make your own dog collar

DIY Dog Collar: How to Make Your Own

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A dog won’t get very far without their collar, whether it’s attached to a lead and they’re going for a walk or they’ve escaped the yard and been collected by the dog catcher.

No matter how your home setup or living conditions, every dog needs a collar, and it’s one of those essential they should never be without.

If you’ve ever had a look through a pet store or browsed online, you’ll realize by now that dog collars don’t come cheap. Unless you want to go for the most basic design or one that seems poorly designed and barely hanging on by a thread, you can be expected to spend at least $30 for one.

So, how do you make a dog collar at home?

There are loads of guides out there that can teach you how to make a dog collar that looks good and is durable enough for your pooch to wear. With just a few supplies and some basic sewing knowledge, you can create a collar for around $5 that rivals the more expensive brands.

If you’ve always wanted to make use of some cool fabric you had laying around or you’re just sick of paying so much money for collars, we’ve got the guide for you. With our help, you’ll be able to make a functioning and fashionable dog collar that won’t cost a fortune and one that your pooch is guaranteed to love.

The Best Materials for a Dog Collar

cute dog collar

There are hundreds of different types of dog collars on the market, so when you’re looking for a new one the process can be overwhelming.

The material or fabric used to make a collar is one of the most important features, and there’s likely to be one that suits you and your pooch best.

  • Leather: Although expensive, a leather dog collar is durable, looks good, and feels comfortable on your dog. They’re built to last for many years with the right care and are a wise investment.
  • Nylon: This is the standard fabric collar that you see on many dogs, and although they’re lightweight and comfortable, might not be as durable as other materials.
  • Neoprene: This form of rubber is ideal for dogs who like to get wet, made from the same material that wetsuits are created with.
  • Chain: The classic metal chain collar isn’t used as much these days as it’s not so comfortable for the pooch and can be harmful if not applied correctly, but they last for years and are durable.
  • LED: An LED dog collar is one that features small LED bulbs that turn on and allow your dog to be seen in the dark.

DIY Dog Collar Steps

making dog collar from old belt

This tutorial for a dog collar lets you use whatever fabric you like for the cover, and a cotton webbing underneath to make it durable.

For this dog collar, you’ll need to gather up the following supplies:

  • 1.5 feet of fabric
  • Cotton webbing
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Fabric scissors
  • Iron and ironing board
  • 1-inch parachute clip
  • 1-inch D-ring
  • 1-inch tri-glide clip
  • Old dog collar

With all of your parts assembled, make a space for yourself to get started. The best way to do this is by working on a cutting mat, but any old table is fine.

  1. Lay out your old dog collar and measure the inner part of the buckle to the other end, so you can see how much fabric it’s made with.
  2. Cut your own fabric to match this, giving an additional 15 inches of fabric on the end. The width should be at least four inches but no more than five.
  3. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and iron it down so it makes a seam. Open the fabric back up and then fold each of the raw edges down towards the center and iron them to make a line as well.
  4. Cut the cotton webbing so that it fits just inside the strip of fabric you’ve just created. Place it inside and to the left of the center fold you made. Fold the other half of the strip over it so that the folded right side is on the edge of the left on the outside. It should now completely cover the webbing.
  5. Using your sewing machine, make a stitch 1/8 inch from the edge of the fabric all the way around. When you get to the end, fold the fabric over the cotton webbing and stitch the ends together as well. You may need to repeat this to make it stronger.
  6. Insert the new sewed fabric strip into the tri-glide clip and fold the end over so the bottom of it is now facing inside. Stich across this a few times to reinforce it using a zig-zag stitch.
  7. Sew a straight line across and close to the clip so that it’s not able to move up and down.
  8. Pull the other end of the sewed strip through the end of the parachute clip that has prongs, and then pull the same end through the clip.
  9. On the other end of the strip, put the D-ring and then the opened end of the parachute clip.
  10. Fold the end over so the D-ring and parachute clip are inside a fabric loop, and then sew a zig-zag stitch to keep them enclosed.
  11. Push the D-ring towards the newly stitched line and create another zig-zag stitch so it now has its own enclosed area.
  12. Test out the dog collar by clipping and unclipping it, and secure it to your dog to make sure it fits.

Mistakes to Avoid Making a Dog Collar

collar made of blue fabric

If you’re one to enjoy tackling DIY projects and want to make the dog collar your next, there are some things to keep in mind.

These are common mistakes people encounter making dog collars, so you can avoid them in the future.

Have the right length

One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying or designing a dog collar is not getting the right length.

To establish what size they need, use a tape measure, and go around their neck as close as possible without being restrictive. Add two inches to this length to ensure the collar is comfortable and won’t slip off.

Durable materials

leather is ono of the tough collar materials

Choose the materials wisely when making a dog collar and think about your pet specifically.

If you have special needs like a waterproof material, LED lights, durability, softness, or anything else, make sure this is reflected in the final type of material you choose.

Dog sensitivity

Your dog may be sensitive to certain materials or not like the feel of some against their neck, and this can vary for each of them.

Be prepared for some trial and error, and make sure you’ve tested out a specific fabric on them before you undertake a DIY dog collar project.

Related Questions

Making a DIY dog collar is a fun way to add some personality to your pet products, and all without having to pay a premium price for something that seems so basic.

If you’ve got questions about what dogs need, we’ve answered some commonly asked questions to help you get started assembling it all.

Should Dogs Wear Jumpers?

Many dog owners dress their pets in jumpers when the temperatures drop, and this can help to make them comfortable in cold climates.

Depending on their breed, lifestyle, and health conditions, providing a dog suitable jacket or jumper can be useful during winter, and even though they have fur, this extra layer ensures they stay at a cozy temperature.

Do Dogs Need Vegetables?

what vegetables can dog eat

A dog doesn’t require fresh fruits and vegetables in their daily diet like humans do, although some dog foods feature them. Most of their nutrition is gained through protein sources like meat, as they’re carnivores, and this should be their main source of food.

However, if you’re after dog-friendly vegetables to feed your dog, things like kale, carrots, green beans, and celery are all okay for them to eat.

How Often Do You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?

Just like us humans, it’s ideal to brush a dog’s teeth at least twice a day, although many owners neglect it altogether. The best way to establish the routine is to start for just a few seconds a day to get them used to it, and then try to make it a regular occurrence.

At a minimum, a dog’s teeth should be brushed three times a week, otherwise, they will get a build-up of plaque and tartar which can lead to further health problems.

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