Make your Own Custom Dog Collar and Leash

Dog_Collar_tutorial

A few weeks ago, my puppy decided he needed to chew on the older dog’s collar. Being a puppy, once the collar was off, it became a chew toy, and was destroyed. So I decided to make a custom adjustable collar for my dog.

The first thing I did was measure the old collar length.

Dog_Collar_Measure

Then I added 12 additional inches to this total.  This is the length of fabric that I need to cut to accommodate the buckles and slide adjuster.

I decided to use a 1-inch-wide nylon web in the center of my collar.  I have big dogs and I wanted the collar to be sturdy.  Knowing I wanted to cover this web with fabric, I cut my fabric strip at 4 ½ inches wide by the length I needed for my dog’s neck size.

After gathering my supplies, it was time to begin.

Dog_Collar_Gather_Supplies

  • Strap Adjuster to fit 1-inch-wide strap
  • Parachute Buckle to fit 1-inch-wide strap
  • D-ring to fit 1-inch-wide strap.

(NOTE: if you have a smaller dog, you might wish to use narrower width of webbing and adjust your hardware accordingly)

The 1-inch nylon web that I had on hand was pink, but since I was going to cover it, it really did not matter what color.  I cut my webbing 2 inches shorter than my collar length measurements.

I folded my fabric strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and pressed.

Dog_Collar_Press

Then I opened it back up and folded one half of the fabric down to the fold line, and pressed.

Dog_Collar_Open_Fold

I repeated this process with the other half of the fabric strip.

Dog_Collar_Fold

The last step was to fold the strip in half and press again.

Dog_Collar_Fold_Press

I then inserted the webbing into the fold.

Dog_Collar_Insert_in_Fold

Dog_Collar_Fold_over_Webbing

After the webbing was inserted, I clipped all layers together with my Wonder Clips.

Dog_Collar_Wonder_Clips

I attached my Jeans foot #8D to my B 790 PLUS machine, inserted a 90/14 Jeans Needle, and threaded my machine top and bobbin with Wonderfil Flash reflective thread.   Flash is a 40wt Polyester Reflective Thread, which I thought was perfect for this project.

Beginning at one end, I top stitched through all the layers on both of the long sides.  Securing the fabric to the webbing.

Dog_Collar_Stitch

Dog_Collar_Stitch

Once this step was complete, I could add my Parachute Buckle, D-ring and Strap Adjuster. I added the D-ring first and then one half of the Parachute Buckle.

Dog_Collar_D_Ring

Dog_Collar_Buckle

I then folded my end over so that no raw edges were exposed using about a 1-inch fold, and then folded over again.

Dog_Collar_End

Then I adjusted my D-ring and buckle so that there was about 2 inches of fabric past where they came together. I clipped all this together with Wonder Clips, making sure the bulk of the fabric was on the inside of the collar.

Dog_Collar_Stitch

I then stitched through all the layers to secure everything in place. I started between the buckle and the D-ring, stitched a straight stitch across the collar.

Then I stitched a box with an X through the center where I had the bulk of the fabric, just past the D-ring.

Dog_Collar_Stitch

Dog_Collar_Stitch_X

Once this was done, I moved to the other end and added the Strap Adjuster and other half of the Parachute Buckle.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to successfully attach these pieces.   Again I stitched a box style design to secure all the layers and hold the Parachute Buckle in place.

Dog_Collar_Stitch_Box

Dog_Collar_Stitch_Other_End

Now that all this is done, my Custom Dog Collar is complete. Notice how the Wonderfil Flash Reflective thread stands out!

Dog_Collar_Dog_Collar

You can also add fun embellishments to your dog collar as I did with this Made with Love tag on a red dog collar.

Dog_Collar_Made_with_Love

Now that the collar is done, we must have a matching leash. Using similar steps as before, I started on the dog leash.

I measured out 6 feet of nylon webbing.  I then cut my strips of cotton fabric 4 ½ inches wide. But this time, I needed 3 strips to get the correct length.

I placed the strip ends together perpendicular to each other and marked a diagonal line.

Dog_Collar

Stitch along the diagonal marked seam.

Dog_Collar_Stitch_Diagonal_Seam

Then I trimmed the excess fabric away leaving about ¼ inch from my seam line.

Dog_Collar_Ruler_Trim

Dog_Collar_Trimmed

After this was completed, I pressed the seams to one side so they would lay nice and flat.

Dog_Collar_Press_Flat

Using the same pressing method as before, I folded the strip of fabric in half, wrong sides together and gave it a good press.

Dog_Collar_Press

Then took one side of the strip and folded it in towards the center and pressed.

Dog_Collar_Open_Fold

I repeated this process on the second side.

Dog_Collar_Fold

Once this was complete, I took the whole strip, folded it together and pressed.

Dog_Collar_Fold_PressAfter that was done, it was time to insert the webbing in the center of the fabric strip.

Dog_Collar_Insert_in_Fold

I then secured the fabric to the webbing with Wonder Clips. I took the leash to the machine and again top stitched down each long side, securing the fabric and the webbing.

Dog_Collar_Stitched_Sides

It was time to add the leash snap to one end of the leash strip.  I folded the fabric over a couple of time about an inch to encase the raw edges and clipped into place with Wonder Clips.

Dog_Collar_Fold

Dog_Collar_Clip

At the other end I made the handle loop. I started with about 12 inches of strap, but you can easily adjust this to more or less, depending on how big of a handle you would like. I tucked the raw edges in and secured with Wonder Clips.

Dog_Collar_Tuck

Dog_Collar_Clip

I then took the piece to the machine and again stitched a box style with an X in the middle to secure all the layers together.  I did this a both ends, near the snap and at the loop end.

Dog_Collar_Box

Dog_Collar_X

We now have a Custom Collar and Leash with Reflective edges!

Dog_Collar_Finished

And since I can’t play favorites, I also had to make a second set for the other dog.

Dog_Collar_Finished_Red_Leash

My dog is super happy with his new custom collar and leash set!

Dog_Collar_2nd Leash

I am sure I will be making more holiday-themed ones in the near future!

Happy Stitching!

Heather

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4 comments on “Make your Own Custom Dog Collar and Leash”

    • Hello,

      It would all depend on what thread you are using for the tension adjustment. With the Wonderfil Flash Reflective thread, I did not adjust my tension on my B 790 PLUS, however did use a Jeans Needle size 90/14.

      The presser foot, I did not have a need to adjust the presser foot pressure. Again this would depend on the thickness of the nylon webbing and the fabric you are using.

      I do however always recommend to do a few test stitches using the thread, needle, fabric combination on your machine and make any adjustments that you may need. Each model of machine handles fabric thickness a little differently.

      Happy Stitching~
      Heather

  • I was planning on making my dog a new collar so this is really great. I am hoping that I can write her name and my phone number on the outside of the collar using my 790+ machine. This is a great tutorial. Thank you.

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