hot tools pro flat iron

ADORABLE CHUNKY KNITTED CAT BED: 7-STEP PROJECT

I have a co-worker who is absolutely smitten with her cat. It’s quite something to see someone so devoted to their pet! She talks about him constantly and has an endless collection of his photos on her desk. She even uses a special name just for him when they’re having a chat.

She finds it unbearable to be away from her furry friend for too long. Whenever she goes out, she ensures her cat tags along. Thankfully, our workplace is pet-friendly, so she doesn’t have to leave him at home.

Last month, her cat celebrated his birthday, and I wanted to find the perfect gift for the occasion. After some thought, I came across a DIY knitted cat bed and knew immediately it was the right choice. This bed is not only cozy for cats but also straightforward to create.

Knitting is a timeless craft that people of all ages enjoy. It’s a relaxing and therapeutic hobby that allows for the creation of beautiful and unique items. There are various knitting methods, from traditional hand-knitting to machine knitting, each with its own techniques and styles. Traditional hand-knitting, the most common form, uses two needles. Factors like needle size, yarn type, and stitch patterns influence the final product. In contrast, machine knitting employs a knitting machine to produce intricate patterns and designs that would be challenging to achieve by hand.

For this chunky knitted cat bed, I used a technique called the Ohhio braid. Ohhio Braid is a thick, chunky yarn that’s ideal for various projects. It’s a seamless cotton tube filled like a pillow, making it incredibly comfortable to work with. Whether you’re making a cozy blanket or a standout clothing piece, Ohhio Braid is a fantastic choice.

Not only is this chunky knitted cat bed comfortable for your pet, but it also enhances your home décor. The soft, cozy material is sure to be a favorite for your cat, and it’s easy to clean, too. Your cat will love the extra comfort and security this bed provides.

If you’re searching for a simple, beginner-friendly project that will make delightful gifts for your animal-loving friends and family, this tutorial is just what you need. You’ll find it easy to follow, and the final product is truly charming. Why not give it a try?

Materials

  • Ohhio braid

Tools

  • Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preparing the Ohhio Braid
Lay out your Ohhio braid on a flat surface. Decide on the size of the cat bed you want to create. A typical diameter for the base is about 15-20 inches, but feel free to adjust this according to your cat’s size and preferences.

Step 2: Creating the Base
Start by making a slip knot at one end of the Ohhio braid to create your first loop. Ensure this loop is loose enough for your fingers to fit through but tight enough to maintain its shape.

Step 3: Knitting the First Row
Insert your hand through the loop, grab the braid, and pull it through to form a second loop. Repeat this process to knit the first row. The number of loops you create will determine the diameter of your cat bed’s base. A good starting point is around 15 loops for a medium-sized bed.

Step 4: Building the Sides
Once the base is complete, start forming the sides by knitting into the back of each loop from the previous row. This technique will help curve the bed upwards, shaping the sides. Continue adding rows this way until you reach your desired height, typically around 5-7 rows for a cozy sidewall.

Step 5: Closing the Bed
To finish the bed, cut the Ohhio braid, leaving a tail of about two feet. Thread this tail through each loop of the last row, pulling gently to gather them. After all the loops are threaded, pull the tail tight to close the top of the bed, then securely knot it to the base to ensure it stays closed.

Step 6: Finishing Touches
Use the remaining tail of the braid to weave in and out along the bed’s edge, tucking in any loose ends for a tidy finish. You can also adjust the bed’s shape during this step, ensuring it’s perfectly round and snug.

Step 7: Presenting the Bed to Your Cat
Place the completed chunky knitted cat bed in your cat’s favorite spot. For added comfort, you can include a soft blanket or cushion inside, though the Ohhio braid itself is already quite soft and inviting.

GUIDE VIDEO 

BENEFITS OF CRAFTING FOR PET OWNERS

Crafting offers pet owners a wonderful combination of creativity, personal fulfillment, and the joy of providing for their furry companions. Engaging in DIY projects, like making a chunky knitted cat bed, not only results in a tangible product but also brings numerous benefits that enhance the well-being of both the creator and their pet.

Fosters Creativity and Personal Expression

Making a chunky knitted cat bed is a creative journey that allows pet owners to express themselves. Beyond functionality, it’s a chance to make artistic choices that reflect personal taste and the unique personality of their pet. Every decision, from selecting the perfect yarn color to choosing a soft texture, infuses the bed with personal stories and love. The design’s versatility allows for endless customization, whether incorporating special patterns or experimenting with techniques, turning the project into a canvas for self-expression.

