It cost me about $28 to make the seat cover, of course everything I got was on sale. Not bad for what I saved, and it didn’t take too much time.
I just finished making mine! Turned out really great! I don’t have head rests for the back seat so I used the latch system for the car seats! You need a bit more than 3 yards of the cotton strapping, but it was well worth it! Turned out really great and my dog loves the softness the fleece offers! (that and i used to use a slick sleeping bag!) Thanks!
Pingback: Car Blanket for Pets |
I love this! I’m going to have to make one for our back seat before our two day drive back home.
But our dog does tend to get car sick. What’s a good fabric that will keep him comfortable that long while cleaning easy if needed? I want to be able to just wipe it if needed, instead of laundering it half way there.
Thank you so much for the great idea and pattern! I can’t wait to make one for my car!
Pingback: Pinterest project « Veterinarianess
This is a really nice idea. We just recently got a puppy so the car seats aren’t full of hairs yet. Better prepare one of these so that it remains that way. Thank you for such a great idea!
I just made one, but instead of fleece I sewed two big bath towels together. I had to use a little more of my canvas material to create the front part of the hammock because the towels weren’t quite long enough but I am hoping that the towels will be more absorbent for her wet muddy paws. Thanks for the tutorial! It’s a great project.
Im thinking of making this for my sisters husband as a gift, one of his dogs gets car sick (was thinking to use something that wipes clean easy) and I was wondering if anyone would have the measurements id need for a 2009ish Jeep wrangler? I think most of the more recent years are almost the same. Would elastic loops work instead of the buckles? I think itd be easier to put in and out. Thanks!
I am going to do this for our new truck before it looks like a giant hairball!!! I am going to adapt it a little to add on side flaps to protect the doors too – thinking I will sew 2 flaps attatched to the sides that will velcro around the edges. That way I can unvelcro it to let the pooches up & in then secure it.
how did that work out for you? I’m thinking of doing the same thing for my dog. Thanks
My Mom made me one and I LOVE IT!
That’s awesome! What a great gift!
Great tutorial! I made mine with pre-quilted fabric on one side and fleece (brown fleece with cream colored doggie paw prints from JoAnn’s) on the other. I did my measurements (60 x 60) and then put right sides together, sewed around (leaving an opening to turn it). Turned it right side out, pressed all around and topstitched all around. Then I put the straps on in the appropriate places. I topstitched those straps on because I thought it would hold better. My puppy is 50 pounds (giant Malamute) and she is only 6 months old. I am hoping it holds her. She is good about sitting in the backseat though, I just don’t want her to fly to the floor when I stop. Thanks for a great tutorial!!
Do you think adding grommets to the corners and using D rings would work instead of the buckles and straps?
That seems like it would work well.
What kind of car do you have? It kinda looks like mine so I could just use your measurements. I cannot wait to make one for my doggies! Thanks!
I have an HHR!
Just got back from Joann’s and Walmart where I was getting the things to make this. I was shocked at how much duck canvas cost (10.99 yd) and the fleece (12.99 yd). Luckily they had the fleece at half off and I had a coupon for 50% off the canvas. Fabric, buckles, and straps in all I paid just about $35. Still MUCH better than the $60 one I was looking at getting at Petsmart.
Pingback: How to rock your Lululemon vinyasa scarf | Seven Thirty One
Thank you for this wonderful tutorial that will prove very useful. Your photos are clear and your instructions are so easy to follow.
Your dog’s lovely too!
Is this strong enough for a bigger dog?? I have a husky/lab mix, and don’t know if this will hold up to his weight..
I believe so. The hammock style still lies over the seat, so it doesn’t seem like there would be a lot of the dog’s weight tugging on it. Just make sure to double/triple the seams on the straps and you should be good to go! It should still prevent him from hurting himself if there was a sudden stop in the car.
thanks so much…This looks like it should work really well.
Hi! Thanks for this great tutorial! I just made one for my car and used your directions to do so. I, however, am living on a really tight budget, and I was a little thrown off by the cost of fleece! I couldn’t find it for less than $10/yd, so I went to Salvation Army and bought a king-sized flannel sheet and used that instead! It saved me about $20! Thanks again for the idea! My pup will appreciate not falling on the floor during those quick stops!
What a great idea! Recycle!!!
