How To Make Dog Collars And Leashes: A DIY Guide
Do-it-yourself dog collars and leashes are becoming a popular trend nowadays. If you're bored with having the same thing as every other dog you see in your neighbourhood, then learning how to make dog collars and leashes might be the best option for you. These are great projects you can complete in no time. If you can customize what your dogs wear, why not? That will definitely make your furbabies a talk-of-the-town! Here are some easy steps you can do to start-up this project. But keep in mind, there are no limits. Let your imaginations run wild and make the best set of collars and leashes for your pet dogs.
DIY Dog Leash
A dog leash is an important tool when training obedience to your dogs. Knowing how to make dog collars and leashes prevents you from any hassles caused by not having the right one for you and your pet. Customizable ones are often the best option since you can tailor-fit everything according to your dog and personal needs. Here are simple steps to make a dog leash.
What you’ll need:
- 2-inch wide fabric that is 7 feet long
- Swivel Snap Hook
- Fusible interfacing for stronger fabric
Instructions:
- Sew your fabric strips until you have a 2-inch wide and 7-foot long piece of fabric.
- Place the fusible interfacing (see package for instructions) to the inside of the fabric strip, leaving a half-inch gap at either end.
- Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and press with an iron, then unfold and fold from the outer edge to the middle and press, then repeat with the other side. It will place your cut edges of fabric folded into the middle of the strip.
- Unfolding the end of your fabric strip, fold the end width in half with the wrong side facing out at sewing it being sure to use backstitch to secure it.
- Turn the end right side out, tucking in the fabric back into the fold. Repeat this process on the other end.
- Using your sewing machine, topstitch the fold down the length of your fabric strip approximately 1/8 inch from the edge. Do the same on the other side.
- Loop down the handle of your fabric to a comfortable length and secure it in place using your sewing machine.
- Sew on your snap hook by threading your strip through the snap hook belt opening and securing it using the same process as you did with the handle.
DIY Dog Collar
How to make dog collars and leashes can be a piece of cake. For the collar to fit your dog perfectly, it is important to measure your dog’s neck first. Add at least two inches allowance, and that should be the basis of your collar length. Then, you can start preparing the materials.
What you’ll need:
- Webbing material, preferably Nylon
- Clasp or buckle
- D Ring
- Adjuster
- Fabric of your choice
- Thread
- Sewing machine
Instructions:
- Cut your materials according to your dog’s neck measurement. Make sure to cut your preferred fabric one inch longer and one inch wider than your Nylon webbing. You need the fabric to be a bit wider so that you can wrap the webbing around it. To keep your webbing from frying, use a household lighter to lightly burn the edges.
- Attach the webbing. Use a low heat setting to iron the fabric to the webbing. Next, fold the extra fabric over the webbing to create a nice crease. This will be the base for your dog collar. You can iron it again to deepen the crease.
- Load your thread to the sewing machine. Sew around the edges of the collar. You can use a needle and thread instead if you do not have a sewing machine. Make sure that your fabric is securely joined to the webbing. A simple stitch pattern will do the job. To make the collar sturdier, sew in a straight line. Sew along each side of the collar to make sure that the webbing and fabric are firmly attached.
- Attach the hardware. Slip the strap adjuster through one end of the fabric, and then pull through until about an inch. Sew the loose end of the fabric to the collar itself. Sew this piece of hardware onto a small loop.
- Attach the two pieces of your buckle. Start by place the arched side of the clasp through the end of the collar. Then slide the end up through the strap adjuster, making a loop. Secure each side of the clasp by sewing small, sturdy loops around the clasps. You should have a collar, with a longer tail at the end.
- Insert your D ring into the collar. Slide on the other piece of your clasp, and pull about 2–3 inches of the webbing through the buckle. Pull the end of the collar through the adjuster. Then, sew any loose ends back to the collar.
Wrap Up
Knowing how to make dog collars and leashes can be a great hobby to start on. It gives you the freedom to choose whatever design you deem fit for your pet dog. These easy to follow steps are perfect even for beginners. The best part is they are cheap to make and not time-consuming at all. Your furbabies will surely love a new pair of collars and leashes.