A crochet pet bed becomes much more useful when the soft centre can come out for washing. That is the idea behind this collection: sturdy crochet shells, comfortable low entrances and separate cushions that can be cleaned or replaced without remaking the whole bed.
I also made room for Skyla, my real cat. As she grew, the bed that suited her tight curl became less comfortable when she stretched. I learned to enlarge the flat base first, keep the rim low and make the cushion independently. That small change meant I could adapt her resting space without making the sides taller or harder for her to use.
Important: These are photo-matched prototype patterns. The photographs show the visible shape, colour and stitch direction, but they cannot prove gauge, hidden seams or fit. Crochet a sample, wash it, inspect every edge and fit-test it before calling a design tested.
How I Built Skyla’s Bed as She Grew
Skyla’s beds are the most personal part of this list. I did not treat her size as a fixed number because cats change how they sleep as they grow. Sometimes she curled tightly near the centre. Other times she stretched across the cushion with one paw over the edge. I measured the space she actually used, then added a little room rather than guessing from her breed or age.
The resizing method I used
- Start with the sleeping space: Measure the curled length and add roughly 8-12 cm for a cat. This gives the flat base enough room without making the bed unnecessarily large.
- Add increase rounds to the base: A round bed can grow by widening the flat circle before raising the wall.
- Keep the entrance low: More floor space helped Skyla more than a tall rim. I kept the sides supportive but easy to step over.
- Make the cushion separately: A removable washable cover makes the bed easier to maintain and lets the filling change when the bed size changes.
That is why the Skyla photographs are not just decorative examples. They show how one simple idea can become a smaller lavender nest, a colour-ring bed, a blush basket or a more generous oatmeal version while the basic construction stays familiar.
Before You Crochet a Pet Bed
Choose the pet’s sleeping habits before choosing the yarn. A cat that likes to stretch may prefer a low mat or shallow basket. A small dog that curls into a tight ball may enjoy a raised rim. Smooth washable yarn is easier to inspect than fuzzy novelty yarn, and a separate fabric cushion is simpler to remove and clean than stuffing permanently trapped inside the crochet shell.
Measure for comfort
- Measure the pet while relaxed, both curled and stretched.
- Add ease to the sleeping area, not only to the outside measurement.
- Keep the entrance lower than the back wall.
- Make sure the bed does not slide or fold when the pet turns.
Make the cushion washable
The simplest washable cushion is a separate cotton cover around a removable low-loft insert. Use an envelope opening or concealed closure, follow the fabric and filling care labels, and avoid loose ribbons or long ties. Wash the shell only according to the yarn label, and dry it completely before putting the cushion back inside.
12 Crochet Pet Bed Ideas to Save
1. Easy Round Crochet Pet Bed With Washable Cushion
This is the simplest base pattern in the collection and the best starting point for scaling a bed around a growing pet.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses warm oatmeal with a narrow charcoal-grey rim and a large round shell, low front entry, higher back wall. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Outer diameter about 88-92 cm; inner sleeping area about 70-76 cm; back wall about 14 cm and front entry about 8 cm. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
2. Lavender Cat Bed With Matching Round Mat
Skyla’s cat bed gives the article its personal starting point. The matching mat also makes cleaning the area easier without changing the bed itself.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses soft lavender with a warm cream scalloped rim and a compact circular bowl with a separate flat round mat underneath. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Bed outer diameter about 46 cm; inner sleeping area about 35-38 cm; matching mat about 58 cm across. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
3. Forest-Green Ribbed Bed With Low Entry
The visible vertical ribs are the defining feature. The final PDF keeps them on the wall while leaving the cushion plain and washable.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses forest green with a warm cream rim and a round basket with vertical ribbed walls and a lower front opening. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Outer diameter about 76 cm; inner sleeping area about 60-64 cm; wall about 13 cm at the back. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
4. Mustard Low-Entry Oval Crochet Bed
The oval footprint uses the room efficiently and is a useful alternative when a round base wastes space in a corner.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses muted mustard with a cream inner cushion and a oval shell with a broad low front and taller side and back walls. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Outer length about 72 cm; outer width about 57 cm; inner cushion about 58 x 43 cm. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
5. Cream Basket Bed With Charcoal Cushion
This is a compact basket version of the main round bed, with the charcoal cushion providing a useful washable contrast.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses natural cream shell with a charcoal-grey cushion and a compact round basket with a thick smooth rim. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Outer diameter about 58 cm; inner sleeping area about 43-46 cm; wall about 11 cm. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
6. Retro Concentric-Round Cat Bed
