Tutorial for kitty condom beds

[sirrahbed]

Originally posted by ratchet22
Here is what I think it says. But I think Im close but definetly not right

12 in piece by 60 inches for a 18 to 19 inch bed ( i assume this is the round top part of the bed. Yes

Then cut 2 squares and round them? (this would be the part they sleep on?) Yes

fold the 12x60 in peice long wise and pin. Yes, fold with right sides OUT

Put one round piece down, right side up, and pin the strip all the way around, I assume this means the round top part of the bed to the part they sleep in? Yes

but leave enough to fold in a little to make a little hem then pin one end inside the other just a little. (HUH)? see below

then I assume you sew on the second circle , when you are doing this the round top part should all be inside? Is this right? Yes, it's pretty bulky inside!

I think I get it, ugh Im not sure, but the more I read it and say it, i think i get it

Yes, it sounds like you have it exactly right! The long piece is the tubular round top part of the bed once it is stuffed. The two 18-19 inch round pieces make up the part they sleep in. You need two pieces (1) to hide the seams when it is turned rightside out after stitching and (2) to hold the stuffing or padding. When you are pinning the long strip sides to the first circle, there is lots of fabric that has to be eased as you go around the circle - this fabric needs to be folded or pleated towards the inside of the circle as you get to pinning around. See:


When you put the second circle on to sew - YES, the tubing round top part (unstuffed) is all folded into pleats INSIDE to keep it out of the way. It's pretty full under there!! See:



Once you do this and pull everything through the opening - it starts to make sense.

but leave enough to fold in a little to make a little hem then pin one end inside the other just a little. (HUH)?

OK, this refers to where the fabric for the ends of the tubing (sides) comes together. It has to overlap so you can stitch it closed after it is stuffed. I leave about 3-4 inches extra and tuck one end of the tube inside the other end before sewing. This way, you will stuff the rounded sides and have enough to overlap and stitch closed.

It DOES sound complicated and did not make much sense to me until I made the first one - TADA!! then it all makes sense.

After you pull the insides out, stuff it but not too firmly and it takes shape. Before I stuffed, I made another row of zigzag stitching on the rightsides - where the tube meets the cusion - this really helps everything lay flatter and keeps the round shape. After you stuff the center, you will need to stitch the opening closed. After you stuff the sides, that is when the ends of the fabric overlapping is important as you pull the ends together and handstitch this tube closed.

Does this clarify anything for you?? I hope so. It REALLY is much easier after the first one because you know exactly what you are doing.