How to Design a Dog Collar

Most commercial dog collars are made from polypropylene or nylon webbing. They are often available in an array of colors and sizes. However, if your dog is particularly large or small, you may struggle to find the right collar size, and these collars can be expensive. If you prefer to customize a collar that fits your dog specifically, you can make your own at home for little money and effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth measuring tape
  • Nylon webbing
  • Parachute buckle
  • Sewing machine
  • Metal D ring
  • Straight pin
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine your dog's neck size by measuring him with a cloth measuring tape and adding eight inches to this total. Cut your nylon webbing to match your measurement.

    • 2

      Insert one end of cut nylon through your parachute buckle. Parachute buckles are plastic, three-pronged fasteners, similar to those you find on traditional dog collars or backpacks. The nylon should be fed through the male end of the buckle, which is the end of the buckle with the three prongs. Fold the nylon over, 3 inches from the end, so that it forms a loop, holding the male end of the buckle in place.

    • 3

      Sew the width of the nylon, near the male end of the buckle, to secure the loop in place, using your sewing machine. Turn the nylon over. Sew the width of the nylon again, this time near the end of the loose flap of nylon.

    • 4

      Place a metal D ring on to the nylon by sliding it on the end without the buckle. This is what you will use to attach your dog's leash when the collar is completed. D rings can be found at your local hardware store.

    • 5

      Insert the loose end of nylon through the female of the buckle, which is the piece that the male end inserts into. Feed the nylon through until you have a 3-inch flap of nylon sticking out beyond the buckle.

    • 6

      Place the unsewn collar around your dog's neck to check for fit. You want the collar snug but not tight. You should be able to insert your index and middle finger between the collar and your dog's neck. Adjust the buckle placement until you have this fit. Use your finger to mark where the female end of the buckle sits, and remove the collar from your dog. Place a straight pin where you marked the buckle.

    • 7

      Sew the width of the nylon, near the female end of the buckle, to secure the loop in place. Remove the straight pin. Sew across the width of the nylon again, this time 1 inch from the stitching you just placed. This will keep the D ring from resting on the female end of the buckle.

    • 8

      Move your D ring so it is flush with the stitching you placed in the prior step. Sew the width of the nylon again, this time on the other side of the D ring to secure it and complete your dog collar.