Skyla’s concentric bed shows how colour can create a completely different look without changing the basic round-bed construction.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses cream, muted rust, slate blue and taupe and a flat circular colour-ring base with a low cream rim. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Outer diameter about 52 cm; inner sleeping area about 41-43 cm; low rim about 6 cm. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
7. Navy-Edged Round Nest With Removable Square Cushion
The square cushion changes the feel of a round crochet bed and makes it easy to replace the soft centre without remaking the shell.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses natural cream with a navy outer edge and navy cushion and a flat round shell with a shallow scalloped-looking edge and square cushion. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Outer diameter about 68 cm; washable cushion about 50 x 50 cm; raised edge about 5 cm. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
8. Terracotta Striped Round Dog Bed
The horizontal stripes are simple to reproduce and make this a useful stash-yarn version of the round basket.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses muted terracotta, oatmeal and warm cream and a deep round basket with horizontal colour stripes and a low front. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Outer diameter about 72 cm; inner sleeping area about 56-60 cm; rear wall about 12 cm. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
9. Blush Cat Bed With Soft Low Entrance
This is one of the smaller Skyla designs and helps illustrate why a growing cat may need more floor space even when the bed style stays the same.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses dusty blush pink with a warm cream border and a round cat basket with a curved low front opening. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Outer diameter about 50 cm; inner sleeping area about 39-42 cm; back wall about 10 cm. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
10. Oatmeal Ribbed Cat Bed
This neutral ribbed version is a practical example of scaling the same basic bed as Skyla’s sleeping space became more generous.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses natural oatmeal with a taupe-brown cushion and a round basket with strong vertical ribs and a soft rolled rim. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Outer diameter about 52 cm; inner sleeping area about 42-44 cm; wall about 10 cm. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
11. Sage-and-Cream Low-Entry Bed
The contrasting cream rim gives a simple base a finished look while also making the front entry easy to see.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses sage green base with a thick cream rim and a round basket with a wide cream bolster and a low front opening. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Outer diameter about 64 cm; inner sleeping area about 50-54 cm; rear wall about 11 cm. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
12. Natural Oatmeal Cat Bed With Soft Cushion
Skyla is the personal thread through this collection. The goal was not to make one bed last forever, but to make resizing simple as her body and habits changed.
What makes this design work
The photographed version uses natural oatmeal with a cream cushion and a low round basket with a broad dense wall and an open front. The separate cushion is important because it lets you wash the soft centre, check the filling and change the fit without taking apart the crochet shell.
How to adapt the size
Outer diameter about 54 cm; inner sleeping area about 43-46 cm; wall about 8-10 cm. Use the measurement formula in the matching PDF rather than copying the photograph’s scale. The best fit is the size that lets the pet turn, settle and leave comfortably.
How to Finish and Test a Crochet Pet Bed
Inspect the crochet shell
Run your fingers over the inside and outside of the bed. There should be no loose loops, sharp ends, hard trim or exposed stuffing. Pull gently on the rim and any colour changes. If a stitch moves, repair it before introducing the bed to a pet.
Wash before the first use
Wash a swatch before making the cushion, then wash the finished shell according to the yarn label. The cushion cover and insert should be cleaned separately. Let every part dry completely so moisture does not stay inside the crochet wall.
Watch the first rest
Place the bed on a stable, non-slip surface and supervise the first use. Remove it if the pet chews, paws at loose yarn, becomes trapped or avoids the bed. A flat crochet mat or a plain washable cushion may be a better choice for a pet that does not like raised sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a crochet pet bed machine washable?
The removable cushion cover can be made washable when the fabric, yarn and filling are suitable for washing. The crochet shell depends on the yarn label and construction, so test a swatch first and dry the shell completely.
How do I size a crochet cat bed as my cat grows?
Measure the cat’s curled sleeping length, add about 8-12 cm for comfortable ease and enlarge the flat base with additional increase rounds. Keep the side wall and entrance low enough for easy access.
Should the cushion be attached to the crochet bed?
No. A separate cushion is easier to wash, inspect and replace. Avoid loose ties, long cords and closures that a pet can chew.
Can a crochet pet bed replace a crate mat?
Only if it fits securely and the pet does not chew or pull the yarn. Never use crochet parts as restraint equipment, and remove the bed if it becomes damaged.
PetsCrochet shares educational crochet inspiration, not veterinary advice. Choose materials and pet accessories according to your animal’s individual comfort and behaviour.
