Make Your Own Dog Collars!

I sold dog collar hardware at Quiltcon, and promised to share my instructions - so here goes!

I have been making dog collars for my three pups for a couple of years.  I've made them for gifts, other dog-family members, and auction donations.

It's about time I shared the "how-to" for making your own!

I will add resources and advice at the bottom of the blog post.

You will need:

dog collar hardware kit
4 x 36 inches of fabric
1/4 yard SF 101 interfacing
1" webbing, if desired

Cut your fabric and the SF 101 into 4" strips.  For a large dog collar (retriever, lab, pit), cut 34" long, for a medium collar (labradoodle, springer spaniel), 31" long, and for a small dog (terrier, beagle), 28" long.  Adhere the SF-101 to the fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions.  If not using webbing, use two layers of SF-101.  I leave about an inch un-interfaced at the end to allow for easier insertion into the hardware.

Fold the collar in half, then bring the long edges to the middle.  Iron in place.  The resulting collar should be 1" wide.  If not using webbing, edge stitch along each edge 1/8". 

If desired, you can make your collar sturdier by using cotton or nylon webbing.  Cut the webbing about an inch less than the collar.  Using Wonder Clips, place the folded un-stitched collar on top ot the webbing.  Edge stitch 1/8" along each end, leaving one end with no webbing attached. 

I will Scotchguard my collar at this point to attempt to keep it looking clean - my two big dogs are crazy and play like manics, so our collars take a lot of abuse!  I just tried Odi-Coat on a couple that I am putting together, so I will let you know if that works out.

Even though I've made a bunch of collars, I always have to refer to a finished collar to remind myself where I start!

This is the order in which you will use the hardware.  Take the end of the collar (not the one without the interfacing/webbing at the end) and loop it through piece number 1.  Referring to the finished collar photo, have the short end of the collar about 3 inches away from the buckle.  Stitch in place per the photo below.  Stitch a one inch square, and stitch an "x" across the opposite sides.  Fray check the raw edges.

Slide the small rectangle (piece #2) onto the long end of the collar.   Then, slide piece #3 onto the collar.  The curved edge should face outward; you put the collar into the bottom of piece #3, then out the top of piece #3.  

 Pull the collar end through piece number two.

You will most likely have to adjust a bit at this point, pulling the collar through the hardware to have most of the collar free, per the below photo.

Fray check the raw edges.  Slide the silver D ring on about 4" down, then pull the collar through the slot on the top of piece #5, and out the bottom of piece number 5.  Pull a few inches down and use Wonder Clips to attach the collar in front of and in back of the D ring.

Attach your zipper foot to your machine, and stitch along side of the D ring on either side as closely as possible.

You are done!

I buy my dog hardware on Etsy or eBay.  You can get them in an assortment of colors and they are fairly cheap.

I use the 1" for all my dogs.  They do come in 3/4" size, but those don't have that little rectangle piece.  When I tried the collar without that little rectangle piece, the collar doesn't stay together as nicely when it is adjusted.

The length that I indicated above are my generalized lengths for my dogs.  You will most likely have to try once or twice to get the size exact for your dog.

I use the webbing on collars that I make for my dog's everyday wear.  If you are making a holiday collar, I'd suggest leaving off the webbing as it's only going to be worn for a short period.

You can wash your collars, but definitely pre-wash both the collar and the webbing prior to sewing.

Please let me know if you have any questions!!