Handmade Dog Collars

A few months ago, I forget why... but probably because I couldn't find a dog collar that I liked for my pups, I decided to make some dog collars! Its pretty dang easy, too. AND, each collar is less than $2 to make!!

*If you watch for ribbon on clearance you can find it really cheap. Same for dog collars, I never spend more than one dollar on the collars or the ribbon.*

What you need: dog collar OR nylon, and all the hardware for the collar, ribbon, sewing machine.

*If you are using a pre-made dog collar* First, take off all excess ribbon/fabric and hardware so you have just the nylon. Melt the ends of the nylon so it doesn't fray.
*If you aren't using a pre-made collar, cut the nylon to the length that you need, I am making a medium to large collar and it is about 24inches long*

Measure and cut the ribbon to be about 2 inches longer than the nylon.

Fold the ribbon one inch over the edge of the nylon and sew.

Put your needle on your sewing machine all the way to the right. Sew along the edge of the ribbon on both sides.

Fold the extra fabric over the edge and sew. This is what it should look like ^

Attach the part of the buckle that "inserts into the other part", pull the fabric about an inch and a half through. And sew right along the buckle. (I know that doesn't sound very technical... oh well! Just take a look at the pictures it will better explain.)

Now, take the "metal hook part" (wow, I am awful at knowing the names of these parts! Sorry!) and push it all the way up against the seam you just sewed. And sew on the opposite side.

Put this "tightener" (see picture, I have no idea what to call this) on the collar. The put the side of the buckle "that doesn't insert" on the collar. Then put the collar through the "tightener" backwards (see picture). Sewing this is the hardest part!! Put the needle all the way to the right again. Hold the top part out of your way and sew.

And you are done!!