How to Make Combination Martingale Collars

A martingale collar, or greyhound collar, is composed of two joined loops, and provides comfort and security for your dog. The larger loop fits around the dog's neck and adjusts to the appropriate fit. Two D-rings on the larger loop connect to the smaller loop, from which a third D-ring attaches to the leash. Originally designed for dogs with smaller heads than necks, primarily greyhounds and whippets, the martingale collar prevents choking and escape risks.

Things You'll Need

  • Webbing material (cotton or nylon)
  • 3 D-rings
  • Scissors
  • Cloth measuring tape
  • Sturdy sewing thread
  • Sewing machine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the dog's neck. Two measurements need to be taken to ensure that the collar fits properly and the dog will not be able to wriggle out of it. Measure directly around the dog's head behind his ears, as well as around the area on the neck where the collar should sit. The measurement behind the ears is the more important of the two, and the tape should remain snug while measuring.

    • 2

      Cut the webbed fabric for the longer collar piece. Allow 2 inches of extra fabric for folding over the D-ring.

    • 3

      Cut the webbed fabric for the shorter control loop. Subtract the ear measurement from the neck measurement, double it and add 2 inches to determine how much webbing is needed for the control loop.

    • 4

      Insert the webbing through one D-ring and fold over ¾-inch of fabric. Secure the D-ring with a triple-stitched straight seam sewn across the webbing using a sewing machine.

    • 5

      Lay the webbing flat. Slide the second D-ring over the webbing. Using the measuring tape, measure to the desired length and pin down the fabric. Secure the D-ring in place with a triple-stitched straight seam across the webbing, making sure the fold is on the same side as the fold made in the previous step.

    • 6

      Cut any loose threads with the scissors.

    • 7

      Lay the neck webbing flat with the folds facing outward. Thread the control loop webbing through both of the secured D-rings.

    • 8

      Slide the third D-ring onto the left side of the control loop webbing.

    • 9

      Overlap the control loop webbing ends by 2 inches, keeping the D-ring to the left side.

    • 10

      Sew to the right of the D-ring with a triple-stitched straight seam across the webbing.

    • 11

      Pull the D-ring along the new stitching and secure it in place with a triple-stitched straight seam across the webbing, making sure both seams are on the same side.

    • 12

      Cut any loose threads with the scissors.