Homemade Dog Collars

Bandanna fashions for your dog

Gone are the days of uninspired black leather collars for dogs. Today's dog collars come in all colors and styles and corresponding designer prices. You can unleash your creativity by making an inexpensive--but unique--dog collar with a removable bandanna. Make this collar, and add as many interchangeable bandannas as you wish: match your outfit, show support for a favorite sports team, or celebrate the changing seasons and your favorite holidays. Your dog will stroll out in style.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Grosgrain webbing
• 1 parachute clip
• 1 D-ring
• Sewing machine
• Square of fabric, or purchased square bandanna
• Matching thread

Instructions

1. Choose a narrow width of 1 inch of grosgrain webbing for a small dog, 2 inches for a medium-sized dog, and for a large---or very strong---dog, select 3 inch-wide webbing. Ensure that your parachute clip and D-clip will fit the webbing.

2. Measure loosely around your dog's neck. Add 6 inches to the measurement and cut this length of grosgrain webbing.

3. Open the parachute buckle. Insert one end of the collar through the female side of the buckle and pull 3 inches of fabric through the slot. Fold the webbing under, then sew two parallel rows of straight stitch across the collar, adjacent to the buckle.

4. Thread the D-ring onto the other end of the collar and pull it down until it meets the seam. Fold the remaining webbing under. Sew two more rows of stitching parallel to the first seam, enclosing the D-ring between the two seams. For reinforcement, sew an "X" across the collar between the D-ring and the second seam.

5. Place the other end of the fabric through the male end of the parachute clip, bringing the fabric up from the bottom. Pass the fabric back down the last hole and pull tight, adjusting so the loop is 3 inches long. Fold the fabric under and sew two rows of straight stitch to hold the end in place. Reinforce this end with another "X" of machine stitching.

6. Adjust the slipcover pattern from pennysanford.typepad.com to fit the circumference of your dog's neck. Using your personalized pattern, cut out your bandanna from the fabric of your choice. Hem the edges of the bandanna. Fold the fabric in half diagonally, and sew a seam across the bandanna to form a casing. Slide the slipcover over the collar, making sure that the D-ring is outside the casing so you can attach your dog's leash to the collar.

Tips & Warnings

• When you measure your dog's neck, insert two fingers between the tape measure and your dog to ensure that the collar is not too tight, but not loose enough to slip off her neck.

• Select a washable fabric, and your dog's collar can always be fresh and clean

References

• Free bandana pattern
• Parachute buckles