How to Make Your Own Classic Dog or Cat Leash

Make your own dog or cat leash using easy to acquire materials. This simple and easy project requires minimal sewing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 6' (1.8 m) (or desired finished length) plus 7" (18 cm) of 3/4" (1.9 cm) heavy duty polyester webbing in the color of your choice (available at craft or fabric stores or online)
• 3" (7.6 cm) swivel, snap hook (available at hardware stores or online) - make sure the swivel end opening is large enough to hold the 3/4" (1.9 cm) webbing
• thread to match the webbing
• optional: 6' (1.8 m) (or desired finished length) plus 7" (18 cm) of 3/4" (1.9 cm) decorative ribbon or braid

1. Finish the cut ends of the webbing by either zig-zagging over the ends or "melt" the ends. CAUTION: Melted material will cause burns to the skin. If "melting" the ends, work over a sink as the melted material may drip. Holding the webbing at least 6" (15.2 cm) from the end, move a lighted match next to the material until the material "melts" and then quickly move the match away from the webbing. Do not touch the melted end until it has cooled.
2. If the decorative ribbon is used, place the ribbon on one side of the webbing and stitch all around the edge of the ribbon, securing the ribbon to the webbing.
3. Thread the webbing or webbing/ribbon through the swivel end of the snap hook and fold the webbing or webbing/ribbon back onto itself 1" (2.5 cm) .
4. Stitching Pattern Sew the end in a "square and x", as shown in the drawing below.
5. On opposite end of webbing or webbing/ribbon, fold over 7 " (17.7 cm) for the handle and sew the end in a "square and x" and across the ends, as shown in the drawing above.
6. Attach the snap hook to your pet's collar or harness and go for a fun walk.

Tips & Warnings

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