subject: Make Your Own Custom Dog Collar [print this page] Are you someone who likes showing your own personal style? Do you have a good sewing machine and some basic sewing skills? Would you like to create your own custom dog collar to show off your work?
Besides a sewing machine, you will need a few other items before you begin your project. If you can't find these at home, you can order them on-line, or get them at your local fabric store. If you have an old dog collar, you could even get the needed hardware from it.
You will need the hardware or fittings for a dog collar: You need a side release buckle, Dee ring, and a slider to make the collar adjustable. If you have an old dog collar, you can take these fittings from it. All of the hardware should fit the same size webbing.
Webbing in one inch width is a common size for many collars. If you want your custom dog collar to make more of a statement, you can go up to 2 inches for a larger dog. Make sure the hardware is the right size for the webbing you will be using.
You need to have webbing that is about one foot longer than your dog's neck. It should be the same size width as the buckles, slide and Dee ring. If you want to add a ribbon down the center of the webbing for decoration, you will also need enough of that as well.
The easiest decoration is to sew a ribbon down the center of your webbing. Stitch it along both sides of the ribbon. You can add other decorations later if you wish.
Thread one end of your webbing through the Dee ring and through the female side of the buckle. Fold the webbing over about 3 inches from the end, and sew right along the side of the buckle, stitching back and forth several times. Push the Dee ring close to your stitching, and stitch along the other side of the ring. Stitch again close to the end of your webbing as needed.
Thread the webbing through both holes on the slider, then put the webbing through the male end of the buckle. Keeping it flat, loop the webbing back through the center of the slider in such a way that the Slider will work to shorten or lengthen the collar. Stitch securely next to the last loop to hold the webbing onto the slider. Your custom dog collar is now complete!