Pingback: 19 DIY Projects for Dog Lovers - Barkpost
Pingback: November 7 ~ Gifts for Pet Lovers « Sew,Mama,Sew! Blog
This is a nice tutorial! Wish i had seen it when I designed mine, although it turned out fine. I used a shower curtain for one side, and some heavy knit fabric for the other. I thought I would keep the shower curtain side up, but it turns out that the knit fabric cleans the mud off her paws and holds onto it, unlike the shower curtain. So, it ends up being used with the ugly green knit side up all the time LOL. I originally made it with buckles as you did, but ended up replacing the straps with covered elastic. It makes it a breeze to put on and take off, since I wash it a lot, and if we have passengers, of course, I remove it so they can sit in the back like people LOL. The other thing I did a bit differently was to add a big pocket that you can fold the seat cover up and tuck it into the pocket for storage- like a quillow. A strap with velcro holds it shut. The pocket is very handy when the cover is on the car, it ends up along the front side in the area between the front seats and I can put her leash, water bottle, etc in it.
I don’t really have time to sew much anymore, so thought about using a blanket and then attaching the straps. I bought one that only covers the seat, but I LOVE the idea of my Daisy not coming into the front seat where there is no hair protection!!
How do you make it for a car with no headrest in the back seat?
Great question! I have no idea! Maybe it could attach to the seat belt straps somehow.
that’s what I did! and I used clips that are like those on the end of a leash. works great.
We have a car with no headrest in the back seat but the back seats lay down, so we buckle the straps around the corner of the seats and close them. The front seats have headrest so thats the same there.
I have a couple of spare picnic blankets that I think will make a good substitute!!! they cover the entire back seat
Great! It’s always awesome when you can re-use something you already have!
hello if you have to smaller dogs would u make it smaller or still the same length let me know thanks
I would still make it the same size since it covers the whole backseat area. You could possibly make it shorter, still having the hammock style, if you found another way to attach them to the back of the front seats.
Pingback: Dog car seat protector « Warehouse Fabrics Inc Blog
Pingback: Stacy Sews - Diary of a Fabric Junkie » Blog Archive » Linky Thursday
I just got done with mine. It took me a whole day! (I just learned how to sew 5 days ago.) I used fleece and vinyl. It turned out great. Thanks for the step-by-step, it really helped!
going to try to make mine tomorrow! my pooch is very excited, as she has not been able to get in my new car until i have one
Pingback: Addie Enjoys The Pool | A Curly LifeA Curly Life
Pingback: Dog-Centric Homes Part Deux |
For us people who are not that creative…could I pay you to do it?
Thank you for asking!!! I haven’t thought about it… I’m unsure what I would need to charge to make one and I’m not sure what one thinks of its value. I’m thinking considering supplies and the time to make, around $90.
Pingback: A Few Sewing Projects | A Curly LifeA Curly Life
Pingback: DIY Car Seat Cover For Pets | Savvy Living
Where did u get the parachute clips from?! I can only find black or white! Interested in hot pink (:
I got my buckles from Hancock Fabrics. I think you can find them at fabric stores, and maybe some craft stores too. However, one of mine broke! It won’t come apart anymore and got stuck. The brand I got was Dritz, so maybe some heavy duty buckles would last better. You could probably find hot pink online.
This is such a great idea, I can’t wait to get started. I’ve always wanted a seat cover but never willing to fork over the money, your photos convinced me I can handle this project! Thanks for the inspiration, your dog is ADORABLE!
Thank You! (Roxie says thank you too!)
I just finished making this for my son and daughter-in-law. They have two very active small dogs so I made it with duck canvas to make it a little stiffer and stronger. What a fun project. I plan on making more with a few minor adjustments. Thank you for sharing your idea.
Think I’m gonna try this! Thanks!
I’m trying to think of a way to make this so that I can fold it in half if I need to and still have it be fleecy on the top. Do you think I could sew in two pieces of fleece with a slit down the middle? That way I can kind of tuck the other half in that pocket?
You could either just make both sides fleece, or make 1/2 of the back fleece. The only other way I can think is like what you said. Attach a piece of fleece on the back that’s like a flap and roll it up when you’re not using it or make a pocket for it. Great question!
I saw this on pinterest and was so excited my doggie sheds a lot so I didn’t want all that hair on the seat thank you thank you for the great tutorial
I made only half for one side of the back seat since my daughter uses the other lol
Thank you very much for this clever tutorial. I’ll try to do that.
