How to Make a Dog Collar With Stretchy Fabric

Dog collars come in countless styles, sizes and materials. A dog owner often chooses a collar to match his pet's personality, be it a studded leather collar for a large dog or a thin, bejeweled collar for a lap dog. However, purchasing collars can be costly, and finding the right collar isn't always easy. An inexpensive, fun option is to make your dog's collar, using a fabric of your choosing that fits you and your dog's style. Follow these simple steps to make a fabric collar for your four-legged friend.

Things You'll Need

  • Nylon webbing fabric
  • Lighter or matches
  • Pins
  • Plastic clip-style buckle (sometimes called a parachute buckle)
  • Plastic D-ring
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Soft measuring tape
  • Thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog's neck measurement with the soft measuring tape, then add 6 inches to this measurement; this will be the length of your fabric collar. The width of the collar will depend on the size dog you have. Measure a width of a half-inch to 1 inch for small dogs, a width of 1 to 2 inches for medium-size dogs and a width of 2 to 4 inches for large dogs.

    • 2

      Cut your fabric to the aforementioned length and width with scissors. Heat seal the ends of the fabric so that the nylon webbing doesn't unravel with a lighter. Do this by quickly running the lighter along the edge of the fabric so that the very end of the fabric melts. Do not allow the fabric to catch on fire.

    • 3

      Take the "male" end of the buckle ̵1; the end of the buckle that has three prongs ̵1; and thread the fabric strip through the opening of the buckle. Pull the fabric strip through the opening and loop back through, leaving 3 inches that will be sewn down. Sew across the width of either side of the collar, securing the loop that holds the buckle piece.

    • 4

      Thread the fabric strip through a plastic D-ring and allow the ring to fall in the middle of the collar. Then thread the fabric strip through the "female" end of the buckle ̵1; the end into which the male buckle piece is inserted ̵1; and loop 3 inches back through to the back of the collar.

    • 5

      Fit the collar to your dog's neck. The collar shouldn't be able to slip off the dog's head, but it should be comfortable and not choke the dog. Check that you can fit two fingers under the collar, which will ensure that the collar is not too tight or too lose. Pin the collar to hold the proper measurement, then remove the collar from the dog.

    • 6

      Sew across the width of either side of the collar, securing the loop that holds the female buckle piece. Stitch another parallel line across the width of the collar about a half-inch away from the stitching line you just made. This helps to space the D-ring away from the buckle.

    • 7

      Slide the D-ring in place next to the seam you just stitched, then stich another seam on the other side of the D-ring. The two seams on either side of the D-ring will keep it secured.

    • 8

      Fit your dog with the finished collar, making sure that the collar still properly fits.