How to make a scented doggy bag

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is calling upon keen crafters to make scented doggy bags to help keep some of its 500 dogs calm in kennels while they wait for new homes. The doggy bags are part of Battersea's kennel enrichment plan, which aims to bring variety into the dogs' day through the use of different smells, tastes and sounds to help reduce stress. The scented bags feature a Staffordshire bull terrier as part of a campaign to show the softer side of the breed. They have been designed for Battersea by Helen Philipps, a designer and author. Scented doggie bags will be hung in the dogs' kennels. Send completed bags to Doggie Bag Campaign, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, 4 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4AA. If you have any questions, email [email protected] . What you need Two different printed cotton fabrics Matching sewing cotton Plain black cotton fabric Black embroidery cotton Bondaweb or similar Dried herbs, lavender, or your filling of choice Poppers or Velcro Ribbon, to hang Small button What to do 1. Iron a piece of Bondaweb, following the manufacturer's instructions, on to the back of the black fabric. Trace the dog template (pdf) on to it and cut it out very carefully. 2. Sew together two pieces of printed fabric to make the front of the bag, so it measures 12 x 14cm plus seam allowance. 3. Press the seam and then place the fabric dog on to the bag front and iron in place. 4. Sew around the appliqué shape using one strand of black cotton and blanket stitch. 5. Cut a small piece of printed cotton for the collar and sew it in place with blanket stitch. 6. Sew a French knot for the eye, using two strands of embroidery thread. 7. Cut a piece of fabric for the back of the bag, measuring 12 x 14cm plus seam allowance. Place it with the front of the bag, with right sides together, and sew around the sides, leaving a small gap. 8. Sew a popper or piece of Velcro inside the gap so the bag can be opened again for refilling. 9. Trim the seams and clip the corners, turn out to the right side, then stuff the bag firmly with herbs, lavender or whatever you choose. 10. Close the gap, then add a ribbon and the button at the top of the bag to hang it up.