Homemade Dog Leashes

A leash will serve several purposes in your dog's life, but the most important is to control your dog when outdoors. Commercially available leashes can be expensive, but with a little know-how, you can make your own stylish dog leash for a fraction of the cost.

  1. Materials

    • In order to make your own dog leash, you will begin with cotton strapping, with the thickness chosen to suite the size and weight of your dog. Next, add three lengths of fabric. This is where you get to give your dog a little flair. Choose a fabric that reflects your dog's personality and cut three lengths equal to the length and width of your cotton strapping.
      Buy a spring-loaded metal clasp at any hardware store or big box outlet. A spring loaded clasp (as opposed to the bent-metal tension kind) is less likely to pinch the dog when you attach it to his collar. Finally, get couple of heavy-duty sewing machine needles.

    Assembly

    • Lay your cotton strapping flat and center on top of one of the lengths of fabric and sew the two pieces together, as closely to the edge as possible. Don't worry about the edges at this time, they'll be neatened up later.

      Fold the remaining two pieces of fabric into thirds, allowing the edges to touch in the center of the remaining third. Fold each piece in half lengthwise on more time and slide the creases over the edges of the fabric/strapping so that there are no frayed ends showing anywhere.

      Finally, stitch the edges to the cotton strapping several times so that there is a crisp, clean edge on both sides and no fraying showing. Run one end of the leash through the metal clasp, tacking down the edge to hold the clasp in place. Make a loop out of the other end and tack the edge down in the same manner, making a wrist loop for your leash.

    Benefits

    • The benefits of making your own leash begins with the cost--usually a fraction of what it would take to purchase an equivalent one. You can also benefit from being able to test your leash for stability and knowing that the quality will hold up for years to come.

    Misconceptions

    • Counter to the idea that such a project requires high skill, making a homemade leash is that the process that is far from complex--in fact, it takes very little prior knowledge of crafts or sewing to realize success.

    Potential

    • Not only can your leashmaking exploits save you money, it can make you money as well. With the proper marketing and production, you can create and sell your leashes.