Thanks for the great tutorial! I’ve acquired my supplies and will be making a car hammock soon! I got the twill, strapping, and 3 buckets at Hancock for $18 (hooray for teacher discount and sales!) and the fleece at Joann for $11 (again, teacher discount and sales), and one buckle at Hobby Lobby for $3 (Hancock only had 3 left). I’m looking forward to making this project
Our Hancock Fabrics never keeps things in stock either!
My dog is a giant spaz when it comes to travel, so I’m trying this out with two old beach towels and tying them on instead of the buckles. If it helps him travel, hallelujah and I’ll make a pretty one like yours. Thanks for a great idea!
Would you be interested in taking an order?
where did you buy your supplies, can’t find cute wide enough fabrics or cute colored buckles. can’t figure out where to find the straps either :l
I got my supplies at Hancock Fabrics, which is a store we have here. They sell things online too. All fleece will be 54″ wide which is sold pretty much anywhere they sell general fabrics, like Walmart, Joann’s, Hobby Lobby. Some people have even been using shower curtains. The buckles are made by Dritz.
I put the seat belt on one of my dogs the other day and she looked at me like “REALLY”
This is going to be a great idea as I have 3 lovely k-9′s and at one time or another wants to get up on the console between the seats and try and drive for me. This will also cut down on the dog hair on the floor.
Reblogged this on ashleydolce and commented:
What a great idea!!! I’ve gotta make one!
Great idea! I have seen these being sold for A LOT of money…never thought of making one myself. Thanks for the tutorial… I will be making one for Brownie my boxer!
Pingback: Daily DIY Pet Pattern – How To Make A Dog Car Seat Cover | The Doggie Stylish Blog
Hey I just want to let you know that I used your tutorial for a car seat cover for myself. I love it and have been complimented on it. I also Pinned it and passed it along to my neighbor who is going to make one for her Brut. Keep up the good work. -Sarah
That is so wonderful! I’m glad to hear that you made one. Thank You Sarah!
Awesome idea, I plan to make a manlier version of this one for my car and my shepherd hound mutt Zero.
This is such a great idea – wish I’d thought of it before I paid $50 for the same thing on Amazon.com!
I think I will try this, but will use an old shower curtain as the waterproof back. Very cheap then to make. could even pick up an old shower curtain at a second hand store for next to nothing.
Pingback: Car seat protector
j’adore tes gouts!
Pingback: - UncoverDIY – Do it all Yourself - – Seat Cover For Pets
Love this! Thanks so much for the tutorial! Now hopefully I can get one made before my dog has puppies (it would be handy for puppy vet trips). lol
Just made one for my car. Love it!!! Thanks for all the tips!
Pingback: Tutorial: Blanket car seat cover for dogs · Sewing | CraftGossip.com
Pingback: 10-ish awesome holiday gift ideas from Pinterest | Brokelyn
I made a dog car seat cover for my car too, using a 5 yard piece of fabric I bought for $1 at a garage sale. I pieced the batting and backing from my trimmed bits, and then bought a plastic covered tablecloth on sale for $3 and put it in the quilt sandwich. Quilted it on my long arm — it was a little different sounding to quilt when the needle punched through the plastic tablecloth, but worked fine. Bound it with left over binding from my stash. Voila, waterproof car set cover for the dogs, when they have been wading in the ponds and puddles and running through the wet fields on our walks. Total cost, $4. I didn’t put ties on it, though considered it — would have used the extra binding for the ties. It’s big enough to tuck in securely at the seat back, the sides, and the front of the seat.
Oops..I would pay buckos. sorry typo in last reply
Wish I could buy one already made? I would some buckos.
You could also use this design to make covers for under a childs car seat.. Of course you would want to use different fabric and some sort of plastic or vinyl in between the layers for fabric but it would work..
very well done & easy to modify from your instructions for a single bucket seat!
How would you make this if you didn’t have head-rest on the backseat? Could you use the latch system like you would carseat?
I would use heavy duty Velcro…
I love your doggy cover for the car, this would make a great gift!!
Hello!– I’m trying to reach you to request permission to feature your tutorial with one image in our Handmade Holidays series, but I can’t find your contact info on the blog. Could you email me for details? Thanks so much!
That’s exciting! You may contact me at kat.polkadot@gmail.com Thank you for pointing out that there isn’t a good way of contact on our blog! Hope you have a great holiday