How to Sew Dog Collars & Leashes

If you want to personalize your dog's look, begin by making his own collar and leash. This fun project can help you dress your dog for any occasion. You can make collars and leashes to match your clothes. Make several and change for holidays and other festive times. Save the cost of going to pet boutiques and make your dog look special and well cared for all year long.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Pen and paper
  • Fabric
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Needle
  • Thread
  • Plastic backpack clips and large key ring
  • Plastic loop joiner
  • Nylon or hemp rope
  • Carabiner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog's neck for the length of the collar. Do this carefully because if the collar is too loose, the dog can slip away. Write down the measurements. You will need fabric that is 4 times the amount of the measurement of the neck. If the neck measures 7 inches you will need 28 inches for the collar.

    • 2

      Sandwich together 4 layers of fabric cut to the length of your collar. If your collar is going to be 28 inches long, cut 4 strips of fabric 28 inches long. Pin the fabric layers together so that all the edges are lined up.

    • 3

      Fold over a ¼ inch hem all the way around the sandwich of the 4 strips. Pin every 2 inches until the collar is completely pinned. Use the tape measure to make sure the hem is even.

    • 4

      Sew the layers together using a zigzag stitch and sew around the whole collar. Remove the pins as you sew past them.

    • 5

      Thread one end of the collar through the end of the female end of the plastic fastener and sew it in place. The right side of the collar should be facing up. The clip should be tightly held within the fabric when you are finished sewing. If it is not stitch over until it is firmly in place.

    • 6

      Repeat Step 5 for the male end of the fastener at the other end of the collar. When you finish sewing the fabric over the fastener, both sides should be snugly fastened under the hems you sewed over the two fastener parts.

    • 7

      Make a loop at the end of the rope that you feel comfortable holding. Insert the loop into the joiner. Most joiners have a sticky strip or a lever that holds the joiner in place. Make sure you apply pressure to the strip or lever to seal it thoroughly.

    • 8

      Slide the key ring onto the collar. Attach the loose end of the rope to the oblong metal ring with the spring clip (also called a carabiner).

    • 9

      Close the collar by putting the tongue of the male fastener into the opening of the female fastener. Attach the carabiner into the key ring. You can detach the leash by opening the carabiner when you bring the dog into the house.