How to Make Handkerchiefs for a Dog's Neck

Many pet owners like to place a colorful handkerchief around their dog's neck as a decoration. You can change the handkerchief daily to match your mood or the season. However, buying a new handkerchief for every season or holiday becomes expensive. Instead of purchasing your handkerchiefs from the local pet store, make your own using fabric scraps and a sewing machine. The resulting handkerchief requires little effort and gives you the opportunity to accessorize your pooch.

Things You'll Need

  • Fabric
  • Fabric scissors
  • Straight pins
  • Sewing machine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut pieces of fabric into strips 1-1/2 inch wide using fabric scissors. Large dogs, such as a German shepherd, need 26-inch long strips. Medium dogs, such as a springer spaniel, need 22-inch long strips. Small dogs, such as a Yorkie, need 14-inch long strips. Choose fabrics in different colors and patterns to create a patchwork look.

    • 2

      Place the strips of fabric on your work surface. Arrange the strips into a pattern that appeals to you, creating a square out of them. Once content with the pattern, use straight pins to secure the strips together. Starting with the first two strips, place them together on top of one another. Insert the straight pins along one of the lengths of the strips, creating a 1/4-inch hem. Repeat this with all subsequent strips.

    • 3

      Use a sewing machine to attach the strips together, using the 1/4-inch hem you created with the straight pins. Remove the straight pins.

    • 4

      Fold the edges of the sewn square over 1/4-inch. Pin the folded edges down using straight pins. Sew along the edge of the square to give it finished edges. Remove the straight pins.

    • 5

      Fold the completed handkerchief in half to create a triangle. Tie the handkerchief around your dog's neck.