Enhances the Bond Between Pet and Owner

Creating something special for a pet, such as a chunky knitted cat bed, deepens the emotional bond between the pet and owner. Pets often recognize the comfort and security of handmade items, fostering trust and affection. This strengthened connection is invaluable, nurturing a deeper relationship.

Offers Therapeutic Benefits

Crafting is known for its therapeutic effects, including stress reduction and anxiety relief. Working on a chunky knitted cat bed can serve as a meditative practice, helping pet owners focus on the rhythmic movements of knitting, promoting relaxation and benefiting overall mental health.

Encourages a Sense of Achievement

Completing a DIY project like a chunky knitted cat bed provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Overcoming challenges, learning new skills, and creating a cozy space for a pet boosts self-esteem and confidence, knowing that your effort contributes directly to your pet’s comfort and happiness.

Promotes Eco-Friendly Practices

Crafting a chunky knitted cat bed allows pet owners to make environmentally conscious choices, like using sustainable materials such as eco-friendly yarns. This not only benefits the pet and owner but also contributes to a healthier environment. By creating rather than purchasing, pet owners can reduce their carbon footprint and support a more sustainable lifestyle.

Provides Customizable Pet Care Solutions

A chunky knitted cat bed can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of both pet and owner. Whether adjusting the size, shape, or material, DIY projects offer flexibility that store-bought items often lack, ensuring that the pet receives a bed that suits their comfort perfectly.

Looking to create a cozy haven for your feline friend? Why not knit them their very own bed? This chunky knitted cat bed is a heartfelt way to show your pet some love, and it’s easy to make by following this tutorial video.

25 FLATTERING MEDIUM-LENGTH HAIRCUTS FOR WOMEN OVER 50

Age is just a number, and today, women over 50 are embracing their best looks more than ever. Modern stylists offer a range of choices, encouraging older women to explore trendy, classic, and everything in between. Confidence is the key to youthful style, and these medium-length hairstyles for women in their 50s can help you achieve just that.

If you’re feeling pressured to go short as you enter your 50s, remember that you don’t need to make a drastic change. Medium-length layered styles, long bobs, and medium shag cuts are all fantastic, sassy options to consider. Check out these top hairstyle ideas!

SILVER-GRAY MODERN TWIST

This style radiates timeless elegance, featuring layers that softly frame the face and shoulder-length hair that combines sophistication with simplicity. The silver-gray shade highlights the wisdom earned over the years, offering a natural, trendy shine with a touch of dignity. Its versatility is a key strength—ideal for fine hair, it adds volume while keeping a light, airy feel. The gentle curves at the ends suggest a playful spirit, blending classic beauty with a modern edge.

TRENDY SHAG

The chic shag haircut adds a stylish twist to medium-length hair. Its edgy layers and tousled look break away from traditional expectations for older women’s hairstyles. This cut is ideal for those who embrace boldness and confidence in their fashion choices. It’s particularly suited for thick hair and round faces, offering a modern lift and a fresh, edgy appeal.

SLEEK SILVER POP

The sleek silver bob is the perfect medium-length haircut that combines simplicity with sophistication. Its even cut and precise styling showcase a modern, chic look that’s effortlessly elegant. Ideal for women with fine hair, this style enhances natural volume with its light-catching silver hue.

WAVY SHOULDER LENGTH

A blonde bob that grazes the neck is a must-try style. It looks even more striking when the hair is curled or waved. For naturally wavy hair, enhance your curls with a curl-enhancing cream and a bit of scrunching to avoid damage and brassiness from frequent use of hot tools.

LAYERED HAIR

Embrace layered charm with this voluminous and dynamic medium-length haircut. The lively curls cascade around the face in a soft yet structured fashion. Brown shades with subtle highlights add depth and warmth, enhancing the complexion of women over 50. This style not only frames the face beautifully but also reflects a vibrant personality that enjoys a touch of extra volume and texture.

LONG BOB FOR STRAIGHT HAIR

The classic blonde shoulder-length cut creates a gamine silhouette with a hint of edginess that stays stylish between trims. Body waves from a curling iron accentuate features like your cheekbones, adding a touch of flair.

LOOSE CURLS

Curly hair is often associated with a fun-loving, warm-hearted, and outgoing personality. The emphasis is heightened on the natural texture. That’s a lot of fluff texture and bounce to embrace! Their playful length allows your stylist to enhance the shape and showcase your enviable roller set ringlets. Mid-length hair rocks even when you roll out of bed because it has less shedding and fewer tangles.

