DIY Dog Toys with Leftover Yarn

At My Schooldog, we love simple, creative ideas that bring people and dogs closer together—and making dog toys from leftover yarn is one of our favorites!

Instead of throwing away small pieces of yarn from other projects, we reuse them to create fun and colorful toys for our dogs. Not only is this a great way to reduce waste, but it also saves money compared to buying toys in the store. Even better—it’s fun!

Why Make Your Own Dog Toys?

• It’s creative and satisfying. Making something with your own hands feels good—and dogs seem to enjoy toys made just for them.

• It’s cheaper. Store-bought toys can be expensive, especially if your dog tends to destroy them quickly.

• It’s eco-friendly. Using leftover yarn means less waste and more reuse.

• It’s a bonding activity. Kids and adults can work together to make toys for the dog they love.

Finger Knitting: Easy and Relaxing

One of the easiest ways to get started is with finger knitting (also called finger crocheting). You don’t need needles—just your fingers and some yarn!

Finger knitting is a great activity for both children and adults. It doesn’t require any special skills or equipment, and it’s easy to learn. Many people find it relaxing, almost like a form of meditation. And the long yarn chains you create can be turned into tug toys, braided ropes, or knotted chew toys.

Take It Outside!

One of our favorite ways to enjoy this activity is to do it outdoors—especially on a walk or hike with your dog. Bring along some yarn and finger knit while taking a break. It’s a calm and mindful way to spend time in nature, and it adds a creative element to your outing.

Ideas for What You Can Make

• Tug ropes: Braid several finger-knitted strands together and knot the ends.

• Chew rings: Tie a finger-knitted strand into a tight loop.

• Snuffle toys: Use short sections of yarn to create hiding spots for dry treats.

A Tip About Safety

Always supervise your dog when playing with homemade toys, especially if they like to chew and swallow things. Make sure the yarn is tightly knotted, and remove the toy if it becomes too frayed.