How to Make a Detachable Collar From a Patterned Collar

Not only useful for walking your dog or carrying an identification tag, collars are a simple way to add a decorative accessory to your pet. Pet stores carry a large variety of collars in different materials, sizes and shapes. However, finding a collar that is both detachable and patterned to your liking is often difficult. If you find a patterned collar you like, turn it into a detachable collar using a parachute buckle, metal D ring and a sewing machine.

Things You'll Need

  • Flexible measuring tape
  • Patterned collar
  • Scissors
  • Lighter (optional)
  • Candle (optional)
  • Parachute buckle
  • Sewing machine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the dog's neck using a flexible measuring tape to determine which size non-detachable collar to purchase. When choosing a collar, choose a collar 5 inches larger than your dog's neck to allow for seams in sewing.

    • 2

      Cut a store-bought patterned collar using scissors to create a long strip. Cut it so the D ring of the collar is positioned in the middle of the strip. If the collar is a nylon material, pass the cut ends across a lit candle or lighter until they begin to melt. This prevents them from fraying.

    • 3

      Insert one cut end of the collar through the "male" end of a parachute buckle. Parachute buckles, available at craft stores, are plastic buckles. The "male" end has three tines. The "female" end is an open end that the "male" latches into.

    • 4

      Position the "male" end 1-inch down the collar. Fold the collar over to create a loop that holds the "male" end in place. Use a sewing machine to sew across the width of the collar to secure the male end of the buckle in the loop. Turn the collar over and sew back across the width of the collar at the same location as the first stitch.

    • 5

      Insert the collar through the "female" end of the parachute buckle. Position the "female" end of the buckle 1 inch from the end of the collar. Fold the collar over, as in the previous step, to create a loop to hold the "female" end.

    • 6

      Sew across the width of the collar to secure the "female" end, as in Step 4. Turn the collar over and sew across the width again to finish the collar.