SHOULDER LENGTH HAIR WITH CURTAIN BANGS

Curtain bangs are versatile and flattering, complementing any haircut with a modern, youthful touch. The blonde hue refreshes your look, highlighting your best features and concealing any imperfections. A quick application of hair gel at the crown and front creates a sleek curtain effect, making this a low-maintenance hairstyle that’s easy to manage.

PERMED LAYERED CUT

If you love the fuller look that beachy waves provide but are tired of using hot tools to achieve them, a modern beach wave perm could be the perfect solution. This technique adds volume and bounce to thin hair effortlessly. Medium-length haircuts are ideal for this style, offering enough length to showcase your waves without weighing down the curl structure.

BLUNT CUT WITH WISPY BANGS

This style, featuring platinum highlights on a darker blonde base, effectively blends gray hair, making regrowth less noticeable. The wispy fringe with face-framing layers can be styled like curtain bangs. Use some texture spray to give your cut a carefree, youthful vibe.

MID-LENGTH CUT WITH SIDE BANGS

This natural style is ideal for transitioning from long hair. It removes excess bulk, making maintenance easier while creating the illusion of added volume. It’s a great option if you want to avoid jumping straight to a short haircut.

BLONDE LAYERS ON SWEEPING LOCKS

This ultra-sleek and classy medium cut makes the most of sweeping locks and subtle layers. It’s an excellent choice for fine hair, adding volume discreetly. Among medium haircuts for women over 50, this style is a timeless classic.

TOUSLED BROWN HAIR

This tousled brown look strikes a balance between classy and youthful. If you love a beachy vibe, this style is a great choice. The best part is that it works beautifully with any hair texture.

BALAYAGE BOB


This chic balayaged bob highlights thick hair with a sophisticated flair. The dark golden tones and soft, voluminous curls create a timeless look, making this medium-length hairstyle perfect for a woman over 50.

VOLUMINOUS BLOWOUT

A gorgeous blowout with ample volume creates a full-bodied look that frames the face with softness and movement. Light layers and blended highlights enhance the texture and add a modern touch.

COPPER RED LOOSE CURLS

The rich copper hue of this medium-length hairstyle is brought to life with elegant loose curls, adding vibrant and youthful energy. The cut allows the hair to fall naturally, offering a timeless, classic look with a playful twist.

FEATHERED LAYERS

Long layers with feathered ends create a soft, dynamic look. This cut adds volume and movement, making it ideal for a sophisticated yet effortlessly stylish appearance.

VOLUMINOUS LOB

This voluminous lob features sleek, straight lines that frame the face, accentuating cheekbones and creating a refined silhouette. The rounded, piecey ends from back to front add a modern edge to this classic style.

TEXTURED BROWN LAYERS WITH SIDE PART

The platinum brown shade of this straight hairstyle highlights the dimension of the layers, giving the hair a radiant glow and a graceful, stylish sense of movement.

CHIC BOB WITH BLUNT BANGS

This hairstyle for your 50s showcases a classic bob with a modern twist of blunt bangs. The sleek cut and dark hue create a chic, sophisticated look that exudes confidence.

SLEEK LOB WITH FLIPPED UP ENDS

This sleek auburn-tinted lob (long bob) with flipped-up ends frames the face with grace and sophistication. The subtle upward curve at the ends highlights the jawline, while the rich color adds warmth and depth.

HIGHLIGHTED WAVES

Highlighted waves create a natural, sun-kissed effect with depth and dimension. The mix of lighter and darker tones adds visual interest and texture. To style, apply a texturizing spray to enhance your natural waves and add definition. For straight hair, use a curling wand to create loose waves, then gently run your fingers through them for a relaxed finish.

CHOPPY WAVY BOB

Choppy layers add texture to this wavy bob hairstyle. The loose waves create a soft, tousled appearance that’s easy to style. Apply a texturizing spray and use a curling iron or wand to define the waves, then tousle with your fingers for an effortlessly chic look.

ROMANTIC ROUND CURLS

This hairstyle is perfect for thick locks, featuring long layers, round curls, and a romantic side part. It blends softness with strength, highlighting a naturally radiant energy at any age. It looks stunning in blonde, as shown, but would also be beautiful in gray.

SIDE-PART BEACH WAVES

Embrace breezy, beachy elegance with this medium-length haircut. It perfectly balances casual and polished, featuring sun-kissed highlights that add a youthful glow. The effortless waves are ideal for women over 50 who embody a free spirit and seek a low-maintenance yet chic style.