Whether you’re handy with a needle and thread, or you have absolutely no desire to sew, learning how to make dog bandanas is a lot easier than you may think. DIY dog bandanas look cool – and by making your own, you may save a little money in the process.
If you’re ready to take on this type of project, here are a few different bandana making methods to consider.
Sewing Your Own Dog Bandana
If you do know how to use a sewing machine, you can put this bandana together in no time. You don’t need a lot of materials, either. You will need to take your dog’s size into consideration when determining how much fabric to use.
Here are some general measurement guidelines to keep in mind.
- A very small dog – 17” wide x 7” long
- A small dog – 23” wide x 9.5” long
- A medium-sized dog – 28” wide x 12.5” long
- A large dog – 34” wide x 14” long
- An extra-large dog – 40” wide x 17.5” long
What You’ll Need
- A piece of fabric of your choice, such as flannel or cotton
- An iron and ironing board
- Fabric scissors
- A mat
- A rotary cutter
Sewing clips (sewing pins will also work)- Safety pins
- A sewing machine
- Thread
How To Do It
- Wash, dry, and iron the fabric.
- Cut the fabric to the suggested size.
- Use the rotary cutter to cut the fabric into a triangle.
- Fold one edge to where it’s about a quarter-inch thick, and pin or clip.
- Repeat the previous two steps for the other edges of the triangle.
- Sew all of the edges.
- Cut any loose threads.1
That’s all there is to it. Tie the bandana around your pup’s neck, and take a proud walk around the neighborhood to show off your fashionable creation.
A “No Sew” Bandana Technique
You can still make great-looking DIY dog bandanas without having to sew at all. Here’s one of many simple options.
What You’ll Need
- Fabric (from a crafts store, or you can even use an old shirt)
- Scissors (pinking shears will help reduce fabric fraying)
- An ironing board and iron
- Hemming tape
- A straight edge
How To Do It
- Cut the triangle. Put the longest edge around your dog’s neck to make sure it’s long enough to fit comfortably. You’ll also need a little extra, so you can tie the knot.
- Fold along the edge, then use the iron to make a crease. If you want to make a double-fold hem, simply fold again and iron along the seam.
- Use the hemming tape to bond the folded hems together. Make sure the edges are straight and securely bonded.
- Put the bandana on your dog’s neck, tie a knot, and you’re done.2
A No Sew Bandana That Attaches To Your Dog’s Collar
If you feel like being a little more creative, consider a bandana that will easily slide on to your pup’s collar. This is actually one of the more functional bandana making methods you’ll find. It won’t fall off, and you won’t have to worry that it’s too tight.
This one’s going to be a little different, because you’ll need to find a printable pattern. There are plenty of free ones online you can download.
Also, the pattern shouldn’t look like a conventional triangle shape, but more like the home plate used in a baseball game. It should have a straight edge at the top, with smaller straight edges on the sides. Then, the sides will go down to a point. The collar will go through the longest edge.
What You’ll Need
- A downloadable, printable fabric pattern
- Fabric
- An iron and ironing board
- Straight pins
- Scissors
- Hemming tape
How To Do It
- Wash and dry the fabric, and then iron out the wrinkles.
- Download and print the pattern you like.
- Cut the pattern out.
- Lay the pattern over the fabric, and pin in place.
- Cut the fabric along the pattern.
- Fold the fabric in half, and trim off any extra material.
- Place the hemming tape along one of the edges near the pointed end of the “home plate.” Fold that edge over.
With the iron on medium heat, press on that edge for about five seconds.- Flip the fabric, and do the same thing on the other pointed edge.
- Repeat this step for the other two edges, the ones that run from the top of “home plate” to the slanted edges. Don’t do this for the top edge.
- Put hemming tape across the bandana, along the top of the slanted edges.
- Fold the top edge down, and slowly run the iron along that edge to secure the hem.
- There should be a sort of “pocket” at the very top of the bandana. This will be where you’ll slide the collar through.3,4
DIY Dog Bandanas: One Last Thing
Hopefully, you’ll have a lot of fun making a DIY dog bandana. Here’s one quick reminder to keep in mind: If you’re not using the last of the bandana making methods listed above (the one you slip through a collar), make sure it fits loose enough so you can easily put your fingers between the bandana and your dog’s neck.
Learn More:
How To Make A Dog Bed: DIY Dog Bed Ideas
DIY Pets: How To Make A Flirt Pole Toy For Your Dog Or Cat
Pet Photography Ideas: How To Take Pics Of Your Furry Friend Like A Professional
Sources
1 https://happiestcamper.com/how-to-sew-a-dog-bandana/
2 https://www.dalmatiandiy.com/no-sew-diy-dog-bandanas-with-cheat-finished-edges/
3 https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/easy-no-sew-diy-dog-bandanas/
4 https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/easy-no-sew-diy-dog-bandanas/
