Before getting started on your pet’s favorite new outdoor accessory, wash and dry the fabric without fabric softener to remove the sizing.

Next it’s time to build the canopy frame! Cut the dowels to the measurements you need for the size of your pet canopy. Oh Yay Studio cut 5 (13”) pieces for the horizontal parts of the frame; 4 (11”) pieces for the vertical parts of the frame (that connect the horizontal pieces); and 4 (10”) pieces cut with an angle on both ends for pressing against each other to form the roof of the frame.

Sand all edges and corners for a smooth surface, then get out your Wood Glue and start gluing the pieces together.

Start by forming the frame for one side of the canopy, then repeat with the other side, gluing the connection points together. It helps to use tape to hold everything in place while the glue dries! Then connect both frames using the horizontal pieces. 

Measure the outside of your frame to determine the length of fabric you need for your canopy. First measure the length of one of the rooftop angled pieces, then the length of one of the vertical pieces, and multiply by 2 (for both sides of the structure). Then add an additional 10” (5” for each side) for wrapping the fabric around the base and securing. For the width of the fabric, simply measure the depth of your frame, and add a few inches for creating hems! Iron your fabric and cut it to match the total of your measurements.

Now we’re going to hem the fabric using Fabric Fusion Tape! Place your fabric “wrong” side up, and fold over each side along the length once, then again (about an inch) for clean edges. Tip: It helps to iron the folded fabric to hold in place for adding tape. Unfold the sides once (so you still have a clean, folded outer edge) and run a line of Fabric Tape along the length.

Once you’ve run tape along the length of the sides, remove the top liner.

Fold the edge of the fabric back over and press in place on top of the Fabric Tape to secure.

On the shorter sides, finger press the fabric over about an inch to create an indent for guiding the tape, then run a strip of Fabric Fusion Tape at that marking. Fold the fabric over once and press into the tape.

Fold the hem over the top of the frame base and press in place on the Fabric Tape to secure. Do this on both sides to create your official pet canopy!

Now your pet has a shady spot to enjoy while outdoors! Feeling inspired to create a canopy for your pet? Make sure to tag us on social @aleenesdiy and share your no-sew canopy creations with us!