How to Make a Dog Bow Tie With Elastic

Putting a bow tie on your dog is a fun way to dress it up for Halloween, a party or just for the fun of it. Making a bow tie is quick and easy, and adding a piece of elastic to it creates an easy way to slip it on your dog any time you want. Choose a black or white bow tie to give your pup a formal look or go with dots or stripes for a more relaxed appearance.

Things You'll Need

  • Hot glue gun
  • Scissors
  • Elastic band
  • Ribbon
  • Pencil
  • Needle and thread
  • Measuring tape
  • Iron
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog's neck. Cut a piece of elastic slightly smaller than the neck size, about 1/2-to-1-inch. The elastic piece should only stretch enough to fit your dog's neck, to stay in place, but not be too tight and uncomfortable. To test it, hold the ends together around the dog's neck. It should be a bit snug but you should be able to easily slide your fingers under it.

    • 2

      Pick a ribbon size that is suitable for your dog. Use ribbon that is at least three inches wide for big dogs, about two inches wide for medium dogs and one inch wide for small dogs.

    • 3

      Cut a length of ribbon that is twice as long as the tie you are making. A big dog should have a bow tie six or eight inches wide, so make the ribbon 12 to 16 inches in length. The tie for a small dog should be about three inches across, so the ribbon should be six inches in length. Adjust the length for the size of your dog.

    • 4

      Fold the ribbon in half, end to end, and mark the middle on the back of the fabric. Lay the ribbon face down on your work surface.

    • 5

      Make a strip of hot glue in the center of the ribbon, from the top to the bottom. Immediately press each end of the ribbon into the glue.

    • 6

      Cut a shorter piece of ribbon, about two inches long, and fold it into thirds the long way. The sides should meet on the underside, resulting in a narrow piece of ribbon two inches long. Iron it so that it stays folded.

    • 7

      Pinch the large piece of fabric together in the center to create the look of a bow. Wrap the narrow piece around the pinched sections and glue it in place to complete the bow tie.

    • 8

      Sew the elastic band onto the back of the bow tie, securing the two loose ends together in the center of the bow. Slip it over your dog's head when you are ready for your pet to wear the new bow tie.