Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by ellen
If you have a dog that loves tug toys, you can make a simple homemade version with just a few strips of fleece. This easy no-sew fleece dog toy doesn’t require a sewing machine, glue, or any special crafting skills.
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It’s also a great way to use leftover fleece from another project. You can customize the size of the toy for your dog and choose any combination of colors you like.
Table of Contents
What You Need
- Fleece fabric in two or three colors
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
That’s it! You don’t need glue, thread, or any other supplies.
Step 1: Cut the Fleece
Cut three long strips of fleece approximately 2 to 3 inches wide.
For a medium-sized dog toy, make each strip about 24 inches long. You can make the strips shorter for a small dog or longer for a larger dog.
Don’t worry if your cuts aren’t perfectly straight. Once the fleece is braided, small imperfections won’t be noticeable.
Step 2: Tie the Strips Together
Stack the three strips of fleece on top of one another.
Tie a tight knot several inches from one end. Pull each strip individually to make sure the knot is secure.
Leaving a little fleece beyond the knot creates a fun fringe at the end of the toy.
Step 3: Braid the Fleece
Separate the three strips and begin braiding them just as you would braid hair.
Keep the braid fairly tight as you work your way down the strips. A tighter braid will create a sturdier tug toy.
Step 4: Finish the Dog Toy
Stop braiding several inches before you reach the ends of the fleece.
Tie all three strips together in another tight knot. Tug on the knots at both ends to make sure they’re secure.
Trim the fringe if necessary so the ends are fairly even.
Your No-Sew Fleece Dog Toy Is Finished
That’s all there is to it. In just a few minutes, you’ve turned a few simple pieces of fleece into a colorful homemade dog toy.
Can I Use Old Fleece for a Dog Toy?
Yes. This is an easy project for repurposing clean fleece blankets or leftover fleece fabric.
Check used fabric carefully before making the toy. Avoid fleece with holes, loose threads, zippers, buttons, or other pieces that could come loose.
How Long Should a Fleece Dog Toy Be?
There’s no single perfect size. A smaller dog may be comfortable with a toy that’s 12 to 18 inches long after it’s braided, while a larger dog may enjoy a longer toy.
The most important thing is to make the toy large enough that you can comfortably hold one end while your dog grabs the other.
A Few Safety Tips
Homemade fleece toys aren’t indestructible. Supervise your dog while they’re playing and check the toy regularly for damage.
If the fleece begins tearing or your dog starts pulling off and swallowing pieces of fabric, take the toy away and replace it.
An Easy DIY Dog Toy
This no-sew fleece dog toy is one of those projects that doesn’t need to be complicated to be useful. It takes only a few supplies and can be finished quickly.
It’s also an inexpensive way to turn leftover fabric into something your dog can enjoy rather than throwing it away.
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.